We visited
In the middle of that, the head maid who takes care of
«Yes. While the ladies stay in the Republic, we’ll use any empty rooms here.»
«It’d be awkward if you asked me for permission.»
«Your permission, Lord
So we’re going to house Angelica in the very mansion where Marie lives? Isn’t that… problematic?
While I was puzzled, the Head Maid explained the situation.
«The Ricornu is indeed a fine ship, but we can’t keep her docked forever. She needs to rest on solid ground. We checked with the embassy, and they said this is the only mansion suitable for Lady Angelica, so we’ve got permission.»
Ricornu? That’s the ship’s name, I guess? What kind of ship is it?
«But putting her in Marie’s mansion—»
«That’s exactly why.»
The Head Maid’s gaze at me was cold, almost sharp.
«Lord Leon, you seemed pretty close with that Marie, didn’t you?»
«Y-yeah. You know, we studied abroad together, so… kind of…»
«I won’t say it out loud, but the ladies are worried. It sounds impossible, but if by any chance you get swayed by Marie—»
So Angelica would keep an eye on us from the side to make sure we don’t get too close to Marie? No, it’s the maids who’ll be watching.
«I don’t trust you.»
«I do trust you. But remember, those five were the ones who got swayed before. Isn’t it reasonable to stay on guard?»
«The five… you mean those guys, right?»
Looking out the window at the five who were still sitting in the entrance, the Head Maid seemed a bit uneasy too.
«Anyhow, be careful. The ladies have been looking forward to meeting you, Lord Leon, ever since they heard you’d be coming.»
The maids’ eyes are… intense because of the Noel thing.
«Got it. And Marie? No way. Absolutely not.»
«—I believe you.»
My sister from a past life. There’s no way I’d make a move on her.
When the Head Maid bowed and walked away, the scene outside changed.
Marie came out.
The five tried to make excuses, but Marie didn’t listen.
«I think I’ve been spoiling them too much up until now.»
«Marie, listen to us!»
«
The five gasped.
—What the heck?
Is she trying to make them compete?
From my side, I don’t care about competing for Marie, but for them it was clearly a big deal.
Their eyes at each other were sparking like tinder.
Julius declared in front of the other four, «I’m sorry to the rest of you, but I won’t back down from this match.»
«Your Highness, I’m not backing off either.»
«Who can become Marie’s number one—so that’s the contest, huh.»
The five guys were about to fight over Marie.
—What is this? I can’t even wrap my head around it.
Still, it’s a relief that Julius and the others aren’t staying at the mansion where Angelica’s group is.
Marie smiled at the five.
«Everyone, do your best.»
She probably felt superior watching them scramble for her.
I get it.
«She did it, after all.»
Maybe she doesn’t mind being hated; she just does whatever she wants.
◇ After kicking the five out, Marie was in high spirits.
«How refreshing.»
Why didn’t she just kick them out earlier?
She thought that while sipping cheap tea in an elegant moment.
Jilk had bought a massive amount of tea leaves; the taste isn’t exactly Marie’s favorite, but it’d be wasteful not to drink it daily.
Even that tea tasted good.
«Marie‑sama, are you really okay with this?»
She was worried about how things would go with the five.
Marie was unfazed.
«If the five can start earning, that’d be ideal, but honestly I want them to learn about the world. I don’t mind being disliked.»
(Actually, if a few of them leave now the burden’s lighter—yeah, thinking they’ll compete for my sake makes my heart race a bit.)
Marie, who loves this kind of drama, invited Carla for tea too.
«Carla, have some. I’m even treating you to sweets today. Tonight—dinner out.»
«Dinner out!»
Having gotten used to this lifestyle, Carla lit up at the prospect.
«Yes, of course. Not chicken—beef.»
«—Beef.»
Carla clasped her hands in front of her chest and made a praying‑like gesture, looking blissful. Marie glanced at her wallet.
(Okay, I can afford this… but maybe it’s a bit tight? I’d like to give
Marie decided to ask Leon for the money to reward the two who’d stuck with her through hardships.
◇ Marie, after kicking out the five, came to me for a loan.
«I want to eat out with everyone. Lend me some money, big brother!»
«Go home!—Well, I can’t exactly say that.»
Considering all the circumstances, I couldn’t just turn her away. I know how much effort she’s put into looking after those five.
I figured a dinner out today wouldn’t hurt, so I handed over the cash.
—She probably won’t pay it back.
Marie’s eyes sparkled as she took the bills.
«Thanks, big brother!»
«That’s fine, but are you thinking about the future?»
When I asked how she planned to convince Angelica and the others to come back with us, Marie looked away.
«Hey!»
«Because honestly there’s no reason for us to stay! The Republic wants us back, too.»
We’ve caused enough trouble; the Republic wants us gone as well.
We went a bit overboard with Pierre’s incident, and now we’re reflecting a little.
«Attacking the
There are several ways to avert a world crisis: eliminate the boss before they get out of hand, destroy the Sacred Tree itself… all straight‑up international incidents. Even if done covertly, the
—I don’t want any of that.
«I’d say go for it in a game, but in real life that’s a no‑go. I don’t want to do it either, but we can’t just ignore it.»
«First off, does the crisis in Alzer even involve us? Is
When I asked, Marie hesitated.
«Hey, what’s up?»
«I… don’t know. In a game, you fail and it’s game over; you succeed and you avoid the crisis.»
She can’t gauge how serious the world’s danger is.
—I just want to go home.
«Maybe we didn’t even need to come here in the first place?»
«I don’t know! It’s all Relia’s fault for messing things up. Everything’s on her.»
«Don’t forget it was my trouble because of you.»
«Sorry.»
When Marie apologized, I checked on the others.
«If we talk to Relia and the three of us, what about those five? What do we do?»
«What do you mean ‘what do we do’?»
«Was it right to kick them out of the mansion?»
«Oh, that…»
Marie stared into the distance.
«We’re keeping Erik at the house, but those five act worse than Erik on a daily basis. Sure, Erik’s got issues, but they’re even worse—those were supposed to be the prince‑type guys we were counting on.»
Even princes would struggle if they were forced to live like commoners. Still, it might be good for them to learn about the world here.
I’ll follow up later.
«Then we should talk to Relia soon. Sis—there’s also the Noel thing.»
«Noel? Wait, does that have anything to do with that dog?»
Ah, she didn’t know my sister’s real name. I only learned it yesterday too.
«Actually—»
When I explained, Marie laughed, so I gave her a firm knuckle‑punch.
◇ Summer break.
Relia was on a date with Emil.
The chaotic Republic is finally calming down a bit.
Emil brought up a topic.
«Reports are coming in from the port. The kingdom’s airship arrived, and it’s the same model as the Earl’s airship. The port’s in a frenzy.»
«R‑right…»
Relia thought, *(Emil’s too nice, kinda boring…)* She gets that he tries hard, but she’s never dated a woman before, so she doesn’t know how to enjoy it. She used to think the awkwardness was cute, but now it feels lacking.
*(Is he just talking about work? What’s on his mind?)* She was getting annoyed when a dark‑haired guy with his hair tied back appeared in front of them.
The wild‑looking guy was—Serge.
«Yo, Relia! Oh, Emil’s with you too?»
He raised one hand, flashing white teeth.
«Serge, when did you get back!?»
«Yesterday. I missed the big mess, got scolded by my dad.»
When Relia tried to rush over and talk, her eye caught a floating sphere on Serge’s left shoulder.
The blue sphere had a single red eye—looked a lot like Luxion.
Serge said he’d run away after being yelled at by Alberk, and Relia rolled her eyes.
«This was a mess for me. Uh, um—»
Both eyes turned to Emil.
Emil, standing in front of Serge, looked a bit annoyed.
«Back already, Serge?»
Relia wanted to bring up Leon and the others to Serge right away.
So— «Sorry, Emil. I need to talk to Serge today.»
—Relia thought she’d only spend a day with Serge and then split from Emil.
Emil gave a helpless smile.
«You two get along well. Fine, let’s part ways here.»
Relia felt relieved.
*(Good thing they’re understanding. I need to consult those two soon. Also, that sphere robot—did it also collect cheat items?)* Serge watched Emil walk away.
«Is that okay? You’re dating, right?»
«It’s not that. My schedule’s all messed up. There’s another reincarnated person like us. At least two of us are in Holfart Kingdom. They have the same cheat item you’re carrying.»
The blue sphere—
‘Same as me, huh? Fascinating. Miss, could you tell me more? Master, this is urgent. I should take the lady’s request right away.’ Serge sighed.
«Got a reason to just leave a lover alone, huh. Fine, let’s find a place to chill.»
They started walking.
«You grew again, huh?»
«Gotta be in growth phase. How about you?»
Relia tried to hide her chest from Serge.
«What are you looking at!?»
«Huh? We’re talking height, not chest. Why are you covering up?»
Being called out about her chest made Relia blush.
«Y‑yeah, right. Height talk.»
«Are you okay? Have you eaten? If not, let’s grab a bite together.»
«Sounds good. With you I don’t have to act all fancy, just relax.»
They walked off, happy, unaware that Emil was watching them from the shadows.