The World I Reincarnated Into Was Lenient About Concubines - Chapter 56
Allen Promptly Triggers a Battle of the Women
My marriage to Princess Fiore of the Claria Principality had already been disclosed to the household before my departure by my father, who knew about it beforehand. Furthermore, thanks to the newspapers, the entire country within the Empire had caught wind of it in the blink of an eye. Carrier pigeons sure are efficient. I found myself rather impressed, thinking that this must be exactly what they are meant for.
I received blessings even in the towns we stopped by along the way, with Neon modestly standing by my side. Her beautiful purple hair caught people's eyes even more than I did, and whenever she was introduced as a maid who had served Princess Fiore, she drew gasps of admiration.
Duke Raymond, the Emperor’s younger brother, was also thoroughly pleased from start to finish, as this diplomatic tour had yielded results far beyond expectations.
"There is an indication from their side that they wish to proceed with the marriage between you and Princess Fiore as quickly as possible. Therefore, I will submit a report to His Majesty tomorrow to make the necessary arrangements so that the ceremony can be held at the earliest date. Be sure to pass along the outcome to your father as well."
"Understood. Your Grace, thank you very much for all your tremendous efforts during this diplomatic tour."
"No, I should be the one thanking you. Allen-kun, you truly did an outstanding job. It's thanks to your presence that the Claria Principality managed to secure Princess Fiore’s marriage destination and save face. I'll be counting on you in the future as well."
"Yes, likewise, I look forward to working with you."
"By the way..." Duke Raymond grinned slily.
"You certainly seem to be a man blessed with women. You went out to secure a legal wife, yet you managed to bring back such a beautiful woman along with you as well."
"You flatter me."
I had no choice but to answer that way. Neon’s beauty seemed to have rapidly taken on a more radiant, sensual glow ever since she surrendered her virginity to me. I believe that escaping a life where she was forced to serve strange men as a sexual entertainer and finding mental peace by meeting me had played a significant role in that transformation.
"Think nothing of it; as long as you can make those women happy, it is a wonderful thing. After all, you will possess more than enough power to do so moving forward. Between you and Elisha-kun, who won over everyone's hearts in the imperial court in no time at all, Earl Yugo’s children are truly full of exceptional individuals."
Ah, by the way, Earl Yugo is my father's name. After shaking hands with Duke Raymond, I returned to my quarters at the lodging house. Neon was waiting for me inside and immediately threw her arms around me.
"Welcome back, Master."
"I'm home. Neon, tomorrow we are finally returning to our mansion."
"You said our mansion... I'm so happy."
Since it would be bad if anyone happened to overhear us, we agreed that she would interact with me as the maid Neon, rather than as Misaki, my lover from my previous life. Of course, it’s a different story when I call her into my room back at the estate.
"Once we're back, I need to introduce you to everyone right away."
"Yes. As a maid for sexual release who has received Master's favor, I will serve you with all my heart."
Neon offered a joyful smile and began to undress me. I shed her clothes in return, pushed her down onto the bed, and we passionately sought each other out.
Upon our arrival in the imperial capital, our diplomatic delegation immediately presented the results of our tour to His Majesty. Elisha, who had become the attendant to the Crown Prince, was also standing by at the lower end of the hall. When our eyes met for a brief second, she gave me a sweet, beaming smile. Ah, my stepsister really is beautiful. I wonder if another chance to couple with her will come around soon.
My engagement to Princess Fiore was highly welcomed, and as expected, arrangements were made to expedite the marriage. That being said, according to the customs around here, the wedding banquet is held strictly among relatives, so the wedding itself isn't all that extravagant. If anything, the main focus became granting me permission for a student marriage and adjusting my subsequent treatment.
"Since Earl Yugo is not yet at an age to retire, it might be best for the Royal Family to grant a dowry estate, allowing him to establish a separate household independent of the main family branch," the Bureau of Protocol Chief suggested.
Wait, I'm going to become independent? Meaning I have to work? Isn't it a bit cruel to strip a student of their moratorium period like this? I felt like voicing a complaint, but the Chief of the Bureau of Protocol, who had apparently researched everything thoroughly, pushed his way forward and rapidly proposed things that were highly inconvenient for me. Ah, now he’s going on about how it’s possible to give me intensive lectures so I can officially acquire all the necessary credits to graduate by this summer. Stop it, don't open your mouth any further. Your Majesty, that is not a point you're supposed to nod along to in admiration!
Damn it, during Elisha’s ordeal, this old man was an ally who helped eliminate Chloe from the Viscount family, who was her rival, but to me, he's a total enemy. Forcing me to earn two years' worth of credits in just a few months—what kind of Spartan training is this?! ...Come to think of it, there's been a rumor going around that Chloe ran away from home or something. Knowing that my father's faction was a remote cause of it makes me feel a slight twinge of guilt.
Finally, after surviving what felt like a nightmare of a report session and concluding the disbandment ceremony while receiving blessings from the bureaucrats that felt more like curses, our carriage approached the mansion. A crowd of people had gathered in front of the main gates.
"Whoa, everyone's out here..."
In addition to my father and the rest of the family, almost all the servants had come out to welcome us back. A cheer and a round of applause erupted the moment I stepped out of the carriage, but when Neon stepped down next, a collective murmur ran through the crowd.
"The Young Master brought back another woman..."
"Isn't she the princess's maid who came ahead to prepare for the wedding?"
"Nah, you've got it all wrong, blind as a bat. That girl has the face of a woman who belongs to the Young Master."
"Poor Rina-chan, she's got her work cut out for her..."
Hey, guys, I can hear you perfectly fine. The sad part is that I can't deny a single word of it. I decided to pretend I didn't notice how my mother’s smiling face seemed to twitch just a little bit.
"Welcome home, Allen."
"I have returned, Mother."
"Thank you for your hard work on your official duty. Please rest well today."
"Thank you very much."
After greeting my mother, we shared a brief embrace. Next, I turned toward my father.
"I have returned, Father."
"Mm, excellent work. I have received word that His Majesty the King of Claria was highly satisfied with your conduct. You did well."
I certainly left a great impression on the folks over there, but in reality, all I did was thoroughly enjoy eating raw fish... I never dreamed that the old grandpa who was smiling warmly at my hearty appetite was actually the former King.
"Thank you very much."
"Now then, let's hear the results of your report to His Majesty inside. Tonight will be a grand celebration for your return and a welcoming party for Lady Neon."
With those words, my father gave my shoulder a reassuring pat.
After returning to the estate and spending about an hour in a private meeting to debrief my father, I decided to introduce Neon to Rina and the others right away. Since there was going to be a welcoming party later, she had changed out of her maid outfit and into a dress she brought from the Claria Principality. Rakche and Luida, who had held back from greeting us at the gates due to their slave status, had also gathered in my room.
"First of all, welcome home, Young Master. And congratulations on your engagement." "Congratulations."
The three of them offered their words of celebration one after another.
"Thank you, everyone. So, this is Neon. She was a maid to Princess Fiore of the Claria Principality and has come ahead to prepare for the transition. After the marriage, she will remain at the mansion as Fiore’s exclusive maid, so I hope you all get along well."
I gave Neon a subtle wink. She caught the hem of her skirt, gave a polite curtsy, and smiled.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am Neon from the Claria Principality. Please treat me kindly from now on."
"By the way..." Rina looked over at us with a smile. Wait, isn't that smile a little terrifying, Rina-san?
"To clarify things regarding the arrangements for the bedchambers moving forward, has Lady Neon already been touched by the Young Master?"
"Yes, Lady Rina. While the Master was staying in the Claria Principality, I offered my services as his outlet for sexual release, and he graciously accepted my service by taking my virginity."
Without even glancing at me to check my reaction, Neon replied joyfully and instantly. Whoa, hold on a second! Wording it like that creates a massive misunderstanding... Look, Rina’s face is getting incredibly scary now! I mean, Misaki-senpai, didn't you say you wouldn't overstep your bounds?!
"Is that so? So, you intend to continue offering your service to the Young Master as well?"
"Yes, of course."
"While Lady Neon's standing does not put you under our house's direct jurisdiction, I am the one who oversees the services provided to the Young Master, so I look forward to working with you."
Rina said so with a bright smile. No, no, Rina-san... you're smiling, but your eyes aren't smiling at all!
"Yes, likewise, I look forward to working with you."
Neon shot back with an equally unyielding smile. Seriously, you guys are creeping me out... I cast a pleading glance toward Rakche, asking for a lifeline, but she only shook her head with a bitter, helpless smile.
Despite this being such a peaceful world, a highly localized war is about to break out right here in my private room... What on earth is going to happen if Karen joins this fray... Forgive me, Elisha, your older brother might perish halfway through his journey from some kind of stress-induced stomach ulcer.
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