Chapter 65: The Net
“Thank you so much! Thank you so much!”
“Not at all, I’m just glad I could be of service.”
A bedroom so ridiculously luxurious it felt out of place. An elderly noblewoman took my hand, her eyes welling with tears as she expressed her gratitude. I responded to her politely.
This was the royal capital residence of a certain prominent margrave of the kingdom. The head of this household had fallen ill, and it seemed I had been summoned.
Lately, I’ve been summoned to the residences of high-ranking nobles quite often. The reason, of course, is to treat illnesses and injuries.
If it’s me, I can cure most illnesses and even old wounds. There’s a lot of demand.
But, while it’s true I spread rumors that I could heal, the number of requests is so high it’s as if someone is actively recommending me around. Thanks to that, I’m delighted to have formed connections with high-ranking nobles, but I can’t help but feel someone’s intention behind it.
Just then, the head of the household, a man in his thirties, sat up in bed.
“My body feels light. There’s no pain either. It seems I’ve been a burden to you… I’m grateful.”
“You’re too kind.”
“How should I repay you for this? Do you have any requests?”
“The Church gets fussy if I accept money, so anything other than that…”
“I see. Honestly, the Church is useless, but it’s not wise to make an enemy of them.”
“Yes. In that regard, I have one request.”
“What is it? Go ahead and say it.”
“My Baron Baumgarten family is a vassal of Margrave Huebner, but Margrave Huebner does not look favorably upon us.”
“Huebner? If I recall, he was summoned to the royal capital on suspicion of causing a monster Stampede, wasn’t he? Don’t tell me your territory was the target?”
“That is correct. The relationship between Baumgarten and Huebner has become that strained. However, my powerless family will become Huebner’s prey if things continue like this… Therefore, Margrave-sama, I would like to ask for your help in saving my family…”
“That’s no simple matter. There’s no guarantee your story is true. However, I will keep a close watch on Huebner’s movements.”
“Thank you, Margrave-sama.”
This margrave was from a faction hostile to Huebner, but he didn’t become a complete ally. Still, having him monitor Huebner’s movements is a great help. Margrave Huebner shouldn’t be able to lay a hand on my family so easily now.
“You’ve been a great help this time. My family intends to repay Baron Baumgarten’s devotion. Rest assured. I won’t let the likes of Huebner lay a finger on you.”
“Thank you once again, Margrave-sama.”
Well, that’s about how it went. I can’t receive money because of the Church’s watchful eyes, but the Baumgarten family is steadily gaining allies.
◇
“Lately, marriage proposals have completely stopped coming, as if they’ve just dried up. I wonder if something happened…?”
“Isn’t that a good thing! What are you dissatisfied about?”
Cornelia, who was walking beside me, reacted excessively to my muttered remark.
She hugged my left arm tightly, looking at me with cold eyes.
“Well, since I’d turn them down anyway, it’s less hassle, which is good, but I’ll have to get married someday too… It feels like a problem if no proposals come at all.”
“Onii-sama, you’re going to marry me, so it’s fine! Or are you dissatisfied with me, Onii-sama?”
“Oh, that again. Of course, I have no complaints. But that’s only if Ria still isn’t married by the time she turns twenty. I’m not saying you have to force it, but Ria, if you find someone you like, don’t hesitate to tell me, okay?”
“Honestly! Onii-sama, you don’t take my feelings seriously!”
“You say that, but…”
Technically, marriage between siblings is permitted in this country, but isn’t the bloodline a bit too close, really?
“Honestly! What part of me are you dissatisfied with!? Is it my chest after all!? Are you just like other boys, Onii-sama, preferring big boobs!? Speaking of which, Claudia-sama, who you’ve been friendly with lately, has big boobs, doesn’t she!?”
“I have no complaints. Ria is perfect! More importantly, girls shouldn’t be shouting ‘boobs’ repeatedly.”
“But…!”
“Listen, Ria? There’s no such thing as superiority or inferiority based on the size of a woman’s chest, okay?”
“What about the boys in class who drool when they see Claudia-sama’s big chest?”
“Ah, well. When they’re big, they have a certain impact, or rather, they draw your eyes…”
“You too, Onii-sama?”
“…I can’t deny it.”
“I knew it… I have a chest too, right here…”
Whatever Cornelia was thinking, she pressed her chest against my arm and watched my reaction.
However, even though she’s filled out a little recently, Cornelia’s curves were practically non-existent. All I felt against my arm was the hard, unyielding sensation of her ribs.
“No reaction… So my chest really isn’t good enough…”
I gently patted the head of Cornelia, who was looking down.
“Ria, your chest will develop more soon. You’re just a little behind everyone else.”
Cornelia’s slow development is probably because of the long period she couldn’t eat properly due to the Curse of the Evil God. Cornelia is still only thirteen. Her growth is yet to come.
“Really…?”
“It’s true. Has Onii-sama ever lied to you before?”
“N-no, never.”
“Then, just believe Onii-sama one more time. Ria’s chest will definitely develop.”