Chapter 240: The Death of Queen Messalina (2)
Chapter 240: The Death of Queen Messalina (2)
It was a truly horrific death.
"To go out like that, cranking the Bitch Collar's sensitivity to the max until she peaked herself to death... what a gruesome way to die."
Dying during sex wasn't exactly unheard of.
Whether in manga, movies, or any other form of media, 'death by climax' was a common enough trope. Even the opening of a certain novel begins with an investigation into a chess master who died while in the throes of passion.
One couldn't simply rule it out as something that never happens in reality.
It was just a bit surreal to see it actually happen. And the fact that the one who died this way was none other than Queen Messalina made it a catastrophe of the highest order.
"Killing Irmiri has officially become the least of our problems."
The death of a Queen from natural causes alone is enough to throw the continent's politics into chaos. But for her to die not just suddenly, but from a fatal orgasm?
"Mother. Is there any chance we'll be interrogated over the Bitch Collar sent from Fermaton?"
I had only one concern.
"The Royal Family wouldn't try to hold Fermaton responsible for the Queen's death, would they?"
I was terrified that we would be blamed for that fatal end.
"For instance, is there a possibility the Royal Family might claim, 'The collar sent by Fermaton contained drugs designed to induce a heart attack during intercourse'?"
"It’s a bit of an extreme worry, but it’s not entirely impossible."
"Lady Zenith? That’s absurd. No matter how powerful the Kingdom is, they wouldn't suddenly point the finger at Fermaton as the culprit."
The others spoke up, disagreeing with Zenith.
"I agree. I’d like to think so too, but this time, I think we have reason to be concerned."
However, Zenith didn't back down, sounding as if she were certain of something.
"Right now, from the perspective of the Royal Family—specifically the Crown Prince, who is next in line for the throne—Fermaton is a volatile element full of problems."
Zenith held up three fingers.
"First, there's the concern that the sexual culture spreading from the County of Fermaton will eventually have a negative impact on the Kingdom."
"I understand that. It’s something we’re even dealing with inside Fermaton."
Opening up sexually meant a higher likelihood of minors being exposed to such content.
"Fortunately, here in Fermaton, we provide healthy sex education for minors through strict crackdowns and schooling, but there's a high chance other places won't handle it as well."
"So, they might mess up on their own and then pick a fight with Fermaton?"
"Precisely. Second: while it wasn't the direct cause, looking at that footage, Queen Messalina died instantly because she turned up the sensitivity herself. Objectively speaking, even if it wasn't the direct cause of death, it’s certainly a significant indirect factor, isn't it?"
"I agree, Mother."
That was exactly what I was worried about.
"Think about it, everyone. She would have been fine if she hadn't been wearing the Bitch Collar. The problem is she died while wearing it, so suspicion is inevitable. And the biggest issue is..."
I pointed to the Bitch Collar around Laura's neck.
"This thing won't come off unless you speak the secret command."
"...If it's a collar that can't be removed, they'll definitely be suspicious."
"Exactly."
In reality, one had to shout something like "Ruji's cock is the best," but the Bitch Collar sent to the Queen was a special model.
"If she threw away or burned the manual, there's a chance no one will be able to remove the Bitch Collar the Queen is currently wearing."
"Ah..."
"Dammit. This is driving me crazy. I should have just told her to fuck off when she asked for one that day."
"She was the Queen, though."
"I know. But even if she was the Queen, if she'd known it was an item that could indirectly lead to her death, she might not have accepted it. I could have used a prophecy or any other excuse to deny her."
It was frustrating.
If only I could go to the Royal Palace and explain myself, but I was in a position where I couldn't even leave the inner castle of Fermaton, let alone the territory.
"Mother. What is the third reason?"
"Fermaton's track record up until now."
Zenith pointed toward the underground dungeon.
"Fermaton has been fairly even-handed in dealing with spies from both the Kingdom and the Empire. However, looking at our actions so far, we've purged significantly more people from the Kingdom than from the Empire."
"There have been so many incidents, I can't even argue with that."
Raping Zenith, who was a figure from the Kingdom, and making her my ally.
The Crown Prince using a loophole to employ Demon Slaves instead of human slaves, which were banned by national law.
Eliminating the Kingdom's spies among the maids who had hidden devices under their skirts.
Crowning Yoanna, who is from the Empire, as the winner of the Breast Festival instead of the daughter of Viscount Sirjosia.
Then, openly insulting the Sirjosia family.
Crushing Head Maid Emma and the Kingdom's HUMINT assets when they tried to steal my Cock Glass.
And now, killing the younger brother of a Viscount of the Kingdom.
"Wow. Putting it all together, it really looks like we've been moving specifically to antagonize the Kingdom."
"But that's only because the Kingdom treated Fermaton so unfairly, My Lord."
"True. You're right, Laura. Until now, the Kingdom has exploited Fermaton for so much, simply because we are a territory of the Kingdom. Taxes, and so many other things. And in my generation, they even tried to plunder things related to sex."
Fermaton was merely trying to protect itself.
But, as is often the case, the aggressor never sees it that way.
"For now, we've sent a delegation to express our condolences, but I wonder how the Kingdom will judge us."
"My Lord. If the Kingdom holds Fermaton responsible, what will you do? Will you look for 'another path'?"
Charlotte asked me, her voice carrying a slight weight.
Those who knew her background—especially Yoanna—frowned openly, but Charlotte’s eyes sparkled as she pointed in a different direction.
"If the Kingdom abandons Fermaton, there are other ways."
"Yes. There are plenty of other ways."
Defecting to the Empire?
Continuing to protest the Kingdom's unfairness?
Or perhaps...
"Listen well, everyone. Fermaton's policy... remains unchanged."
"Which means...?"
"Whether the Kingdom slanders us over Queen Messalina's death or not, we will walk our own path."
In short.
"I'm going to do whatever the hell I want."
I would judge and act according to my own will.
"If the Kingdom tries to oppress us, we will resist. Even if the Empire tries to use this to win us over, we will never go over to them. Going to the Empire wouldn't be much different from how the Kingdom treats Fermaton anyway. Ultimately, Fermaton must stand tall on its own."
It might be a bit much to say 'finally,' but since the opportunity had arisen, it was the perfect timing to tell everyone.
"I didn't expect to say it here, but I will tell you all my 'true feelings'."
I sat in the chair in front of the desk in the sex room, crossing my legs.
Everyone pricked up their ears at the mention of my 'true feelings,' and I picked up Dark Jeanne, which was resting on the desk.
"Make Fermaton Great."
With this one sentence, I could express the ideal I desired.
"No matter who the opponent is, if they point a sword at Fermaton, we will crush them. Whether it's a neighboring territory, the beasts in the Infinite Labyrinth, or even... the Kingdom or the Empire."
Finally.
"I will not forgive anyone who touches my people, my land, or my family. Even if they are a being like a Demon God."
I declared it openly in front of everyone.
"I will simply use everything at my disposal to protect Fermaton."
"My Lord..."
"So, keep this in mind."
From now on.
"No matter what happens, we must respond boldly and proactively. Even if the Kingdom incites the public by calling us the assassins of Queen Messalina—"
"My Lord!!"
A maid came rushing in from outside, clutching a letter.
"I apologize for interrupting, but this is an urgent report! A massive wave of refugees has appeared at the border of the territory!"
"...Casualties?"
As I thought.
"An entire village has been wiped out...! According to the survivors, out of a village of about 300 people, fewer than ten managed to escape alive...!"
"Who is the attacker? If it were the monsters from the Infinite Labyrinth, I could understand. But if it's humans..."
I set Dark Jeanne down.
"I'll have to make sure they stay dead. Answer me. Is it Sirjosia?"
"......Yes."
"They must be absolutely out of their minds."
I never imagined I'd experience something like this after reincarnating as a nobleman in a medieval fantasy world.
"To start a territorial war without a declaration of war, even as the Queen has just passed away. They're insane."
"It just shows how much he cherished his younger brother, doesn't it?"
I had expected something since the moment I killed Irmiri.
But I didn't think they would point their spears at us in the middle of this political chaos following the Queen's death.
"From this moment on, Fermaton will stand against the fools who dare to covet our land. At a time when the Queen has died, instead of mourning her, that foolish Sirjosia has raised a blade against Fermaton. We will show them the true terror of this house."
I didn't want this, but if that's what they want, I have no choice but to oblige.
"It's war."
However.
"If they plan their tactics based on the history of warfare until now, I shall present them with a new paradigm of war."
A strategy where Fermaton suffers no losses, and only the enemy bleeds.
"Summon all the Succubi and Sirens. And."
I called for the ultimate weapon.
"Bring me Sir Lambert."