Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Homecoming
"Listen, Shivans! There is no need for you to sacrifice yourself for me and Aria! Honestly, just how good-natured can a man like you be?!"
He must not ruin this enjoyable dinner. The other four adults could only give wry smiles and say "Now, now" to calm him down.
"That wasn't the only reason I helped her."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
So, I explained that Sera's parents were the heads of the Cielo Trading Company.
Merchants possess their own intelligence networks. Naturally, if war breaks out, the prices of iron and food will skyrocket. They can procure goods cheaply in one region and sell them at high prices in another. Beyond that, there's also the possibility they hold insider information.
"Cielo entrusted his daughter to me. She is, so to speak, a hostage. There is no way he would leak information or do anything detrimental to me, the Bismarck family, or the Imperial Family. Through that one girl, we can obtain significant intelligence. There may be information worth more than gold coins. Merchants are not to be underestimated!"
This even got Klaus and Windam hooked.
"I see. I feel like I'm beginning to understand why you're so particular about roads."
Windam said this with an expression of finally grasping it. "In that case," Klaus added, impressed, "there's a high possibility that merchants are the first to know when, where, and who will start a war. So they transport not just goods, but information as well."
At that point, I made a request to Aristo.
I asked if, someday, he could return Sera to her position as Aria's maid.
"Why?"
I can guess that, like me and Aristo, Aria likely has no friends. Perhaps, for Aria, Sera is someone like a friend she can trust. Forgiving her immediately would probably be difficult, given that she was dismissed. So, I suggested that perhaps he could at least allow them to exchange letters. He seemed to think about it for a moment.
"This is purely my speculation. However, if my speculation is correct, I believe Lady Aria's heart will turn even more toward gratitude for Lord Aristo. Although, it also depends somewhat on the Cielo Trading Company..."
The fundamental premise is that his beloved daughter is a hostage. If that weren't the case, and he were the type to cut her off, we likely wouldn't obtain much worthwhile information. So, when I announced that I would go shopping tomorrow and use the opportunity to sound out Cielo's intentions, Aristo said, "I'll go too."
"Well, first, let me try going alone. Lord Aristo, please try to confirm Lady Aria's feelings. I leave it to you."
Only Aristo can verify whether my speculation is correct.
Furthermore, Aristo supporting the woman who will be his future legal wife should leave a favorable impression on everyone. To put it bluntly, it's because he would be supporting a woman in a weakened state. When I explained this, Aqua applauded.
"That's right, Aristo. You must become able to support a frail woman!"
Windam... is making a sour face at Aqua. But then, he turns to me and stares with a serious expression.
"Say, Shivans-kun. Won't you join the military in the future? After graduation, of course. I'll recommend you to the military's Operations HQ!"
Klaus immediately rejected the idea.
"If he were a second son, that would be fine, but eventually he will inherit that barony. Well, there is also the option of inviting him occasionally as a lecturer, you know?"
Saying that was a good idea, they made a toast.
The lady of the house said to Aqua, "Male friendship is wonderful, isn't it! Aristo, don't you think it's great that you've found such a good friend?" To which Aqua replied, "I feel the same way, Mother-in-law!" and they toasted.
After that, I performed treatment as usual, but compared to Klaus, Windam's physique is becoming slack.
"Shivans-kun's cooking is so delicious, I end up eating too much!"
Klaus goes mountain walking with Aristo, so he's healthy. When I mentioned this, Windam selfishly said, "Isn't there an easier way to train? I hate lifting heavy things," so I suggested jump rope.
"Huh. Let's give it a try!"
It was decided I would teach him after breakfast tomorrow.
That night,
Aqua was intense. Apparently, Windam had been cold to her.
"But, strangely, I didn't get angry. When I wondered why, I realized—I've been marked by your sperm, haven't I? I've become aware that I belong to Shivans! I was happy to be spanked on the butt and given orders! I am already Shivans's woman!"
I embraced her from behind, said "I love you, Aqua," and kneaded her chest as we shared a deep kiss.
"I love you too! I will love you forever and ever! Only Shivans makes my pussy ache so lewdly! Will you impregnate me again?"
"Keep getting pregnant with my sperm, Aqua!"
"Yes! Darling! I am your wife! Your legal wife!"
Of course, I understood this was just in spirit, but it became a passionate night.
In the morning, it was Noah. After receiving morning fellatio, she begged, "Do it inside! Please!" So I ejaculated inside her vagina before heading to breakfast.
After breakfast, as promised, I taught jump rope. Windam tired out immediately.
"How pathetic! Let me try!"
The lady of the house also tried, but said, "Th-this is unexpectedly tough..." After that, challengers appeared one after another, but everyone started doing it, finding it surprisingly good exercise.
When I arrived at Cielo's shop, a woman was waiting in front, looking restless.
"You're cuter than in your maid uniform!"
"I'm so happy! Yesterday, Vel-san complimented my chest, remember? I thought maybe Lord Shivans would like this kind of thing too!"
I wanted to say it's my absolute favorite, but I couldn't let myself be hooked here. When I entered the shop, a wide variety of goods were on display. Foodstuffs and seasonings, furniture, minerals, weapons and armor, clothing and bags, shoes, jewels and precious metals, and even pets.
"Is that a parrot? It's huge for one, though..."
Sera didn't know, so she asked a nearby clerk.
"It's a ferocious bird called a Parrot. It mimics human voices, but it lures people close and eats them. How about it?"
How about it, my ass. I don't need it!
The parrots I know don't eat people!
There was also a hawk.
"What is that?"
"It's called a Hawk. How about it?"
I wondered if nobles in this world did falconry or something, but apparently not. However, thinking that having a hawk's eyes would be convenient, an announcement came: 'Hawk Eye' skill acquired.
As I continued looking, I saw a bird that looked just like the ones I know.
"Is that a pigeon?"
"It's a Pigeon. They have excellent homing instincts. How about it?"
"I'd like to buy them. How much?"
Just then, Cielo appeared. "What do you intend to do with the Pigeons? Not that they can't be eaten, but..." he said.
"Of course, I won't eat them. I just thought I'd like to keep them."
I dislike probing each other's intentions, but it can't be helped. Can I say everything here and now? If we can't feel mutual trust, I'll keep it to myself.
I was led to a luxurious room.
A luxurious sofa and a luxurious table. And in front of me, Sera, whose black panties are visible under her miniskirt. No, that's wrong. She's showing them. My instincts scream that she intends to hook me.
"I am truly sorry for the immense trouble I caused you yesterday, and I am grateful. Truly! I can only thank you. I nearly let my daughter die..."
Stop it! Thinking that, I made him raise his body.
"Originally, I intended to visit you myself. However, I cannot very well go to the Bismarck residence right now. May I ask one thing? Are you really 13 years old?"
I could only nod.
"I can't prove it, but I am 13."
"I apologize, but I had you investigated."
Having said that, he suddenly began speaking passionately.
"The road you are building now, and that artistic city the likes of which I've never seen. It's almost unbelievable that all of it came from your ideas. And then, the skill with which you rebuilt that devastated land! If only my foolish sons had even a fragment of your talent or ambition..."
You've done your research, old man. As expected of a tycoon. To investigate this much in a single night.
"I'm the one who's surprised. To investigate that thoroughly in just one night. A small, worthless noble like myself can't even compete, can we?"
Cielo laughed happily, "Fufufu."
Just then, his wife served tea. As I took a sip, a rich aroma spread.
"We can't drink such high-class tea at my house. Even the Bismarck family should have trouble obtaining this. How did you... no, from the port in the former count's territory, Hermann?"
His wife laughed happily. "When you guess it so easily, there's no fun in competing, dear!" she said, looking delighted.
"Indeed! Thanks to the road you're building, we'll be able to obtain even more various goods! My dreams are expanding!"
Realizing this man is a merchant through and through made me happy.
Then, he showed me documents indicating he had investigated me quite thoroughly.
"To tell the truth, it wasn't just last night. I've been investigating you—or rather, your territory—for over a year now."
He seemed surprised that I turned a desert into a tourist destination, planted crops that grow in volcanic ash, built a hot spring inn, and limited the number of guests to enhance services.
"Normally, no one uses a desert. At most, they'd just be at a loss. The same goes for volcanic ash. No one would think of planting crops in such a place. And with a profitable hot spring inn, one would normally expand the business."
When Cielo said this was the thinking of ordinary people, including himself, Sera nodded in agreement, showing off her erotic panties even more.
"Sera, you didn't know either, did you?"
"That's right. What happened with the hot spring inn?"
"On the contrary, I limited the number of people and made the service more intensive."
When I said that, as a result, being able to go to the hot spring inn became something of a status symbol, she spread her legs wide and said, "Oh my! That's amazing!"
"You made your territory prosper through methods we never even imagined. This is a story worthy of praise. Hearing this, I wondered if there was anyone else who could do the same thing as you. When I thought about how many people, be they nobles or merchants, could do it, I felt envious of you."
Being praised this much, I don't feel bad.
"What are you aiming for? I've always wanted to ask you someday. I'm grateful we were able to meet like this. Though I nearly fainted when I heard my foolish daughter picked a fight with you! Ahaha!"
Sera muttered quietly, "Please don't bring that up."
"The world I aim for is one where, at the very least, the people around me can live as peacefully and prosperously as possible. However, war will not disappear. So, I am thinking about how to reduce it. What's necessary for that is money and information. Food and soldiers—that's a soldier's way of thinking, isn't it?"
Cielo nodded repeatedly and offered a handshake.
"I will open a shop in your territory soon. It seems my foolish daughter volunteered for your request for a treasurer, but I will send five people from my shop. Then, we'll have them compete to see who can develop your territory economically. How about it? It's getting interesting, isn't it?"
I couldn't help but say, "Awesome..."
Then, Cielo was overjoyed.
"Your profits will greatly benefit me as well. That town will surely grow even larger! The location is good too. Your territory connects the sea and the Imperial Capital. A lot of money is sure to fall there. And it seems you still have a second and third plan up your sleeve!"
"I-I can be useful too!"
"You? The fool who gets emotional immediately and picks fights without thinking of the consequences?"
Harshly criticized by her father, Sera looked about to cry.
Feeling a bit sorry for her, I followed up.
"Of course, when it comes to finance, she likely can't compete with a veteran. However, she has a proven track record of staying close to the lonely Lady Aria and providing comfort. Thinking that Her Highness the Princess might have cherished her like a friend, Lord Aristo has gone to confirm this today. And while it may not happen immediately, His Excellency Klaus has also said that if Lady Aria wishes for her return, it would be fine to bring her back."
The Grand Duke said that... Moved, Sera began to cry.
"You are truly amazing. My wife was also crying, thinking our foolish daughter had caused you trouble and would not escape the death penalty. And on top of that, she was forgiven and shown such compassion. I had always thought poorly of nobles, but people like you do exist. Thank you..."
So saying, Cielo also began to weep.
"I merely did what I could. Cielo-san, madam, please raise your heads. You must not bow repeatedly to a youngster like me."
Just when I thought things would end on this emotional note, he asked, full of mercantile spirit, "Why did you say you wanted to buy Pigeons?"
"That is something I will tell you about if my experiment goes well... but at this stage, I'm not yet confident."
Smiling, he said, "Knowing you, you'll surely succeed," and headed toward the Pigeons. There were five birds, and all five obeyed me, so I decided to buy them. The Hawk also looked at me as if wanting to be bought, so when I tamed it, it became a companion, and I decided to buy it too.
"How much?"
"This time, it's a gift from me. Knowing you, I'm sure you'll return the favor beyond the value of this gift!"
Cielo's instincts are sharp. He'll probably buy up Pigeons while they're still cheap. As an upfront investment.
"I'll escort Lord Shivans partway!"
When Sera said that to her father, she linked her arm with mine and we went outside.
"This is far enough, you know?"
"Just a little more..."
When we got a little distance from the shop, she said, "My mother, you see, was 15 when she had my oldest Big Brother! My aunt said she was 14. So, it wouldn't be strange for me to have a child either."
So what? I thought, as I listened. "But, I'm still a virgin. And I've never even been in love with a man. When I thought I'd eventually be made to marry someone from the shop, I didn't want to cook anymore. I became unable to..." she said sadly.
"So, starting today, I'll study cooking and finance! I've never had sex, but I do masturbate. Until yesterday, my ideal prince was my material. Since yesterday, Lord Shivans has been my material! I'm being eaten up a lot. Is that a bother?"
Thinking what if Cielo or her mother found out, I looked around nervously, but no one was there, so I was relieved.
"Well, if it's just in your fantasies, it's fine, isn't it?"
"I think it will become reality over there! Let's have our first sex! Ah! If my father or mother found out, I think they'd use it, so I'll use contraception! I'll make sure not to cause trouble! I... will become lewd and devote myself completely to you!"
Saying that with a bright red face, she dashed back to the house. The birds properly followed me from the sky.
(Come to think of it, they said they were bringing the slum residents to my place.)
As I wondered if I could communicate with the Hawk, I saw scenery through the Hawk's eyes. The slum residents were already preparing to move and heading south on the new road. It seems those who are ready are going ahead first.
Just as I was thinking I wanted to tell Klaus and Aristo about the Pigeons, the two of them returned from the palace.
"Carrier Pigeons? I've never heard of such a thing. Grandfather?"
If neither Aristo nor Klaus knows about them, that's lucky. When I said I would make a tool to attach letters to the Pigeons' legs and exchange correspondence, they were astonished.
"Pigeons have something called a homing instinct. By using that, information can be transmitted faster than by fast horse. From my territory to here, information would likely arrive in half a day. However, there are risks."
There is also problematic content, such as letters being shot by hunters or attacked by predators and read by unintended people. Especially things related to military secrets. It would be better to encrypt those, and the contents of letters should be encrypted as much as possible to be safe.
So, it was decided we would immediately build a Pigeon Loft on the roof of this mansion and conduct an experiment to see if they could travel back and forth between here and the new territory.
"If this works well, information on the battlefield won't get confused!"
(I'll keep quiet about the Hawk Eye for now. This guy will protect me from the sky.)
The good thing about taming is being able to communicate intentions. Somehow, I can understand what they are thinking.
"And, as expected, it was just as you said. Aria apparently wants to see Sera. If these Pigeons work out, exchanging letters will probably be possible too."
When I thanked Aristo, he said, "Stop it. I hadn't read Aria's feelings that deeply. The thanks should be from me!" and we high-fived.
Tima, knowing I would be returning tomorrow, was voracious. After a devouring kiss, she gave me a titty fuck fellatio.
"Master! Hold me lots! I think my pregnancy will be confirmed soon!"
Saying that, she held me tight while crying the whole time.
In the evening, it was Noah.
When we bathed together and I held her, she said, "For the first time in my life, my period is late! It's surely thanks to our breeding sex! I might conceive a baby at 30!" and begged for me to finish inside.
And at night, it was Aqua.
"Listen! It's fine to hold other women, but when you're holding me, you mustn't think of other women!"
She understands well... Is she an esper?
"The gestures and expressions of the man you love? When I feel you're not focused on me, it makes me angry! Right? After making my body this lewd! Officially, I'm a married woman, you know!"
Realizing she was right, I apologized. "I don't want to be angry at Shivans either... So, love me more!" she said and kissed me.
"You're cute, Aqua. I love you!"
"I want to be told I'm cute forever! I love you more than anyone, Shivans!"
Late at night, I slipped out quietly and returned to my room.
The next morning, I awoke to fellatio from a completely naked Noah.
"You're energetic again today!"
So saying, she straddled me in the cowgirl position.
After that, when I finished breakfast and headed to Passo's house, they were in the middle of preparing to move.
"Yaris. As promised, I'll make you clean and pretty!"
"Really! Yay!"
We bathed together, and saying I was going to shave her, I had her spread her legs. She spread them wide open without any resistance. When I asked out of curiosity, it seemed she lacked sexual knowledge.
"You mustn't show this to just anyone, okay?"
"I-I know that much! It's fine because it's Lord Shivans!"
I also used hair removal cream and made her clean. I treated the unwanted hair on her face. I shaped her eyebrows, used shampoo and conditioner, and lathered her whole body clean with soap. When I gently kneaded her chest and played with her nipples, she seemed sensitive.
I also styled her hair into a half-up bob. Finally, I finished with lipstick. When I showed her a mirror, she hugged me while completely naked, saying, "Yay! I'm cute!"
"You shouldn't hug a man while naked."
"It's fine if it's Lord Shivans, right?"
"Well, I guess it's okay?"
When I said that, she said, "This is my thanks!" and kissed me just like that.
"Your boobs are touching me, you know?"
"It's fine. They won't decrease from that! You can grope them too!"
When I actually groped them, she was a little taken aback.
"I am a girl, after all! If you're going to grope, do it in a nicer place!"
"So groping is okay?"
She nodded eagerly and said with a smile, "Well, whenever Lord Shivans wants to grope, go ahead!"
When she put on a bust-enhancing bra and I got into my Black Knight attire, no one said anything, but Sera, who had joined up with us, shouted, "She's become pretty!"
"Lord Shivans made me a woman!"
Amidst the stir from everyone, Sera was shocked. "I lost...?"
"I haven't been embraced yet, you know? Though I don't know about the future!"
"In that case, I'll be first!"
"You're younger, aren't you?"
"Only by one year! My chest is bigger, you know?"
It was Vel who put an end to the fruitless exchange.
"You piss-smelling virgin brats! Hurry it up!"
At those words, Sera said, "It'll be soon! Lord Shivans will become crazy about me, you know?" and Yaris countered, "I've already had my boobs groped!"
"Enough already! We're leaving!"
When Regias got angry, both of them replied, "Okaaay."
Once everyone was gone, Passo's house was naturally deserted.
I returned to the mansion and reported to Klaus. He nodded and told me to leave it to him.
"And, that Cielo fellow seems to already be gathering Pigeons. Over here, I've just told Windam to have the military start gathering Pigeons too!"
It seems a great Pigeon capture operation is underway.
"I have the matter of the Pigeons, so I will come again in three days. May I stay for one night?"
When I asked everyone, Aqua answered with a smile, "You can stay as many nights as you like!"
And so, I headed home for the first time in a long while.