Ch.348Side Story 1 – Southern Continent Travelogue (3)

“You’re leaving without a word?”

The feeling of my entire body freezing under the cold gaze of the Etherian Princess.

I steadied my trembling hands and calmly picked up the teacup.

“I’m not leaving, just going away briefly. And since it was suddenly decided today, I was about to tell you right away.”

“Suddenly…?”

“I’ve never been to the Southern Continent before.”

“That place is dangerous—no one from other continents goes there except you.”

Dangerous place?

The Southern Continent is commonly referred to as a dangerous land by people from the Northern, Western, and Eastern Continents.

Rumors circulate about its harsh environment, endless wars, and being a haven for outlaws, with stories often exchanged about how difficult it is to return alive after setting foot there.

However, all these rumors contained only half-truths.

To those unaware of the reality, the Southern Continent might appear as a treacherous wasteland, but the content of the novel was completely different.

The land known to be desolate was actually green and abundant, where rivers flowing from various regions formed massive deltas that irrigated vast farmlands.

Villages along the rivers were prosperous, and the inhabitants of each territory harvested plentiful grains and fruits while enjoying peaceful daily lives.

‘In fact, Serion Lycus, the protagonist of the novel, ate well and enjoyed himself in the Southern Continent.’

The main reason dangerous rumors spread was because mercenaries and adventurers flocked to the Southern Continent, making it appear rough and full of outlaws on the surface.

However, this actually strengthened the region’s security.

After all, crime struggles to take root in places with many strong individuals.

“If it were truly dangerous, Federix would have already objected.”

Despite explaining everything clearly, the Etherian Princess’s furrowed brow refused to relax.

“The Southern Continent and our Eastern Continent don’t have a bad relationship, but it’s not exactly friendly either.”

“That’s precisely why I should go. Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Know your enemy and know yourself, and you’ll win every battle’?”

“What if I refuse?”

I gazed softly at the Etherian Princess.

“I want to raise you, Sairine, and our future children safely. Shouldn’t I gather information about the Southern Continent in advance?”

“…I’ve heard the women of the Southern Continent are particularly beautiful.”

“Haha! How could I look elsewhere when I’ve already won the two most beautiful women in the Eastern Continent?”

At that, the Etherian Princess shook her head with a reddened face.

“I suppose not.”

Then she added chillingly:

“…Because you wouldn’t want to die.”

Gulp.

The cold atmosphere made me feel like my body would freeze again.

Just then, someone burst through the bedroom door.

I reflexively turned my head to see Princess Sairine.

“My lord! Are you really leaving for the Southern Continent without me!?”

Princess Sairine knelt before me, looking up with teary eyes like a rain-soaked puppy.

I let out a short sigh.

“I’m just going for a simple reconnaissance. I’ll be back soon.”

“When will you return?”

“I’m not exactly sure, but I think a month should be enough.”

“A-a whole month?”

“Well, it takes quite some time to travel there and back. And please, it’s uncomfortable, so could you sit down first?”

At my words, Princess Sairine sniffled and sat in the chair opposite me before continuing.

“I have to go a whole month without seeing you, my lord. How will I endure it?”

They’re both wonderful, but I get the feeling that ‘Selden Alphonse’ is the only thing in their lives.

Even though we’re married, everyone should have their personal space, yet they think only of me.

I know this sounds like complaining from a position of privilege.

It’s not that their devotion is bad, but I need time to breathe too.

That’s why I’m so desperately trying to persuade them to let me go to the Southern Continent.

“I heard there are many beautiful accessories in the Southern Continent.”

“A-accessories?”

Princess Sairine’s eyes sparkled at the mention of accessories.

In truth, persuading the Etherian Princess was the challenge; Princess Sairine was simple.

“I’ll bring back many for you.”

“My lord, you must return safely! Understood!?”

“…Of course I’ll return safely.”

“But I’ve heard the women in the Southern Continent are beautiful. What would happen to you if you were to stray?”

Princess Sairine smiled broadly, tears still not dry in her eyes.

At times like this, she seemed even more frightening than the Etherian Princess.

“I’m not going alone anyway. I’m going with Jawill Wilson.”

“Not with Lord Rain Breaker, but with Lord Jawill Wilson?”

“The Knight Commander needs to manage his knights.”

“Then I should console Lady Clara too.”

“What consolation?”

“They’re about to get married, but Lord Jawill Wilson will be separated from her for a month.”

Was that it?

She was firing attack spells indiscriminately at the Guardian Corps members with crazed eyes earlier—was that a demonstration aimed at me?

“…Could you explain it to Clara for me?”

“Of course. But tell Lord Jawill Wilson to buy many accessories for Lady Clara too. Women are weak for gifts, you know.”

Princess Sairine winked at me.

Now only the Etherian Princess remained.

“…Etherian, will you permit me to visit the Southern Continent?”

“Even if I didn’t permit it, you’d leave anyway, wouldn’t you?”

“Come on, how could I leave without your permission?”

After studying my eyes intently, the Etherian Princess shook her head sharply.

“…One month, not a day more.”

Finally, permission granted.

Inside I was rejoicing, but outwardly I maintained my composure and nodded.

“Understood. And there won’t be any of the things you’re worried about, Etherian.”

“What worries are you referring to?”

“You were worried about it being dangerous.”

“Are you confident?”

“You know I’m not weak enough to die a violent death in the Southern Continent, right?”

“…Confidence is good, but arrogance is not.”

Sigh…

These two are so different in personality that I have to persuade them separately.

It’s frustrating, but what can I do?

Freedom is just around the corner if I endure a little longer.

“I’ll maintain humility throughout my journey in the Southern Continent. Satisfied now?”

“What about women?”

“What about them?”

“What will you do if women in the Southern Continent show interest in you?”

“I’ll treat them like stones. Very hard stones.”

“…Your mindset isn’t bad.”

At my sincere plea, the Etherian Princess’s expression finally softened.

It truly was one hurdle after another.

By the way.

I wonder if Jawill Wilson managed to persuade Clara?

From the atmosphere in the training grounds earlier, it seemed he hadn’t even properly broached the subject…

Is he acting so recklessly because this is his last adventure before returning to Lake Territory and inevitably getting married to Clara?

As a married senior, I think it’s an extremely dangerous mindset, but ultimately everyone is responsible for their own life.

There’s no need for me to offer advice.

That experience will become his bone and flesh too.

Yes, indeed.

“But now that I think about it, I don’t feel good.”

“What has made you feel bad?”

“Anyone would think I chased after women quite a bit before marriage.”

“That’s not true. If you had pursued women, this bedroom would now contain not just me and Sairine, but also your former fiancée Elina Parseche, the Western Continent Princess Joanna Lumiere, and—”

“S-stop…”

“I still have several more to mention.”

I always need to be careful with my words in front of the Etherian Princess.

Even after marriage, she collected all information related to me as a hobby.

No, to be precise, it’s not past tense but ongoing.

Thanks to that, even women I briefly encountered are all remembered in her head, making me cautious with every word I speak.

“Anyway, I’ll be careful in the Southern Continent, so I’d appreciate if you stopped nagging.”

“…It’s not nagging.”

“For the speaker, it might not be nagging, but for the listener, it sounds like it.”

After I spoke a bit more firmly, the Etherian Princess shook her head again.

“…Fine. I’ll stop. But I heard you’re departing in three days?”

“There are things I need to prepare, and once they’re ready, I’ll leave immediately.”

“Three days should be enough.”

“For what?”

As I tilted my head in confusion, the Etherian Princess gave me a chilling smile that made my whole body tingle.

Then, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs elegantly, she said:

“…Enough time to conceive a child.”

“W-what!?”

I felt momentarily breathless.

The Etherian Princess maintained her smile while tapping her teacup with her fingertips, as if reminding me that time was running short.

“W-wait, come to think of it, I have more to prepare—”

“My lord!?”

“…Huh?”

Just as I sensed danger and urgently tried to stand up, I suddenly felt Princess Sairine’s presence behind me.

She brought her lips close to my ear and whispered softly:

“Don’t even think about sleeping until you leave for the Southern Continent.”