The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 47

Episode 47

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When I opened my eyes, I was in an unfamiliar place.

…Just like the first time I was reincarnated into this world, I couldn’t help but wonder—where am I?

I looked around. A large room I had never seen before.

The bed I was lying on was extravagant. Everything in the room seemed to be of high quality.

Our home also had some rooms where a lot of money was spent. But something of this level… probably only my father’s or mother’s chambers.

As I calmly observed the situation, there was a knock on the door.

…Who could it be? Before I could answer, the door opened. And a maid in uniform widened her eyes at the sight of me.

…Someone I had never seen before. Not a servant of our household.

She hurried out into the corridor in a fluster. It left me no chance to ask anything. Soon, I heard quick footsteps returning.

“Reis!”

The first to appear was Reem. Behind her, Lady Fylia also came into view.

Reem ran straight to me and hugged me tightly.

“Thank goodness… you’ve woken up…”

…It seemed I had worried her quite a lot.

As I patted Reem’s head, tears welled in her eyes. And she rubbed her nose against me insistently.

I couldn’t tell if she was expressing her worry or just enjoying my scent. But I decided not to think too hard about it.

I turned my gaze toward Lady Fylia.

“Lady Fylia. Where am I?”

“This is the royal castle.”

“…I see. And Vale… is it safe?”

I had no memory after the battle.

At my question, Lady Fylia nodded.

“…Yes. Thanks to the efforts of the adventurer Ryō, we were able to protect it.”

That was a relief.

At the very least, this meant I could face the start of the main story intact and whole.

As I let out a sigh of relief, Lady Fylia’s expression turned apologetic.

“I’m sorry to bring this up right after you’ve woken, but… my father wishes to speak with you.”

“…What?”

Her father—that meant the king of this country.

To meet him so suddenly, right after waking… I wasn’t mentally prepared for this.

“What is the matter concerning?”

“You’ll understand when you go. Your family is already waiting there. Let’s go.”

…At Lady Fylia’s stern tone, I felt that the time had come.

This time, Lady Fylia hadn’t died. But my family had abandoned her and fled Vale. They would surely face some punishment.

…What form would it take?

In the original game, all of us—including myself—lost the right to inherit the title and were demoted to commoners.

Just how much has the future changed?

Suppressing the urge to crawl back into bed, I stood up. Reem followed closely behind me.

Following Lady Fylia, we were led to a hall resembling a throne room.

This was a place I had seen in the game. If I remembered correctly, it was where the protagonist received their title if they succeeded in their exploits.

From there, they would be granted land and begin developing their base.

When we arrived, my family turned their frightened gazes toward me.

…Their faces were pale. The way they looked at Lady Fylia was like children terrified of being scolded.

So it really is as I thought.

The House of Validor would likely be stripped of its title here, just as in the game.

While thinking that, the nobles and soldiers lining the walls straightened their backs in unison.

The atmosphere of the room changed completely.

A moment later, as everyone lowered their heads, the doors at the entrance slowly opened.

…The king must have arrived.

Reem and I immediately bowed our heads. Slow, steady footsteps echoed closer.

As he passed by us, I stole a glance with just my eyes.

…Sure enough, it was the same king as in the game.

Once the king sat on the throne, everyone seemed to sense it was time. And they raised their heads.

I followed suit, as did my family—though their movements were stiff with fear.

The king’s sharp, imposing gaze swept over us.

His eyes stopped on my father.

My father’s shoulders jolted in fear.

“Roubel. Regarding this matter, I have heard everything about your conduct within your domain—from my daughter.”

The king’s voice was calm, yet cutting.

My father’s body trembled violently as his shoulders shook.