Epilogue

Epilogue

 

SPRING BREAK came a bit early.

After returning home, I made my way to the factory. People and robots were busy at work, with robots performing the manual labor and humans acting as support, handling small, miscellaneous matters. They were all unskilled laborers we’d recruited several months ago, mainly because there were no proficient technicians to hire. It would take a few years of training, but eventually these people would take on more complex roles.

The ship in front of me measured two hundred meters long and was heavily decorated, including a unique horn. It was called the Einhorn.

“You really dressed this thing up,” I said to Luxion.

“The palace requested we create a ship to represent Holfort Kingdom. One it could be proud of.”

“Even after you finish the Partner’s repairs, I won’t be able to take it out anymore,” I said wistfully. “This really sucks. Hm?” I glanced around. “Hey, what happened to Cleare?”

“I left her in the capital. She’s taken a liking to Olivia and Angelica.”

“That AI’s got even more freedom than you do.”

“I won’t deny that,” he said. “Regardless, I see no problems with it. She won’t betray us. More importantly, you’re the one with a lot of trouble ahead.”

The reason Luxion was preparing a new airship was because I was leaving to study abroad.

I sighed. “Who could have dreamed this otome game was only the first installment in a whole series?”

That was a little tidbit I’d learned during my conversation with Marie that day in the palace…

 

***

 

She’d delivered a shocking revelation that turned my world upside down.

“I’m guessing you don’t know this, but…that otome game turned into a whole series.”

“It did what now?”

“Hertrauda is a character from the third installment,” Marie said, a little pompously.

“Th-there was a third installment?!” I shrieked. “Okay, wait. Hold up just a moment!” If there was a third game, that implied the existence of a second game. No one ever told me about this!

“Of course you wouldn’t know. You died after clearing the first game. The sequel came out later. And in the third game, Julius’s younger brother appears.”

“He has a younger brother?!”

Marie snorted. “Yes. The king has a harem, and the other prince is from a different mother. He’s got this tormented, sexy air about him. Almost like some delinquent.”

Yeah, I didn’t really care about that. But I’d seriously thought Julius was the only prince! Although now that she mentioned it, I did seem to recall seeing a kid who matched that description in the audience chamber before.

I guess it would be a problem if they only had one potential heir…

“Does that mean those two monsters I’d never heard anything about before were the final bosses from the third game?” I asked.

“Yup. Incidentally, when the third game begins, Julius and the others are in their third year at the academy. Not only do you get to enjoy the events from the original, there’s even a bonus where you get to see what happens after their graduation!”

Also useless information.

“But wait—the original game covered the third year at the academy,” I said, “and I don’t remember anything about Prince Julius’s younger brother enrolling.”

“What are you talking about? It’s called retcon. They added his character in after the fact. Duh.”

Gee, thanks, little blunt much? “O-okay, well, since I defeated all of the bosses, we’re safe now, right? There’s nothing left to endanger the kingdom, is there?”

She smirked. “The setting for the second game isn’t Holfort. It takes place in the Alzer Republic.”

Hm? I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before. “W-wait. Stop right there! That means—”

“The boss from the second game is still alive and well.”

I cradled my head in my hands and slid to my knees on the floor. “Noooo, it can’t be!”

How could this be happening?! There was no way this stupid otome game had a sequel—no way there could be more world-ending danger in the future. Not when I thought it was all supposed to be over!

Marie smirked triumphantly. “Now, let’s negotiate.”

Dammit. She knew things about this world that I didn’t. She probably figured she could use that as leverage against me.

“You’re awfully confident,” I said. “What do you want?”

“Let me think. First…” She suddenly dropped to the floor, prostrating herself. “Give me some financial support, please! I need money for daily life!”

Uh, what now?

“You don’t need my money. The government’s shipping you off to the island. They should be providing everything you need. And that place is already furnished with enough for you to get by.”

“No! They told us we had to make a living ourselves—to see what it’s like to struggle on our own. They did provide us with a number of necessary items, but you remember the five people we’re talking about, right? Kyle and Carla are one thing, but do you honestly think those five can farm?”

Well, they were spoiled rich kids. Asking them to do farmwork all of a sudden was a tall order.

Wait—Carla’s still sticking by you?

“I promise I’ll send you rice,” she said. “But please give me money for daily expenses! The boys’ houses are all really pissed at them, so I can’t expect any contributions there.”

Apparently the band of boy toys was acting like farmwork would be a walk in the park. Hence her anxiety about their future.

“It’s hopeless,” she said. “My gut tells me that if I leave this to those five, it’ll be a disaster. I mean, they’re saying the same things my ex-boyfriend in Japan said. He was so naive, always thinking he could wiggle his way out of any situation. But he was just relying on my income. And they’re just like him!”

My intuition agreed with her. I could easily picture them all failing spectacularly.

That aside, Marie sure is popular with crummy men. Does she just naturally attract the wrong crowd or does being with her turn men into garbage? Maybe she emits some kinda electrical signal that only reels in trashy guys!

Marie gazed up at me, eyes pleading. “I’ll sell you all the info about the games I have, but please give me money!”

I did want the information…

“All right, fine. I’ll give you money. Spill what you know about the Alzer Republic.”

Delighted, she lifted herself back to her feet and jumped for joy.

“Hurry up and spit out the info,” I snapped.

She cleared her throat. “Ahem, as the country’s name implies, it’s a republic ruled by an aristocracy. They’re more progressive than the kingdom. Commoners can attend their academy, and that’s where you meet the second game’s love interests.”

So the second game took place at a school as well.

“The protagonist of the second game is a girl descended from a line of high-ranking nobility that had supposedly died off,” Marie continued.

“Hm.”

“By the end of the game, the protagonist is supposed to rebuild her house with one of the love interests, but…”

What she said next left me staring at her, dumbfounded.

 

***

 

“If the protagonist fails to romance one of the guys, it puts the whole world in danger? Give me a freakin’ break. Enough of this.”

This world was awfully fragile if its doom relied on whether people’s love lives worked out or not.

“You’re a worrywart, Master.”

“I can’t stand by if it means the world might end! Dammit. If I had stayed ignorant, I could have enjoyed my second year at the school in peace.”

“Indeed, you are a lower-third ranking earl now,” said Luxion. “No doubt you have dozens of admirers. And thanks to everything that’s happened, the marriage situation for noblemen should improve. You’ll be in a more favorable position from now on. It’s a shame you have to study abroad.”

He was right; the marriage situation had seen a complete reversal. Girls clever enough to sense this shift were already starting to panic.

“If you stayed here, Master, a happy school life would await you.”

I shook my head. “It’s not like I want to go, but I can’t leave things the way they are.”

The problem was we didn’t know whether anyone else had reincarnated in this world like Marie and me. I hadn’t confirmed this one way or another, but if it had happened, they might take the same path as Marie—i.e., making a mess of things and putting the entire world in danger. I couldn’t let my guard down. All my efforts would be in vain if some idiot destroyed us all.

“Yeah, about that…I’m just going to keep an eye on things. If nothing fishy is going on, it’ll be a normal study abroad experience.”

“And what about the language barrier?” Luxion asked.

“I’ve learned basic greetings, but I can’t have a conversation,” I admitted.

“I could interpret for you?”

My eye twitched. “Then you should’ve said that to begin with! I studied my ass off for this!”

“As well you should have.”

Just then, Nicks came waltzing in. “Leon, Father wants to speak to you.”

“He does?”

 

***

 

“A wedding ceremony?” I repeated.

“More like an engagement ceremony,” said Father, seated in his office. “You have to be there, too, so make preparations.”

“Is this for Jenna?”

“Jenna’s in no state to be engaged. Your mother reports that she can’t even do housework, so we won’t be able to marry her off for a while yet. Right now, girls have it harder than men trying to find a partner. If we’re going to find someone for Jenna, she’ll need some training first.”

As Queen Mylene had said, the kingdom had a gender-based population imbalance outside the academy. That naturally put men in a stronger position for marriage. With the new restructuring of marital power within the kingdom, a girl like Jenna had few prospects. Our mother would have to reeducate her from the ground up. They could probably have found someone using my connections, but my parents thought the idea too crude and refused to entertain it.

So, Father had to be talking about an engagement for Nicks. After all, he was the new heir to our house and was helping my father out with his work. It made sense for him to get married, too, since he’d already graduated.

“But why just an engagement instead of an actual marriage?”

“The situation is complicated. Sorry to spring this on you out of nowhere, but I want you to attend before you leave.”

“Sure, that’s fine,” I said.

“Good. Well, then go get ready.”

 

***

 

As I left my father’s office and started down the stairs, I ran into Jenna—now the oldest daughter of Bartfort House, since Merce wasn’t actually my father’s child. Miss Yumeria was teaching her how to clean.

“My lady, you have to put in more effort when you’re scrubbing. Do it properly, like this.”

Jenna watched silently and scowled as she made a vague effort to mimic Miss Yumeria.

“No, not like that! For that part, you’re supposed to do it like this.” Miss Yumeria’s teaching style was positively adorable. It was hard to believe she was old enough to be the mother of a child.

Jenna threw down the rag she was using. “I’ve had enough of this! This is grunt work. Have the servants do it!”

“B-but they told me to teach you how to clean.”

Apparently, Jenna still hadn’t grasped her new reality. “Once I go back to the academy, there will be plenty of barony heirs to choose from. I just have to marry one of them. Oh, Leon! Perfect timing. Introduce me to one of your friends. In light of the circumstances, I won’t be picky. I’ll even accept an heir to a rural region.”

Flustered, Miss Yumeria quickly bowed to me.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to do that.” I flashed a gentle smile at Miss Yumeria, then turned a mocking one on Jenna. “You’ve got some nerve talking to an earl that way. As for my friends, they already have a bunch of girls fawning over them, so they have the luxury of picking whomever they want. They wouldn’t even look twice at you.”

And boy did I envy them. Now that I was an earl, status was still getting in my way. The only women who came near me were ridiculously high-ranking nobles’ daughters. I was happy to have them pamper me, but I could hardly risk playing around with them. I’d be stuck marrying any girl I touched.

“H-how dare you act like that. I’m your older sister!”

“I’d like you to remember I was the one who helped cover for you in spite of the fact that it was your slave who framed me.”

Since Miauler had cooperated with Marquess Frampton, the palace had wanted to go after my sister as well. I’d used my fortune to get her out of that mess. She chewed on her lip, glaring at me. Her annoyance gave me such joy.

Ah, it’s turning out to be a wonderful day.

“Uh, um, my lord? No, that’s not right.” Miss Yumeria shook her head. “Earl? Hm, that doesn’t seem… At any rate, Lord Leon, please have some sympathy for Lady Jenna.”

Miss Yumeria’s presence was so soothing. While my real sisters were absolute garbage human beings, Miss Yumeria was like an adorable younger sister. Although in reality, she was older than me and had a kid. Still, I liked that she was a bit airheaded. She was so diligent and kind.

Honestly, she’s perfect.

“Since Miss Yumeria asked so nicely, I’ll let it slide this time, but you better put some effort in. Seriously, if you don’t shape up, no one’s going to want you.”

“I-I’ll have my pick of the boys when I get back to the academy, just you wait.” Jenna huffed.

“You need to face reality. You’re going to have a hell of a time competing.” I chuckled at her.

Jenna snatched up the rag she’d flung before and chucked it at me. Her face was burning red with rage—which was absolutely hilarious. I easily evaded her attack, right as our mother walked up.

“Jenna! It seems you still don’t understand.”

“Mother! Give me a break already!”

As Jenna fled, I stood there and laughed.

The marriage situation was already improving, but if my sister’s attitude was any indication, we still had a long way to go.

 

***

 

That night in my room, Luxion and I made some idle small talk. I started getting drowsy and wasn’t really thinking too much about what I was saying.

“So Nicks is getting engaged?” Luxion asked.

“Yep,” I said. “We’re gonna have to celebrate.”

“Hm. Speaking of, have you decided who you are going to pick? Between Olivia and Angelica.”

“How can I do that when I don’t know how I feel? Like, I have feelings for both of them, but thinking about getting married is kinda terrifying.” I paused to yawn.

“In other words,” Luxion said, “you like them both so much you can’t choose between them, correct?”

“That’s right. That’s why I said both of them, and when I did, they slapped me. I was being honest. Kinda cruel of them, don’t you think?”

“Are you interested in marrying either?”

I shrugged. “It’d be great if I could, but if it were that simple, I wouldn’t be in this predicament, would I? I do like them, but that’s the problem. I want them to be happy, and we don’t suit each other.”

They were both too good for me. I mean, they’d prostrated themselves to save me, right? They deserved better—someone who could make them happy.

“Master, you’re an earl and a hero. I believe you more than suit them.”

“I don’t want to use my status like that. It feels like a disservice to them.”

“If that’s how you feel.” After a short pause, Luxion added, “I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

“Me, too. So let me get some shut-eye. I’m sleepy, and we have to get up first thing in the morning to…” I closed my eyes and let the words hang. As I drifted off, I pictured Livia and Angie’s smiling faces.

 

***

 

The next morning, as our family gathered in a waiting room, I found myself dressed in a luxurious suit.

“Isn’t this kinda odd? Nicks is supposed to be the star today, right?”

He was wearing an expensive suit as well, but my attire stood out far more than his.

“Oh, you know. You’re the earl. I’m just a baron’s heir. That’s probably why,” he said.

“That doesn’t make any sense. You’re the one who should be looking dapper today, not me.”

Our younger brother, Colin, peered up at me. “Leo, you look super cool! Like a prince!”

Father stood as stiff as a statue in front of the door. Maybe it was my imagination, but it felt like he kept eyeing me. I scanned the room and noticed my mother fidgeting and wringing her hands.

“Luxion, is it me or is everyone acting strange?”

“They are all simply nervous, I’m sure.”

Well, it was Nicks’s engagement ceremony, so I couldn’t blame them. But something still felt off.

“Aren’t we going to go greet the bride’s family?” I asked.

Nicks turned his face away. “We arranged it this way. We can greet them once the ceremony is over.”

They really are putting this whole event together in a hurry, I thought.

Father glanced at his watch. “It’s about time. All right, let’s go. Leon, this way.”

“Yep, on my way.”

It was my first time attending an engagement ceremony like this. I was kind of excited. Plus, Nicks was the leading man today, so there was no pressure on me. I was looking forward to giving him a good ribbing later.

 

***

 

“Father, care to explain?”

“It’s exactly what it looks like.”

The ceremony was being held at a temple, though it more resembled a church from my previous world. A long red carpet lay down the middle of the floor, lined by pews. Among the attendees, Duke Redgrave stood out the most. And for some reason, Nicks went to sit with the rest of the guests.

At the altar stood two girls in pure white dresses.

“You tricked me!” I gasped.

“Don’t make it sound so sinister. I never said it was an engagement ceremony for Nicks. You’re the one who jumped to conclusions.”

It was very clearly Angie and Livia waiting at the end of the aisle. Their faces were hidden beneath veils, but their silhouettes gave them away. To make matters worse, Angie’s father was here, so there would be no running away.

“No one said a word to me about this!”

“That’s because you’re so wishy-washy,” Father snapped. “If we don’t settle things once and for all before you leave, who knows what you’ll get yourself into while you’re off in another country.”

Hey, don’t call me wishy-washy! I just didn’t want to get married!

Father glanced over at Mr. Vince. “If you flee, you’ll make the duke and his house look bad.”

“This was a rotten thing to do, setting me up like this!” I froze and turned. “Hold on just a second. Don’t tell me you knew about this, too, Luxion?”

His round, robotic body floated nearby, looking strangely joyful. “I did indeed. Your waffling was pathetic, so I took the liberty of making arrangements for you.”

I can’t believe you’d do something like this to me.

As we squabbled, Gilbert strolled over to us at the entrance. He wore a smile on his face, but the look he gave me wasn’t any kind of happy. “Leon, Angie and her friend are waiting. You can’t leave them standing there forever. Or is Angie not good enough for you?”

“N-no, she’s definitely good enough!” Too good, actually. But I’m a guy! I wanted to play around some! No one said anything to me about getting engaged.

Father knit his brows in a scowl. “I doubt you’re aware, but we received a number of marriage requests regarding you. A mountain of them, frankly. Some of which were absolutely ridiculous. From women in their fifties all the way down to girls who had yet to hit puberty. Even you wouldn’t be interested in either of those.”

Aristocratic society was rotten from the inside out. Women in their fifties were one thing, but girls who hadn’t even hit puberty? They were just kids! No. Absolutely not.

“If you get engaged to Angie, you won’t have to deal with that mess,” Gilbert added. “And it’s not as if you dislike her, is it?”

I glanced over at Luxion, but he averted his gaze. Little jerk, he went off blabbing about my feelings!

“B-but I’m leaving to study abroad,” I said.

“Exactly, that’s why we decided to hold the engagement ceremony before you leave. We even consulted His Majesty beforehand, and he happily gave his blessing. He also sent a message to pass along.” Gilbert handed me a folded sheet of paper.

I smoothed it out and scanned the page, then promptly crumpled it in my fists. It read:

 

Welcome to life’s graveyard.

I heard about how you kept running from marriage, so I did eeeeeverything in my power to guide things along so you could get married to those two. Feel free to weep tears of gratitude at my benevolence.

Fondest regards,
Your highly talented and marvelous king

 

That dirtbag was not going to get away with this.

Father put a hand on my back and pushed me forward. “Get going already! Those two girls are way too good for you. In fact, you’re a real pain in the butt, and you should thank them for taking a man like you. What’s there to waffle about? Be happy! Hurry up and get married! You’ll drive me nuts if you keep beating around the bush like this.”

Exactly, they are too good for me! That’s why I didn’t agree to be with either of them!

As I stared around the hall, I caught Mr. Vince’s gaze. His eyes terrified me enough to take my first step forward.

As I inched down the carpet, applause broke out. Nicks looked away when I peered at him. Jenna grinned like the cat that got the cream as she clapped, reveling in my misery. Miss Yumeria applauded as well, tears welling in her eyes.

And my mother? She wept, of course. “I can’t believe my useless son has been blessed with such wonderful fiancées.”

Ouch, that kinda stings.

Even my parents’ faces, the ones from my previous life, popped into my head.

When I came to a stop in front of the two girls, Angie whispered, “Sorry for springing this on you without any warning.”

“Yeah,” I said, “couldn’t you have talked to me about it first?”

Staring at the floor, Livia replied primly, “You kept giving us the runaround.”

Come on, I’m not even in my second year. Maybe the reason I thought it was too early for marriage was because my mind still expected things to work like they had back in Japan. “You never know,” I said. “You might get fed up and wish you’d never gone through with this.”

Livia smiled. “That won’t happen.”

“A-and I might be an earl, but I’m not bringing in that much money.”

Without missing a beat, Angie said, “Then I’ll support you. Don’t worry. I am the daughter of a duke, after all. My house has promised to supply whatever is necessary for my independence. And I’m certainly educated enough to earn money for all of us.”

That was shockingly swoon-worthy of her.

Angie glanced at the exit. “If you want to run, there’s the door.”

“Even if I run, hell’s all that awaits me.” Going through with this would be hell and going back would be hell…right? “What even made you girls fall for someone like me?”

“I fell because you’re you,” said Angie. “I want you, Leon. Be my husband.”

Yup, still swoon-worthy. “Y-yes, ma’am.”

Livia stepped up beside me. “That’s right, we love you because of who you are. And now I won’t let go no matter what happens.”

Okay, that was a bit yandere, but still.

“Well, do whatever you want,” I said. “I’m not going to run.”

“Okay, I will!” Livia grinned at me from beneath the veil.

Well, it’s not like I dislike either of them. In fact, I like them. Love them, even.

The only regret I had was not being able to play around more as a student.

The priest said some congratulatory words, but they went in one ear and out the other.

It wasn’t so bad after all—being tricked like this.

 

***

 

“Congratulations on your engagement,” said Luxion.

“That’s all you have to say to me, you piece of junk?”

“Oh? Don’t you think it a bit cruel to blame me? I merely gave those girls a push forward. I told them if they backed you into a corner, it would all work out.”

Luxion and Cleare had worked together to pull the wool over my eyes. Sure, I was happy that I didn’t have to hunt down a partner anymore…at least until I heard about the messy details of this whole situation afterward.

“I’m engaged, so why do I have to keep up this courtship crap?”

Luxion and Cleare exchanged glances, then promptly twisted their bodies from side to side like they were shaking their heads in exasperation.

“Master, you’re a hero—the kingdom’s savior. The ruling class needs you to help rebuild.”

“You may even be able to build a harem if you’re interested,” added Cleare. “Good for you!”

“No, not good for me! The girls in this country hated my guts up until now. Having them kiss up to me feels weird! No, it’s terrifying! I can only imagine they have ulterior motives!”

“Don’t worry. The situation isn’t shifting that rapidly,” said Luxion. “I suspect it will take about twenty years for true change to sink in.”

That wasn’t half as reassuring as he thought it was. That meant there would still be a bunch of girls looking down their nose at men, right?

This world really is tough on guys.

“And even though I just got engaged, I’m immediately leaving to study abroad. It feels like I just got married, but I’m going off by myself on a job transfer.”

Cleare giggled. “I’ll be staying here, so you needn’t worry.”

The AI in the ruins had seemed extremely serious, but now that she was in a little robot body, her personality had softened quite a bit. Maybe something about being inserted into a remote unit changed her?

A knock sounded on the door to my room.

“It’s open,” I said.

“Sorry to barge in.” Livia stood there, dressed in pajamas with a pillow in her arms.

“Hmph. You haven’t even made preparations to welcome us in here.” Angie was beside her.

“Aaaaahhhh?!”

“Why are you screaming?”

I leaped off my bed, shocked at seeing them both. “B-because! It’s nighttime, and you’re both in your PJs!”

In fact, on closer inspection, their nightwear consisted of inviting negligees.

“You’re going to be leaving soon to study abroad,” said Livia, “so we wanted to…you know…”

Oh, please don’t finish that sentence. I’m a guy, you know. I want to do it. But at the same time, I can’t shake the thought of the consequences. “G-girls, we can’t!”

Angie cocked her head. “Why not?”

Oh, crap. We’re totally not on the same wavelength here. “I’d like you to wait a bit longer. I need to prepare myself mentally.”

“What nonsense are you going on about? Livia just wants us to talk.”

“Huh…?” Oh. Talk. She just wants to… So no sex? I pointed a finger at my chest. “You want to talk? To me? Tonight?”

“Um, yes, there’s a lot I’d like to talk about. We’ve been so busy up until now, we couldn’t really settle down and have a proper chat,” said Livia. She was giving me those sad, puppy dog eyes again.

It was too adorable to resist, so I acquiesced. “All right.”

I admit, I’m a little disappointed, but I’ll keep that to myself. Okay, no, that’s a lie—I’m actually really disappointed.

“What did you think we were here for?” Angie gave me a teasing look.

I averted my eyes. “I was just thinking about love.”

“Oh, love, huh? Good. I would be delighted to hear what you think of it.”

What is love, anyway? Even I don’t have an answer for that.

Angie and Livia settled down on my bed, close enough for their skin to brush up against mine. Luxion and Cleare had disappeared off somewhere. The two of them really were no help.

“I didn’t get a chance to thank you before,” Angie said.

“That’s right,” Livia added, “so much has happened since I first met you at the academy. You saved me so many times.”

Yeah, it was rough. Namely thanks to my sister and those five lovesick idiots. “Well, I had Luxion by my side. It wasn’t like I did it all alone.”

“You’re wrong about that,” said Angie. “Luxion only helped us because of you. Leon, you need to have more confidence in yourself. You’re going to be my husband someday.”

Hearing her say that almost made me blush. I still wasn’t used to hearing the word husband. I’d never married in my previous life.

“Leon, please come back to us safely,” said Livia. “We’ll be waiting here for you.”

I wrapped my arms around them both, and we talked late into the night.

It was absolute torture.

 

***

 

The day of my departure, a crowd of people gathered to see me off on an island floating above the royal capital. Daniel and Raymond couldn’t hide their grins.

“It’s too bad you have to leave. Especially since the girls were sending you so many invitations.”

“Who knew we’d end up on the receiving end after all this time.”

Their delighted faces really pissed me off. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to return to school and enjoy our new, more favorable circumstances. I’d really been looking forward to it.

“You’ll both pay for this when I get back,” I said.

“Now you’re showing your true colors.”

“Honestly, it’s comforting to see you act like normal. I was afraid you’d say something like, ‘I’m an earl now! Bow before me!’ or something.”

You guys really have me pegged all wrong, don’t you? I’m appalled. Especially because I’m such an upstanding and kind young man.

Two girls approached us. One of them was Clarice, and the other was Deirdre, who had just graduated from the academy.

“Congrats on your engagement,” said Clarice with a smile.

Deirdre shook her head, frowning. “Yes, I suppose congratulations are in order. It really is a shame, though.”

I had no idea what was going through their heads, but their followers glowered at me. Were they angry with me for getting engaged? I sure was popular in my second life. I doubted I’d ever be lucky enough to receive this much attention again.

“If you ever get tired of Redgrave House, you’re welcome to rely on Atlee House at any time,” said Clarice.

What’s she insinuating?

“Oh?” Deirdre crossed her arms. “Well, Roseblade House would be happy to welcome you right now. In fact, why not simply take me with you? We could elope.”

Hey, hey! If I did something like that, I’d be in an even worse boat than Prince Julius and the jerk squad.

The earnest gleam in Deirdre’s eyes surely had to be my imagination…right?

“Y-you two sure tell some funny jokes! Really funny!” I tried to play it off with a laugh, but neither of them smiled.

Sensing the awkwardness, Daniel and Raymond both stepped away, whispering.

“Leon sure is popular.”

“You got that right. I can’t say I envy him, though.”

Thankfully, a savior appeared at that exact moment—my master. He looked so majestic. It was almost blinding.

“Master!”

“Mister Leon, I came to see you off.”

“Thank you!”

Master was actually taking over as the headmaster of the academy starting this year. The institution was making sweeping changes, and they needed an appropriate figurehead at the top. Naturally, they appointed the perfect gentleman.

“It will be a good experience for you, going to see the rest of the world. Make sure you learn a lot while you’re there.”

In all honesty, I was only going there to spy on someone else’s love life, but I could hardly tell him that. “I will continue studying tea while I’m away,” I said.

“Glad to hear it. I also hope you’ll continue to grow as a gentleman—no, as a person. I look forward to seeing how you mature.”

Master, I’ll aim to become as gentlemanly as you!

Luxion interrupted, “Master, it’s time for us to depart.”

“Yeah, I guess we should get going.”

I boarded the Einhorn, never bothering to look back at those gathered to see me off. And it was definitely not because Clarice and Deirdre scared the crap out of me. It was because I was on the verge of tears. Honestly, I swear.

 

***

 

Cleare had remained at the academy with Livia and Angie. “Are you sure you made the right decision by not going to see him off?”

Angie sipped her tea. “If we broke down in tears in front of other people, it would only trouble him more.”

“Plus, we already said our farewells,” added Livia.

“How dedicated,” Cleare teased. “Master sure found himself two amazing fiancées.”

Angie lowered her cup and glanced out the window. The distinct form of the Einhorn loomed in the distance as it departed from the harbor. “There’s one other reason,” she said. “The two of us have something else to do.”

Livia nodded.

“You have something planned?” Cleare asked.

“I want to be of use to him. I plan to study hard, so he can rely on me in the future if he needs,” said Livia.

“Indeed,” said Angie. “He never showed any interest in foreign countries before and even said he didn’t want to go. Yet out of nowhere, he suddenly decided to study abroad. There has to be a reason for it, right?”

Unable to tell them the truth, Cleare kept her answer vague. “I’m sure he has his reasons.”

“I get the feeling he’s hiding something from us, and the only reason he won’t share is because he doesn’t think he can depend on us. In that case, we need to become people he can rely on,” said Angie.

“Hm…I applaud your enthusiasm, but I don’t think you need to get yourselves worked up over it,” said Cleare.

Livia smiled at her. “We know. But we want to be the ones to help him out next time. And in order to do that, we have a lot of studying to do. We want to give him a good surprise when he comes back from the republic.”

Cleare’s eye turned to the books on the table. Livia had a tome about magic in front of her, while Angie had one open about regional management. “It would depend on the circumstances, but if you want to pass along a message, just let me know. I can send it along through that sourpuss, Luxion.”

Angie’s face lit up. “Really? Then if an opportunity comes up to message him, we’ll be sure to let you know.”

Livia turned to gaze out the window. “I wonder what Leon is up to right now.”

 

***

 

Once I got to my private room on the Einhorn, I plopped down on my bed. “Dammit! My departure went smooth and all, but I really don’t wanna go overseaaaas!” I whined and flailed like a child.

I’d never had much interest in foreign countries to begin with, yet to my chagrin, I was sailing off to study in one.

“You really don’t know when to let things go,” said Luxion.

“At least let me complain about it. Why do I have to go overseas and watch over someone else’s love life, huh?!” If this new protagonist didn’t succeed in making one of her love interests fall for her, we were all doomed. Why was this world so ridiculously absurd?

“Yes, well, circumstances aside, why don’t you come over here?” Luxion hovered close to a large box. In fact, its size was so out of the ordinary that it even looked suspicious.

“What is that?”

“Something the palace sent.”

I stroked my chin. “They did say they’d give me a souvenir to take along to the republic.”

“Only you would call tribute between countries a ‘souvenir.’ But I digress, this package is addressed directly to you, Master.”

I folded the flaps back to find Marie sitting inside, her legs pulled up to her chest.

It was like a scene straight out of a horror film. I promptly folded the box shut again.

Marie immediately burst right out of it. “Why are you closing me back in?!”

“Because that was so terrifying I was sweating bullets!” Why is she here?! I stared at Luxion. If his lack of surprise was any indication, he’d known about this beforehand.

“It’s best you hear it from Marie,” he said.

I turned back to her.

She pressed her two index fingers together, fidgeting. “Th-the truth is…all the money you sent is gone.”

“Gone?”

“It wasn’t me! I wasn’t the one who used it! It was those five stupidheads.”

 

***

 

The floating island Leon had donated to the kingdom had been relocated to hover over one of the regions the kingdom controlled. The plan was for Marie and her five lovers to live there from this spring onward. But out of nowhere, a slight problem had sprung up.

“What is this?” Marie gasped.

In front of the mansion Leon had built was a towering object covered by a large sheet.

Julius grinned and promptly removed the fabric. “We had this installed for you. I thought you’d be pleased with it.”

It was a statue of Marie looking like some kind of goddess.

Wh-what the heck is this thing?! No, seriously, what?!

Jilk gazed up at it reverently. “We had a young but skilled craftsman make it for us.”

Brad nodded, clearly pleased with how it had turned out. “He kept trying to add more volume to the chest. We had trouble getting him to adjust it to the proper size.”

Examining it closely, she realized it was about as flat as she was. Oh, come on! I have a bigger chest than that! Are you sure you didn’t have him shave off too much? No, wait. That’s not the point. There’s a more pressing question here.

“S-so just how did you guys manage to afford this?”

Greg gave her a thumbs-up. “We tried pooling our money together, but we were still a bit short. This is a skilled craftsman we’re talkin’ about here. So we sold a bunch of stuff on the island to cover the rest.”

In other words, they had pawned off all the precious farm equipment and extra food provisions Leon had sent. They figured if they were left wanting for anything, they could just ask their families to send over whatever they needed.

No way. Is that why they came to the island before I did? You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Marie had prostrated herself in front of Leon to get that money, and these five had used it all up without even bothering to ask about where it had come from or what it was for.

Unashamed, Chris said, “Since our families are giving us money every month, this was a cheap investment.”

The five of them proceeded to gush about how they were eventually going to have a water fountain installed in the statue. They clearly thought the money had come from their respective houses.

“Your families aren’t sending us any money!” Marie blurted.

They tilted their heads at her.

Kyle shook his head, disgusted. “You would have to be delusional to think they would send you anything after how much you pissed them off. The money you used was meant to last the rest of our lives, to cover our daily expenses.”

Carla, who’d been carrying Marie’s luggage, gaped in disbelief. “Y-you used that money? All of it?! That was an enormous fortune!”

Julius furrowed his brows, puzzled. “Was it really? Well, we can just contact the palace and request extra for our budget.”

Their view of life was too far removed from Marie’s. The whole world seemed to darken before her. Now that they don’t have money anymore, they’re just parasites! She cradled her head in her hands and collapsed to her knees. She was too steeped in despair to worry about getting her skirt dirty. Th-this can’t be happening. After begging and bargaining, I finally got us enough money to cover our expenses and provisions to keep us fed!

Leon had sent her other goods and resources as well, stuff for her to sell periodically when merchant ships came in. The equipment here was supposed to help them plant and harvest so they could sell crops and bring in extra money. Marie had figured it would take more than a year to make enough off the land for them to live off of, which was why she’d sought Leon’s help to start them off.

“If it were as easy as contacting the palace, I wouldn’t be in this mess to begin wiiiith!” Marie bawled.

Kyle and Carla rushed to her side, trying to comfort her.

 

***

 

Marie paled, staring down at the ground. “I didn’t even do anything wrong, but the queen lectured me over it anyway.”

“That is rough. Even I feel for you.”

Apparently when she’d heard they wouldn’t be able to make it on their own, Queen Mylene summoned Marie to the palace to give her an earful. Of course, I hadn’t honestly expected those boys to learn the value of money in such a short span of time. They’d been spoiled rich kids from birth. Getting them to suddenly scrimp and save was an impossible ask when they were used to swimming in wealth.

“She said it was a mistake to throw us out on our own like that, so she told us to go study abroad. I figured you were going as well, so it couldn’t hurt.”

So she was coming along with me to the republic? Hold up. That means I have to look out for her? And those five walking disasters?!

“What? Where are the others?” I asked.

“In the storeroom. Oh, and this…” She handed me a couple of letters.

The first one I ripped open was from Roland:

 

Make sure you deal with these troublemakers.

 

I crumpled it in my fists. The next one I opened carefully since it was addressed to me from Queen Mylene:

 

Please take care of Julius and the others. Also, to tell the truth…

 

There were apparently those in power who couldn’t let what Marie and the others had done slide. The palace wanted to send them abroad temporarily for their own safety. According to the queen, they were so busy trying to rebuild, they didn’t have time to waste looking after Prince Julius and his friends.

You know what? Screw it. I don’t need to bother calling him a prince anymore. Julius is good enough. He was already removed from the line of the succession.

Actually, maybe studying abroad wasn’t such a bad idea. If I’d stayed behind, I might have gotten wrapped up in everything the palace was trying to take care of, whether I wanted to or not.

In her letter, Queen Mylene also expressed concern for my well-being. It almost brought me to tears. I wasn’t going to let that bastard Roland get away with the crap he’d pulled, but I did hope Her Majesty would find happiness.

“Hm? There’s one more. Who’s this from?”

“Hertrude,” said Marie.

 

***

 

I stepped out onto the deck to read Hertrude’s letter. It started off with a simple greeting. I thought she might say something about resenting me for killing the Black Knight, but she didn’t even mention him. What she said instead was:

 

Maybe if I had brought you over to my side, things could have ended differently.

 

A painful life now lay ahead of her. The only reason the palace had left her alive was because it was more convenient to have Fanoss House rule over the region that had been newly reincorporated into the kingdom. Instead of executing her and appointing someone else, it would be easier to marry her off to someone like Julius and have her bear his heir. There was also less likelihood of her retainers rebelling if the kingdom took that route.

I keep thinking about what that elder from the elf village said to me. I’m sure I must have made the wrong decision, she wrote.

Everyone, Hertrude included, seemed to expect too much of me. I was only an average man who happened to get my hands on Luxion. Even then, I hadn’t mastered using him.

I turned to Luxion as he floated beside me, and asked, “Do you ever think you’d rather serve a more talented master than me?”

“Talented or not, I despise the new humans and their descendants. Skill is not something I expect from you.”

“You really are a jerk.” I plopped down onto the deck and slipped Hertrude’s letter in my pocket. “So…a foreign country, huh? I wonder what it’ll be like.”

I wasn’t too excited about whatever lay in store in the Alzer Republic. This was the sequel to that stupid otome game, after all.

Give me a freakin’ break…