Chapter 241: The Final Reward
"I have no home to return to... because my father's subordinates are at my boarding house."
When asked about the situation, Ciel hesitated for a moment before explaining.
"I've mentioned it before, right? That I have a marriage proposal. My father sent a servant to watch over me so that I wouldn't run away."
"A watcher... Are you and your father on bad terms or something?"
"It's not like that... I think."
She seemed unsure.
Since she was a child, Ciel would sneak out of the mansion and visit the village in her territory.
That was how she met Leon... Her father must have seen her as a troublesome, mischievous daughter.
"So I get that you don't want to go home... but why don't you stay at some inn? Why do you have to come to my place?"
"That's right, Ciel-san. It's not proper for a lady to stay at a man's house!"
"Isn't it weird for Aeris to say that!?"
Ciel retorted.
Well, it was not a kind of word for her who had been staying at the Baskerville family's mansion before they got engaged, and had used my bath and bed, should say.
"Even if I stay at an inn, they'll just take me back, right? But... if it's the Baskerville family, they won't dare to mess with me, I think"
"Hmm..."
That was probably true.
A great noble family of the royal capital. The rulers of the night in the Slayers Kingdom. Who would dare to barge in and demand "Give back our young lady" to them?
If I felt like it, I could make such rude people float in the river by the next morning.
"So... please! Let me stay! I won't ask for free... I'll help with the chores too!"
"We have enough staff. Like the oyakodon... I mean, parent and child maids have joined us too"
"Don't say that! Please!"
"...Zenon-sama."
Aeris looked sympathetic and observed my expression.
Honestly, it's not a big deal to let her stay over. If there are any concerns... it's that she might just end up living in my house without any clear plan.
Rather than thinking it's fine because I'm getting more women, my mindset is more like, "Don't turn someone's house into a gathering place."
"...Well, I guess it can't be helped."
But then again, it's hard to get a good night's sleep when I just leave things alone. It's not like I dislike Ciel.
In the previous game from my past life, she was one of my favorite heroines, and I don't wish any misfortune upon her. She also took care of me in various ways at night. Yes...a lot of things.
"Alright... I'll let you stay. Just be on your best behavior."
"Thank you! I'm grateful!"
Ciel jumped with joy, looking very cute, but she's the main heroine after all.
Unlike Aeris or Nagisa, she's Leon's childhood friend, a classic heroine. But is it really okay for her to stay at another man's house?
"Well, things will work out somehow... Do as you please."
"Zenon-sama is really kind. I'm falling for you all over again."
"...Thanks."
After lightly patted Aeris's head, I summoned the carriage in front of the academy. After delving into the dungeon, I was quite fatigued. I wanted to return and rest as soon as possible.
Now, as we waited for the carriage to arrive, I noticed Electra standing somewhat lost.
"Ah, Electra... I mean, Your Highness, what will you do? Will you return to the castle as is?"
The dungeon exploration was already over, and the promise to follow me during the exploration had been fulfilled. So, U asked with a changed tone.
"Well, then... I shall stay at Marquis Baskerville's mansion."
"Huh? Why?"
It didn't make sense. Was Electra, not just Ciel, also planning to run away from home?
"Because... it's lonely. Even though everyone here helped conquer the dungeon together, I feel like an outcast!"
"Lonely... But, you're not a kid, so..."
"Since Father also told Marquis Baskerville to treat me well, he should definitely allow me to stay out overnight! Today, I will definitely be staying over!"
"...Seriously?"
"Even Her Highness Electra..."
"Wow... Electra-sama is so bold."
At this point, we are all amazed by Electra's selfishness.
In the end, I couldn't convince Electra before the carriage arrived.
And thus, this is the final reward for clearing the 'Sage's Playground'.
I successfully brought home two beautiful women.