The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 51

Episode 51

The strength of each nation is displayed through mock battles and exchange matches. And the results affect their international standing.

That said, when I played the game, I only remember brushing it off as “just another event.”

My understanding was simply that if you raised your country’s evaluation, the nation’s support would increase and the game’s difficulty would become easier.

“So, that is why I want you to participate, Reis-san.”

“Is there a specific reason I must participate? Aren’t there other excellent students as well?”

“…The truth is, the evaluation of the Meltfia Kingdom has been declining year after year.”

…Well, that figures.

Even in the main game, the country we belong to had a low reputation.

That’s why, as a citizen of Meltfia, one of the original protagonist’s goals was to raise the kingdom’s standing.

“The Academy holds mock battles several times a year, but… the Meltfia Kingdom has been stuck in last place for a very long time.”

“…That is, well. Very troubling, I suppose.”

Of course, I already knew that. But since she told me with such a pained expression, I gave a response that matched her tone.

The Meltfia Kingdom really is weak. But I can’t exactly say, “Don’t worry, this year’s protagonist will handle it!”

“To be honest, it’s troubling. Even if mock battles don’t measure a nation’s full strength, losing repeatedly for years in a row… inevitably affects the evaluation.”

Yeah, from the kingdom’s point of view… that’s a headache of a problem.

“A month after enrollment, there will be a large-scale mock battle. For that, we want to send Meltfia’s strongest youth. That is my father’s wish.”

“I see…”

So they’re really pinning their hopes on me, huh…

“So, may I ask this favor of you?”

“Couldn’t Princess Fylia yourself participate instead?”

Princess Fylia is quite skilled too. Since she never appeared in the main story, I don’t know how far she’d advance. But surely she could make it pretty far.

Or better yet, since the original protagonist will be there anyway, everything will work out somehow—that’s the excuse I really want to use to refuse.

“I… am apparently not allowed.”

“Why not?”

“Because Father said he’s worried about me!”

…What a doting parent.

“…Weren’t there any promising entrants this year?”

“There were some interesting ones, but… let’s see. At the very least, I don’t think any of them could single-handedly suppress a stampede or repel vicious monsters.”

…So that became the standard, huh.

I might have overdone it.

“That’s why we want you to enroll, Reis-san. As the hero who ended the stampede and protected the Validor territory, you are most fitting as the kingdom’s representative.”

Princess Fylia fixed her gaze on me.

The more chances I have to interact with the protagonist, the higher the risk of triggering my ruin flags. So I need to think carefully about how to avoid that.

But it’s tricky.

Territory management… is mostly left to my subordinates now. If something comes up, I can just return to the domain temporarily.

…Sure, there’s networking with other nobles and all that.  But to be honest, that’s just troublesome.

In fact, if I use academy enrollment as my excuse, I could avoid those obligations.

…Maybe I should think about it more positively?

In the main game, “Reis-kun” ended up provoking the protagonist and marched straight into a bad end… but right now, I’m calm.

There’s no way I would do such a thing myself. The protagonist won’t even notice me.

…It should be fine, right?

If I think of it positively, it’s like being able to go on a pilgrimage to holy sites.

…Yeah. Since I’ve been reincarnated into a world I loved from a game, I do want to enjoy it a little.

“The future of the Meltfia Kingdom depends on this. Your actions may save the nation.”

…Besides, currying favor with the royal family wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Of course, I want to avoid ruin flags. But I also want to build a foundation for an easier life in the future.

“…Understood. Since it’s none other than Princess Fylia’s request, I’d be glad to lend my strength. I just need to enter through the recommendation slot, right?”

“Yes. If it’s you, Reis-san, I’m sure you’ll achieve wonderful results.”

Princess Fylia smiled brightly.

…That smile is dazzling. Unlike me, she’s already avoided her ruin flags… must be nice.

I smiled back. But it was probably a strained one.

That seemed to conclude the matter. And after some light conversation, Princess Fylia left the mansion.

Once she had gone, I moved to my room and spent some time thinking about the Academy.

The room was warm and cozy. But a shadow of unease filled my heart.

“…The Academy, huh.”

Muttering to myself, I sank into the sofa.

The Lurtia Academy City—the main stage of the original story. A place littered with ruin flags.

Thinking back now, the game itself had plenty of bad endings. Back then, I didn’t care since I could just hit “continue.”

…But if I go, I’ll definitely be caught up in the main story’s events.

Mock battles, exchange matches, noble faction disputes. And of course, the demonic race—the enemies in the game who plunged the world into fear.

They appear as mid-bosses or final bosses… but one way or another, they’ll stand before me.

If I slip up, my life could really be at risk…

“If only there was an option to refuse…”

I tried to think positively. But even so, parts of me just wanted to sigh.

With even the King involved, refusing would leave a bad impression.

Considering the Validor family’s future, this choice isn’t wrong.

In fact, if I forcibly refuse here, my relationship with the royal family might sour—and that would be a bigger problem down the line.

So for now, I should focus on finding a way to live a peaceful academy life.

As I was thinking that, the door to my room slowly opened.

“Reis? Is your talk finished already?”

A familiar gentle voice echoed in the quiet room.

It was Reem.