A Story of a Male Knight (Not a Female Knight) in a Chastity-Reversed World ~The Girls Are So Afraid of Being Disliked That a “Kukkoro” Scene Never Happens~ - 8-9

Chapter 8: Just What Is Kukkoro?

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I had taken a shower and was waiting in my room.

“Uh, um, what is kukkoro? Is it a verb? A noun? Does it have something to do with the Kukkoro family? I-I have no idea how to interpret this. Being able to rewind time five times is outrageous. I’ve never heard of a more broken unique magic, but… huh?”

Because of the unprecedented manifestation of my unique magic, Mother had been completely bewildered and ordered me to stay in my room.

“Ray. For now, I’m going to look into this magic, so give me some time to make a decision. Also, I’m going to fire Elsa, so wait here.”

Saying that, she took Elsa-san away with her.

I did try to ask her not to fire Elsa-san, but even by the standards of this world, it seemed she had gone too far. Compared to the other servants, her behavior had definitely crossed the line, so there really wasn’t any way to defend her.

That said, I never actually disliked how proactive Elsa-san was. She was a level of beauty I had never seen even in my previous life, and she was a kind person who had helped me train, so I planned to ask for her to be rehired.

But more importantly…

“This turned into something incredible.”

Apparently, my unique magic was something completely unheard of. It seemed the term kukkoro didn’t exist in this world, so it was no wonder Mother had been so shocked. She’d probably be even more surprised if she actually found out what it meant.

“Disruption of Foregone Conclusions, huh…”

I understood what “foregone conclusions” meant, but I didn’t really understand what it implied.

Well, that’s probably not something I need to worry about. What’s important is the magic itself.

“After being kukkoro-ed, time rewinds to a random point. Limited to five uses over a lifetime.”

I recalled the description of the magic and tilted my head with a puzzled hum.

“Having five kukkoro lives… I don’t know if that’s something to be happy about or not…”

Being safe even if I got kukkoro-ed was reassuring, so in that sense, it was something to be happy about. Of course, it wasn’t like I wanted to be kukkoro-ed because I admired female knights. I admired female knights, including the concept of kukkoro itself.

So being able to eliminate the risk of being instantly kukkoro-ed and having my life as a knight cut short was definitely a relief. At the very least, I could avoid the danger of kukkoro five times. Thinking about it like that, I should be happy. But there was also a reason why I couldn’t feel happy.

Falling into despair against your will… That’s the essence of kukkoro. To not want it, yet to be drawn into pleasure.. That’s what makes kukkoro beautiful.

But if I had extra lives left over, I’d end up feeling like it was okay to get kukkoro-ed, which went against that aesthetic. If I started thinking it’d be fine to get kukkoro-ed just once, then it wouldn’t be true kukkoro anymore.

“Hmm, this is getting complicated.”

I crossed my arms and groaned. But then, like a lightbulb going on over my head, I had a flash of inspiration.

“That’s it. I’ll just forget this magic exists.”

If I treated it like it didn’t exist, there’d be no problem. If I forgot about it completely, it wouldn’t matter. And if I only remembered it after actually rewinding, that would be just fine.

My doubts cleared, and I felt refreshed. Now all I had to do was wait for Mother to return. After all, what really mattered was whether I’d be allowed to become a knight—if I couldn’t, then the magic would be meaningless.

“Ray…”

Before long, Mother entered my room with a serious look on her face.

“Mother. Um… Will you allow me to become a knight?”

“About that… I’d like to decide after meeting with someone first.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Thank you. And also, I’d like you to meet this person as well.”

“Eh, okay. Got it. And what about Elsa-san?”

“I properly fired her.”

It looked like Elsa-san really had been fired properly.

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Chapter 9: An Audience with an Important Person Interested in Embarrassing Magic

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I rode in a two-horse carriage with Mother and headed outside the estate. It was my first time outside the estate. But the carriage was made of steel, and even the windows were covered with curtains. It felt more like the transport of a high-profile prisoner—no one could see in or out.

“Ray. Haah, it disgusts me to even speak her name, but… You said you learned manners from Elsa, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. I got the basics when I was learning how to treat the staff.”

“Ohh, what a good boy you are… Do you know how to behave in front of someone of high rank?”

“I learned that too.”

“Wonderful, Ray. I suppose I should be praising Elsa… If only she weren’t such a lust-beast, she’d actually be a competent woman. Haah…”

Mother let out a sigh. Calling her a lust-beast was harsh, but not entirely inaccurate. Not that I minded, so I never really thought much about it.

“When you say someone of high rank, do you mean someone really important?”

“Yes. You’re going to meet the most important person in this country—the Mikado.”

“The Mikado!?”

Over the past month, I had at least learned the basics of this world.

In this country, the one who governs is the lord. But the one who bestows the crown to the lord is the Mikado. Just as Mother said, the Mikado is the most important person in the land.

“Am I really someone who should be granted an audience with the Mikado?”

“Traditionally, when the heir to House Kukkoro manifests their unique magic, it’s customary to attend an audience and swear an oath of guardianship. So the audience was already planned.”

“I see…”

“Yes. But when I went to consult a palace expert about the nature of your magic, the audience with the Mikado was suddenly arranged.”

“Did something bad happen?”

“I’m not sure. But don’t worry, Ray. The Mikado is a magnificent person. Nothing strange will happen as long as the audience has been granted.”

“R-Right…”

Even though Mother said that, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. It was like meeting someone above a president—a monarch—and I was tense beyond reason. While I was worrying whether I could properly conduct myself with the right manners, the carriage came to a stop.

The heavy doors opened to reveal the palace at the center of the capital. Soldiers lined both sides of the path leading to the entrance in tight formation.

“Let’s go, Ray.”

I followed behind Mother, walking between rows of female soldiers. Their faces were all directed straight ahead, but their eyes still followed me, as if to make sure I didn’t try anything suspicious. They were clearly palace knights. They were on a different level than certain maids I knew. I hoped to become someone like them one day. 

We entered a splendid hall, and following the attendants’ directions, were guided into the throne room. At the end of the red carpet stood a lavish throne, currently unoccupied. Mother and I knelt down, and soon we were left alone with just one imposing guard remaining beside us.

After a while, someone entered.

“Raise your heads.”

A voice like the ringing of a bell. Clear, cool, and lingering like the sound of wind chimes. I could tell from the voice alone—this was the Mikado.

“Raise your heads.”

At the second command, I lifted my gaze. The beautiful woman seated on the throne was unmistakably the Mikado. She looked to be in her late twenties, and inspired an awe that bordered on reverence.

Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight through water. Her skin was smooth and translucently pale. Her beauty went beyond earthly standards—it felt divine. She radiated an aura of mystery, making her seem like something more than human.

The Mikado was said to be a descendant of the hero who defeated the Demon Lord. I used to scoff at that because it sounded like something straight out of some fantasy game, but now that I saw her, I was overwhelmed.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Karina.”

“For the Mikado, anytime.”

“I’m grateful. I’ll get straight to the point—your son. Is his name Ray?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t intend to intimidate a young boy. Relax. I shall do the same.”

Even though she said that, I couldn’t exactly relax. But her words did lighten the pressure just a little.

“Thank you… For your kind words.”

“A bit stiff, aren’t you? Well, no matter. Come closer, Ray. Let me see the crest.”

I looked to Mother, who gave me a nod. I stepped toward the Mikado and held out the back of my hand.

“This crest… Just as I thought…”

“Mikado, do you recognize it?”

“Indeed. This is the crest said to belong to the first female knight. It’s the same as the champion who defeated the Demon Lord alongside the hero.”

“Then… Are you saying it’s the same unique magic as the first head of House Kukkoro?”

“Precisely. It matches the records passed down in our family. I hardly believed it, but to think someone who wields the same magic as the original female knight would appear… Karina.”

“Yes!”

“Raise Ray as you would the first female knight. The future of this nation needs as many strong warriors as possible. This child’s power will surely serve the country well.”

“To receive such praise… But Mikado, may I speak freely, even if it is impertinent?”

“You may. You and I have known each other long enough—speak your mind.”

“Thank you. To be honest, I still have doubts about whether Ray’s unique magic can be of real use. What exactly does ‘Kukkoro’ mean?”

“I only know that it’s the magic used by the first female knight. That’s why I summoned Ray today.”

Her direct gaze froze me in place. If Mother finds out about the real meaning of ‘kukkoro,’ this is going to be so awkward… I was frozen stiff with nerves.

“Mikado!? You intend to use the unique magic!?”

“Yes. Ray, stay still for a moment.”

The Mikado locked eyes with me. Her beautiful light-blue eyes turned crimson.

“Mikado… You’re using your foresight on Ray, even though you can only do that a few times a year…”

After a moment, her red eyes returned to blue and soon enough, her pale skin turned bright red.

“I… I figured out what ‘kukkoro’ is…”

Huh!? W-Wait! She can see the future, right? Just what’s going to happen to me?! 

“W-What did you see!?”

The Mikado looked between me and Mother, her expression conflicted. Then she spoke, albeit awkwardly.

“You don’t need to know. Just… As I said, this child’s power will benefit the country. Raise him to be a strong knight. Otherwise… It seems he won’t be able to ‘kukkoro’ properly.”

A short while after that strange statement, the audience with the Mikado came to an end.

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Inside the carriage on the way home, Mother finally spoke.

“I’m not entirely sure what it means, but Ray. Your unique magic is the same as the founder of Kukkoro House and clearly a powerful one. Even the Mikado gave you her approval.”

“Uh, is that… A good thing…?”

I couldn’t stop thinking about what the Mikado had seen. Judging from how red her face got, she probably saw me after I lost… And being kukkoro-ed. I really didn’t feel like that counted as “powerful.”

“Now I have no more doubts. I approve of you becoming a knight.”

“Really!?”

All of today’s confusion vanished in a rush of joy. A lot had happened, but getting Mother’s approval was the main purpose of today’s events.

“But Ray. Now that the Mikado herself has ordered it, I’m going to train you hard. Be prepared.”

“I’m ready, Mother!”

“Aaah! You’re just too good!! My precious son, I love you sooo much!!”

Mother melted into goo with a giddy smile, but the moment the carriage stopped, her face turned serious.

“Pl-Please flee, Karina-sama!”

The coachman’s voice rang out. Mother grabbed her sword and leapt from the carriage. As the door opened, the outside scene came into view.

“Well, well, well, dear nobles. Mind handing over your valuables?”

Our carriage was surrounded by a group of rough-looking women who were clearly bandits.

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