After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 34

Chapter 34: Dark Clan

“In truth, the head of the Dark Clan insisted, and we have various confidential tasks entrusted to those individuals. We can’t afford to be disrespectful since we’ve requested them to do things that can’t be shared with others.”

Come to think of it, that clan head was muttering something like “one or two more.” They must have asked for my “seed” as compensation for a dangerous job. But if that’s the case, why make me a concubine? It just makes the dark tasks more difficult.

“The clan head said so. This girl has a man she deeply cares about, and if possible, she wants to be with him. I never expected her to come seeking to be the princess’s husband. I carelessly said ‘allow it,’ and it’s my regrettable, regrettable mistake.”

Queen Beatrice was lightly patting the back of her head in a pose that seemed like she might say, “Teehee.” I wish she wouldn’t just dismiss it as a careless mistake.

“Of course, I heard Beatrice’s opinion. Regarding the person to be with Lutz, all authority has been given to her. But my daughter immediately responded, ‘It’s a good story; you should proceed.’ The main wife has approved it. Shouldn’t you be thankful?”

Light! Usually, the solemn and dignified queen seems unexpectedly light now. Well, maybe this is her natural self. No, more importantly…

“Hey, Beatrice, why Ayaka-san?”

This is something I have to ask. Why recommend a concubine to a man who just got engaged? In the common sense of the Showa era, I can’t understand it.

“The chief said so. This girl has a man she deeply cares about, and as long as she is with Lutz, she won’t be an enemy to me or my mother. Controlling the Dark Clan firmly, she is also a top-notch dark mage… There are only benefits to making her a concubine.”

Beatrice’s answer is extremely practical, and there’s not a trace of romance. But why does it sound like she understands Ayaka-san’s heart? Seeing my expression, she raises the corners of her mouth slightly.

“I have a special ability that appears in the royal bloodline.”

No, that’s way too insufficient an explanation; I don’t get it at all. When I was about to protest, the queen put in a follow-up.

“Beatrice has the ‘Spirit Sight.’ She can instantly tell whether someone has enmity or goodwill towards herself or her close relatives just by looking at them.”

S-So that’s it. Does that mean she can tell if I’m thinking something lewd?

“I can tell. However, even without using the ‘Spirit Sight,’ your perverted thoughts are written all over your face.”

Uh, I heard a terribly trivial answer.

“My magic is of the wood attribute and not suitable for wars between countries. But my mother supports me as the next queen. That’s because of these eyes.”

Well, that makes sense. It’s a coveted ability for a royal, never to be deceived in diplomatic matters.

But Beatrice has been feeling the malice directed at her since she was a child, quite openly due to her ability. It must have been tough for her. If she became like a doll to protect her own mind from the bare hostility, I can understand. Thinking that, a strong desire to protect her heart swells up within me. Well, if I think calmly, I’m the one who needs protection. Rather than being protected, I should aim to be her sanctuary when her heart is tired.

“Lutz hasn’t heard the story; dissatisfaction,” Beat’s flat protest brings me back to my senses. No, no, it’s Ayaka-san’s story for now.

“This person’s feelings are single-minded, and the ‘Spirit Sight’ says she won’t betray. So, I want to fulfill Ayaka’s wish. If we do that, the Dark Clan will dedicate everything to the royal family.”

In the end, it’s all about practical benefits. But I’m happy that Ayaka-san thinks so much of me.

“Mother and I recommend Ayaka. But making a marital bond and creating children will be Lutz’s decision. Decide based on your feelings, Lutz… What will you do?”

Huh, do I have to decide right away?

Looking at Ayaka-san, her slightly darker cheeks flushed, she continues to look straight at me, appealing for something. With her feelings directed at me so strongly, there’s no choice but to accept, right?

However, there might be girls who would be hurt by accepting this. If you turn your gaze that way, the strawberry-blond hair seems to stand up as if charged with static electricity. If it wasn’t tied up, it would have puffed up like a Gorgon. Sharp eyes that seem to pierce through anyone emanate from her gray eyes… Hey, Gretel, stop the outburst here.

Gretel, who had been glaring at me with eyes that seemed ready to pounce, slowly closed her eyelids. After counting to a hundred slowly in my heart, they opened again… In those eyes that reappeared, there was a soft light. After returning a thankful nod to her with a smile that seemed resigned, I turned to Ayaka.

“Ayaka-san, you could surely capture a more mature and accomplished stallion. Why me?”

“It might be hard for everyone in Belzenbruck to understand, but in the eastern land where our clan originally lived, it has been considered fortunate to have only one lifelong partner. I also want to aim for such happiness… I want to have only Lord Lutz as the one touching my body.”

Like the ethical views of a traditional samurai daughter from ancient times. However, as someone with Japanese roots, Ayaka’s words felt somehow comfortable and soaked into my heart. I took a deep breath and knelt before Ayaka.

“Ayaka-san, I’m happy to hear you say that… Do you have any regrets?”

“Absolutely not.”

Thus, in just one week, my fiancées increased to three.