What If the Strongest Villain from the Original Story Became the Protagonist's Ally? - Chapter 69 - Zero Trust, and Confession!

I went outside with the three of them: Iris, Lycoris, and Nana.

Today was His Majesty’s birthday festival.

Outside was truly in festival mode.

Petals danced here and there, and many residents were noisily enjoying themselves.

Just for this day, it was a free-for-all.

Commoners, nobles, even royalty—none of it mattered.

In fact, Iris, Lycoris, and I were all royalty.

A gathering where Nana was the commoner.

Even so, we disguised ourselves to mix with the commoners and enjoy the festival.

Today was that kind of day.

“It’s been a year, but the birthday festival is as lively as ever.”

“Of course it is. It’s the day to celebrate His Majesty’s birth, you know? All the citizens should share in the joy.”

“Our country doesn’t hold such grand celebrations. I’m quite envious.”

“The Principality of Prominent has little land. Compared to the Kingdom, it might look inferior, but your festivals must be interesting too.”

I joined their conversation.

I think The Principality of Prominent’s birthday festival was one where they gave thanks to the king while offering fiery prayers to God.

So in terms of showiness, theirs wasn’t losing either. I only knew this from the original story’s knowledge though.

“Oh my… Yuu-san, do you know about our country’s birthday festival?”

“I’ve never actually seen it though.”

“Then please do come to our next birthday festival. Let’s go on a date together.”

“D-date!?”

Iris’s eyes widened in bewilderment. If you show your emotions so clearly on your face, you’ll get teased.

Indeed, Lycoris was grinning.

“Is something wrong, Iris? There’s nothing strange about Yuu-san and I going on a date, is there? Yuu-san has been taking care of me.”

“T-taking care!? Yuu-san! What did you do to Lycoris? How indecent!”

“That’s way too much of a false accusation…”

I hadn’t done anything to Lycoris/

I thought Iris knew that well, but in her panic, she wasn’t thinking calmly. She grabbed my collar and shook me violently.

“You were flirting behind my back, weren’t you!? That’s it, isn’t it!?”

“No, no. I just had one match with Lycoris. Privately, we haven’t met for anything else.”

“I-is that true…?”

“For real. There’s no way I’d lie.”

“I can’t trust you.”

“I’m deeply hurt right now.”

“Do you know the phrase ‘you reap what you sow’?”

“Very well.”

Oh yes, I knew it very well.

My past actions were a series of regrets.

Though I’d never regretted anything even once.

“Ahahah! I see. So that’s the kind of relationship you two have.”

“What kind of relationship?”

“I think it’s interesting. I’d like to join in too.”

“L-Lycoris too!?”

“Yes. If I could bear children with Yuu-san, surely that child would inherit both our talents and become a genius. As a national interest, I can’t overlook it.”

“National interest, huh.”

Certainly, as Lycoris said, if a child inheriting my talents were born, they’d become a national treasure.

Lycoris’s talents as the mother were also certain.

A child born between us couldn’t possibly be ordinary.

As common sense in this world, excellent people often paired up.

Even nobles forming connections was to improve relations between their houses and create talented children.

Free love like in the world I knew wasn’t really permitted.

It was truly a privilege only for commoners.

I was also a former third prince. Imperial royalty. Should I accept what benefits the nation—of course not.

I’d already left the Empire. That country was irrelevant.

Then for the Kingdom?

No way. I didn’t want to bind Iris for such a reason.

That’s why even when I received her affection, I couldn’t answer honestly.

Someday, a more suitable partner might appear for Iris.

Because I was the original story’s final boss.

Originally, I was an existence that would absolutely never date Iris.

If in the original story Iris dated someone and walked a happy life… interfering with that would defeat the purpose.

Stepping aside because I loved her.

That was also one of my choices.

In that regard, Lycoris’s proposal was surprisingly not bad… maybe?

Given Lycoris’s personality, she seemed capable of detached romance.

“If I may give my personal opinion, romance should be somewhat free. You should marry someone you think you can truly be happy with.”

“That’s not something royalty would say.”

“Former royalty.”

“I understand the sentiment, but royalty doesn’t have freedom…”

“You just need to care about your partner.”

“Care?”

“Yeah. If you fall in love with your partner, that’s pure love. It’s not like nobles and royalty don’t have such emotions, right?”

Everyone’s happiness was different.

Even in political marriages, there was a possibility of falling in love with your partner.

What I wanted to say was that making an effort to fall in love was also good to try.

“I see… then, Yuu-san.”

“Hm?”

“I think I’ll try to fall in love with you!”

“!?”

Iris was struck speechless.

Lycoris dropped a bomb with a smile.

“You… were you listening to what I said?”

“Of course. In other words, if I fall in love with you from the bottom of my heart, all problems would disappear, right!”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

But did you have to say such a thing so suddenly? In front of Iris.

Look at Iris’s face.

She looked like she was about to cry.