The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 24

Episode 24

“I don’t know about being ‘famous.’ But I’m Ryō, an adventurer, at least.”

“……”

He stared at me intensely.

W-What…?

As far as I know, I haven’t caused any trouble as an adventurer.

Getting glared at by a guy doesn’t excite me sexually or anything. It’s just scary.

I couldn’t think of a single reason I’d be glared at like this. While I met his gaze, he suddenly bowed his head deeply.

“Ryō, thank you—truly. Lately, there’s been an abnormal number of monster appearances. I kept hearing from adventurers that you helped them… I’ve wanted to thank you in person for a while now.”

When he raised his face again, the guild leader still wore a stern expression.

…No, wait. That’s just his default look.

This man’s naturally scary face just looks like he’s always glaring.

…Man, I wish he’d smile a little more.

“There’ve been times I helped out for a reward too. That’s just how adventurers work—no need to worry about it.”

“…Hearing you say that helps. …By the way, Ryō, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

Another request, maybe? Either way, if it’s something that might raise my fame as an adventurer, I’m willing to accept it.

“…Would you become a guild-affiliated adventurer?”

“A guild-affiliated adventurer, huh…”

A guild-affiliated adventurer.

Basically, it means fixing your base of operations in this town and working under the guild. Unlike regular adventurers, you get a steady salary. But in return, you have to take on leftover requests the guild hasn’t been able to fill.

Also, you’re expected to act during emergencies—like I did this time.

Indeed, with my abilities, the role fits well.

Plus, since you’re officially employed by the guild, your wage from the exclusive contract is guaranteed.

Ordinary adventurers earn inconsistently. So many aim for this position.

That said… it doesn’t suit *me*.

I don’t just live as Ryō—I also live as Reis.

With that in mind, I can’t always respond to sudden guild requests.

Above all, guild-affiliated adventurers often get stuck with the kinds of low-reward jobs no one else wants.

…So yeah, for a lot of reasons, this would be inconvenient for me.

The adventurers around me seemed to look on with envy.

Well, it makes sense—adventuring is unstable work. So a steady position is desirable.

“Guild-affiliated, huh. It’s a generous offer, but… would it be alright if I declined?”

As I turned it down, surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Even the guild leader widened his eyes.

“…Why’s that?”

“I’m an adventurer. I aim to become the strongest. If I became a guild-affiliated adventurer, I’d lose the freedom to act—and that would only get in the way of my path to strength.”

“…I see. So it’s not about stability, then. It’s unfortunate… but I understand. I’ll support your dream—as an individual.”

The guild leader gave a slight shiver. And then unexpectedly, he let out a small smile.

“That helps.”

“…Then what about invitations from clans? There are still several well-known ones hoping to recruit you.”

…Clans, huh.

They existed in the game too—organizations kind of like companies formed by adventurers.

Joining one has its benefits. But again, juggling both Ryō and Reis makes it hard to commit.

“I’ll pass on that as well. I prefer to work freely.”

“I see… then I’ll decline them for you.”

“Yeah. If I ever want to join, I’ll let you know.”

Looks like I won’t be scolded or anything for saying no.

I was a bit worried that turning him down might make him angry. But there doesn’t seem to be a problem.

With that, our conversation ended.

Even just being able to speak with the guild leader was good enough for me.

“Inaesia, is it okay if we don’t take a request today and head to a dungeon instead?”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

Since this request was settled, we left the guild.

…Time had passed quickly through all this.

We didn’t have much of the day left. So we might as well go dungeon diving and hunt some monsters for XP.

“Sorry for dragging you into all this.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

“No, I mean, I forced you to go along with my plans… Anyway, thanks for helping. You really saved me.”

Without her, the battle back there would’ve been much harder.

When I said that, Inaesia gave a faint smile, as if pleased.

“Don’t worry about it… Onii-chan.”

Huh?

“…Onii-chan?”

Did she just call me something completely incomprehensible?

When I questioned her, Inaesia let out a short “Ah!”

Then started scratching her cheek awkwardly.

“U-uhm… that is…………ahhh… maybe I can’t do this after all…”

She looked flustered and met my gaze nervously.

When I tilted my head in confusion, she sighed and leaned her face in close.

“W-What’s going on?”

Inaesia’s expression looked slightly scary. Her eyes darted about. And then, with the usual intense excitement, she started breathing heavily through her nose.

Then—grabbing my shoulders with a desperate expression—

“C-Could you come with me for a bit…?”

“U-Uh, you’re scaring me…”

“In that case—never mind! Right here is fine!”

“What is!?”

“You! Become my Onii-chan!!”

A bold, bizarre declaration.

What the hell does that even mean!?

“W-What!?”

“You are my ideal big brother! I’ve decided!”

What the hell is wrong with this girl!?

Her words made no sense at all. We were speaking the same language. Yet it felt like the words slipped in one ear and out the other—a brain-melting kind of confusion.

It’s the exact same feeling I had recently…

—Reem! When she declared she had a scent fetish for me…! This is exactly like that!

I didn’t want to get dragged into another mess. I tried to put some distance between us, but—there was a wall behind me! I couldn’t escape!

“Inaesia, what the hell is going on!?”

“I… I’ve always been looking for the ideal big brother…”

Please don’t say something that sounds so serious but is completely senseless.

“…Ideal big brother?”

“Yes…! I’m always the one being relied on by others! I’m always the one being leaned on! But I want to lean on someone too, once in a while! So I decided I want *you* to be my Onii-chan and let me depend on you!”

Her bloodshot eyes locked onto me.

…Once again, I tried to recall what I knew about Inaesia as a character.

Inaesia.

She’s an orphan. And the reason she became an adventurer was to support the children at her orphanage.

The orphanage is run using the Validor household’s budget. But—naturally, it’s not much.

So Inaesia became an adventurer to repay the caretaker and support the kids.

In the game, she had a reliable big-sister or motherly presence and was often called “Nee-chan” or “Mom” by players.

If you raised her affection level enough, she’d sometimes show her vulnerable side to the protagonist—just a little.

It was a cute scene where she said something like, “I’d like to be spoiled sometimes.” And she would ask for a lap pillow.

That sweet, gentle side of her…

Why is *this* happening now!?

“Calm down, Inaesia. I’m fourteen years old. How old are you?”

I tried to bring her back to her senses by pointing out reality.

“I’m sixteen. And I want to lean on you.”

“See? By age, I can’t be your big brother. If anything, I’d be the *younger* brother, and *you’d* be the older sister. Can you understand that much?”

“But… leaning on a younger brother could work too, right?”

“Inaesia… Just take a deep breath, okay?”

“Suu… Haa… Suu… Haa…”

“There, feeling better?”

“Of course. So, when can I start leaning on you?”

Yeah—not better at all!