Chapter 38: How the Submissive Masochist Hero Boosts Her Husband’s Morale – Part 1

The banquet, held in a nearby city, was a more modest affair than one might expect.

After all, this wasn’t a gathering of royal nobles, but of rural aristocrats. As such, they prioritized superficial appearances, and the venue wasn’t extravagantly decorated. It felt more like a regular event for familiar faces to get together and let loose, perhaps because they rarely saw each other otherwise. The banquet was originally planned to be even smaller, but for a certain reason, it had become slightly more lavish than usual.

That reason was the Hero.

She was the woman with the most influence in the current royal court. The one who had slain the Demon King. Unlike her other party members, her own information had been made public, so there was hardly anyone who didn’t know of her. To put it bluntly, the value of the Hero alone surpassed that of all the country bumpkin nobles gathered here. She was a woman originally destined to marry a direct descendant of the king.

‘Is that the Hero?’

‘I thought it was a joke…’

‘To think someone like Tanjelo would get such an undeserving woman…’

‘Hush… stop it. Don’t insult the eldest son of the Tripol family.’

‘That’s right. You’ll regret it.’

‘But it’s Tanjelo we’re talking about.’

‘Could it be that the Hero has taken over the family? There were rumors like that going around when the news first broke…’

‘…For that to be the case, she seems to know her place.’

‘Whoa… her outfit is…’

‘How blatant.’

‘Is she planning to promote Tanjelo?’

‘No way…’

‘Otherwise, she wouldn’t wear something so slutty…’

‘Dammit.’

Their whispers were quiet, but by pushing her physical abilities to their limits, the Hero could hear every word. The disdain for the Tripol family, the wariness toward the Hero, the uncertainty of who to suck up to, the speculation on how the Hero would act, and the numerous assessments of Tanjelo, the future head of the family.

‘…I see. So they look down on Tanjelo.’

The Hero took in their opinions as she walked with all the grace she had learned. She moved silently, like his personal ornament, shadowing her prospective groom, Tanjelo, without even a whisper of breath. She had also received a great deal of advice about her attire. The head maid’s words at the time were as follows:

“In families where the wife holds more power than the husband, many women adorn themselves more lavishly than their husbands. They don’t follow behind him, instead wandering about freely to build their own connections. However, since this is your first time attending, and Sir Tanjelo tends to be looked down upon by his peers, I thought this outfit might be suitable. It’s quite revealing and difficult to wear, but there’s nothing better for elevating Sir Tanjelo in the eyes of those fools who haven’t even held a woman’s hand, let alone gotten engaged. Of course, I believe others will also instantly recognize your position… What do you think?”

“This isn’t even a dress anymore. Are you trying to mess with me because of what happened back then?”

“You’re not a fool. I admit there’s an element of that. But its effect will be outstanding, you see. To put it another way, there is no other dress quite like this. I believe it’s a good opportunity to put those young whelps who treat Sir Tanjelo like an idiot in their place.”

With that, she had presented the daring dress.

…Was it even a dress?

It was a full-body see-through dress that revealed everything underneath… Her genitals and nipples were completely exposed, covered only by nipple patches. Naturally, these weren’t vulgar hearts or stars, but stickers of the golden wheat fields symbolizing the Tripol family, affixed to each of her areolas and her vagina. Her golden pubic hair was completely exposed. Of course, to avoid a bushy appearance, Noah had personally trimmed it neatly into the shape of a heart, making her look, for all intents and purposes, like a sex slave.

‘I thought I could never do something like this… I thought I wasn’t a pervert like Reina… but I was wrong… The thought of being treated as a tool to elevate my husband… it might actually feel good…’

Recalling her time as the Vagina Clown, she came to a realization about her own sexual fetish.

It was slightly different from Lina’s exhibitionism and Reina’s desire for defeat. The Hero had a kink all her own.

‘I… I think I have a fetish for being treated like a tool or feeling devoted to someone… Come to think of it, I never knew how to refuse a quest someone asked of me, and I even happily went along with the Demon King hunt… I was such a huge pervert…’

Never imagining she would discover her own kink in a place like this, she followed Tanjelo, trying her best not to show her embarrassment. To walk around with her private parts covered only by patches, her heart-shaped pubic hair on full display… She wanted to cover her vagina and pubic hair with both hands right this instant, but she kept her face impassive, directed toward her husband. She didn’t forget to straighten her back and strike a pose that would draw the eyes of others.

‘This is embarrassing… so embarrassing… Ahh… I feel like my clitoris is going to get hard… If it gets hard with the patch on, they’ll notice… And my butthole feels so… Do other women really wear these things?’

Her rear was plugged with an anal plug, its end adorned with a pink gem. It wasn’t easily visible thanks to the Hero’s firm buttocks, but if one were to turn around, bend down, and look, they would be able to see the pink gem peeking out ♡ from her anus.

‘A Rose Plug… Forget the dress, I must be the only woman here with something like this in her ass! No matter how I look at it, this has to be that stupid head maid’s revenge, right?! Ugh… I was tricked!!’

At a gathering like this, no one would openly covet the Hero’s vagina or ass. As long as she kept her butt cheeks clenched, no one would know about the Rose Plug she had inserted. Fortunately, the skills she had learned so far proved effective. The Hero managed to follow Tanjelo without once faltering in her posture. The shaggy-haired boy, worried about his exhibitionist wife, kept glancing around as he went through the motions of formal greetings. No matter how foolish his actions, he was a nobleman by birth. He remembered the faces of those he had to greet first and those he had to show his face to as a matter of courtesy. As he greeted them, they would offer short replies, their eyes drifting to the Hero.

“So, is that her?”

“Yes. This is the woman who will be my wife… the Hero. I have not yet been granted permission to use her real name, but as you can see…”

“Hoh… How unexpected…”

“……………”

It was clear to everyone that his wife, the Hero, was getting more attention than he was. He also looked displeased, as if annoyed by the men who seemed to be coveting what was his. But Tanjelo suppressed those feelings and extended his palm toward his wife. The Hero took his hand, gave a brief curtsy, and then stepped back again. Her outfit was that of a perverted exhibitionist, but her actions were perfect. More importantly, she seemed to have no interest in anyone but her husband, saying nothing beyond a short greeting.

“A fine wife. It’s clear she’s worried about undermining her husband’s position. A rather bold outfit, but… such things were common in the old days.”

“Is that so?”

The noble who had exchanged greetings with Tanjelo spoke loudly, as if it were planned from the start, so that others could hear.

“Long ago, during the great wars, there were many marriages meant to continue bloodlines, without regard for a family’s status. For example, say there was a family ruined by war. Even if ruined, a woman from a distinguished bloodline might marry a common man who rose to prominence through the war. But… as you know, we nobles are obsessed with lineage. No matter how successful he becomes, it takes a long time for him to be recognized. When the two of them attend a banquet, it’s the wife who is approached, not the husband. Even in a patriarchy, that much doesn’t change. In fact, some men even hope she will swallow her husband’s family and revive her own. Because if she takes over the family, secludes her husband, and starts taking concubines, it creates chances for the other men who have been following her.”

This part was similar to what Noah had told the Hero right after she arrived at the Tripol estate.

“Imagine how the husband must feel, unable to gain the recognition of the surrounding nobles despite being a hero of his country. The wife’s heart must ache. The people around them don’t support her husband; they act like opportunists, urging her to swallow the family and revive her own.”

“Are you speaking from a true story?”

“Yes. So, to continue, she decided to cast aside her shame and attend a banquet in a daring outfit to boost her husband’s morale. It was a plea, a way of saying, ‘I am subservient to my husband, so do not speak to me. Guide his family by consulting with him.’ Such appeals were made time and time again. This is a kind of demonstration. It’s a tale of burying one’s bones in a new family, separate from the old. In that sense, it seems you, Sir Hero, love Tanjelo very much.”

“…Is that, so?”

“If the Hero hadn’t worn such an outfit, how many shameless fools here would ignore you and try to flatter her, hoping she’d put in a good word with the King? Everyone knows how much influence the Hero has, so it’s all the more likely. And yet, despite her attire, the Hero quietly follows you, Tanjelo. She is truly a wonderful woman.”

“Ah? W-was that it? Really?!”

“………………”

Tanjelo turned to ask, but the Hero merely smiled silently.

‘I didn’t know any of that, you idiot.’

The Hero had only done as Noah instructed. But knowing that even this perverted outfit had a profound meaning, she heard gasps of admiration from those around them. To be honest, she had felt burdened by the many who saw her as an object of lust, but that atmosphere had now dissipated considerably.

“I see… Th-thanks to you, I’ve learned something valuable…”

“Pay attention to your wife’s attire. Even if she wears something embarrassing, it all has its own meaning. By the way, since we’re on the topic, let me ask you something. My father is planning a banquet in the future. Could we hope for your attendance then? He said he wishes to speak at length with the man who will one day lead the Tripol family.”

“Of course. I will be sure to attend.”

“Then I’m glad. I’ll be able to send my father good news.”

In the middle of a pleasant conversation, he had suddenly secured a promise from Tanjelo. This must have been his aim all along.

‘My foolish husband was completely played. That story just now was probably all made up. I got swept up in the mood, but it was so absurd that anyone could see through it with a moment’s thought.’

Whether the story was true or not didn’t matter. In return for lightening the mood, he had extracted a promise. Watching from a distance, the Hero realized that she had no place in the conversations between nobles, and also that it would be trouble to leave Tanjelo to his own devices. She herself was inexperienced, but she knew Tanjelo was even more precarious. A maternal feeling, like the one she had when raising Tei, swelled in her chest.

‘I’m going to have to get my act together.’

Just as the Hero steeled herself to follow Tanjelo again, she noticed his feet heading outside.

“Wh-where are you going? That’s the balcony.”

“I’m done with the greetings for now.”

“…Oh. You are?”

“Yeah…”

Having finished his rounds, Tanjelo led the Hero into a shaded area. Despite the pleasant conversation, his eyes swam every time he looked at the Hero’s body. Though he had just lost his virginity yesterday, he was slightly erect through his pants, revealing his possessiveness over her.

“I-I heard what he said, but… I’d rather be ignored and have you wear something nicer… To be honest, I’m not even sure if that story was true…”

“You don’t like me walking around like this?”

“The Hero is my woman, but everyone keeps sneaking glances… and this feeling in my chest is all… churning… I felt like I was about to get angry…”

“Heeh…”

He was genuinely angry, a rare sight. The Hero found it cute, and the corners of her mouth lifted. Tanjelo even grabbed her wrist and pulled her firmly into a corner of the balcony, hiding her under the dark night sky as he pouted.

“Th-this was too much… Why did you have to expose this part too…”

Scratch, scratch.

He used his fingernails to scratch at the heart-shaped pubic hair, blatantly exposed on her dress. He pouted, his face beet red and trembling, as if to ask why she had to expose that of all things. The sight made the Hero’s smile widen. The one who should have been embarrassed was the Hero herself, wearing such an outfit, but it was Tanjelo who was trembling with shame.

“You don’t like it? The heart is cute. Doesn’t it give off the vibe that this place is exclusively for Tanjelo?”

“E-exclusively…?!”

“Yes. My vagina is Tanjelo’s. Tanjelo’s exclusive vagina. You said so yourself when you were excited yesterday… Don’t you remember?”

“That was then…! It’s embarrassing now that I’m in my right mind!”

“Really? Noah wanted to carve your name here… I guess I was right to refuse…”

“Hic?! Absolutely not! If you did that, it wouldn’t end with me just laughing it off like today! Miss Noah is just teasing you, so don’t take her too seriously!”

“I know. I’m not that much of an idiot. I put some thought into this myself, you know?”

“That’s not convincing at all!! H-Hero? Just because I made you do some stupid things, have you gotten too lax lately? Th-that’s it! I won’t make you do those tricks anymore! I’ll make you stop being a Vagina Clown, so… okay? So let’s be a little more serious…!! I won’t make you do that stuff again! If you’re getting revenge for what happened, please forgive me!!”

“I’m not particularly angry. I’m enjoying this too.”

“Lies… Even I know I’ve been making you do terrible things…! I feel so guilty every time the drugs wear off!”

“But you love it when I act cute and show you my funny tricks, don’t you? When you’re drunk or high, you beg me to show you, to do it right away, pestering me for my vagina tricks… Hehe, can you really hold back? It’s obvious you’ll ask for it again once you have another drink or the drugs kick in. Because you’re a pervert, Tanjelo.”

“A pervert…?!”

“You act nice on the outside, but you’re a pervert brimming with possessiveness and a desire to show off. A man who, if he gets a good woman, wants to boast to everyone that she’s his. Even though I’m wearing this outfit, a part of you is actually happy and itching with excitement, right?”

“Ugh, I was a fool! I made a woman do things she shouldn’t! So, no more of that! Okay?!”

“Tanjelo gets rough as soon as he’s had a drink or some drugs… But I like that side of you, too. So you can treat me like more of a fool. After all, this kink is something you carved into me, so I’m quite happy, you know?”

“Treat you like a fool… a kink… But thinking about what I’ve made you do, I can’t deny it…!!”

“It’s a privilege. You’re the only one in this whole world who can treat me like a fool, treat me like a whore.”

“Ugh, ughh, well, I am happy deep down, but… I don’t want to admit it… I’m normal…”

“No way. Tanjelo, you’re a pervert. Right? A pervert who gets pleasure from disgracing the woman who will be his wife.”

“Ughhh…”

He clutched his head at the thought that he had broken the Hero. In contrast, the victim teased the perpetrator about his weakness and chuckled. Even though the effects of the drugs had mostly worn off, the two of them got along well without fighting. If Tanjelo himself, and not Noah, had been the one to commit all these acts and plant negative feelings in the Hero, the story might have been different. But ironically, the bad feelings were directed at Noah, while the Hero and Tanjelo maintained their good relationship.

“Hehe… Don’t worry about that. Anyway, the point is, whatever Tanjelo commands, whatever perverted things you say, whatever insults you throw at me, I enjoy it all, so don’t worry about it.”

“But… I-I’m just realizing this now… Miss Noah has been doing terrible things behind my back, hasn’t she? The drugs, too… something’s suspicious… Why won’t you tell me everything?”

“The Head of the Family or Noah will tell you someday. The head maid and I… we don’t get along very well, but we’re slowly resolving that, so don’t worry.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Let’s stop talking about family matters now that we’re here. I know we didn’t get to sort things out because we suddenly had sex yesterday without any explanation, but we can do that tomorrow, right? We came all this way for a banquet… Oh! Right! I heard Tanjelo’s peers calling for you earlier. How about we go over there?”

“Ah… those guys…”

Tanjelo’s expression, which had been joyful even while being teased by the Hero, quickly turned grim. The Hero wasn’t one to stand by and watch her husband’s spirit falter. She gently reached out, touched his cheek, and prodded him with her beautiful blue eyes.

“Why? What’s wrong? Are they people you don’t like?”

“They’re not people I dislike, but they kind of look down on me… As you know, Hero, because of my personality, I’m considered timid. Even when I’m called to gatherings with my peers, I mostly just end up listening to them brag. The usual pattern is they make fun of me, asking if I have anything like what they have… To be honest, I don’t want to show my face…”

“What do they brag about?”

“Those who got engaged before me brag about their women, the good-looking ones brag about the bodies of the young ladies they spent the night with, the skilled swordsmen brag about the monsters they’ve caught, and the rich ones brag about the new carriages or animals they’ve bought… In my family, my father himself often squanders money, so we don’t have much to brag about in terms of possessions… and I don’t have any talent myself… So, honestly, I don’t feel confident joining them.”

It wasn’t exactly bullying, but he was clearly being psychologically cornered.

That was enough to piss the Hero off.

“But this time, Tanjelo has something to brag about, right? You have something much bigger to boast about than the useless things your peers brag about.”

“I don’t have anything like that… The best I have is the mansion I just received, but from the perspective of the rich guys, it’s just shabby…”

“………Can’t I be something to brag about?”

“The Hero?”

“I am Tanjelo’s property. We’re not married yet, but I can do anything for you. Can’t I be something for Tanjelo to brag about?”

“W-well… that’s… In the first place, the Hero is too famous… It’s more like the Hero herself is her own bragging right… If I were to brag about the Hero, I’d obviously be ridiculed for being presumptuous… Besides, bragging about the Hero is just so blatant in its intentions, isn’t it pathetically desperate?”

“That’s true, but… even considering that, Tanjelo has one more thing to brag about.”

“Something I can brag about?”

“…This♡”

“Ugh?!”

She suddenly grabbed his crotch, causing Tanjelo’s hips to lurch forward. He was at a loss for words at her sudden action, staring blankly at her face. But the blonde beauty, unable to shake the disposition she’d had during her journey, smiled like her old mischievous self and seduced him.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make it so they can never look down on you again.”

“H-hey… what on earth are you planning to do…?”

“Well, it’s a wife’s job to boost her husband’s morale, isn’t it? Since we’re here, I thought I’d shed my inhibitions and give it my all.”

“Shed your inhibitions… Aah?! That kind of disgraceful behavior is for home only! You don’t need to act like a clown outside! So—!”

Rub, rub, rub~♡

“Ugh… uh…?!”

“Hehe… Hey, Tanjelo? I can stand being looked down on myself, but I can never stand it when my man is looked down on… So let’s go show those stupid little brats what a real man is, shall we~? Uhuhuhu…”

“Ughh…”

With that, the Hero grabbed Tanjelo’s penis and pushed him back into the banquet hall, making him lead the way. She couldn’t resist, even though Noah had told her not to, and nonchalantly pulled a cigarette she had secretly brought from her vagina, not forgetting to place it in his mouth. The very act of hiding a cigarette in the hole meant for her husband proved that the Hero was already an incorrigible drug addict, and Tanjelo, unable to refuse it, was the same.

Puff, puff~♡

Puff, puff~♡

“”Phwooo~♡””

The pervert switch for these two was none other than drugs and alcohol. Flipped by the drug-laced cigarette from the Hero’s vagina, even the cowardly Tanjelo became openly excited. Just moments ago, he had been insisting they shouldn’t, but once things reached this point, not even the Hero could stop him.

“Darling. Grab my ass. Let’s show them who belongs to whom.”

“Mmm… okay…”

Squeeeeze~♡

With those words, the two transformed from a harmonious couple into a pair of lewd lovers and stepped into the room where the others were waiting.