Zero-Mana-Boss 58

Chapter 58 The Prince’s Jealousy and Past Mistakes


Edited by: Kanaa-senpai


 The [Star of the Desert] theater. Its VIP lounge, wrapped in soft velvet. The bright chandeliers cast reflections across the fancy ceiling, and magic lamps bathed the basement in a dim, special glow.


 In one corner, an uninvited guest made his entrance—Prince Liam Asgard. His well-made uniform stood out even in this rich space.


 He’d come to directly challenge me regarding my relationship with my beloved fiancée, Cecilia. His voice carried barely hidden annoyance, laced with eagerness.


 ”One should not bind a woman so tightly.” His frown grew as he spoke, his tone angry.


 ”…What exactly do you mean by that, Your Highness?” I asked, keeping my tone calm—though inwardly, I grew more watchful. The dim light made the shadows across his face darker.


 ”I mean exactly what I said, Xenos-kun.” He met my gaze with clear displeasure. “You’re severely limiting your fiancée Cecilia-jou’s actions, aren’t you?”


 I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.


 True, I had made Cecilia my “Dedicated Slave.” But that was a mental master-servant relationship—I hadn’t limited her physical movements. If anything, I’d given her more freedom than before.


 ”I’ve done no such thing.” I kept my voice level, matching his formality. “What makes Your Highness think that?”


 When I asked, Liam let out a deep sigh.


 ”…The truth is, Cecilia-jou and I had been sharing detailed views on peace with the Empire and peace with the demihuman races.” He clasped his hands behind his back, showing a posture of hurt pride. “We shared the same beliefs—good friends. But recently, for some reason, she’s become unwilling to share opinions with me. No—let me be direct. She’s begun to openly stay away from me.”


 Liam’s face showed real confusion. In his eyes, mixed emotions showed—memories of their past exchanges, and a refusal to accept the present. The scene before me was like that of an actor.


 ”…There can only be one explanation.” His voice became firm. “Her fiancé—you—disapprove of her peace-positive stance, and are limiting her freedom. That’s the only possibility.”


 Ah. So that’s the shape of it.


 It seemed that after becoming my Dedicated Slave and changing her heart, Cecilia had fully stopped all attempts from Prince Liam—this game’s main character.


 Her behavior had hurt his pride, and he couldn’t understand it. The woman he wanted had suddenly started keeping her distance. The prince didn’t like that one bit, so he’d come directly to my door to face me.


 That he didn’t even consider the possibility that he’d simply been turned down—classic winner, through and through. The main character of this game indeed.


 The soft air of the VIP lounge grew tight with tension.


 At my sides stood Cecilia and Lizel, their appearances altered by the Magic Artifact [Ring of Transformation]. The dancer costumes they wore—so different from their usual attire—showed their skin and shone prettily under the lights.


 Prince Liam was a fellow student at our academy.


 Cecilia, dressed in such revealing dancer’s clothes before him, had blushed slightly, her eyes cast down in shame.


 Lizel, meanwhile, had her thin lips curled into a knowing smile, her bright eyes fixed on Liam with clear interest—like a viewer waiting for the curtain’s rise on a fun show.


 Now then. How to convince him?


 ”Your Highness, it seems there’s been a big misunderstanding between us.” I inclined my head with careful politeness. “As I said before, I haven’t been limiting her in any particular way. And even if I had—maybe—that would be a matter for the Grimlock family and her family home, House Vermillion, to resolve. It’s not something for you to get involved in.”


 My tone was polite but disrespectful—and Prince Liam’s expression became slightly stiff. The clear unease flickering across his handsome face was clear.


 ”Surely it is my concern,” He stepped forward, his voice gaining an edge. “Cecilia-jou and I are ‘closely connected’ as friends. If I learn that my friend is being unfairly limited by her fiancé, wouldn’t you want to help her?”


 Liam’s voice grew warm, edged with open competition.


 ”‘Closely connected,’ you say?” I allowed a thin smile to cross my lips. “Your Highness, one really shouldn’t get too close to another man’s fiancée.”


 If readers existed in this story, they’d all be shouting in unison: “You’re one to talk!”—and I declared it with full, shameless confidence.


 After all, I’d just recently held several very close meetings with his fiancée, Princess Elisabeth. My heart, despite my ironic words, beat with cool, measured calm.


 ”Even if you say not to get close,” Liam retorted, his chin lifting defiantly, “people are naturally drawn to each other. That’s just the way of things—no one can stop it, and no one should have to.”


 He’d held his ground. Deep in his eyes, I saw a flash of sure pride.


 (Oh-ho. Thank you very much, Your Highness.)


 Now he’d given me his own approval regarding my relationship with his fiancée. This would be helpful later.


 A thin smile tugged at my lips.


 ”I see. You make a fair point,” I tilted my head, my voice softening to something almost thoughtful. “But people’s hearts change over time. Have you considered that Cecilia might find being chased by you… truly bothersome?”


 At those words, a vein in the prince’s temple twitched.


 The brief crack in his calm—like a small break spreading through his perfect, ideal world.


 ”…That’s quite the accusation, Xenos-kun.” His voice dropped, becoming scary quiet. “But don’t worry. She and I understood each other deeply. And we connected—in ways I’m sure you can imagine. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?”


 Prince Liam’s gaze was taunting, filled with certainty and the scent of victory.


 So. He’d finally played his best move.


 Knowing I was Cecilia’s fiancé, he was suggesting that he’d slept with her. It was a brave attack that would send most men into anger.


 But I stayed completely unbothered. In fact, I was quietly entertained.


 ”Of course,” I met his gaze without moving. “I understand perfectly.”


 After all, I was the one who’d set up that affair.


 I knew the meaning of his words better than anyone.


 ”But unfortunately, Your Highness—I’m not the kind of small man who holds a woman’s past mistakes against her,” I allowed a note of true belief to enter my voice. “What matters isn’t what happened before. It’s who her heart belongs to now. That’s all that matters.”


 My gaze briefly looked to Cecilia.


 She shook slightly at my words. If her heart had still belonged to Liam at that moment, I would have accepted it and stepped aside.


 But she had chosen me.


 I would never forget that day—those deep blue eyes, fixed on me without a hint of doubt.


 And so, nothing else mattered.


 I met Prince Liam’s gaze straight on. No doubt. No question.


 He must have realized—my words held no lies, no show.


 ”…Tch.”


 Prince Liam’s face didn’t change much—but I didn’t miss the flash of upset in his eyes. Something inside him, something he’d held as complete, seemed to break with an audible crack.


 ”…I don’t know where your confidence comes from.” He straightened his uniform, refusing to meet my eyes fully. “But watch your step. Wouldn’t want to be caught off guard.”


 With those parting words, he rose from his seat as if to end the conversation.


 A shadow of failure clung faintly to his back.


 It seemed this battle was mine.


 But even though the conversation was over, the real fun was just beginning.


 Flanking me were two very beautiful women, their dancer’s costumes shining under the chandelier light. The sweet scent of perfume drifted through the air—and to me, it smelled like victory.


 ”Please, wait a moment, Your Highness.” I called out, my voice smooth as silk. “Since you’ve come all the way to my theater, the least I can do is make sure you enjoy yourself before you leave.”


 I gestured toward Cecilia and Lizel with a polite smile.


 ”You know, I figured I’d have His Highness leave a little tip for the dancers. It’s only proper, after all—a prince of his rank should be kind.”


 Cecilia’s cheeks blushed even deeper. Lizel’s smile widened into something almost hungry.


 Prince Liam stopped mid-stride, his shoulders tightening. I could practically feel the heat of his embarrassment radiating through the lounge.


 ”…Fine.” The word came out clipped, almost strangled. He reached into his pocket without turning around, and a small pouch of coins landed on the nearby table with a dull thud.


 He didn’t look back as he walked away.


 The door closed behind him with a soft click.


 I let out a slow breath, then turned to my companions. The sight of them—one shyly embarrassed, the other shining with wicked delight—made a true grin spread across my face.


 Just imagining His Highness’s face was enough to brighten any evening.


 ”Shall we?” I asked, gesturing to the champagne waiting on ice. “I believe we’ve earned a toast.”


 Lizel laughed—a bright, musical sound—and reached for a flute.


 Cecilia finally lifted her gaze, her deep blue eyes meeting mine with something that looked almost like wonder.


 And for a moment, just a moment, the theater felt like home.


 —


 Summary:

 Prince Liam confronts Xenos about Cecilia’s sudden avoidance, accusing him of restricting her freedom. Xenos calmly dismantles the prince’s arguments, revealing that Cecilia chose him over Liam and that he orchestrated events to undermine the prince’s position. The confrontation ends with Liam’s defeat, marked by a forced tip for the dancers, solidifying Xenos’s victory.


 —


 Trivia:

 Xenos’s “Dedicated Slave” relationship with Cecilia is a mental master-servant bond, not physical restriction.

 Cecilia previously had a close, “intimate” relationship with Prince Liam before becoming Xenos’s slave.

 Xenos orchestrated the affair between Cecilia and Liam to use as leverage.

 Xenos recently had “very intimate meetings” with Prince Liam’s fiancée, Princess Elisabeth.

 Xenos’s final demand for tips from the prince is a calculated act of humiliation.

 The [[Star of the Desert]] is a theater with a VIP lounge, suggesting it is a venue for performances and entertainment.

 The [Ring of Transformation] is a Magic Artifact used by Xenos to disguise Cecilia and Lizel as dancers.

 Prince Liam is a fellow student at the academy, not just a visiting dignitary.

 Lizel’s knowing smirk and fixed attention on Liam indicate she is enjoying the drama.

 The protagonist’s internal monologue reveals his game-like perception of the world, viewing events as scripted and strategic.


Notes:


• de – A particle used in the aristocratic name of the Margrave Albion de Blanchefort.

• Prince Liam – The first prince and protagonist of Asgard, Liam is a handsome, golden-haired “born winner” with a refined, measured demeanor that cracks under pressure. Officially engaged to Princess Elisabeth while supported by Elliot and Aldrick, his secret pursuit of Cecilia—with whom he shares a frustrated, past intimacy—and obsession with her now threaten his political standing.

• Asgard – Elenor Asgard, the esteemed Saint of Light, and Prince Liam share a prestigious royal lineage. While both belong to the noble Asgard family and maintain a high social standing, they navigate distinct public roles and responsibilities within the realm. Their shared identity defines their status, balancing the expectations placed upon them as they fulfill their unique duties to the kingdom.

• Liam – The first prince and protagonist of Asgard, Liam is a handsome, golden-haired “born winner” with a refined, measured demeanor that cracks under pressure. Officially engaged to Princess Elisabeth while supported by Elliot and Aldrick, his secret pursuit of Cecilia—with whom he shares a frustrated, past intimacy—and obsession with her now threaten his political standing.

• Cecilia – Eldest daughter of the Vermillion Duchy and former saint figure, this graceful noble has flame-like red hair, deep blue eyes, and translucent skin. Outwardly cold yet timid, she completely rejected her obsessed suitor, Prince Liam, to become Xenos’s fiancée and “Dedicated Slave.” She adores Kuuko, visits the Grimlock estate, and uses a ring to disguise herself in a revealing dancer’s costume.

• Xenos – Xenos Grimlock, Grimlock estate heir and Academy student, masks his genius as a “loser.” Actually a reincarnated otome game villain with script knowledge, this sardonic noble uses a [Magic Seal] and Mind Control to build an empire. The Royal Phantom leader manipulates events to undermine Prince Liam, while acting as a dominant protector to allies like the Beastfolk and his slave, Cecilia.

• Lizel – A petite, graceful Blanchet count’s daughter, academy student, and wind mage with pink twin-tails, purple eyes, and a smirk. Luca Dalton’s fiancée and Grimlock’s classmate, she accompanies Cecilia and Xenos, disguised in a dancer’s costume via a magic ring. Though a protective, anxious tsundere, she is a direct, playful, and quietly supportive companion deeply devoted to serving Xenos.

• Vermillion – Cecilia Vermillion, a noble sorceress from a distinguished, multi-generational ducal house, is a central pillar of the story’s political landscape. Engaged to the protagonist, Xenos, her family’s immense prestige and influence are invoked by him to assert that rivals like Liam hold no authority over their personal matters.

• Grimlock – As the mana-less heir to House Grimlock, Xenos manages a military legacy and shadow network with his father, Gaius. Masked by deceptive noble etiquette, this ‘Royal Phantom’ uses spatial magic and a Collar of Submission to manipulate others. He invokes family authority to dismiss the interference of Prince Liam, who formally addresses him by his family name, Xenos.

• Elisabeth – Princess Elisabeth, the Adrastea Empire’s princess and Prince Liam’s fiancée, is a vision of refined elegance with lustrous blue hair, striking amber eyes, and an icy, formidable royal authority. Controlled by an ancient crest’s influence, she submits to Xenos during their secret, highly intimate “peace talks.” This high-stakes rendezvous serves as leverage against Liam, risking political disaster.


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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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