Chapter 40 The Flowers of the Theater and the Path to Integration
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The following day, I went to school with a completely innocent look on my face.
The morning sun shone through the windows, brightly lighting up the hallways as the lively voices of the students filled the air. To any casual onlooker, it seemed like another normal day was about to begin.
As I walked down the hallway, Princess Elenor’s beautiful golden hair caught my attention right away. In the morning light, her amazing hair looked like it had a real halo around it. As was her usual way, she stood with a proud and dignified posture, laughing and talking with her group of friends. But I could see a small crack in her perfect look.
The corners of her mouth were very tight. Every few moments, her eyes would quickly look around at the other students, and her ears seemed to twitch as she tried to listen to their conversations—desperately looking for any hint that her biggest secret had been found out.
She was scared that people were already whispering about what happened at the arena the day before. This raw worry cast a thin, dark shadow over her otherwise elegant look.
But her worries were completely pointless. Thanks to the [Ring of Transformation] I had made her wear, her looks were completely changed. In the exciting atmosphere of the colosseum, not a single person had realized that the mysterious fighter was actually their beloved princess.
I quietly enjoyed the powerful feeling of being the only one who knew the whole truth.
Of course, I had no plans to make her feel better by telling her that.
After all, we were enemies. There was no tactical advantage in telling her all the details of my powers. It was much better—and much more fun—to let her blindly dance in the palm of my hand while she was worried about her own paranoia. It would definitely make the next parts of my big plan much more fun.
I focused my thoughts so as not to draw her attention, and I sent a tiny pulse of mana into the magic item around her neck. A faint, quick warmth tickled my fingertips.
Then, keeping my face perfectly calm, I walked right past her.
”Ngh…?!♡”
From right behind me came a soft, shaking gasp—a breathless, sweet little squeak that sounded just like a surprised kitten.
Without looking back, I let a quiet, happy smirk play on my lips as I walked away.
***
After school, I found myself sinking into the soft cushions of a fancy carriage, with Cecilia and Lizel as we made our way to the theater district. The strong smell of fine leather tickled my nose, and the capital’s wide streets, painted in the warm colors of the setting sun, passed by the window.
As promised, I was treating the two of them to an exclusive dinner.
”The [Star of the Desert] theater is all the nobility can talk about these days! To think that you were the mysterious owner all along, Xenos-sama. Oh, I have been really wanting to experience the Zahara1 dances and food for myself,” Cecilia said, her smile showing an elegant, refined feeling of being better than others. Her voice had a smooth, upper-class way of speaking that perfectly showed her sophisticated excitement.
”H-Hmph! Don’t get the wrong idea! I only came along because you basically begged me to, alright?! It’s not like I actually wanted to come!” Lizel snapped, crossing her arms tightly and turning her head away to huff her defensive response. Yet, I didn’t miss the subtle, high-pitched excitement hidden beneath her words. Try as she might, she couldn’t completely hide the sheer joy coming through her usual, neutral American way of speaking.
Fortunately, my theater-style restaurant had become a huge hit, quickly becoming a top choice within the capital’s upper-class traditions. The fact that these two high-born ladies had so easily accepted my invitation was proof enough that the venue’s shining reputation was doing its job.
”Oh, Lady Lizel, honestly. Still being mean when your heart is clearly racing? Oh, how terribly rude of you to hide it so badly,” Cecilia teased, giggling mischievously as she slid across the seat to press herself right up against Lizel.
They were close enough that their body heat easily transferred through the thin silk of their evening gowns. Lizel’s face instantly turned a bright red, her eyes darting around the carriage in sheer panic.
”Eek?! L-Lady Cecilia! Please, not here… not while we’re…”
”Oh, what does it matter? The inside of a carriage is a perfectly private space, after all,” Cecilia countered smoothly, keeping her calm demeanor.
”B-But still… I mean…” Lizel stammered, completely flustered.
As Lizel fell into a total, bright-red panic, Cecilia simply enjoyed every second of her torment. A warm, intimate feeling settled beautifully between them. I sat back, completely satisfied as I watched the two incredibly beautiful girls show such tender intimacy right before my eyes.
Upon our arrival at the theater, a vibrant wave of lively music and bustling energy welcomed us.
I escorted the two girls directly to the best VIP box I had reserved in advance, ensuring they had the perfect view to enjoy my pride and joy. On stage, passionate, foreign melodies echoed through the air, perfectly fitting a theater known as the Star of the Desert. The magical songs and mesmerizing movements created by the elven sisters, Pharma and Leela, were nothing short of a masterpiece every single time they performed.
Their glittering costumes swirled in a mesmerizing dance, drawing waves of rapturous applause and ecstatic cheers that broke over the theater like a rising tide. The eyes of both my companions sparkled brilliantly, reflecting the dazzling lights of the stage. They were utterly spellbound, completely captivated by the exotic, mystical choreography and the soul-stirring vocals.
Of course, the gourmet dishes my chef had carefully prepared were an absolute triumph as well. The rich aroma of perfectly seared meats and the deep, fragrant bouquet of vintage wine stimulated every single sense, transforming the theater into a truly unparalleled sanctuary of luxury.
If theater operations continued to succeed at this amazing rate, I would easily get back the shocking initial investment of eight hundred thousand gold coins lost during that terrible auction within a year and a half—two years at the very latest.
The money made here would be the ultimate stepping stone for my next big ambition. Step by step, my future was growing exactly as planned.
***
Once dinner was over, I slipped away from the main hall and guided the two girls down into the theater’s underground facilities. Navigating past a series of dimly lit corridors, we eventually arrived at the main dressing room, where rows upon rows of fancy stage costumes hung in the shadows.
The colorful fabrics shimmered with an almost dangerous appeal under the faint, recessed lighting. The heavy, unique scent of expensive perfumes mixed with the lingering trace of sweat, silently telling the raw, intense story of what went on behind the curtains. I pointed toward one of the more provocative outfits worn by our exotic dancers and offered a casual suggestion.
”Why don’t you two try them on?” I threw the question out like a line, testing the waters.
As it turned out, both girls had been deeply moved by the raw passion of the performance they had just witnessed. Their eyes instantly filled with a pure, almost childlike curiosity.
”I would absolutely love to try it!” Cecilia replied, her eyes widening with excitement. Seeing their faces fill with such eager anticipation was an undeniably pleasant view.
While the two of whom went off to change, I decided to take the opportunity to check in on the elven squad currently employed as our underground security detail.
As I made my way down the subterranean passage, a quiet, yet clearly venomous voice drifted into my ears.
”Tch. Look at him, dragging two entirely new women down here to show off. What an utterly undisciplined, short-sighted monkey in heat,” Kyle muttered sharply. The moment I came into view, the elf spat his usual thorny insults without a shred of hesitation. His features twisted into an expression of raw, unadulterated hostility that he couldn’t have hidden even if he tried.
His glaring eyes locked onto me like a predator tracking its prey.
I completely ignored his pathetic little tantrum, stepping forward to gently pull his childhood friend, Princess Lyphia, into a warm embrace. Her soft, silken hair brushed lightly against my cheek.
Then, making absolutely certain Kyle had a front-row seat, I pressed my lips firmly against hers, claiming her in a deep, consuming kiss. I savored the velvety texture of her lips, feeling the sweet, flustered hitch in Lyphia’s breath as she melted into me.
”Hrk…?! Urgh… Agggh…!” Kyle groaned, his face contorting into a hideous mask of agonizing humiliation and helpless rage, his entire frame trembling violently. His eyes burned with a murderous hatred so intense it felt as though he were trying to execute me on the spot with his gaze alone.
”Haha. Consider that a tiny reminder of what happens when you speak to me with such an arrogant mouth. Think about it a little.”
”Um… Xenos-sama…? Why exactly does kissing me count as a punishment for Kyle?” Princess Lyphia inquired, tilting her head to the side. Her expression remained the absolute definition of pure, unhelpful innocence. It was painfully obvious she remained entirely oblivious to the depth of Kyle’s pathetic romantic feelings for her.
This utter density was, of course, one of her most entertaining charms. I proceeded to move down the line, bestowing an equally deep, passionate kiss upon Sylphie, Flora, and Lunard to ensure complete fairness. Savoring the distinct textures and unique fragrances of each girl’s lips, my senses were thoroughly stimulated, and I let out a thoroughly satisfied laugh.
Right on cue, Cecilia and Lizel emerged from the changing room, completely transformed. The moment my eyes landed on them, the breath was thoroughly stolen straight from my lungs.
The ambient lighting of the dressing room seemed to wrap perfectly around their new attire, accentuating every single line.
Cecilia’s fiery crimson hair and Lizel’s radiant, vibrant pink locks provided a breathtaking, contrasting backdrop for the passionate, revealing Zahara dancer costumes. The highly provocative, skin-baring outfits pushed the limits of decency, elevating the sheer, flawless symmetry of their figures to an absolute peak of sensual perfection.
Their smooth, supple skin possessed a gorgeous, luminous sheen, and their slender limbs extended elegantly from the skimpy fabric. They were, without a shadow of a doubt, the literal flowers of the stage—a sight so devastatingly beautiful it defied description.
I took the opportunity to introduce these two peerless beauties to the elven squad. I laid out the entire situation clearly, explaining how Lyphia and the others were currently using my magic artifact to change their physical appearances.
Though initially stunned by the revelation, the two girls proved incredibly quick to accept my overarching strategy. I quietly nodded to myself, deeply impressed by their high level of adaptability.
While I had experienced various moments of hesitation regarding my path forward, seeing everything come together solidified my resolve. A dedicated policy of interspecies integration would remain the absolute core baseline of my long-term administration. I swore that oath to myself once more.
***
I pulled out two more copies of the [Ring of Transformation] and placed one into each of Cecilia and Lizel’s palms. The metallic bands felt crisp and cold against their skin.
”We have a brief bit of professional business to attend to now. I want both of you to accompany me.”
I watched closely as they slipped the rings onto their fingers, confirming the activation. A brilliant shroud of light enveloped their figures, and within a single heartbeat, two entirely unrecognizable women stood in their place.
Their facial features had completely shifted. In place of their recognizable aristocratic features stood two entirely new, yet equally stunning young beauties.
With our preparations complete, it was time to head into our scheduled meeting with my primary commercial partner, Balthazar Zaitz. We were set to review the theater’s recent financial balance sheets and hold a brief tactical discussion regarding our upcoming corporate expansion.
My grand ambitions were only just beginning to take root—and this theater was merely the first glorious step on an infinite path toward absolute dominance.
—
Summary:
Moving from the intense events of the arena, Xenos returns to school to observe the quiet panic of Princess Elenor before executing his evening entertainment business. He escorts Cecilia and Lizel to his hyper-successful theater, subsequently orchestrating an erotic dressing-room encounter that forces integration with his secret elven staff. This display of absolute dominance establishes his domestic power structure while an impending meeting with a major corporate partner leaves his final financial conquest unresolved.
—
Trivia:
- The massive sum of eight hundred thousand gold coins lost at the auction represents Xenos’s core financial motivation for accelerating the theater’s corporate growth.
- Princess Elenor remains completely unaware that Xenos knows she was the gladiator in the colosseum.
- Princess Lyphia’s total romantic oblivion provides a major comedic and psychological tool for Xenos to torment his elven guard, Kyle.
- The Rings of Transformation fully mask the identities of those wearing them, changing physical traits to completely separate personas.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• de – A particle used in the aristocratic name of the Margrave Albion de Blanchefort.
• Elenor – The Student Council President, a revered princess known as the Saint of Light, is a noble beauty with radiant golden hair and piercing blue eyes. A skilled swordswoman, she leads a double life as a secret arena gladiator. Currently, she faces a terrifying crisis: her identity is at risk of exposure while she endures a brutal, forced submission ordeal, yet she remains resilient and defiant.
• Cecilia – The eldest daughter of the Vermillion Duchy is a graceful noble with crimson hair and cobalt-blue eyes. Outwardly cold and status-driven, she masks her secret love for beastfolk advocacy and cosplay with a refined, superior demeanor. Though she plots to annul her engagement to Xenos, she privately acts timidly around him, bound by his crest while harboring complex, teasing affections for him.
• Lizel – A petite, graceful Blanchet count’s daughter, this magic academy student is known for her vibrant pink twin-tails, purple eyes, and defensive tsundere nature. A powerful wind mage, she masks her genuine joy and vulnerability with a prickly, snapping exterior. Fiancée to Luca Dalton and Kai’s master, she also harbors deep feelings for Xenos, whom she shadows with a mix of aggression and devotion.
• Xenos – Reincarnated as House Grimlock’s “Zero-Mana” heir, this cynical, calculating villain masks immense power and a Magic Seal constitution behind an incompetent facade. Using game-script knowledge and specialized artifacts, he builds a commercial empire while manipulating politics and the underworld. He acts as a dominant protector to his slaves and noble allies, orchestrating their lives as a master strategist.
• Pharma – An elven dancer and singer who performs alongside her younger sister, Leela, at the Star of the Desert theater in glittering, exotic costumes. Purchased at auction, she fiercely protects her sister and their safety, using a magical transformation ring to conceal her true identity from the world while delivering passionate, highly coordinated performances.
• Leela – A silver-haired elven songstress from Zahara, she performs atmospheric routines alongside her older sister, Pharma, at the Star of the Desert theater. Clad in glittering, exotic stage costumes, she uses a transformation ring to conceal her past as a former auction captive. While she masks her true identity from the world, she weaves magic through her voice, protected by her devoted sister.
• Kyle – A muscular, golden-haired elven warrior with emerald eyes, he serves as a theater guard and protector. Devoted to his childhood friend Princess Lyphia, he harbors deep, unrequited love for her. His intense hatred for Xenos, fueled by a failed attempt to stop her sacrifices, left the once-resilient fighter emotionally shattered, transforming him into an empty, broken shell of his former self.
• Lyphia – Princess Lyphia Elfheim, an elegant elf with platinum-blonde hair and emerald eyes, is a symbol of peace between her people and Xenos. After being rescued from the Blanchefort dungeon, she serves as a voluntary hostage and political bride in Xenos’s VIP room, while also working in his security detail. Despite her resolute nature, she remains blissfully unaware of Kyle’s romantic feelings toward her.
• Sylphie – A green-haired former elven squad leader turned hopeful guide tirelessly mediates between humans and elves. Alongside her stands a loyal royal guard, also distinguished by pale, grass-green hair, who joined the cause. Recently, an elven girl from their security detail shared a passionate kiss with Xenos in the dressing room, further entangling their shared mission for peace amid complex alliances.
• Lunard – An elven scout with cold, silvery eyes and short-cropped indigo hair, this girl serves in Xenos’s underground security detail. Possessing a sharp, taut presence, she shares a deep, passionate intimacy with Xenos, marked by the fair kiss they exchange in the dressing room.
• Flora – An elven apothecary with long, braided, honey-colored hair and gentle brown eyes, she radiates a soothing herbal scent. Beyond her craft, she serves on Xenos’s underground security detail. Their intimate connection is clear, evidenced by the passionate, fair kiss they share in the quiet privacy of a dressing room, highlighting a deep bond forged amidst the shadows of their duties.
• Balthazar – The arrogant, sweating heir to the Zaitz Merchant Guild is a short, plump man reeking of pastries and stained finery. Son of a slave trader and proxy for the Grimlocks and Xenos, he hides his cowardice behind bluster and unethical business proposals. As a business partner known for traumatic, perverted eccentricities, he manages the transport of summoned goblins for his illicit trade network.
• Zaitz – The Zaitz family name is carried by Balthazar, a prominent merchant guild member. As Xenos’s primary commercial business partner, Balthazar is essential to the firm’s operations, with the two scheduled to meet regularly for critical financial balance sheet reviews.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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