Chapter 95: World's Greatest Husband Contest – Finals (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 95: World's Greatest Husband Contest – Finals (2)
Dull.
That was the thought that crossed Andrasta’s mind as she sat upon the throne after winning the war for succession.
It wasn’t a sentiment unique to that moment, either.
From the moment she passed through childhood and became capable of independent thought, the very first emotion Andrasta felt was disappointment.
Of course, that isn't to say she was a cold-blooded creature devoid of feeling.
It was simply that her innate strength, her talent, and her blessings were so far beyond common sense that nothing in the world could ever meet her expectations.
And so, Andrasta gave up on expecting anything at all.
No matter what hardships or trials befell her, no matter how powerful an enemy appeared before her, victory was always hers.
The thrill of victory, which should be the most intense sensation in the world, felt like a foregone conclusion to her.
Thus, the Queen was lonely, and the only freedom permitted to her was to vent her brief frustrations to a beast that could not speak.
“I became King only because I was born to be King. A life where everything is predetermined is nothing but tedious.”
“Grrr…”
Consequently, she held no expectations when it came time to find a consort according to royal tradition.
She had said she would gladly fall into the arms of whoever defeated her, but in truth, she never expected to actually be held by anyone.
And everything went exactly as expected.
In no country was there anyone who could defeat Andrasta.
There were many who whispered behind her back, calling her a monster.
Occasionally, there were those who made her blood run cold, but unfortunately, that person was a woman, and in the end, even that female swordsman had to admit defeat.
However.
“To think such a lovely woman has never known love. It’s a relief, yet also a pity.”
In the Empire, the final stop of her journey, she met a man who had the audacity to speak informally to the Queen.
Furthermore, he used such insolent words as "lovely" and "pitiful" toward her.
Of course, he wasn't the first clown to try and catch the Queen's attention, so even then, Andrasta expected nothing.
“Ardri of Erin, the Overlord of the Prairies, was nothing more than a woman starved for love. Could there be anything more tragic in this world?”
At the man’s words during their final encounter, Andrasta felt an emotion she had long forgotten.
Rage.
Whether it was because those words captured her true essence or because he was simply making up lies, she couldn't tell.
But since Andrasta was born a King and became a King, she had a duty to punish those who committed such insolence against royalty.
Thus, she intended to crush the impudent man with all her might, but...
“It’s a gift. Or should I call it a dowry?”
The Sword Drawing Technique that flew toward her along with those flippant words was something Andrasta had never experienced in her life.
—Thwack!
The sword hadn't even left its scabbard.
The blade, which had clearly been drawn, had somehow returned to its sheath and slammed into Andrasta’s waist while still encased.
‘This... is... impossible...’
Even Andrasta was not immune to pain.
However, the dull, suffocating ache rising from her side was a first.
The fact that she had failed to react to the attack at all was also a first.
And finally, bursting into a groan because she couldn't endure the pain was a first as well.
“Kh-ugh...”
As their Queen, who had always been victorious, stumbled, the eyes of the entire Fiona Warrior Band flew open.
This couldn't be happening.
He must have used some foul trickery.
Reaching that conclusion, all the warriors moved to storm the stage, but...
“Stand back!”
At the Queen’s roar—a sound they had never heard before—the warrior band had no choice but to retreat.
Shortly after, Andrasta addressed the man before her.
“My apologies, Leon. The disgraceful behavior of my subjects is the King’s responsibility. I ask for your forgiveness.”
These were words she would never have uttered even to the Emperor of the Empire, even if it meant going to war.
But at Leon’s response, Andrasta found herself making another expression for the first time in her life.
“Nothing to be sorry about. Just fire all the guys who didn't try to jump up here from the Imperial Guard.”
“Pfft...”
“Haha, as I thought, you’re even prettier when you laugh for real.”
Telling someone they look pretty when they laugh is a common phrase exchanged between ordinary lovers like a greeting.
In a way, it was a total cliché, yet a strange sensation welled up inside Andrasta.
‘Just what is this man... why...’
Why did her heart pound and her face flush red at a single word from him?
Overwhelmed by an embarrassing and unfamiliar emotion that made it impossible to look him in the eye, Andrasta eventually had to jerk her head away.
However, she could not ignore the thumping of her heart, which had begun to race for the first time since she was born.
“Ah... it’s completely trashed. It’ll be a pain if he starts complaining that he asked for his sword back, not a piece of scrap metal...”
Leon’s grumbling brought Andrasta back to her senses.
Before her stood Leon, looking troubled as he stared at the completely shattered scabbard and the fragments of the broken sword.
“...Was it a cherished blade?”
“Huh? Oh, it’s not like that. It’s just a sword I borrowed from my brother, but it’s totally broken now. Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal. Anyway, shall we continue?”
“Y-yes, of course. Phew...”
Andrasta took a large leap backward as if escaping.
Taking a deep breath, she resumed her stance against her enemy.
‘I simply allowed one surprise attack. Leon is also just... no, but...’
I hope he isn't.
Just as she managed to bury that sudden thought deep within her heart—
—Shring...
As Leon’s second sword finally revealed itself, Andrasta instinctively gasped.
“...!”
A jet-black sword body that looked as if the night sky itself had been forged.
A beautiful hilt that seemed carved from a silver moon, with a seductive red gem embedded in its center.
Andrasta, and everyone watching, realized it instinctively.
‘That is a sword that must never touch you.’
Finally, Leon leveled the sword.
He raised the blade of a Demon Sword that made even Andrasta’s spine tingle.
Yet, Leon’s voice remained as light as a casual breeze.
“Cool, isn't it?”
“Haha, yes. It is a masterpiece beyond compare.”
“Hmm... actually, I have an even cooler sword... Ah~ what a shame... I can’t just show it to anyone...”
One moment he was insolent, the next he was cracking sly jokes, and then he would act like a proper noble of the Empire.
Add to that his unfathomable strength and the second sword he had finally revealed.
After considering all these factors, Andrasta made her decision.
“It cannot be helped. Leon, I shall recognize you as the greatest and most powerful enemy of my life.”
“Uh... already?”
“Fufu, do not be modest. Right now... yes, I am placing my expectations on you.”
So please, do not disappoint me.
As if saying those words, Andrasta took a powerful step forward and let out a battle cry like a lion’s roar.
“Haah!”
At that moment, Andrasta’s clothes burst apart.
*
Sometimes you have experiences like that.
A Guardian Ape whose head was cut off stands back up, or a Lord of Cinder you thought you defeated resurrects while swinging a greatsword...
Somehow, all the examples I can think of are from games made by a certain bald director who suspiciously loves cross-dressing boys... well...
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that there’s always a bigger mountain, and boss fights have a Phase 2—and sometimes even a Phase 3.
Why am I talking about games in the middle of the finals?
Because the situation I’m in is exactly like that.
‘Dammit, I had a feeling, but is even this part the same?!’
Andrasta, the greatest, strongest, and most impregnable boss in Milfgard—the game that led to my death in my past life.
The developers had cruelly given Andrasta a Phase 2.
Thankfully, it involved her skin-tight suit exploding and the fight proceeding with her in Bikini Armor.
My eyes were grateful, but the problem was that Andrasta became even more monstrous in that Bikini Armor state.
“It is late, but allow me to offer my praise. I never dreamed I would permit such a strike. Fufu, my expectations are growing. Surely that wasn't the end of it?”
“Ah... haha... well...”
My feelings upon hearing her praise were complicated.
I felt the satisfaction of my newly developed finishing move working perfectly, mixed with the trouble of having triggered Phase 2 immediately because of it.
But then... for some reason, instead of charging in right away, Andrasta spoke again.
“I will ask one last thing. Why did you put your sword back in its sheath? If you had kept the blade bared, you might have been able to end it right then.”
“Huh? I can’t go around wounding the woman I love.”
You sure have no trouble saying things like that, Sitri’s telepathy stabbed into my brain.
‘To think the man who whipped Helena after binding her in chains only yesterday would say such a thing.’
‘Hey, shut up! And that was consensual play!’
‘Am I not being quiet? No one else can hear the telepathy we share.’
‘...Fine. Sitri, I sentence you to Climax Hell.’
‘L-Leon. I... I was joking. Right? Anything but that...’
‘No. Not changing it. Not thinking about changing it. Go away.’
But... for some reason, Andrasta is strangely quiet.
I expected her to snort and charge at me.
But her face is quite red, and she’s shrinking back...?
“Y-you... say such things so easily... T-the woman you love...”
“Love isn't something to be ashamed of; it’s something to be proud and confident about. I love you, Andrasta.”
“Ugh...!”
Oh, it’s working.
In terms of effectiveness, this is dealing way more damage than my secret Sword Drawing Technique.
Is it because I’m being sincere instead of joking?
Thanks to that, even though we haven't exchanged any blows yet, beads of sweat are forming on Andrasta’s body.
Maybe I should just push through, finish this quickly, and lick every single one of those sweat drops!
Just as I was thinking that—
“...I have understood your heart well. However, I have no intention of falling into the arms of a man weaker than myself.”
“Uh... have you perhaps never heard that inner beauty is more valuable than outer beau—”
“No more words are needed! Prove it! Your strength, and your feelings for me! Here I come!”
Immediately, the strongest predator on earth leaped toward me.