The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 8 - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

A bond stronger than chains 

Nicks had been nervous since the morning of that day.

Looking uncomfortable, he would walk around the mansion, go back to his room and then come out again.

I was dismayed to see him in such a pitiful manner.

-Calm down. Dorothea is just coming to visit.

Nicks was well dressed from head to toe and had his hair well groomed. It was clear he was looking forward to Dorothea's visit.

I-I-I'm calm!

-Which way?

Nicks seemed to be unhappy with me, but sometimes he would take a deep breath to relieve his tension.

And he wasn't supposed to get along with Dorothea until a while ago. -Brother, you look pathetic.

I shrugged and shook my head. Luxon, unconvinced by my comment, spoke with his usual sarcasm.

[If your brother is pathetic, then you're even worse, Master.]

-Idiot. I make up my mind if I can't escape, you know? My brother is already at the marriage countdown stage, but he's worried too much.

[I'd say that's a misconception.]

- Where? I guessed he was fine yesterday too? And I was quite worried.

[I am referring to the part where the Master is prepared to make a decision when he cannot escape. It was you who worried too much until the end. You have no right to make fun of your brother].

-Really?

When I became morose, Colin was looking at me from a corner of the room. -Colin!

-Hii!

When I stood up quickly, Colin was startled and ran off.

I reached out my hand to Colin, who had run away, and was depressed that I couldn't talk to him today either.

-If only he would talk to me. Luxon, do something about it.

Even though I gave him an unreasonable order, Luxon refused.

[I don't want to because it's already largely resolved.]

-What do you mean, you don't want to? It's an order!

[No problem. We're already working on a solution.]

-Is it true?

While I was doubting Luxon, the entrance of the mansion became bustling.

Apparently, Dorothea and the others had arrived.

◇

Having suffered a heartbreak, Colin had been looking for an opportunity to apologize to Leon.

However, he could not talk to him easily.

When he went to see Leon again, he found Noelle in his wheelchair. -Leon, did you talk to Colin?

-I couldn't.

-I see. I want to talk to him too, but he's avoiding me now.

Colin's heart ached to see them both so depressed.

However, when he saw the two of them getting along, there were still some parts of him that couldn't digest it.

It's a terribly divided story for young Colin in several ways, and this time too, he left this place without talking to Leon.

At least I'll apologize in a place where Noelle isn't.

He missed the opportunity to apologize because he was running away like that.

When he tried to go to a quiet place, he saw through the window of the mansion his parents taking out a boat.

What was taken out of storage was a floating boat.

The boat was loaded with food and drinks.

Barkas was dressed a little better than usual, and Luce was also well groomed. Colin was curious about what the two were doing and went outside.

When he left the mansion and arrived outside, they were about to board the boat. Barkas was helping Luce on board.

Then Colin called out to them.

-Where are you going? We have a visitor today, don't we?

Colin thought it was strange that they had to leave the house when they had been told they would have important guests today.

However, both Barkas and Luce looked at each other and smiled.

-Nicks will take care of them, so that's fine. Dad will be out with Mom, so you should be quiet without disturbing Nicks.

When Barkas said that, Luce let Colin know that, too.

-That's right. Stay out of Nicks' way. You just have to play with everyone else. Colin didn't quite understand, but decided to nod for the moment.

-All right. Other than that, where are you guys going?

Barkas was shy and scratched his cheeks with his fingers.

-Ah～, that's it. I thought about looking around the territory with your mother. Get on a small boat and go around that area.

They took a small floating boat to go around the territory.

It wasn't about taking a ride in the skies, it's more like a little outing.

However, Colin was concerned that his parents were more excited than usual.

And then he came up with an answer.

-Maybe it's a date?

Luce narrowed her eyes.

-Oh, this child has grown up, has he?

Barkas scratched his head without answering.

He must have been shy.

Then Luce answered instead.

-I've reconciled with your father, so now we're going out together. So, Colin, you should stay home.

-But why are you going out at a time like this?

Is it okay for your parents to be absent when Dorothea comes from the Roseblade family?

Barkas answered Colin's question.

-It's to make Nicks feel better. Colin, don't get in Nicks' way. But you can get in Leon's way, it's okay if you worry him a little.

Luce agreed with Barkas' opinion.

- I still don't know if that kid is awesome or not?

It seems his parents are wondering how to evaluate Leon.

However, Colin was relieved to see them together.

The two have reconciled.

Recently the two were somewhat distant and, as a child, he worried about them. Colin was relieved when the two were back together.

-It's okay. I'll read a book in my room.

Barkas patted Colin's head a little roughly. -Good boy.

As he watched them leave in their boat, Colin began to feel a little envious. They are a very close couple.

Not long ago, he had a main wife named Zola, but Colin didn't have very good memories of that.

She wasn't usually at the mansion, and sometimes she would come and complain.

Although she was Barkas' wife, she was never seen as part of the family. When the two of them disappeared, Colin noticed.

- Huh? Dad was married to my mom and Zola, but he's always been on his own after that, right?

Zola disappeared before he knew it and no one in the family mentioned his name.

He thought he shouldn't ask when he was a kid, but Barkas didn't seem to want to marry another woman after that.

Colin felt uncomfortable.

-... What?

◇

When Colin returned to the mansion, Jenna and Finley were walking down the hallway.

The two didn't seem to have noticed Colin and started talking when they stopped in the hallway.

Colin decided to hide behind the pillars and wait for them to leave, thinking they would do something cruel to him.

Then, the two began to whine.

-Ah～ my goodness! Why do the ladies come to a camp like ours?

Jenna made a face of incomprehension and complained that she didn't understand why there were classy ladies like Angie and so on in the house.

Finley seemed to agree, but was not dissatisfied.

-It's strange, but it's okay because we can get presents.

Finley gave that nonchalant comment, but Colin agreed.

When Angie stayed at the mansion, the food became luxurious.

In addition to the lodging fee, they also received gifts from Duke Redgrave, and Colin was pleased with some rare treats.

If you have Angie, you can get sweets...that's the degree of recognition she got. He had heard that she's a lady, but he didn't understand how big a lady she was.

However, since her parents bowed to her, he thought she was better than them. Jenna, with her hand on her forehead, was amazed at Finley's nonchalant attitude.

-They're not usually people you can relate to unless you're involved with them. I was surprised when it happened with Leon, but I didn't think even Nicks would bring a countess.

-We're barons, aren't we?

-Dumbass!

-Ouch!

Jenna tapped her finger on Finley's forehead, who said that since they were nobles and barons, they should not be afraid.

Jenna explained to Finley in detail the reality of the Kingdom of Holfault.

-In our country, there is a difference between a baron and an earl as much as heaven and earth. Did you see the castle of the Roseblade family? That is a true nobleman. We have the rank of a hair being from a family of knights.

-It's true that an earl's family is amazing～.

Jenna gave a sigh to Finley, who seems to be dissatisfied.

-When you get into the academy you'll understand, even if you don't like it. The real ladies are on another level.

-What do you mean?

-All the clothes they wear are made to order and they have their own tailors. They even have their own airships too. The maids that follow them are from the gentlemen's family.

-It's amazing to be rich.

Finley was impressed, but apparently, she still didn't feel it was quite real.

So was Colin, who was listening to them, he even thought it was amazing, but he didn't get it either.

Jenna was annoyed by her younger sister who didn't get it, but she didn't scold her because she reminded her of how it was before she joined the academy.

-You won't understand now, but when you go to the royal capital you will understand. Then you'll notice how unnatural our situation is.

-I still wonder about that. Our boring older brothers bring some ladies with them. Our brother, Leon, is with a duke's daughter and our other brother, Nicks, is with an earl's daughter. I can't believe it either.

From Finley's point of view, knowing how they normally are, her older brothers are boring.

They really couldn't understand how beautiful ladies could fall in love with such boring brothers.

Then the story shifted to Dorothea, who is Nicks' partner.

Jenna folded her arms and looked down, as if worried.

-In Nicks' case, it's awkward because he will be taking over the house. His wife will eventually live in this mansion. I can put up with Miss Angelica leaving, but when I think that Miss Dorothea will be in charge of our house......

Jenna, blue in the face and trembling, was really scared.

Colin was frightened by the frightened appearance of his normally domineering sister behind the pillars.

"Miss" Dorothea? There are still people Jenna calls that. On the other hand, isn't Jenna really scared of her, I wonder if Dorothea is really scary?

Seeing Jenna scared, Finley also talked about the scary part of Angie.

-Oh～, I get it! When I asked Leon for money, she glared at me really hard with her eyes. That was scary～.

However, she laughed and said, "I made her mad."

Angie and Livia felt uncomfortable when they showed excessive attitude toward Leon.

From the perspective of the two, Livia, who is not a noble, was not scary.

But Angie was different.

Even Jenna could not be strong because of the solid existence of the noble class.

She is the strongest in the school caste, and Jenna could not go against her because she has solid standards.

If it were men, there would be some flexibility, but on the contrary, the hierarchical relationship between women had become very strict.

Jenna was angry with Leon for making things so difficult for her.

-Not only a duchess, but also a foreign princess. What about the boys in our family? Thanks to that, we can't do much.

Finley agreed with that opinion and complained about Leon.

-Right. It's only Leon, but I can't forgive him being surrounded by women. Generally, isn't it odd that he has three wives? What good is that big brother? The three of them together don't have good eyesight for men.

-Unbelievable～. If it were me, I would never forgive him. Even if he has money, he would never choose Leon.

The sisters scorned Leon together, but when Colin heard it, he understood the sense of discomfort growing in him.

... Maybe it's strange to have three wives?

◇

Colin's next stop was in the courtyard.

Because of various things he wanted to think about, he was sitting on the edge of the flowerbed in the courtyard and swinging his legs.

Then a man and a woman came out of the mansion.

The man was Nicks and the woman was Dorothea, his guest.

They couldn't seem to see Colin.

Nicks was a little nervous, but he had something important to tell Dorothea.

Colin remembered his parents telling him not to bother Nicks, so he said, "I have to hide,"

and slipped out of their sight.

So, Nicks...

-Dorothea!

-Y-Yes!

Dorothea, who was called by name and had a strained, whiny voice, had a bright red face just like Nicks.

-I-I want to... live... here... with... you.

Dorothea responded aloud after a brief pause from Nicks, who was shy, but was able to convey her feelings as best she could.

-I-I would like to live here!

They both had bright red faces and did not move for a while. Then, they started laughing together, maybe because it was funny.

... Colin had witnessed a scene of confession.

Colin, who was observing the situation, congratulated him in his heart as he felt envious of Nicks' appearance.

Congratulations, brother Nicks.

And Dorothea also conveyed her feelings to Nicks.

-I love you, Nicks.

-I-I love you too.

-Yes, but I think I love you more. No matter how many times I'm reborn, I'll find you and fall in love with you. And we'll be together again and again. I wouldn't give you away to anyone.

Nicks was embarrassed to hear those passionate words.

-Ahaha, I'm happy about that. Ah, but umm...

Dorothea shook her head at Nicks, who was hesitating.

Nicks seemed to have given up and made some conditions.

-About the necklace, if you promise not to do it in public, we can do it when we're alone. He didn't deny Dorothea's hobby and laid out the conditions for doing it. Dorothea then shook her head.

-No, that's not necessary.

-Huh?

-I don't need a necklace or a chain between you and me.

-R-Right! Ah, I'm sorry. Not that I'm happy about it, I just thought it would be nice to have that kind of relationship.

-Of course. From now on... I'll be with you forever. I'll never leave you. -Y-Yes?

Nicks seemed to be troubled by Dorothea's manner of speaking, but didn't think much of it.

Realizing that the two were trying to kiss, Colin, whose face turned bright red, decided to leave the place quietly.

However, Colin thought somehow.

Hmm, is this normal? I'm feeling a little scared.

◇

It was before dinner.

Colin went to visit Nicks' room.

Nicks looked very tired, but he was happy with his successful confession. Because of that, he was happy to welcome Colin to his room.

-What's wrong? If you want me to help you apologize to Leon?

-It's not that. I have something to ask you, brother Nicks.

-Something to ask me?

-Yeah. -Well... Nicks, you're marrying Dorothea, aren't you?

-O-Oh. So, it would seem.

Nicks, who was shy but affirmative, was very happy.

- I wonder if I match well as her spouse... It seems unbelievable that I laughed when Leon got engaged to Angelica since it was a story unrelated to me.

-That's right. ... So, are you going to marry someone else afterwards?

Hearing Colin's question, Nicks furrowed her brows for a moment.

However, he immediately softened his expression when he saw that it was a child's question, and Nicks answered Colin's question.

-Since you've seen our father and Leon, do you think that way?

-Yes. Dad was married to this woman named Zola.

Nicks briefly explained the situation when he saw Colin, who had a hard time saying Zola's name.

-They weren't part of the family. My dad married Zola out of necessity, and our real family is us. First of all, our father can't work alone in the territory.

In the Kingdom of Holfault, where the power of some women continued for a long time, the male side with a weak position had a concubine and a mistress.

The reason is that the presence of a female companion was inevitably indispensable to work.

Whether you were a nobleman who was given a job by the royal palace or a nobleman who had a territory, the efficiency of work would be reduced if there was no one who could take care of the house.

Moreover, if you let him take care of the house, your family would be safer. For this reason, he had to have another woman as a wife.

Otherwise, the family would not be able to do their work and many of them would go bankrupt.

So, when Barkas took Luce as a concubine, he never touched a woman after that.

Within Barkas, only Luce was his wife.

-Our father married because he couldn't do anything about it, but I think he would have only married our mother.

Colin confirmed Nicks' feelings.

-Is it the same for you, Nicks?

-I can't guarantee it in the future, but I can't think of any other woman now. Colin thought when he heard Nicks' words.

Is Leon, who has three spouses, really the odd one out?

Colin hadn't been very aware of marriage until now, but after his first love and heartbreak, he began to think about various things.

Then what he could see was Leon's fiancées.

Why does Leon have three fiancées, he thought.

◇

-Brother Leon, sorry about the other day.

Facing Colin, who was bowing deeply, my eyes were burning.

I didn't realize Colin was in love with Noelle.

-I'm sorry too. I should have explained it to you from the beginning.

-It's okay. It was my fault.

Not long ago I thought he was a boy, but Colin seems to be growing up not only in appearance but also on the inside.

I couldn't help but be happy with my younger brother's growth.

While I was impressed, Luxon started teasing me as he always does. [Your younger brother has grown mentally, isn't that something you should imitate, Master?]

-I would usually answer you with something, but I won't because we're in front of Colin.

And I'm also reflecting on that at the moment.

After dinner, Colin apologized and I was relieved to know that we are finally together.

Noelle, who was watching us, was very happy.

-I'm glad the two of you have reconciled.

Noelle, who had been worried about our relationship, looked very happy.

Angie and Livia, who were watching the situation, were also relieved.

-It took a while, but it was back to normal.

-Leon is also relieved. I'm glad to hear that all the problems have been fixed before the new semester starts.

Colin and I caused a lot of trouble for all three of us.

-Even though it was a vacation, the three of them didn't get to enjoy it. I am sorry.

I felt guilty for ending the spring break like that after the school festival. It all started when Angie and Livia worried about me in the first place.

Even if I told them, it was a misunderstanding, they didn't believe me and I was a little dissatisfied. However, thanks to that I was able to rest my body and I would like to thank all three of them. Angie gave me a kind smile.

-Don't worry. It's enough as long as you were distracted.

Livia put a hand to her chest, as if she felt the same as Angie.

-We had fun too, so don't worry. It's been a long time since we've had a chance to spend time with you, Leon.

Noelle opened her arms and expressed her joy with her body.

-Me too, my rehab is going well and I've had Leon's family treating me well. Rather, I feel a little sorry for them.

From their states, I could tell they cared about me.

-Thank you all three. ... What's wrong, Colin?

Tugging at my clothes, I turned to look at Colin, who was also looking at me. Colin said to me with a serious expression as I turned to see if there was anything else. -Brother Leon.

-What's wrong?

-I think you should take good care of all three of them. Yes, you should definitely make them happy. The word "definitely" was heavy and I hesitated to answer for a moment.

However, there's no point in denying it here, so I decided to nod.

-That's true. I intend to.

There is no such thing as definitely in this world.

So, I can't make a promise, but I think Colin didn't find the answer I gave that I was willing to do it reliable.

-Be clearer! Nicks has duly confessed his feelings to Dorothea and said he would no longer think of anyone else.

I didn't expect to hear the story of Nicks' confession from Colin. Yes, first of all.

-You're lying?!?!? That idiot Nicks confessed!?!?!?

-He did! -Dorothea said she'd marry Nicks no matter how many times she was reborn! -

Huh? -Isn't that a little heavy?

Isn't that a little heavy? No, it's really too heavy?!?

For a person like me who has a previous life, it's the same as saying that it will haunt him even if he dies.

That Nicks didn't think anything about it?

-By the way, how was Nicks' reaction when he heard that line from Dorothea? Was he surprised? Or was he scared?

Colin was giving me a look as if to say Why are you asking me that?

-He was delighted. It's only natural because the confession was a success.

-Are you kidding me?!?

If she had told me that, I would have thought of a way to get away from her at all costs. It's too scary to be chased after you die!

The girls were excited, although it's not a line one should get excited about.

-Dorothea said it too, didn't she? No matter how many times I'm reborn, I want to meet you no matter how much I am reborn.

-I feel it is an incredible destiny to meet even if we are reborn. If I am reborn, I will look for all of you.

-The women of the kingdom say great things. But... it's a good thing, isn't it?

... Are you kidding? Why is this so popular?

I felt cold down my spine.

Something like being chased into the afterlife... with Marie, that's enough. But in Marie's case, it's not a sexy story, and since it's on a fun margin, is it still acceptable?

As he thought about it, Colin continued the conversation.

-Brother Leon, are you listening to me? I think you should be more assertive. Learn from Brother Nicks.

-Yes.

I never thought the day would come when my younger brother would lecture me. Luxon was teasing me, maybe because he finds it interesting.

[His younger brother's growth is really encouraging. What do you guys think?] The three people who were smiling until a while ago were a little jealous of Dorothea. Angie put her fist to her lips.

-I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of Dorothea.

Livia had a hand on her cheek.

-I was surprised that Nicks confessed. I certainly admire him.

Noelle looked at me with concern.

-I guess that makes Leon the worst of the siblings when it comes to love. Colin experienced heartbreak and apologized properly.

Nicks confessed.

Compared to those two, I seem to be inferior in the romantic part.

I find the part where I win within this suffering.

-... I don't lose in the number of fiancées.

Luxon and the three shook their heads in disgust.

All four understood that he was joking, but Colin didn't seem to get it.

- That's not the problem! You have three important people, so, Brother Leon, you have to work three times as hard!

-Y-yes.

It's a kid's mystery theory, but I get what he means.

From Colin's point of view, it's hard to accept that the person he loves is one of several fiancées.

Colin looked like he was about to cry.

-I can't make her happy, so I have to count on you, Brother Leon. Actually, I want to make her happy, but it's impossible... So please Brother Leon, make all 3 of them happy.

What should I say to my little brother about to cry, should I say, "I'll make everyone happy, so leave it to me!"?

But I feel like I'd be lying if I said that.

Looking at me in the rush of the moment, Luxon spoke in a slightly amused voice. [How do you feel when your younger brother argues the truth to you?]

-... I can't answer anything.

◇

Count Roseblade's castle.

Dorothea, who returned from the Baltfault family's territory, was visibly animated. Deirdre, who was observing the situation, was astonished but happy.

-I didn't think the other party was going to confess. So, did you convey your feelings correctly, sister? Since your partner shrinks back.

When Dorothea turned to Deirdre, she gave a slightly grim smile.

-Of course. No matter how many times I was reborn, I was willing to accept that we would be bound each time. After all, chains can't be physically connected. It's not enough at all.

Even if I die, the soul chain is supreme if I can be bound with him in the afterlife.

Dorothea was serious and intended to meet and connect to Nicks no matter how many times she was reborn.

The weight of her love astounded her sister Deirdre.

-Isn't it simply because she didn't take it so seriously?

-That's fine. I just won't let it go.

Deirdre shrugged when she saw Dorothea smiling.

-She's my only older sister, but she's a woman with a heavy love.