Chapter 14: Dangerous Things Depend on How They’re Used
ㅤ’Ah, she’s coming this way.’
ㅤ
ㅤTo think that the first time I could sense someone else approaching would be at this evening party that I was so reluctant to attend.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Is this hostility? Malice?’
ㅤ
ㅤEither way, it’s a negative emotion.
ㅤChristina-sama, with that beautiful smile still plastered on her face, is heading towards us with her entourage. The gap between the emotions directed at me and her expression is so vast it’s almost confusing. Danna-sama stepped forward as if to hide me.
ㅤPerhaps mistaking that as him approaching her, Christina-sama lets out a cry of delight.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Wendel-sama~! You look so wonderful today as always!”
ㅤ
ㅤThe dreamy eyes of a maiden in love, her cheeks flushed red. I didn’t know her voice could be this sugary sweet.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Oh Wendel-sama! You’ve been working out again, haven’t you?! I want to be held in those arms~!”
ㅤ
ㅤShe’s making a big fuss with her entourage, all giggles and squeals. Is that kind of line okay to say before you’re married!?
ㅤJust then, the large silver Magic Stone on her chest glittered brightly.
ㅤ
ㅤ(Whoa~! That’s definitely a high-quality one~!)
ㅤ
ㅤAs expected of royalty. They have all the good stuff. That stone allows you to store Magic Power, making it a handy item for a magician.
ㅤHowever, it’s said that Magic Stones have already been mined out all over the world, and they’re so precious that people are saying new Magic Stone mines might not even appear anymore. Even for nobles, they’re at a level that’s not easily obtainable. The only place they can still be found is in the high-difficulty areas of dungeons. In the end, they remain rare and expensive.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Look at this Magic Stone! His Majesty gave it to me! Do you think it suits me?! Fufu! This one is the same color as your hair!”
ㅤ
ㅤAh, so she did choose the color of her dress based on Danna-sama’s eye color. It’s his ‘oshi color,’ huh?
ㅤDanna-sama simply nodded, seemingly without even looking at the Magic Stone.
ㅤ
ㅤHowever, I’ve experienced this excited, high-tension atmosphere quite recently. It’s coming from Danna-sama, who is standing diagonally in front of me.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Even with so many people here, you’re the only one I see!”
ㅤ
ㅤShe’s wearing such a lovely, charming smile, with a little ‘fufufu.’ It’s a bit scary. She knows I’m here and she’s still saying this. Thanks for letting me know how dangerous you are within a minute of meeting you.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Let me introduce my wife.”
ㅤ
ㅤDanna-sama, with his usual sullen expression, tried to proceed with the conversation calmly, unfazed by Christina-sama’s high spirits.
ㅤ
ㅤ”It’s a pleasure to meet you. This is my wife, Tempest Blood.”
ㅤ
ㅤI bowed deeply, as etiquette dictates. From the top of my head to my fingertips and toes, perfect posture. Even with my dull adventurer’s intuition, I could easily predict what was about to happen, so I braced myself a little. Nevertheless, I stood before Christina-sama with a truly exemplary smile. An attitude of composure, as if to say I wasn’t the least bit bothered by her flirting with my Danna-sama.
ㅤ
ㅤ”That’s the woman you married?”
ㅤ
ㅤSuddenly, Christina-sama’s demeanor changed completely. Her expression screamed, ‘I’m filled with displeasure.’
ㅤ
ㅤ’『Here』 we go~! My family is a Marquis House, you know!’
ㅤ
ㅤShe has a pretty face, but her words are harsh! This is the man you’re supposedly in love with, right? Wouldn’t the sparkly, giggly act from earlier have been better?
ㅤBehind her, her entourage giggled as they watched me being verbally attacked. But I felt a slight sense of discomfort.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Something feels strange. I wonder what it is……’
ㅤ
ㅤBut I couldn’t figure it out, and it bothered me. It definitely wasn’t because I was being surrounded and ridiculed by women. I experienced enough of that typical female drama in my previous life. This level of pettiness just seems like child’s play to me. At least they’re doing it out in the open.
ㅤ
ㅤAfter hearing Christina-sama’s words, Danna-sama’s eyes narrowed, filled with anger. I secretly tugged on his clothes to stop him. It seems Danna-sama does have a sense of duty to protect his family. Apparently, that also applies to his usually uninteresting wife.
ㅤIs he really that bothered by having weak family ties?
ㅤ
ㅤBut I have my own way of dealing with this. It’ll probably be quicker and more peaceful to end things this way. Let’s adopt the non-confrontational values of my past life.
ㅤ
ㅤ’I’ll do you a favor today, Christina-sama! Because I know things are going to be tough for you in the future! For the sake of our country, you need to willingly marry that womanizing, good-for-nothing prince from the neighboring country!’
ㅤ
ㅤConsider it a parting gift! Say whatever you want! I’ll be your punching bag!
ㅤ
ㅤ’Let’s see…… in this kind of situation……’
ㅤ
ㅤ”Ah…… um…… I’m so sorry……”
ㅤ
ㅤSomething like that~! She seems to have a straightforward personality, so she probably dislikes timid women. Come on, you can say more!
ㅤI covered my mouth with my hand and looked down. Does this look like I’m cowering?
ㅤ
ㅤ”What a gloomy hair color…… Your eyes are like a dark abyss! How unpleasant!”
ㅤ
ㅤYes, yes! Her entourage chimed in with jeers from behind. How vulgar!
ㅤ
ㅤ’So we’ve reached the ‘nitpicking’ stage, huh? Well, there’s nothing else to complain about……’
ㅤ
ㅤBlack hair is relatively rare in this country, but only relatively. The Witwish family bloodline mostly has black hair and black eyes. Are you denying my entire clan? Wouldn’t it be pretty bad if your uncle found out about this?
ㅤ
ㅤ’Christina-sama, you look so desperate…… That’s not good! You should have thought of some insults beforehand!’
ㅤ
ㅤOh well. At least she’s given me the perfect excuse to leave. I can sense Danna-sama’s anger rising, so it’s probably time for this nuisance to disappear.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I apologize! …… I wouldn’t want to subject you to such an unsightly display, so I’ll excuse myself…… Please, everyone, continue to enjoy yourselves……”
ㅤ
ㅤ’Yahoo! I’m outta here!’
ㅤ
ㅤGotta get out of this evening party ASAP! Bye! Take care! Good luck in the neighboring country!
ㅤ
ㅤAs I backed away towards the exit, covering my face with my hands,
ㅤ
ㅤ”Wait!”
ㅤ”Huh?”
ㅤ
ㅤThe princess hurriedly stopped me as I tried to quickly leave the venue.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Not yet! I still have something to say to you!”
ㅤ”Ah…… Yes. Please, go ahead.”
ㅤ
ㅤI was already mentally checked out. My job for tonight was done. I just wanted her to hurry up.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Look at me!”
ㅤ”Ah, yes.”
ㅤ
ㅤ’I’m looking, I’m looking! I’m looking right at your beautiful face!’
ㅤ
ㅤSuddenly, her breathing became rough. Even when angry, a beautiful woman is still beautiful. Wow, with this, she could probably have the second prince of the neighboring country head over heels in no time.
ㅤWhether she noticed me thinking such carefree thoughts or not, Christina-sama’s anger continued to escalate.
ㅤ
ㅤ”It’s embarrassing that a woman like you is Wendel-sama’s wife! Say you’re embarrassed! Say it!”
ㅤ”Yes! I’m embarrassed!”
ㅤ”!!?”
ㅤ
ㅤHey, you told me to say it, Christina-sama. It’s just as you wished. Why are you so surprised?
ㅤ
ㅤ’Hmm? But just now, something……’
ㅤ
ㅤI felt something. This was the strange feeling I’d been sensing. I felt a similar presence around her entourage of young ladies. They were still looking at me with those smirking, mocking faces.
ㅤ
ㅤ”If…… if you’re embarrassed…… then leave him right now. Say you’ll get a divorce!”
ㅤ
ㅤShe stared into my eyes. When I looked back, I saw her pupils swirling. So this is the jealous flames of a maiden in love. Quite ominous.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama!!!”
ㅤ
ㅤEven Danna-sama raised his voice. Well, thinking about it normally, she had gone too far.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Regarding that matter, I have no authority to decide. Please speak with Danna-sama and His Majesty……”
ㅤ”!!?”
ㅤ
ㅤShe’s surprised again. It’s not that surprising. Divorce proceedings are quite troublesome. Especially for a Ducal House, it’s essential to consult the King for both marriage and divorce. She must know that.
ㅤ
ㅤ”You! Are you even listening to me!?”
ㅤ”Yes. Right into the depths of your beautiful blue eyes.”
ㅤ
ㅤJust then, Danna-sama suddenly pulled me closer and covered my eyes with his hand.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Wh-what’s wrong!?”
ㅤ
ㅤHe was preventing me from seeing anything. And finally, I understood the strange feeling from earlier.
ㅤChristina-sama is using some kind of magic.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Brainwashing Magic!’
ㅤ
ㅤIt all made sense. Those young ladies in her entourage were being manipulated. They seemed somewhat doll-like, lacking any life force. I thought that was just how it was at noble parties……
ㅤ
ㅤ’Brainwashing Magic is quite difficult, you know~ It’s treated as a forbidden art.’
ㅤ
ㅤPersonally, I think brainwashing is the most powerful form of magic. The fact that she can use it means she must have put in a considerable amount of effort.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Though the direction of that effort is questionable.’
ㅤ
ㅤAs for me…… just because I don’t use it doesn’t mean I can’t.
ㅤResistance to Brainwashing Magic varies from person to person. There are certain conditions required for it to work, and it’s less effective on those with magical aptitude and strong mental fortitude. In other words, it has absolutely no effect on me. Christina-sama must have been surprised when it either worked extremely well or not at all, with me not obeying her commands.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Any further action will be considered hostility towards the Ducal House.”
ㅤ
ㅤA threatening voice rang out. It seems Danna-sama is quite angry. Well, he was almost kidnapped yesterday, so it’s only natural.
ㅤ
ㅤThe entire venue was watching the outcome of this commotion. A hush fell over the room.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear……’
ㅤ
ㅤI hate trouble. And I really wish I wasn’t involved in this.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama, let’s talk in a separate room.”
ㅤ”No! I don’t want to talk to you……”
ㅤ”Danna-sama will be with us.”
ㅤ”!!?”
ㅤ
ㅤThis time, it was Danna-sama who was shocked. Hey, what are you surprised about? Don’t leave the cleanup to your wife!
ㅤ
ㅤ’Well, I doubt Danna-sama was welcoming Christina-sama in the first place……’
ㅤ
ㅤLet’s settle this quickly. No one will be happy if we fight with royalty.
ㅤ
◇◇◇
ㅤ
ㅤChristina-sama, sitting on the sofa in the guest room, was trembling, holding back tears. It seems she realized her Brainwashing Magic had been exposed.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Why you…… Why didn’t the brainwashing work on you at all!”
ㅤ”My wife can use powerful Healing Magic.”
ㅤ
ㅤThough I’m better at other types of magic!
ㅤ
ㅤ”……Did you become good at it because you were sickly?”
ㅤ”Ah, well, yes.”
ㅤ
ㅤ’Yes, yes. That was the setting.’
ㅤ
ㅤIt seems she did some research on me beforehand. Let’s just go with that, since it’s too much trouble to explain. It should convey the fact that I have magical aptitude.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama, you hired those thieves yesterday, didn’t you?”
ㅤDanna-sama asked coldly.
ㅤ
ㅤ”……Yes. I was thinking of taking you to my future home.”
ㅤ
ㅤ’You were thinking boldly, weren’t you~!?’
ㅤ
ㅤI couldn’t help but lean back in speechless surprise. To think she was actually planning to take him to the neighboring country. That’s beyond my wildest imagination.
ㅤ
ㅤ’To think you’d try to abduct a Duke of this country……’
ㅤ
ㅤI almost burst out laughing, though it certainly wasn’t a laughing matter.
ㅤ
ㅤDanna-sama, just as surprised as I was, let out a big sigh. There was nothing that could be done now, even if they held Christina-sama accountable. Frankly, this was a crime. And a very serious one at that. But even so, there was nothing they could do. She was an offering to the neighboring country. There was no replacement.
ㅤ
ㅤ’She knew that and did it anyway……’
ㅤ
ㅤWho knows what would happen to this country if Christina-sama didn’t marry into the neighboring kingdom. They couldn’t risk sparking a war. They couldn’t give that country any excuse to find fault.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama.”
ㅤ
ㅤI looked into her eyes, just as I had before. Perhaps because she was used to it from the Brainwashing Magic, she met my gaze immediately.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama, why don’t you pour out your true feelings here and now?”
ㅤ
ㅤThis was payback for the Brainwashing Magic. The effect of this magic wouldn’t last long, and no one outside this room would notice.
ㅤ
ㅤJust as I said, she immediately began to express her emotions openly.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Why!? Why did you get married!? I could have endured it if you had just stayed single! Don’t become someone else’s! Don’t belong to anyone else!!!”
ㅤ
ㅤShe burst into tears, wailing loudly. I gently offered her a handkerchief and patted her back.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Ah, I understand, I understand! I understand how you feel!’
ㅤ
ㅤI remembered the immense damage I felt when my favorite idol announced his relationship and subsequent marriage. I wanted to congratulate him, but I couldn’t, and I felt miserable.
ㅤ
ㅤ’But wait, isn’t it different between an idol who could never get married and Christina-sama, who might have had a chance!?’
ㅤ
ㅤI mentally scolded myself.
ㅤ
ㅤ”And…… and to think you’re marrying that prince! I hate it! I hate it! I can’t bear it without you! At least, I want you by my side!!!”
ㅤ
ㅤ’Yes, yes. I understand that too! I get it! I couldn’t have worked so hard if I didn’t have the joy of spending money on my oshi.’
ㅤ
ㅤI nodded vigorously in agreement. Danna-sama, seeing this, widened his eyes in surprise again.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I know it can’t be helped…… I know…… But I couldn’t just do nothing…… I had to do what I could……”
ㅤ
ㅤThough what you did was quite extreme!
ㅤ
ㅤ”They say it’s better to regret doing something than regret not doing it.”
ㅤ”Don’t talk like you understand!”
ㅤ”I’m sorry!”
ㅤ
ㅤI got yelled at even though I agreed with her. I’m her love rival, after all. Of course, she’d be angry. Still, she allowed me to continue patting her back.
ㅤ
ㅤ”……I’m sorry.”
ㅤ
ㅤShe apologized in a small voice, hiccuping and with her makeup smeared. She must have felt relieved after letting it all out. Perhaps, due to her position, she couldn’t usually voice her complaints so loudly.
ㅤ
ㅤ’Even though she did something so reckless, she couldn’t refuse to marry into the neighboring country, huh?’
ㅤ
ㅤIt seems being royalty is quite difficult. She’s trying to fulfill her duties as royalty in her own way.
ㅤ
ㅤChristina-sama didn’t wait for an answer from Danna-sama. She probably already knew the answer. She understood that there was nothing that could be done, either way.
ㅤThe thief incident wasn’t something that could be resolved with a simple apology, but since we had no choice but to forgive her at this point, it was better that she apologized at all. Danna-sama’s expression showed that he was thinking the same thing.
ㅤThen, her attention turned to me.
ㅤ
ㅤ”……You…… You brainwashed me, didn’t you!?”
ㅤ”Fufu…… I’m quite good at Brainwashing Magic, you see.”
ㅤ”Did you use it on Wendel-sama too!?”
ㅤ”Absolutely not. As you know, this is just a political marriage. We haven’t even held hands, so you can rest assured.”
ㅤ
ㅤRight? I glanced at Danna-sama, and he slowly nodded, looking a bit flustered.
ㅤThis seemed to calm her down a little. With a triumphant look on her face, she declared,
ㅤ
ㅤ”Well! With your charm, that’s to be expected!”
ㅤ
ㅤShe sneered.
ㅤ
ㅤ’You little brat! Don’t get cocky!’
ㅤ
ㅤThe crying crow was now laughing.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Christina-sama, allow me to perform one last, powerful brainwashing.”
ㅤ”Huh!?”
ㅤ”You will demonstrate your abilities to the fullest even in a foreign land, captivating everyone with your beauty and dynamism!”
ㅤ
ㅤI couldn’t help but grin as I looked into her eyes and spoke. She stared back at me, grinning as well.
ㅤ
◇◇◇
ㅤ
ㅤSome time later, a female adventurer accompanied the princess as an escort on her journey to the neighboring country. A black-haired adventurer skilled in magic, whose dream had always been to protect a princess.