Chapter 79

Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Grand Prize]. I will be publishing a book with Sohva Publishing. For more details, please see my activity report (abbreviated).

What did that princess just say? She must have said to come to the empire as her fiancé, right? ...There are so many things that are concerning. First of all, why me? ...No, thinking about it is too troublesome. I should just ask her.

"Um, what do you mean...?"

"Of course, I don't really want you to be my actual fiancé. Just for the two months while I'm on leave, that's all."

Eh...? What's that supposed to mean? I don't understand at all.

However, the one who answered my question was someone completely different.

"Aur, you mustn't listen to what that princess says. She just wants to use you as a bodyguard."

"...Alice?"

The one who answered my question was Alice. But why is she here? I heard her family has been busy with recent events related to the cult of the evil god. Is Alice not that busy herself?

"It's been a while, Aur. Ellie wanted to see you too, but she's been busy. I came alone."

The fact that Ellie wants to see me is a bit scary, but I guess it's normal since we're friends?

"You are the daughter of the Duke of Adams. I hope you won't say anything too strange."

"You're not wrong, are you? ...Isn't your grandfather close to death?"

What does she mean? By "grandfather," she means the father of the emperor, the former emperor, right? But what does his impending death have to do with me going to the empire?

"It seems even the kingdom's intelligence can't be underestimated."

"Um, I don't understand at all. What exactly is going on?"

"...Sigh, there's no choice. I'll have to explain everything. Since you're here, Alice, you might as well listen too."

From there, she started to explain everything. In summary, it was something like this:

- The former emperor is nearing the end of his life, and this might be the time for the emperor to abdicate and a new emperor to be born.

- The former emperor is very fond of the third princess, Liline, and wants to see her fiancé before he dies.

- He wants to know that she has a future husband to reassure him before he dies.

- The third princess, who is favored by the former emperor, is not well-liked by her siblings.

- She might be assassinated during this leave.

- She wants you to act as her bodyguard and fiancé.

In broad terms, that's what it's about. ...In short, she might be killed, but she wants to reassure the former emperor with a lie before he dies.

It's a "kind lie," I guess. People might have different opinions about it, but I don't dislike it. I don't know how much of what the princess said is true, but I don't think what she just said is a lie. And since Alice didn't refute it, it seems credible.

"A kind lie, huh. ...I think I understand."

Luna seems to have some thoughts and understands the princess's feelings. Well, as they say, a lie can be a kindness. ...But there are still things I don't understand.

"But why you, Aur?"

That's right. Honestly, I don't think it has to be me. It would be more logical to hire a more covert bodyguard or a more direct one, and to ask someone of higher status to play the role of a future husband.

"...Do you really not have any idea?"

The princess looks at me intently, but I have no idea.

"No, I don't..."

"...Is that so. ...From your expression, I can tell you're thinking that it would be better to hire a direct bodyguard, but think about it. If I brought a bodyguard from my home, what would my siblings think?"

...That's true. Now that you mention it, that's right. If I brought a bodyguard, it would be like saying, "I don't trust you." It might even create more conflict.

"I see. ...So that's why you need a bodyguard who can also act as a fiancé?"

"I'm glad you understand. Besides, you are stronger than anyone I've ever met, even though you're only 11."

I'm not boasting, but I am more advanced for my age, and I'm calm. I can use magic and martial arts to a satisfactory degree. While I might not be the best choice for a fake fiancé, I'm probably the best.

"Still, there's one more problem, right?"

"...Status, right?"

"Exactly."

I'm just a commoner. I've heard from Alice that I might receive a baron's title from the king, but that's just a rumor. I'm not a noble, and I have no intention of becoming one.

"...The empire is, for better or worse, a meritocracy. It might take some time to be accepted, but with your, Aur's, abilities, it shouldn't be a problem. ...My grandfather, for example, was originally a commoner."

Is that so... I didn't know, but the empire seems to be a more free country than I thought. The idea that a commoner could become a member of the royal family is quite inspiring.

"I see..."

...Wait, isn't this conversation going in a bad direction? If this continues, I might end up going to the empire. Frankly, Alice even told me not to go.

"Aur, the princess's siblings are known for being quite warlike. ...Especially the eldest daughter is rumored to be particularly cruel."

What's that? Why are you giving me this information now? But maybe that's why the princess is in a hurry. I don't intend to go, though.

"I know I'm asking a lot... If you accept this request, I will do everything in my power to thank you... Please... Time is running out..."

Damn... Her pleading eyes are like a puppy that's been abandoned...

"Aur, the final decision is yours. And your girls have been silent this whole time, haven't they? That means something, you know."

...Now that you mention it, they have been quiet. Honestly, I don't have any obligation to help her, and I don't need to worry about it.

But the princess's eyes remind me of Luna's when we were in the merchant house... I don't know, if I leave her, I might regret it. I guess I'm just too soft-hearted or stupid.

"...What kind of thanks will I get?"

"!! Anything! Whatever you want! ...I'll even tell you about a food called 'chocolate' that has been passed down in my family for generations!"

...Did she just say chocolate? Is she talking about the chocolate I know?

"Princess Liline, I will help you. Please let me be your fake fiancé and bodyguard."

"?!?!"

I can feel the shock from the three of them and Alice, but that's not important right now. I didn't expect chocolate to exist in this world. Maybe someone from Earth was reincarnated here in the past. If I can find out, it might not be a completely bad thing for me.

"Is that okay?! Thank you!!"

!! ...Is the princess the type who looks thinner in clothes? But she's quite bold to suddenly hug me like this. Of course, I don't dislike it.

Ah! A killing intent?! And it's at the level of a Horn Chimera?!

"Master?"

"Aur?"

"Aur?"

Oh dear... I guess that's to be expected. I'm sorry.

"...I knew this would happen. That's why I came to stop you. Understand? She's a princess from another country... You have no obligation to help her."

Alice is right... The princess probably hasn't told us everything, and she has a difficult personality. She even tried to trick me. If I go with her, it will be troublesome and complicated, but...

The desire for chocolate is overwhelming!! Think about it. If this goes well, I might get chocolate. When I have my own farm, imagine having a chocolate cake as a snack during a break in the farm work.

"Isn't that amazing, even if I say so myself?"

"? What are you talking about?"

"Ugh! Anyway, I can't just leave her. ...Besides, if I help the third princess of the empire, it will be a huge favor. It won't be a bad thing for the kingdom either."

"...That's true, but you might die."

"Well, I'll figure something out. I'll need to prepare in advance, though."

"Hmm... You're being quite kind to that princess, aren't you?"

What's this? I feel a bit of a thorn in Alice's words, but maybe I'm just imagining it.

"I'm sorry to everyone, but I think I'll accept the princess's request."

"If Master has decided, I have no complaints."

"Hehe, of course we'll go with you."

"......"

...Mirei doesn't seem to be convinced. What should I do? Honestly, I want her to stay in the kingdom because it's dangerous, but...

"Mirei, um..."

"...Aur, I'll go back to the village. Otherwise, I won't be able to explain to everyone. Besides, I might be a burden. But! You mustn't touch anyone else! And bring back lots of souvenirs. ...And when you come back, come see me first."

Is this what an angel looks like? She's too cute.

"Got it. Thanks, Mirei."

"Y-You're welcome...!"

She's such a good woman. When I get chocolate, I'll treat Mirei first.

"So, Princess, I'll accept your request. I'll bring Luna and Yomi as my maids or something."

"Yes, that's fine. ...Thank you so much. We can discuss the details of the reward and thanks later. We'll leave in a month, so please prepare. I'll send a messenger."

With that, the princess left.

"Really, Aur is such a good person. I'll let Ellie know about this too."

Alice also left after saying that.

"For a moment, I was worried, but it was just about pretending to be a fiancé. I'm a bit relieved."

"Master, I don't think you should trust her too much..."

Yeah, you're right. She's royalty, and she might be good at manipulation. She tried to trick me with a letter and deliberately provoked a young knight to test my strength. There were a lot of issues.

"Yeah, I get it."

But chocolate is so tempting. I've always wanted it. There's no reason to miss this opportunity. Besides, her pleading eyes don't seem to be a lie.

Those eyes seem to be genuinely asking for help.

"Sorry, everyone. I'll need your help again."

"Of course, Master!"

"Hehe, you can rely on us as much as you want."

"I'll do what I can too!"

"Master, there are a few issues."

Oh, right. I completely forgot about Alph. Did he disappear earlier?

"What issues?"

"Yes, first, we need to practice etiquette, prepare appropriate clothing for meeting royalty, and prepare for things like poisoning."

Indeed... I need to learn basic etiquette. I can buy clothes, but I need to think about protection against poisoning. I should also prepare some gifts.

"There's a lot to do."

"That's right. Fortunately, Luna is a former princess, and I can teach you etiquette, so it should be manageable."

It's a hassle, but there's no choice. I'll have to apologize to my parents and Sia for not visiting. I'll ask Mirei to bring them gifts and other things.

Well, let's work hard to prepare in the next month.

I'll update regularly.

I'd be happy if you could rate and bookmark this.

Starting from the next chapter, the [Imperial Family Drama] will begin.

(It starts from Chapter 81... I might change the chapter title or revise the story later, so please bear with me.)

As a personal opinion, I think "best" is the best and "better" is the better.