The Marquis’ Eldest Son’s Lascivious Story

Translated by Raizu

Author’s Note:

This time it’s a story from Rona’s perspective.

It’s situated some time after the greetings on the .

A lodging house has been set up in Levios Palace. It was supposed to be a guesthouse for independent Nobles who visited the Royal Capital.

Because there were people who came to join the Kingdom’s accession negotiations, the interior and exterior of the mansion were extremely luxurious. No matter what kind of Nobleman comes, the accommodation should suffice their taste.

A carriage led by a knight of the Levios family and his subordinates arrived at the guest house.

While the escorts who accompanied them on foot were preparing their formation, the leader of the escorts was informed by the Levios knight.

[…That’s all. Is there anything else, Guissian-dono?]

The woman called Guissian answered quietly in a low voice.

[No, nothing in particular. Thank you for your guidance.]

An honest and loyal warrior.

That was the evaluation Levios family had given to Guissian. If she was a knight who served a Noble, it could be said to be the highest evaluation one can get.

[Today, Rona-dono has taken great care of us, and my master is also grateful.]

[Yes.]

In response to the words of the Lord who served the Nobles, the Lord who served the priest did not show any dissatisfaction.

Considering her status as the head guard of the Holy Maiden, it can’t be helped if there were one or two inconveniences. Despite this, Gaussian’s demeanor showed no sign of wavering.

She won’t put her master in harm’s way due to her emotions. That was what the Levios knight felt when facing her.

[…I heard Guissian-dono belonged to the Holy City’s army until recently. She also held a pretty high position there. Are all the warriors of the Holy City as loyal as Guissian-dono?]

The Levios knight asked a question while waiting for Rona to get off the carriage. There were times when the silence was too much for him, but it was more like words that leaked out of curiosity.

[To be in the presence of a Holy Knight, it’s awe inspiring.]

The Levios family had already researched that level of information, and of course he knew about it. What he actually wanted to ask is this next question.

However, Guissian kept it short, regardless of whether she knew or not.

[I simply obey. That is for the master to judge.]

That’s all she could say. And she cut the conversation short.

Only their master can evaluate their loyalty. Therefore, she cannot evaluate the loyalty of others… The Levios knight interpreted it that way.

[Indeed.]

He was very satisfied with her reaction, who didn’t show any hesitation. And he concluded that the high evaluation in the Levios family was also appropriate.

The Levios knight looked at her again.

She was so tall that normal men would look short when standing side by side with her. She barely made a move, probably supported by her well-trained muscles. The slightly worn out but well-maintained armor she wore showed what kind of warrior she is.

Both her mind and body prove that she is a [Knight].

……Strong. A merchant somewhere said that the Holy Army warriors were weak. But of course it should be taken with a grain of salt. No, since she’s the head guard of the Holy Maiden, of course the church will appoint a particularly talented person…

The Levios knight then decided to consider the Holy Knight Guissian here as the standard of the Holy Army’s warrior, rather than following an uncertain rumor. Better be cautious than underestimating the opponent.

He concluded that the quality of human resources in the Holy City requires more investigation.

[The Holy Maiden has entered the mansion.]

[Understood.]

When Guissian received reports from her subordinates, she issued new instructions accordingly. It seems that the escorting back from the Royal Castle to the guest house is finally complete.

She thanked the Levios knight farewell.

Guissian left the rest to her subordinates and followed her master into the guest house.

In the hall, the maids were busy moving around.

[Thank you for your hard work today. Please excuse me.]

Rona, who is also Guissian’s master, stood with her hands outstretched to the side, surrounded by multiple maids.

The formal ceremonial dress of the Holy Shrine has a lot of clothing. It goes without saying, but the more you wear it, the more you have to take off, and the undressing process is a big hassle. It’s only a precious formal dress, so one wouldn’t want to even tear it off by force.

However, for Rona, it was part of her daily routine, so she accepted the task without any particular concern.

A maid spoke to Rona while she was quickly undressing.

[How are you feeling? Aren’t you tired?]

The girl smiled at the maid and replied with a gentle voice.

[I’m fine.]

[Even so, weren’t you surrounded by hundreds of Nobles? If you feel anything strange…]

[Nothing strange. Besides, I’m used to places where many people gather. Ufufu, does everyone forget? I am the current Holy Maiden.]

Fufu, said Rona with a mischievous smile.

For Rona, now is a time to relax and not be nervous. She is full of innocence appropriate for her age.

The maids here are those who came from the holy city of Maguaose, and are the maids selected from the Cattlearch family. Some of them have been involved in dressing Rona as behind the scenes of the Great Ceremony. They understood well that Rona was accustomed to the stage where Highlords gathered. It was not just empty bravado.

Rona was a rare person who recognized her own role and was able to fulfill it effortlessly. The age-appropriate innocence that she usually shows to people she trusts may be the flip side of that.

However, this incident was not a trivial matter for the maids. It’s not something you can be calm about, such as exposing a Holy Maiden in front of these Nobles.

Guissian noticed that the girls, who usually work calmly, were losing their composure.

[But…]

[Let’s leave it at that, otherwise the Holy Maiden will feel annoyed. I understand your worries, but it would be better not to complain too much. King Levios is already very considerate.]

An elderly woman acting as the chief maid of honor warned the maids who were complaining.

However, the maids were frankly angry. Rona is easy to get along with even among the high priests and holy maiden. Thus, she is loved by many.

[The treatment…]

[Yes, that’s right. Exposing the holy maiden while still sealed to the Kingdom’s Nobles would have strengthened the authority of the Royal family. However, since I did not accept such humiliation, they’re taking the minimum possible consideration.]

But that’s really the bare minimum, as in the lowest consideration. The head maid’s thoughts are clearly conveyed to the maids. However, one could easily see the strength of their resentment around opening their mouths.

[…But, they’re showing respect due to the Highlords, not because of Holy Maiden…]

It’s just as the maid said.

King Levios did not wish to expose Rona, who was sealed, to the public. This is because it is an act that could be perceived as being too disrespectful to one of the founders.

Modern Nobles no longer recognize the authority of priests, but they pay due respect to the power lineage of their ancestors. If handled incorrectly, the vessel of King Levios seems rather small.

[And in some meetings there was not even the bare minimum of consideration.]

Rona gave a wry smile to the maid who kept complaining in a small voice.

They’re talking about the secret meeting with Adellahan, Milendorva, and Quordenze. At those meetings, Rona had to attend it while under a magic seal.

After confirming the formation of the escorts deployed in the room, Guissian gave a smack to the maid.

[How long are you going to talk nonsense?]

At those words, the maids’ faces turned pale all at once.

The escort personnel basically carry out their missions silently, so they don’t get involved with the maids, but Guissian, who is the head escort, is an exception. She spends most of her time near Rona and sometimes reprimands her handmaidens.

Coming from a prestigious family, receiving the honor of being a holy knight, and being trusted by the Cattlearch family. Gussian is also extremely tall, has a slasher smile and a tough temperament.

[This is the Royal Capital.]

[Pardon me.]

The embarrassed chief maid bowed to Guissian and instructed the maids to continue their work.

Although it’s not very obvious, the Levios family always kept an eye on Rona and the others. Guissian was always on guard against wiretapping.

As far as she searched with magic immediately after entering the building, she judged that if it was just a conversation, there would be no worries about being overheard, but it is necessary to be careful. It’s impossible that the Levios would suddenly turn against them just because the spy heard one backbiting, but there’s a limit if it piles up. It’s not the development that Guissian wanted.

Rona, who was watching the exchanges between her subordinates, smiled at the Holy Knight.

[Guissian is too rigid while working.]

[Holy Maiden-sama, please don’t make fun of me…]

[But, isn’t it true?]

Seeing Rona innocently smiling brightly like that, Gaussian could only inwardly smile wryly.

Guissian was a person who was often misunderstood.

Specifically, she’s often misunderstood as [honest and loyal person]. Those are not her nature.

In the modern Japan equivalent, she’s the [regular employee who doesn’t want to be promoted to manager]. It’s fine if it’s just a leader of a team, but she doesn’t really want to be in the position where she has to deal with having subordinates.

However, contrary to her attitude, she was a very capable person. Her parents’ house is one of the most prestigious families in the Holy City, even though it’s a descendant line.

As a result, before she knew it, she had made a name for herself in the Holy Army, and before she knew it, she had been given the post of Holy Knight. As a result, she rose to the position of leading a unit of the Holy Army.

This was nothing but misfortune for her.

To be honest, if you ask her, she wanted to excuse herself from being promoted to the rank of deputy captain of the unit. Just thinking about being a General who leads hundreds of soldiers makes her sigh.

It was around that time that the Cattlearch family came to talk about it.

They want her to serve as the head escort for the Holy Maiden during the visit to Levios Kingdom. Everyone else would probably see it as misfortune, given that she had to resign from her current position of the glorious path as a Holy Knight of the Holy Army for this task. But Guissian was overjoyed inside, and agreed to it.

An escort team would only have a few dozen personnel at most. It should be a welcoming environment for her.

However, the surroundings did not perceive it in the same way.

To the outsiders’ perspective, she’s an unfortunate Holy Knight who had to give up on the elite career for her master’s sake. And even then, she never complained. Of course, that’s because she actually wanted to quit her position the most. In fact, she thought she was lucky that she got to utilize the backing of the Cattlearch family to resign.

As a result, she was painted as a warrior of loyalty, and that reputation only spread. She thought nothing of it. Although people always misunderstood wherever she went.

It was her brother who told her that the head of the Cattlearch family was looking for someone who prioritized loyalty over faith. Her brother, naturally, is well aware of Guissian’s temperament. Despite that there is no actual loyalty, he knows that his sister is someone who does her job well, which may cause misunderstanding.

Although there were various factors, the head of the Cattlearch family ended up taking a liking to Guissian and hired her directly to be Rona’s bodyguard.

And some time after starting the escort mission, Rona suddenly spoke to Guissian, noting that she [doesn’t like managing people].

Family members other than his brother, friends, colleagues and superiors in the Holy Army, high-ranking priests who s the honor of Holy Knights, the head of the Cattlearch family, and the Levios Kingdom knights…all of them misunderstood Guissian and saw her as a loyal human being. However, only Rona saw through her true nature.

If she were a man of strong religious beliefs, she might have fallen in love with the Holy Maiden… Guissian mocks herself.

[Ara ara. Holy Maiden-sama, please stop teasing Holy Knight-dono.]

A woman in a priest uniform appeared with a luscious voice.

She sat down on a nearby chair and straightened her posture. It’s a garment that makes it difficult to tell the shape of the wearer’s body, but when she sits like this, the shape of the plump legs and buttocks that draws a sensational curve emerges.

However, since the Holy Maiden is changing clothes in this room, the opposite sex is not allowed to enter, so no one stared at her.

[Priestess Faith, I’m in the middle of changing clothes]

[Not a problem. Priestess Faith would like to listen to today’s story.]

Guissian met Faith after serving as Rona’s escort.

A low-ranking priest who is personally employed by Rona, she is a talented woman who majored in magic at an academic institution in the Holy City and achieved excellent grades. .

When Rona happily talked about the Royal Castle with a gentle smile, Faith happily nodded.

As the topic shifted to what happened at the round table hall, her gaze turned to Guissian.

[By the way, Holy Knight-dono, what do you think of the eldest son of the Quordenze family?]

Guissian looked at Rona without replying.

[Tell me, Guissian.]

If it’s what the master says, it makes sense to obey. With a serious look on her face, she answered while looking at her master, even though she was troubled in her heart.

[I can only talk about simple impressions since he didn’t spend too much time talking with the Holy Maiden. Besides, I wasn’t able to use detection on the spot. Therefore, I can’t talk about magic.]

[That’s alright.]

[Then, in my personal opinion, I had the impression that his personality was not distorted. Despite having enough magic power to make that threat, I didn’t see any irreverent attitude. I also felt that he was a positive person.]

In actuality, Wilk felt a little guilty about treating Rona with a salty attitude, but from Guissian’s point of view, it seemed like a gentle response. She knows from experience that some Nobles would openly show their disgust when meeting with priests. Considering that, it can be said that Wilk’s response falls into the gentle category.

With that answer, Rona’s eyes glistened as she agreed.

[That’s right. I also felt that Wilk-dono was kind to the priest.]

She made a triangle with her fingers and made a gesture of popping it on the top of her head.

The cute gesture made the maids’ hearts warm.

[He noticed the lack of the red coronet. The Quordenze family seemed to be passing on the correct knowledge, and I was very pleased. I think I can still get along with the Quordenze family. Only the correct teaching will save us, and above all, save them. I’m sure they’ll understand if I talk to them.]

Sensing that Rona’s voice was getting louder, Guissian warned her.

[I’m sure they can understand the heart of the Holy Maiden. However, let’s not forget the responsibility entrusted to us by the head of the family.]

Then, Faith added with an amazed tone.

[Holy Knight-dono only ever says formal things…serving the voice of the Holy Maiden is the most important thing for a believer, yes?]

Guissian’s official master was not the Holy Maiden, but rather, the head of Cattlearch family.

Guissian didn’t reply to Faith. It was a hassle. However, the maids, seeing her tight expression, instead had the impression that she was a splendid Holy Knight who remonstrated with her master out of loyalty.

Guissian understood what Faith said. However, something about Rona that Guissian couldn’t get along with.

The figure that sincerely faces the scriptures is certainly suitable to be called a Holy Maiden. However, there was something unfathomable about that faith. She felt something akin to that kind of terror that if she were drawn to Rona’s innocent black eyes and approached carelessly, she would slip and fall into the abyss.

She couldn’t be so engrossed in faith. She believed in her own reasons more than the Holy Maiden.

She inwardly smiled wryly, thinking that her brother offered her this job knowing full well of her personality. She doesn’t have loyalty, but at least she’s not someone who can get into Rona.

If you are a believer, you will have no choice but to obey Rona’s voice. And even Guissian could understand that it was the right thing to do as a believer.

But for Guissian, a comfortable work environment was more important than justice. In that case, the priority should be given to the head of the Cattlearch family.

Before she knew it, the topic of the conversation had shifted to the orb that Wilk had.

[How would Guissian evaluate that orb?]

Although Rona had prepared enough to avoid any tatters in her dialogue with Wilk, she wasn’t that knowledgeable about demon beasts to begin with. Knowing that, Guissian decided to share what she knew about the Field and monster subjugation.

As she was a member of the Holy Army, she was much more knowledgeable about demon beasts than a normal human being.

[…I think it’s safe to assume that the orb belongs to a mature demon beast that emerged from Newnelly Field. I just looked at it lightly, but there was no old light in the brilliance. He doesn’t seem to be lying when he said he hunted it last year. Just that…]

[Is it the color?]

[Yes. The dark black color left behind by that orb… The calamity that once appeared in Newnelly, the demon beast Charybdis, was also a Kentark-class demon beast. This demon beast was so threatening that it caused the destruction of the Noble family that previously ruled the major city of Newnelly.]

[That’s right. When it comes to black orbs like that, it’s similar to the ones subjugated by the founding father Zeth, and the ones from when the power of the sacred bloodline hasn’t faded. It can certainly be counted by both hands. It’s really surprising.]

I see, Faith quipped.

[That’s an interesting story. I definitely want to get closer to Wilk-dono. Ufufu… what kind of magic did he use to kill it, I wonder?]

Guissian looked calmly at Faith, who rearranged her legs with luscious movements.

Cynthia and Faith. Gishian had only once heard from one of her subordinates about the two priests that Rona works with. It is said that both are too lewd to be priests.

Priestess Cynthia, who has crazy big breasts, and priestess Faith, who has legs and buttocks that are almost bursting out of the seam, are said to have been useful for the soldiers who served as guards for the Holy Maiden. Although, the period when priestess Cynthia worked under Rona wasn’t that long.

Guissian thought that it was no surprise that men would be captivated by their appearance.

[It would be sad if even priestess Faith went to the Quordenze territory too…]

Rona has a sad expression on her face, but Guissian doesn’t think that Faith will leave at all. She knows of Faith’s intense devotion to Rona. One could even call it fanaticism.

More than once, Guissian had felt that Faith believed more in the holy maiden rather than the scriptures. If Rona orders the scriptures to be trampled, Guissian imagines that Faith will trample them with a smile on her face.

[And I can predict the secret of Wilk-dono’s magical power.]

Surprising, right? Rona’s expression said so.

Most of her ceremonial dress had been taken off, and the thin cloth emphasized her breasts that had begun to swell.

[Do you two know about the three evils?]

Guissian answered Rona’s question first, followed by Faith.

[I’ve had it tucked in my ear before. That’s what some people call the big historical incident that shook the Holy City. If I’m not mistaken, thunder fox and turbulent times, and one more… I’m sorry, I forgot.]

[This is the first time I’ve heard of the word “three evils,” but considering the example given by the Holy Knight-dono, would the three be thunder fox, demon king, and turbulent times?]

Rona nodded slowly to the two’s answers.

[No wonder priestess Faith has never heard of it. This term is only used among the Old Houses.]

Although Rona didn’t mention it, there’s a reason they’re called the three evils. This is because most of the reasons for causing damage are related to the old family lineage, that is, the Holy Lineage.

For Rona, who has the Cattlearch family as her parents’ family, it can be said that this is one of the three most detestable incidents. At least, it was an incident that could not be talked about loudly in the Holy City.

I wonder what Rona wants to talk about by bringing up such a topic. As Guissian thought so, the Holy Maiden gave a brief conclusion.

[I, personally think that Wilk-dono is someone with power that rival Orgil’s]

Hearing those words, Guissian and Faith looked at each other.

The sight of the two people’s eyes intersecting, who rarely talk to each other, made Rona a little happy. Afterall, Rona always thinks that getting along is better than anything.

[Is Orgil the name of the Demon King?]

Guissian certainly wasn’t familiar with that name. But given that the name was mentioned right after bringing up the three evils, she simply thought that the name is probably related to it.

Then, Faith answered that question.

[Orgil, the foreign law priest. Nowadays, he’s known as the Demon King. I think that there are many people, be it priests or regular folks, in the Holy City who have heard of him in fairy tales.]

There, Faith gave an overview of the story of the Demon King told in the Holy City.

A blessed child born with great power was picked up by a priest and educated. However, he indulges in his own power and begins to ignore the teachings of the Zeth religion. Before long, he fell in love with forbidden magic and succumbed to the sway of sorcery. And in the end, he was excommunicated by the Zeth religion and subjugated by the Holy Army.

This is a fable that everyone from St. Navempos has heard at least once. It was like a lesson to cherish the teachings of the church.

Of course, Guissan had heard of it as well, but the name of the Demon King was new to her. Because the demon king has always been referred to as its namesake in the story.

[…And what exactly is the same as Wilk-dono?]

Unless they’re sure that nobody is overhearing their conversation, it’s best to not say anything incriminating. Guissian cautioned Rona.

[Holy Knight-dono, the Demon King is a fairy tale, but Orgil was a real person. Isn’t that what Holy Maiden is talking about?]

Rona nodded to Faith’s answer.

[Priestess Faith is very knowledgeable. To know the name of Orgil.]

[I may look like this, but I majored in magic. I found out about him while doing research]

[Is that so? Then could priestess Faith tell me about a person named Orgil? Actually, I don’t know the details either.]

Please let Guissian know. That’s how Faith interpreted the request.

She straightened her back and began to explain, only turning her gaze towards Rona.

[Orgil is a Highlord who was born in the year 318 of the Holy Calendar. In fairy tales, he is always depicted as a blessed child, but in reality he was the eldest son of a high-ranking priest family.]

Even if it is a fairy tale, the intention of the Holy High Society to hide the Demon King’s origins can be glimpsed. Faith smiled wryly at that and continued talking.

[It is said that he possessed a great amount of magical powers from an early age. It seems that it was the same even after he became an adult, and according to an anecdote at that time, he alone was in charge of the cremation ceremony, which would normally be performed by five high-ranking priests. There is also a record of him making a pilgrimage to the Mist Land almost on his lonesome, so it seems that his abilities are undeniable. He also had an extraordinary talent for magic. In fact, he created many new magics that have never existed before. Apparently he was highly regarded as a researcher. Orgil’s parents were also well-known figures in the field of magic, so he may have been well-educated.]

While studying at an academic institution in the Holy City, Faith noticed that there was magic that the priests did not understand, even though there was evidence that it was developed by a priest. And while investigating it, she learned of the existence of Orgil.

[However, the excessive power may have led to arrogance, and Orgil eventually reached out to do things that were taboo, and was punished by the Holy High Society. Without repentance or excuses, he rebelled against the Holy City with his followers, who were called apostles. He was then excommunicated by the holy maiden of the time, and subjugated by the Holy Army. However, the loss the Holy Army suffered seems to have been enormous.]

Until recently, Guissian belonged to the Holy Army, but she had never heard of such a past operation.

Is this story really true? Faith sensed that Guissian was thinking so.

[After the incident, Orgil was not only excommunicated, but also retroactively erased from records to deny his existence. Even the remaining truth has been turned into the fable-like fairy tales of the Demon King, and now there is almost nothing left.]

Hearing that explanation, Guissian felt really bad.

The fact that his existence was denied in the past means that Orgil must have been born into a fairly high-ranking family even in the Holy City. At the very least, it would be certain that it was one of the Saints.

She thought that she didn’t want to get involved in the backstory of the Holy City. It’s a world where if you stick your head in without thinking, your head could be cut off.

Thinking that it might be possible, Guissian looked at Rona. Then, she shook her head as if she was out of her mind.

[It’s not the Cattlearch. It was another family.]

“It’s a secret”, said Rona with a small gesture.

Guissian almost shuddered at that gesture. This is information she didn’t want to know. It was a headache for Guissian as to why this girl would toss around such a dangerous story with seemingly very little care.

[Sometimes old houses leave things you don’t expect.]

Guissian gives a vague answer to Rona’s words. It was because she felt that if she reacted strangely, she would be told even more unnecessary stories.

On the other hand, Faith seemed to have had an epiphany from those words.

[Relics…]

[That’s right.]

Rona affirmed.

[As priestess Faith said, Orgil’s parents were well-known researchers of magic. His father in particular was a well-known magic developer… He devised a technique for using relics.]

Faith was stunned, trembling as if she were about to collapse on the spot.

[Wha-what awe-inspiring thing…!]

[Yes. To think that the son of such a distinguished person is now only known as the Demon King. Not to mention that it’s someone who shared the sacred bloodline. Such barbarity…is very unforgivable.]

While watching the two of them grieve, Guissian thought about the underlying meaning.

Using relics to raise someone with great magic power that could rival a Progenitor. It’s possible when she thinks about it. Imagine how much magic power one could have growing up. In that sense, it becomes understandable that this man named Orgil could have such a mighty magic power.

[I think, 89 out of 100, Wilk-dono used a relic as a child.]

“It’s sad”, Rona muttered. Because that conclusion means that Marquis Quordenze has used up the relic.

[I finally understood what the Holy Maiden-sama wanted to say. The Quordenze family is a Noble family originating from the Priest Quordenze, a priest of the Holy Pruotista* family. So he inherited the relic when he left the Holy City?]

(*TL Note: プルオティスタ)

[I suspect he took it away in secret rather than inherited it.]

Guissian silently agreed with that opinion.

There’s no way the Pruotista family will let go of a relic so easily. It makes more sense to imagine that priest Quordenze, who happened to find the relic at his parents’ house, secretly took it away. If it was originally hidden and no one knew of its existence, it wouldn’t be that difficult to smuggle it out.

[I see, that certainly seems more likely. I have never heard of the Holy Pruotista family possessing a great legacy, or relic for that matter…as expected, it was kept hidden. But, why only use it now…]

Guissian thought about whether or not to say anything, but since both Rona and Faith were groaning, she decided to state her thoughts.

[The battle with the Spierzeig family is probably the reason. I think it’s a good reason