When I Infiltrated the Enemy Nation as a Slave, the Yandere Beauties There Started a Civil War Over Me - Chapter 18: Fiancé Candidate

Chapter 18: Fiancé Candidate

As I stepped out of the carriage, I was greeted by a large golden gate with intricate designs, and beyond it stood an enormous mansion.

…Just like Cecifelia’s estate, it seems this level of grandeur is normal for duchy estates in this country.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

While I was making these observations, Celestine spoke, and as the gatekeepers opened the gate, we entered and began walking down the paved path that ran through the middle of the vast garden. 

The garden was filled with fountains and a variety of colorful flowers, all so well-maintained that it was obvious how much care had been put into it.

“Is the garden cared for by a gardener?”

“No, I usually take care of it myself… But when I don’t have enough time, I can’t let the flowers wilt just because of my selfish desire to do everything myself, so I occasionally ask the gardener for help.”

Taking care of so many flowers mostly by herself… Nobles, especially dukes, usually don’t take much interest in such tasks, but somehow, I can easily picture Celestine watering the flowers.

“Not only do you care for so many flowers, but you’re also able to separate your personal desire from the actual need to keep them healthy. That’s quite impressive.”

“It’s nothing special… I just want to cherish each and every life.”

That’s why she can’t tolerate the slave system, which disregards human life, and why she harbors distrust toward the people of the Elenorde Empire, who accept it without question.

“Can I truly separate my desires from my wishes…?”

Celestine muttered, her words carrying a deeper meaning.

From what I’ve heard, it seems like she’s capable of doing just that, but perhaps there’s something weighing on her mind. 

…I didn’t want to press further and risk upsetting her, especially since my priority right now is to receive the payment. It’s best not to say anything unnecessary.

As we continued walking, we eventually reached the doors of the Celestine estate. A servant standing by the door opened it, and Celestine turned to me and said:

“Please, come in.”

“Thank you.”

As I entered, I noticed the grand staircase in front of me, the red carpet on the floor, and the beautiful chandelier, vases of flowers, and paintings decorating the entrance hall. Following behind Celestine, I was soon guided to a room.

“This is the guest room… I will bring the payment now, as promised. Please make yourself comfortable on the sofa.”

“Alright.”

After saying that, Celestine slowly closed the door and left the guest room.

Admiring the beautiful decorations in the room, I sat down on the sofa in front of me.

“Father…”

Now that the goal of rejecting the marriage proposal had been accomplished and all that remained was to receive the payment, I found myself alone and my thoughts drifted to the Sandrotheim Kingdom.

Through my infiltration of this country, I’ve learned a lot… how the nobles of this nation fundamentally disagree with my ideals, the harsh reality of the slave system, and—how the Elenorde Empire is sustained by individuals with exceptional talents.

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with one of those individuals, Cecifelia, and through her, I’ve gained a better understanding of the capabilities of these talented people.

“If there are several people as skilled as Cecifelia, it’s easy to see why the Elenorde Empire is so powerful.”

But even so, I can’t accept defeat for the Sandrotheim Kingdom.

In fact, now that I have this information, I need to do more than just return with it—I must use it to save my kingdom. To do that, I’ll have to deal with these individuals who possess such exceptional talents.

The first step toward that goal is already clear.

Just then—

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Sir Luke.”

As I was lost in thought, Celestine returned to the guest room carrying a beautifully crafted box. She sat on the sofa opposite me, placed the box on the table between us, and spoke.

“This box contains the promised payment, as agreed. Please accept it.”

“Thank you… How much is in the box?”

“One million gold.”

“One million…!?”

“Is it not enough? If you’re dissatisfied, I can—”

“No, it’s not that. In fact, I’m just surprised—it’s several times more than I expected… It’s just—”

Carrying a million gold back with me would be quite the challenge… While I could carry the box as it is, there’s no doubt Cecifelia would get suspicious. And if she became suspicious… my chastity would be at serious risk.

So, taking this box back with me isn’t an option. But at the same time, stuffing a million gold into the pockets of this gentleman’s suit is completely unrealistic.

In that case, I have no choice.

“It’s going to be difficult to carry it all at once. Would it be alright if I took some today and came back later to take the rest in installments?”

“Does that mean you’ll be visiting the Celestine estate again in the future!?”

“Uh, yes… If that’s not a problem for you.”

“Of course it’s no problem! In fact, I would be absolutely delighted if Sir Luke visited again!”

Celestine said this with a cheerful expression. 

After that, I managed to fit about 100,000 gold from the beautiful box into my pockets.

Now, I’ll finally be able to do a lot of things in town!

As I was feeling excited about that, Celestine, who had been smiling just a moment ago, suddenly spoke with a serious expression.

“Sir Luke… This time, I’ve asked you to act as my temporary fiancé to reject Marquis Owen’s proposal, and in return, I’ve paid you. But, I have another proposal for you—may I?”

“Sure, what is it?”

Even though I had received the money, it was still only around 5 PM, meaning I had time before the 7 PM deadline. So, I decided to listen to her, and Celestine spoke with conviction.

“If you’re willing, how about making the fiancé arrangement real, instead of something temporary or fake?”

“…What?”

Real…?

Does that mean she’s asking me to become her actual fiancé?

“Of course, I will continue paying you as promised… but beyond that, I—”

“W-Wait a second! Me, a slave, becoming your actual fiancé? That’s impossible, even as a joke—”

“This is no joke!”

Celestine firmly declared, standing up from the sofa and closing the distance between us.

“I have genuine feelings for you, Sir Luke! And if Lady Claire ever tries to harm you, if you become my fiancé, I can protect you from her!”

“…Miss Celestine?”

Celestine sat beside me on my right and gently placed her hand over mine.

“If you truly think my feelings are a joke, then I will prove my resolve to you… I’ve never given myself to any man before, but—”

Celestine continued, her cheeks turning red.

“For you, Sir Luke, I would be willing to give my body… That’s how serious I am about this proposal. So please, Sir Luke, I ask that you reconsider.”