Chapter 266 The Nixfen Viscountcy ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
At the magic tool shop “Harvest,” a minor stir had broken out: two more experimental collaborators had just discovered they were pregnant. As plans were being finalized to get the “test subject” slave Lily back into the field, the Zil Meina ¹ subjugation force was finally crossing the border into the Nixfen Viscountcy.
”So, this is the Nixfen Viscountcy…” Satsuki murmured.
”Yeah. Looks like your typical, run-of-the-mill backwater noble’s land, doesn’t it?” Slop replied.
Slop, the alpha of the dog-beastman pack, tossed the comment back over his shoulder. His people had joined the expedition almost by accident; after they’d helped the soldiers fend off a small-scale “Stampede” ², they simply never left.
It was a dangerous road ahead, and both Satsuki and General Oromanso had initially balked at the idea of a whole pack-children included-tagging along. But Slop had been immovable. “This choice is the safest for us,” he’d insisted. Short of physically barring them, there was no stopping them; they would have just trailed the army from a distance anyway. Besides, the beastman warriors were a welcome addition to their raw combat power.
In the end, their presence was accepted as a fait accompli. Satsuki, having already earned the pack’s favor, found herself acting as the unofficial liaison, effectively living among them as they marched.
”I suppose so. It looks like it would be peaceful enough under normal circumstances, but…” Satsuki said, her voice trailing off.
”The whole region is on edge because of the Stampede,” Slop noted. “Every village we passed was buttoning up tight. It looked like they were reinforcing the monster-warding fences and laying down plenty of traps.”
Satsuki offered a sharp nod. Due to the size of the group, they hadn’t been able to stop, but even a quick glance revealed the frantic preparations. The guards, who appeared to be a local self-defense force, were outfitted in gleaming new armor and sturdy weapons. She felt a wave of relief that Kento’s fundraising efforts had clearly paid off, but it was also a grim testament to how much these people’s lives and livelihoods were being threatened.
”We have to deal with Zil Meina. And fast,” Satsuki said.
”No argument here. We’d be in a hell of a spot if you didn’t,” Slop agreed. “But… was it really smart to veer off the main road? I thought the target was out west in the Ferguson Kingdom.”
”Yes. No matter how much of a friendly nation they are, we can’t just march a foreign army across their border without a massive headache. Besides,” Satsuki explained, “we expect Zil Meina to start moving long before we could reach Ferguson. Our best bet is to lie in wait on its projected path.”
Slop whistled. “Is that so? Sounds like you’ve got its route mapped out. You know I’ve got a sharp nose for these things, though. If you need a scout, just say the word.”
”Thank you. I’ll make sure General Oromanso knows,” Satsuki said.
Regarding Zil Meina’s path, Oromanso was currently coordinating with Count Popol Martin, the leader of the “Pink Clan,” to refine their predictions. Satsuki didn’t doubt their expertise, but in a hunt like this, information was life. If they went off boldly to subjugate it only to have it slip past because they couldn’t find it, the “Subjugation Force” would become a laughingstock.
”Slop-san, you’re also acquainted with Viscount Nixfen Ray, right?” Satsuki asked.
”Yeah. Sometimes we come to sell the materials from the prey we’ve hunted, and sometimes we’re the customers. It’s a bit of a trek from the pack’s base… but there are some things you can only buy here,” Slop said, his voice becoming vague.
Satsuki felt a distant, knowing look creep into her eyes. “Ah…” she whispered. She knew exactly what he was talking about: the Nixfen territory’s “Help Stick” ³.
It was a local specialty-a ddo crafted from the dried stems of a special potato variety with potent aphrodisiac properties. An adult toy, plain and simple. Satsuki didn’t judge Slop for making the trip for a bit of pleasure; rather, she was struck by her own reaction. She realized that while being exposed to the adult magic tools at “Harvest,” she had lost her natural sense of shame and avoidance. She didn’t exactly regret it, but she made a mental note to watch her tongue around people outside of the shop.
A few hours later, after more talk and playing with the beastman pups, the column finally reached the town of Fenolo, the heart of the Nixfen territory.
It was too small to be a true provincial capital, but it was a proper town equipped with stone walls where a force of their size could stay. After speaking with the gate guards, they filed into the streets. Advance notice had already been sent; the officers were to be hosted at the lord’s manor, while the rest would take over the military barracks.
On the way, the residents watched them pass with wide, curious eyes. In this small territory, they probably didn’t welcome this many guests often. Perhaps because they were protected by the walls, the townspeople seemed less tense than the villagers they had passed. They looked like they had a bit more grit, likely because they didn’t have the option of fleeing to the Royal Capital like the city folk.
”General Oromanso!” Satsuki called out.
”Hmm? Satsuki? Something wrong?” Oromanso asked.
The lord’s manor was coming into view. Normally, Satsuki would have stayed with the carriage carrying the “Ddo-Buddy Cannon” ⁴ as it headed for the barracks, but she had a request to make.
”Um, could you let me accompany you for the formal greeting with the Viscount?” Satsuki asked.
”I don’t mind, assuming the other side is open to it. But why the sudden interest in protocol?” Oromanso asked.
”It’s not a big deal, but I’ve heard that the Viscount is an acquaintance of Lord Harvest. Since I’m here, I thought I should pay my respects on his behalf…” Satsuki explained.
”Ah, Lord Harvest’s… I see. Handling the greetings for your husband’s social circle? You’ve certainly got the air of a devoted wife,” Oromanso said with a nod.
”Excuse me?” Satsuki blurted out.
For a moment, she couldn’t process what he’d just said. Husband and wife? Oromanso genuinely believed she and Kento were a married couple.
”Wh-Where did you even get that idea?! We aren’t husband and wife!” Satsuki shrieked, her face turning beet red.
”O-Oh? I-Is that so…?” Oromanso stammered.
”With Lord Harvest… we’re… ac-acquaintances! Friends! He’s not my boss, but-anyway, I am NOT his wife! He just told me to check in on things here if we passed through!” Satsuki shouted.
”Right. Yes. I don’t quite get it, but if that’s the case, I’ll mention it to him…” Oromanso muttered, nodding while tilting his head in confusion.
Living in the male-dominated world of the national army, he was utterly unequipped to understand a young woman’s perspective. Then again, Satsuki’s relationship with Kento was so unique that he couldn’t really be blamed. Satsuki herself didn’t even know why she was so angry. It wasn’t that she hated the idea of being a couple-they were intimate, he’d given her a ring after telling her he loved her, and she certainly didn’t dislike him. It was simply pure, unadulterated embarrassment; she just wasn’t mentally prepared to be called that by others yet.
Regardless, Satsuki joined Oromanso to greet the Viscount. Normally, Count Martin would have attended, but as a noble of another country, it was decided his presence should not be made public. He remained at the barracks, overseeing the security of the “Ddo-Buddy Cannon.”
Inside the manor, they were greeted by a striking figure: a “nobleman” with flaxen hair and refined features, dressed in elegant male attire. Oromanso saw a handsome young lord; Satsuki, thanks to Kento’s intel, saw the truth.
”Welcome. I apologize if my invitation felt like a summons. I am Nixfen Ray, head of the House of Nixfen. I have heard much of your military prowess, General Oromanso,” the figure said, bowing gracefully.
”No, we are the ones sorry for the sudden visit. Thank you for the welcome, Lord Nixfen,” Oromanso replied.
”And you must be the Court Mage, Satsuki-dono. I hear you are someone… very precious to Lord Harvest. It is a pleasure,” Ray said, turning to her.
”Y-Yes… Nice to meet you too…” Satsuki stammered.
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Summary:
The subjugation force arrives in the Nixfen Viscountcy while tracking the threat of Zil Meina. Satsuki acts as a bridge between the army and a pack of dog-beastmen who have joined the march. Upon reaching the town of Fenolo, Satsuki is flustered when General Oromanso mistakes her for Lord Harvest’s wife.
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Character Insight:
Satsuki experiences a moment of self-reflection, realizing her work at the adult magic shop has desensitized her to things that would normally cause shame. Her defensive reaction to being called a ‘wife’ reveals her lingering insecurity and lack of readiness to define her complex relationship with Kento.
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Behind the Scenes:
The ‘Help Stick’ is a recurring world-building element that highlights the comedic and adult-oriented nature of the series’ economy.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Nixfen – A viscount aristocrat who has started manufacturing and selling adult goods similar to Kento’s products in the Royal Capital’s pleasure district. He is described as a ‘pretty boy’ or ‘gentle-looking man’ (yasao) but is a territory-holding noble likely trained in combat.
• Lily – the sl*ve and primary experiment subject for the magic shop, ‘Harvest.’ She has striking pink hair, Blue eyes, medium breasts, which the Protagonist associates with being ‘wanton’. She has a working knowledge of magic, which she kept hidden from the slave trader.
• Satsuki – A talented Court Mage who was forced to analyze the shop’s adult magic tools. Miranda’s granddaughter. Now she’s the new worker at Harvest, a development she finds both humiliating and surprisingly fulfilling due to the rapid progress in her research under Kento’s guidance. Has long black hair, palace mage robe, and staff.
• Slop – Leader of the hound-kin pack; Laika’s father. Has orange hair and fluffy tail.
• Oromanso – A General serving as the assistant to Duke Roost. Bear beastman.
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
• Martin – Lily’s non-blood-related younger brother. Considered the strongest candidate to succeed the Popol family due to his lineage and manifested ‘power. He has pink hair.
• Ray – A Viscount with flaxen-gold hair in a men’s wolf cut. Possesses a sweet mask and a prince-like aura. It is revealed at the end that Ray is actually a woman. She has started manufacturing and selling adult goods similar to Kento’s products in the Royal Capital’s pleasure district.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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