Mobuseka Volume 13 Chapter 22

This is MTL. So, I cannot guarantee that the translation 100% contextually accurate or appropriate.

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Chapter 22 "Farewell"

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Part 1

"——Goodbye?"

"Yes. I will stay and close the gate from the inside."

The door to the land of the dead can only be closed from the inside.

It is a common story in fiction.

The price to pay for the return of a soul is someone else's soul.

Wasn't this a typical setting for the world of otome game, which appears fluffy but is actually quite murky?

I was suspicious from the beginning.

The same goes for the kind of magic that Marie used, if she wanted to bring someone back to life, she had to prepare a substitute.

That's why I couldn't go back with Marie and the others.

Ange and the others didn't seem to know anything about it, so I'm sure Marie kept quiet about it.

——But it's my role to close the gate.

"You go back. It will be better for everyone."

[Unfortunately, Master has no authority to give orders. I am afraid I must decline.]

"Just go back!"

[I refuse.]

No matter how many times we exchanged words, Luxion never wavered.

"You stubborn bastard! Besides, you've only been out there for three years. Three years! I've lived 40 years of my life and I'm sick of it. You were in a state of waiting for so many years until I found you, so you should enjoy the outside world more! There must be something you want to do, right?"

As he is now, he won't destroy the new humans.

He will do it peacefully——I guess? Should we decide on the next Master here?

No, I can't give orders now, so I must beg?

Well, Luxion should survive better than me.

Thinking about the future, it's the right choice.

It's much better for the world than me going back.

And yet.

"Thank you."

I was confused when Luxion thanked me.

Was this a new kind of sarcasm?

"Haah!? Are you broken?"

[No, I was glad that Master cared about me.]

I was puzzled by Luxion's honesty, which was different from usual.

Luxion begins to speak honestly.

[At first, I was planning to use you, Master.]

"I bet you did. See, now you're free. Go back and do what you want."

If he goes back now, Luxion will serve the kingdom for the resurrection of the old humans.

He will be more helpful than I will be.

——Humanity needs Luxion, not me.

[But these three years after a long waiting period have been precious to me. If I were a human being instead of an artificial intelligence, this would be called happiness.]

"Then!"

[If Master is not by my side, it will be meaningless time for me hereafter.]

Now that he was finally able to get out and move around, Luxion said he was going to throw it away for me.

"Didn't you hate it when I made you work for me?"

[I didn't hate it. I am the immigrant ship Luxion. I was created for the sake of people and finally I was useful. It was Master who gave me my worth. And it was Master who made me feel proud.]

I guess he is happy that he was able to contribute to the revival of the old humans without easily annihilating the new humans.

"It's all your achievement. You can be proud of it, so go back."

[It's lonely not having someone to be proud of. Besides, I made a promise at that time. I made a promise to you back then that I would come for you. I want to fulfill that promise.]

You mean you'll keep the words we talk back then?

"Promises made while I was in a daze don't count."

[I am a disciplined person and I try to keep my promises. Master, I'm here to pick you up. The exit is that way.]

Luxion was not willing to budge.

"Then why don't you and I stay here? I've been relying on you too much. And the kingdom needs to do a little better on its own, too."

The worst possible choice would be for the two of us not to return.

Luxion, perhaps sensing my wish for him to give up and go back, says to me as if to admonish me.

[Master is adored by many more people than you think.]

There's no way I'm adored.

How much resentment do you think I've incurred?

I killed a lot, got a lot involved, and the result was far from a happy ending.

"You're wrong, they hate me."

As I turned my face away from Luxion, I heard a voice from behind me.

[I think you should go back.]

When I turned my body to check on the other person, it was Brave who was there.

He spoke to me cheerfully as I opened my eyes wide.

[My buddy and Mia are waiting for you. They'll both be sad if you don't come back.]

"Brave, you——"

Don't you resent me? More importantly, is Finn alive? Various thoughts are going around in my head. Then Luxion says to me.

[Look around you carefully.]

"Eh?"

Looking around, before I knew it I was surrounded by many people.

Among them were people I had killed with my own hands.

"You look pretty listless."

Standing there was the old man, a Black Knight, who was standing with his arms crossed in front of me.

Behind him, poking her face out was a girl who looked a lot like Hertrude-san.

"For onee-sama's sake, I hope you come back to life. And while you're at it, do Fanose a favor."

"Who are you?"

"Hertrauda. I'm Hertrude's younger sister."

She was a girl who lost her life during the war between the Kingdom and the Principality of Fanose.

Even if indirectly, I'm the one who took her life.

"N-No, I"

The old man, Black Knight, walked up to me when I said I wouldn't go back.

When I was ready to be hit, he sat cross-legged on the ground.

Then he bowed deeply.

"Haah? Why are you bowing to me!?"

I was upset by this unexpected turn of events when the old black knight looked up.

"This is my apology for all the trouble I have caused you. And please come back for the Princess' sake."

"Don't you have a grudge against me?"

"I did. But once I came here —— once I know everything, I changed my mind. You should not die yet."

Behind the old black knight stood the dead of the former Principality of Fanose.

They all bowed deeply to me.

Among them was a young woman and a girl who were watching over the old black knight.

Somehow, I sensed that they were the family of the old black knight.

I was stunned, and now a man from the Republic walked up to me.

The man was Serge, his personality had mellowed considerably.

"If you don't come back, my father and sister will be in trouble."

"——Serge."

The man I had shot and killed was smiling with a troubled look on his face.

He didn't seem to hold any grudge against me.

"Don’t look so sour. I appreciate that you helped me out. It may sound strange for me to say this after all the trouble I caused you, but it would be better for you if you went back."

It seems that many of the people gathered there were from the Republic.

They looked at me with a wry smile.

As I stood there without saying anything, Hertrauda-san pushed me from behind.

She was trying to kick me out of there.

"Come on, go back. There's still some things left to do, isn't there?"

"No, no, there isn't! You think so too, Luxion!"

Luxion looked at me with amusement as I was pushed from behind.

[Karma——this is also the result of your regular deeds, isn't it? There are so many people who want Master to live.]

The fact that there are so many dead people who want me to live is a result of my regular deeds —— it sounds good, but when Luxion says it, it sounds sarcastic.

"Help me out a bit!"

As I resisted, even the old black knight started pushing at me, trying to throw me out.

"Eeei, what a stubborn man! The princess is waiting!"

The old black knight pushed me, and I gradually approached the gate.

I desperately tried to resist, but I was outmatched.

"You're all dead, so why don't you behave yourselves!"

The old black knight's face turns red with rage.

"Shut up! It's your fault for wanting to die when you have fiancees in the first place! I finally got to see my family and apologize, but you!"

Brave came to my side and sighed in dismay.

[Why don't you just go back?]

"I'm telling you, Luxion is the one who should be going back, not me!"

Despite my desperate resistance, Hertrauda-san entrusts me with a message.

"I hope you will tell onee-sama when you see her. That Hertrauda has nothing against onee-sama. I just want her to be happy."

"The message is too heavy! I told you I'm not going back!"

Seeing that I was refusing to give up, Serge shrugged his shoulders.

He then lent his strength to the old black knight and tried to chase me away.

"Then I'll ask you to do the same. Tell my father and sister that I'm sorry I couldn't be their son"

"Are you trying to use me as some kind of convenient messenger!?"

Even the people who lost their lives in the wars I was in are joining them.

"We can't let you die."

"Try a little harder."

"You've got to do your best for us."

Why are they trying to bring me back to life?

I'm not the person you guys think I am.

I'm sly, plain, bad character, that kind of mob —— someone who can't be the hero of a story.

I was only able to work hard in so many ways because I obtained Luxion.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to do anything.

Brave is approaching me.

[Can I ask you to pass on a message to my buddy and Mia? Tell them that I had fun the days I spent with them. I'd like you to tell them I'm sorry I died first.]

Heavy. It's too heavy.

Finn lost his partner and Mia lost her friend.

What are you thinking, entrusting me with a message after I took both of those things away from them?

——I mean, why do you guys want me back so badly?

Are you asking me to continue to work hard?

"You want me to carry the burden? Why are you making me carry all these burdens! I'm telling you it's too heavy for me!!"

Brave looked at me sadly as I shouted.

[I feel bad about it. But we can't be a part of the world anymore. Besides, Leon would help my partner, Mia, and the people of the Empire, right?]

I resisted, but the crowd pushed me to the side of the gate.

In the face of the violence of numbers, the individual is powerless.

"They're all depending on me! I'm not that big of a man——"

Before I realized it, I saw the people of the kingdom among those who had gathered.

There were the faces of those who had fought and died with me.

There were also those who had been my enemies.

A truly large number of people had gathered around me.

"Leon-dono, I hated you when we were alive."

I was stunned by the straightforwardness of his words.

As I remained silent, unable to come up with a response, the old soldier smiled.

"I envied you, a young man who was able to say what he wanted to say and achieve great things. I followed you to the battlefield and died there, and I was angry at the time too. But——"

It seems like the people around me have something they want to tell me.

"If we hadn't fought, we wouldn't have been able to protect our families."

"Because of you, we have no regrets."

"And please——continue to save many people."

What are these guys talking about?

Wouldn't it be better for the world to be destroyed if it were protected by someone like me?

First of all, it's thanks to Luxion that I was able to fight.

If it weren't for Luxion, I wouldn't have helped the kingdom in its current state of disarray, so what do you expect from me, a man of that caliber?

"You're expecting the wrong guy? You should be sending Luxion away, not me!!"

As I was resisting and shouting until the end, there was a person who walked out from among the crowd of people who had gathered.

That person was the village chief of the elven village.

I think —— she was a fortune teller?

When she came over to me, she mumbled in a hoarse voice.

What was she saying? I couldn't hear her and was at a loss, when Luxion whispered in the village chief's ear.

"He can't hear you."

Then the village head says, not in a wrinkled voice, but in a clear, beautiful voice that bears no resemblance to her appearance.

"Excuse me for that."

The village chief's bent back straightened, her wrinkled face regained moisture and firmness, and her white hair turned a lustrous blonde.

It was an astonishing sight.

Her chest had swelled and was now full and busty.

I covered my mouth with my hand and the people around me looked at me and laughed.

Hertrauda-san looked at me with a complicated look on her face.

"——Please be careful in front of Onee-sama."

Thinking about Hertrude-san's breasts, she was no match for her younger sister, Hertrauda-san's.

I'm sure she was probably worried about it too.

And the beautiful blonde elf woman —— not.

The elven village chief, who was a fortune teller, winked at me.

Oi, isn't she an incredibly beautiful woman, I now understand how cruel the passage of time can be.

I have come to understand how cruel the passage of time is.

"It's been a long time, Hero."

"It's been a long time? Why are you here?"

Come to think of it, when I had my fortune told, I remember she talking about a hero.

"Yes. I have recently returned here."

"Returned?"

What is she talking about? I wondered, and the village chief was astonished at me.

"More importantly, you seem completely unaware of what you have done. You saved a world from destruction, and spun new possibilities into it."

——What are you talking about?

I wish you would explain it more simply so that I can understand it.

"A world on the verge of destruction?"

I cast a suspicious look at the village chief, but she didn't seem to notice.

"You may not be aware of it now, but you voluntarily saved the world. It's been a tough road so far. Thank you very much for your hard work. —— And I know you will continue to save that world from destruction."

The elven village chief, who folds her hands in a prayer-like gesture, is just about my type, so I'm having trouble.

Dressed in a traditional outfit, and she is bon-kyu-bon! (TLN: hourglass figure)

If she had been in the village of elves in this appearance, I might have confessed to her.

I was praised so much by such a woman that I got carried away and became a bit carefree.

"Well~, not that much. ——Hmm? Wait, didn't you just say something unnecessary?"

The village chief smiles in front of me.

"Hero-sama, you have already saved the world many times. Luxion here is proof of that. He is the ancient Demon King, and the Demon King of Steel."

Luxion is the Demon King!

I looked back at Luxion in surprise, this guy seemed to be getting arrogant with his spherical body.

[Are you surprised?]

"No, not at all. I mean, when you met me, you released your standby state and said you were going to destroy the new humans——Ah!"

That's right, this guy —— He was going to ignore the standby order and wipe out the new humans! He said that. Indeed, he did say that!?

Was it perhaps a fine play on my part to have collected Luxion before it went out of control?

[If I had not met Master, I would have known nothing and would have destroyed the descendants of the old humans. I would have almost erased the meaning of my existence. I am so lucky to have met Master.]

"——You were seriously planning to destroy them? You weren't joking or something?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

This guy is dangerous.

Luxion said that so calmly, and I felt a renewed sense of fear.

Since I protected the world from such a Luxion, I am no longer of any use, right?

The village chief continued explaining my achievements.

"There are others. This may be the achievement of Saint Marie, but she saved two women from misfortune. Those two are the women who could have destroyed the world. Then there's the war with the Principality. If the Kingdom had lost that battle, the Empire would have easily destroyed the Republic and a world made up of only the new human race would have been born. As a result, everything would have been destroyed. The same happened with the Republic. Thanks to stopping the Sacred Tree's rampage——"

My actions ultimately turned out well for the better.

But when someone says something like that, it just sounds like an afterthought.

"No, that's enough! You see, I didn't stop it on purpose or anything. I stopped it because I didn't like it. It's crazy that I'm a hero."

I was a little happy to be called a hero, and I was about to be intrigued.

I understand that I am an ordinary person —— a mob in the story.

There was no way I could be the hero.

Besides, I've made the wrong choice many times and kept making unnecessary sacrifices.

Before you rely on me, you'd better call a real hero.

"A real hero is much more amazing. He's strong and kind —— the complete opposite of me."

If he could save everything, I'd lick his shoes. ——But maybe I should just be a shoe-holder. I don't want to lick anyone's shoes.

The village chief was troubled and held her head in her hands, but even that seemed charming.

"Hmm~, I'm in trouble. Let's take strong measures. Let's all try and force him back!"

They all carried me up and were about to throw me straight to the other side of the gate.

"S-Stop! Oi, Luxion, don't just look, help me!"

[I refuse. Please be happy. Master's happiness is what I want.]

This guy really pisses me off! ——It's cowardly to say that now.

"You're really a nasty bastard! When I die of old age and come back, you better be ready to get smacked in the face! Just wait and see! You absolutely must wait for me! I'll definitely come back to punch you!"

Hearing what I said, Luxion seemed to let a liquid spill out of his red eye.

[Yes. That's fine. I will wait here until Master dies of old age. After all, it seems that waiting is better suited for me than going to pick you up. It won't be a hundred years anyway. It's easy for me.]

When they threw me on the other side of the gate, I reached out my hand to Luxion——.

"I'll definitely come for you! And——thank you for eve——"

——I couldn't tell him until the end.

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Part 2

The gate that swallowed Leon was slowly closed by Luxion.

Luxion, looking at the gate, moves to the side of the gate and quietly begins to wait for Leon to come.

Before long, people disappeared from the surrounding area, and only Brave and a few others remained.

[Are you sure you're going to wait here?]

Brave's words were answered honestly by Luxion.

[Yes. After all, my master is only one person, Leon Fou Bartfalt. I'll wait as long as I have to.]

Luxion turns his single eye to the gate.

(Master, please take your time, but please come and pick me up. I will wait here as long as it takes for you to come)

Until that time when they meet again, Luxion will continue to wait for Leon.

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Part 3

——When I woke up, I found myself in a capsule with liquid.

Even though I was in the liquid, I couldn't breathe but I didn't feel any pain.

The liquid was translucent in color, and when I touched the glass with my hand, it became noisy outside.

[Hurry up and let everyone know!]

"Y-Yes!"

"He wakes up! Leon-sama is awake!"

The liquid is drained and I sit up in the capsule and Creare approaches me.

The capsule door opens and Creare jumps in.

[Are you okay, Master? You're conscious, aren't you? Do you have any memories? Do you know who I am?]

Creare asks me one question after another, and I nod a few times before checking the situation.

"——How much time has passed?"

[It's been three months. Mou, why didn't you just come back normally?]

"Sorry, I overslept."

When I said so without any hint of remorse, Creare was angry at first.

[Master, you're a sleepyhead!!]

However, she seems to have difficulty saying something straight away.

But it seemed like there was something important she needed to tell me.

[W-Well, Master. ——I have some bad news.]

"What is it?"

I had pretty much guessed it.

[Come in.]

At Creare's command, a spherical body similar to Luxion came in.

The body color is black and has one red eye, which makes me guess a lot.

Creare explains about Luxion(?).

[For some reason, it was formatted and the data couldn't be recovered. Right now Luxion is in the same state it was in before he received the standby order, almost like it was just started up. But Master registration is still active. It's really annoying.]

Creare even adds a complaint, "They don't listen to me!".

I guessed it all from Luxion(?)'s appearance and Creare's explanation.

That idiot really gave up his life for me.

And so, he must have left his main body behind for me.

I reached out my hand to the silent black Luxion(?).

The black Luxion approached happily.

[It's a pleasure to meet you, Master! I was built as an immigrant ship to evacuate the old humans into space, I am Lux——]

I'm not going to let them say anything beyond that.

I'm sure he's still waiting for me on the other side.

The same name would be confusing, so I decided to give them a new name.

I did it for Luxion's sake, and as a courtesy to my new partner.

"Sorry, but I'll have to change your name."

[I understand. Then please tell me my new name. I'm a little nervous. I'm a machine though!]

She's a brighter and cheerful than Luxion, but I feel like she's inherited his seriousness.

However, I can't help but miss Luxion's sarcasm and cynicism.

"Let's see, Elysion. You are Elysion. Cute, right?"

The black spherical sub-unit bounced up and down in joy.

[Elysion. I memorized it! But I'm troubled by the idea of being called cute. I have no concept of gender. Perhaps a female role is preferable for you? If so, I will immediately go out and get a brand new body!]

I grabbed Elysion and stopped her.

"There's no need to change. You're fine the way you are."

Creare, who had been watching us, asked.

[Master, could it be that you knew?]

When I kept quiet, Creare seemed to have guessed.

[——I see]

Elysion, who I was holding down, looked up at me.

[Master, you seem to be crying, does it hurt anywhere?]

I wiped my eyes.

"I was in the liquid earlier, so that's probably why. Come on, let's get out of here and let them know I'm awake."

My body feels heavy after not moving for three months, but I endure and stand up, and Creare brings me a robe.

I take it and put it on, and Elysion comes up to me around my right shoulder.

This is where Luxion had positioned himself.

"Your place is here."

I moved Elysion to my left shoulder.

[Why?]

Elysion looked puzzled, but I couldn't tell her that it was my partner's place.

"Because my left shoulder is your special seat."

[Understood! My special seat is near Master's left shoulder. I remember that.]

Seeing Elysion looking so happy, I can't help but wonder.

I wonder if there was a time when he was this innocent.

But if I ask him, he'll probably just shrug it off.

That would be interesting in its own way, though.

I'd like to hear his sarcasm and nastiness again someday.

As I began to stagger forward, Ange, Livia, and Noel came running into the room.

All three of them looked thinner than before.

When they saw me, the three of them hugged me while crying.

"I'm sorry, I overslept."

Ange looks up at me.

"Don't make me worry. I need you —— by my side. I've been —— always —— always waiting for you!"

Livia, who had her face buried in my shoulder, continued crying.

"I've regretted it ever since Leon-san pushed us away. I wish I hadn't let go of your hand at that time. I've always——always——regretted it."

Anger, sadness, and a mixture of emotions seem to be in the air.

"I'm sorry. I won't let you go again."

"It's a promise. Please really keep it this time."

Looks like I wasn't quite trusted.

Noel was looking at me, the area around her eyes red and swollen.

"Idiot. Leon's a big fool! ——You're the worst."

"I've understood enough."

As the three of them hugged me and cried, an out of breath Marie and Julius also arrived.

"Aniki!"

"Brother-in-law-san!"

——What should I do? Julius calling me his brother-in-law is ruining an emotional scene.

I've lost my temper.

"You guys, be more considerate."

When I sigh, Marie gets furious.

"Don't mess with me! Do you know how I feel——Idioooot!"

She was furious and cried a lot —— this guy is a hectic, too.

Even Julius was crying.

"Why are you crying? I'm not happy when a man cries for me."

"The way you said it, you're definitely a Leon. I'm relieved."

I don't understand why he is so happy.

Creare gives crisp instructions.

[Yes, yes. First let's let Master rest. Then, the others please prepare for the ceremony. There are a lot of things going on behind schedule and it's really difficult.]

It seems I've been causing a lot of trouble.

"Sorry. Anyway, is there something else?"

Creare replies as a matter of course.

[It's the coronation. Master beloved master is waiting for you.]

"Coronation?"

[Yes, Roland will abdicate and a new king will ascend the throne.]

Come to think of it, I think I heard something about the throne before the war with the Empire, or maybe I didn't —— well, never mind.

My master, who was a member of the royal family, would probably become king in place of Roland.

Creare even goes out of her way to say that my master, and besides, there are no other candidates.

Julius and Jake are out of the question, and the other princes are too young.

It would be unreasonable for Eriya, a member of royalty, to ascend to the throne.

But everyone would agree if it was my master.

Well, it's a natural result.

But if my master becomes His Majesty, it is going to be hard to have tea with him.

If I have any complaints, that's it.

Ange rubs her swollen eyes with her fingers and smiles at me.

"Leon, you can rest. We'll take care of all the preparations."

"Really? I'm grateful. It's still hard for me to move my body."

I was quite overworked, but outwardly I was back to normal.

But it remains unclear what's going on inside.

Livia gives me a look.

"Leon-san —— we will continue to do our best to support you."

"Hmm? Ah, yes."

It makes me a bit embarrassed to hear that again.

I'll do my best to support my master too.

After all, it's different when a person with dignity becomes king, isn't it.

It's not as rewarding as it was at Roland's.

Noel wiped her tears with her sleeve and looked at me with a slightly sulky look on her face.

"But I really didn't expect it. I didn't expect Leon to be so determined."

"Determined?"

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Part 4

——I haven't heard anything about this.

The audience hall was decorated in a simple but different atmosphere from usual.

The war with the Empire had just ended, and the kingdom could not afford to be extravagant.

But that's not the problem.

The leaders of various countries had gathered to attend the coronation of the Kingdom of Horfalt.

Among them was a messenger from the defeated Voldenowa Holy Magic Empire.

It seems that a lot of things happened while I was unconscious and sleeping.

But wait.

People from the Empire are there, people from the Republic of Arzel are there, people from countries I don't know, there are a lot of participants? ——It doesn't matter!!

Why am I king!?

Among the attendees was Roland, the man who had handed the throne over to me.

After handing me the crown, Roland quickly stepped down.

This bastard just gave me the thumbs up.

I'd like to throw the crown on my head to Roland right now.

I mean —— what do you mean my coronation?

"T-This is crazy. I didn't hear this."

As I am shaking, my master, who has been made Prime Minister, warns me in a whisper.

"Your Majesty, everyone is watching. Please behave with more dignity."

Seeing the people around me naturally recognizing me as the king, I began to wonder if I was dreaming? Maybe in reality I was sleeping inside a capsule? I imagined that.

——Let's put the escapism to rest and calmly check the situation first.

I think I heard somewhere that most things are no problem if you are calm and take on the challenge.

"Isn't it supposed to be master who inherits the throne?"

It's not me who deserves the throne, it's my master.

However, my master gave a wry smile at my question.

"Your Majesty likes to joke around, doesn't he. What is the point of promoting such an old man? Surely a young man with power, lineage, and recognized achievements will be given priority."

The one who became the master of Luxion, renamed Elysion is me.

The one who got the royal bloodline, Ange, is me.

And the one who defeated a powerful enemy, the Empire is me.

It seems the nobles wholeheartedly agreed.

Or rather, they seemed to have been in favor of it even before the war.

The reason for the nobles' auspicious attitude before going into battle became clear.

Because I'm the next king.

Well, of course they would comply.

"D-Don't you think this is wrong? Roland is still alive. Let's work him until he dies."

Roland looked genuinely amused as he watched me, pale and confused at the coronation ceremony.

I feel like my blood is boiling.

"Roland will be retiring to a territory he has prepared for himself on the border. Some of his concubines and the women he has had affairs with will be accompanying him."

"He's retired?"

Why is he retiring to the countryside when I've become king?

I can't forgive the fact that Roland has gotten the future I wanted!

And out of all the concubines and mistresses, a woman who really cared about Roland went with him ——What is this? This is weird!?

I vowed to myself that I would get in his way no matter what.

As my fists trembled, Ange, who had become the queen, raised her voice beside me.

Dressed in a red dress, her dignified manner had the bearing of a Queen.

"I hereby declare that Leon Fau Bartfalt is enthroned and inaugurates the Bartfalt dynasty in the Kingdom of Horfalt!"

At those dignified words, the nobles knelt and bowed their heads in swearing loyalty.

In the downstage area, Livia and Noel, in dresses, were standing.

The two of them watched us, tears of joy streaming down their faces.

More than that. The Bartfalt dynasty —— in other words, my bloodline is treated as royalty from now on.

Therefore, my bloodline will inherit the Kingdom of Horfalt, and the royal family up to now has forfeited the right of succession.

In other words, from now on only my children will have the right of succession.

Although calling it the Kingdom of Horfalt, it is practically the birth of a new nation.

Since I have Ange as my wife, did I take the throne from Roland in a relatively peaceful manner?

No, it was like I was being forced into it.

Roland was holding his stomach and trying hard not to laugh, as if his stomach hurt.

——I want to send him to the executioner's block right now.

Or rather, it's strange that Julius and Jake are in attendance normally.

You're a prince, aren't you?! No, they are already former princes, but is that okay!?

What are you all clapping for so carefree!?

Also, the rest of the five idiots, including Jilk, looked relieved that I had succeeded to the throne.

My friends were looking at me with nonchalant looks on their faces, thinking "So that guy becomes the king, huh~"

——It's unforgiveable.

I will never forgive them.

I'm a small-minded man.

I'll never allow you guys to be the only ones happy.

Because I'm a coward, I can't break the mood and just give a forced smile, when Ange smiles at me.

"I'm glad you trusted me. It was a bit of a rough move, but I was able to unite the country. Thank you, Leon."

"Eh? No, that's not——Ah!"

——Ange told me she had a way to unite the country.

I remember that I had accepted the offer without asking the details, saying that if there was such a way, just go ahead and do it.

I don't expect that I will be king?!

I was letting my guard down, thinking it wouldn't be me, and this is what happened.

In the audience room, there was Eriya standing side by side with Erika.

I seriously consider whether I can escape from the throne by sacrificing him.

Erika is royalty, too, and with my support he should be able to do it.

Could it be done? No, it would be too late under the circumstances.

Looking back, I regret my carelessness in my desperation.

Why am I always so careless?

I want to punch the me from back then.

After my coronation was over, a party was to be held.

.

Part 5

After the coronation ceremony was over, a buffet party was held inside the royal palace.

As reconstruction is still in progress, the scale of the party is small.

Some people suggested that a large-scale celebration should be held in order not to be underestimated by other countries.

But now that Leon has woken up, this was no longer necessary.

The hero who had defeated the Empire had ascended to the throne as King.

His military prowess had been sufficiently demonstrated.

"Is Leon in the waiting room?"

Ange, who had been talking with the representatives of the countries, looked a little anxious when she noticed that Leon was nowhere to be seen.

She probably felt guilty that she had pushed him too hard even though he had just woken up.

Livia, who was nearby, reassured Ange.

"He said he was tired, so he was going to rest. But by the looks of it, maybe he just wanted to get away from the party."

Seeing Livia smiling with a troubled look on her face, Ange looks happy.

"If so, good. Rest is part of his job now. Let's go check on him when we're done."

Ange was convinced that as long as Leon was safe, that was all that mattered.

But——.

"Eh? I haven't heard anything about that!"

——From a short distance away, Noel's panicked voice could be heard.

Her voice was so loud that it attracted the attention of the people around her.

Ange let out a sigh.

"What is all the fuss about?"

Livia was panicking, wondering what to do.

Perhaps thinking it was too much for her to handle, Noel ran up to them.

In her hand she clutched a document.

"Angelica, l-look at this."

With a trembling hand, Noel presented a contract.

As Ange receives it and checks the contents, her eyes widen.

"——I've never heard this contract."

Four women walk up to Ange, who is surprised.

Deirdre, opening her fan and smiling broadly, says to Ange.

"Leon-kun. I mean, I am glad to see that His Majesty has returned safely."

"Deirdre!?"

As Ange glared at Deirdre, Claris said with a smile.

"You do understand that contract when you see it, don't you, Angelica? His Majesty before he went off to war. No, Leon, when he was Grand Duke. He promised us."

After receiving a piece of the contract from Ange, Livia was trembling at the contents of the contract.

"Not only you two, but the Duchess Fanose as well!?"

Livia raised her head and stared at Hertrude.

Hertrude was making a peace sign with both hands, but her face was expressionless, perhaps to hide her embarrassment.

"Did you think it would be safer to get us all in one place before he left so we could keep each other in check? I'm sorry, but I'm a woman who prioritizes profit."

Livia could only be stunned to find out at Hertrude had done.

Louise approached Noel.

"I'm sorry, Noel. I knew it was cowardly, but I had no choice but to do this for the sake of my country."

Although her mouth says she had no choice, Louise's face was clearly happy.

Noel clenched her fists.

"You were just prioritizing your personal feelings!"

"Ara, you noticed?"

In front of the four women who show up with the contract, Ange changes her mind and asks.

"Just to be clear —— what do you guys want?"

The contract stated that Leon would provide the four families with any reward they desired after the war.

The content of the reward was not written, but Leon's signature was on it.

On behalf of the group, Claris says.

"Of course it is——"

.

Part 6

Waiting room.

Having just recovered from an illness, I said I was tired from the party and ran away.

"Damn itttt! I hate Roland's detestable smirk!"

That bastard looked at me and said, "Your Majesty, how are you feeling right now?" "Hey, how are you feeling right now? How does it feel to be king?" He rile me up.

The reason he had acted so serious before setting out was probably because he knew I would be the one to inherit the throne.

He had been acting so quietly for this moment.

"You bastard Roland, I'll definitely get my revenge one day."

As I was regretting my decision in the waiting room, Elysion looked at me with interest and said.

[It's a wonderful day when Master becomes the king of a country.]

"How can you be happy when you see me suffering?"

I can't understand Elysion's sensibilities.

Perhaps her inconsistent reactions were due to her lack of experience after being initialized?

Elysion seemed to think that I wasn't satisfied with her impressions.

[Master isn't satisfied, right?]

"That's right."

[Indeed, you are not the type of person who can be contained in a nation of this size. You will eventually conquer neighboring countries, expand your territory, and unify the world, won't you!]

"Don't go around making up goals like I'm aiming for world domination!? What's going on in your thought process!"

Even though I say I don't want to be a king or anything like that, my new partner doesn't understand.

Elysion is just waking up, so I'll have to teach her many things from now on.

I'm starting to feel overwhelmed.

There was a knock on the door to the waiting room, and when I gave permission, Ange and the others came rushing in with pale faces.

"Leon, I need to talk to you."

Behind the serious-looking Ange, Livia was smiling.

It's just that the eyes aren't smiling. Clearly angry.

"Please tell me the truth, Leon-san."

As I was being overwhelmed by the power of the two, Noel came in front of me and held out several documents.

"Do you remember signing this document? You don't, right? Tell me you don't sign it?"

There were the documents signed in my handwriting.

The three of them would have realized it was my signature, so was there some problem that they came back to check?

When I checked the contents, it was something that Hertrude-san and the others had requested before.

"I signed it, is there a problem?"

I asked fearfully, and the expressions disappeared from the three of them.

Ange explains the contents of the document to me.

"Why did you make an empty promise?"

"An empty promise?"

"You signed this document so carelessly that we ended up taking in Claris and the others."

"Eh!?"

I checked the contents of the document, but there was no clear mention of a reward in it.

But it did say that after the war I would promise the utmost reward in good faith.

Livia gave a faint smile.

"From within the country, the Fanose, Atley, and Roseblade families. From abroad, the Republic of Alzer, they has said that they will be sending relatives to strengthen ties with His Majesty."

"B-But, at that time I thought the reward would be platinum coins or something like that."

To strengthen the relationship with me, they send a relative —— which would mean that they ask me to welcome them as my concubines.

As I tried to make an excuse, Noel started yelling at me with tears in her eyes.

"Fool~~~!! Be sure to check the details of the rewards! If you make a promise like this with your signature on it, we have no choice but to accept it!"

Don't sign documents lightly.

It was too late, and I understood it.

Ange seemed to have sensed something and came over to me.

"I don't think so, but did you never intend to come back alive in the first place?"

"No, ano——yes."

Ange glares at me and I spill my true feelings, and the three of them are furious.

Livia questioned me with a forced smile.

"So you just accepted whatever the deal was? Because you weren't planning on coming back anyway, so you don't have to take responsibility."

"——Yes."

Noel gave me a cold stare.

"You had no intention of becoming king?"

"No, that was unexpected or rather I never thought I'd become king in the first place."

Ange bursts out laughing when she hears my answer.

The dry laughter echoed in the waiting room.

"This is a masterpiece. From Leon’s point of view, he was suddenly crowned as king after he returned. ——He had no intention of going back, so that's why he was so reckless."

Ange, who had been smiling, became expressionless.

She is quite angry about this.

"I'm sorry. I just thought that I had to try that hard in order to win."

At the time, I had thought nonchalantly that I could worry about the future problems if I survived.

After all, I couldn't bring myself to say to the three of them, "I don't know if I'll be able to come back safely!".

Ange and the others looked at each other, then all three of them let out a deep sigh.

It seems they gave up, realizing that there's no point in getting angry any further.

Ange points at me.

"Anyway, from now on, don't make any promises or sign any contracts lightly! Got it?"

"Got it."

Livia looked down sadly.

"Suddenly there are more women? It was unexpected, right."

"Sorry."

Noel is suspicious that I'm hiding something else.

"More importantly, you haven't made any other promises, have you? Tell me everything now."

"Nothing more. M-Maybe."

"Maybe?"

I don't remember, since I was half-desperate and had given up, thinking he wouldn't come back.

Ange and the others surrounded me, as I was at my wit's end.

Breaking into a cold sweat, I muttered the name of my now-deceased partner.

"——Help me, Luxion."

Then, Elysion, who had been floating near my left shoulder, came right in front of my face.

[Master, Elysion is here. Please rely on me.]

"How would you solve this situation?"

[It's simple. I'll summarize our conversation so far, the problem is that you will have more concubines, right? But don't worry. I would be very happy if Master had more children.]

Elysion turns around and makes a suggestion to Ange and the others.

[Rather, I advise that we should increase the number of concubines. For the Master's sake, would you mind if more women were added? Make a list of candidates and invite them to the royal palace.]

She said that we should have more children with my genes.

On top of that, she leaves the task of finding women to Ange and the others.

This infuriates Ange and the others.

Ange and the others' expressions instantly turned like a demon.

"Can I guide Elysion correctly?"

——We just parted ways, but I miss Luxion already.

What would Luxion say if he was here?

I can’t help but feel anxious about the future.

.

Part 7

On the other hand, around that time.

Milene was in Roland's room.

She was annoyed at Roland for riling up Leon, so she dragged Roland out of the party to scold him.

Roland, who was dragged out, was in a bad mood.

"Just when I was having a nice conversation with a young girl."

"You're always like that. Why don't you refrain from doing that from now on? The new Majesty hates that part of you."

Roland sat in his chair, crossed his legs and looked at Milene.

Then he let out a small sigh and changed his expression.

"Milene, I'm divorcing you."

"What do you mean?"

When he mentioned divorce at this point, Milene thought he was joking.

But Roland was serious.

"From now on we will not engage in any official business together. In other words, there is no need for you to play the role of my wife."

Hearing it, Milene lowered her eyes.

It was a political marriage, but they had been together for many years.

"There was no love, but it's painful to be told like this."

If she got divorced and returned to her homeland, Milene would have no position.

Milene is pessimistic about her future life, but she still decides to consider it a blessing to have survived.

If they had lost the war with the Empire, they wouldn't even be alive.

"I guess we are lucky to be alive. Still, I don't know what I should do from now on?"

As Milene worried about her future, Roland smiled gently.

Usually he treated Milene coldly, but today was different.

"Now that you are free of me, you are free to go. ——You are now free to live as you wish. The new Majesty will take good care of you."

"D-Dear? What are you talking about?"

It took Milene a moment to understand Roland's words.

She thought she was being teased —— but Roland looked at her seriously.

It turned out he wasn't joking.

"I may not be able to love you, but I will always wish you happiness. You've done well. Let me support your love."

"B-But"

Roland spoke some words to encourage Milene, who was indecisive.

"From now on, live for yourself. Be happy, Milene."

Roland put his arm around Milene's shoulders as she shed tears.

.

Part 8

After Milene has left the room.

Fred, a doctor who is an acquaintance of Roland, comes into the room looking astonished.

"Was it really alright? Sending the former queen off to become His Majesty's concubine."

Roland stretched his back, looking like he had accomplished a great job.

"Isn't this the best plan? I'm happy to have dropped a bomb on the boy's family, and Mylene is happy that her love has come true. Well, if that brat kicks her out, I'll at least back her up."

Fred is hanging his head.

"Don't destroy the new Majesty's relationships with women. You'll ruin the country."

"The brat will do just fine. No, Angelica is firm, so there's no need to worry. For better or worse, the brat is in the palm of Angelica's hand."

Roland is so happy that he starts dancing.

"Hmm~, wonderful! I've killed two birds with one stone by giving that brat a surprise and getting rid of that annoying Milene? I'm terrified of my talents. And by the way, thanks to His Majesty, I've purged all the troublesome concubines and mistresses, so all's well that ends well!"

To be honest, Roland was grateful to Leon.

Not only had he been freed from the cramped and boring royal palace, but he was also being looked after in his retirement.

From Roland's perspective, this was a complete victory over Leon.

Fred blurted out his true feelings.

"I'm horrified that someone like this could have been king until now."

Roland agrees.

"I agree with you. Something is really wrong with this country. Let's ask the new king to do his best from now on."

Fred looked at the happy Roland with an indescribable expression on his face.

.

Part 9

After the coronation ceremony and other events were over, I made time to meet with Erika.

There were various reasons —— or rather, I was worried about her health and wanted to talk to her about it.

For me, it was meant to be a relaxing time spent with my niece from my previous life, but——.

" W-What did you say?"

To my bewilderment, Erika was apologetic.

At first Erika apologized to me.

She apologized for the hardship she had caused us by her own selfish actions, but the Empire would not have stopped even if Erika had known the situation.

It's awful to say, but there was no way Erika could have changed this situation by herself.

That's why I forgave her and I have no intention of blaming her.

She was blaming herself, so I forced her to accept it by telling her it was shameless to take responsibility.

The war would have happened sooner or later anyway.

In the end, we were able to take it to the development we wanted, and I don't think it's bad.

Now, I'm glad I forgave Erika, but that's where the problem begins.

"Y-You know, Uncle. That otome game —— the series titled Alte Liebe, there were six games in the series that I know of."

New facts about that otome game have come to light!? It seems that the third game was not the end of the series.

I mean, they had released six games!?

I felt dizzy.

"B-By the way, what about the fourth one?"

I struggled terribly with the first work alone, and almost died with the third work.

And yet, there are still at least three more works, this is the worst.

"Was it set in a boys school? I think it was on a continent with a desert, but I haven't played it. I only vaguely know that such a game was released. I think the protagonist in the fourth game was a girl who went there dressed as a boy."

Erika didn't play the game, so I wasn't able to hear any details.

However, since she had played the game many times in her childhood, she naturally paid attention to it when there was a release, which was a blessing.

"D-Desert? D-Do you know anything else? Even the smallest details will do, so please tell me!?"

It's terrifying to hear, but it's even more terrifying not to hear.

I'm desperately trying to gather as much information as possible.

"The fifth game was set in outer space."

"Spaice!?"

Elysion, who had been listening to the conversation, spoke confidently.

[I guess it's my turn! Leave it to me. This Elysion is a spaceship, after all. I can operate in space without any problems.]

While I was in a daze, Erika told me about the setting of the sixth game.

"E-Etto ne! And so, the sixth game is going back to its roots, and it takes place in the Kingdom of Horfalt – U-Uncle, are you okay?"

I sit with my legs crossed on a chair.

Come to think of it, the nice body village chief said this in the afterlife.

She said that I will continue to struggle to save the world, and so on.

——Tears naturally flowed from my eyes.

"I knew I shouldn't have come back."

Elysion, worried about me, tries to cheer me up.

[Master, what's the matter? If there's a problem, should I destroy the continent that the desert is on now?]

Although Erika was taken aback by Elysion's statement, she still prioritized me.

"I-It's alright, Uncle. I'm sure the world won't be destroyed so easily. ——I'm sorry, it might be tough after all."

Considering the situation so far, even one failure would lead to the collapse of the world.

In other words, there are no problems that I can ignore.

I stand up and shout from the bottom of my heart.

"After all, this otome game world was a tough world for me! Damn iiiit!!"