The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 7

Episode 7

(Back to Reis’ Perspective) 

When it came to starting training, there were two things I had prepared.

A person with the [Instructor] skill, and equipment to enhance the effect of basic training.

For the former, I chose Zangell. As for the latter… I procured them from the mansion’s storage and from the town’s weapon and armor shops.

In Holy Orb Fantasy, basic training strengthens one’s status. But the enhancement varies depending on the equipment being worn.

There were also special equipment made solely for basic training. So when they were worn during training, they would give more status-up effects than usual.

The two daggers I’m wearing now are just like that.

These are called Dash Knives. They were lying in the mansion’s storage and are equipment that greatly boost agility stats during basic training.

However, their attack power is far too low to be used as ordinary weapons. So they are purely for basic training.

In addition, gloves, bracelets, necklaces, boots, rings. I bought the best basic training gear I could get right now. And while training with Zangell… I was getting the best results.

Every day, I could do more than the day before. Being able to grow this rapidly is undoubtedly thanks to all of these things.

The daily routine since obtaining the gear is simple.

In the morning, I go for a run with Zangell. After returning, I have monster meat for breakfast and secure protein.

After that, when Zangell finds some free time, he helps me with magic control training and combat training.

I want to use spatial magic. But with my current magic power, I still can’t use it. So for now, I’m increasing my base magic power through magic control training and the like.

As for weapons, I chose daggers instead of swords. The reason being, while the strongest equipment in this world is the Hero’s Sword… the next strongest are dagger-type equipment.

In the game, there were no equipment restrictions for each character. And I also seemed to have no problem using any weapon. So I picked daggers. Which were favored in the game.

In between, I supplement protein with monster meat and build my body using a combination of game knowledge and modern knowledge.

In front of a mirror that was in the room, I checked my body.

“…Even though I’ve only been training for about two weeks, my body is getting more toned.”

Not quite muscular yet. But the change is obvious.

I wonder if status increase affects the body a little too? Either way, the fact that the effects are visible like this is definitely influenced by my game knowledge.

Also, perhaps it’s because Reis-kun is set as a mid-boss. I mean, monsters tend to have clearly higher stats compared to the protagonist side.

Even if he’s a weakling among bosses, from the protagonist’s perspective, he might not be weak at all.

Now then. Thinking of doing training as usual today, I had just changed clothes when a servant I passed in the hallway spoke to me.

“Lord Reis… Today, Lady Reem will be coming. So perhaps it’s best if you don’t go outside…”

Heh heh heh, my mouth almost curves into a smile at the servant speaking reluctantly to me… Wait, I’m happy about being disliked?!

“What did you say?”

“Eeek!? I-I’m terribly sorry! I spoke out of turn…!”

…Though I try to act kind enough that it doesn’t feel unnatural to the servants, not everything has been improved just yet.

Even so, compared to before reincarnation, I’ve become somewhat better. But there are still many people who feel a kind of fear toward me.

“No, that’s not it. So Reem is coming today… Thanks for letting me know.”

“Eh? …Ah, y-yes… E-excuse me.”

Reem.

That name remains clearly in Reis-kun’s memories. And more than that… she’s a character who appears in the main game.

Reem is… my fiancée.

Though, by the time the original story starts, that relationship has already ended.

Now then… what should I do?

If we’re talking about the engagement with Reem, honestly, it makes me so happy I could dance. Because among the main characters in the original story, Reem is one of my personal favorites.

Calm and collected. Always supporting the protagonist. She sometimes took on the role of strategist in the party and suggested plans.

Yet she also had cute sides like being afraid of ghosts or being a secret glutton. And she even won first place in several popularity polls.

So well… I’m happy I get to meet Reem. But that doesn’t mean I can *just* be happy.

The reason is, Reem is one of the main characters in the original story.

In other words, she’s someone who joins the protagonist’s party and leads the world to peace. Without her, the protagonist party’s combat ability would significantly drop.

If I were to get along well with her and build a good relationship, there’s a possibility she might not join the protagonist’s party.

And if that happens… there’s a chance we won’t reach the game’s ending. Then the Demon King would invade the world… which would be the worst outcome for me.

So I can’t build more of a relationship with her than necessary. …No matter how much I like Reem as a character…!

And the worst part is… I *need* to be hated by Reem. No, that’s not the best—it’s the worst. What am I doing, trying to enjoy being hated…!

Reem absolutely despises Reis-kun. And she eventually breaks off the engagement.

After that, Reem attends the magic academy, meets the protagonist there, and then the original story begins.

In other words, soon Reem’s stress will hit its limit, she’ll fall into something like depression, and consult her father.

To help his daughter, her father will then push to cancel the engagement.

To let the story proceed as intended and have Reem join the protagonist, my relationship with her must be erased…

“…How depressing.”

I have to do things that make a character I love hate me… and while part of me might feel a little happy—it’s going to be tough, huh?

Because every time they met, Reis-kun would act arrogant and even sexually harass her.

He would grope Reem’s voluptuous chest, touch her butt, and indulge in her body. Jealous… no, outrageous.

Some might say I should just keep doing that. But emotionally, that’s too much for me…

So I return to the original dilemma of what I should do.

The reason Reis-kun could be so overbearing with Reem was because my house is a marquis family and hers is a viscount family.

The fact that Reis-kun’s fiancée came from a house of lower rank was actually a form of harassment from his family… even so, Reem was in a weaker position. And Reis-kun took advantage of that to do as he pleased. He was venting his stress.

…Well, I’m sure by now Reem already hates me plenty.

From here, I just won’t do anything more. …If I go too far and she ends up resenting me so much she tries to erase me along with the protagonist, I’d hate that.

I’m supposed to meet Reem once a month. And there’s about a year left until the main game begins.

The engagement will likely be broken off soon too. So the number of times we meet should only be a few.

As I was lightly practicing magic with Zangell, who I had called to the mansion, the mansion grew noisy.

…Seems like Reem has arrived.

Shortly after, a servant came to the room where Zangell and I were training.

“Lord Reiss, Lady Reem has arrived.”

“Understood. Zangell, thanks for training with me. Please return to your regular duties.”

“Understood… but, how about this? Wouldn’t it be good for Lady Reem to also observe the training?”

“…Huh? Why?”

“Well. Lady Reem’s family also rose to nobility through martial prowess. I’ve heard that she herself can fight reasonably well. So perhaps she could offer some useful advice…”

…Hmm. That might be worth considering. While she’s not as high-leveled as Zangell, Reem should also have the [Instructor] skill.

In the game, it wasn’t possible to receive training from both at the same time… but this is real life. So maybe it’ll have a greater effect.

If it works, great. Maybe I should try asking, just in case.