My Childhood Friend Told Me to Go Marry the Most Beautiful Woman in the Kingdom, So I Seriously Started Improving Myself—and Somehow Ended Up Making Women Fall Hard - Chapter 116 & 117

Chapter 116: Let’s Go Hear Their Feelings (End)

As I stepped out of the church, a breath slipped out on its own.

Natasha’s intensity still lingered, making my heart ache as it pounded in my chest.

Until now, I had been hiding behind vague words—getting stronger, rising in status, winning over the most beautiful woman in the kingdom…

But now, things were different.

Nagi confessed to me.
Fururu confessed to me.
Gina had said from the very beginning that she would stay by my side.
And Natasha… called me her god.

…Everything I’d done up until now had nurtured their feelings.

This wasn’t something I could carry with just happiness or joy alone.

It required resolve.

I have to become a Crown Knight. No matter what.

And then… the last person.

The one who, for me, required the most “fear” and “resolve.”

Commander Adelheid.

There was nothing between us that could be called romance.

I simply admired her.
I followed behind her.
I watched her sword.

And yet, Gina said—

If I don’t choose Commander Adelheid… it could end in mutual destruction.

…That was something I couldn’t even imagine.

And precisely because I couldn’t imagine it… I had to go and find out.

♢

The training grounds of the Second Knight Order smelled, as always, of sweat and iron.

The clash of swords. Shouts. Laughter.

Coming here always felt like walking in just to get scolded.

But… I had already decided not to run.

“I’m Hort Rubel. I have business with Commander Adelheid…”

When I called out to the knight at the entrance, he looked slightly puzzled for a moment—then his expression softened.

“Ah… Hort, huh. The Commander is on leave today.”

“Huh?”

“She’s not feeling well. Resting in the barracks.”

“…Not feeling well?”

Commander Adelheid…?

I couldn’t imagine someone like her being bedridden.

“Thank you.”

I headed toward the Second Knight Order’s barracks to visit her.

My footsteps echoed strangely loudly in the hallway.

Standing in front of the door I was guided to, I took a breath and knocked once.

“…Who is it?”

The voice from inside wasn’t her usual firm tone.

It was hoarse.

“It’s Hort Rubel. Commander, may I come in?”

“…Hort?”

A brief silence.

During it, I heard something being hastily hidden. The rustle of fabric. A small cough.

“…Come in.”

With her permission, I opened the door.

“Excuse me.”

The air inside the room felt hot.

Not just warm—stuffy, hard to breathe.

And the one on the bed… wasn’t the armored Commander Adelheid.

She wore light-colored pajamas—cute, almost childlike.

Her hair was down, her cheeks flushed red.

Her eyes were open… but unfocused.

“…What did you come here for?”

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I came to check on you.”

As I said that, my eyes drifted around the room… it was a mess.

I knew it wasn’t right to look around a woman’s room, but it stood out too much to ignore.

Documents piled up on the desk.
A book left half-read.
A towel tossed on the floor.
Maintenance tools for her armor left scattered.

Commander Adelheid’s room… wasn’t tidy at all.

Just seeing that reminded me of the commander’s office in the Second Knight Order, and my chest tightened.

“…Don’t do anything unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?”

“Don’t look around my room… cough—”

Before she could finish, she broke into a coughing fit.

Her shoulders trembled.

The moment I saw that, I stopped hesitating.

“Commander. Sorry—I’m going to act on my own.”

“…On your own…?”

“Yes. Stop me if you want. But… I don’t think you can right now.”

The moment I said it, I was surprised at how blunt I sounded.

Whenever I was in front of her, I ended up speaking more boldly than usual.

She tried to glare at me… but quickly looked away.

“…Do as you like.”

…She always let me do what I wanted.

But this time, her voice was much weaker than usual.

♢

First, I opened the window.

Just letting the air move made the room feel a little lighter.

Next, I picked things up from the floor.

I folded the towel, gathered the laundry, and pushed the scattered documents neatly to the edge of the desk.

The Commander stayed on the bed, quietly watching me.

She looked annoyed… but said nothing.

“…If you don’t like being seen, you can close your eyes.”

“I don’t.”

“…Alright.”

“I’ll watch what you’re doing.”

Maybe she meant to keep an eye on me.

But her voice was weak.

Without replying, I moved on and looked for the kitchen area.

In the barracks room, there was a simple water heater and a small pot.

There were some dried rice grains and a bit of dried vegetables. Salt would be enough.

I filled the pot with water, added the rice, and set it over the fire.

It began to simmer softly.

For some reason, that sound felt calming.

“…What are you making?”

“Porridge.”

“…Don’t need it.”

“Commander, please eat.”

“An order?”

“A request.”

The moment I said that, her eyes wavered—just slightly.

And then… she fell silent.

…She really was bad at relying on others.

While the porridge cooked, I found a pitcher and prepared some cold water.

I placed it by her bedside.

“…You’re a pushy one.”

“Yeah. If you’ve been sweating, you should change your clothes too. I prepared some hot water.”

“…Then wipe me down.”

“Huh?”

The Commander sat up and began unbuttoning her pajamas.

“W-Wait—!”

“It’s fine. I’m wearing the bra you gave me.”

She took off her top, leaving just a sports bra.

The fullness of her chest, her clean, well-defined figure… I couldn’t help but stare.

“It’s cold.”

“Just a second—I’ll finish quickly.”

I soaked a towel in hot water and began wiping her down.

I had always imagined the Commander’s body to be more muscular and rugged… but it was soft.

Even though she had been lying in bed, there was a faint, sweet scent to her.

I wiped her back and shoulders, and for the front, she wiped herself.

My heart wouldn’t stop pounding.

The strong woman I always saw… was showing me her weakness.

When she tried to remove her bra to change into fresh pajamas, I quickly looked away.

“I’ll bring the porridge.”

After making sure she finished changing, I carried the pot over.

I transferred the porridge into a bowl and let it cool a little.

“Blow on it… here.”

“…Ahm.”

The Commander’s ears were red… not just from the fever.

I scooped up another spoonful and held it out.

“Please eat.”

“…I can eat on my own.”

“Commander, your hands are shaking.”

Her fingertips trembled slightly atop the blanket.

Seeing that made my chest tighten.

She wasn’t just strong… she was human too.

She frowned slightly, then reluctantly opened her mouth.

She ate the porridge.

Her chewing was slow… but she managed to swallow.

“…It’s bland.”

“Sorry. Want me to add some salt?”

“…This is fine.”

The way she said it sounded oddly quiet… almost cute.

After finishing, she sank back into the bed.

Her eyelashes looked heavy.

“…Hort.”

“Yes.”

“…Why did you come?”

Her eyes were slightly moist.

Maybe it was because she was sick… or maybe she understood something.

It wasn’t her usual intimidating presence.

She just… didn’t want to be seen like this.

“…I was taught never to show weakness.”

“I know.”

“…You know?”

“You’ve always pushed yourself alone, even at work—never relying on anyone.”

The Commander narrowed her eyes slightly.

But there was no harshness in them.

“…You’re disappointed, aren’t you?”

“I’m not.”

“…You’re always like that.”

Her breathing grew uneven.

There was another reason I came here today.

I wanted to confirm Commander Adelheid’s feelings.

But… now wasn’t the time to force that on her.

“Commander, please rest today.”

“An order?”

“A request.”

She looked at me for a while.

“I didn’t want anyone to look down on me, so I kept acting strong. And you… broke that.”

“Huh?”

“I can’t feel anything for any man but you anymore. My office without you… the documents you left behind… I see all of them as traces of you.”

Maybe because she was feeling weak,

Commander Adelheid let her feelings spill out first.

“Hort… I want you to stay by my side.”

“Yeah. I’ll stay.”

I took her hand.

“Commander… I’m going to aim for the Crown Knights. And just like you, I want to cherish the women who said they love me.”

“…You’re selfish. Will you cherish me too?”

“Yes. Commander Adelheid… I want to cherish you. Will you become my wife?”

At my words, tears welled up in her eyes, and she reached out her arms.

“Hug me tight.”

“Alright.”

For her, it was a very direct… and unbelievably cute request.

“Hort… I like you. Having you support me… made me happy.”

“I’m happy too. Being someone you can rely on.”

“Thank you.”

I held her for a while, letting her calm down.

Maybe because she wasn’t feeling well… or because she finally felt at ease, her breathing gradually softened.

As I stood up to close the window, a thought crossed my mind.

This person… was far more fragile than I had imagined.

And because of that—now that I had seen her weakness,

I wanted to support her even more.

Quietly, I dimmed the lights in the room.

Chapter 117: The Women Who Fell Into the Swamp (13)

Side: Nagi

The moment Hort said, “let’s take care of each other”—

Something inside me… popped.

Warmth spread deep in my chest, my steps felt lighter, and the world looked just a little brighter.

That’s why I went “chu” on his cheek—it was advance payment.

Yeah, advance payment. Because promises can run away—that’s something I know. People are weak. Words can come undone. So I marked it, so he wouldn’t escape.

“…Hehe.”

Hort’s ears had turned completely red.

Cute.

Even as I blended into the crowd, I kept turning back, waving until I couldn’t see his back anymore.

“Don’t forget, okay!!”

That shout was half a joke… and half serious.

Hort said he wouldn’t forget.

So I’ll believe him.

But just believing didn’t feel like enough either.

After turning the corner past the Adventurers’ Guild, I clasped my hands in front of my chest.

When I took a breath, it still felt like Hort’s scent lingered.

Thick, solid… reassuring.

Hort said it.

That he had feelings for me.
That he wanted to protect me.
That he wanted me to keep smiling.

And that made me happy.

I was happy… and yet, the words that came after that still pricked at my chest.

—“There are other people I’m interested in too.”

…Yeah. I knew that.

He had already met Gina and the others… Hort is kind.

And because he’s kind, it makes sense that women would fall for him.

That’s why he didn’t lie.

That’s what I like about him.

And because of that… it hurts even more.

Because if he chose another woman, then I wouldn’t be chosen.

And a world where Hort doesn’t choose me… that’s nothing but despair.

I gave a small shake of my head.

No. Right now… this is a time to think about happy things.

The day we became mutual.

So I smiled brightly.

But in the corner of my mind, something dark quietly peeked out.

He goes to another woman.
That woman touches him.
That woman learns his scent.

And Hort shows that same face he showed me… to her too.

Just imagining it made my teeth clench tightly.

I’m oni-folk.

For us, vows are heavier than anything.

And for strong men, having multiple wives is normal back on Onigashima.

I understand that.

And I know Hort is strong.

So what I’ll do… isn’t take him away.

I’ll win.

I’ll be more useful to Hort than anyone.
I’ll make him smile more than anyone.
I’ll make him feel at ease more than anyone.
I’ll become someone he can’t stay away from.

If I can do that… then I’ll be the cutest.

I’ll work hard so he’ll think I’m a wonderful, lovable bride.

I clenched my fist tightly… and took a deep breath.

“…Yes, I’ve decided.”

First, I pressed my cheeks in front of the mirror.

I practiced being cute—just like Hort told me.

I made a small fist pump in front of my chest.

“Next time… not into Hort’s chest… but into Hort’s heart.”

The moment I said it out loud, I got embarrassed, and my cheeks heated up.

Alright. I’m cute. I’m Hort’s girlfriend, so it’ll be fine.

I won’t let him forget me.

Somewhere deep inside me, it felt like a small oni laughed.

♢

Side: Fururu

After Big Brother Hort left—

The room on the second floor of the workshop suddenly felt so much bigger.

Just a moment ago, he was right there. When I hugged him, he was solid, warm… and had that scent.

And when I said “I like you,” he answered right away.

My chest felt so full… like it might melt.

But the moment the door closed—

Everything went quiet.

Hehe… that’s weird.

I was happy… and yet, I felt like crying.

“…Big Brother went home.”

When I muttered it, my own voice sounded strangely childish, and I puffed my cheeks.

I’m not a child.

I’m a blacksmith, a craftsman… a grown woman.

I’m going to be his bride.

I’ve already decided that.

So I pressed down firmly on the design papers on the desk.

The bra Big Brother made.

The shape of his hands.

It fit perfectly against my chest.

There isn’t any other man who could make something like this.

When I held it to my chest and thought of him, it made me feel at ease.

But even though I wanted to feel calm, the conversation from earlier kept looping in my head.

—“Would you be okay with me dating others at the same time?”

I’m a dwarf, so I don’t worry about small things.

That’s true. It really is.

But… if I’m not chosen, it would make me sad.

Another woman standing beside Big Brother Hort.
That woman touching his arm.
That woman smiling at him.
That woman hearing him say her cooking is delicious.

Just imagining it made my energy drain away.

But still—I’m going to be his bride.

A bride is allowed to feel jealous.

It’s okay to get a little possessive.

Because I like him.

And liking someone comes with all of that.

But getting angry and snapping at others… isn’t cute.

So I chose a different way.

I’ll make a place he’d want to come back to.
I’ll make a place he’d want to work in together.
I’ll become someone whose voice he’d naturally be drawn to.

The aunties said it before—

“If you want to catch a good man, start with his stomach!”

I nodded along back then.

At the time, I was just embarrassed… but now it’s different.

This is a battle.

A cute battle.

When I went down to the first floor of the workshop, the aunties were already grinning.

“How’d it go, Fururu-chan?”
“You’ve got a nice look on your face!”

“…I’m going to be his wife.”

“Nice~ Go catch that man!”

Everyone was cheering me on about Big Brother Hort.

It made my chest feel warm.

So I lifted my chin proudly.

“Starting tomorrow, I’m going to practice making even tastier food! A bride makes lots of meals!”

“Ohh, going on the offensive, huh?”
“I am!”

I headed to the kitchen.

I took out a pot, checked the fire, and gripped the knife.

Blacksmiths are good with fire.

That’s why we’re good at cooking too.

Fire doesn’t betray you. But people’s hearts… sometimes do.

I’m going to win Big Brother over through his stomach.

I love the way he looks when he eats happily, saying it’s delicious.

That serious face.
That kind face.
That troubled expression.

So first, I decided one thing.

Next time we meet, I’ll hug him tight.

I’ll hold his hand. Tug on his sleeve. And… k-k-kiss him too.

I’ll make lots and lots of memories.

I lit the fire under the pot and started humming.

Beneath that tune, a small voice slipped out.

“I’m Big Brother’s bride…”

The moment I said it, I got embarrassed at myself, and my cheeks heated up.

Ahh… that made me happy.

“Alright! I’ll make it even tastier than the other brides!”

I won’t lose to any of them!