Read Novel Full Vol 23 Chapter 18
Vol 23 Chapter 18
TN: Please read my translations only on my website since I never give my permission to any site to host my translations. And if you like my translations, please support this site on Ko-fi and Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Enjoy~
Chapter 18 – All’s Well That Ends Well
Upon returning to the Southern City from the southeastern island, I received a report from Camille-san, who had stayed behind for work, about what had happened in my absence. After hearing her complicated explanation, I was convinced and decided to take on the troublesome task of entertaining the king. While I’m still not entirely convinced by the explanation, I suppose it’s okay. I realized that the adult world is full of troublesome things. Well, I do love the adult world, just in a different way.
The port of Lucca came into view.
While Camille-san was working, I went to the southeastern island. I thought about recipes for men’s meals and pushed the troublesome matters related to the king to the back of my mind. I spent a peaceful time there.
I know that if I avoid troublesome matters, I’ll be in trouble in the future. Sadly, though, even if I don’t avoid them, there’s little I can do. So, it’s more important to cherish the present.
When the time comes, I have talented people around me. If push comes to shove, I can always use Ship Summoning.
As I was thinking such carefree thoughts, the troublesome matters quickly caught up with me.
On my second camping trip to the island, I decided to try cooking a simple meal for the men. When I returned, pleased by Marina-san and the others’ positive reaction, Camille-san approached me with a worried look on her face and told me some troubling news.
She said it was about accompanying a diplomatic mission from the Kingdom of Latina to negotiate with the high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Brescia.
I understand that it’s not my place to suddenly show up and say, “Hey, I’m here!” But I don’t understand why we have to accompany them. According to Camille-san, it seems to have some diplomatic significance.
They initially asked us to take them on our magic ship. Camille-san refused because she knew I would object. Instead, she proposed that we accompany them, but that they would travel on their own or the kingdom’s magic ship.
Having a diplomat accompany us is a hassle. Camille-san made the right call in refusing, but if the Latina Kingdom’s magic ship is accompanying us, I won’t be able to use Ship Summoning. We won’t be able to use luxury liners or ferries.
Camille-san understood this and made the proposal apologetically, so I agreed it must be necessary.
However, this decision brought me unexpected good fortune.
First, the members of the diplomatic delegation who requested to travel with us were an unusually large number of beautiful women.
I briefly regretted refusing to travel with them, but then Ines realized that they were targeting me. When I heard that, I broke out in a cold sweat.
Having been manipulated by Camille-san and Saporabi, I couldn’t possibly avoid being manipulated by these beautiful women entrusted with diplomacy. A honey trap would be very dangerous for me. The best choice was not to get close to them.
The distance between me and the women in our group was just right.
Compared to a ferry or a luxury liner, it was certainly cramped, but the Lutto was a premium cruiser, and it was undoubtedly extremely comfortable.
There were six beautiful women on board, excluding Rimu, Pent, Fuu-chan, and me. It was the best.
Recently, I have been using large ships for long trips. This method of travel was ideal because I didn’t have to worry about others, I could move around freely, and the facilities were excellent.
However, there’s no denying that the distance between me and the other beautiful women is a bit too far.
The long journey on the Lutto… While the close proximity required me to be mindful of the women, I had a rubber boat, so meals and snacks weren’t an issue.
This meant one thing: plenty of lucky perverted moments, making it a real bargain.
This was especially true with Camille-san. I rarely get to spend time with her, so lucky pervert moments with her were rare. Even I, who was training to be more reserved, had to struggle to keep my perverted thoughts in check.
This wonderful voyage is nearing its end as Lucca comes into view.
With the prospect of a longer voyage on the Lutto, I can’t help but dream of a future where more people join us. Maybe even Alessia-san and the others will come along…
＊＊＊
“””Wataru! Welcome back!”””
After arriving at Lucca’s port and managing to escape the diplomatic delegation that had invited me to accompany them to the Marquis’s castle, I relaxed on the Lutto. The others who had stayed in Lucca jumped aboard.
Though we had been apart for a while, their beauty remained untarnished. Hmm? Something… No, she’s undeniably beautiful, yet there’s a subtle shadow. But maybe that’s acceptable. Still, Alessia-san truly suits the radiant aura of the sun…
“I’ve returned. I’m relieved to hear that Alessia and the others are doing well.”
After thinking about something trivial for a moment, I replied to Alessia-san and the others.
“Actually, we’re not okay at all.”
“What? Oh, you’re too close!”
I’m happy she’s so close, but her serious expression is a little scary.
“Um… Did something happen to your family?”
Alessia and the others stayed in Lucca to deal with the aftermath of the war—or rather, the rebellion—and to keep watch. However, the situation had calmed down enough that they should have been fine.
“Ufufu, our family is fine. It’s just that we’ve been made physically unable to leave Wataru.”
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Ilma-san’s sex appeal, and it’s amazing. But I don’t understand what she means. Physically unable to be separated? It sounds wonderfully erotic, and I’m extremely excited. But why?
Dorothea-san is nodding in agreement, so it doesn’t seem like Ilma-san is just teasing me.
“It’s impossible. Wataru gave us plenty of supplies before we left, but they’re not enough. We always had a spacious bath, a comfortable room, delicious food and desserts, and plenty of entertainment. We’ve become weak…”
I see. I’ve heard that it’s hard to lower your standard of living once you’ve raised it. Even though Alessia-san and the others have fantasy abilities that allow them to live better than people on medieval Earth, they’ve adapted to an upper-class lifestyle.
No wonder they’re dissatisfied.
Similar things have happened before, but this time the separation period was significantly longer, so the impact on Alessia-san and the others was greater.
Hmm? Is everything okay in the end?
Even before, Alessia-san and the others were friendly toward me. Now that they’re more dependent on their living environment, it seems like they respect and care for me more.
Some might think that makes me greedy, but honestly, Alessia-san and the others can easily make a lot of money, so it’s different.
Their goal isn’t money; it’s the environment.
It’s a small difference, but a significant one.
No matter how much money they make, they can’t recreate the environment on my ship.
They won’t just say goodbye once they get the money. I’ve gained a psychological advantage over them.
If I push them too hard, they’ll leave, leaving me with a heavy heart—a rather fragile advantage. On the other hand, if I treat them honestly, we could develop an incredibly strong bond.
I understand that this is a despicable way of thinking, but it can’t be helped.
Alessia-san and the others are top-tier adventurers who are as popular as idols in the adventurer community.
On Earth, they’d be popular actors or musicians. For an ordinary person like me to keep such people around, the only option is to use Ship Summoning.
I think about how important sincerity is, but that’s pointless when they’re already dependent on a system that treats people like slaves.
As an ordinary person, I should rely on my cheat and strive toward a happy future.
And so…
“That must have been tough. How about we head out to the open sea and relax for a while? Oh, what about you, Camille-san?”
Fortunately, the diplomatic delegation has headed to the Marquis’s castle, so I can consider our ties severed. The problem is Camille-san.
I’d personally be happier if she came along on vacation because it would mean more beautiful women, but she’s incredibly dedicated to her work.
“I’ll stay in Lucca. I want to make some arrangements before returning to the Castle, and I also have a meeting with the diplomatic delegation.”
I knew it.
But that makes me a little worried.
I was worried when she was in the Southern City, but that’s her hometown, and the merchant guild’s guildmaster is on our side, so I felt relatively secure.
However, Lucca is close to the Castle, and many people know Camille-san. I think the Marquis of Lucca will support us to some extent, but he is a nobleman…
“In that case, Carla and I will stay behind to guard Camille. Marina, please report while Alessia and the others are away.”
Understanding my concern, Claretta-san decided to stay behind with Carla-san to guard Camille-san.
Carla-san looked surprised, but I guess she was planning to eat with Alessia-san and the others, so I accepted Claretta-san’s offer.
She needs a break after eating so much on the Lutto.
“Understood. Claretta and Carla, please take good care of Camille-san.”
Since the distance was short on the Lutto, Carla-san begged me for food a lot. It made me happy, but she needs to take care of her body every once in a while.
I’ll let Camille-san and the others use the Lutto for safety and summon a Japanese-style boat somewhere to head out to sea as soon as possible.
It’s not just Alessia-san who tends to show her emotions openly; Dorothea-san, who is usually reserved and calm, Ilma-san, who always exudes sensuality and confidence, and even Beni-chan, who is casually sitting on Dorothea-san’s shoulder, all seem to be sending me signals of expectation and desire.
I’ll fulfill all these expectations and desires and make my popularity skyrocket!
If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!