After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 43

Chapter 43: Ayaka’s Report

“As a conclusion, Lutz suspects that the branch family, the one that was supposed to be banned, might be involved in the killing of Susanna’s family.”

“Yeah, there’s still no evidence, though.”

Today, Beatrice is not in her usual ceramic doll mode. Flames of anger burn in her emerald-colored eyes, and her sakura-colored lower lip is tightly pressed, turning pale. Susanna is indeed a special person.

“True, Altner Trading Company is one of the top merchants. They might take some risks if they could take it over.”

“But investigating like a bunch of fake bandits? That’s not something I can do.”

“There are specialists for that kind of thing. Especially someone Beatrice loves.”

“…Ayaka, huh?”

Certainly, if they belong to the ‘Dark Clan,’ they might have access to information on shady undercover operations. However, it feels questionable to put Ayaka’s family in danger for personal reasons.

“Lutz doesn’t seem enthusiastic. Then I’ll request the ‘Dark Clan.'”

“No, wait, let me do it.”

If it becomes a royal request, it might become a bigger issue. This is still my imagination. I hastily stopped Beatrice.

—

On the evening of the next day, it’s the anticipated secret meeting day with Ayaka. When I eagerly head to the usual inn, she’s already there, preparing tea and waiting for me.

Ayaka’s brewed tea is a green tea commonly found in the Eastern country. As someone of Japanese origin, I find it quite soothing, but… it doesn’t go well with the sweets in this country. Just when I was thinking that, an unexpected tea snack appeared.

“Is this… yokan?”

“Do you know yokan? I believe it’s a unique sweet from the Eastern country we came from…”

Oh no, it would be strange if I knew about Japanese sweets. I’ll have to talk about being from another world to those who will become my wives eventually, but now is not the time.

“Well, you see… I read about it in a book.”

“Is that so? Lutz-sama is knowledgeable.”

Ayaka, always valuing the virtue of praising men, didn’t press me any further, but it’s clear she senses something odd about my behavior. Well, I have to be careful with my words and actions from now on.

While avoiding eye contact with the inquisitive Ayaka, I tried the yokan, and it tasted somewhat nostalgic. Since coming to this world, I’ve eaten plenty of jelly sweets, but red bean paste and agar are undoubtedly the best combination.

“…Sometimes, Lutz-sama appears to resemble people from the Eastern country like us. Despite having the appearance of someone from the Western country.”

“Is that so? It might be related to some distant ancestor.”

See, I knew I was being suspected. I’ll have to tell Beatrice and Ayaka sooner rather than later; otherwise, it won’t be good. Trying to change the subject, I brought up the suspicions about the Altner Trading Company.

“In my opinion, it’s almost as Lutz-sama imagined.”

“Is that so?”

“There are several groups that might do such things. Let me have the family members investigate.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? I don’t want you to cross a perilous bridge.”

To my somewhat hesitant words, Ayaka gave me a very reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. Lutz-sama is already standing right in the middle of a dangerous bridge. Considering that my dear husband, who gave hope to our declining clan, is in danger, there is no choice but to take action.”

“Huh? Am I the one in danger?”

“Understood, Lutz-sama. Enemies who wouldn’t want Susanna-sama to bear a child… would either kill Susanna-sama or get rid of Lutz-sama, the ‘Stallion.’ There’s no reason not to move in either direction.”

Come to think of it, that’s true. They are a group pretending to be bandits, and for the purpose of taking over the trading company, they wouldn’t hesitate to use any means.

Thinking about it, I was quite careless. Even coming to this inn, I only brought one butler with me… If we were attacked on the way here, it would have been a big problem. Feeling a chill down my spine, Ayaka, seeing my expression, smiled proudly.

“Don’t worry. Three of our men have been with you since last night. We received urgent orders from the royal palace. Princess Beatrice ordered, ‘Protect Lutz with all our might.’ We have been aware of the situation since then. Of course, Altner Trading Company is already under the surveillance of our clan.”

I see, so Beatrice took immediate action… While my peace-loving Japanese mindset initially stopped me, she keenly sensed the seriousness of the situation I got involved in and decided to mobilize the Dark Clan. Beatrice’s judgment is indeed accurate; it seems my indebtedness to her is growing once again.

“We must fulfill the request from the grateful royal family, and…”

Fixing her captivating black eyes directly on me, Ayaka places her left hand on her stomach.

“To ensure this child doesn’t become a ‘fatherless child,’ we will bury those individuals in the darkness.”

“T-that means…?”

“Yes, we’re expecting our second child.”

In the dim light of the lamp, her cheeks were tinged with a deep red.