Chapter 91

※This is the first of two chapters being updated simultaneously.

This mansion, which was intended for use by a duke, has a suitably luxurious master's room, divided into a living room for guests, a bedroom, a wardrobe, and a study.

"Master, what kind of alcohol would you like?"

Beatrix presents a menu. I understand the types of alcohol available, but she probably wants to entertain me as much as possible.

"Then, let's have some Spirit Wine this time. I'm sure you both like it."

"Ah... Is it really alright? They say that each drop of the Spirit Wine in the wine cellar is worth its weight in gold."

"Even if we keep it without drinking, this Spirit Wine doesn't change in taste or effect after fifty years. There are types that can mature even more, but you haven't seen them yet."

The fifty-year-old Spirit Wine is indeed as valuable as Beatrix says, and people who use magic desire it desperately. It's a precious item that can't be easily offered to guests to help them achieve their goals.

However, both of you have worked hard at tonight's dinner party, and I think Verlene is a bit troubled, so I want to take care of her as much as possible.

"Hmm... Spirit Wine, huh. It's indeed my favorite... But if you let me drink something like that, I'll owe you a huge favor again."

Verlene is still in her maid uniform but has taken off her headpiece. She usually returns to her dark elf form at night after finishing work, but tonight she remained in her white elf form.

"Who was it that asked for the most expensive alcohol when you first came to my shop?"

"Ugh... I thought I had enough money. It was an unexpected accident that the metal used as currency in the Demon Kingdom had no value in Albein..."

"The metal that can store magic can be exchanged for Albein's currency at specialized places. I think its value has increased in places where alchemy has developed."

"Is alchemy developed in Alseim? Indeed, the dragon knights had quite good equipment."

I don't particularly care about equipment, so I usually use unnamed swords. Now that I can reproduce sword spirits, the need for actual swords has diminished.

However, in terms of potential, it would be wise to improve my equipment in case an enemy stronger than the 'Snake' appears. I'm the only one in the party who mainly uses leather armor.

"...After I was defeated by you, there were voices in the country calling for retaliation against Albein, but I could only suppress them by force. I couldn't defeat the one who defeated me, even if the entire Demon Kingdom mobilized. However, if I had managed the country more skillfully, we could have engaged in mutual trade by now."

What Verlene is trying to say is that since Albein and Alseim have mutual specialties, trade could enrich both countries.

I think the same, but I've been observing without getting too involved in negotiations between the countries. However, they have taken steps to change the relationship.

"The new Demon King hasn't attacked immediately because of Verlene's influence. Well, don't worry too much. I accepted Julius's challenge, but it's not a war. I'll make sure it goes in a good direction."

"Is it really okay? You don't want to be in the spotlight... I can't let you do something you're not comfortable with because of me."

"I run away with all my might when I'm really uncomfortable. This time, I have my reasons for acting, so you don't need to feel guilty... Anyway, let's end the serious talk for today."

I hand the glass Beatrix brought to Verlene, uncork the Spirit Wine, and fill her glass halfway.

"...The color is clearer than the one I drank before. And... what a rich aroma..."

"Even inhaling the fragrance boosts my magic... Ah, it's hot... Master, my body...!"

"The physical manifestation of magic is too strong for Beatrix. We can blend it if you want."

"No... I'll drink it as it is. Ah, just a little at first... Even a sip is a great honor."

Beatrix accepts my cup with a sense of gratitude and gazes at the wine being poured into it with her blue and gold eyes—she already looks a bit tipsy.

"Then... Master, from the Demon King... no, from Verlene..."

"Hehe... There's no need to decide the order. We're calling Master... and when we call him together, it feels like we're praising and corrupting him."

"I don't think I'm that easy, but you have a point."

"...Then, should I call you 'Mr. Dick'?"

"No... I think calling you by your name is fine. Being called with honorifics by the Demon King is quite unsettling."

I realize I'm saying something too late or too cowardly, but Verlene isn't annoyed; she smiles pleasantly.

"Your reaction makes me want to fluster you more, but I can't think of a more respectful way to call you, so I'll let it go."

"Why do you sound so smug... Well, it's fine. Anyway, good work today."

"Thank you, Master, Verlene."

"Indeed."

In front of Beatrix, Verlene seems to regain some of her regal demeanor from her time as the Demon King. However, despite her tone, her gestures when drinking are more refined than any of the guests who come to the shop.

"Hmm... The essence seeping through my body from the inside. The bliss that can't be obtained from other drinks... Truly, it's the source of life."

"Delicious... but it's very strong... just one sip and my body..."

Beatrix's pale skin turns slightly red. She touches her cheeks as if to cool them, a gesture that is incredibly delicate—though I'm also a bit tipsy from the alcohol.

"Phew... This is the first time I've ingested such a dense liquid of magic."

"Hmm... I remember. Master, you deliberately replenished your magic through medicine and food... So, you are indeed a proper gentleman, aren't you?"

"No, that's not what I meant. Beatrix said this method was good..."

"...Master, didn't you realize? When we first shared a bed, my heart was pounding like a rabbit in the mountains. Since you're giving me magic equivalent to life, it's natural for a gentleman to expect service in return..."

"Hmm... So, you did provide magic that way. How did you feel about Master's behavior at that time...?"

"Hey, are you already drunk? ...What's with that indescribable feeling?"

It's impossible to get drunk this quickly, but when you're tired, you get tipsy more easily. Moreover, with fifty-year-old Spirit Wine, it's not surprising that Verlene is getting tipsy.

She touches the glass with her moist eyes, takes a sip, and then conspicuously crosses her legs. Though her skirt is long and nothing is visible, every gesture feels twice as seductive as usual—this must be the real Verlene, the former Demon King.

"...Master's heartbeat quickened only when we first touched and then settled immediately. I think you've been restraining yourself all along."

"That's not what I want to know. Has Master ever been intimate with a woman...? That's the crucial point."

"Ugh... Is it that important? It's not that big of a deal..."

"It's important to me. I want to know as much as possible about the fortress I'm trying to conquer."

Verlene's eyes are intense. Initially, she came to me saying she would do anything to get the talisman back, but perhaps she has been concerned about my romantic history for quite some time.

"I... I've only been allowed to sleep next to you, so I don't know."

"...Is that really true? You didn't pass out from Master's tricks and wake up in the morning?"

"That... didn't happen. Master, what do you think?"

"I don't touch guild members. And it's not good to look at comrades that way. Cody was wary of me, and I can't destroy the trust I've built... Do you understand?"

"You're not answering the question. Are you a virgin or not, Master?"

"Ugh... If I were, what would you do? You sound so confident, but... That's a bit lacking in consideration for your comrades... Huh?"

I don't deny being called a coward because my lack of charm is my own doing, and my lack of initiative is a problem. However, the way both of them look at me has changed—not in a bad way, but rather with a sense of joy.

"...So, that's it. I think I've been subtly asking about it, but it's a pleasant surprise to confirm it... Master... Even though you are so beloved by women, you value your comrades and friends. Thinking about the feelings of the Demon King slaying party, I feel a bit melancholic..."

"Well... I think they don't hate me... But if I get too cocky, they'll get angry..."

"Hehe... It's complicated. It's nice to be cherished by Master, but if it ends there, I get anxious. I feel the same way..."

—Verlene loosens her collar. She sighs wistfully, takes a sip of Spirit Wine, and then stands up.

"...I was very happy that you considered my brother. I've been thinking about how to express my gratitude."

"Ugh, you're opening your chest too much... It's almost visible, so at least cover it..."

"I'm doing this on purpose. It's Dick's fault... He made me feel this way and then said something nice..."

Is she referring to the question earlier? I've heard that women prefer experienced men, and I thought that was true—but it seems not everyone is like that.

"Master... You're not drinking at all. Is it not delicious with us...?"

"No, that's not it. It's delicious, but I want to savor it slowly..."

"...Then, how about we make Master drink?"

I've seen couples who come to the shop occasionally do this during anniversaries—feeding each other drinks by mouth.

To my surprise, Beatrix also stands up, and the two of them try to do it.

"Wait, both of you... That's too sudden...!"

"「...Hmm...」"

Feeding by mouth is just an excuse; the two of them are trying to kiss. Of course, I can't respond to either of them—before I know it, I feel soft touches on both cheeks.

"Hmm... Phew... Master is so kind..."

"You think it's too early for me... I need to work harder for Master and improve myself..."

"...You're already being quite bold... Ugh..."

"...If you make such sounds, I can't stop... Beatrix too..."

"Yes... Just a little more..."

(If it's just a kiss on the cheek... it's not a big deal... but it's not that simple...)

Even though I'm aware, I continue to be kissed on the neck by both of them. It feels like being bitten by a vampire when the Demon King and one of the Six Demon Dukes' daughters are doing this to me.

"Hehe... This is quite enjoyable. I didn't expect to see such an adorable Master..."

"Yes... I might get addicted. We'll keep it a secret from the others, okay..."

If the others found out I was doing this, they would probably keep their distance—but that's understandable. I've indulged in too much to blame it on the alcohol.

"...It's not right to tell you not to say anything... What should I do?"

"If you show us a cuter Master to keep us quiet, we'll be satisfied for a while..."

"...I might end up just as thirsty. Are you okay, Verlene?"

"Let's say it's fine. If Master stops living with us, it would be a problem..."

While saying this, Verlene holds my head. If we go back to living together, can I resist falling for them? It seems there's no reason to restrain myself anymore—but.

"Ugh... Can you even make such a wild expression... Sneaking up on me like that is no good, it makes my chest tight."

"Mr. Dick... Ah... Why are you Mr. Dick...?"

When I try to provoke them, they become timid. Verlene, who opened her chest, and Beatrix, both turn red, and in this situation, they become more like objects to protect rather than women to me.

—Of course, that's just an excuse. Since the moment they kissed my cheeks, I knew I wouldn't get much sleep tonight.

◆◇◆

With Verlene and Beatrix tipsy from the alcohol, they told me to wait in the dressing room while they changed. I couldn't escape, so I went to greet them, but both of them were wearing modest nightgowns.

"...If I try to seduce too much, I might be avoided, so I didn't. But I haven't given up."

"Will Master change too? If so, I can help..."

"No, no. I'm just a bit warm from the alcohol, so I'll cool off in the night air."

"Ugh... So, I'll sleep with Beatrix. I wanted to use Master as a pillow, when will my ambition be realized?"

"If you feel embarrassed in the morning, I can't take responsibility... See you."

"Good night, Master."

Beatrix saw me off, but Verlene was still sulking. I feel bad, but if I were used as a pillow now, my patience would really be tested—especially since the alcohol is affecting me.

(The way Spirit Wine makes you drunk is different from regular alcohol... I didn't know that since I don't usually drink.)

Having a debauched drinking party where I'm fed drinks by mouth is not something I can get away with. Even if I get kissed on the neck, it doesn't change the impression.

They say it's dangerous to take a bath when you're drunk, but I ended up sweating while being hugged by them.

I had brought a change of clothes in case I stayed overnight, so I went to get it from the guest room. There are also my clothes in the dressing room, but it would be awkward to go get them now.

Even at night, the number of lights has decreased, but the magical candlesticks still illuminate the corridor to some extent. Looking out the window, the sky is clear, and the moon and stars are clearly visible.

There's a legend that has spread throughout the continent about 'living stars.' It's said that among the stars floating in the sky, there are divine incarnations that move by their own will and watch over humans on the ground.

My older sister told me that if you find a living star, your wish will come true. She used to make wishes when she saw shooting stars, but my younger sister argued that shooting stars are not living stars because they disappear quickly.

(...Maybe it's not just a legend. Now that I know anything is possible in this world...)

I told my siblings that I would bring them stories when I returned, but how much will they believe me? Even when I wrote to them that I had defeated the Demon King, their response was, 'If you're alive, come back once.'

Verlene's brother might have acted out of similar feelings. As someone who can't stand up to his sister, I can understand his feelings, at least a little.

However, if I were to participate in a dragon knight battle, even if I wore a mask, what name should I use? I don't want the name Duke Solver to become more famous—after all, I created a pseudonym to avoid standing out, but what if the pseudonym becomes famous?

I'll create another name and, since it's a battle between national representatives, I should probably inform the king. I'll ask Cody to recommend me as one of the masked saviors to the king.

Feeling lighter with my plans set, I opened the door to my guest room and headed to the bedroom—then.

"Zzz... Zzz..."

"Zzz..."

"..."

Miralca, Aileen, and Cody were all asleep. Cody, of all people, was sitting on the floor and sleeping.

They seemed to have been drinking after I returned, and a bottle and glass were placed on the bedside chest. They had forgotten to change and fell asleep in their current state