Earl, who had been cheerfully leading the way, glanced back.
Allen and Black Wolf, looking completely nonchalant as ever, were holding hands.
“Seriously, what are professors even doing if they’re not students?”
Earl could tell the two were subtly feeling embarrassed.
It was easy to notice with Allen since they’ve spent so much time together, and perhaps due to their long acquaintance, Earl could sense it with Black Wolf too.
Actually, one could tell just by looking at that wagging tail, but regardless…
Well, it’s understandable for grown adults to feel shy holding hands like kids.
“What’s the relationship between those two?”
At Lucy’s question, Earl paused in deep thought.
What would be an appropriate response?
They were more than mere colleagues, yet calling them lovers seemed…
No, right? They’re practically a couple, aren’t they?
There’s no way they’d hold hands if they didn’t care for each other.
Having finished contemplating, Earl nodded slightly before replying,
“Let’s call it… a concubine candidate.”
Since Amy will likely become the principal wife, though it might be unfortunate for Black Wolf, settling as a concubine might be best.
Earl genuinely believed this.
“Concubine?”
Surprised by the unexpected answer, Lucy widened her eyes in inquiry.
“Yes. The principal wife is already decided—my younger sister, Amy. She’s rather… competent?”
Frankly, seeing how things run in the family, Allen deserved better, but one must make sacrifices to uphold the Helios Family.
Besides, there’s always me, an excellent subordinate.
“Hmm, well done.”
Unaware of Earl’s self-congratulatory thoughts, Lucy murmured in astonishment.
“To consider the Master as a concubine… the more I observe, the harder you are to understand. Gaining the Crown Prince’s trust and having ties with the Helios Family…”
“Yeah, but spend some time with him, and you’ll find no one’s simpler than the Commander. Just your average playboy.”
“Playboy?”
“There are simply too many women around him. Let’s see… Ariana, Senna, and Her Imperial Highness, the Princess. Is there anyone else? Who knows, maybe there’s another woman out there. He’s also close with the Infantry Palace… Oh, wait, that might be pushing it.”
“…My goodness.”
Lucy was shocked.
With her extensive knowledge from managing the Information Guild, she fully understood the significance of the individuals Earl mentioned.
“The daughter of the Selene House, the Holy Maiden, and the sole princess of the Empire?”
Even the two ducal families of the Empire wield unimaginable power for commoners.
And beyond that, being involved with the reincarnation of the goddess and the only heir of the imperial bloodline…
Could Allen possibly be more dangerous than even the Golden Way Zodiacs?
He could potentially erase any person or organization from existence if he wished.
Lucy swallowed hard and resolved never to offend Allen under any circumstances.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Kyaaa!”
“Aah! Are you alright?”
Startled, Lucy nearly stumbled.
Earl caught her and tilted his head in curiosity, asking again,
“What on earth were you thinking?”
“Well…”
Blushing furiously, Lucy hesitated—it wasn’t wise to admit she wanted to make a good impression on Allen.
Fanning her heated face, she quickly explained,
“It’s just… I haven’t heard the word ‘concubine’ in a while, so I was surprised…”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“In the Arion Kingdom, concubines are legally prohibited. It was a law enacted by Arion IV himself. This is a secret, but…”
Looking around cautiously, Lucy whispered into Earl’s ear,
“There’s a rumor that Arion IV is illegitimate.”
“Whaaat?!”
“Shhh! It’s a secret. If word gets out, it’s punishable by death for defaming the royal family.”
Though in the current state of affairs, probably no one cares anymore.
“If that’s the case, then the Arion Kingdom…”
“Practices polygamy. Not just concubines—they’re all treated as wives. First wife, second wife, something like that.”
“Oh… That’s interesting. Isn’t that just wordplay?”
“It’s not wordplay. Everyone has equal standing because it’s not concubinage. It simplifies things like property division and eliminates illegitimate children. Of course… it’s not as simple as it sounds.”
Honestly, if a nobleman wants to keep a mistress secretly, who can stop him?
This was one of Arion IV’s first laws despite opposition from the nobility, sparking much controversy.
Still, during his stable reign, several nobles were punished under this law, proving it wasn’t just for show.
“Polygamy… not bad, huh?”
Earl considered it.
While ideally Amy should be the principal wife, realistically, the competition was fierce.
Even with the prestige of the Helios Family, it’s hard to argue they’re superior to an imperial princess or holy maiden.
Especially when the rival is the Selene House.
But with polygamy, everyone could be happy, couldn’t they?
From what Earl observed, none of them seemed willing to give up on Allen.
Rather than fighting over who becomes the principal wife, coexisting might be better.
Of course, it would be tough on Allen, but that’s not really Earl’s concern.
Honestly, with so many beauties flocking to him, Allen might actually enjoy it.
“Hmm… Eh, forget it. Where’s the good restaurant? Are we far?”
“It’s right ahead. See that red roof?”
“Let’s go! I’m starving!”
“Hey, don’t pull me like that!”
Shaking off distracting thoughts, Earl grabbed Lucy’s wrist and dashed toward the restaurant.
Regardless, Earl’s heart remained simple:
He wanted Allen to be happy.
A small wish since the end of the war.
***
After finishing our meal haphazardly, we set off to find the kingdom’s successor.
How long did we walk through increasingly narrow alleys under Lucy’s guidance?
I found myself facing a highly suspicious street.
“Is that… what I think it is?”
“As I’m not a mind-reader, I can’t say for sure what you’re thinking, but it’s probably correct.”
Turning away from Lucy’s calm reply, I surveyed the scene.
The soft glow of red lighting.
Women dressed almost scandalously everywhere.
Drunk men being led somewhere by them.
Signs with bewigged girls winking seductively.
No matter how positively I try to interpret it…
“This is a red-light district.”
Sighing at Black Wolf’s matter-of-fact statement, I wondered if purity had vanished entirely from this world.
I was glad I sent Senna back to the Holy Country, where she belonged, given how inappropriate this place was for someone so innocent.
“Ah, so this is the infamous Red Light District I’ve heard about? It exists in the Arion Kingdom too?”
“Actually, the Arion Kingdom is the origin. Inspired brothel owners spread out and established similar districts elsewhere.”
“Oh. That’s news to me.”
Am I the only one feeling awkward here?
Glancing sideways, I saw Earl and Lucy chatting casually.
When did they get so friendly?
“Let’s go in. Standing here is bothersome.”
“Are you sure this is where we’ll find the heir to the nation? And he’s only ten years old?”
“Exactly why it’s perfect for hiding, isn’t it?”
“But still…”
No matter how you look at it, keeping a child here seems wrong.
I couldn’t comprehend it.
“Ah, I see what you’re worried about.”
Suddenly, Earl draped an arm around my shoulder in an overly familiar manner.
That unsettling expression meant trouble.
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell my students.”
“…You lunatic.”
“Ow!”
Poking the guy muttering beside me, I addressed Lucy,
“Let’s go. Find him quickly and leave.”
“My ribs hurt…”
Concerned by Earl’s whining, Lucy asked anxiously,
“Is he alright?”
“He’s fine. He’s faking it.”
“Idiot.”
As Black Wolf followed behind, Earl’s cries echoed,
“My ribs really hurt!”
What am I supposed to do with him?
Sighing deeply, I took a step forward.
“Come on!”
***
“Over here, handsome~”
“Love water! Special price today…”
“Handsome guy…”
Invitations came from all directions.
Women in revealing outfits approached, making my face burn.
Why does everyone stop mid-sentence?
Is that part of their act?
“The Commander seems observant sometimes but surprisingly oblivious others.”
“What nonsense? Do you want another hit?”
“Never mind.”
Shaking his head beside me, Earl moved closer to Lucy.
Confused by his behavior, I frowned and turned to Black Wolf,
“That guy’s weird, isn’t he? How can he say I lack perception? Who’s more perceptive than me?”
“… You really are oblivious.”
“Eh?”
Caught off guard by the unexpected comment, I blinked in confusion.
“It’s fine. That’s your charm.”
“…?”
Should I thank him?
Tilting my head in puzzlement, I noticed Lucy had stopped walking.
“We’re here. See that shop over there?”
Following Lucy’s pointed finger, I spotted a wooden sign reading “Rainbow Sherbet.”
“Sounds refreshing.”
“Whatever the name, that’s where ‘he’ is.”
“Then let’s go in.”
Eager to leave, I approached the store when the door suddenly opened.
Clink!
Out came a young man carrying a crate full of liquor bottles.
A staff member?
Before I could enter without much thought, Lucy stopped me.
“That’s him—the kingdom’s successor, Heffner Arion.”
“…Huh?”
Stunned by Lucy’s words, I scrutinized the man again.
Developed forearms from carrying heavy loads for a long time.
Prominent eyebrows adding character to his face.
Tanned skin from intense seaside sun exposure.
Shorter than me but still standing at around 170 cm.
A sturdy build akin to a sailor.
…There’s no way he looks ten years old.
Noticing my skeptical gaze, Lucy calmly explained,
“He hasn’t grown facial hair yet.”
“That’s… true, but…”
Just that?
“Hard work can delay development.”
“No matter how you look at it, that doesn’t seem right! Could we be mistaken about something?”
“Reliable information.”
I froze, unable to believe the reality before me.
At that moment, the young man—no, the kingdom’s successor—blinked upon seeing us.
“Oh, customers? Please wait a moment. The ladies aren’t quite ready yet.”
“Hm?”
“Ah! Never mind the ladies. Do you need a room? Don’t worry; anything is possible at our establishment. Come inside and let’s talk.”
“No, we—”
“Attention! Four customers coming in!”
The young man—no, the kingdom’s successor—naturally guided us into the shop.
His demeanor was so fitting it left me flabbergasted.
“Perfect timing. We’ll chat inside anyway.”
“Oh wow, the famous Door Guard! Even if we’re not playing, it’s still thrilling, isn’t it?”
“I’m used to it.”
Watching the three of them stroll in nonchalantly, I pondered,
Is this really correct?
