The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 37

Episode 37

(Back to Reis’ Perspective)

Because the first princess, Princess Fylia, was coming, my house was in a complete uproar.

Especially my older brothers — they were totally over the moon.

“Maybe… she’s interested in me?”

“Don’t be stupid, it’s obviously me, right? Ah… if we get married, I’ll be royalty too…”

As I recalled my carefree brothers having that kind of conversation, I was surprised when I heard the name “Princess Fylia.”

Because that name appeared in the main game story.

However, the person herself did not appear.

Because… Princess Fylia had already died before the original story began.

…Just before the start of the original story, a large-scale stampede occurred.

She was caught up in that—and—

Lately, I had been feeling anxious. I was wondering when the stampede would happen. But now, I was certain.

The day Princess Fylia comes… is the day of fate.

…That said, I’ve already done everything I could up until today.

Using my game knowledge, I’ve tried to raise my abilities as much as possible.

…First of all, I need to start by gathering combat power.

To begin with, as Ryō… I should go talk to the guild leader of Vale.

I headed to the guild and checked at the reception if I could speak with the guild leader.

Apparently, he happened to be free right now. So I was easily granted permission to meet him.

This part probably went smoothly because I had built up trust as Ryō.

I proceeded to the room guided by a staff member and met with the guild leader.

“It’s rare for you to come on your own. What’s the matter?”

“Lately, I’ve been thinking there’s something especially abnormal about the ‘Forest of Rebellion.’”

At my words, the guild leader slightly raised an eyebrow.

I had already obtained information about the abnormalities in the “Forest of Rebellion” through the military.

Since the guild was also connected with them, the guild leader also quickly showed a sour expression at my opinion.

“…That’s true.”

“I’ve also done some investigation on my own. And I think there’s a high possibility that a stampede will occur.”

“…What did you say?”

…I didn’t offer any concrete evidence. But the guild leader seemed to have already been considering that possibility himself. So he wasn’t that surprised.

Indeed, the surprise was minimal.

“Is there… a chance it could happen?”

When I asked, the guild leader nodded with a troubled expression.

“…The Validor military also reported that the possibility is not entirely zero. The ‘Forest of Rebellion’ is constantly being monitored. And I’ve heard that its recent behavior is clearly abnormal.”

“If a stampede were to actually occur… would this city’s adventurers and military be able to handle it?”

“…I don’t know the full strength of the military. But as for how things would go… at the very least, with just the adventurers, it would be difficult. Not all adventurers are willing to participate in battle either.”

…Figures.

In abnormal situations, there’s also a possibility that teleportation stones may not work.

If we’re going to gather evacuees or military strength, we need to do it before the incident happens.

However… this is all still just in the realm of possibility. So I can’t involve everyone in the city.

I can only ask them to strengthen defenses and prepare evacuation as much as possible.

“You mentioned before that a clan had reached out to you about me, right?”

“…Hm? Ah, yeah, that’s right.”

He probably thought the topic had changed. The guild leader tilted his head in confusion.

“Is there a way to gather those clan leaders somewhere so I can talk with them?”

“…Well, I think it’s not impossible… but what’s the reason?”

“The truth is, I’ve been thinking I’d like to talk with them a little. If there are clans based here in Vale, I thought I’d like to consider them.”

“…Is that so? Well, with the current Ryō, I’m sure you could gather a decent number.”

“Then I’d like to ask you to arrange it. Five days from now at noon — can the guild prepare a place for it?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

As the guild leader gave a firm nod, I quietly let out a sigh of relief.

…With this, I should be able to have some battle power ready by the day itself.

Since my actions have already deviated from the original game, it’s not guaranteed that the problems will occur exactly as they did in the game.

There might be some changes in timing or scale.

Even so, as long as the possibility exists, I want to prepare as much as I can.

For now, this is about all I can do.

After leaving the guild leader, I returned to my room and tossed off my cloak and other gear.

As Reis, I’ve arranged the military forces so there’s nothing suspicious.

As Ryō, I’ve earned the guild’s trust and laid the groundwork to gather more adventurers to this city.

…I don’t think there’s anything more I can do beyond this.

I’ve come this far… it’ll be fine.

Still, it’s not like I’m completely free of tension.

…I’ve fought solo battles many times,

But I’ve never fought in a large-scale battle like this.

Stampede.

…Will I be able to get through it safely?

Just as I was thinking that—

There was a knock on the door.