Ch.324Awakening (4)

Thanks to Kate, who woke up with her eyes open in the castle, a storm blew through, but fortunately we were able to get past it well.

It was thanks to Kate’s non-concession of waiting until her turn came. There was no opposition from the other women either.

In truth, this was partly my fault, but since Luminus pulled the trigger, it’s difficult to blame anyone. It’s only because it’s me—who would dare question a god?

Of course, as karma for that, I couldn’t avoid being treated as public property for a while. I thought she was joking, but she really did it.

Marie was especially intense. She was already troubled because of Arwen, and then suddenly Kate showed up too, causing her jealousy to explode.

She would bite my neck hard enough to leave teeth marks, leave kiss marks, or occasionally bite my cheeks, and so on.

I humbly accepted her expressions of affection and jealousy. Even ending it at this level showed Marie’s great generosity.

Anyway, all of Kate’s sexual concerns were resolved, and we returned to our normal daily life. With more people around now, I spent my days opening fan letters and gifts.

But there are still countless things left to do. Most notably, Leona at the academy.

According to Marie, she’s been searching hard for me. From what I hear, her mother has also arrived at the academy.

If I leave it like this, I might hurt Leona’s feelings, and her mother might also view me negatively.

Since she knows I’m Xenon, she might be somewhat understanding. Still, I must go to gain her favor.

In that sense, I sent a message to the Empire saying I would return to the academy. It’s better to inform them in advance rather than showing up unannounced and causing a commotion.

But how do I inform them? We can communicate through the mage dispatched to our mansion. While teleportation isn’t possible, small items can be exchanged.

Thinking that mages are truly versatile if not omnipotent, I received a reply. First was the dormitory issue.

The academy outwardly advocates equality, but it’s not entirely so. It’s more about “fairness” than equality.

Although everyone is assigned one dormitory, security and guards differ slightly depending on social status.

There’s little difference up to the rank of count, but from marquis up, they’re assigned to dormitories with stricter security, and for royalty like Leort or Rina, it’s a different level entirely.

It would never happen, but what if—just what if—someone were to break in? What if they harmed a royal?

The academy’s reputation would be ruined, and international chaos would ensue. Especially the Kingdom of Teres would be implicated.

To prevent such incidents, students of royal status or higher are assigned to dormitories with multiple layers of security. This applies to foreign students as well.

‘I wonder if Hyria will come to the academy?’

That does make me curious. If she continues her studies, it could be interesting.

Anyway, the dormitory assignment was completed without issue. They’ll probably add guards too.

Speaking of guards, the next issue relates to them. A major difficulty has arisen here.

Adelia has always been my dedicated maid, so she’ll naturally remain by my side. The problem is who else to assign and how many.

I’d prefer to move with as few people as possible, but that’s difficult. With the real threat of demon worshippers, it would be suicidal.

Yet I can’t move quietly and unnoticed either. This red hair makes me stand out wherever I go.

However, disguise magic could somewhat conceal my appearance. With many magic-proficient people around me, this is quite feasible.

Especially the “Reapers” to be dispatched from Helium will be a great help. They plan to eliminate all potential threats around me rather than provide direct protection.

‘It would be nice if I could give autographs while I’m at it.’

I feel a bit sorry for Gartz, but let’s move on. I’ve received much help from him, including the typewriter, so I can give him handwritten autographs to his heart’s content.

Anyway, I only want one thing. I don’t mind standing out, but I hope it’s not too excessive.

It’s called the Streisand effect—even for Xenon, having too many guards might backfire.

In that sense, I need elite guards, but such forces aren’t just sitting around idle.

In a world where “people” are weapons and military assets themselves, there’s much to consider.

Of course, the Empire isn’t stupid and has already thought this through. They’ve long since selected personnel in anticipation of this.

But an unexpected obstacle emerged. Other countries besides the Empire of Minerva have expressed willingness to dispatch guards.

Even simple guard deployment has become entangled with international politics, giving the Empire a headache.

Therefore, there’s currently no personnel who can “directly” guard me except for Adelia.

I have complete faith in Adelia’s abilities, but I worry about her getting hurt.

The one fortunate thing is that Marie is fully an imperial citizen, so the Empire is directly guarding her. That’s why nothing has happened so far.

The problem is me. I was considering postponing my return to the academy due to this dilemma.

“Then why don’t I serve as your guard until then?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m not affiliated with any faction and am loyal only to Luminus and you, Issac.”

When I was pondering this unexpected problem, a voice reached my ears. I looked up to see who it belonged to.

It was Kate, who had somehow come to our mansion. She was looking at me with a smile.

“When did you arrive… no, before that, how did you know about my concerns?”

“Luminus told me. Specifically, he said I would be needed. I heard about the guard issue from someone else.”

“No way.”

This person, really. I wanted to say something, but seeing Kate’s face, I just let out a hollow laugh.

At least this time it wasn’t a toss; Luminus seems to have noticed my concerns and sent her.

‘Thankfully her eyes are normal.’

I gazed intently at Kate’s eyes. Unlike before, they were normal now.

Back then, they were somewhat… sticky, yet mixed with Kate’s characteristic innocence.

Fortunately, she seems calm now, but you never know. She might request my “seed” again at any time.

Anyway, let’s move past that and return to the guard issue.

“…So you’re saying you’ll be my guard, Kate?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Hearing Kate volunteer to be my guard, I glanced at Adelia. She seemed to be watching cautiously, having judged that an unexpected competitor had appeared.

She even cleared her throat. But Adelia isn’t just a guard; she’s my dedicated maid who will serve me to the end, so there won’t be any overlap.

I carefully considered Kate’s offer point by point. Since Luminus sent her, all other countries would likely accept it.

But practicality must also be considered.

‘Combat ability…’

She’s been smashing demon worshippers’ heads, so questioning that would be absurd. Let’s skip this.

Second, political neutrality. Sabre maintains neutrality along with the Dutchy of Bellua, so there shouldn’t be any issues.

Finally, justification. Kate holds the highest rank in Sabre as Grand Inquisitor, which might seem excessive for a guard.

But if I’m the one being guarded, that’s different. With the threat of demon worshippers, there’s hardly a better guard.

Moreover, she can temporarily declare a “sanctuary,” making her the most appropriate personnel.

In summary, she’s a perfect guard with no drawbacks or issues whatsoever.

“…That sounds good. There’s certainly almost no one better than you, Kate. I’ll accept your offer.”

“Thank you.”

“But please note that you’re not a dedicated maid like Adelia. When I enter my dormitory, you can’t come in without my permission. Understood?”

“…Yes.”

Why the delayed response, woman? Her mouth drew into a straight line, openly showing disappointment.

Surely she won’t sneak into my dormitory unable to control her lust? Even for Kate, that would be crossing a line.

I quietly spoke, hoping her self-control was much stronger than I anticipated.

“Have you already informed the Church about this?”

“I haven’t, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Why not?”

“They grant whatever I ask for.”

“…”

“Besides, since Issac has given permission, they’ll gladly accept it.”

Could it be she doesn’t realize how much influence she wields within Sabre?

It’s reasonable to doubt, as Kate cares about nothing except following Luminus.

Even when she eliminated the corrupt Cardinal Bark, it was just to destroy a vermin that was tarnishing Luminus’s name, nothing more, nothing less.

If I had to name the freest person in Sabre, it would be Kate. If she had set her mind to it, she could have become Pope with ease.

‘Thank goodness she’s on my side.’

If she were an enemy, it would have been troublesome. I was inwardly relieved, then suddenly remembered something I was curious about and asked Kate.

“But is it okay for you to not do your main job? There must still be demon worshippers around.”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Why not?”

“Just as insects are drawn to sweet fruit, those vermin will rush to harm you, Issac. Even hidden bugs will emerge to target you.”

“…”

“I can protect you, exterminate those vermin, and even be ready to receive your seed anytime. Isn’t that wonderful?”

I would have agreed if not for that last part.

I let out a hollow laugh and shook my head. One way or another, it’s undeniable that I’ve gained a reliable shield.

I stood up and extended my hand forward. It was a handshake offer saying I look forward to working with her.

“Then I look forward to working with you, Kate.”

“…”

Kate just stared blankly even though I offered a handshake. Her gaze alternated between my face and hand.

Rather than feeling embarrassed, I felt puzzled as I looked at Kate.

*Gulp*

Why is she suddenly swallowing?

“Haa… haa…”

And what’s with those perverted-sounding breaths? Why is her face turning red?

Just as I was about to withdraw my hand, sensing her switch had been flipped, Kate quickly grabbed my hand with an urgent expression.

Not with one hand, but with both. And she was kneading it uncomfortably.

Even when I tried to pull my hand away in embarrassment, she absolutely wouldn’t let go. Instead, she greeted me in that state.

“Ah, I look forward to working with you, Issac…”

“Uh… yes.”

“Issac’s hand… it’s really soft. Someday with this hand…”

Feeling somewhat scared, I forcibly pulled my hand away. I felt things were heading in a dangerous direction.

When I withdrew my hand, Kate looked disappointed for a moment, then brought both her hands close to her face.

And then…

“Sniff… haa…”

“…”

Like a drug addict inhaling drugs, she took a very deep breath. The somewhat erotic exhale was a bonus.

I looked at Kate with a bewildered expression. She caressed her face with both hands for a while, then lowered one hand.

From her neck to her collarbone, chest, stomach, and finally reaching…

“Ex-excuse me for a moment.”

Perhaps she came to her senses belatedly. Just as her hand was about to reach a dangerous place, Kate hurriedly fled.

I stared blankly at her retreating figure, then shifted my gaze to my hand.

“…I’m not catnip.”

Even physical contact seems dangerous with Kate. At least she wasn’t this severe before she opened her eyes.

“But you are. Human catnip.”

“…”

I’ll ignore Adelia’s factual violence that isn’t really violence.

And so, with the guard issue resolved, I prepared to depart for the academy, and…

“…Kate?”

“Yes, Issac. What is it?”

“…Nothing.”

I ended up keeping the most dangerous time bomb by my side.