Chapter 570: Bridegroom Training Post Confession Developments
In the underground of the church, in a cold room reminiscent of a cell, there was a tan-skinned girl with dog ears and an apprentice witch.
"The confession operation went well~!"
"Ah! Is that so? That's splendid."
"Yes~, I managed to uphold Rokuko-sama's honor, captured Hero Wataru~, and even received words of praise from Master~. It was the best possible outcome~."
"Heh, hehehe. I would have loved to see Leona-sama's begrudging face with my own eyes."
The two exchanged smiles, pleased that their scheme had been successful.
This stark basement room, with nothing but a bed, was Toy's room.
She was Niku's older sister, a former subordinate of Leona who was ordered to defy Leona and was pushed onto Kehma. A strategist known for her achievements, she could manipulate an entire nation.
She supported Narikin and the others who are on a business trip to the Holy Kingdom from Golen from here by utilizing [Possession], even though she physically never left in the village. This was the task Kehma entrusted to Toy.
She was currently meddling in the election to choose a new Pope for Church of Holy Light following the disappearance of the previous Pope.
However, Toy's main objective was not [Collaborate With Kehma's Faction]. It was purely [Obstruct Leona] and helping Kehma's group was just a part of that process.
In other words, Toy would gladly cooperate in any situation where she could directly hinder Leona.
"Consulting with you really was the right decision~, huh~? Confessing from my end was rather unexpected~, like a revelation~."
"Hehehe, yes, yes. Consulting with me was the correct decision. It's my mission to trip up Leona-sama, after all."
However, if Toy were to directly show herself in front of Leona, she'd surely be on guard.
Therefore, Toy provided a plan when Nerune came to consult with her. And, brilliantly, they succeeded in hindering Leona.
"Your decision to consult with me was truly commendable, Nerune-san."
"Since Master and Rokuko-sama were under Leona-sama's watch~, consulting rashly might've led to additional conditions being imposed even before the date~."
"The way you diverted attention by instigating Soto-sama was really brilliant. Using the romantic feelings of your own lord's daughter, you truly are a crafty minister."
"Please don't put it in such bad terms~. I didn't touch the matter concerning Soto-sama~."
"Oh? Is that so? I thought for sure that you were the one who had Soto-sama come to consult with me."
Toy nodded thoughtfully.
"Soto-sama came for advice~? What sort~?"
"She inquired about the kind of underwear and socks Leona-sama prefers. I recommended something with sensual lace."
"Heh~? So Leona-sama likes that kind of thing~?"
"She personally wears such items, so she likely doesn't dislike them. For my part, I'm surprised she hasn't made a move yet."
"Hmm~…"
Nerune pondered, placing a hand on her chin.
"Well~, I do hope Soto-san's romance flourishes~?"
"Yes. If it's Soto-san, she'll definitely keep Leona-san on her toes. I have high expectations."
"Oh~? You're alright with that~? Leona-san might end up being happy you know~?"
"My only directive was to hinder Leona-san. As for her becoming happy, I'd genuinely celebrate that. If she were to be so engrossed in happiness to the point of being rendered inactive, that would be ideal. Soto-san has the potential for that."
"Such a unique perspective~."
Nerue chuckled, seemingly playing innocent.
＊ ＊ ＊
Having served its purpose for Rokuko, the park was opened to the public.
Additionally, the park was named the [Hero Wataru's Confession Memorial Park].
"… Why did it turn out this way, Kehma-san?"
"It's the brand value a hero brings to the table, don't make such a fuss over it. Oh, I've also had a bronze statue of you installed."
"What about image rights and such? Just because it's a different world doesn't mean you can overlook these things!"
"I got permission from Nerune."
"Well, if that's the case, I guess it can't be helped…"
Upon reaching the village chief's office, Wataru quickly withdrew his complaints. Ah, he's already whipped.
Of course, the bronze statue was made using [Create Golem]. The park sign was added in the same manner.
"Having a statue prepared in just three days… Did you prepare it beforehand?"
"Skills are really handy, especially Leona's."
"Right, she does have several hero skills, doesn't she? That's not surprising then."
From my end, I wasn't lying. Skills truly are convenient.
"Considering it was a request through Soto-chan, you couldn't have declined. After all, Leona-san seemed quite flustered by Soto-chan. She truly is your daughter, Kehma-san."
Wataru seemed satisfied with his own understanding.
For me, I'd really like to do something about my daughter getting involved with a bad woman, but there's really nothing I can do…
"Hmm. Come to think of it, you know Soto? I don't recall introducing her."
"She's your daughter, right? We played together several times when I came to the village. She introduced herself to me directly."
It seems Soto was watching his mock battles with Niku.
When did that happen? … Ah, probably while I was asleep. That tracks.
From the attitudes of Niku and the villagers, it was widely known that Soto is my daughter.
Moreover, when I casually asked Haku-san, she replied, [Oh, Soto-chan? Yes, she's the daughter of Rokuko-chan and Kehma-san]. Given this response, it seemed this wasn't a matter of particular concern.
"I thought for sure you'd say [When did you have a daughter?] or something."
"Well, you already have Niku-chan, so I figured it'd be rude to ask in case you had your reasons."
Despite that, you sure are prying into whether I'm a hero or not.
"More importantly, Kehma-san. You can use [Teleport], right? And by yourself, too."
"… Oh, right. You saw that, didn't you?"
"Yes, I saw it very clearly."
[Teleport] was, fundamentally, ritual magic. It wasn't the sort of magic that individuals were supposed to be able to use. However, when Rokuko cornered me, I carelessly used it to teleport to the inn right in front of Wataru.
"… Well, please keep it to yourself. That's a bit of a trick. Rokuko is involved and I can't say more than that. I'll probably get scolded by Haku-san for this time… Sigh, it's daunting."
"Rokuko-san is…? Hmm. She's Haku-sama's sister. So she was trained to escape when needed and given the means to practically use it…?"
I just nodded at Wataru's guess.
Yep, good imagination! You're totally on the right track. Uh huh.
Hopefully he understood my feelings (monotone).
… Perhaps he's convinced that he didn't hear the chant because he was too far away?
"But to use [Teleport] just to be alone together… You must have had a good time last night, or rather, the other day."
"Shut up. What about you, Wataru? Did you at least share a kiss with Nerune after all that?"
"Eh!? Uh, well, that… How should I put it? I was… stripped naked. Yes, she just decided…"
Nerune wanted to examine the hero's body and, without hesitation, she used the excuse of [We're lovers, so it's okay, right?] to thoroughly check even the number of moles on his entire body. She even drew a little blood.
Wataru, isn't that more than just being 'whipped'? What's Nerune up to?
I really don't get what's so appealing about Nerune. But let's leave it at that. To each their own, as they say.
"… Let's leave that topic there."
"Yes, let's…?"
Feeling awkward, Wataru and I decided to end the conversation there.
"Help me, Kehma-san! Soto-chan is trying to seduce me!"
Then, in that moment, Leona rushed into the office, almost in tears.
My daughter was making a wicked god, whom not even I could defeat, cry.
What's with the women of this dungeon? Do they have some sort of hero-specialization or something?