When I Infiltrated the Enemy Nation as a Slave, the Yandere Beauties There Started a Civil War Over Me - Chapter 14: Time Limit

Chapter 14: Time Limit

—The day of Celestine’s marriage meeting.

Finally, the day had come…!

If I could just get through today without any issues, I would be able to expand my actions within the country significantly. That would also be a huge step toward saving the Sandrotheim Kingdom.

“But… it’s too soon to get excited. I haven’t succeeded yet. I need to stay focused until the moment I actually get the money…”

I calmed my excitement for this long-awaited day and made my way to Cecifelia.

As I approached Cecifelia, who was sitting and working at her desk, I spoke to her.

“Miss Cecifelia, do you have a moment?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“I’d like to go out into town for a bit, like before. Is that alright?”

“The town…? That’s fine, but—you’re not planning to meet a woman, are you?”

I was momentarily startled by Cecifelia’s sharp comment, but I quickly realized she was just guessing without any real certainty.

“There isn’t any woman who a slave like me could go and meet.”

“Alright, I’ll allow it… but don’t forget, okay? The reason I’m giving you, my slave Luke, this much freedom is because I trust you. Last time, I didn’t specifically tell you not to get distracted by other women, so I’ll let it slide. But if you meet with another woman again… well, that time, I’ll have to enforce the slave rules and make you listen to me, even if it’s by force.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I responded calmly, and Cecifelia added more to her words.

“Well, I really don’t want to force you into anything, Luke. So, I’m hoping you won’t betray my trust… Since it’s lunchtime now, could you be back by around 7 PM? By then, I’ll be done with work and probably overflowing with the desire to see your face. Besides, if you’re out any later, I might start worrying that you’re up to something strange with a woman in the night streets.”

The time limit is 7 PM, huh… Considering this is a noble’s marriage meeting, and the goal is to reject the proposal, it shouldn’t take from midday until night, so there’s no issue with the timing.

As for the perfume, I could deal with that by getting some fresh air or stopping by a flower shop on the way back, or even taking a bath before seeing Cecifelia when I return. There’s plenty of time to think about that after the meeting.

“I understand. I’ll definitely be back by 7 PM.”

When I responded, Cecifelia, who had been speaking calmly until now, brightened up and said cheerfully,

“Alright! That’s fine then! Have a good time, Luke!”

“I’m off.”

I turned my back to Cecifelia and left the room, then the Cecifelia duchy. I felt bad for using the trust she had in me as her slave, but for the sake of the Sandrotheim Kingdom, I had no choice but to take advantage of it.

The Elenorde Empire is currently pushing Sandrotheim to the brink of disaster, and this is the only way to win against them.

Betraying someone’s trust is never a good thing, no matter the situation. However, if it means that the people of Sandrotheim can live happily, I’m willing to do such unpleasant things with no regrets.

—That’s why I have to make sure today’s plan to reject Celestine’s marriage proposal succeeds!

With that strong determination, I rode the carriage and arrived at the town where I had spoken with Celestine before. I made my way to the bench where we had met last time.

And then—

“Ah! Sir Luke!”

Celestine, who was already there, noticed me and rushed over.

Seeing her up close again, her beautiful pink hair, gem-like purple eyes, and delicate features gave her an almost fragile beauty. Her slim figure and large chest, combined with her status as a duchess, made it clear why nobles would be eager to push through with a marriage proposal.

“You really came! I was worried that you might not show up…”

Celestine said with a look of relief as she placed a hand over her chest.

“I always follow through on what I agree to.”

“Thank you so much, Sir Luke! Then, I’ll explain the details of today’s objective during the ride in the carriage.”

“Understood.”

With that, we walked a short distance to the carriage and set off toward the mansion of Celestine’s marriage prospect.

“Let me explain again, just to be clear… Our goal today is to reject the marriage proposal I’ve received. Are we on the same page so far?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Thank you… Now, the specific method—what I need is for you to show that you’re more capable than the suitor.”

“To show that I’m more capable?”

“Yes, the suitor is a man named Marquis Owen. Knowing his personality, if I introduce you as a candidate for my fiancé and you can prove you’re superior to him, I believe he won’t be able to argue and will back down.”

I see… It makes sense. If someone more capable is already being considered as a fiancé, it would be hard for anyone to insist on being chosen over them.

In that sense, Celestine’s plan is very reasonable… but—

“If you had come up with such a plan, wouldn’t it have been better to choose another noble, someone you already know is more capable, as your fiancé candidate instead of me, whose abilities you aren’t sure of?”

It was a natural thought, and when I expressed it, Celestine lowered her head and spoke in a heavy voice.

“Even if it’s just temporary, and even if it’s a lie, there isn’t a single man in this country whom I’ve met that I would want standing next to me as my fiancé.”

As a duchess, she must have met many people, and yet, not a single man had caught her eye…?

Celestine then lifted her head and continued.

“But! You, Sir Luke, are different! Not only do I think it would be fine to have you stand by my side as my fiancé candidate, but I would feel honored!”

“We’ve barely spoken before. Why do you feel that way about me?”

“That’s because—Sir Luke, you’re unlike any other noble, commoner, or even slave I’ve ever met.”

She smiled at me as she said that.

“What do you mean by—”

I tried to ask for more details, but at that moment, the carriage seemed to have arrived at our destination and came to a stop.

Celestine pulled out a pen and paper and spoke.

“Before we get out, please sign this contract.”

The contract stated that the engagement was only temporary and that I would be paid in return. 

Celestine had already signed her name, so I added mine to the space below hers.

“Please hold onto this contract, so that I won’t break our agreement.”

“Understood.”

As she instructed, I tucked the contract into the pocket of my suit. This is one part where I can trust Celestine.

“Shall we get out now?”

“Yes.”

Celestine and I stepped out of the carriage and were guided into the mansion by the servants of Marquis Owen.

“……”

I glanced at the clock in the hallway, and it showed that it was around 2 PM.

There were still five hours left until the 7 PM deadline Cecifelia had set for me. 

Even considering the time the meeting might take, I should easily make it back by 7 PM. In fact, I had to, because if I didn’t return on time, I had no idea what false accusations might be thrown my way. I must absolutely make it back by 7.

Still, there’s no point in worrying too much about the time and messing up the task of rejecting the proposal. For now, I shouldn’t focus too much on the clock. 

As long as nothing unexpected happens, there shouldn’t be any issues.

—As long as nothing unexpected happens.