Chapter 14: Demon’s Lair – 24
After the banquet concluded, I was escorted to a room within the castle. It seemed I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the night here.
As I lay on the bed, resting, there was a knock at the door.
“I apologize for interrupting your rest.”
The one who entered was Marquis Lagantz. Instead of his usual noble attire, he wore a loose-fitting gown. His chestnut hair, usually tied back, flowed freely, revealing a beauty that took me by surprise.
“Not at all, please come in.”
I gestured for him to take a seat in the chair provided. As he moved the chair closer to the bed, I wondered if there was something confidential he wished to discuss.
Clearing his throat, the marquis fixed his gaze on me and spoke.
“I cannot express enough gratitude for your contributions in this battle, Soushi. I never imagined we could capture the Royal Capital with so little damage to our forces. Moreover, to single-handedly defeat that Lich Legion and repel a suspicious sorcerer—your achievements are nothing short of legendary. You seem to be quite humble about it, though.”
“To be honest, I would prefer if it weren’t exaggerated. I believe it’s unwise for one person to monopolize the glory in such conflicts.”
“Normally, that might invite unnecessary jealousy. However, in your case, as an adventurer—though I mean no offense—you are somewhat detached from this country. I think the chances of inciting envy are low.”
“That’s true. Those who have been coveting Duke Giselfa’s favor must be filled with resentment.”
At this, the marquis narrowed his eyes and chuckled softly, “Hehe. Those individuals will have to face the consequences soon enough, and they won’t have the luxury of resenting you. The only potential issue might arise if your accomplishments lead to a proposal for a title.”
“I would like to avoid that at all costs. In fact, I recently turned down a similar offer from the Vermilian Kingdom.”
“Ah, I see. You are far more significant than I initially thought. However, this only strengthens my desire to keep you close. As I mentioned earlier, it seems we are on the brink of more terrifying events.”
With that, the marquis pulled his chair even closer to me. He was undeniably beautiful, and even through the gown, his curvaceous figure was apparent. A strange flutter stirred within me, prompting me to change the subject.
“By the way, what happened with the northern noble faction that was supposed to lead an army?”
“Upon learning that the Royal Capital fell in a single day, they hurriedly retreated. I had expected them to come for Duke Giselfa, but it seems they chose to pledge allegiance to Lady Ryusha instead, likely to minimize their troubles. Of course, the rumors of the ‘Demon God’ being with Lady Ryusha also played a significant role.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Regardless of the ‘Demon God,’ it’s good news that we won’t face further conflict.”
“Indeed, your efforts have been monumental in this regard. To the citizens of the Royal Capital, you are a true hero. If you were to vanish too soon, it would certainly lead to some strange speculations.”
“If I receive a reward later, those speculations should dissipate.”
“That may be true… By the way, how long do you intend to continue as an adventurer, Soushi?”
To my surprise, the marquis shifted his body to sit beside me.
At this distance, I couldn’t help but wonder what this meant. If he wanted to secure a powerful adventurer as an ally, I could understand that. But for someone of his noble standing to act this way was perplexing.
“I can’t say for certain how long I will continue, but I do wish to see how far I can go as an adventurer.”
“Are you aiming for the pinnacle of adventurers?”
“Not exactly; I simply want to know my limits. Moreover, I have a desire to see and understand this world… no, this continent with my own eyes.”
“Hmm. However, I believe you will eventually need a place to return to. Have you considered that?”
As he said this, the marquis leaned closer to me. What on earth was happening?
“Well, I haven’t really thought about that yet…”
“Then, once everything is over, will you come to me? Of course, I don’t mean it in the sense of wanting you to serve me. You understand what I mean, right?”
“Uh, yes, I understand, but… why me?”
“Don’t ask such mundane questions. This is the first time I’ve felt this way.”
The beauty gazing up at me with those glistening eyes was captivating to the point of sending chills down my spine.
I held a deep respect for her as a noble, and I couldn’t deny that I would be pleased if her feelings were genuine.
However, accepting such affection posed a challenge for me.
One reason was my party members, but more importantly, I was troubled by the question of “who am I in this world?”
Having been transported here, gaining recognition across three nations—these achievements were far beyond mere coincidence…
Until I could sort through these thoughts, I felt incapable of pursuing a relationship.
Perhaps sensing my troubled expression, the marquis suddenly looked down, a hint of sadness crossing her features.
“Perhaps my age makes such a thing unattainable.”
“Marquis, that’s not it. To be honest, I find you to be an incredibly attractive woman. However, I have my reasons for not being able to accept…”
“Would you share those reasons with me?”
“Yes, let me explain—”
I hesitated to dismiss the marquis’s feelings, so I conveyed everything I could—though I certainly couldn’t mention that I had been transported to this world.
“I see… Just as I thought, you possess something that cannot be measured by ordinary standards.”
“I’m still trying to gauge that myself. Part of my earlier statement was to discern that.”
“Hmm… But by the time you figure it out, you may find yourself far above me in status.”
“I don’t think that’s likely. I have no desire for that…”
“I didn’t become a marquis out of choice either. However, those with the appropriate power must hold the corresponding position. Even one’s own will becomes irrelevant. You understand this, don’t you?”
“Yes, I have lived long enough to grasp that.”
“Then that’s good. If that’s the case, I won’t press further for now. When you have discerned your path, I shall ask you the same question again.”
“Marquis…”
“Was your earlier compliment merely empty words?”
“That was my sincere feeling.”
“Then when that time comes, I hope you will reach out to me. I would be open to the idea of a concubine, if that’s what it takes.”
“Uh, um…”
The marquis placed her hand on my chest, gazing up at me with serious eyes. Then, she stood up and left the room.
I could hardly believe what had just transpired. In fact, I was unsure if that exchange had truly happened.
But there was no one I could consult about this. It would have to remain a secret, buried deep within my heart. I never expected to experience something like this at my age.
Honestly, it was even more shocking than being transported to this world.
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, I organized my room and headed toward young Ryusha.
This was, of course, to say my farewells before departing. My exit from the Royal Capital was to be kept discreet, both to avoid drawing attention from the old royalist nobles and to maintain an air of secrecy. Thus, there would be no grand send-off.
Upon reaching the king’s office, I was promptly ushered inside.
The office, likely a reflection of the late king’s tastes, was filled with an excessive array of artworks and adorned with intricately designed luxury furnishings.
Only young Ryusha was present in the room, sitting behind the desk with a somewhat uncomfortable expression.
“Soushi, I’ve been waiting for you.”
As I entered, Ryusha’s face brightened, and he stood up to approach me. It felt inappropriate for a future king to meet a guest one-on-one, but that wasn’t something I could admonish him about.
“Thank you for everything, Ryusha. I must take my leave now, but please call upon me whenever you need assistance.”
“I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me… No words can express how much you’ve helped. If you hadn’t come to this country, I believe the conflict would have been far worse. The ‘Demon’ and the ‘Lich Legion’ would have caused significant damage. Thank you so much.”
“I’m just glad to have been of help. However, I believe the real challenges lie ahead for the kingdom. Please take care of yourself, Ryusha.”
“Just as you said before, I believe this is my time to step up, so I will do my best. Plus, I have the ring you gave me. I’ve heard that ‘Poison Resistance +3’ is an incredibly valuable item. With this, I feel secure.”
While Ryusha’s face was carefree, hearing him say he felt secure because of ‘Poison Resistance’ was unsettling, no matter how many times I heard it.
As I struggled to find my next words, Ryusha leaned in closer and whispered.
“By the way, did the marquis say anything to you about Miuera?”
“Huh… Well, yes, we had a brief conversation last night…”
“I knew it! I thought something was off for a while, and it seems you finally talked.”
With a knowing smile, Ryusha seemed to have pieced together the situation.
“So, what did you say in response?”
“Well, I was going to decline since I’m still a novice adventurer…”
“But you couldn’t bring yourself to turn her down, could you?”
Looking up at me with those innocent eyes, Ryusha’s words struck a chord, and I found myself nodding.
“I said I would respond once I’ve reached my limits as an adventurer.”
“Ah, I see. As expected of Miuera. By the way, you mentioned you would be heading to the northern empire, right?”
“Yes, I need to meet with the Grand Master of the guild.”
“In that case, you have a good chance of making a name for yourself there as well. Hmm, perhaps it wouldn’t be out of the question to welcome you as a noble in the empire.”
The latter part of his statement was likely beyond my understanding, but the first part certainly held merit. Given my past experiences, it was entirely possible I would stir up trouble again when I arrived in the empire.
For now, however, I wanted to reunite with my party as soon as possible. My journey to the empire was still a ways off.
“Ryusha, I believe it’s time for me to depart. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.”
“I still want to talk more, but we’ll save that for another time. Please take care.”
The boy extended his right hand. As I shook it, I felt how delicate his grip was. The thought of such a fragile hand bearing the weight of a nation stirred complex emotions within me.
As we released our hands, he placed a hand on the ring and smiled, saying, “Let’s meet again.”
“Absolutely. With that, I shall take my leave,” I replied, exiting the office and making my way toward the castle’s exit.