Chapter 150
Chapter 150
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 150
Chapter Title: Ceria's Heart (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe I should start easing up on them a little, just as Ceria suggested. There would be risks involved, but my actions could shape them into an ideal hero's party. A leader who is less strict and more gentle. It wasn't a particularly difficult task, but there was one problem.
“I'm fine. There's absolutely no chance of anyone stealing you away from me.”
Was it because we had just fully indulged in our affections? She projected an air of bold confidence. Hmm, I'm grateful she trusts me, but isn't that a bit too complacent? After all, every member of my party boasts exceptional beauty.
It's a good thing I have Ceria; without her, I might have lost control and run wild. In fact, I still couldn't be sure.
The relationship between a man and a woman is a curious thing. Going through various things together, affection builds up, and then one day, caught up in the moment...
“You're not that kind of person.”
“...”
“And... I can overlook a few things.”
“───??”
Wait a minute... I can't follow this conversation at all. Ceria, having shaken her lover's resolve, looked me straight in the eye and continued speaking clearly.
“You're the heir to your family. It's your duty to take on concubines to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.”
Unforeseen circumstances... I immediately understood what she meant. It was the need for a child to carry on the family line.
If, by some chance, Ceria couldn't fulfill her role as the main wife, I would have to have a son with another woman. In this era, the continuation of the family was so important that most men had several concubines. But...
“Ceria. I think you're getting ahead of yourself. I have no intention of...”
“I can't say about other things, but this issue is unavoidable. It will happen regardless of our opinions. Do you think our parents will simply stand by?”
“...”
I was at a loss for words. Just as she pointed out, it seemed likely my parents would pressure me. My father seemed to have his eye on Esterize, and Lady Martina regarded everyone as potential daughters-in-law. If they were to force the issue, I would have little grounds to refuse, as the family's needs came before my own.
“There's no need to overthink it. I'm just saying we should keep that possibility in mind.”
She finished with an awkward laugh. I wondered how she was feeling right now. She acted as if it was nothing, but her true feelings were surely different.
She must want me all to herself. I sighed inwardly and stroked Ceria's hair.
“I only need you by my side.”
“Really? What about Aruru?”
“...”
I had tried to sound serious, only to be immediately checkmated. No, our little cutie is an exception, isn't she? Aruru becoming part of the family was practically a done deal. Even if I changed my mind, Lady Martina, who was completely smitten with the fox beastkin, would push it through.
“I was just teasing. I want Aruru to be with us, too.”
Of course. Ceria has also reached a point where she can't live without our little cutie. Aruru's presence would be helpful in many ways.
Far in the future, if Ceria and I were to have a marital spat, Aruru could just wag her tail, and we'd make up quickly in the warm atmosphere.
She would also be a great influence when raising our children. A cute pet would provide emotional stability for the children. I could also rest easy when I was away from home for long periods on family business. Aruru would take good care of the kids.
Calling her a pet was just a joke, of course. She would be more like a houseguest. A mutually beneficial relationship where we provide room and board, and she provides comfort. Our interests aligned, so our bond would surely last a lifetime.
“That's the general picture I have in mind. What do you think?”
“I was thinking something similar. The question is, how long can Aruru hold back?”
“Hmm?”
“You know. She's excessively attached to you. You must seem incredibly handsome, even by beastkin standards. Eventually, her instincts will take over.”
“...”
“When that happens... it's okay for you to embrace Aruru.”
“───!!”
I flinched. For a moment, I couldn't believe my ears. Embrace our little cutie? I already hug her every day. Of course, she couldn't have meant it in such a simple way. She meant for me to accept her completely...
I looked at Ceria more seriously than ever before. Was she so captivated by Aruru's cuteness that she was willing to share her beloved?
“Wait. That's a bit...”
“I've thought about this a lot. If you really did that, I'm sure I'd be shocked in many ways... but I think I could forgive it if it were Aruru.”
“...”
She said it was because they were of different races, that the feeling of having me stolen away would be faint. I wasn't sure, but it did seem like it would be less intense than if it were another human.
That was Ceria's perspective, but mine was very different. My feelings for our little cutie were purely platonic, weren't they?
“That may be true for now, but what if Aruru decides to seriously seduce you?”
“...”
The bewitching charm of a fox beastkin. If she were to unleash it to its fullest extent, even I couldn't be sure of myself. That unique magic of hers could easily bewitch someone.
Just as I am no ordinary man, Aruru is no ordinary fox beastkin. Therefore, nothing could be rashly concluded. Still...
“But... we're different races... would that even be possible?”
No matter how many times I thought about it, I was skeptical. As I shook my head slightly, Ceria gave a playful smile and shrugged.
“That's why I'm not too worried. If Aruru manages it, it would be something of a miracle, so I'd just have to accept it.”
“I admit I've indulged all of Aruru's antics until now, but...”
“Yes. You were just playing along because she's cute. I understand completely. Even if that 'playing' goes a little too far, I can let it slide.”
“...”
I was once again reminded of how complex a woman's heart is. What could Ceria's true intentions be? Eventually, upon inheriting the position of family head, I would likely have to take a couple of concubines.
Normally, I'd have to seek out the daughters of other great families, but that would inevitably put Ceria on edge.
While the main wife's position would be secure, the high status of the concubines would inevitably lead to conflict. I could picture them fiercely scheming and plotting behind my back.
Was she thinking it would be better to choose from the girls I was already close to? If I assumed that, all of Ceria's sudden remarks made sense.
“Let me get this straight. You're saying I should soften my attitude toward the others?”
“Yes. Simply drawing a line won't solve anything. If you keep ignoring them, a huge problem might erupt.”
“Hmm...”
“To be honest, this was bound to happen from the start. You're the only man in the party. It's only natural that all eyes would be on you.”
“...”
I was speechless. I hadn't wished for a harem, but looking at the composition of our party, it wasn't far from one. While there had been no choice in the matter, from my fiancée's perspective, it was a situation that could drive anyone mad. Like the wise woman she was, Ceria understood even that.
“I'm not blaming you for it. If I were in your shoes, I would have done much the same. Esterize became a hero alongside you and has outstanding skills, and Luciel is the Saintess, an irreplaceable asset. The same goes for Aruru. As for Ilensia...”
Her words trailed off as soon as she mentioned the elf girl. She seemed to think there was no real reason to include her, but perhaps sensing I had my own calculations, she mumbled vaguely, “Well, she is on the stronger side...” If only she acted less foolish, she'd be treated much better. It's a shame in many ways.
“Actually, she wasn't part of my calculations.”
“───??”
“Still, among the hero candidates, she's one of the better ones at following my orders. I'll have to watch her a little longer, though...”
She nodded in agreement. She was probably thinking of the members of the second team. Those stubborn guys would likely scowl at every word I said.
“Anyway... please follow my advice. As your fiancée, it's only natural that I'd want you all to myself, but I feel a little guilty that I'm the only one receiving special treatment.”
I understood what she meant. She must have felt self-conscious without realizing it. But still, had she completely ruled out the possibility of my heart wavering? As feelings grow, couldn't something unfortunate(?) happen?
“I think that's a needless worry.”
“Because you trust me?”
“Hmm, that's part of it, but... they won't be able to get too greedy because of their own circumstances. It would be awkward for them in many ways.”
She gave a meaningful smile, exuding a sense of ease. To analyze Ceria's confidence, I thought about the other members of my party. Thinking about other women in front of my lover was taboo, but since she brought it up first, I was innocent.
First, the princess. Esterize was destined to become the queen of a nation. Even after subjugating the Demon King's army, she was scheduled to work her fingers to the bone rebuilding her kingdom. When the time came, she would have to find a consort befitting a queen...
“...”
Huh? Why am I only realizing this now? I could never officially be with Esterize. The chances of her abandoning her throne to join the Crodain family were nil. The reverse was also true. As the next family head, I had a duty to my family.
If I weren't the heir, I could have comfortably become the queen's consort and enjoyed the life of a kept man, but that was nothing more than a foolish fantasy.
Luciel and Ilensia also had their own circumstances. In Luciel's case, could she easily give up her position as the Saintess, a role with great influence in the church? In Ilensia's case, while she had a much better chance than Aruru, she was still of a different race.
These were not matters that could be decided easily. The conclusion was that, regardless of their feelings for me, they would have to make a huge decision to be with me. In the original story, it just wrapped up with a happy ending, but reality was filled with such complex factors.
In any case, it wasn't something to think deeply about at this point. The girls around me were all charming, as main characters should be, but Ceria was still my priority. How could I harbor feelings for anyone else when I had such a wonderful fiancée?
“Ceria.”
“Yes?”
“For now, I just want to focus on our relationship. Even if I have to fulfill my duties as an heir later, we can decide on that when the time comes.”
Aruru, Esterize, and the others were all trustworthy companions, but none could compare to Ceria. She was the only one who truly understood me. No matter what fate this world threw at me, it was only right that I take care of Ceria first.
“That's how I truly feel.”
“Jace... you really are the best.”
Her eyes were filled with an adoration that said she didn't know what to do with her beloved. Her voice was laced with infinite happiness. Finally, she gently closed her eyes and offered her face to me. My mind grew dizzy as the girl's red lips drew closer.
The weight of her body pressing down on mine gradually paralyzed my reason. We once again shared an act of affection for each other. The more we repeated the act, the more I felt addicted... that sweetness continued until the break of dawn.