The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 12 - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 “Their Respective Actions”

.

Part 1

On an uninhabited floating island owned by Leon, a sacred tree brought from the Republic of Arzel was planted.

Since it is uninhabited, it is managed by working robots.

Noelle was about to bring back —— such a sacred tree.

The soil around the site is chopped up and transported by robots.

Watching the scene was Kyle’s mother, Yumeria.

She has big breasts for a petite woman, but she is an elf woman who is often seen as younger than her age, partly because of her gentle atmosphere and kind tone of voice.

She is older than she looks and is a mother of a child.

“Are you sure you want to take this kid with you? After all the trouble, it’s finally settled in here.”

Yumeria looked rather disappointed as she watched the sacred tree being carried away.

Noel apologetically tries to persuade her.

“I’m sorry. But for this one time, we have no choice but to ask you to help us. Our future depends on it.”

The word “future” makes Yumeria nod her head.

“Is there another problem related to Leon-sama? It seems he’s still as busy as ever even after becoming a Grand Duke.”

Seeing Yumeria smile bitterly, Noel hesitantly asks for her cooperation.

“Yes. But this time it’s the most troublesome. ——So, will you help us, Yumeria-chan?”

“Eh?”

Noel desperately asks Yumeria, who looks surprised.

The other party is a servant of the Bartofalt family —— Noel is in a higher position.

She is not her direct boss, but if she asked Leon’s parents, no doubt they would be willing to let her.

But that’s not good enough.

“Noel-sama?”

“Please! I need someone to control the sacred tree. I’ll do it too, but I need your help, Yumeria-chan.”

Yumeria was puzzled by Noel’s strange behavior.

So Noel explains the situation.

“——Actually.”

As simple as possible so that Yumeria can understand it.

After finishing the explanation as it is, Noel looks down and asks for cooperation.

She felt guilty toward Yumeria for getting her involved in dangerous matters.

“Actually, you would want to live a peaceful life with Kyle, right? But right now, we need your help, Yumeria-chan.”

Even Leon doesn’t have enough leeway in this war, and if he is not careful, he will lose his life.

It was pathetic to involve Yumeria in such a situation.

Noel is so frustrated by her ability that she has no choice but to rely on others.

(If only I were stronger as a priestess, I could have controlled the sacred tree by myself. With the way I am now, it’s no wonder Leon thinks I’m unreliable.)

Yumeria stretched out her hands and grabbed the hand of Noel, who was looking down.

“Both Kyle and I have been saved many times by all of you. ——So please allow me to return the favor.”

“Yumeria-chan? A-Are you sure?”

“Yes! —— War is scary, though, and I don’t know what I can do. But thanks to Leon-sama and others, I can live with Kyle again.”

Ehehe, seeing Yumeria smiling shyly, Noel embraces her with tears flowing down her face.

“I’m sorry. And thank you so much.”

.

Part 2

At the castle of Duke Fannos, Livia was visiting.

Livia was shown into the audience room, where she was now meeting alone with [Hertrude Sera Fannos].

The reason Livia had a private meeting with Hertrude was because of the magic flute in her hand.

Standing on a high seat and looking down at Livia, Hertrude’s red eyes are filled with hatred, and Livia can feel it.

Hertrude crossed her arms.

“What do you think you are doing bringing Rauda’s magic flute all the way to Duke Fannos house now? Do you have permission to take the Magic Flute out in the first place?”

Rauda —— [Hertrauda Sera Fannos] was Hertrude’s little sister.

She was a princess who lost her life in a war with the kingdom.

They were close sisters.

Livia looks up at Hertrude with the Magic Flute in her hands.

“Please teach me how to use this magic flute.”

Hertrude’s eyes widened at that request.

“Are you serious? Do you know what it means to use that magic flute? Or do you just want to control the monsters?”

The Magic Flute had a mysterious power.

Not only can you control monsters by blowing on it —— you can summon a huge monster called a guardian deity in exchange of your life.

The giant monster revives no matter how many times it is defeated and continues to move to fulfill the user’s wishes.

However, when the objective is achieved, it disappears —— and the user’s life is lost.

Even if the objective is not achieved and you fail, or if you lose your life in the process and the giant monster is eliminated, your life will be taken away.

That’s the Magic Flute.

Livia looks straight at Hertrude, knowing the facts about the Magic Flute.

“I will summon that big monster. ——I have something to accomplish, even if it costs my life.”

Hertrude shrugs her shoulders at the determined look in Livia’s eyes.

“Ironic, isn’t it? You took Lauda’s life, and now you try to use Lauda’s magic flute even if you lose your life.”

Livia was told that she killed Hertrauda, but she did not directly take her life.

“That is——”

“I’ve said too much.”

Hertrude quickly retracts her statement and gets off her high seat to approach Livia.

Then, she reached for the magic flute held by Livia.

Livia hesitates for a moment, but then hands the magic flute to Hertrude.

Hertrude seemed to be remembering her little sister as she watched the magic flute.

“You must be cornered if you want to use this magic flute. I hear that the Grand Duke is also acting suspiciously, so what is going on?”

From the way she speaks, Livia realizes that Hertrude has the information.

After some hesitation, Livia decided to tell her the current situation.

“A big war is going to happen. It’s going to be a tough fight, even for Leon-san, so I want to help.”

“That’s why you set your eyes on the Magic Flute.”

A giggling Hertrude was gently hugging the Magic Flute.

Then, she shows a mocking attitude toward Livia.

“To give out the magic flute so easily and even give out the information, you really are a softhearted person, aren’t you? You haven’t grown up since then. ——You didn’t consider the possibility that I would take the magic flute and throw you in jail. Did you think I had forgotten my grudge?”

When Livia is told that, she looks at Hertrude without being upset and replies.

“You are not a thoughtless person. You will not antagonize Leon-san, you can’t even lay a hand on me.”

Hertrude’s eyebrows twitched.

She was a little surprised to see that Livia, whom she thought remained a soft-hearted person, has become strong —— and smiles happily.

“——Correct. I have decided that I will never fight with the Grand Duke again. Because I got badly burned when I carelessly laid my hands.”

When Livia and the others were first-year students at the school, Hertrude launched a battle against the kingdom.

But that battle has been lost by Leon’s presence.

She has learned her lesson about fighting Leon, and she’s showing that attitude, but——.

(I have a feeling that she has a fondness for Leon-san)

——To Livia, Hertrude seemed to have a favorable impression of Leon.

Livia’s gaze turned slightly stern, but Hertrude continued her story without regard.

“How to use magic flute is, you know. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you.”

“Is that so?”

Livia reaches for the magic flute.

Let’s take it home —— that was her intention, but Hertrude snapped the magic flute in front of Livia.

“Heh!?”

Holding it with both hands, she destroyed the magic flute by lifting it up to her knees.

Hertrude looks quite refreshed as she tosses the destroyed magic flute to a surprised Livia.

While brushing back her silky black hair.

“It’s refreshing. I really hate to think that my life was ruined because of this flute.”

“W-What are you doing?! This is your little sister’s memento, isn’t it!?”

“Sure, it’s an important object, but this is a national treasure of the old principality, not a memento. Besides, if I leave something like this behind, you’re likely to use it.”

Livia falls silent, unable to say anything.

Even if Hertrude did not teach her how to use it, she intended to use it independently if the need arose.

Worst case scenario, she was planning to deceive and have Creare analyze it and find out how to use it.

Hertrude lets out a small sigh.

“Don’t do it. The Grand Duke will cry.”

Livia is surprised to see Hertrude concerned about her.

“Didn’t you have a grudge against me?”

“Yes, I hate you. Very hate. But——”

Hertrude shed a single tear perhaps remembering her little sister.

“——I’m determined to live a life I can make her proud of. Besides, I am still an Acting Duke. I’m determined to work for the Fannos family. That’s why I let you live. You should feel indebted to me.”

Abandoning selfishness, she pursues the interests of Duke Fannos.

Hertrude says to Livia.

“I know it’s hard on the sacrifices, but it’s also hard on those who are left behind. Don’t forget that.”

Livia picked up the broken magic flute.

“But still, I wanted to be of help to Leon-san. I always thought. That ‘Was I good enough for Leon-san?’ I was always being protected, and I felt pathetic that I couldn’t be of any use.”

Seeing Livia in tears, Hertrude turns her back.

When the silky black hair fluffily spreads and settles down.

“——I hear that the relationship with the Empire has taken a turn for the worse.”

“Did you know that much?”

“It’s just a rumor. But if the Empire is the opponent, the Grand Duke will have a hard time. I am convinced. ——So, the Duke Fannos will assist the Grand Duke.”

“Are you going to help us?”

Hertrude turns and points her finger toward Livia.

“I’ll keep this as a loan to the Grand Duke and to you. It will be very expensive, so be prepared.”

Livia grabs Hertrude’s hand with both of hers and thanks her.

“Yes! If there is anything I can do, please let me know!”

“Heh~, anything, huh.”

Hertrude smiled bewitchingly when she said that much —— but she did not demand anything on this occasion.

.

Part 3

The Redgrave family mansion in the royal capital.

When Ange came to the reception room, she was drinking tea prepared by Cordelia, a maid who works at the mansion.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had tea from Cordelia.”

Cordelia didn’t seem fazed with Ange sitting proudly on the sofa.

Still, she worries about Ange and advises her.

“Why did you come to this mansion? Moreover, you even called the head of the family and your brother Gilbert-sama.”

“I have something to talk about.”

She called her father, Vince, and her brother, Gilbert, to the royal capital because she had business to talk to.

Normally, only one of them would be in the mansion in the royal capital.

One of them stayed at the family home to take care of the territory.

Ange summoned them.

Even though she had already cut her ties off from her parents’ home.

Cordelia, who had taken care of Ange’s personal needs not long ago, is anxious that both men will surely be furious.

“Ojou-sama is the one who cut yourself off from your family.”

“That’s why I used Leon’s name, okay?”

If Ange had asked, neither her father nor her brother would likely have granted her a visit, except if she had mentioned Leon’s name.

Leon already has a higher title, and he is also superior in terms of military power.

From their point of view, they can’t antagonize him badly, so they have no choice but to meet him.

There is no way they would have a good feeling toward Ange, who created such a situation.

“When you called using the name of the Grand Duke, it was Gilbert-sama who was staying at the mansion. He was very angry.”

“Still, we needed to meet and talk.”

As they were talking, the door was opened somewhat violently.

Entering the reception room at a quick pace are Gilbert and Vince.

Gilbert glares at Ange.

“The future Grand Duchess apparently doesn’t know what it means to break off relations. How dare she show her face in front of us.”

Ange stands up and bows reverently.

“Long time no see, Ani-ue. And Chichi-ue too.”

Vince looks at Ange and mutters angrily.

“I have already cut ties with you as father and daughter. You have no right to call me father. So, what do you want? Even now I’m a very busy man. I hope it’s not too boring.”

Summoned all the way to the royal capital by airship, Vince’s words are filled with sarcasm and cynicism.

In front of them, Ange begins to act proudly as a higher-ranked person.

“Shall I remove that breaking off relations?”

Gilbert’s cheeks were drawn back at the arrogant Ange.

“You speak so highly towards me and Chichi-ue, who have given you so much support. It seems you have even forgotten how to be polite.”

He is saying, “You betrayed us and now you are acting high and mighty.”

Even Ange, though her ears hurt, would not budge in order to fulfill her objective.

She had no intention of changing her attitude.

Ignoring Gilbert, Ange turns her body to Vince.

“Let’s sit down and talk about it.”

Vince sees Ange, who does not change her attitude, and sits down on the sofa, as if he sensed something.

Ange also sits down, but Gilbert remains standing.

He stood near Vince and watched Ange’s movements.

When she feels lonely because of her brother’s attitude, Vince opens his mouth.

“So, what brings you to our house?”

Ange closes her eyes once —— after a few seconds she opens them and declares in a clear voice.

Yes, this is a declaration.

“I will make your grandson a king”

When she said all that, Vince was stunned.

Gilbert is momentarily surprised too, but quickly recovers and accuses Ange.

“What are you talking about now! Can’t you see we’ve already lost our chance? Even more, you’re the ones who did all——”

To Gilbert, who says there is no longer any chance for the throne, Vince’s response is different.

“Now she’s talking to me. You keep your mouth shut.”

“Chichi-ue? ——Understood.”

When Vince silences Gilbert, he looks at Ange with his hands folded in front of his mouth.

“The Empire has already declared war on the Kingdom. Soon rumors will spread, but I wonder if it has anything to do with this case?”

When asked, Ange nodded.

“Greatly”

Vince is smiling with the corners of his mouth raised.

“I figured as much. I heard that they said they would let us off the hook if we offered them the Grand Duke’s head. I heard that the sentence exuded a lot of arrogance.”

When Ange learns the declaration of war from the Empire, she is shaken but does not show it in her face.

“We need the help of the Duke Redgrave.”

(There is no more time. If we don’t do something, there will be idiots who will say to kill Leon. If that happens —— Leon will give up on us.)

Leon won’t attack back, but he will give up on the idea that we can’t be relied on.

If that happens, Leon would go into battle alone.

Ange wanted to prevent that from happening.

Gilbert looked as if he wanted to say, “After all this time?” but he didn’t interfere.

Vince looks at Ange’s face, then responds.

“I see, so that’s how much the Empire is a threat”

Vince’s grinning face was clearly the kind that says he has taken the initiative.

In front of his daughter, he now responds as a nobleman.

Seeing that Ange’s attitude is not changing, Vince opens his mouth wide and bursts out laughing.

“Duke?”

When Ange is puzzled, Vince says.

“Call me Chichi-ue. Give my regards to the new Majesty.”

Ange was surprised by Vince’s attitude of acceptance, as she had thought it would take more persuasion.

However, she must move on to the next step immediately.

“Thank you very much. Now, if you will excuse me.”

.

Part 4

As Ange leaves the room, Gilbert asks Vince.

“Are you sure, Chichi-ue?”

“Is it about backing?”

“It’s about the conflict with the Empire. We can avoid it by offering the Grand Duke’s head.”

When Gilbert says that, Vince lets out a deep sigh.

Gilbert was flustered by that attitude.

“Is there something wrong?”

“Do you really think the Empire will spare us if the Grand Duke is lost? We have been informed that they are seriously preparing for war. The kingdom will be burnt to the ground if we continue this internal strife.”

Gilbert is ashamed that his anger at Ange has made him narrow-minded.

“I’m sorry.”

“I don’t mind. But still, Ange has really started to make a good face. It’s like a lie that she used to be so nervous when I just glared at her a little.”

Seeing Vince complimenting Ange, Gilbert compliments her this time because he is feeling weak.

“She was not the least bit intimidated by us. If Ange were a man, I would have gladly given up my position as head of the family.”

Vince looks a little surprised at Gilbert’s fainthearted remark.

Seeing his looks, Gilbert is puzzled.

“Chichi-ue?”

“——Haa, you didn’t notice?”

Vince, who let out a sigh and was amazed, shook his head, saying that he didn’t understand anything.

“Eh?”

“If Ange were a man, she would have been equal or slightly inferior to you at best. But because she is a woman, she was able to be so determined and strong.”

Gilbert looks unconvinced.

“No, but”

“You need a little more experience in life to understand this. It’s the truth when they say women are scary. Today you learned something.”

Seeing the change in his little sister, Gilbert also looks frustrated, perhaps having his own thoughts on the matter.

“——I will continue to do my best.”

Vince nodded and spilled his true feelings to Gilbert.

“Nevertheless, my grandson will be king —— in fact, I wish I could have put you on the throne.”

He wanted to take the kingdom in his generation and then leave everything to his son.

Gilbert, having heard his true feelings, looks a little happy.

“Your feelings are enough.”

“Haa, it would have been perfect if you had a little more greed.”