After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 33
Chapter 33: Unexpectedly, a Third?
“I believe it would be acceptable. The two pillars of the kingdom, the ‘Hero’ and the ‘Reincarnation,’ both deeply connected through Lutz-sama to the royal family… It would greatly contribute to the tranquility of Belzenbruck. And if Lutz-sama strongly desires marriage with her, I will not object.”
“Beatrice. This is not an official audience, and the officials are not present, so speak your true feelings.”
As commanded by the king, Beatrice’s cheeks, like a porcelain doll, blushed slightly. She gracefully stood up and changed her tone to a more curt one.
“What my mother said is correct. It’s surprising to have a concubine even before announcing the engagement.”
“I apologize, Princess Beatrice. But…”
“It’s fine. Lutz is sincere, so if his feelings are genuine, I won’t refuse. But he’s too serious in every aspect, and I’m afraid he might end up with a hundred concubines if left unchecked.”
No, there’s no way it would be a hundred. I don’t have plans for such a luxurious harem… probably. Without paying attention to my flustered state, Beatrice, while still kneeling, stood in front of Gretel.
“Gretel.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Your Highness?”
“… I apologize. Princess Beatrice.”
“Yeah. Gretel, you’re a little thief. You tempted and captivated the man I engaged to within a few days.”
Beatrice’s icy gaze pierced through Gretel. The childhood friend bowed even more deeply.
“It’s as you say. I couldn’t give up. I’ll accept any reproach, please grant me the permission to be with Lutz.”
As she begged for mercy like a criminal, I tried to stand up, but at that moment…
“It’s okay, Gretel. Actually, I’m the little thief here.”
“Eh?” “Huh?”
Both Gretel and I unintentionally raised our voices in surprise. Ignoring us, Beatrice continued speaking.
“You mentioned having someone you like. You tried hard to create a fake facade to keep it a secret, but Gretel’s lie was shallow. A little investigation would reveal that your partner is Lutz. Knowing that and still engaging with him, I’m the real little thief.”
“But the engagement was the king’s command, and you couldn’t refuse, right?”
“My mother wouldn’t force me if I refused. Knowing that, I still didn’t reject my mother’s order. It’s because I myself wished to have a special relationship with Lutz.”
Speaking unexpected words, Beatrice’s fair cheeks were now dyed in a cherry blossom color. This means… she’s aware of me and reacting in such an adorable way. Dangerous. The gap between this constant doll-like state and her cute reactions is piercing through my heart.
“So, I accept Gretel. I’ll share Lutz’s feelings fairly between us.”
“Princess Beatrice…”
“As wives of Lutz, let’s get along from now on.”
“Yes! Let’s support Lutz together!”
Excited by the unexpected approval of a concubine, Gretel energetically expressed her determination. In response, Beatrice slightly furrowed her beautiful eyebrows.
“No, not ‘together.'”
“Huh?” “Eh?”
Once again, we both voiced our confusion.
“The other concubine has already been decided by me and my mother. It might be an after-the-fact approval for Lutz, but he should be pleased.”
I can only tilt my head in confusion to Beatrice’s confident statement. And as I glance to the side, Gretel is glaring at me with sharp eyes.
“When did you get involved with another woman…”
“No, really, I don’t know anything. It’s the truth.”
This is truly an unjust accusation. I have no memories of promising a future with any woman other than Beatrice and Gretel. Unless… “The pre-possession Lutz” shared his future with someone? If that’s the case, it’s dangerously bad. I direct a pleading gaze at Beatrice, and for some reason, she mischievously lifts the corner of her mouth.
“I know what Lutz is thinking. Don’t worry. Even if we investigate through the power of the Dark Clan, there is no shadow of a woman before his fall. So relax.”
The fact that even such things can be investigated through the power of the Dark Clan is scary. But if that’s the case, it’s even more certain that I have no clue.
“It’s faster to show you. I brought her with me.”
Following Beatrice’s voice, a delicate woman, adorned in attire reminiscent of the Orient, silently approached from the corner of the room. Kneeling beside us and Queen Beatrice, she elegantly sat in seiza on the carpeted floor, placing three fingers on the ground.
“This person is it. Surely, Lutz will find her to his liking. Please lift your face.”
As Beatrice commanded, the woman quietly raised her face. Her wet-looking, lustrous black hair flowed gently, and her deep, black eyes gazed at me. A well-defined jawline, cute facial features, and slightly pale cherry-colored lips… Indeed, I know this woman well, and truth be told, I quite like her. With a gaze filled with strong determination, she continued to focus on me.
“Ayaka-san, why?”
Standing there was Ayaka-san, the partner for the “Baptism” and the future head of the Dark Clan.