Volume 8, Prologue
Volume 8, Prologue
Part 1
Human beings are creatures of regret.
If we had acted differently at that time and place, no matter how many times we thought about it, the result would not change, but we would still be thinking about it.
In the end, the best we can do is to avoid repeating our mistakes.
However, it seems that it is also difficult for me, an ordinary person [Leon Fou Bartfalt], not to repeat the same mistakes.
“I can’t believe this is happening”
[You got what you deserved]
Today, my partner, [Luxion], threw some words of encouragement at me when I was depressed.
This guy is usually cold to me.
We’re in the port of the Kingdom of Horfalt.
Airships are arriving and departing on a floating island in the sky near the royal capital.
Since morning, airships have been coming in and out of the city, and many people have been coming and going.
It was filled with noise, with the sound of whistles and people shouting.
Why am I coming to the harbor?
That’s because I’m about to be repatriated halfway home to my parents.
“Leon, you’re working too hard. I understand that you’re busy with your career, but if you don’t take a break when you can, you’ll collapse one day.”
“I think you’re being too worried”
“The fact that you yourself don’t know it is even more of a problem.”
The owner of the shining blonde hair [Angelica Rafa Redgrave] gives me a reproachful, yet concerned look.
Her long hair was braided into a bun and she was dressed in a red dress.
From the chest to the waist area, the body is made in such a way that you can see the lines of her body, and her large breasts and tight waist can be clearly seen even through her clothes.
After spring break, Ange and I will both be seniors.
Compared to when I first started school, I’ve grown taller and better built.
Ange looks like she has developed a more mature charm.
Behind Ange, the maids of the Redgrave house with the travel bags were standing by.
One of them is [Cordelia Fou Easton] who took care of me in the Republic of Arzel.
The older, intelligent woman with glasses was giving me a cold look today. I’m sure she’s accusing me inwardly, saying, “You’re causing trouble for Ojou-sama”.
Because Cordelia-san hates me.
I guess she feels some kind of way about me getting another marriage partner in the Republic, even though I have Ange, her precious master’s daughter.
I can’t say anything back about that, so I’ll just accept Cordelia-san’s attitude.
She becomes friendliness might be difficult, but it doesn’t bother me because she basically gets the job done.
I suppose Cordelia-san is an adult in that respect.
And there was a girl, her flaxen hair swaying in the wind, looking sadly at me.
No, she’s not a girl anymore, she’s a woman.
[Olivia], who is beginning to have a strong heart despite her gentle atmosphere, is worried about my well being.
“Leon-san needs a vacation. I understand that you have a lot of things to do, but for now, please go back to your parents’ house and rest your body.”
My two fiancées told me to leave the royal capital and return to the countryside where my parents live.
Or would it be more accurate to say that I’m being brought back?
“There’s really nothing to worry about.”
I press my face with my right hand, wondering why they’re so worried about me ―― I remember the reason.
That had happened a few days ago.
.
Part 2
“Roland bastard, I’ll never forgive him! Luxion, find out his weakness. I don’t care what it is. I’ll find a weakness that I can use, and I’ll tattle to Milene-sama.”
[Having his weakness and just tattling it? You really are a small-minded]
“I don’t hate myself for it. I don’t mind being impatient. I don’t care if I’m small-minded. But I decided to definitely pay Roland back.”
[Creare should have some information.]
“I’m looking forward to her report.”
When I came back from my study abroad, I was unexplainably promoted to the rank of Marquis ―― And I was promoted to the ridiculously high, an upper third rank.
In the Kingdom of Horfalt, only royalty and their close relatives are entitled to titles higher than Count.
The upper third rank in the hierarchy is also a rank where if you are not related to the royal family, you will not be able to advance, no matter how much you accomplish.
Roland bastard shoved those two things at me.
The reason was because of my success in the Arzel Republic, and If I marry Ange, I’ll be part of the royal family in the future! Said so, he forced promoting me based on a ridiculous theory.
It’s true that my fiancé, Ange, is from a Duke house and has the right to inherit the throne.
However, it was almost impossible for the throne to be passed on to Ange. If it were, it would be a matter of national importance or something.
However, if I could easily become a duke just because I married Ange, I would have no trouble.
Normally, the kingdom would be reluctant to allow me to rise to the rank of Marquis.
In other words, actually, it was an impossible story.
Roland scumbag bastard forced me to advance.
What’s sad is that he had that much political power.
According to him, he always has one or two weaknesses of the other nobles.
It’s annoying that he is usually so unserious, but only shows his competence at times like this.
In addition, he offered to send the five idiots as my ParasiteFoster Sons.
I’m in the official position of taking care of Marie and the others, and I feel awful.
They are fun to watch from a position where I am not involved, and not funny at all if I am the one who is forced to be responsible.
I’m even more upset that he pushed those guys on me than my career.
Julius, when the other four became my subordinates, said, “I’ll go with you because I’m lonely”. Does he really have any sense of himself as a prince?
―― No. If he had, I wouldn’t be in this mess.
Anyway, I was officially forced to take care of Marie and her happy friends.
This is the result of my rampage in the Arzel Republic in an attempt to annoy Roland.
Why do I keep making the same mistakes over and over again?
I lay down on the bed at the inn and went back to chatting with Luxion.
“Ange and Livia are coming over here?”
[Yes. The ceremony is on the last day of spring break, but we have a lot of preparations to make.]
“When I have trouble making a decision, I can ask Ange to help me.”
[For prestigious ceremonies and parties, Angelica’s vast knowledge of noble society is certainly significant.]
“That’s really helpful. I’ve only memorized the bare minimum of etiquette.”
[Please take this opportunity to learn it. If you don’t, you’ll be embarrassed sooner or later.]
“Before you say anything about shame, this situation is a punishment, right? How can the third son of a poor Baron family rise so high in just two years? The next thing I know, I’m the second son and a marquis. And on top of that, I’m supposed to take care of Marie and the others.”
[There are words that are perfect for that. Master just “reap what you sow”]
Two years have passed since I entered the academy.
A lot has happened in the meantime, and my eldest brother, Lutoart, is no longer in the family.
I’m the third son, and I’ve moved up to the second son, and the eldest brother is my own brother, [Nix].
My parents’ house, Baron Bartfalt, will be succeeded by Nix, who has become the eldest son.
And I’m an independent Marquis.
I’m an unemployed marquis with no territory and no position in the royal court.
It’s a troublesome situation where there is no real income, but just a useless position.
―― It’s been a very intense few years.
“I was just selflessly dealing with what was in front of me.”
[It’s a matter of opinion. I’m sure you’re aware of the problem at hand, but you’ve been neglecting it for whatever reason, and when it’s too late, you’ve just been using forceful methods to solve it?]
This guy really pokes only where it hurts.
“You’re really not adorable. More importantly, give me my medicine.”
I decided to end the conversation and get some sleep, so I asked Luxion for some medicine.
[Sleeping medicine? You’re more tired than usual today, so I think you can sleep without medicine?]
“I’ve been having insomnia lately. I’m worried, so give it to me.”
Sometimes I can’t sleep even when I’m tired.
Even if I can sleep, my sleep is so shallow that I end up having trouble sleeping.
If that’s the case, just take the medicine from the beginning.
[ ―― It was because of Master shot Serge for the Rault House. You should’ve let Alberg take that spot.]
“It’s just that I’m used to killing people, and I’m better at it.”
I came to another world and got caught up in war several times.
In that time, I’ve taken many lives with my own hands.
If I kill one or two more people now, it won’t change the scale of my sins.
[Isn’t this the first time you’ve killed someone with a gun yourself? You must have felt the killing more than when you were in armor. You should have left it to Alberg instead of doing something unnecessary. Master made a wrong decision.]
“It’s okay, right”
[No, it’s no good. Because of that, Master has taken on the mental burden. Master should take better care of yourself.]
“Then it’s okay. I love myself, and I can put myself before others.”
[You really do have a big mouth. And in addition, you’re so good at lying and out of control.]
To express his dismay, Luxion goes to the trouble of waving his red lens to the side to show me.
It’s a common sight, but perhaps that’s why he seems to have become more and more adept at waving the lens sideways.
“Just give me the medicine”
[Denied]
“Take it out”
[No]
“This is an order. Give me medicine.”
[Considering the Master’s health, I will exercise my right of veto. Why don’t you spend tonight reflecting on your mistakes?]
“If I sleep well, I’ll be plenty repentant! Just give me the medicine!”
When I grabbed Luxion’s sphere body with both hands, it resisted and struggled wildly.
As he continued to run wildly around the room, the door suddenly opened.
“Leon-san ―― What are you doing?”
A pale looking Livia was standing there looking serious when she saw us.
“Livia!? W-Why are you here?”
“I thought it would be a nuisance, but I wanted to see Leon-san ―― more importantly, why are you fighting with Luc-kun?”
“Y-You’re wrong. Luxion wouldn’t listen to me, so I thought I’d give him a little scolding.”
I quickly made an excuse to Livia for her sudden appearance, but apparently she had heard our conversation.
“Didn’t you just say something about medicine?”
At an unfortunate time, she heard me fussing about medicine.
“I’m fine. I just need something to help me sleep better. There’s nothing for Livia to worry about. I-I swear.”
Holding Luxion tightly in both hands, I smiled at Livia while trying not to let him go.
However, my efforts were meaningless.
The more excuses I make, the more worried Livia gets.
“Leon-san, you can’t sleep? That’s why you have to take medicine ――”
Livia, who was worried about me, was about to cry, her eyes moist with tears.
“It’s really okay! That was just a joke, in the first place, Luxion and I are usually like this!”
It was a bit like a joke, but from a third person’s point of view, I was really screaming, “Medicine, give me medicine!” did it sound like that?
When I looked at Luxion, the red lens glowed slightly in a mysterious way.
“You should say something, too. If you say, That was a joke, it’s all over!”
I whispered to Luxion for help, but to my surprise, he betrayed me, his master.
[Olivia, Master is currently in a state of mental danger. I’ve been advising him to take a break, but he won’t listen to me.]
“Why do you betray your master without hesitation!?”
[It’s a difference of opinion. I don’t think I betrayed you]
“So that’s how AIs betrays people. All you do is make excuses that suit you, are you a no-good adult!”
[Oya, self-introduction? Shouldn’t you be dealing with Olivia instead?]
I was reluctant to follow Luxion’s lead, but I turned my gaze fearfully to Livia.
A tearful Livia wiped her tears with her fingertips and tightened her expression.
“I should have realized this sooner. I’ll discuss it with Ange right away. Leon-san, I’m going to let you rest your mind and body for a while.”
Ange appears behind Livia, who shows her determination to give me a proper rest.
“That won’t be necessary. I could hear you guys talking all the way down the hall. ―― Leon, you go back to your parents’ house right away and get some rest.”
“Eh? No, I am really fine ―― “
“Just rest! ―― You keep pushing yourself, you idiot”
Even Ange insisted on forcing me to rest, and for some reason, she looked thoughtful.
――Eh? Am I really going back to my parents’ house?
Even though I’m going to be busy?
.
Part 3
“This traitor”
When I narrowed my eyes and looked at Luxion, he intentionally turned his lens away from me.
[Master needs rest]
“You knew I was going to be busy! I was going to get some things done during spring break.”
Yes ―― I was going to be busy from now on.
The stage of that third otome game is set from an academy in the Republic of Arzel back to a school in the Kingdom of Horfalt.
Before the start of the third game, I planned to find out about the girl who would be the main character, as well as information about the capture target.
I was also thinking of confirming the scenario with Marie and then setting up the arrangements.
And I was going to find out if there were any other reincarnated people besides us.
―― In order to avoid repeating the mistakes made in the Republic.
And yet, Luxion wants me to go back to my parents’ house.
What is he thinking at this critical time?
As I stared at Luxion, a voice called out to me from the side.
The other party is the same AI as Luxion, [Creare].
It has the same sphere unit as Luxion, but it is white with a blue lens.
Although she can be distinguished from Luxion by her different color, her personality is very different even though she looks similar.
Despite her petty comments and sarcasm, she has a frivolous personality, unlike the serious Luxion.
However, she is also excellent like Luxion.
[Don’t worry, Marie-chan and I will stay behind so you can rest assured.]
When I turn around to look at Creare, I can also see Marie in my field of vision.
Marie tapped her thin chest with her fist.
“Leave it to me, Ani ―― Leon. Creare and I will stay behind and do a thorough search. So, please take care of my allowance!”
My sister from my previous life, [Marie Fou Lafan], wanted pocket money and came forward to take my place.
Creare is also in a good mood.
“Aside from Marie, if Creare stays, there won’t be a problem, right?”
“You’re cruel?! You should have more faith in me!”
“What do you want me to trust you for? Creare, keep an eye on Marie, too.”
[Leave it to me!]
When Luxion saw Creare acting in a very good mood, he seemed to feel something strange.
[Creare, I’m not sure why you want to stay in the capital so badly. I’m sure the old you would have wanted to stay with Master?]
[Actually, I’ve been having some fun in the capital. I’ve been doing some experiments, and the results will be out soon. I’ll report the results when Master and the others return, so please look forward to it.]
Creare, who used to be an AI managing a laboratory, seems to love experiments of any kind.
I don’t know what she’s experimenting with, but I’ll look forward to it.
“You’re free spirited too, aren’t you? Well, you’re more likable than Luxion, who betrayed me.”
Luxion, who is unhappy that he is being compared to Creare and that his reputation is low, is immediately complaining to me.
[I did not betray you. I’ve only taken a strong stand against Master because I’ve decided you need to rest.]
“That’s called betrayal.”
Luxion comes up to my face and stares intimidatingly at me.
I also put a gun to his head, and Creare intervened from the side.
[Why don’t you two get along? Anyway, don’t worry about things over here. I’ll take good care of Marie-chan, too.]
Showing confidence, Creare usually gets carried away easily, but she gets the job done.
“I’m counting on you. I’m counting on you more than I’m counting on Luxion.”
[Ara, I’m happy]
I complimented Creare as I glanced at Luxion.
Luxion is not convinced and says, [I don’t understand].
I decided to remind Marie as well.
“Marie, if you’re not sure about a decision, ask Creare. Don’t act on your own. Creare is more reliable than you when it comes to making decisions. Listen to Creare, okay.”
Marie is not happy that she is being told to rely more on Creare than herself. However, she seems to be reflecting on what she has done so far and seems to be obeying, albeit reluctantly.
“You don’t have to tell me, I’ll be very cautious and I’ll rely on Creare.”
She looked a little stubborn, but after such a reminder, Marie would not act on her own.
I look at Creare.
“I’ll leave over here to you. If there’s anything wrong, call me right away. If anything happens, I’ll rush right away.”
[You worry too much, Master. I’ll make sure all the information is gathered and all the experiments are done perfectly.]
If possible, I would like you to do your best to collect information.
What exactly is she experimenting with?
――Well, there is a possibility that I can’t understand it even if I hear it, so I don’t have to ask now.
“Experimenting is fine, but don’t forget to gather information. Also, stay as far away from the target and the main character as possible. If there’s anything unusual, don’t get involved until after I return. If there’s anything urgent, be sure to contact me”
[I’ve heard it many times. You should have more faith in us.]
When Creare complains about me being a nag, Marie takes advantage of it.
“That’s right. Aniki should trust us more and take a break. Aniki is probably more tired than you think, you know?”
I didn’t think Marie would be worried about me.
There was no sign of Ange or Livia around, only us, so before I knew it, Marie was back to calling me aniki.
” ―― Well, fine. If you succeed, I’ll increase your monthly allowance.”
“Thank you!”
Creare looked at Marie with interest as she raised her hands and looked happy.
[Marie-chan really loves money, don’t you?]
“Un, I love money!”
If this were a statement from an ignorant child, I could laugh bitterly, but in Marie’s case, it’s not funny because she wants money for her living expenses.
I can’t even smile bitterly.
I felt a little pity for Marie, who realize a reverse harem with the capture targets, and was at my mercy because she wanted money for her living expenses.
As I looked at Marie with mixed feelings, Ange approached me with her footsteps a little louder.
She grabbed my arm forcefully.
I felt slightly uneasy, Ange acting in a way that she usually did not.
“Leon, it’s time to go.”
Ange, who gives Marie a complicated look, pulls me along.
“I understand. I can walk on my own.”
“Just come”
Standing next to me, Ange just twined her arms around mine.
Luxion floats around my right shoulder and explains the situation to me.
[Master is as dense as ever, isn’t he? Ange is jealous of Master’s closeness to Marie.]
“Jealous?”
I stopped, startled by Luxion’s words, and hurried to look at Ange’s face.
There, I see Ange blushing.
She was embarrassed, and her clinging to my arm grew stronger.
“Luxion, you don’t seem to understand the woman’s heart either. If you do understand, don’t say it in front of the person. I-I’m embarrassed too.”
[Next time, I will try to handle it carefully]
“You sound like you’re playing dumb.”
[I will be careful, but whether I can do it is another matter. In the first place, I did not maliciously share Angelica’s feelings to Master.]
“If it’s malicious, it’s even worse.”
I snickered at Luxion for not understanding the woman’s heart.
“You said it. Why don’t you learn about women’s hearts, too?”
[It’s a difficult problem for me, an AI, but you’re right, Master. I regret that I was wrong this time. I deeply apologize, Angelica]
Luxion, who was honestly apologizing, looked uncomfortable to me.
Ange accepts the apology with an embarrassed, “U-Umu”, and her appearance looks lovely.
[However, I have a question. Aside from me, an AI ―― it’s a big problem when a human, master can’t understand the woman’s heart any better than I can. Isn’t this an area where you can’t lose to artificial intelligence? As a man――No, as a human being, aren’t you ashamed of yourself?]
He blames me, daring me to admit fault.
Did he even learn that little trick to blame me?
“You’ve become a quite smooth talker, haven’t you?”
[If I stay by the Master’s side, sadly, I’ll improve, even if I don’t like it.]
Luxion, no matter what I say, he’ll talk back.
I’d like to see you acknowledge me as your master and show me a little respect, even only a little.