Chapter 131
Chapter 131
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 131
Chapter Title: A Shift in the Tides (2)
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I entered the lobby of the detached palace, Chloe at my side.
As if they had been waiting, the entire group was gathered there.
Perhaps because Esterize had explained the situation beforehand, the girls didn't seem puzzled by Chloe's presence.
“Cedric… so he finally caused trouble. Be that as it may…”
“It’s only made things difficult for those left behind. Now, in times like these, we must pray to the Goddess…”
“Are you okay? You look like you’re having a hard time. Hmm, as a special treat, you can pet me today.”
Although they were little more than acquaintances, they all offered Chloe words of comfort and concern.
Our little cutie didn't just stop at words, even offering up her own body.
I was surprised, so I could only imagine how Chloe herself felt. She couldn't quite hide her bewildered expression.
“───??”
*What is this? A hidden camera prank?*
That seemed to be her reaction, but as if deciding she had to do what she had to do, she approached Aruru.
The emotionally stabilizing fur of the fox beastkin's tail.
For a while, Chloe basked in the healing sensation of its softness.
I observed her condition.
With Cedric committing high treason and fleeing, many things were about to change.
Though she had hated him, he was still family, so she must have been feeling conflicted.
The future of her family was now uncertain.
Even though I’d said I would help, I had inadvertently wounded her.
She had been hit with a double, no, a triple shock, so to speak.
Though she seemed a bit better thanks to Aruru's influence, her inner turmoil must have still been complex.
Despite it all, she steadfastly maintained the dignity of a noble lady. Chloe looked around and bowed her head politely.
“Thank you, everyone…”
“Don’t thank us. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You’re just a victim in all this.”
“I hope you’ll be able to overcome this.”
The girls offered warm words one by one.
It wasn't quite a welcome, but it was close enough. Amidst the heartwarming atmosphere, I revealed my plans.
“An unexpected incident has occurred, but there's no need to worry about it. We’ll proceed as planned.”
I would leave Cedric's problem to others.
It was far too late to do anything about it now. The priority was to finish our business at the Imperial Palace.
-Festivities and ball event (Complete)
-Emperor's promise of support (Complete)
-Acquisition of the Sage's scroll and potions (Complete)
-Acquisition of the Imperial Palace's artifact (Incomplete)
While most of our objectives were finished, we still had yet to acquire the artifact.
How could I pass up something free? It is the way of a gentleman not to refuse what is offered.
At the mention of an artifact, the group’s eyes changed completely.
“In my opinion, we’ll have to wait a bit. Deciding the Venice family’s fate is far more urgent.”
A matter of considerable importance.
The key figures, including the Emperor, would all gather in one place.
As soon as the head of the Venice family was summoned, a hearing would be held.
“Cedric’s reckless actions have nothing to do with his family. But…”
It was a fact one could deduce with a little thought. If they had been plotting something, it would have made more sense to backstab us after the war had already begun.
But Cedric had already caused trouble. It was obvious to anyone that this was a spontaneous, lone-wolf crime.
Of course, a thorough investigation was still necessary, regardless. We couldn't afford to overlook the slightest possibility.
In the end, they would be cleared of suspicion, but they would still be put on a tight leash.
*-See that, everyone? You'd better watch yourselves!*
A warning, of a sort.
This incident was serious enough to warrant making an example of them.
From ancient times to the present, there had been cases of individuals or groups siding with the Demon King's Army, but never had an entire noble family committed high treason.
What if, for instance, the Crodain family betrayed them?
An unmanageable, chaotic mess would break out.
In any case, it was time for the Hero to step up for the sake of humanity's unity. In the process… it should be fine to take a small service fee.
“That’s the gist of it… everyone understand?”
“Mhm, I think so too.”
“It’s quite a political matter.”
The princess and Ceria nodded as if they understood.
The fox beastkin and the elf girl, despite not knowing a thing, wore expressions that screamed, 'Ah, I understand perfectly!'
So far, things were going as expected, but then Luciel suddenly flashed a chilling smile.
“It seems there’s no room for the Church to intervene just yet. If evidence of their betrayal emerges, we will have to dispatch the Holy Knights…”
“───!!”
*Huh? They colluded with the Demon King's Army? Then we'll send the Church's elite to carry out a scorched-earth operation!*
At the sight of the Saintess hinting at such a thing, Chloe's face turned pale.
Ah, the mood suddenly turned strange.
Well, from the Saintess's perspective, it wasn't surprising for her to take a hard line.
If anyone sided with the Demon King's Army, she would surely rush over and bring down the Goddess’s judgment upon them.
A memory surfaced.
In the original story, Jace became one of the Four Heavenly Kings and frequently stood in the way of the Hero's party.
And every time, our holy Saintess…
‘You are the one person I can never forgive!’
She would shout that line every time before charging menacingly.
Ceria was the one who defeated Jace, but if you looked at the cumulative damage dealt, Luciel was overwhelming.
“…”
Oh dear, a death variable was hiding right here?
Well, it was a danger that had now been eliminated.
It would all fall squarely on Cedric.
That guy wouldn’t know what hit him when he got a taste of the Saintess’s fury.
“Anyway, I’ll have to keep Chloe with us until everything is resolved. It'll probably be a week at most.”
I put as much force into my voice as I could.
I had to project the image of an unshakable leader. Perhaps feeling reassured, everyone seemed to agree.
“Alright, that’s all for today. Everyone get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Night had already fallen.
I’d used my brain too much and wanted to collapse into bed.
Soon, the girls returned to their respective rooms.
I entrusted Chloe to the servants and, belatedly, went to get some rest of my own.
Correction.
At some point, a certain fox beastkin had started rolling around in my bed.
Our little cutie.
Are you protesting because I couldn't play with you today?
“Mhmm, I’m sleeping here tonight!”
“…”
This wasn't the first or second time, so I just went with it.
I wanted to rest quietly, but how could I turn away such an adorable girl?
It was actually good timing.
I had been meaning to ask her something anyway.
“You, by any chance… were you there?”
“I didn't see anything. Especially not a scene where Jace almost made some girl cry.”
Right, so you saw everything?
I’m not trying to blame you, so just be honest.
“It was so cool. The charm of a bad boy made my heart pound. Ah, just thinking about it… I'm getting excited again!”
“…”
The girl wagged her tail, as if to prove her body was heating up.
Finally, as if she could bear it no longer, she burrowed into my arms.
Hmm? Why is she so excited?
She was acting the same as always, but she seemed to have more energy than usual.
“Well, should I say it was gratifying? It felt so refreshing.”
Wait, hold on…
Did she dislike Chloe? I didn't think so.
“I don't have any personal feelings about it.”
“Then why?”
“Because I like Ceria. In situations like this, I tend to think from her perspective.”
Now I was starting to get the picture.
She was enjoying the romantic drama that revolved around me. And among the heroines, she did so by putting herself in Ceria's shoes.
Fine, enjoy it to your heart's content.
I couldn't interfere with the girl's hobbies.
She must have let Chloe pet her tail because she felt a little sorry for her. Or perhaps she was showing special generosity because she pitied her situation.
“You know, are you aware that Ceria is uncomfortable with Chloe?”
How could I not be?
The subtle, faint tension… they hadn't gotten along well from the very beginning.
When I said I would help Chloe, Ceria must have been frustrated deep down. It was an understandable situation, but one she probably didn't want to understand.
“Exactly. You should probably resolve it as soon as possible.”
There was no need to rack my brain over it.
There was a very easy way to solve the problem.
However, that method required Aruru to step in. All she had to do was tell Ceria exactly what she had seen.
Our little cutie.
Would you like to make a deal with your master? I’ll double your snack allowance!
“Mhmm, it's okay. I was going to do that anyway!”
How could she be so admirable?
She beamed, seemingly happy just to be able to help me.
And so, a wild night began.
She pounced on me aggressively, as if she had a score to settle.
A fervor that surrendered to instinct.
She showered me with all sorts of affection with the ferocity of a creature about to devour its master.
Why is she so energetic? Didn't she spend the whole day playing at the Imperial Princess's palace? Or is it just that I’m tired in comparison?
I should have worn her out beforehand… In the end, I was the one who tired out first this time.
The fox beastkin, looking unsatisfied, climbed on top of her master, who was completely stretched out.
“Hmm? Is it over already?”
“…”
“Well, after what happened today…”
She twitched her fox ears, as if she understood everything.
If you understand, won't you give up and get off me?
Right now, even her small frame felt heavy.
After playing with her for about an hour, my body was in a state where I couldn't resist whatever she did.
Suddenly, the girl's eyes sparkled.
*How can I resist this golden opportunity?*
She made no effort to hide it, grinning widely.
“Just lie still. Big sis will take care of everything!”
“───??”
No, what on earth are you planning to do?
I’ve already had more than enough healing. I didn't have the confidence to endure any more.
But…
As if her master's circumstances were none of her concern, she proceeded to satisfy her own desires.
“───!!”
Aah, this is too stimulating!
The fox beastkin's soft, bare skin brushed against a sensitive spot.
That was only the beginning.
Things grew progressively bolder, to the point where it was less like affection and more like an act of love.
An electrifying thrill that felt like I would lose my mind…
The more my body reacted, the more bewitching the girl became.
*Big siiis! Stop it!*
I might actually die at this rate! If I collapse on the bed, I won't have any excuses!
I screamed with my entire being, but it was impossible to stop the fox beastkin's rampage once it had started.
In the end…
I lost consciousness midway, as if fainting.
***
The next morning.
The moment I opened my eyes, I gazed at the fox beastkin sleeping soundly in my arms.
Her form, sleeping peacefully as if nothing had happened, looking as happy as could be, was the very picture of innocence.
“…”
This bewitching little thing.
You might fool others, but you can't fool me!
Last night, I was completely overwhelmed by my pet.
The girl who had romped about so much that her white tail fur was scattered everywhere.
If I had to say whether it was good or bad… it was obviously good. Even if my body had been in better condition, I probably would have pretended to lose and accepted it.
I forced myself to come to my senses. Pushing Aruru off, I started my day feeling refreshed.
First, I needed to see the Emperor.
I needed to gauge the flow of events and hear his thoughts.
My request for an audience was quickly granted.
Given the gravity of the situation, the Hero's presence had become all the more significant.
A conversation with the Emperor.
The first topic was Cedric. The Emperor began with a sigh.
“A truly unfortunate incident has occurred. For the heir of a great family to commit an act of terror… And to think he would side with the Demon King's Army…”
“…”
“I heard he was jealous of you… Did you know?”
“…I didn't know it was to this extent, Your Majesty.”
“I am not blaming you. In fact, this turned out for the best.”
He would have caused trouble sooner or later.
It was better that the incident happened now, he meant.
His thoughts aligned perfectly with mine. An untrustworthy ally is more dangerous than an enemy.
“What will you do about the Venice family?”
“First, they must be held accountable.”
He said he had already sent a summons.
For an ordinary family, it would have been immediately classified as an act of rebellion and a trial would have begun, but the Venice family was one of the most distinguished noble houses.
He added that out of consideration for the prestigious family's honor, they would maintain a minimum of decorum by holding a hearing. Ministers, high-ranking nobles, and the heads of the great families were all scheduled to attend.
“I would like you to attend as well.”
Those were the words I had been hoping to hear.
It seemed I would be able to exercise my right to speak in my capacity as the Hero.
“I say this not just because you are the Hero.”
“I believe I hold no other qualification, Your Majesty…”
“The head of the Crodain family has expressed his intention to be absent.”
“───??”
“A reply came saying that since the heir is at the Imperial Palace, he will delegate full authority for this matter.”
Hmm, so I've temporarily become the acting family head.
With this, my right to speak had risen to be second only to the Emperor's.
A cool dad who empowers his son… Thanks!
Of course, he might have just passed it on because it was a hassle, but I'd rather think of it in a positive light.
“I can feel the boundless trust you receive from your father. Then again, with such a fine son, how could he not?”
The supreme ruler of the empire chuckled mischievously.
He even continued, saying how it contrasted with the Venice family in many ways.
An overwhelming pressure washed over me. All I could do was reply that I was humbled.
Anyway.
Everything was flowing as expected.
Cedric’s betrayal of humanity had made me stand out even more.
It was an absolutely perfect situation, and I figured I should take this opportunity to score some more points.