The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved. - Chapter 024 & 025 & 026 & 027

Chapter 024: The Fate Of That Party 3 – Aira Side

The journey to Ryuto Labyrinth, where the dungeon is located, takes about four days by carriage. We were currently riding one, heading toward Ryuto.

“Damn, this is so slow. Hey!! Can’t you make it go any faster?”

The carriage driver replied in an irritated tone, “Don’t be ridiculous!! This carriage is for everyone. I’m not changing anything just for you.”

This was a public carriage carrying many passengers. Yet Dan had been openly showing his anger because it wasn’t moving at his preferred pace.

We originally had a private carriage reserved for S-rank parties only. Since we were demoted to C-rank, it was taken away. That’s why we ended up on this public carriage, resulting in this mess.

“Shit! Shit! Why do I have to ride with these commoners…”

The other passengers were giving us unpleasant looks. Mana was so embarrassed she pulled her robe deep over her head.

“Excuse me, sir.”

The driver stopped the carriage.

“Could you please stop already? There are elderly people and children on board. I don’t know if you’re some noble or whatever, but if you hate it that much, why don’t you get off?”

“What did you say!? You dare defy me!?”

Dan tried to punch him. At that moment, several male adventurers who were also riding stood up and grabbed Dan in a nelson hold.

“We’ve been holding back, but you’re too damn loud!!”

“What!?”

“Because of you, our whole business might get ruined.”

They then threw Dan out of the carriage.

“Gwah!?”

He landed headfirst in the mud on the side of the road.

“I’m so sorry!! I’m really sorry!!”

Tina bowed repeatedly to everyone as she got off. Mana handed several silver coins to the driver as an apology. When I tried to get off after bowing to the passengers,

“Hey, you girls don’t need to get off.”

One of the male adventurers stopped me. I was grateful for the kindness, but—

“No, we’re in the same party.”

“Even so… We saw what happened at the guild outpost earlier. You should really disband.”

“We can’t do that.”

“Sigh… I get that there are circumstances. At least so you girls don’t end up in even worse trouble… here.”

He handed me something.

“This is…”

“It’s an item that alerts the nearest guild if you press the button in case of danger.”

“Are you sure? Giving us something this valuable…?”

“Yeah, it’s a bit expensive, but I can just earn it back. You girls are in much more danger right now, right?”

“Thank you so much.”

“And make sure that guy doesn’t see it.”

“Y-yes!!”

I put it deep in my bag, bowed, and got off the carriage. Luckily, Dan had just pulled himself out of the mud and didn’t see the exchange.

“Sigh, why does everything turn out like this? Everyone’s so rude to us.”

You’re the one being rude.

Why doesn’t he learn and keeps interpreting everything in a way that suits him?

“Hey, when’s the next carriage coming?”

“What are you talking about? There are no stops on a road like this.”

“Huh? What? Are you telling me to walk?”

“…I’m truly sorry, but…”

“Tch.”

He clicked his tongue, stood up, and started walking. He seemed to finally understand the situation.

Sigh… I want to leave this party.

If my parents weren’t being held hostage, I would have followed Al-kun.

We continued walking down the endless road with no clear future in sight.

Chapter 025: The Guard Saw It – The Exchange Between Al’s Mother And The Ducal House

My name is Roysch. I have served the Arbonne ducal family for generations as a guard.

The Arbonne ducal house is currently in financial trouble, and our salaries are not very good. My wife even has to do side work because of it.

About two years ago, the Lord began a project to obtain resources from a labyrinth. There are only about 15 labyrinths in the country, and just 2 of them have been fully conquered. The higher the difficulty, the greater the rewards. The Falmouth family, located on the eastern border of the duchy, succeeded in conquering one and gained enormous wealth.

Seeing this, our Lord decided to conquer the labyrinth on his own territory to secure resources.

Of course, this required massive funding and personnel. That was when the Lord set his sights on the Belladonna family. To think he even detected the intentions of that family’s son and tried to have him join his own son Dan’s party at the same time — his tenacity is truly something.

Thanks to that, we secured a large amount of funds and were able to begin the project. The conquest progressed smoothly, reaching the 7th floor in just two years. But I never expected things to turn out like this.

The Lord was suddenly summoned by Lady Louisa, the head of the Belladonna family.

“Huh? U-um, could you say that one more time?”

The Lord asked in a voice he rarely used.

“I will repeat it. From now on, we will be cutting off all further funding for your project.”

Even I couldn’t hide my shock. What happened? What went wrong?

“W-why? The project is going well. We haven’t failed at anything. We’re almost at a point where we can see the full conquest. Just a little more — can’t you continue the loan?”

“I must decline.”

“W-why!! Why!?”

Lady Louisa sighed and glared at us.

“Why? Do you not understand what your own son has done?”

“My son… Dan did something?”

We had received no information about Dan doing anything.

“Sigh… Then allow me to explain. Your son expelled my son from his party.”

“!!?”

The Lord’s eyes widened.

No… That can’t be. Tina, what were you doing?! Why didn’t you stop Dan-sama?

“Oh my, that must be Tina’s father over there, correct?”

“Y-yes.”

She’s talking to me!! What pressure… This is not the aura of an ordinary noblewoman. Who is she?!

“You are probably wondering why your daughter didn’t stop Dan-sama.”

She knows everything. Just what is this?

“It’s simple. No matter how bad Dan-sama’s personality is, he is the next head of a ducal house. Moreover, your daughter comes from a retainer family. And Dan-sama’s mother seems quite indulgent toward him, doesn’t she?”

How does she know even that? Just how powerful is the Belladonna family’s information network?

“The girls probably believe that if they disobey, their families will be in danger. And if Dan-sama says something, his mother will tell you, the current head, and you will carry it out. Am I wrong?”

“Guh… Mmm…”

The Lord couldn’t deny it. It was true — Dan’s mother was very lenient with him, and the Lord often gave in to her selfishness.

The children must have been torn apart with guilt, thinking of us.

“However, the biggest problem is that Your Grace failed to properly convey the importance of your relationship with the Belladonna family to your son.”

“!!”

“If only you had thrown away that foolish pride, things might have been salvageable. Really, both you and your son are hopeless.”

With that, she stood up to leave.

“W-wait! No, please wait! Please, I beg you — give us one more chance!!”

The Lord rushed over and desperately tried to stop her at her feet.

“…………”

“I will properly instruct my son!! So please—”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too convenient to expel him first and then ask him to come back?”

Lady Louisa glared sharply at the Lord on the floor.

“B-but…”

“Besides, your family has hurt my precious only son. What parent wouldn’t be angry about that?!”

“Th-that…”

Faced with her quiet fury, the Lord had no words.

“It’s already too late. You failed in his education.”

She turned to leave.

“P-please wait!!”

In desperation, the Lord reached out to grab the hem of Lady Louisa’s dress.

“Insolent fool!!”

Suddenly, the maid standing behind her grabbed the Lord’s hand.

“Guh… How dare a mere maid do this to me!!”

“I will not be lectured on manners by someone who tries to grab a lady’s dress.”

This maid… She looks young, but she’s highly skilled.

“Sophia. He is a duke. No matter how rude he is, you must show respect.”

“But—!!”

“I know very well how much you adore Al. But you mustn’t do anything strange.”

The white-haired maid — Sophia — clenched her fist tightly, holding back her anger. After a moment of silence,

“…I apologize.”

She bowed to Lady Louisa.

“Good girl. When Al comes home, I’ll let you return to his side like before.”

Sophia’s cobalt blue eyes sparkled brightly.

“Thank you, Mother-in-law.”

“My, how strange. Did my ears go bad? Fufufu.”

“Hahaha.”

It was terrifying. There was no room left for us to intervene.

“By the way…”

Lady Louisa walked past the Lord and came over to me.

“I also handle job placement services. Feel free to consider this if you like.”

She handed me three brown envelopes.

“Well then, Duke. This concludes our business.”

With that, Lady Louisa left.

“H-hurry and carry the Lord!!”

We quickly moved the Lord, who was sitting dazed on the floor. He ended up bedridden for several days.

A dark atmosphere hung over the ducal house.

My own family felt the same. Would we collapse together like this? But even if I quit, would I be able to find new work?

“Honey…”

My wife looked at me worriedly. I suddenly remembered the brown envelopes I had been given.

When I opened one, it said:

“W-would you like to work as a guard for the Belladonna family?”

It was written in Lady Louisa’s handwriting. It thanked us for taking care of her son Al (through Tina) and offered us a position guarding her younger brother if we were interested.

In short, it was an offer to switch sides. Stay with the house we had served for many years, or—

“What will you do?”

“…Let me think about it for a bit.”

I returned to my room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Meanwhile, at the ducal house:

“Did you call for me, My Lord?”

The butler had been summoned.

“Bring Dan back immediately!!”

Marqus shouted his order.

“As you command!!”

“And…”

His voice suddenly trailed off.

“Yes?”

As the butler waited anxiously for the next order,

“Bring Kei here as well.”

The butler couldn’t hide his surprise at those words.

Chapter 026: Summoned By The Grand Duke – Al-kun’s Perspective After A Long While

Hello. I am Alphonse = Reis = Belladonna.

I am currently heading to Riema, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Nelba, aboard a vehicle called an airship.

Going back three hours, we had just arrived with everyone at the second city, Versha. At the gate entrance, our family’s butler was waiting for us.

“Huh? Lawrence?”

“Welcome home, young master.”

“Yeah, I’m back. Though it’s not exactly a triumphant return.”

When I looked down, Lawrence shook his head.

“No, no. More importantly, a message from the Mistress.”

“Eh?”

“‘Come to Riema immediately.’ That was the message.”

“……Really?”

“Yes.”

It seems Mother is currently in Riema. Apparently, the Grand Duke wishes to meet Rosaria-san and the others.

Considering their situation, it’s better to get this over with quickly. That’s why we’re heading there by airship. It’s quite fast — it only takes about three hours.

The airship connects the capital Riema, Versha, and the third city Campagna. It can only be installed in places with enough wide land for the terminal and sufficient military force to protect against monster attacks.

As for me during the trip? I’m resting my head on Elena-san’s lap. I was feeling tired from the journey and thought I’d sleep during the flight. Then Elena-san said,

“In that case, please use my lap.”

Ahh, it feels so good. Having my head gently stroked is incredibly calming. However…

“Hey, Elena. It’s about time you switch with me.”

“Next is me, move over.”

“No. As the guard, this is my duty. You two should enjoy the scenery outside.”

Please get along, you three. After some discussion, we settled on 15-minute shifts. Thanks to how comfortable it was, I fell asleep. Even while I was sleeping, they carefully switched without waking me.

And so, we arrived in Riema.

Waiting for us at the terminal were members of the Imperial Guard Knights. We were put into a luxurious carriage and headed toward the castle where the Grand Duke resides.

When we reached the castle, a man with amber eyes and dark brown hair was standing there. It was Uncle Klaus.

“Hey, Al. It’s been a while.”

“Uncle!!”

I instinctively ran over and hugged him. Uncle Klaus holds an important ministerial position in this country. For someone like him to wait at the castle entrance…

“Al, I’m happy to see you too, but there are many eyes around us right now. Later, okay?”

“Ah, sorry.”

Uncle put me down and turned to the three women.

“Rosaria = Anna = Felville-dono, Elena = Shell = Valois-dono, and Urka = Zaspa = Reen-dono. Our nation welcomes you. The Grand Duke is waiting. This way, please.”

It seems Uncle is acting as our guide.

“Al. This time they are the main guests, so follow behind the three of them.”

“Yeah, got it.”

After saying that, Uncle entered the castle.

“Let’s go!!”

At my encouragement, the three followed. I had taught them Grand Duchy etiquette inside the carriage. It’s a crash course, but it should be fine.

We were led to the great hall and waited in front of the doors to be announced.

“The guests have arrived.”

A voice came from inside. When the doors opened, a red carpet stretched out like a path leading to the Grand Duke’s throne. Nobles stood lined up on both sides. Oh, there’s Dan’s father. Well, never mind that for now.

“Imperial General, Rosaria = Anna = Felville-sama. Former First Knight Commander of the Holy Kingdom, Elena = Shell = Valois-sama. Warrior Chief of the Union, Urka = Zaspa = Reen-sama.”

Their names (former titles) were called. Even if they are former, it’s probably better to use their notable positions.

“And, the next head of the Belladonna Company, Alphonse = Reis = Belladonna-sama.”

It feels ticklish being called “sama” by people much older than me. The three of them walked confidently, probably used to this kind of thing. The noble ladies on the sides called me cute, while the men said I was too young.

Our outfits were provided when we arrived in Versha. I was shocked to see they even had complete sets of clothing from each of the girls’ home countries. So the three are wearing their national attire. They really suit them.

When we reached the front of the throne, a noble beside it announced,

“His Grace the Grand Duke arrives.”

Everyone followed Grand Duchy etiquette: kneeling on the left knee, placing the right hand on the opposite shoulder, and pressing the left hand to the floor.

After a while, the Grand Duke appeared.

“Raise your heads.”

At the Grand Duke’s words, we looked up. It was my first time seeing him up close — a man around 40 years old.

“I am Ferdinand XIV, ruler of this Grand Duchy. You have come well.”

He truly has a different level of dignity. Then, his stern expression suddenly softened into a light smile.

“Well then, let’s put aside the formalities. Oi, help me take off this heavy outfit.”

“Haha!!”

The attendants quickly removed his outer garments.

“Phew, sorry about that. I’ve been doing this for years, but I still don’t like it.”

The surrounding nobles seemed used to it and said nothing.

“However, we have the ‘Black Panther of the Empire,’ the ‘Guardian of the Holy Kingdom,’ and even the ‘Silver Wolf.’ What a luxurious lineup.”

“Your Grace, let’s save the casual talk for later.”

“Oh, sorry, sorry.”

He seems like quite a casual Grand Duke.

“In the name of Ferdinand XIV, I hereby declare that you three shall be treated as State Guests during your stay.”

A buzz spread through the great hall. The three also looked surprised.

“While this is technically asylum, you were originally important figures in your respective nations. I cannot treat you poorly. That is why I have decided this.”

“U-um…”

“We are grateful, but…”

“…………”

The three struggled with how to react and glanced back at me.

That’s right. Becoming State Guests probably means they’ll be given a mansion to live in. I can’t say I want to be with them in front of the Grand Duke.

“I understand how you feel. Klaus has already told me most of the situation.”

“W-what do you mean…?”

Rosaria-san asked carefully.

“Regarding you three, I have decided that my sister-in-law (Klaus’s older sister) will take you in.”

“That means…”

“In short, you will be living at the Belladonna family residence.”

It’s roundabout, but this is how politics works.

“By the way, the one behind you…”

Me?

“Ah, yes!!”

“Klaus’s nephew?”

“Yes.”

“Oh! Boy, how old are you?”

“I-I’m 10 years old!!”

“Hoh! Actually, I also have a daughter who just turned 10.”

Is this… that kind of talk?

“Your Grace, let’s discuss that another time.”

“Hm? I see. Well, it doesn’t have to be now.”

“Right now the matter concerns these three. There are still things left, yes?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Nice save, Uncle!! He glanced at me and winked.

“I would like you three to lend your strength if war breaks out with the Holy Kingdom or the Empire in the future. What do you say?”

To the Grand Duke’s question, the three replied:

“Of course. My place to live is here. I will give my full support.”

“I have something to protect here. I will spare no effort in helping.”

“This is my place. I will do everything I can.”

The three accepted. The hall erupted in excitement. That was natural — three people famous across nations for their combat prowess had just joined.

The Grand Duke looked satisfied.

“Oh, that’s right. I would also like to give a gift to Alphonse = Reis = Belladonna, who brought these three.”

“Eh, m-me?”

“Yes. Is there anything you want?”

“E-even if you ask so suddenly…”

“I see. Then tell me whenever you think of something. You can go through Klaus.”

“Y-yes!! Thank you very much!!”

“Umu, what a lively child!! After this, my daughter—”

“We shall conclude today’s ceremony here. Everyone may withdraw.”

Uncle… is it okay to cut him off like that? The other nobles didn’t say anything, so it must be fine.

We withdrew and left the castle.

“It’s hot… I hate these stiff clothes.”

“That’s improper. Ah!! Urka, please don’t start undressing!”

“It’s hot.”

Once we got into the carriage, they returned to their usual selves. I like them better this way. Though it does make it a bit hard to know where to look.

“Alright everyone, just endure a little longer. We’re heading to our villa in the capital now!!”

I told the driver the destination. The carriage slowly began to move.

I can finally see my family. I’m really looking forward to it.

Chapter 027: I’ve Returned Home

The carriage swayed as we moved through the streets of Riema. It had been a long time since I last saw this scenery.

It was about a year ago when I came here with Dan. So much time had passed.

Oh, there’s the Riema branch of the Adventurers’ Guild. As expected of the capital, it’s just as grand as the headquarters in Versha. I should go report about the party later.

“Master.”

“Yes, Elena-san?”

“What is that?”

I looked in the direction Elena-san was pointing. There was a tower-like building.

“Ah, that’s the Magic Tower. Everything related to magic is centralized there. There’s also a mage unit in the Imperial Guard, and that’s their headquarters.”

“I see.”

“Would you like to go together next time?”

“!! Yes, please!!”

Her red eyes sparkled as she answered instantly. Rosaria-san immediately jumped in.

“Hey!! Don’t just decide to go out on your own!”

“Master. Let’s explore the city together next time.”

“You too!?”

“Haha.”

While having that conversation, the carriage headed toward the villa.

As I gazed at the capital’s scenery from inside the carriage, we arrived at the Belladonna family residence in no time.

“It’s huge. It’s bigger than where I used to live.”

“Master, you’re rich.”

“Are you a noble?”

“Hmm… We’re not technically nobles, but…”

We do receive that kind of treatment though.

The carriage stopped at the entrance stairs, and the waiting servants opened the door.

“””Welcome home, young master!”””

All the servants lined up to greet me.

Wow!! It’s been so long. I’m not used to it yet, but right now this welcome makes me really happy.

“Yeah!! I’m home!!”

I replied with a big smile. Home really is nice, even if it’s just the villa.

Inside, the wide entrance and chandelier were overwhelmingly more luxurious than that hotel. By the way, the last time I came to this villa was one year ago, right before I started adventuring. So it had truly been a long time.

“Al-kun!!”

While I was soaking in nostalgia, my mother — Louisa — called out to me from the second floor overlooking the entrance. She has the same amber eyes and dark brown hair as Uncle Klaus, and she’s a beautiful woman.

“Mom!! I’m ho— mmph!!”

She ran down the stairs at a speed my eyes could barely follow and hugged me tightly.

Just what kind of physical ability does she have?

“Ahh, my precious son. Al-kun. You must have been so sad. So lonely, right? It’s okay now. Everything’s okay.”

She rubbed her cheek against mine. I’m happy, but it’s embarrassing. The three of them are watching.

“Oh my?”

Mom finally noticed the three and released me.

“So these are the important figures from various countries that Al-kun helped.”

“Y-yes. Al-sama saved our lives, and we are currently traveling together.”

Rosaria-san spoke as their representative, but she was incredibly stiff. Isn’t she more nervous than when facing the Grand Duke earlier? The other two too? No way…

“Master.”

“Ah, Sophia!!”

Sophia was my personal maid before I became an adventurer. She has white hair and cobalt blue eyes — a real beauty.

“I’m home!! It’s been a while.”

“Welcome home, Master.”

She rarely shows her emotions on her face, so it’s hard to tell what she’s thinking. Suddenly, Sophia pulled me into a tight hug.

“I was really worried.”

“…Sorry.”

“I’d like to beat the guy who kicked Master out to a pulp, but…”

Her tone…

“More importantly, I’m happy to celebrate your return.”

“Ah, thank you. By the way, how long are you going to keep hugging me?”

“Five more years if possible.”

“That long!?”

“I haven’t replenished enough Master energy yet.”

“What is that!?”

“Hey, you!!”

Unable to watch any longer, Elena-san tried to pull me away.

“What is it? An outsider like you should not interrupt this touching reunion between Master and me.”

“Even a maid has limits. Besides, I am Master’s guard. If there is any danger to my lord, I will stop you — even if you’re a maid.”

“Guard? Master? I don’t care if you were the First Knight Commander or whatever, but that way of calling him is my exclusive right.”

“Master said it was fine. I don’t need your permission.”

This is bad. Sparks are flying with me caught in the middle. Sophia, please stop hugging so tightly — it hurts…

“You two. That’s enough.”

Mom stepped in to stop them.

“Sophia. I will not allow rudeness toward State Guests. Apologize.”

“Kh!!”

Huh? I’ve never seen Sophia like this before.

“S-Sophia.”

“Master!!”

“Please.”

“!!♥!!!! Yes!!”

Sophia turned toward Elena-san and the others.

“I apologize for my rudeness. My emotions got the better of me. Please forgive me.”

“No, as someone who also serves the same Master, I understand the feeling of wanting to cherish him.”

“Thank you. Let’s talk more at our leisure later.”

“Yes, I’d like that too.”

The two shook hands. Their red eyes and cobalt blue eyes kept staring at each other the whole time.

“Fufufu.”

“Hahaha.”

“Your attitudes changed way too much…”

Well, it somehow settled down. Though now it’s three against one with sparks flying. Please don’t fight.

Rosaria-san said in an exasperated tone. I understand how she feels.

Then Mom spoke:

“All four of you. I can see how much you love Al-kun. Even Rosaria-san and Urka-san were preparing for battle just in case. I’ve clearly seen how deeply you care for my son.”

All four blushed. I felt embarrassed too.

“Now then.”

Mom pulled me close and hugged me again.

“I think it’s fine if my son has as many wives as he wants.”

Eh, it’s okay? Dad only has Mom, right?

“So, show me over time whether all four of you are suitable for Al-kun and if you have the resolve.”

“””Y-Yes!!”””

Is it really okay? It’s okay, right!?

“Al-kun, you do your best too!!”

“Y-Yeah!! I’ll do my best!!”

What exactly am I supposed to do my best at!?

“Huh? By the way, where’s Dad?”

I didn’t see him anywhere.

“As for him…”

Mom pointed. It was toward the backyard.

When I went to check,

“Ohh, my son!! You’re back!!”

“…What did you do this time?”

My father — Reislott — was buried in the ground up to his neck. He’s a handsome man with tea-colored hair and dull jade-green eyes. But he’s a bit… peculiar. He often gets punished by Mom.

“Hahaha!! I got caught again!!”

“Was it that black lump?”

In that direction were the charred remains of what was clearly an erotic book.

“Yup!!”

“You seem energetic.”

“Well, I can’t go on otherwise.”

“I see.”

“I’ll dig myself out by dinner, so wait for me.”

“…Understood.”

My family is lively and full of eccentrics.