Vol 1 Chapter 21 – Report

“A-Are you alright…? I-I’m so sorry. Truly, I am. I never imagined the work would be so demanding. I was too naive. Forgive me. Are you hurt? Did you sustain any injuries?”

“I-Injuries?! I’m fine! Are you okay?! If there’s anything big sister can help with, just say the word anytime, okay?!”

“W-We need to make sure you rest…!”

Having returned home to deliver my report on the completed request, I found myself surrounded by family members conducting a thorough examination of my entire body.

“You’re all worrying too much. I made it back safely, didn’t I?”

“T-That’s not the point! I rashly imposed this task upon you, only for you to face such a perilous encounter with a dragon. I cannot forgive myself…! Ooooh?!”

“Sigh…”

I exhaled as Mother continued spiraling into self-recrimination. Honestly, there was no need for all this concern.

“You’re touching too much. That’s sexual harassment, you know? Gross.”

“Guuhhh?!”

Despite their hearts being in the right place, they were genuinely anxious. I unleashed cutting words against the three of them as they continued their tactile examination—my only defense against their suffocating concern.

“Ggh… u-uh, uuugh…”

“Haah… haah… haah…”

“Blub blub blub blub blub…”

With just one remark, all three collapsed in despair as if the world itself had crushed them. This was the strength of men in this world.

“Alright. I’m heading back.”

“E-Eh… understood.”

This was my chance. I distanced myself from the trio I’d just routed, exiting the dining hall and stepping into the mansion’s corridor.

“So then, I’ll head back to the royal capital soon. I can’t leave the shop unattended indefinitely. Ryshia, will you come with me? I can send you to the capital.”

“…Even as I am, I am still nobility of considerable standing. And you are the son of a great noble house.”

My question directed at Ryshia received an entirely unexpected response.

“Hmm? That’s true, but what’s your point?”

“In this world, marriage is an obligation for men.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“…Am I not a candidate for your betrothed?”

“Huh? I was planning to marry normally anyway.”

“…Eh?”

Ryshia froze at my answer.

“If we’re going to live together, it makes sense to choose someone you already know well. Since we’re always together anyway, it might as well be you.”

“Y-You really mean it…?!”

“Yeah. Though, I should mention—I’m quite the complicated person. If you hate the idea, I’ll back off without complaint.”

“A-As if I’d say such a thing!”

“Seriously? Thanks.”

There was an ache in my chest. It felt like I was saying “I’m going to cheat on you, so that’s okay, right?” without actually saying it.

“But I intend to live as I please in this world… So Ryshia, if you ever find someone better, feel free to abandon me without hesitation, alright?”

“I would never do such a thing!”

“…Is that so? Well, that’s fine then.”

Her affection toward me was higher than I’d anticipated. I was grateful for that, truthfully. Still, I had resolved to live freely in this world. Even as I felt that ache in my heart, I maintained my conviction and returned to the shop with Ryshia.

Vol 1 Chapter 22 – The Princess

The day after I’d found myself entangled in what felt like a bittersweet event with Ryshia—the same day we’d battled both the Witch Cult and a dragon—time passed quietly into the next day.

“Hm hm, hmmm~”

As if yesterday were nothing at all, I operated the shop as usual. While vaguely reminiscing about the girl I’d entertained that morning, I contemplated the magic cast upon the dragon by the Witch Cult. The spells woven around that beast were all remarkably unique and seemed quite entertaining.

While entertaining such thoughts, the shop door swung open.

“Welcome.”

As the bell chimed softly, I called out toward the entrance.

“Noah. It has been quite some time. Have you been keeping well?”

The girl who entered was adorned in an extravagant dress, a tiara perched upon her head—a golden-haired, blue-eyed princess.

“Of course. I’m doing great.”

“My, is that so…? I had heard it was quite the ordeal, yet it seems manageable for someone of your caliber.”

“To think even royalty would worry about me. How prestigious I’ve become.”

“One’s station is irrelevant when it comes to valuing your wellbeing. Both Mother and Father constantly concern themselves with your safety.”

“Oh my.”

This girl was Reine Stewart, daughter of the Stewart family that ruled the Loar Kingdom. Incidentally, her hairstyle was rather distinctive—twin drills. Privately, I’d taken to calling her the Drill Princess.

“I wish for you to understand that you are the most precious and most watched individual in this nation.”

“I’m just a humble shop owner, though?”

“The shop in question is hardly ordinary… Given the nature of your establishment, you ought to have strong backing. As I’ve said repeatedly, won’t you marry me?”

“Uh, that’s a bit…”

This was the day after I’d told Ryshia she was my top choice for a spouse. I couldn’t possibly accept her as well.

“Why not?! If you became my betrothed, I could do so much more for you! If you were under my protection, there would be no need to cross such dangerous bridges as yesterday…!”

“Don’t underestimate Noah.”

Before I could respond to Reine’s pressing, a new voice cut through the air.

“T-Tail…!”

The voice belonged to Tail, the hero—one of our regulars. Though she usually indulged in rather casual fantasies here at the shop, her status as a genuine hero was undeniable. Her influence rivaled that of royalty itself.

“Ah, indeed. I sensed Noah’s discomfort, so I thought I’d make an appearance.”

“I am hardly the cause of Noah’s distress. Your presence is unnecessary.”

“Reflect upon your previous statements. Noah’s strength is comparable to my own. He is not so naive as to require protection.”

“That doesn’t mean backup would be unwelcome!”

“Oh my.”

A catastrophe unfolding.

With such thoughts crossing my mind, I found myself staring blankly at the exchange before me.