The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 34

Episode 34

Later.

While I was being trained by Zangell in the training grounds,

“Um, Lord Reis. A person named Vilias, whom I heard about, has arrived. Is it alright to guide her here?”

“Ah, it’s fine.”

A soldier called out to us like that. Zangell and I turned our gazes toward him.

After a while, Vilias came toward us. She was seemingly being led by the soldier.

“Zangell, can I leave the negotiations with Vilias to you?”

“Yes, please leave it to me.”

Zangell gave me a silent nod. And after speaking briefly with Vilias, they headed toward the lodgings.

…I had already spoken with Zangell beforehand and told him that there was a blacksmith I wanted to make an exclusive contract with.

He was incredibly surprised, though. Apparently, no blacksmiths currently want to form an exclusive contract with the Validor family. Just what the heck did my family do?

We all discussed how to prepare proper conditions and how to disguise it as a servant contract so the family wouldn’t find out. So as long as we can meet the financial compensation, there should be no problem.

As Ryō, I had already asked beforehand about the conditions Vilias wanted… so as long as she wasn’t lying, the contract should go through without issues.

As I was thinking about that, Reem had finished her training. She came toward me.

She twitched her nose and stared intently at me.

“The smell of the woman who was on your cloak earlier.”

…Are you a dog?

Actually, even a dog probably couldn’t identify that well, could it?

She really is terrifying.

“…Just now, Vilias came. She’s the blacksmith I met while acting as Ryō.”

“Ah, that one. She was kind of cute. Though she had no chest.”

“Well, yeah.”

“I have a question. …Do you prefer people with big chests or small ones?”

Don’t push out your chest toward me like that to show it off. I don’t know where to look.

“I don’t decide based on chest size. Isn’t it about the person’s personality?”

“…Hmm. Then between me and Vilias, which one do you prefer?”

“Neither. It’s not something to compare. You and I are engaged. Vilias is just a blacksmith I’m planning to make a contract with.”

“…Hmph. I wanted you to say, even as a lie, ‘Your scent is better.’”

“Wait, the scent part is unnecessary, right?”

“That’s the most important part.”

Reem puffed out her cheeks and looked at me angrily.

…At what point did Reem become like this?

The same goes for Inaesia and Vilias.

They’re more honest—or maybe more faithful to their desires—than in the game… anyway, I’ve come to understand that the story can change significantly from the game’s main plot.

If the contract with Vilias is completed safely—then all that’s left is to face the stampede.

All that’s left is to avoid my future of ruin.

—

(Zangell’s Perspective)

I had finished preparing to head to the royal castle.

…I was a little nervous.

This was actually my first time going to the royal castle on my own accord.

The purpose this time was simple. On the surface, it was to meet with the knight captain. He was an old friend. But the real reason was different.

—To report the current situation of the Validor family and ask for some kind of countermeasure.

That was the reason for my visit.

That said, whether the higher-ups would actually do anything about the Validor family…

The nobles are completely corrupt. And even if I expose the Validor family, there’s no telling if it will go through properly.

In the end, it might just end with the other nobles trying to take advantage of the Validor family’s weaknesses.

I need to consult the knight captain and ask what can be done to change the situation…

I’m not very good at explaining things to others. And I was quite anxious about how well I could communicate the problems within the Validor family.

“Zangell-san… Then I’ll leave it to you today.”

Garing had come to my room. He slightly bowed his head.

“…Ah, I understand. For the Validor family… and for Lord Reis’ future as well.”

“…Yes.”

Garing, myself… and the soldiers and servants of this mansion were all working toward one shared goal.

That is… to improve Lord Reis’ standing.

About ten months ago.

Lord Reis suddenly… became calm. That’s the best way to describe it. His previous tantrums disappeared. And he began treating everyone equally and respectfully.

At first, I thought it was just a coincidence or a whim. But now I can say with confidence—it’s different.

That’s exactly why—Garing and I want to do something for Lord Reis.

Even someone like me, who never really liked nobles, is heading to the royal castle again—all for Lord Reis’ sake.

I will talk to the knight captain, the person I know who holds the most power. And I’ll see how far this story can be conveyed.

…If I mess this up, even my own position might be at risk.

“Well then, I’m off.”

“…Yes, please do.”

Garing slightly bowed his head. I left the Validor family’s mansion and headed for the teleportation stone.