The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 44

Chapter 44: To the Holy Land

“Why did this happen!?”

Five people were lying on a spacious bed, but even so, they were struggling. The cause of this discomfort was undoubtedly the strong liquor passed from Ruskdite’s mouth, but even then, the rapid onset of intoxication was highly unusual.

“What exactly happened?”

As they held their heads in their hands, Ruskdite, yawning, sat up. His figure, bathed in the morning sun, was picturesque, but the situation wasn’t conducive to admiration.

“Ruskdite, what did you do to me?”

“Are you referring to last night? Since you were about to fall asleep so quickly, I thought I’d spice things up with some alcohol. As the flame of desire, it’s no big deal for me.”

“No, what were you thinking!? It’s one thing with just Aria, but these two… It’s a big problem!”

Becoming intimately involved with the current Emperor and the Court Mage in one night was no laughing matter. If it were to be discovered, the perpetrator would go down in history as the one who defiled three members of the imperial family, or worse, their existence might be erased to conceal the truth.

“Enough of your noise. I simply indulged my desires after waiting patiently for four days. What’s wrong with seeking the satisfaction I’m owed?”

“It’s not that simple…”

“Considering the circumstances we were in, you kept me waiting for four days. Is it wrong for me to demand what I’m owed?”

Unapologetically, Ruskdite spoke. I held my head in my hands once more. If things were going to end up like this, maybe I should have spent some time with Aria the day before. But doing it in the presence of others, with no guarantee of privacy, was out of the question.

“Mmm…”

“Muu…”

“Fuwa… ”

As I hesitated, Aria and the others, who had been sleeping, woke up and locked eyes with me. Then the three of them exchanged glances.

“…Should we just say good morning for now?”

Victoria attempted to create a dignified atmosphere, but her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.

“Well, as I mentioned yesterday, there are no issues from a formal standpoint.”

Victoria, who had cleansed herself in the shower provided in the private room, opened the discussion.

“However, if it were to be known that three members of the imperial family had intimate relations with the same man in such a short time, it is inevitable that there would be those who harbor resentment or jealousy. I would prefer to avoid that for now.”

Victoria’s words made sense. Even if they were to marry off just one member of the royal family, it would still raise certain concerns. But if it were all three, it would be seen as outrageous.

“Therefore, I have decided to keep this matter hidden for now. Whether or not to make it public will be your decision once you’ve taken Serena and resolved all the issues.”

“Thank you…”

“No need to thank me. Despite the circumstances, it was my choice to be intimate with you.”

“Hahaha… Talking about it and actually doing it are quite different. I understand now how tough it must have been for Aria.”

“Right, sis?”

In a situation that would normally result in disgrace and execution, they wondered if this was the reality they found themselves in. However, the vivid memories of the four people’s disheveled states quickly extinguished any thoughts of escape.

“So, Berg, when do you intend to head to the Holy Land?”

“I originally planned to go straight there if I could.”

“I see. In that case, take this.”

Victoria handed over a tube containing a letter and a short sword with a crimson theme. The short sword had a gold-embellished lion ornament.

“This is your appointment letter as the ‘Black Storm Knight’ and a short sword infused with my and Justireon’s magic. It serves as proof of your identity and is impossible to counterfeit. You can use it as such.”

“Thank you.”

“Is there anything else you need? If you require a horse, we can arrange that as well.”

“I’m fine with that. I’ve already made arrangements.”

As I explained about my arrangements, Victoria nodded approvingly, Philia’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and Aria shrugged her shoulders as if she were no longer surprised.

“Aria, are you ready?”

“Yeah, all set.”

When I asked, Aria, dressed for the journey, replied. At the rear gate of the imperial castle, where we had been dismissed, I focused my consciousness while holding the Chaos Crusader in sword form.

“Come, Gharma.”

In response to my command, darkness gushed forth from the Chaos Crusader. It quickly took shape, transforming into a giant warhorse clad in jet-black armor.

“Amazing, amazing, amazing! It’s not just equipment; it’s a living being too… No, maybe the horse is considered equipment as well? Or is it classified differently because it can be summoned separately?”

Philia, who had come to see us off, was writing something on paper at an incredible speed. Her demeanor was more reminiscent of an obsessed craftsman than an imperial princess.

“Aria, our enemies are an unknown presence… I believe you’ll be fine, but don’t push yourself.”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Goodbye, Victoria.”

Aria mounted Gharma, and with the reins in hand, she urged him forward, and he let out a neigh before galloping away.

“Is it okay not to tell Philia anything?”

“Hahaha, well, once she turns into that state, she won’t hear anything… Or rather, is Aria okay with it? For me to do such things with Aria’s sisters…”

“Well, it’s not that I don’t have some concerns, but it’s a fact that I can’t satisfy you on my own. Aria’s sisters helped us, and besides, Berg wouldn’t treat me poorly no matter how many people he’s with, right?”

“Of course not.”

“Then it’s fine. But remember, if you ever mistreat me, I won’t forgive you, okay?”

“Consider it engraved in my heart.”

For my own sake and Aria’s, I would cherish her. As we galloped towards the Holy Land, I made that vow from the depths of my heart.