I returned to the kingdom after half a year.
It’s clear the reconstruction has progressed beyond what it was before.
Having seen the Republic’s devastation, my hometown shines even brighter—blindingly bright.
In that hometown, I was standing before Roland, not a “shitty bastard” but His Majesty, the king himself, after being dispatched to the royal palace.
Today isn’t a ceremony; we’re facing each other to discuss some bureaucratic matters.
Other nobles are gathered around, chatting about me.
Roland has his finger stuck up his nose.
“Damn brat, you ran amok again. Because of you I’ve had to send messengers out over and over. Want to hear an excuse for adding more work during this damn busy season?”
“I’m truly sorry, Your Majesty. I feel awful every day for stealing away your elegant moments, your time to flirt, your time to speak of love with women.”
My heart aches.
I keep regretting that I should have made him suffer even more.
“Pathetic, you little brat.”
“No way. I’m being sincere.”
“Lies.”
“Yes, it’s a lie. So what? At least you finally managed to work a bit properly.”
When I blurted my true feelings, Roland’s forehead flushed with a blue vein.
“Insult—I'll have you executed for that.”
“Insult? Facts aren’t insults. Didn’t you know? Well, good for you. You’ve become a little wiser today.”
Instead of the nonsensical Roland, Bernard Minister—Clarice’s father—steps in to talk with me.
“Alright, now that the usual chatter is over, let’s get to the point. We’ve heard the princes’ side of this incident. I’m not saying you’re blameless, but you did show the kingdom’s resolve. Personally, it’s a fascinating story.”
Personally, huh. He must have his own thoughts about the Republic, too.
Replacing Vins here is Gilbert—Angelica’s older brother.
“But the kingdom has lost one of its sources for purchasing mana stones. On top of that, a neighboring country has become unstable. We can’t stay optimistic.”
It’s not just a neighboring country in trouble.
A nation that exported massive amounts of mana stones has vanished.
Because of my position, I may have set off a chain of trouble.
The kingdom is scrambling to respond.
“I went too far, didn’t I?”
“We’ve nipped the seed of a future Republic invasion in the bud. That’ll earn you some credit.”
If we’d done nothing, the Sacred Tree and the Ideal would have run amok.
Even if I tried to explain that to everyone here, I doubt they’d understand.
Roland strokes his own beard with his fingertips.
“It’s your fault. Therefore, death!”
Leaving that Roland aside, Bernard speaks seriously.
“Now, about your… punishment—”
“Hey, listen up!”
Everyone ignores Roland’s ramblings.
Isn’t this a bit light on his handling?
“Barthofort Count—no, Marquis. Sorry, but you’ll need to start preparing for the ceremony right away. To show the kingdom isn’t at fault for your recent actions, we’ll award you a medal.”
“W‑what? A medal—?”
I didn’t catch what Bernard was saying.
Looking at Gilbert, he says,
“The Republic’s attack was dealt with. Consider this a reward for monster‑hunting. Take it.”
“No, uh— I’m not royalty, I’m not a marquis or anything, so I’ll decline—”
Cold sweat pours down my face.
A marquis in Holfart Kingdom is basically a cadet branch of the royal family. The Redgrave house counts as such.
It’s a rank I could never climb on my own.
It’s obviously a mismatched title for me.
Flustered, I see Roland’s grin widening.
“I can’t execute you, I get that. I’d love to send you to the scaffold someday, but before that I thought about what you’d hate. I realized giving you a marquis title would be perfect.”
My eyes widen as Roland launches into a long‑winded speech.
“The kingdom’s noble count is low now. Someone like you, who can be pushed to the limit without feeling remorse, is ideal. I’ll promote you, use you up until you’re a wreck. Happy, Barthofort Marquis?”
Happy? Of course not!
“Don’t mess with me! I’m not royalty!”
Gilbert mutters, “You see—”
Turning to him, he continues,
“Did you forget? Angelica’s bloodline carries the Rafa middle name, linking her to the royal house. By marrying her, you can, under kingdom law, take the marquis rank without issue. It’s unheard of, but it’s an emergency.”
—I’d forgotten Angelica was a real lady. Not just a lady, but a proper one.
Roland beams.
“Just seeing you like this clears my mind. I think I’ll even give you the third‑rank ‘Upper’ title. Serve the kingdom to the fullest, Marquis.”
“No, that’s a lie.”
“Too bad! It’s not a lie. I’m forced to reward you because you’re so capable. So I’ll raise you to marquis with all due respect. It’s just a hunch, but I feel you’ll suffer while I get to relax. My hunches are usually spot‑on.”
A hunch? That’s how I got promoted?
I thought there’d be no higher rank for me, yet here I am, inexplicably elevated.
Impossible. It shouldn’t happen!
Sure, the regulations would allow it, but we’ve never had anyone climb to marquis in a single generation! They forced this on me!
Bernard, noticing my trembling legs, says,
“If only we’d just give you to Clarice…”
Even if he says that, what am I supposed to do?!
Roland’s relentless pursuit doesn’t end.
He’s annoyingly persistent!
“You’ve made me suffer, so I’ve been thinking. How can I make you suffer the most? While I’m awake or asleep, I’ve been plotting revenge, and a revelation struck me.”
He’s been thinking about me even while sleeping?
Maybe he’s just bored.
“You’re bored too, huh?”
“Shut up, kid! Do you know how many all‑nighters I’ve pulled because of you? Sending you to hell was the only thing that kept me going while I couldn’t execute you or treat you poorly. I’ve racked my brain for a proper revenge! —Now, are you ready?”
“Gilbert‑san, is there more?”
“Ah, actually—”
“Let me speak!”
Roland always strikes a pose, over‑the‑top as usual.
It’s infuriating.
Listening to him, my vision goes black.
“I’ll give you a ‘yoriko’ now that you’re a marquis. A marquis without retainers is ridiculous, right?”
My mouth trembles.
A ‘yoriko’ is basically a subordinate.
But not one who swears loyalty to me. It’s a subordinate dispatched by the kingdom, like a knight‑baron under a baronial family.
Think of it as a kingdom‑assigned aide, not a direct vassal.
“Yo—no way. Stop—”
“There are actually four nominal barons. If I smooth things over with their families, they’ll agree to serve under you.”
I recognized those four.
I can’t stand any longer; Gilbert and Bernard support me.
“Jirku, Brad, Greg, Chris—those four will now be under you. Take care of them, okay? Even more than before.”
“This scoundrel—”
Those four broken‑down guys Marie took in are being shoved onto me.
Roland places his right hand over his chest, smiling brightly.
His royal aura is oozing uselessly.
“I’m glad to hear that from you. Thanks. And… do your best!”
“Nooo!”
I scream, and Milène appears in the meeting room.
“Such a ruckus. What’s all the fuss—Leon‑kun, what’s wrong?”
“Your Majesty, the king is bullying me. He’s a demon!”
Milène rushes over, gently places a hand on my shoulder, and glares at Roland.
“You, remember I told you to show me the utmost respect?”
“No, that’s not it! You promoted me, even gave me a yoriko! Being called a demon is an insult! I did my best to show you respect—”
Milène sighs.
“So that’s the story. Then I’ll add one more condition.”
“What? If that kid suffers, I’ll welcome it.”
“I’ll have my daughter marry Leon‑kun.”
The nobles in the room start to stir.
“Speaking of Milène’s daughter—”
“B‑but that would tarnish the Redgrave house’s reputation—”
“Is that okay? The princess should already be engaged, right?”
Milène apparently has a child besides Julius.
She wants to give *her* daughter to me?
I have a lot to say, but Roland is the one trembling now.
“Huh? Ah—what? Milène, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again? You’re marrying a princess to a kid, right? I thought you said you’d give me your daughter?”
From the flow, there does seem to be a princess involved.
But Milène’s wording makes it sound special.
“She said she’ll marry **Erika**.”
“No, no! Not Erika! Choose another daughter! If that girl marries a kid like me, she’ll have a hard life! I’ll never allow it. I’ll even use the crown to stop it!”
“—Honestly, as soon as that kid’s mentioned, everyone becomes a doting parent. The only age‑appropriate daughter is Erika. It’s unavoidable. The next princess is only twelve.”
“Erika’s still only fourteen! I’ll never allow it. I even opposed the engagement! I’ll keep her by my side forever!”
“Enough! Erika is already fifteen this year!”
“She’s still fifteen! Unlike you, she’s cute enough that looking at her doesn’t hurt.”
“—We’ll discuss this later, Your Majesty.”
Hey, isn’t Roland blatantly discriminating against his own daughter?
Erika can’t, but a twelve‑year‑old can? Are you sane?
And fifteen is basically middle school age, right? No way.
Besides, I already have a fiancée.
“U‑um, I have a fiancée, so I’d like to decline—”
Roland’s sharp gaze pierces me.
His bloodshot eyes have shed the royal aura and now radiate a troublesome father vibe.
“Turning down a marriage to Erika takes guts, kid!”
“What side are you on? It’s too late to say anything now. Hey, Gilbert‑san? Uh, Gilbert‑san?”
Gilbert remains expressionless.
“Yeah, it’s a problem, huh?”
He’s definitely angry. What do I do?
“Your Majesty, you understand what’s at stake, right?”
“Gilbert‑kun, don’t get so worked up. Angelica gave her permission. And Bernard agreed. If Erika becomes Leon‑kun’s lawful wife, it wouldn’t be odd for a count’s daughter to be beneath her.”
Gilbert’s sharp stare seems to pierce Bernard, but Bernard stays cool.
“Haha, indeed, Your Majesty.”
Did they know about this whole thing?
“No! Erika only— I won’t let her go! Not to this kid! He’s too pitiful!”
Roland collapses onto the floor, whining like a child.
—What the hell is happening?
◇
A room in the royal palace.
Waiting for my return was—
“From now on, I’ll be taking care of you, Marquis.”
Jirku, smiling.
“You’re not upset about serving under me? You refusing?”
“Never. I already recognize you as marquis.”
What do I do— I’m not happy at all. It’s not because they accept me; it feels… wrong.
Brad is all pumped up.
“No way, we never imagined serving under you.”
“Don’t refuse.”
“Eh? I won’t. It’s fine.”
“Show some resistance!”
“Why?”
Greg and Chris, still in uniform, try to strip off as soon as I look away.
They’re already taking off their shirts.
“Better than strangers. If you’re a stronger subordinate than me, I’ve got no complaints!”
“Ha—looking forward to it.”
Seeing those four not looking disgusted makes me feel like I’ve been forced to take on something nasty.
Julius watches me.
“What’s up?”
“Can I also be taken care of?”
“Why the hell?”
“Because it looks fun. Besides, being alone is boring, right?”
“I don’t care! Which world has a prince who wants to be pampered?”
Get a grip, act like a prince!
Suddenly, Marie, Kara, and Kyle cling to my legs.
“W‑what are you guys doing?”
“Never letting go! Big bro, we’ll take care of you forever!”
“Count. No, Marquis! I’ll stay by Marie‑sama forever!”
“If we let the marquis escape, we’ll be in big trouble. Let’s stick together!”
You guys trying to drag me over to your side too?
“L‑let go! I don’t want to look after you guys! I absolutely refuse!”
Marie won’t leave my leg.
She clings with all her strength, her determination palpable.
“Bro—always together.”
Her smiling, clinging face feels like a horror movie.
Marie’s grin is terrifying.
My body temperature drops instantly, cold sweat soaking my back.
Their voices pull me down like the earth itself.
“Y‑YAAAAAA!! Somebody help me!!”
What the hell did I do?
How did I end up in this cruel punishment?
Someone explain!
◇
Meanwhile, at the Barthofort baronial estate, Angelica and Noel were there.
Noel, in a wheelchair, carefully held a case in both hands.
Angelica pushed Noel’s wheelchair, strolling through the manor’s courtyard.
Noel, looking uneasy, called out to Angelica behind her.
“Do you have something to tell me?”
Angelica answered while pushing.
“Once your injury heals, enroll at the kingdom’s academy. The talks with the queen have been settled.”
“Is that okay?”
Noel was brought to the kingdom because of the case on her lap—a vibrant sapling.
When they took it back to the kingdom, Yumeria said the Sacred Tree sapling was still alive.
Yumeria then restored the sapling, and Noel’s value as a shrine maiden returned.
Now Noel is an important person.
“Leon will keep an eye on you. Honestly, I’d like to lock you away as a shrine maiden, but that would make Leon suffer.”
Angelica’s only concern was that.
“—I thought you’d say something harsher. ‘Don’t lay a hand on my man.’”
She smiled.
“I want to say it, but if I do, Leon will worry. That’s not the outcome I want.”
Noel hugged the case containing the Sacred Tree sapling.
The fresh green leaves returned, and she seemed a little happier.
“You’re kind, you know. I might have kicked you out otherwise.”
“First time I saw the Republic I wanted to burn it down.”
They both laughed.