Chapter 228 For Aare—Such Things Are Still Too Earlyꐦ
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Standing guard as usual before Second Princess Ronafermia’s chambers, Ayumu noticed Emperor Rai creeping toward him, glancing about suspiciously.
”Sanai,” the emperor whispered, “I hear you’re managing… dozens of first-class courtesans?”
From his furtive demeanor, it was clear he had not come to condemn such dealings. Ayumu ventured cautiously:
”…Does Your Majesty wish to make use of them?”
”Nonsense! Do not jest!” Rai hissed, eyes darting around. Then, in a rush of words that betrayed his true heart, he added:
”I—I am a married man, Sanai! To willingly engage in such sinful pleasures would be unthinkable! But… but! As emperor, is it not shameful to remain ignorant of the desires that drive immoral men? Shouldn’t I at least understand such temptations? Hm? What say you, Sanai…?”
Ah, what a burden it is to sit upon the throne, Ayumu sighed inwardly. Poor man. Very well, as one man to another, I’ll cover for him.
He forced a smile.
”My apologies, Your Majesty, for leaping to conclusions. Of course—you merely wish to understand the mindset of those who strayed, for the sake of wisdom. I should have realized.”
Then, bowing slightly, he continued:
”If it please Your Majesty, I know of certain ladies who provide comfort to weary men. I shall arrange it so Your Majesty may, anonymously, receive attentive… instruction.”
”Excellent♪ I leave it to you, Sanai♪” the emperor replied with unseemly delight.
Later, Ayumu discreetly reported, “Your Majesty, the flowers you requested… have finished their tending.” The emperor grinned like a fool.
Thus, late that night, Emperor Rai slipped away in secret, and like a fish returned to water, reveled in luxury and pleasure.
The next day brought fresh disaster.
This time it was Crown Prince Aare, tiptoeing toward Ayumu, eyes gleaming with curiosity. He had overheard his father praising the night’s experience while wandering to the privy.
So the boy has reached that age already, hm? An eager brat indeed! Well… it is his first time. I must ensure it’s handled properly!
”Your Highness,” Ayumu said solemnly, “leave it to me. I promise you will have a fine experience.”
Judging a partner close to Aare’s age more suitable, Ayumu arranged things as discreetly as before. That night, the Crown Prince too was guided into manhood. Everything went smoothly.
But peace was short-lived.
”Disaster!!”
Empress Sarendra had discovered Rai’s visits to the courtesans.
The emperor was scorned by his daughters—”Filthy!”—and at that very moment was being mercilessly interrogated by his wife.
Cornered, Rai nearly thrust the blame upon Ayumu.
”No, Sarendra, you misunderstand! I tried to refuse, but Sanai insisted! Isn’t that so, Sanai?!”
The Empress’s eyes turned upon him, sharp as knives.
”…Is that trueꐦ Sanaiꐦ?”
Ayumu panicked. He wailed theatrically, collapsing to his knees.
”Ahhh, how cruel, Your Majesty! You yourself confessed your visit, and now you lay this sin upon me! Still, I was honored to serve under you! Please, live on safely, my lord! Your Majestyyyyyy!!!”
Then he bolted, fleeing for his life.
When Rai returned later, eyes wet with tears, he muttered bitterly, “Faithless wretch… when I raised you to noble rank, you swore loyalty to me. And now this betrayal…”
But Ayumu only bowed and replied, “What matters most is that Your Majesty returned unharmed. After all, my vow was to guard you against enemies. But Her Majesty the Empress… is not your enemy, is she?”
Ayumu allowed himself a sigh of relief. That was close. Too close.
But soon another summons came—this time from Empress Sarendra herself.
Her voice thundered:
”Sanai! How dare you arrange such things for Aareꐦ?! Do you realize what might have happened if he caught some vile diseaseꐦ?!”
Terrified, Ayumu hurried to explain.
”Your Majesty, the women undergo full examinations. And in the Prince’s case, I selected a young one, close to his age—though not untouched, she had no true experience…”
”Silence!” Sarendra’s fury only grew.
”Excuses will not save youꐦ! Do you not understand?! The issue is not that! Aare—such things are far too early for himꐦ!!”
Her wrath shook him to the core. Ayumu later confessed to himself, trembling:
That was the most frightening experience of my life…
To be continued…
Notes:
• Ronafermia – Second Princess, Norfemina’s younger sister. Harassed by Doll’s poems, then slandered with rumors of stable boys. Publicly shamed him, hurled her glove, and forced a duel—pushing Ayumu to fight as her champion. After his win, she claimed it as proof of her virtue. Reminder: fiery, reckless, twists scandal into pride.
• Empress Sarendra – Aare’s mother who expresses quiet resentment towards Aare’s existence. But still love him.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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