After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 31
Chapter 31: Childhood Friends Confession
“I heard about Lutz’s ‘Baptism’ results. It seems they haven’t been officially released yet, but I know it’s a class that would be called the ‘Seed of God’ once everyone finds out. I didn’t notice it was so close to me, but Lutz was an amazing person.”
Well, it seems so. But the greatness isn’t due to my efforts, so it feels weird. Being born in the Showa era, I tend to value things I earned through effort more than those bestowed by heaven.
“I can understand why the royal family would want to keep such a person close. Besides, if they don’t, Lutz’s safety might be at risk.”
So, my position is really that dangerous. Well, even if I have strange abilities, my combat capabilities are nothing compared to those of a woman. If it became known that I have the rare value of being a ‘Seed’ in such a state, I can easily imagine a future where I’m abducted and exploited.
“That’s why marriage to Princess Beatrice is the best for the country, for Lutz, and for the Freudenstadt family. It’s an honor for the Freudenstadt family to provide a royal consort. So, congratulations.”
It’s kind of anti-climactic. The Gretel I know wasn’t supposed to be such a sensible person. Surely something is going to happen later.
“I always thought that I would always be with Lutz. Since we were so small, whether we were playing or having tea, Lutz was always by my side… it became a matter of course. Without making much effort, Lutz would be by my side, I thought. If I could persuade my mom, surely the kind Lutz would come to be the son-in-law of the Hanover Marquisate.”
Hey Gretel, are you saying something really scary now? Have you been nurturing this future in your heart that I had decided didn’t exist?
“But now, it’s impossible. Even if I said I’d welcome you to the Marquisate, you can’t compare to Princess Beatrice’s spouse. And Princess Beatrice, though blunt, is very honest and good… I can’t compete with her, who I respect. So, congratulations, Lutz.”
That’s right, Princess Beatrice is two years older… Gretel is close in age among the high-ranking noble daughters, and her bravery and magic are already well-known. Even if they were friendly, it wouldn’t be strange. It’s interesting in this world, where, once the engagement with someone else’s cherished “big sister” is suddenly announced, the scenario becomes dramatic… only if that “man” isn’t me.
“So, Lutz, as the future royal consort, you have to study hard to be worthy. You have the responsibility to protect the people’s lives with Princess Beatrice, to prosper the country. Well, the extermination of external enemies will be handled by me and Sister Lise.”
That’s the interesting part of this world. The role of the royal consort is to assist the queen in domestic affairs and ceremonies, and once a battle breaks out, it’s left to the strong women. Well, I guess they’ll handle things like supplies and logistics. Ignoring the trivial things floating in my head, Gretel’s monologue continues.
“And Lutz has the most important role. It is to have a child with suitable magical power, fitting for someone who governs Belsenbrück, between you and Princess Beatrice.”
Well, that makes sense. Even though it was rationalized as protecting me or preventing children from rebellious aristocratic families, they probably wanted to put restrictions on my choice of a partner for siring a child with excellent magical power for the royal family. And before I knew it, Gretel is calling the princess “Big Sister Beatrice,” probably because she’s one of the few close friends.
“The royal family at the time of the founding of the country was an exceptional group of magicians. However, over the long rule, the power of the royal family has declined. Now, the magical power possessed by the royal family is usually Class A or B, with only Queen Her Majesty and Princess Beatrice holding Class S… quite a chilly situation.”
If it’s Class S, there are several among the high-ranking nobles, including Gretel. And the only Class SS in the country is not in the royal family but is referred to as a “hero,” which is my mom. Mom loves Queen Her Majesty, so that’s still okay. However, in a world where magic excels in everything, it’s a very bad situation for the power of the royal family to be inferior to the nobles. Even I, who only roughly understands the world rules here, can grasp that.
“Lutz has a heavy responsibility to fulfill. As the heir to the high-ranking noble supporting Belsenbrück, I also understand that well. I know, I know… but I can’t give up on my own dream.”
Hey, your dream… don’t tell me it’s a small future plan like making me your husband? But isn’t it impossible for me to marry a princess? Or is she going to say something dangerous like rebelling against the royal family to snatch her fiancé? I’m scared because with her personality, she might actually do it. Feeling a bit nervous, when I look back at her eyes, transparent droplets overflow without stopping. Perhaps she noticed my anxiety, Gretel, without wiping away those tears, raised the corners of her mouth and made a smiling face.
What on earth is she going to say next, and how scary will it be?