"So you're telling me you survived somehow?"
"Hahaha, when you say it like that it makes me embarrassed."
"Because it's impossible you're still alive! It's so anticlimactic when you had all those death flags waving in your face!"
After defeating Isel, I went to see Jason who was dying, but something strange happened.
"I can't believe the twins have healing magic. Why didn't I know?"
"Because you never asked. With almost no mages or healers around, it was impossible for them to learn to control their magical power."
"But thank heavens they knew the basics from a book and managed to stop the bleeding."
(That's exactly why it's so anticlimactic!)
(No matter how I look at it, it's suspicious - really strange they had this compatibility with healing magic when the game never mentioned it!)
"My head's about to explode."
Jason managed to survive and was moved to the hospital room along with other wounded. There were several deaths, including the pro-war faction members.
After gathering everyone and confirming the queen's survival, she took control and instigated a purge where the entire pro-war faction was imprisoned and soon put on trial. Others fled but bounties were placed on their heads.
The other faction was dismantled to prevent unnecessary power accumulation.
Right now she's resting, wanting to make up for lost time with her daughters.
The twins won't leave their mother's side either.
"There is something I remember when I was at death's door. A soft, womanly voice told me not to give up and to endure."
"It must have been my wife giving me strength. Though it was strange since it didn't sound like her voice - more like a teenager's."
Jason lost his right arm and has a deep abdominal wound. He'll never fight again.
"For me, the only weird thing here is that patch over your left eye. Why wear it? Your eye isn't injured."
Jason lifted the patch - his eye was fine.
"It's called early retirement. These old fogies would make me keep fighting even with these wounds and missing arm."
"I retired early. Now I can enjoy the peaceful life she wanted."
"Anyway, there's something I want to hear."
"What?"
His cheek-to-cheek smile was strange.
"Say it again. What you said in that place."
"You said 'You're my only father in this world, so please don't die,' didn't you?"
I remembered that embarrassing moment and hid my face like a child caught cheating on homework.
"Shut up!"
"Come on, say it. Tell me I'm your daddy."
"No, that would be weird at your age and mine. Call me dad or father, but 'old man' isn't acceptable and neither is using my name."
I removed my hands from my face and with a red face said:
"I'm glad you're okay... dad."
Jason's face turned red too.
"It really is embarrassing to hear. I'm still not used to it."
"Would've been better if you were a girl - at least then it'd be cute instead of weird."
"Don't mock my feelings, you damn old man!"
"Ow! Remember I'm still injured."
I took an apple to cut it and mentioned something:
"I want to have a private talk with you tonight. With the twins and queen too."
"There's something I need to tell you."
◇
Once everyone was gathered in a private room, I decided to tell them the truth.
Should I tell them I'm a reincarnated person and this is an otome game world where they're the villains destined for ruin?
Of course not! What kind of idiot would do that?
Instead I told them the truth about the dragon, because after fighting it I realized:
(That dragon was a feat - and it wasn't even one of the Demon King's generals or higher demons.)
(I need to gain more power and strength to face the Demon King's army, especially the fire-wielding general.)
(I took away their chance to use the dragon, but I realized I'm bad at magic power distribution. I need to learn to use it properly, and there are only two places in the world where I can study.)
(One is on another continent, and the other is in none other than the Magic Kingdom.)
"When I went to the forest to hunt monsters, I was actually training my magic power. I knew they'd stop me if they found out since I'd faint from lack of control."
"It was coincidence that Isel accompanied me, but after defeating him I went deeper to escape bandits and that's when I found it."
"A wounded dragon."
Since the story's the same, I'll just say the dragon was waiting for someone to free it from its curse.
"Before returning home, I had a strange dream where a girl told me the reason I survived my parents' incident was because I needed to find the dragon, and in a few years help a certain group of heroes defeat the Demon King."
"And according to her, that group is in the Lynneburg Kingdom."
"The Kingdom!?"
Their surprised faces showed they believed me.
"Yes. She said I needed to ally with them because otherwise they wouldn't have enough strength to fight the Demon King. That's why I gathered you."
"Telling you this... is really hard for me."
What I'll say next was something I had to think through carefully. It's not just an excuse to go to the Kingdom - it's also a way to protect everyone if something happens.
"I need to be exiled from the Principality as if I were a criminal."
"You're insane!"
Jason was the first to shout, trying to stand up as the tearful twins supported him.
"Jason's right, Rex. Why must you be exiled?"
"I don't want Rex-kun labeled a criminal when he's our savior! I refuse!"
This was the problem with my plan - everyone would vehemently oppose it.
"I understand what you're saying, and I agree it sounds stupid."
"But that girl said it was necessary."
"Given how I was treated and what happened with the former pro-war faction, I can claim the Principality got angry and called me a traitor for preventing war between both nations."
"The Kingdom will grant me asylum and citizenship under that pretext."
Mary's tearful face really made me hesitate, but I had to stay strong.
"Can't you just accompany one of us instead?"
"She's right, Mary! Rex, when one of us goes to study in the Kingdom, we'll take you as our escort so you can stay there without issue."
Anne's plan was good but unfeasible.
"That would only make me an attendant. The Kingdom's academy only accepts students, not escorts. I'd have to be an exclusive servant."
"Then...!"
"But female attendants must by rule be women."
"Please understand."
None of those present looked willing to accept.
Instead of Mary, it was Anne who stood up throwing a tantrum.
"I don't want to! I refuse to accept this!"
"Why must you leave us and be labeled a traitor just to enter the Kingdom?"
"This all seems so weird! It makes no sense to me!"
Anne was right - it was a flimsy excuse.
But after seeing Jason nearly die along with them, I realized that to fight demons that can possess humans, I need to be alone.
With no one to protect, defeating my enemies will be easier.
This world might be from a game, but its enemies are demons - wicked creatures that enjoy killing and devouring humans.
I stood and hugged Anne.
"I don't want to leave either. I don't want to abandon my home. I don't want to leave any of you four."
"But Anne..."
I stopped hugging her and looked at her face.
That beautiful face that seemed carved by an angel. Skin white as milk and soft as jelly.
Her long golden hair like silk strands partially obscured those shining red eyes.
My fingers stroked her soft cheek.
"I don't want to go. But what would you do if something like Isel happened again?"
"I can defend myself. You've seen the power I gained, proving that dream was true."
To make them believe faster, I told them a truth from the game:
"That girl also said this: Four years from today, the Demon King's army will attack all continents."
"...!?"
"No one will be spared. Everyone will die unless we do something."
"I want to protect you all. So even if I have to earn your hatred and scorn, I'll protect you my way."
"There's no other choice."
(There's no other credible way for me to enter the Kingdom, become a citizen, take the exam and enter the academy.)
(Naturally I'll need to befriend the heroine and capture targets to help defeat the Demon King's army.)
(I didn't actually plan this until I got Lint's armor. It's the only way I can fight.)
Jason asked without lifting his gaze from the carpet:
"Why does it have to be you?"
"Why can't it be someone else?"
I wanted to say it could be someone else. His eyes were those of a father hearing his son enlist for war.
He doesn't want to lose me. Now that we can be father and son, he doesn't want to let go.
That feeling makes me want to stay and live as his son.
But I came to this world for one reason: To save the villainesses and now the villain who's my father.
"Because that day you rescued me... was destined to happen."
The frustration on his face showed he thought another tragedy was repeating.
I told Anne and Jason - no, I told everyone:
"I will return here. I won't let anyone harm you."
"I promise."
Anne took my hands and with a trembling voice, bloodshot eyes from crying, said:
"Mom... Mary... I don't want to."
"I don't want him to leave. But... I don't want to be a burden either."
Mary stood and hugged me.
"Please promise me that when you're in the Kingdom... at least we can meet up to eat together."
"I would if I knew who's going to the Kingdom, but I promise - students aren't allowed out at night unless they live outside the dorms."
"Mom."
The twins looked at their mother who had been silent the whole time, but also had tears on her face.
"You know, A-kun... All this time I've seen you as a mother sees her son. But what happened yesterday and what you're saying now makes me realize you long escaped my sight to become a man."
"I think nothing would make me happier than seeing what kind of man you become. But I've no right to call myself your mother, so you don't need my permission."
All eyes turned to Jason.
He sighed deeply, then glared daggers at me.
"We'd better strip your family name too. It'd be weird if you remained a Leone in the Kingdom."
"As for me... Do what you want. You're a man in every sense now. Just take care of yourself."
"And don't make the twins cry again."
"I won't."
It seemed everyone accepted my request.
The queen clapped loudly to get our attention.
"Those long faces are bad for everyone, especially you girls."
"Since we've decided A-kun's course, we must notify the palace and Kingdom. Not everything, but part of it."
"It'll take some time, which is precisely why we'll enjoy A-kun's company until then."
"On his last day with us, we'll throw a farewell party. It'll also celebrate our new era of peace here."
Everyone nodded except me.
(Who would've thought a plan to get exiled from my second home would hurt this much.)
◇
Time passed and the day finally arrived.
The night before my departure, a palace party celebrated both the new peaceful era and my leaving.
Ministers and knights were informed of everything except the world-saving part.
The queen told them I'm leaving to learn to control my new power and would just hold them back.
I thought she was exaggerating, but it's better this way. If everyone confirms in casual conversation with the Kingdom that I was expelled for being an idiot, there'd be no issues.
That's why no one spoke to or acknowledged me.
Jason was at a table eating everything in sight.
His wounds healed but he can't drink for a while, so he's drowning in food instead.
The queen was entertaining several ministers trying to curry favor now that she's back in power.
The twins? Well... they're absent.
They didn't come, probably in their rooms refusing to cry.
Bored, I stayed out of sight and went to gaze at the sky.
After going outside, I got a fright.
"Wah! What are you doing here?"
"Looking at the stars. Why?"
Anne was on the balcony in her pajamas - seems she climbed up here.
"Seriously? You didn't want anyone to see you, but came here?"
"Because I wanted to see you but didn't have the courage."
"Are you angry?"
"I'm past the anger phase."
"Just... sad."
I sat beside her to keep her company, giving her my coat which she put on herself.
"We already talked about this."
"We did. That's why I hate it."
"Why does it have to be you? Why can't it be someone else?"
I'd like to answer that but it would mean telling the truth.
"That's just how fate decreed it."
"Well I hate that fate! If I met it, I'd punch its face!"
Her aggressive attitude is cute too.
"Hey."
She suddenly called out, but now the mood felt strange.
She was looking at me with puppy-dog eyes.
"Hey, promise me you'll come back?"
"I promi—"
"Not like that!"
"Then how?"
Anne moved closer.
"I want you to promise... after hearing this."
Then Anne said something I'd never experienced in my past life or this one:
"I like you. No - I'm in love with you, Alex."
"Since childhood I've had this strange feeling. But growing up together, I didn't understand until I saw you stand before us to protect us."
"It was a warm feeling. My heart raced wildly for you - I wanted you safe yet was terrified for you."
"You got hurt but stood up anyway. That's when I realized my feelings were more than just for a friend who stayed by me during horrible times."
"My heart was wounded and you came to fill it. I feel... that with you in my life, I can walk a path I never could before."
"That's why I say I love you. Because when you said you'd leave, it hurt so much. I don't want you to go tomorrow - I want you to stay with us."
"I want us to walk through the palace gardens like we did as children, but this time holding your hand and resting my head on your shoulder."
Anne was crying, but I couldn't tell if from joy or sorrow.
Yet I understand what she's saying.
I never fell in love in my past life, but I read books and watched movies/dramas about love.
A feeling where you want to protect someone.
I loved those villainesses - characters unjustly hurt who I didn't want to suffer.
Anne was one of them.
If love means protecting someone important to you, then yes - I love Anne, but I also love all the villainesses.
Is that selfish? Then I'll be the most selfish man alive.
"Me too, Anne. I love you. I thought wanting to be with you and Mary would be problematic due to our status, but I realized I want to stay with you—"
Anne's fingers pressed against my lips.
Her tear-filled eyes turned fierce.
"Why mention my sister?"
"Wait... you like her too!?"
"Well... you two are alike, so you're both beautiful and part of my life."
"Anne, my lips hurt."
She was squeezing my mouth hard before letting go.
"Fine! I get it now - you're just like a dog!"
"See a cute girl with big breasts and you turn into one trying to look under her skirt!"
"Alright!"
She stood up and with a red face, lifted her nightgown.
Her white underwear with cute floral embroidery was fully visible.
My eyes locked onto that image.
"I won't lose to Mary or any other woman! I've realized sexual appeal works well on you, so look at my thighs!"
"See my underwear? This is yours - only yours - if you stop being an unfaithful dog!"
"Well, if you show me cute panties like these, I doubt any man could resist."
"Okay, stop looking now!"
She crouched in embarrassment to cover herself.
"This is so embarrassing..."
An Anne trying to act mature but being clumsy about it is adorable.
"Anne."
"...?"
I called her name, then cupped her face and brought my lips to hers.
She closed her eyes as our lips met.
The sensation of those plump lips was like premium, expensive meat.
Her tongue was sticky with a slight fruity taste.
I had kissing experience in my past life, but my first kiss then was just for pleasure. This time it's for love.
Our tongues intertwining felt so good I could feel blood rushing to a certain area.
I wanted to continue but it'd be bad if things went further.
I quickly withdrew, leaving a string of saliva between us.
Anne's expression looked intoxicated.
Sensually yet innocently, she touched her fingers to her lips.
"Was that... a kiss? My first kiss... felt really good."
The way she licked her lips was erotic. Her flushed cheeks and smile showed she enjoyed it.
"Rex, let's kiss again - but this time while hugging."
"I want to feel your arms around me as our tongues touch."
Those words made my lower half start reacting.
It's good that after 10 years of inactivity, my "internal flag" could finally rise before I did.
But it'd be bad.
If one kiss got me like this, what Anne's proposing is basically foreplay before sex.
I want to have sex with her.
We're adults in this world, so sex wouldn't be strange.
The game heavily implied the heroine had repeated sexual relations with capture targets (being a 15+ game).
"Anne, I want to too, but I feel something bad will happen if we cross that line."
"Let's wait until this is all over."
"No!"
She refused like a petulant child.
"It felt too good. I want more. But you're right - now that I can think clearly, I realize what happened."
"So I've decided this."
Her smile shone like the sun as she declared:
"Get yourself a name in the Kingdom, then come back to marry me. I won't accept any man as my husband except you."
"So you'd better not go around doing dog-like things now that you're mine."
I laughed at her.
"Of course. I'll definitely become your husband."
"Good. One last farewell kiss - but just on the lips."
"I think that'd be just as bad."
"Of course not! Just a light peck, that's all."
"If you say so."
◇◇◇
Alex and Anne didn't notice Mary observing them, having come to the party in a dress.
"Onee-chan, you're cruel."
Though she seemed hurt, she was actually smiling.
"It's not fair to go ahead without me."
◇◇◇
Next morning, Alex was oddly cheerful.
"Why are you so smiley?"
"No reason."
Jason noticed Alex acting strange but didn't press further.
"Your things are loaded on the carriage. I informed a trustworthy merchant in the Kingdom to help you enter and gain citizenship smoothly. He was surprised I'm still alive."
"Thank you. Better to avoid possible regrets."
Alex began saying goodbye to everyone, starting with Jason, his father.
"Thank you for everything. All these years, everything we went through made me who I am."
Jason hugged him, unable to hold back tears.
"I wish I'd appreciated you sooner. I'd have taken you on picnics, carried you on my shoulders, bought your first beer - all the things a good father should do."
"You were the best father without being one. There's not a single fight we had that I don't remember."
After the hug, Jason said words he'd never forget:
"I love you, Alex, my son. That's why this pains me."
"As head of the Leone viscount family, I strip you of your surname. You're no longer a Leone."
"Thank you, dad."
Next he approached the queen.
"A-kun, remember you're welcome back anytime."
"Especially... our time together."
Alex blushed deeply. Anne didn't understand why he was so flustered.
"As queen of the Blanchette Principality,"
"I revoke the name 'Arlen.' You're no longer a citizen of this nation. Exile is what you deserve."
"Thank you very much."
After thanking her, the queen wiped her tears.
Anne's turn came.
"I think there's nothing left to say."
"There isn't, but remember one of us will go there. So you'd better behave."
"I will."
They hugged.
Finally came Mary - more anxious than anyone.
Before he could speak, she leapt at him.
Hugging him like a classic romance film, she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his, tongue entering his mouth.
Instead of pushing away, Alex placed his hands on her waist.
Their passionate kiss left everyone dumbfounded, especially Anne who froze before finally reacting.
"A...A...A..."
"Get away from each other!!!"
She separated them, leaving a lewd trail of saliva.
Then she shook Mary angrily.
"What do you think you're doing Mary with my—with Rex!?"
"Onee-chan, what are you talking about?"
Mary stopped Anne's shaking and walked to Alex, linking her arms around his.
"I was saying goodbye to Rex-kun. Since I won't see him again, I decided to give him a farewell gift—"
Her next words short-circuited Anne's brain.
Playfully and sensually, she said:
"My hu~s-band. Tehe~."
"..."
"What do you mean your husband!? Rex isn't your...! He's my...!"
"He's your what, Onee-chan?"
Mary claimed Rex as hers. Anne couldn't say it due to yesterday's embarrassment.
"Rex-kun, as a good wife, when you can't hold back anymore, let it all out."
"I'm not uptight like my sister. You can chase skirts freely - just remember the only skirt you should lift is mine."
She approached and handed him something.
A paper-wrapped package.
"It's a gift. When you feel lonely, open it and think of me."
"Dar~ling~."
Her sensual, playful expression could make any man abandon his wife.
Anne got so mad she charged at her.
Mary ran off mockingly screaming:
"Kyah! A big-foreheaded ogre!"
"Who're you calling ogre? No, who're you calling big-foreheaded!? Get back here you promiscuous girl!"
Alex said his final goodbyes, seeing that even if he leaves, everything would remain the same.
(The only difference between before and now is the game's war event route has been avoided, preventing the Principality's ruin.)
He boarded the carriage and slightly opened Mary's gift.
His eyes turned bloodshot.
"This... is a gift? Thank you so much."
She'd given him the thong underwear she wore yesterday.
Alex stored it like a secret treasure.
He stuck his head out the window as the carriage started moving.
"Goodbye! Take care everyone!"
Jason, the feared Ash Knight, had become his father.
"Alex, take care. Don't neglect training."
The twins' mother who should have died was alive.
"A-kun, eat well - especially broccoli."
The Principality's twins, who should have been the heroine's enemies living tragic lives dictated by this world's plot, were pulling each other's cheeks while waving.
"Rex, you'd better keep your promises."
"Rex-kun, goodbye. I love you so much."
"Stop saying you love him!"
"Ara~. Jealous, Onee-chan?"
"Hiiiiiii!!"
Alex smiled at all the smiles he'd protected - and some he never expected to.
"Well... three months left until the prologue begins."
"Get ready, you shitty excuse for an otome game."
"I'll defeat the Demon King's army and save all the villainesses!!"
And so begins his journey to save the victims of this game where only the heroine deserves happiness.
◇◇◇
In a sunlit room, a man was changing clothes.
He had servants to do it for him, but wanted privacy.
"That damn Belkman ruined everything! The war plans aren't delayed - they're buried!"
"All the capital I invested to claim the Principality's lands as my own has gone to waste!"
"And it's all because of him and that annoying woman's emotional sermon to everyone!"
"Excuse me, the meeting is about to start."
"I'm coming. I wasn't feeling well and needed to rest."
After changing, he tossed dirty clothes into a hamper. Beside it lay an unconscious woman.
Exiting, he told the waiting knight: "Dispose of her quickly. I don't think she's breathing?"
He walked down a long corridor to a salon where other men were gathered.
A portly, elegant-looking man approached.
"Marquis Kirchner, you seem better now."
"Yes, my stomach was troubling me and I needed rest."
"Good. Shall we continue the ministers' meeting regarding the Principality's truce?"
"Marquis Kirchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs. How progress the ceasefire negotiations between both nations?"
Someone asked that, but the man - Marquis Kirchner - only thought one thing:
(This won't stand. I swear those responsible will pay.)
(It's time to contact that criminal group.)
(No one will interfere with my goal of becoming Lynneburg Kingdom's Prime Minister!)
With a terrifying look on his face, Alex's troubles were only beginning.
But that's a story for another day.
______________________________
Principality Sisters Arc - Complete.
"I was reborn in an Otome Game and Now I'll Make a Villainess Harem" - Volume 1 End.
___________________
To close the volume, I leave you a bit of fanservice from Anne.
https://mega.nz/file/2ohU0YAQ#DVMCMypZtIB91ZoIiPPCBL2Z4OXejpl_rV-2XsfzlBo