A storm ensued due to Kate awakening to her sexuality, but fortunately, it passed without much trouble.
This was partly because Kate conceded and agreed to wait her turn. There was no resistance from the other women.
In fact, it wasn’t just my fault but also Luminous’ who pulled the trigger, so it’s hard to blame anyone. It was fortunate that for me, who would dare to challenge a god?
Of course, as a result, I couldn’t avoid being treated as a public good for a while. I thought they were joking, but it turned out to be true.
Marie was especially harsh. She was already agitated because of Arwen, and Kate’s sudden intrusion made her jealousy explode.
She expressed her jealousy and affection by biting my neck hard enough to leave teeth marks, giving me hickeys, or occasionally nibbling on my cheeks.
I humbly accepted these expressions of her love and jealousy. The fact that it ended at this showed Marie’s considerable tolerance.
In any case, all of Kate’s sexual concerns were resolved, and we returned to our normal routine. At that time, more people had arrived, so I spent my days reading fan letters and opening gifts.
However, there were still countless tasks remaining. Most notably, there was Leona at the academy.
According to Marie, she was eagerly looking for me. I heard that her mother had also arrived at the academy.
If I left things as they were, it could hurt Leona’s feelings, and her mother might view me negatively.
Knowing that I’m Xenon should count for something, but to gain her favor, I must go there.
With that in mind, I contacted the empire to inform them of my return to the academy. It was better to give advance notice rather than causing a fuss by showing up unannounced.
How did I inform them? I contacted them through the wizard dispatched to our mansion. Although not capable of teleportation, small items could be sent and received.
Thinking that the wizard was almost omnipotent, if not entirely, I received a reply. The first concern was about the dormitory.
The academy ostensibly promotes equality, but that’s not entirely true. It’s more about ‘fairness’ than equality.
Although each student is assigned one dormitory room, security and protection vary slightly according to status.
There’s not much difference up to the count level, but from the marquess level up, they are assigned to dormitories with strict security. For royalty like Leort and Rina, the level is different altogether.
Though it’s highly unlikely, what if, just what if, someone manages to infiltrate? If they manage to harm the royal family?
The academy’s honor would be tarnished, and there would be international chaos. Especially, the Ters Kingdom would be under suspicion.
To prevent such incidents, students of royal status and above are assigned to dormitories with double or triple security measures. This applies to students from other countries as well.
‘I wonder if Hiriya will come to the academy?’
I’m quite curious about that. It would be interesting if she continues her studies here.
Anyway, the dormitory assignment went smoothly. They’ll probably add extra guards as well.
Speaking of guards, the next issue is related to them. There’s a significant challenge here.
Adelia, being my personal maid, will naturally stay by my side, so there’s no issue there. The problem is whom to assign and how many.
I prefer to travel with a small entourage, but that’s difficult. With the real threat of devil worshippers, it would be akin to courting death.
I can’t move around quietly either. This red hair makes me stand out wherever I go.
However, using disguise magic could help mask my appearance to some extent. Many people around me are skilled in magic, so it’s a plausible idea.
Especially the ‘Reapers’ who will be dispatched from Helium will be a great help. They will cut off all potential dangers around me rather than providing direct protection.
‘It wouldn’t hurt to give Gartz an autograph while I’m at it.’
I feel a bit sorry for him, but let’s move on. Since I’ve received a lot of help from him, including the typewriter, I can give him as many autographs as he wants.
Anyway, I only have one request. I don’t mind being noticeable, but I don’t want it to be too excessive.
It’s called the Streisand effect. No matter how famous Xenon is, having too many guards could backfire.
This means I need the elite of the elite as my guards, but would such forces just be sitting idle?
In a world where ‘people’ are weapons and military assets themselves, it’s inevitable to have many concerns.
Of course, the Empire isn’t foolish and has considered this. They anticipated this issue and completed the personnel selection a long time ago.
However, the complication arose from an unexpected place. Other countries, apart from the Minerva Empire, also expressed their intent to dispatch their own guards.
With the involvement of international politics, the Empire must have been facing a headache.
Thus, apart from Adelia, there were no other personnel who could directly guard me.
I have no doubts about Adelia’s abilities, but my concern is for her safety.
The fortunate part is that Marie is a full citizen of the Empire, which means the Empire is directly protecting her. This is the reason nothing has happened so far.
The problem lies with me. I was considering delaying my return to the academy due to this dilemma.
“Then, wouldn’t it be fine if I acted as your guard until then?”
“Pardon?”
“I am not affiliated with any country, and I am loyal only to Lord Luminous and you, Sir Isaac.”
While I was pondering over the unexpected problem, I heard someone’s voice. I looked up to see who it was.
It was Kate, who must have come to our mansion without my noticing. She was smiling at me.
“When did you come… No, before that, how did you know about my dilemma?”
“Lord Luminous informed me. He said you might need me. I heard about the guard issue from someone else.”
“Oh.”
This person… I wanted to say something but ended up letting out a dry laugh as I looked at Kate’s face.
It seemed that Luminous had noticed my dilemma and sent her, unlike last time.
‘Fortunately, her eyes are normal.’
I gazed intently at Kate’s eyes. They were normal now, unlike that time.
Back then, her eyes seemed sticky yet mixed with Kate’s unique purity.
Fortunately, she seemed calm now, but you never know. She might request my seed at any moment.
Anyway, let’s move on from this and get back to the issue of the guards.
“…So, you are saying you will act as my guard, Kate?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm…”
I glanced at Adelia upon hearing that Kate would be my guard. She seemed uneasy, possibly because she saw Kate as an unexpected competitor.
Additionally, Adelia even cleared her throat. However, Adelia is not just a simple guard knight but my dedicated maid who assists me to the end, so there shouldn’t be any overlap.
I carefully considered Kate’s offer to act as my guard. Since it was Luminous who sent her, other countries would likely accept it.
Of course, this needs to be practical as well.
‘Combat ability…’
Considering she’s the person who’s been smashing the heads of devil worshippers, questioning this is absurd. Let’s skip this part.
Secondly, political neutrality. Xavier, along with the Duchy of Belua, maintains neutrality, so there’s no issue here.
Lastly, justification. Kate holds the highest rank as the Grand Inquisitor in Xavier, making her overqualified to be a guard knight.
However, if she is guarding me, the situation is different. With the threat of devil worshippers, there’s no better guard than her.
Moreover, she can temporarily declare a ‘Sanctuary,’ making her an ideal candidate for this role.
In summary, she is perfect in every way, with nothing lacking or concerning, making her the ideal guard knight.
“…It seems fine. Indeed, there are hardly any individuals as qualified as Kate. I will accept the offer.”
“Thank you.”
“But keep in mind that you are not a dedicated maid like Adelia. When I enter the dormitory, you cannot enter without my permission. Understood?”
“……Yes.”
Why was there a delay in her response? And she even pursed her lips, openly showing her disappointment.
Surely, she won’t sneak into my dormitory unable to control her desires. Even Kate would be crossing a line if she did that.
I hoped her patience was much stronger than I anticipated as I quietly spoke.
“Have you already informed the church about this?”
“I haven’t, but it won’t matter.”
“Why not?”
“Whatever I ask for, they grant.”
“······”
“Besides, since Sir Isaac has given permission, they will gladly accept it.”
Does she have no idea how much influence she wields within Xavier?
It’s doubtful because, apart from her devotion to Luminous, Kate doesn’t care about anything else.
She dealt with the corrupt Cardinal Bark because he sullied the name of Luminous, nothing more, nothing less.
If there’s anyone in Xavier with the most freedom, it’s probably Kate. If she desired, she could have become the Pope.
‘It’s a huge relief she’s on my side.’
If she were an enemy, it would have been troublesome. I sighed with relief, then a question occurred to me, so I asked Kate.
“But is it alright for you to neglect your main duties? There are still demon worshippers out there.”
“That’s not something to worry about.”
“Why not?”
“Just as insects are drawn to sweet fruit, those vermin will also come after you, Sir Isaac. Even the hidden ones will come out targeting you.”
“······”
“I can protect you, exterminate the vermin, and be ready to receive the seed anytime. Isn’t that excellent?”
I would have agreed if she hadn’t mentioned the last part.
I let out a dry laugh and shook my head. Regardless, I couldn’t deny that I now had a reliable shield.
With that, I stood up and extended my hand forward, signaling a handshake to signify our cooperation.
“Then, please take care of me, Kate.”
“······”
Even as I offered my hand for a handshake, Kate just stared blankly at it. Her gaze shifted between my face and my hand.
Rather than feeling embarrassed, I looked at Kate with curiosity.
Gulp
Why is she suddenly swallowing?
“Haa… Haa…”
What’s with those perverted breaths? And why is her face red?
As I subtly withdrew my hand, sensing that her switch had somehow turned on, Kate suddenly grabbed my hand with a somewhat urgent expression.
Not with one hand but with both, and she began to squeeze it rather uncomfortably.
Even though I tried to pull my hand away in embarrassment, she refused to let go. Instead, she greeted me while holding on.
“Oh, please take care of me, Sir Isaac…”
“Uh… Yes.”
“Sir Isaac’s hand… it’s really soft. One day, with this hand…”
Feeling increasingly alarmed, I forcibly pulled my hand away. It seemed dangerous to leave it like this.
As I pulled my hand away, Kate briefly showed a disappointed expression, then brought her hands close to her face.
And then…
“Ssss… Haa…”
“··· ···”
She inhaled deeply, like a drug addict inhaling deeply, with an exhalation that sounded vaguely erotic.
I stared at Kate with a bewildered expression. She caressed her face with both hands for a while before lowering one hand.
Neck, collarbone, chest, and stomach, finally reaching…
“J-Just a moment… Excuse me.”
Did she finally come to her senses? Kate hurriedly fled just as her hand was about to reach a dangerous place.
I stared blankly at her retreating figure, then looked at my hand.
“…It’s not like I’m catnip.”
Even physical contact with Kate seems risky. At least, it wasn’t this severe before she awakened.
“You’re right. Human catnip.”
“…”
I decided to ignore Adelia’s blunt but true statement.
With the guard issue resolved, I prepared to depart for the academy.
“…Kate?”
“Yes, Sir Isaac. Please speak.”
“…Never mind.”
I ended up with the most dangerous ticking time bomb by my side.
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