Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: The Cielo Trading Company
"Would it be all right if I stayed here a while longer?"
At my statement, the Klaus family blinked their eyes in surprise.
"Would you mind telling me who told you to hurry up and leave?"
Klaus said, his voice laced with killing intent.That's not it, Klaus. I want to shout that it's a misunderstanding!
"I had thought that, normally, I would have to return once the ceremony was over. But regarding the new territory, I haven't yet been able to find the necessary personnel. I felt apologetic, thinking that I would be imposing on you and causing trouble by staying longer..."
As I began to say this, Aristo burst into laughter.
"There's no one in this house who wishes for you to leave. You're my best friend! If anything, I'd want you to stay forever!"
If I did that, your mother would end up pregnant forever.Also, I have one request to make of Klaus.
"Soon, when we vacate Passo's residence where our members have been living, it will become completely uninhabited. It would be troublesome if it became a den for bandits or thieves."
He told me to leave it to him.
"Also, I think it's too much of a burden to leave all internal affairs to Passo alone. Is there anyone in financial matters who wouldn't look down on Passo?"
Apparently, that would be difficult to arrange immediately. If the finance officer were to betray us, the territory's finances would collapse. Even if finances simply became uncontrollable, they would collapse.
(Looking at it this way, Gale really is amazing...)
So, I headed to Passo's house and consulted with Regias and the others.
"If it's someone with strong fighting skills, we might manage something..."
"Right, right. Or stuff like stealing and peeping!"
When Vel said that, Yaris glared at him sharply.I asked Yaris if she intended to continue as commander from now on.
"Was there something wrong with what I did this time?"
She tilted her head, so I said no, and she asked, "Then why?"On the battlefield, what's frightening is a losing battle.A commander is sometimes forced to make decisions that could be called ruthless.
"If Regias or Vel were injured and you had to leave them behind and flee, what would you do? Probably, the time Regias was injured was that kind of battle, right?"
If you don't abandon them and flee, the allies around you will be surrounded by the enemy, and you'll all be annihilated. In that kind of situation, a commander must not allow total annihilation.
"I..."
Unable to say anything, she looked like she was about to cry.And then, Yaris thought a great deal but remained unable to reach a conclusion.
"Young master. How do you understand things so well? Are you really thirteen? I can't believe it. But well, what you say is correct. I was injured, and prioritized letting the unit escape, so I was captured by the enemy and had the tendons in my arm cut..."
Vel had been deep in thought the whole time.
"Young master. Why doesn't fighting ever disappear?"
"Vel, why do you think?"
"I don't know. It's something people above the clouds think about!"
So, when I said I thought war was a clash of justice against justice, they were surprised. Regias said it was justice versus evil, but when I told him that from the opponent's perspective, they also come bearing their own justice, he thought for a moment and murmured, "I see."
"War is fighting by turning desires and hatred into a just cause."
At my words, Vel got angry.
"Tch! The common people who get dragged around by that kind of thing can't stand it!"
"That's why your job is important, Vel. Depending on the situation, information can sometimes kill or destroy an enemy. Or through information manipulation, make allies betray each other. Protecting ourselves and our people isn't just about pretty words!"
At my words, he suddenly became motivated.
"I see! I'll throw the enemy into such confusion they can't even wage war!"
And I also told Regias.
"The Kingdom of Rhodesia's domestic discontent is currently directed at the royal family. They are scheming to blame it on the Altmea Empire. This is something a poor noble like me can do nothing about. What we can manage is a small, elite force. Training isn't just about making it harsh. There are times when a large force loses to a small one. Conduct training that utilizes all kinds of experience and allows for simulations. So that Yaris won't have to make ruthless decisions!"
When I said that, he suddenly became eager.He said he was going to tell Yaris what I was thinking and left the room.
When I returned to the mansion, Aqua came rushing over in a fluster.
"Tonight, Windam told me to 'come to his room'..."
"You can't really refuse... right? I'll manage something!"
So, when I suggested a strategy of getting him to drink as much alcohol as possible and getting him drunk, she replied, "I understand," in a good mood and left.
At dinner, Klaus was in high spirits.
"Today, His Majesty had words of praise for you, Shivans! He wants you to come to the palace tomorrow. Aristo, you come too. It seems Princess Aria wants to see you!"
He made a slightly reluctant face but answered, "Yes."So, I asked him why he made a reluctant face.
"That damn cheeky maid! In the end, she hasn't even apologized to Shivans, has she? The fact that she has a maid like that makes me suspect that Aria might actually have a bad personality too."
"Hehe. That's a bit harsh on Princess Aria. She is fond of you, Aristo-sama, isn't she? Let's quickly forget about that maid. But your feelings of concern for me... I was happy."
I imagined a scene with roses blooming in the background, and even I felt grossed out, but since Aristo seemed deeply moved by my line, well, I guess it's fine.
As for Windam, it seemed he would bathe without drinking much alcohol. Aqua seemed a little anxious, but when I winked at her to signal "it's okay," she seemed to understand.
After getting out of the bath and finishing treatment, everyone returned to their own rooms.I infiltrated Windam's room, used Presence Concealment, cast Sleep on Windam to make him fall into a deep slumber, and then promptly used the Onahole to milk him.
(He's coming so much it's almost pitiful...)
By the next morning, he'll probably be dried out. I got him off the bed, cast Sleep on him, and let him sleep in the corner of the floor. With this, he should be exhausted and sleep soundly until morning.
"Zzzzz..."
While he was snoring and sleeping, Aqua came in, properly dressed.
"You came with your clothes on?"
"Of course! You never know who you might meet in the hallway..."
Saying that, she smoothly took off her clothes.
"You're going to do it in a place like this? I can't relax. You never know when he might wake up?"
Saying that, she came to the bed completely naked, so I pulled her close and kissed her. Making wet, smacking sounds, we entwined our tongues. When I groped her chest, she started stroking my cock. Then, when I made her spread her crotch, she was already wet. When I slowly toyed with her clit, her pussy got even wetter, becoming sloppy, and twitched as if craving something.
"Hey♡ Shivans... I want your cock already! I don't care if my husband is here! Give your cock to my lewd pussy!"
"You're wetter than usual."
"D-Don't say things like that...!"
Even though he was asleep, when I whispered, 'You're excited thinking about being violated next to your husband, aren't you?' her vagina tightened with a squeeze. Apparently, that was the case.
"Nooo♡ I'm so incredibly excited today♡ I'm going to cum right away♡ No mooore—! I can't even hold back my moans! Ah! I'm cumming! My pussy feels so good!"
Within less than five minutes, she climaxed and squirted.
"I'm... cumming right now! Don't move! If you thrust now, I feel like I'll go crazy! No, no, I'm going insane! Cummingcummingcumming!"
She convulsed and squirted repeatedly. And when I came, she convulsed violently again and climaxed, so when I made her do cleaning fellatio, she glanced at her husband, but he was sleeping with loud snores.
"Even though I'm right next to him, cumming loudly, he doesn't notice. You know, I'm in love with a boy the same age as my son! No, I love him! Is this okay? Not waking up? I'm going to be fucked by him doggy style from now on! Oh, my womb is already dropping. My eggs are going to be impregnated with his seed, okay? That's fine, right?"
She seemed to be burning with passion as she spoke to him like that. She got even more excited, and the wet sounds from her pussy grew louder.
"Aqua! Stick your butt out more!"
Aqua delighted in being ordered by me.
"Me! My body already thinks of him as my husband! I'm delighted to be spanked on the butt and ordered around! Shivans! Violate me more, more! You turned me into a lewd woman! I can't live without sex with you anymore!"
She made me grope her chest, stuck out her tongue, and begged for a kiss.
"More... do it more lewdly! I've been trained in pleasure by Shivans! My body has already been made unable to go back to Windam! Ah! Cummingcummingcumming!"
Having her chest groped messily, she was made to stick out her tongue and lick various things.
"I love you, Aqua!"
"I love you too! I'll only bear Shivans's children from now on!"
At the end, I made her do a titty fuck fellatio and blasted semen all over her body. "With this, you can tell I'm your woman, right? Tonight, I'll sleep just like this and let your scent soak into my whole body!" she said, and fell asleep.
If I lay Windam down next to her, he shouldn't wake up until morning.The next morning, the half-asleep Windam seemed to have had a dream where he embraced the Empress.
"Lady Victoria... I can't produce any more semen..."
"Dear! What are you saying? That's lese-majesty!"
"What, it's you? Just when I was feeling good... Holding someone like you, I feel like I've taken a huge loss."
Normally, this would be a situation to get angry, but Aqua said, "I'm sorry about that."
"Well, fine. Even with you, it felt good."
"Is that so."
"I held you as a reward for getting pretty, after all! Be grateful."
"Yes, yes."
Answering like that, she quickly changed clothes and returned to her own room.
(Making excuses to a guy like that, I feel like I took a loss. With this, I won't be called again!)
Aqua shouted in her heart and did a guts pose.
After finishing breakfast, I was taken by Klaus to the palace.
"Aristo, go to Princess Aria's place. I have something to discuss with Shivans."
Saying that, he headed to the room where His Majesty was.His Majesty welcomed us in high spirits. He was persistently curious about what we had eaten yesterday afternoon. So, when I told him, "It's a creature called an Eel that lives in the river," he gave instructions to learn about it from the cook.
"Shivans. Has your sword skill already surpassed your father's?"
"Not at all, Your Majesty. I am still being held back, barely kept alive."
When I said that, he asked Klaus if it was true.
"He is Butler's, after all!"
"Ah, that's right!"
Klaus and His Majesty seemed to understand each other with just that exchange.
"However... are Butler and you exceptional? Or are the soldiers and knights weak?"
When His Majesty said this as if to himself, Klaus replied, "It would be the latter."
"At this rate, considering if the Kingdom of Rhodesia were to invade, it could be dire. I also speak sternly to my sons in my territory. But when it comes to young people these days, it's lamentable..."
To think I'd hear the phrase "young people these days" even in another world! As I was thinking that, he thanked me for subjugating the bandits this time and said he would give me a sword.
"Thanks to you, the people of the territory were spared suffering. I am grateful."
It seemed to be unsigned, but it was a fine greatsword. The royal family crest was on it.
"As a subject of Your Majesty, I merely did what was natural. To receive such a thing, I am the one who is grateful!"
When we left the room, Aristo and Princess Aria were there. And that maid was there, but something was off about her. Aristo had an angry look on his face, Aria looked like she was about to cry, and the maid was deathly pale.
(I can mostly imagine what happened...)
I walked over briskly and asked the maid, "Are you an idiot?" She made an annoyed face and replied curtly, "Huh?"
"Come with me for a bit."
"No... let go!"
I took her to a place where no one could see us.There, I explained to this idiot just how idiotic her actions were. What supports the current Imperial Family is the Grand Duke family, the Bismarck family. It is precisely because they hold sway in this country with their overwhelming military power that no one rebels against the Imperial Family. Aria understands that best, and she probably likes Aristo.
"Do you understand what will happen if this engagement is broken off? A rift will form between the Imperial Family and the Bismarck family. A result no one wants. If a war were to break out because of this, you would have done something that could lead to the destruction of this country. Your family will probably be eternally resented by the people of this country. Because they gave birth to an idiotic plague god like you."
Well, if I exaggerate this much, even this idiot should understand. Surely, this girl was bad at cooking and wanted to feel superior by making fun of others. Being called Princess Aria's personal maid, everyone did as she said, and she got carried away. This is the result.
I'm glad she finally realized she's an idiot. As I was about to leave, this idiot girl's parents or whoever arrived, and the commotion grew even larger.
"You idiot! How much shame must you bring upon your parents before you're satisfied! Die!"
"We are truly... terribly sorry, everyone. We will atone with our deaths."
As expected, having them die in the palace would be troublesome. The guards quickly dragged them away. His Majesty and Klaus weren't there, but since Aristo and Aria were, I took the idiot girl and her parents aside and heard the circumstances.
The idiot girl was named Sera, fifteen years old.Her parents were merchants with a royal warrant and seemed to be quite wealthy merchants.
"Allow me to explain the circumstances."
I decided to speak without hiding anything. I told them about how this Sera had picked a fight with me, tried to start a fight and then ran away. And about my background and Aristo's. When I explained about the rift it could cause between the Imperial Family and the Bismarck family, the father suddenly punched Sera.
"It's already beyond a matter of this child apologizing. Hitting her won't change the situation. This problem getting bigger would be troublesome for me too..."
Because the future of our O'Brien family is also at stake. When I told them those circumstances without hiding anything, the father, who introduced himself as Cielo, said, "We ask you, knowing full well the trouble we've caused. We have no other choice but to rely on you, sir," and both he and his wife performed a dogeza.
(Well, that's how it is. Having this wealthy merchant owe me a favor isn't bad!)
"What do you think about your parents bowing their heads like this to a youngster like me?"
Sobbing violently, she apologized to her parents, saying, "Because of me... I'm truly sorry... I want to die already," so I decided to forgive her.
Apparently, the Imperial Family had dismissed Sera.So her parents had rushed over wondering, "What did she do?"
"I see. I understand your circumstances. So, we have no choice but to play a comeback card..."
I asked Sera if she could handle finances. She replied, "I can! If there's anything lacking, I'll do anything!" So, I told her that our new territory lacks people knowledgeable in finance. I asked if she could put on an act of devoting herself to me in front of Aristo and Aria, and she nodded deeply.
"If it becomes known that Sera is helping me in my time of trouble, I believe His Excellency Klaus and Aristo-sama's anger will subside somewhat. Don't you dare show your usual attitude, okay?"
At those words, the parents, realizing their daughter had been behaving arrogantly, glared at Sera with demonic expressions.
"I-I understand. Not just for me, but for my parents' sake too!"
Sera, her parents, and I went before Aristo and Aria to talk, but despite the parents being present, Aristo thoroughly tore into her.
"Shivans! Reconsider! You'd hire such an idiot, impulsive, short-tempered, twisted woman? A woman who nonchalantly traps people and sneers at them?"
At these words, the parents hung their heads, and Sera looked like she was about to cry. I think Aria also knows Sera's good points, but she couldn't say so in this situation.
"Aristo-sama. I understand what you want to say, but right now, if we don't rebuild the new territory, many people will suffer in dire misery. She has perceived that situation and has offered to lend me her strength. She has promised to devote herself to me and the people of the territory."
Aristo looked at me with extreme suspicion.He let out a sigh and glanced at Aria.
"Most likely, knowing you, you thought this would cause a rift in my relationship with Aria, so you decided to take this girl in. Because you're a kind guy who cares about your friends. But! If anything happens next time, I absolutely won't forgive it! I'll crush her with all the might of the Bismarck family!"
You're misunderstanding in a good way, Aristo. I'm not that good a guy. I really just wanted a finance officer who wouldn't betray me. I can't say that I thought her parents would surely send a good financial assistant too. Sera and her parents were overwhelmed by Aristo's intensity.
After parting from Aristo and Aria, I spoke with Sera and her parents.
"With this, the worst-case scenario has been avoided. I intend to arrange for Sera to be able to return to Lady Aria's side, but I don't know when that will be. Don't count on it, and do something until then. I'm counting on you for the financial matters, okay?"
The parents, rubbing their hands together, promised in a good mood, "That goes without saying! Leave it to us! We will send excellent people."
(Alright, alright! This is what they call turning misfortune into fortune!)
I waved to the three of them, and as I was about to head back, Sera came back before I knew it.
"What is it? Forget something?"
"No! Even though I said terrible things to you... you helped me! I'm truly grateful! And also, I am the finance officer! I have no intention of yielding that to anyone!"
Her parents... were bowing their heads repeatedly in our direction.
"Go home. You don't need to worry about what's already over. Our new territory is a really tough place. A young lady like you, Sera, wouldn't be able to handle it."
"You won't know until you try! I... am serious!"
Well then, if you say that much, I'll introduce you to my companions, and I told her that if she couldn't pass the financial studies in this short period, she would fail.
(Though, knowing Cielo, he'll probably give us at least one finance person!)
Thinking that, I immediately took her to Passo's house to introduce her to the trio who called themselves the 'Shivans' Guard.'
"This girl is Sera, the prospective finance officer. Everyone, please treat her well."
After they exchanged greetings, Vel seemed very interested. He was probably thinking of making her a member of the harem.
"Hey. Fifteen, huh? Prettier than Yaris, and her chest is bigger too. Ehehe."
Then, Yaris, who had been listening.
"Shivans-sama. Previously, you spoke to me about being a commander. Even if Vel gets injured, I will abandon him and retreat! I've gained the confidence to make ruthless decisions!"
As Vel was making a fuss saying that's not right, Regias asked, "Young master. Can this girl be trusted?"
"Of course. It would be a problem if she couldn't."
"If the young master says she's trustworthy, we have no objections!"
Sera looked happy to be welcomed by everyone.
"You're going to a remote place from now on, you know? It's strange to look so happy about it."
"Until just now, I was a plague god... I'm happy to be welcomed!"
Well, now that you mention it, that's true...
"Little miss Sera. We depart the day after tomorrow! If you don't come, we'll leave you behind?"
"Captain Regias! I will follow Shivans-sama forever! To the ends of the earth!"
When she said that with determination, everyone applauded her.After that, when I escorted her home, I couldn't help but say, "What kind of shop is this? It's huge, isn't it?" Apparently, it was a general trading company that dealt in everything.
"Wow! Interesting! I'll come by tomorrow!"
"Yes! Please do!"
Saying that, she hugged me and gave me an awkward kiss.
"That was my first! By the way, I'm a virgin!"
"I didn't ask..."
"I wanted you to know! Well then, see you tomorrow!"
When I returned to the mansion, the man who calls himself my best friend was waiting, fuming with anger.