Volume 8 Chapter 43 The Disposition of the Princesses
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”How about status?”
”I mean, we need a social standing. There will come a time when we must show it outwardly. To solidify Brigante’s position, I want to decide official titles now.” Klock said.
Suzette glanced at Cianie. Meina tilted her head, and two figures in hoods remained silent, watching closely.
Outside the dormitory, on a busy street corner, the six of them conversed.
They had summoned everyone first thing in the morning—for a consultation about what came next. They wanted to determine titles that would project authority inside and outside Brigante.
”I’m officially the leader of Brigante, and besides that I carry the title of Adventurer. Cianie holds the unique status of Hero. Then there’s the rest of you.” Klock stated.
Suzette asked, “What status will I have?”
”You, Suzette, will be ‘Hero’s attendant maid.’ That’s how it’s always been.” Klock replied.
A maid is a personal servant exclusively attached to a mistress. In noble households, a maid and a head maid are regarded as equals. If one becomes a senior maid in a Hero’s household, socially that title carries considerable recognition.
”Would we be okay with that recognition just being ‘no change’?” Suzette asked.
”Yes. The key is that you serve the Hero. Anyone hearing you are the Hero’s servant maid will understand your position is not trivial. They won’t treat you lightly.” Klock explained.
By claiming the title “Hero’s maid,” Suzette would generate a kind of aura of prestige. That alone would protect her from unnecessary duties and worries.
”In short, going forward, you can call yourself the Hero’s maid—serving as a buffer between outsiders and Lady Cianie.”
He nodded. Her insight hit the mark. The formal appointment was meant not just for her sake but to protect Cianie as well.
If someone approached thinking “Hero” is just a random adventurer, they might try tricks or manipulate. There are countless people who’d see it as a trap to exploit. But with an attendant maid by her side, they wouldn’t get in so easily.
This doesn’t mean physical immunity. But if Cianie has a maid flanking her, people would treat her like a mistress. When they see that, ordinary people would assume she’s nobility or from a high house.
Whether or not it’s true doesn’t matter. As long as she seems hard to approach, it works. If Cianie has a maid, many lesser people would hesitate to approach impolitely. They’ll feel obliged to go through her maid first—and many troubles won’t reach the Hero.
”I think many inside Brigante suspected already, but from now on use that title to intimidate. And anyone who tries to get close to Cianie—bar them at the gate.” Klock ordered.
”I understand.” Suzette replied.
Nothing really changes. The role is just now made explicit.
”What about Meina?”
Klock corrected. “Meina will remain my bodyguard. Without you, I might die instantly, so count on it.”
Meina stammered, “Uh… yeah. Don’t die, okay?”
A joke taken seriously by the Cat Girl. Endearing. Their roles wouldn’t alter too much. They just needed to adopt formal titles when asked.
”Anyway, now for the main issue.” Klock announced.
”…Those two?” Cianie asked softly.
He turned his gaze toward the hooded figures, who quietly met his eyes from beneath their dark hoods.
”Primlena and Flavia. They’re princesses of the Forestkin and Fishkin.” Klock explained.
Though they belonged to Demon Lord’s Army, they came to show loyalty to the Hero. Their current position is tenuous. They’re almost irrelevant in status either way.
”We need to decide what official positions to assign them. Frankly, for princesses, marriage is the conventional choice. But our case is unusual.” Klock admitted.
Cianie added, “So you don’t mean ‘take them as wives’?”
”No—no. That’s not what I meant.” Klock replied.
Cianie’s mind misinterpreted dangerously. Klock tried to calm. “Please be calm—you’re the one I intend to marry.”
”Domestic servants would be better,” he proposed.
All eyes turned to Suzette. She was the wise maid who’d quickly defuse bad tension.
”As Sir Klock said, they are important people. They shouldn’t be exposed publicly carelessly. If something happened to them, relations with their nation might crack. They seem to keep distance by their own will, but that’s partly because we haven’t been considerate enough. Realistically, if we don’t form kinship ties, we need protections in place for them.” Suzette reasoned.
Cianie looked at Suzette. She hesitated for a moment, not accusing—but the conversation felt serious enough to make one cautious.
”Yeah, if anything happens to them, we’re in trouble. So making them servants is one way.” Cianie concluded.
”But service here wouldn’t imply mere subservience. It means they are family.” Suzette clarified.
”By making them part of Sir Klock’s household, and by extension of the Hero’s family, we can grant them a position set apart from outsiders. And as maids, romance is generally forbidden. That gives them an excuse to easily reject others.” Suzette explained.
I see. As someone with maid experience, she clearly understands the advantages.
Flavia and the others came with marriage in mind, but not to wed a complete stranger. Tying them to the Hero’s circle makes it easier to protect their standing.
Assigning them an official position is also important. Klock is not nobility; he has no domain or estate. He cannot grant them vassals or land. Options are limited. Giving them at least a formal position seems the best course.
”And if we make them servants, it makes clear their status is beneath the Hero’s.” Suzette continued.
Lowering their rank. Indeed, appointing foreign princesses as servants implies subordination. Such treatment only occurs when the other nation is considered lesser. No equal kingdom would send their princess to serve as a mere attendant.
”So if we are to treat them as servants, it must be with careful thought and a firm conclusion. For now—” Suzette’s eyes fixed directly on Klock.
Her sudden seriousness unsettled him.
”Sir Klock, allow me to confirm once more. You do not intend to marry them, correct?” she asked.
”…Eh?”
”This is not suspicion. It is a matter that must be addressed. Please be clear.” Suzette pressed, stepping closer.
Why was she saying this? The sudden questioning flustered him.
”They are princesses sent as representatives of their races. Lady Primlena clearly came with marriage in mind. Lady Flavia said nothing, but I suspect her intentions mirror those of the Merfolk princess.” Suzette reasoned.
Flavia had said she came only as reinforcements. Yet she later contradicted herself. Perhaps it was a stretch to believe her earlier claim.
”Wait, that’s not—” Klock tried.
”The meaning behind sending a princess is obvious. Why else would Sir Klock alone be taken by the Forestkin envoy? Doesn’t it all connect to that?” Suzette countered.
This was bad. He’d been found out. Klock faltered, turning his gaze aside, but Suzette grasped his face in both hands and forced him to look forward.
Indeed, if they sent a princess, it must have been for a reason only a princess could fulfill. The conclusion was limited.
”Their mission clearly includes offering themselves. If you refuse to speak further, I will drop the matter. But their relationship with you will certainly shape the future between races. We must talk before it turns into something irreversible.” Suzette declared.
There was no outsmarting her. She was too sharp. She would always sense the presence of another woman. But he hadn’t lied to deceive her. Hesitantly, he shifted his eyes toward the most terrifying figure of all—the Hero, watching silently.
”…I knew.” Cianie murmured.
”Huh?” Klock muttered.
Suzette and Meina turned toward her.
”Princesses. Noble daughters. There are only so many reasons to send women of high rank. Adoption. Hostage. Exile. But usually? Marriage. So yeah, I figured.” Cianie said calmly.
”…Ah.” Klock thought.
Right, she had once been a noble daughter herself. He slapped a hand to his forehead internally. Of course Cianie would understand best.
In her past life, she had been a daughter meant for a marriage alliance—just like Primlena or Flavia. A bride sent off for diplomacy, to marry someone unwanted. And if the alliance broke, destined to be discarded or killed.
She knew their situation firsthand. Naturally, when she saw them, she recognized herself. People recognize their own past in others’ circumstances.
”Please answer. Did Lady Flavia or the Forestkin offer you marriage?” Suzette asked, still pressing close.
”……Yeah.” Klock admitted.
”Did you accept?” she continued.
”No… I stalled. Said it was on hold.” Klock confessed.
”I see. Then say that from the start. Hiding it only makes the problem worse.” Suzette scolded.
”Sorry.” He raised both hands in surrender. Hiding anything from them was pointless.
Suzette looked exasperated. Cianie sighed softly.
”Suzette, what should we do?” Cianie asked.
”For now, postpone. Marriage to them affects relations with the Forestkin and Fishkin. To Humans, it would not look good.” Suzette replied.
She was right. If he took demon-kin wives, Humans would doubt him.
”If marriage were only with Demon Continent powers, fine. But on the Human Continent, it could backfire. Therefore, take them as servants for now. But refusal of marriage outright is not an option.” Suzette warned.
”Why not?” Klock asked.
”Because turning Forestkin and Fishkin into enemies is worse than marrying them. Better to gain allies by union.” Suzette concluded.
Her words carried strategic weight. Klock hadn’t expected her to voice support for marrying the princesses. It sounded almost like she was in favor of it.
”We’re at war. Gaining allies is always the better choice. With those two, it would be wise to show their homelands that we are open to closer ties.” Suzette continued.
Cianie seemed as if she wanted to speak, but no words came. She understood the meaning—she had been nobility herself—but the thought of her man accepting other women was not something she could easily agree to.
”You mean show we’re positive? Like hinting at marriage after the war, stringing them along?” Klock asked.
”Yes. Announce that a formal marriage agreement will be made in the future. That buys us time while also showing willingness. At the same time, we can request support from the Fishkin and Forestkin.” Suzette explained.
So it was, “Since marriage is planned, you’ll help us, right?” Of course that was a natural claim. But if they promised too much, backing out later might become impossible. Still, if it secured cooperation, it could be worth it.
”Even then, isn’t asking for cooperation tough? That’d mean forcing them to cut ties completely with the Demon Lord’s Army.” Klock pointed out.
”They might hesitate at that level. But asking about how to deal with the monsters they control, or requesting limited arms supplies—that sort of support might be acceptable.” Suzette reasoned.
That seemed plausible. Queen Isabella of the Forestkin. Queen Primjune of the Merfolk. Their true intentions were unknown, but for now, neither would openly betray the Demon Lord’s Army. Still, even limited cooperation could matter.
But seeking cooperation also meant showing weakness. Even requesting arms could give them leverage for demands later, after the war. They had to be cautious.
”Do we really have to marry them?” Cianie muttered, her discomfort clear.
That was expected. The surprise was only that Suzette of all people had spoken positively about it.
”I understand how you feel. The thought of him tied to other women is infuriating. But for the future, we must endure it. Better to bind them as true allies, and drive a wedge that secures their loyalty.” Suzette admitted, even as irritation colored her tone.
”Even if they don’t join us, I alone could—” Cianie began.
”Lady Cianie. You know this war is beyond what one person can resolve. If those two had fought as enemies, the situation would already be dire. The Fishkin withdrew from Rushelora for our sake. If they had stayed and attacked from that base, the damage would have been immense. Their command of the seas already shifts the balance of war. And if the Forestkin had committed fully, the Federation’s cities would have fallen without question.” Suzette pressed.
Klock understood. Suzette feared them entering the war as enemies. She was right. If the Forestkin moved openly against them, the chance of defeat would skyrocket.
So far, the Forestkin had hardly participated. If Isabella’s people had fully joined, their ability to slip through the world’s forests would have been devastating. Every forest could have been a frontline. Panic would spread. Safe ground would vanish from the entire continent. The Humans would have no sanctuary.
With such power, the Forestkin were allies they could not afford to lose.
”When Lady Primlena first arrived, things were different. But now, to avoid defeat, we must stop treating them as mere guests and accept them as family.” Suzette concluded.
Cianie averted her eyes, her expression unreadable. This time, she was the one cornered. Suzette was Klock’s woman too. Coming from someone in her same position, Cianie couldn’t push back without seeming selfish.
”Lady Cianie,” Suzette called gently.
”…Fine. Don’t ask me again. I won’t say anything. Suzette, you handle it.” Cianie gave in.
”Understood.” Suzette replied.
Cianie chose to yield. Her tone was brave, but the choice shocked Klock. That she would permit other women near him? It was hard to believe.
When he looked at her, her sad, clinging eyes met his. It left him with a pang of guilt.
”Take care of me,” she whispered softly in his ear.
It was a man’s duty to comfort a grieving woman. Klock had planned to talk to her about Alice later, but this wasn’t the time.
”…Hey, Cianie.”
”…What.” she pouted.
The Hero sulked. Very much so. It reminded him of her old self—waiting silently to be comforted when something upset her. He hadn’t seen this softer side in a long while.
”After this, let’s go to the Mop Fair together. Just the two of us.” Klock said.
”…? All right. But what’s the Mop Fair?” she asked.
He had intended to take Suzette, but decided to read the room. They could get food after. It might not immediately lift her mood, but he would keep trying until it did.
Suzette, saying nothing, went over to Flavia and the others. Their situation was now in her hands.
If the household was expanding, then Suzette’s title should rightly be housekeeper—the head maid.
That left the matter of the others.
Notes:
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Flavia – Younger Forestkin princess (132). Gentle yet resolute. Sent by Queen Isabella as marriage pledge to Klock, the Chain Binder, symbolizing the Void’s loyalty to the Goddess Teekua.
• Primlena – Orange-haired merfolk priestess, fierce yet elegant | First v8c3 | Sister of Sea General Primjune, subordinate to Primrity | Once captured and violated by Klock, now obsessed with reclaiming honor | Commands Obsidian Riders on giant fish, fights with trident | Seeks to drag Klock to Seabed Temple for marriage trial or execution | Unique note: revenge-driven siren bride who masks fury under ritual grace
• Primjune – She is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, appeared as a scaled and finned figure, known for executing the saint’s kidnapping plan.
• Rushelora – A port where demons are allowed to stay at embassies under special circumstances. It is a location where humans and demons have trade relations.
• Alice – Rabbitkin adventurer; appears at the same Barreith gathering, playful and mischievous, interacts with Klock, part of recruited volunteers
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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