Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Representative of the Imperial Family (2)
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Arranged marriage.
The moment those words were spoken, my mind went half-numb.
My head went blank, as if I’d been handed a death sentence.
The parties involved would naturally be myself and the imperial family.
They’d likely choose an imperial princess of a suitable age, or another member of the royal family.
Ceria’s face suddenly came to mind.
How could I betray the girl who was so devoted, who looked only to me?
But refusing the imperial family's offer came with a host of complications.
What? He's refusing an offer anyone would jump at?
It's not just arrogant; it makes one question his loyalties.
One misstep, and my relationship with the imperial family could become strained.
My position as the Hero would inevitably be weakened.
They wouldn't obstruct me outright, but things would certainly become difficult in various ways.
“That’s a rather dangerous statement. It almost sounds like the imperial family has ambitions of possessing the Hero.”
“No, what I mean is…”
“Yes, a misunderstanding, I’m sure. I certainly hope so.”
“…”
The girl always got worked up when the Hero was involved.
Luciel cornered Marcel, practically growling.
I will absolutely not tolerate this.
The Hero is mine!
I hoped it was just my imagination, but that was undeniably the vibe she was giving off.
“Hmm, isn’t that kind of okay?”
“—??”
The Saintess flinched at Aruru’s mumble.
Even I couldn’t help but be flustered by that remark.
My dear girl.
Couldn’t you be a little more considerate of your master’s feelings?
After all the times I've fed you, played with you, and put you to bed, you're not going to take my side?
“Ah, sorry! It’s because of the stereotype that a successful male must have many females…”
“…”
As if to show her remorse, she lay prostrate and wagged her tail.
She seemed to be trying to gloss over it, but the effect was devastatingly cute.
A gently swaying ball of pure white fur.
The sight alone brought a sense of peace.
Besides, how could I blame her when that was the culture and mindset of the beastkin?
“Ahem, it seems you've misunderstood something. I was merely saying that such a method exists.”
I'm not trying to force it.
Besides, a matter as significant as an arranged marriage is for the Emperor to decide.
While hammering that point home, he added an ominous note.
“I wouldn't dare presume to know His Majesty's thoughts, but I doubt they would be much different…”
“…”
Ah, is this what they call going from bad to worse?
If I were the Emperor, I would have considered an arranged marriage too.
After all, the Hero was an asymmetrical power.
The only one capable of opposing the Demon King…
No, wait, are there two now? In any case, they would want to secure me.
A strange idea suddenly occurred to me.
What about making Esterize the sacrificial lamb?
A princess and an imperial prince would make for a perfect picture.
“…”
Ah, the thought was immediately repulsive.
I had to discard that notion at once.
Above all else, her own wishes were what mattered.
In the original story, she’d built a reverse harem; a mere arranged marriage would never satisfy her.
After a moment of self-reflection.
Feeling I had no other choice, I spoke carefully.
“I am a man of many shortcomings. Furthermore, I am already engaged to the young lady of the Carmel family…”
“Your humility is excessive. Where else would one find a man as excellent as you?”
“…”
“You are the heir to the Crodain family and now the Hero. You are more than qualified. Especially in your case…”
You're the heir to a great family.
As the heir, you have a duty to continue the family line.
He laid out the sound argument as if there were nothing to debate.
It was all true, but I still wasn't keen on it.
One time would become two, and two would become three.
Rather than a harem, I wanted to have a sweet, pure romance with just Ceria.
For a moment, Aruru stared at me intently.
What about me? Include me, too! Her eyes seemed to plead silently.
My dear girl.
You still don't get it? You're mine for life!
A pet, a charming little sister, a reliable companion, and so on.
She's an irreplaceable and precious being.
I would make her the family mascot, without a doubt.
The fox beastkin smiled brightly, as if relieved.
I stroked the girl's head and regained my composure.
“Allow me to state my resolve. First, let's address the practical issues.”
We can't simply rejoice at the birth of a Hero.
It means a war great enough to require a Hero is undoubtedly on the horizon.
“Furthermore, this generation has not one, but two Heroes… an unprecedented trial awaits us.”
“That makes sense. In that case…”
“Rest assured. I have been prepared for a long time. I intend to work myself to the bone until the Demon King's army is driven out. Even though I have become the Hero, my conviction remains unchanged.”
“Hmm…”
This is no time to be discussing arranged marriages.
A catastrophe could strike at any moment.
Instead of wasting time on idle schemes, how about providing some real support!
As I spoke with such sincerity.
He was silent for a long moment, as if deeply impressed.
“Your will is truly noble. Very well. I will be sure to convey that resolve.”
Success. I’d convinced the imperial representative.
He seemed to have bought it, hook, line, and sinker.
I didn't know how much influence he held, but with this, I'd cleared one hurdle.
“Still, you'll have to make an appearance at least once. It will take about two weeks to prepare for the event.”
He said it was necessary to announce the birth of the Hero to everyone.
It held significant meaning, so I couldn't refuse.
“Yes. I will arrive in time.”
He nodded his head as if satisfied.
It seemed he was pleased with my dignified manner.
In any case, I now had about two weeks of leeway.
Before I do anything else, I should visit my family home.
Now that I was the Hero, I had nothing to fear from facing the family head.
* * *
Marcel hurriedly prepared to return to the Imperial Palace.
He had already reported the birth of the Hero, but that alone was not enough.
‘Jace Crodain…’
He had to convey the impression he received from him exactly as it was.
He’d had some idea of what to expect, but the young man was so admirable it was breathtaking.
A noble dignity. A sacred spirit.
Everything was so perfect that he couldn't find even a slight flaw.
He wasn't chosen as the Hero for no reason.
The thought came to him quite naturally.
His skills had already been confirmed.
He did defeat one of the Hero candidates, after all.
Though he had no eye for combat and couldn't be sure of the specifics.
He could grasp it just by seeing the reactions of the people cheering for Jace.
That wasn't all.
It wasn't just that he had the firm support of the Saintess; the other Hero candidates also seemed to acknowledge him.
His character, a model for others, couldn't be overlooked.
Marcel had paid close attention to Aruru's attitude and behavior.
Heavens, he'd never thought a beastkin could be so obedient to a human.
It was a sight he had never seen before, and it meant that Jace's character was just as upright.
“His response when I mentioned the arranged marriage wasn't bad either.”
He had expressed his unease, as if the suggestion had caught him completely off guard.
From the sound of it, he cared for his fiancée very much.
One might have expected him to at least consider it, but Jace's reaction had been one of detachment.
Who would refuse a connection to the imperial family?
And yet, he remained indifferent even to the chance to enjoy the greatest wealth and honor.
The type to distance himself from power and not be swayed by women.
The expression 'a truly righteous Hero' fit him perfectly.
-An unprecedented trial awaits us.
-Rest assured. I have been prepared for a long time.
A resolve filled with sincerity.
Recalling that dignified presence still sent a shiver down his spine.
Even though another Hero existed, it seemed Jace alone would be sufficient.
“Of course, I'll have to keep a close eye on that girl as well.”
Something about her was a little unsettling.
The problem was her unclear origins.
Jace seemed to know something, but there was no need to dig into it hastily.
Whatever she was hiding, it would be revealed soon enough.
Well, since she was chosen as a Hero, it wasn't a major concern.
* * *
After the conversation with Marcel.
My patience was tested to its limits.
The relentlessly clingy Saintess.
I could hardly take my eyes off her sacred figure.
“Today is a truly wonderful day. How about we praise the Goddess together?”
“…”
A holy parrot who knew nothing but the Goddess.
And of all things, her voice was so beautiful it was soothing.
I'm a bit tired. Can't we do this tomorrow?
You're planning to stay by my side from now on anyway, right?
“Ah, I'm sorry. I was being too selfish.”
She looked a little disappointed, but she readily let me go.
Following the Hero's will is my top priority!
She left with a smile, as if to make that very point.
What should I do? It was fine for now, but the future was the problem.
It would only get worse, wouldn't it? I would have to steel myself.
It wasn't that I disliked it, but I was looking forward to… no, I was afraid she might do something completely unexpected.
Anyway.
I decided to take this opportunity to check the affinity reward.
[Power of Overlap]
[Rank A - All skills can be overlapped up to 3 times. Efficiency decreases with each overlap.]
[Rank S - All skills can be overlapped up to 5 times. Efficiency decreases with each overlap.]
[Rank EX - All skills can be overlapped up to 7 times. Efficiency decreases with each overlap.]
Another EX-rank Trait, as expected.
And of all things, it was exactly the one I needed.
At this point, it might be called random, but it felt like it was granting my wishes.
With this, I could now overlap skills up to five times.
All things considered, I would end up about three times stronger.
Though the mana consumption would be just as extreme.
It was like getting an ace up my sleeve, so it couldn't be better.
Ah, what should I do? I'm so happy!
It was a good thing I checked after Luciel left.
If she had been next to me, I might have pulled her into a hug.
As I couldn't contain my emotions.
As a substitute, I swept Aruru up into my arms.
“I have something to tell you.”
“—!!”
She reacted to my voice, her fox ears perking up.
Could it be? A confession, at a time like this? I'm not ready!
Her face flushed at the thought.
This happened so often I just took it in stride.
“Keep this a secret from Ceria.”
“Ah, you mean about the arranged marriage?”
I nodded silently.
There was nothing to be gained from her knowing. It was better to keep it hidden.
“Okay. You can count on me!”
The girl who always respected my opinion, as usual.
As the best pet, there was no way she'd betray me.
A moment later, the faculty members came rushing in.
The mood was that they wouldn't leave me, the new Hero, alone.
I could see they were all trying to hide their nervousness.
Well, the student they once tried to expel had become the Hero.
From their perspective, they had to be sweating bullets.
It's fine. I'm generous, after all!
For today, I would enjoy their reactions and be a little smug.
* * *
Many people were looking for Jace.
Aruru slipped away with the excuse of getting a snack.
Soon after, just as promised, she told Ceria everything.
“It's a huge problem! The imperial family is after Jace!”
“…”
Ceria narrowed her eyes, displeased.
An arranged marriage… she hadn't expected it to be mentioned so soon.
Having Aruru stick with him just in case had been a masterstroke.
“Jace seemed against it, right?”
“Yeah! He was polite and indirect, but he made it clear you're the only one for him.”
It was as she had expected.
There was no room to doubt his sincerity in looking only at her.
Of course, it wasn't time to be relieved yet.
Those who wanted Jace would keep appearing.
Even before he became the Hero, quite a few female students had clung to him.
From now on, it was clear that it would be one challenge after another, even more so.
“You have to be on your guard. The vixens are going to make their move!”
“Yes, I know. Let's work together and stop them, no matter what!”
The two girls pumped themselves up simultaneously.
They even ended up bumping their fists together.
She trusted Jace, but separate from that.
It was best to block any situations that would trouble him in advance.
“Thank you for your help. Here, this is a token of my gratitude.”
“—!!”
Ceria handed Aruru a bag of candy.
Candy was a luxury item that was hard to get, even with a lot of money.
Having tasted its sweetness, the fox beastkin couldn't help but be excited.
Cooperation, and reward.
In this way, the two of them formed a kind of contract.
Although it seemed a little strange.
It all stemmed from their shared bond of affection for Jace.
‘Jace still doesn't understand women.’
Aruru licked the candy and giggled.
Ceria was a strong girl. Strong enough to overcome most things.
-Keep this a secret from Ceria.
Jace's request.
She understood his intentions, but in a case like this, it was better to reveal it.
“Luciel and Esterize… we might not be able to help them, but we must stop any other women from approaching…”
I'll protect my man!
As Ceria burned with determination.
Aruru was proud of her decision.
They say a woman of action is beautiful.
In the end, it seemed everyone would be happy.
Ceria was destined to become the lady of the Crodain family.
From Aruru's perspective, she needed to get on her good side.
She could picture a sweet future for herself.
The fox beastkin excitedly wagged her tail, her heart fluttering.