Chapter 148
Marian saw the world in a whole new light. "It seems Big Brother has some misunderstanding," Mary said to me, her face flushing red. Her explanation that followed was utterly absurd. Apparently, Aaron was publicly spreading rumors that my closeness with the princess meant we'd slept together. Of course, I couldn't tell if he truly believed that nonsense or if it was just a ploy to embarrass Mary. Either way, I couldn't stand his methods.
Frowning, I asked the princess, "So, what about the emperor?"
"Pardon?"
"An old man like him who's oddly obsessed with gossip wouldn't have missed hearing about it, right?"
My words made Mary's already red face burn even brighter. Her unexpected reaction had me tilting my head in confusion as I waited for her answer.
"F-Father... he actually seems to think it's a good thing."
"Huh?"
"He's been wary of the hero's growing popularity lately, after all."
Only then did I nod in understanding. Rumors of something going on between Mary and me would tarnish my image while planting the idea that the hero was on the emperor's side—perfect for him.
"So, are you okay with it?" I asked the princess. After all, she'd be the one suffering most from those rumors.
"Pardon? Ah... yes, I'm fine. I don't care what other people think anyway."
But Mary looked at me like my question was the strange one, then declared it confidently. It was the ambitious princess who'd come to me alone for help, just like before.
I chuckled at Mary staring straight at me with those golden eyes unique to imperial blood.
"Then how about we make proper use of that rumor?"
"Pardon?"
As Mary panicked, I casually shifted closer.
She flinched. I could see her startled attempt to back away, but someone like her was easy to catch even with my eyes closed. My arm wrapped around her slender waist, fixing her wide eyes on my face.
"Stay still. Freaking out like that will give it all away."
I whispered into her ear. The nobles had stepped aside at Mary's words, but Aaron's lackeys were surely watching us. Mary knew that too, so she relaxed her tense body and stared at me blankly.
"Don't tell me you hate it?" I whispered again, still holding her. Her burning cheek pressed against mine—no need to hear her answer.
But Mary replied earnestly. "N-No, how could I? I'm grateful to you, Hero, and I... Nngh!"
I gave her plump ass a quick squeeze as she answered hurriedly, blood rushing south at her reaction. It was amusing to see the ambitious princess rattled by a mere man, and the feel of her wasn't bad either. Groping the empire's princess—in the imperial palace—gave a twisted thrill.
This should reach Aaron's ears...
"Pffheeheehing!!"
"Kyaa!"
As I schemed with Mary in my arms, Talion—who'd been watching us—lost it completely, neighing like a maniac. Mary screamed at the sight of him rearing up like he wanted to stomp my head, but I just laughed hollowly.
A legendary divine beast? Just a bit faster and less tiring than other horses. Feeling threatened by livestock like that would make a mockery of the hero title.
Thwack. My leg shot out, slapping Talion's cheek. He lost balance and stomped the innocent ground. Not bad—not falling from one hit, even for a unicorn.
"You crazy horse bastard, getting cocky."
I grabbed his mane roughly. If Jena were here, she'd blush again, but luckily she was at the Gaiana Church.
"Pffhung! Pffhung!"
Even with his mane in my grip, Talion glared at me furiously. Mary seemed shocked, but I could guess his mood. No one to torment him lately, basking in the virgin princess's affection—spoiled rotten. But the body never forgets pain, even if the mind does.
Thud. Thud. I lightly punched his face with my fist.
"H-Hero?"
Mary's startled voice rang out, but you spare the rod with favorites at your peril. I planned to beat him until he submitted, and the quick learner soon knelt and prostrated.
"Kkueeong."
He let out an unbelievable wail for a horse and looked at Mary pitifully. That gaze irked me, so I smacked his head once more before turning to her.
"It's fine. Just reminding a spoiled horse who his master is."
She nodded. Shocked by the sudden violence, but she bobbed her head at my words. Talion seemed to tremble with betrayal, but from Mary's view, choosing me over a horse was obvious. He's the weird one for feeling betrayed.
Wait...?
Jena's image flashed, leading to Saintess Marian. My personal virginity detector would wag her tail at Marian like old times. Marian wasn't stupid, and she'd explained unicorns to me—she'd know what it meant. I couldn't hide that night forever, but I didn't want her newly uplifted mood ruined.
"...For now, keep her away from this guy."
"Pardon?"
Mary gave me a puzzled look. The sudden saintess mention, and barring her from Talion, would confuse anyone.
"There's a reason."
"Ah, but... the saintess was summoned here too?"
"What?"
I yelled without thinking at her flustered explanation. Startled, Mary hurriedly added, "W-We needed help from the church too... If it's a problem, I'll send someone to cancel right away."
"Hero!"
Too late for both of us. Marian approached from afar, waving cheerily. At that moment, Talion bolted from my side straight to her.
Damn, the timing...
Marian Delarossi was in high spirits. After her first night with the hero, the world looked utterly beautiful. Even Jena's snide tone sounded comically endearing, and the church's vice-bishops—who'd annoyed her so much—now seemed decent folk.
Love! This must be the goddess's merciful heart she spoke of.
Marian felt she'd attained enlightenment. View everything negatively, and only flaws appear; with love, nothing in the world lacks charm. Even Vice-Bishop Thomas, scheming to exploit her, had fully backed a lowborn like her from Raksha Street.
A smile never left Marian's face, influencing even Thomas.
"I-Is that so? Keep a close eye on the hero from now on."
His words stemmed from the hero's skyrocketing value, but to Marian, brimming with happiness, it was pure support for her and the hero.
"Yes! I will!"
"R-Right."
After Thomas, she met a noble who'd introduced himself as the princess's man.
"The princess? Wants to see me?"
"Yes. She has matters to discuss with you..."
Marian was puzzled by the unexpected invitation but didn't refuse. She knew better than anyone that Crown Prince Aaron distrusted the hero, making the opposing princess an ally.
"Alright. Let's go right away."
Thus, Marian left the church and headed straight for the imperial palace—oblivious to the trial awaiting her.