Drifted Into a Reversed World ~ The One Method for Me, a Japanese Guy, to Survive in a World Where Men and Fertility Are Scarce ~ - 18

Chapter 18: Empress Elenoa

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“Now, your attire… It is a simple thing, so please forgive me, but please change into this.”

Before they mounted the horses that had been kept ready, Elraine spoke while her gaze wandered slightly, handing Sota a single tunic. The reason for her wandering eyes was likely already apparent.

“This is… thank you so much. It’s a huge help. Honestly, I was starting to feel embarrassed in this state too.”

Sota let out a sigh of relief and flashed his naturally likable smile. Elraine, met with that friendly grin that showed not a hint of wariness, felt her throat tighten and broke into a coughing fit.

“Ngh!! Ahem! Er, behind that giant tree over there should be just right for changing. I will take responsibility for watching the women, so please, feel at ease and change.”

“Thank you. I’ll be right back, then.”

Sota gave a polite bow and hurried off toward the designated spot.

“…”

Elraine remained there, her face flushed red, watching his back as if her soul had temporarily departed. She had found herself staring. This was true not only for Elraine but for the surrounding soldiers as well.

“…Whoa. That smile just now…”

Someone whispered it, and everyone thought it.

Men hated women. That was the common sense of this world, and the more one heard stories of people who had actually spoken to a man, the more defined that common sense became. Reports of men being kind to women were not entirely unheard of, but they were considered highly suspicious at best. Women knew this common sense. Knowing it, they still loved men and wanted to treat their bodies as they pleased. Creative erotic stories about men and women loving and being intimate with one another were popular, but everyone understood them to be nothing more than other-dimensional fantasies.

However, the Sota who had appeared before Elraine and her group didn’t show the slightest sign of being cold toward them. Instead, he had smiled. Even though he was in such a precarious state of dress, he showed a friendliness like a well-socialized lapdog, and the women could not hide their confusion and excitement.

Compared to the men of this world, Sota’s personal space was far too small. In the Kingdom, it was common sense that if one were to speak to a man, they must first stand ten paces back. Yet, he had defenselessly strolled right up to Elraine within arm’s reach, and after receiving the tunic, he passed by the female soldiers at a distance where their shoulders nearly brushed.

^[1](Wait… maybe even I have a chance.)

It was a situation similar to an otaku at the bottom of the classroom caste falling in love with a high-caste girl who treated everyone equally. Even interactions or conversations that meant nothing to the person involved could, depending on the recipient, transform into a catalyst for romantic feelings. Because of things like this—no, because of just that brief conversation and his behavior—Sota had unintentionally gathered all their affection and had already achieved the status of an idol.

(No, no, don’t get carried away, me. Calm down, calm down…)

Only Elraine, the embodiment of reason, was resisting, trying to suppress the faint emotions she felt toward Sota.

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“So, where is the report?”

The Aidia Empire. The Throne Room.

On a throne said to have been carved from a single claw of a Divine Dragon that appeared a hundred years ago sat the new ruler of the Aidia Empire—Empress Elenoa. Not having lived even as many years as she had fingers on both hands, Elenoa did not so much “sit” on the throne as she looked like she was being “placed” there due to her tiny stature. Swirling the aroma of wine—or rather, wine-colored grape juice—in a glass in her right hand, a woman of mature age who looked exceptionally sharp stood by her side. Tucking her chestnut bob behind her ear, the woman responded to Elenoa’s question in a solemn, emotionless voice.

“Yes. Regarding the unit that reported discovering the ‘man with true black eyes’…”

“Hmm.”

“They successfully captured him along with General Firis—”

“…Mhm, mhm.”

“—However, I have received a report that he has currently escaped along with General Firis.”

“…………Hah?”

In an instant, a deep furrow appeared between Elenoa’s brows. She had been in a wonderful mood. When she received the report that the “man with true black eyes,” her objective, had been found and captured, she had kissed Bedy repeatedly—her teddy bear tucked under her arm—and had skipped several laps around the throne room while humming.

And yet…

“They let him go…?”

Her lovely soprano voice, typical for her age, turned low and muffled. The chestnut-haired woman gave a mechanical nod and continued the report flatly.

“Given the time that has passed, it will likely be impossible to capture him again. He has likely been discovered by the Kingdom’s side by now and is heading toward the Royal Capital.”

“…Who is the officer in charge of that battalion?”

“One named Liliana. I have received reports that her conduct has generally been poor.”

“Liliana? Did we not entrust Ronia to her? What happened to Ronia?”

“Well… I have not received a report that detailed. How would you like to handle their punishment?”

“Behead Liliana. As for her direct subordinates, send them all to labor in the mines for the next ten years.”

“…Is that acceptable?”

“It is fine. No matter how many women I crush, more will pop up eventually. The compensation for making a fool of me isn’t heavy enough unless it costs them their lives.”

“…And regarding Ronia?”

“Retrieve her. Unlike the trash around her, she is talented. Of course, she will still have to receive a punishment.”

“As you command.”

The woman bowed deeply. Elenoa gulped down the rest of her grape juice and hopped down from the throne.

“Are you going somewhere, Your Majesty?”

“Preparations.”

“…For what?”

“For a magnificent diplomatic deal. You come too. I am going to the Kingdom.”

Elenoa said this, a broad grin spreading across her face. It was an innocent smile, as if she had just thought of a prank befitting her age and appearance.

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