"..."
"..."
Janice and I walked along the forest path that led to the riverbank.
Janice followed me without saying a word.
There was complete silence, except for the occasional crunch of dead branches underfoot.
Hmm, this is awkward...
I'm a bit of an introvert, so I'm not very good at starting conversations. It may seem like I speak bluntly and that things are going well, but that's only because I completely ignore the other person's reaction and just say what I want to say. I'm terrible at getting people excited with formal small talk.
I wonder if Janice has the same temperament. No, that's better than waiting for the right moment to get rid of me.
Something fleeting, fleeting...
"Oh?"
As I walked through the forest, looking for something to talk about, I saw something with a dazzling contrast of pink and white under a dead tree. It was a fly agaric, and it was huge. It grew so beautifully that it looked like something a fairy would sit on in a picture book from abroad.
The Amanita muscaria, which grows wild in the world, is a poisonous mushroom with hallucinogenic properties, as we all know. The poisoning is caused by a compound called ibotenic acid, a type of amino acid that is apparently incredibly delicious. I had wanted to try it since I was in Japan, but I gave up because I knew it was poisonous.
However, now that I have [Poison Resistance], I should also be able to neutralize the poison in the mushrooms. This is a golden opportunity that has come out of nowhere; I would love to take some home and eat them.
However, if Janice knows that these mushrooms are poisonous, she might be discouraged instead of becoming friends with them. I think I'll ask her if she knows, just to be sure.
"Hey Janice, what about those mushrooms..."
The moment I pointed, Janice's eyes lit up.
That's a Venus flytrap! It's an impressive size! Santo, you know that mushroom is poisonous, right? Yes, that's right! It looks pretty, but it's a dangerous mushroom that causes hallucinations and stomach pains if eaten. It looks very tasty, but you shouldn't eat it! However, flies love the broth it's boiled in, and any fly that comes into contact with it will die, so it's useful for exterminating them. As expected of a Saint, you also know a lot about poisonous mushrooms! What's your favorite mushroom? I think the purple mushroom, which is used to make fairy rings, is the most mysterious...
I haven't said anything yet.
As I stared at her, Janice suddenly came to her senses and looked down in embarrassment.
"...I'm sorry... I got carried away..."
"Oh, um... do you like mushrooms?"
"Y-yes... I'm embarrassed to say this in front of someone with such a deep knowledge of all things, but..."
"Well, it's not like I know everything. And even though I'm a saint, no, an older brother."
It seems that the rumors have been exaggerated and people treat him like an incredibly wise man.
I wish he would stop because I think people would be very disappointed if his true nature were revealed.
Anyway, it's good to know what Janice likes. Maybe it will give us something to talk about.
Mushrooms, mushrooms... How can I expand on this?
As I was thinking about it, Janice continued her story.
"Umm, you suggested to Dad that we grow cabbages and tomatoes on a large scale in his garden, right?"
Yes, that's right. Vegetables are good for your health, so it would be a waste not to eat them.
As I said this, I wondered what I would do if Janice was a meat extremist and tried to kill me for trying to grow vegetables.
However, it seems that was just an unnecessary worry.
Exactly! I've always thought it would be a waste not to grow them! But whoever I ask, they just ignore me, saying that vegetables are only eaten by animals and monsters, and that it's shameful for a member of the Earl family to eat something so strange. And besides, everyone thinks tomatoes are poisonous. They have a slight green smell, but they're edible! I understand the logic that if you have land to grow vegetables, you should grow wheat or grass, but...
"...Have you tried them?"
"Yes, all the plants in the garden except for the ones that are obviously poisonous..."
Janice blushed with embarrassment. Did he think she was a glutton?
Why did you decide to say that?
surely the son of a count wasn't starving.
Janice replied uneasily.
I thought there might be plants with medicinal or poisonous properties that people haven't discovered yet... I don't have much faith in the treatments recommended by doctors. I think medicines prepared by pharmacists, whom people call witch doctors, are more likely to be effective. So I wondered if I could prepare a good medicine with my own hands...
Doctors and medicines?
I see, so that's it.
"You wanted to create a medicine that would cure the count and Mr. Midler's syphilis."
Janice's eyes widened at my words, and she smiled wryly, much like the embarrassed smile on Mr. Midler's face.
As expected of my older brother, you are very forward-thinking. Yes, that's how it all started. My older brother cured the syphilis first, but... I don't know anything about medicine, so I wouldn't have been able to prepare any.
Well, I don't know.
After all, antibiotics are effective against syphilis, but the original antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered when blue mold accidentally grew during a staphylococcus culture experiment. I think that even if you're a beginner, the first thing you should do is try it.
"So, Janice, did you venture to try mushrooms while researching various plants?"
Haha... I like mushrooms, but I actually like plants in general. The more I observe them, the more I realize that they have all kinds of charms.
Janice seemed unsure whether to say it or not, but in the end she continued.
"I want to be a botanist... It's strange, isn't it, for a man to be a scholar."
"Why? It's not strange at all."
When I tilted my head, Janice's eyes widened as if she had heard something unexpected.
"...Well, I mean, men are supposed to raise children, so they shouldn't leave the house... I've never seen a book written by a scholar..."
If you want to go, go. I've heard that men have less magical power than women, so war is a woman's business. Academic research has nothing to do with gender; intelligence doesn't change based on gender.
"But we might encounter dangerous monsters during fieldwork..."
"Then we can hire some adventurers. We'll leave the fighting to the female adventurers and just observe the plants."
Well, judging from the magic I saw earlier, Janice seems more than capable of fighting. I doubt there are many adventurers among us who can run as fast as a car. Although her magical power may be low for a noble of the count class.
Janice goes blank and silent.
I wonder if she's stunned because all her preconceptions have been shattered?
As I watched the situation with this in mind, Janice's expression turned gloomy.
"...No, it's useless after all. Wanting to be a scholar, even if you're a man... That's not allowed."
What's wrong? Tell me what you have to say.
Why do you think it's not allowed?
That's because my mother tries her best every day to have a worthy successor. Actually, I would have liked her to get along better with my father, but she took concubines and ended up contracting syphilis. I can't be so selfish as to want to be a botanist and leave my mother like that.
"Selfish? That's what Janice thinks."
I'm telling you, it's nothing but selfishness. First of all, the children of nobles should not be allowed the freedom to decide how to behave. Nobles marry for political reasons and exist to connect families. From the moment I was born, I was a failure. At least I must fulfill my duties...
Isn't it an exaggeration to say you're a failure?
No, I am a failure! If I had been born a girl, my mother wouldn't have had to give birth to 20 children! I'm a failure who can't inherit the family business, so my mother is disappointed...!
Janice leaned her head against the tree, her shoulders shaking, pounding her fists against the trunk and sobbing.
"Haaah," I let out a deep sigh.
Seriously, if I just listen quietly... why is this family like this?
"You know, Janice, I think your family doesn't talk enough."
"...What do you mean?"
"They care about each other, but they don't express it with words, so it's not understood."
Well, maybe I shouldn't say this, since my empathy is dead due to my [Mental Resistance]. But precisely because of that, I can sometimes notice things that the person themselves can't see. I don't let myself be easily swayed by the impressions I get from others.
Where do I start? Let's start with the basic premise.
"Janice, you're wrong. You want to be a botanist and stop causing the Count more pain. Isn't there a way to achieve both?"
"There's no way that can happen..."
You should be the firstborn of Longfield, heir to a county and a botanist. Do both. It's the only smart way.
Janice was stunned, then shook his head vigorously.
"That's ridiculous...! A man can't be an heir!"
"You can't? That's not true."
I don't know much about Western history, but I think it's common for a man to take control if the family line is about to die out. Even in the modern world, there were women who temporarily became heads of households.
"Certainly, His Majesty the current King is also a man, but..."
"Wow, the king of this country is a man."
"Oh, didn't you know...?"
"Yes."
I can live without knowing that...
I feel like Deabolica is trying to keep me away from political knowledge. I guess they want me to keep quiet and be a medical robot. Well, I guess I'd rather not get involved in politics, because I have a feeling I'll get into trouble if I find out about them.
If the king were a man, there would be no problem. He's at the top of the hierarchy, so outsiders shouldn't bother him.
"Y-yes..."
"Then, if I inherit the title of Count, I can devote myself to studying plants. That way, the Count will be freed from all his worries, and Janice can become a botanist. That will solve everything, right?"
"...But even if that happened, I don't think it would be possible to be both the head of a count's family and a botanist..."
Is that so? Well, let me ask you this: are there any noble heads of families who have been scholars? In fact, I think wealthy nobles are the most suited to be scholars.
"...Yes, there are. In many cases, nobles become patrons of scholars, but sometimes there are people who are both nobles and scholars..."
—Well, you should do the same, Janice. It may be a little difficult, but if you want to do what you want, it's worth the effort! Right?
"Yes... but..."
Janice's face lit up a little, but then quickly turned gloomy again and she shook her head.
It's impossible after all. My mother wouldn't recognize me as her successor. My mother is strict. It's impossible for a useless person like me to have that...
"It's not up to you to decide what answer the Count will give."
Tch.
I clicked my tongue forcefully, and Janice looked up as if I had surprised her.
"Image..."
Don't rush to decide what the Count will say without consulting him first. Don't be intimidated by imagining his response. First, tell him what you think. I'm concerned about his health and don't want him to overexert himself, so I want to be his legitimate son and support him. I love plants and want to be a scholar. What do you think, what are you waiting for? Tell me everything about your feelings. You'll only get depressed if you're rejected.
Janice looked puzzled and clenched his fists. He seemed to have realized what he had been assuming.
I know I sound like a shameless speaker, but if it helps others, I think we should speak up. If it means happiness for this family, I will endure the shame with resolve.
I patted Janice on the shoulder and gave him a small smile.
"Don't worry too much. At least Midler will support Janice if he wants to be his successor."
"Father...?"
Mr. Midler introduced me to Janice yesterday and said, "I hope my son will continue to be a source of strength for you after my death."
If he intended to hand Janice over as a son-in-law in a political marriage, he wouldn't say something like that. If Janice left the Longfield family, he would become an outsider. Therefore, what Midler says can be interpreted as, "I want you to have a long and happy relationship with my son, who will inherit the county." At the very least, Midler recognizes that Janice has what it takes to be the successor. The only question that remains is whether Janice intends to inherit the family business.
I'm not sure if he expected me to convince Janice, but I thought about giving her a reward.
Furthermore, Janice might think that the Count is very strict or that he has no expectations of him, but that is not the case at all. On the contrary, I think the Count is very affectionate, and I am sure he cares deeply for Janice.
"Really? But my mother has never told me to study to be the successor. It's because he's disappointed in me..."
That's not true. I didn't ask him to be the successor because it was important. Think about it: let's say you tell Janice to study from a young age to inherit, and then you have a daughter. You'll have no choice but to make her the legitimate heir... and in that case, it would be Janice who would end up getting hurt.
"That's so..."
As I said before, don't be intimidated by what the Count might say. Has he ever told you he's disappointed? Has he ever told you he dislikes you?
—No... that's not true. It was me who was afraid of my mother for no reason...
I suppose so. He is the Count after all.
Ah... I'd better go all the way. I'd better say this too.
The Count is, to begin with, a kind person. He even protected his vassal who killed a doctor on his own initiative, insisting that it was he who ordered the execution.
"...? Why do you think that...?"
Janice's face turned pale at my words.
Bingo. It was just a guess, but Janice's reaction confirmed it.
Despite his strict appearance, the Count is a very kind person.
The reason I thought this was because, needless to say, all the men she took as lovers had syphilis, which I thought must mean that she took good care of them and showered them with love.
Furthermore, in my conversation with Mr. Midler, I learned that she had not divorced him, despite him being a disappointing husband, and that she had had several children with him. I had heard about the Count's reputation in casual conversations with the concubines, and although they spoke of her as a fearsome character, none of them had a bad word to say about her. If the Count were truly a tyrant who killed his subordinates at will, she would have quickly divorced her husband and concubine as soon as they were no longer useful to her. But that is not what happened. Quite the opposite, in fact.
She is an extremely loving and kind person who is loved by those around her.
She even turned a blind eye to Deabolica, who had set a honey trap for her, because she felt indebted to her.
It is fair to say that she is quite lenient for a noble.
This attitude may win the affection of her well-meaning vassals, but it will cause those with bad intentions to look down on her.
That attitude would have led the doctors to become more arrogant.
"Perform ablutions, pour cold water over your head, and ask God for forgiveness for your sins" is something that would never be said if the rulers were feared. They must have thought that, no matter what they said, the Count would not punish them.
On the other hand, it was impossible for his vassals, who served him, to ignore the pain the Count endured in body and mind in giving birth to twenty children, and his deep grief for each of their deaths. How could they ignore the abusive words of the doctor who called the Count's painful actions "sinful" and tried to make him suffer even more?
The Count forgave him, but his vassals did not. I think that is what happened.
The problem is what happens next.
If a vassal killed the doctor without his consent, it would be a case of murder. The culprit must be punished. Perhaps the vassal turned himself in and awaited justice, but the Count did not dare to punish the vassal who, burning with righteous indignation on his behalf, had become enraged in his place. So he ordered his vassal to carry out the massacre. If he took his place, the vassal would be saved. ...Or perhaps it was not a vassal, but one of his wives or concubines.
However, the count was forced to endure the reputation of being a "tyrant who, in a fit of rage, brutally beat his vassal's doctor." If the truth were revealed, he would have to punish his beloved relative. Therefore, he put on an unnecessarily strict mask and interacted with foreign nobles.
That's why he was so arrogant when he attended to me yesterday. The third daughter of a low-ranking nobleman had arrived with a self-proclaimed saint
dressed in ridiculous and erotic attire. He would undoubtedly have considered her an impostor, so he had to be even stricter. He was probably threatening me with the doctor incident, saying, "If you confess honestly now that you are an impostor, I will let you go."
This concludes Eugene's detective drama.
"I wonder, even though I thought it was a convincing theory..."
"...You can't hide anything from a saint. That's true."
Janice gave a wry smile and confirmed what I said.
Maybe I have what it takes to be a great detective? Well, I guess that's something you can figure out with a little thought.
"Brother, please..."
"Oh, of course I won't tell anyone. I like you too, Earl."
"Image...?"
Suddenly, a shadow fell over Janice's face.
Huh, what...?
While I was confused, Janice looked at me with eyes that seemed about to burst into tears at any moment. Did I say something strange?
After thinking about it for a minute, I cleared my throat.
"Neither as a man nor as a woman, you know? I mean, I have feelings for your family, including Midler and Janice."
"Oh, yes. I see, that's fine..."
Oh no, getting this far was almost a big accident.
[Mental Resistance] It's really scary, even if you make someone misunderstand something, they won't realize what's wrong unless they think about it for a moment.
"Well, anyway, why don't you talk to the Countess? I don't think she's the type to belittle the sincere words of her beloved son. And now you have the perfect material to convince her that he wants to be a botanist, right?"
"Um... Ah, wait a minute. I want to think about it myself."
"Okay."
That's a good sign. I can see the sparkle in Janice's eyes.
His expression no longer gives the shy impression it did before.
He's no longer the type to do what he's told.
Janice has decided to take steps toward his goal. This is the first step.
Vegetable cultivation. I'll do some cultivation tests until I can establish a method. If I prove that knowledge of plants is useful for governing, my mother might allow me to aspire to be both a lord and a scholar.
—Yes, that's right. You did it, Janice. Think for yourself. The job of a head of household is to think for yourself without anyone telling you what to do. I think Mr. Midler knew you had that talent.
"Father..."
Janice clenched her fists in front of her chest and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion.
...I'm sure the Longfield family will be fine now.
=======
====
==
Oh, I took a bath.
A hot bath is really nice...
My soulmates used fire magic to heat the stones together, but they spat flames so fiercely that they looked like human flamethrowers. Isn't this practically a biological weapon? They took our weapons when we entered the mansion, but it was useless. If they wanted to, they could easily kill us with magic. Well, I guess it's just courtesy...
As the stones in the water got hotter and hotter, I had to ask for more water each time to adjust the temperature. It was like being a magistrate of baths, not pots.
I also gave Janice and Earl's other children the ability to resist disease. Although the symptoms of their soul mates have disappeared, the syphilis bacteria still persist in their bodies. I need to take precautions to prevent them from contracting the virus through hot water, just in case.
"Ahhh... this feels so good."
"It completely removes the sweat accumulated after exercising, so I feel refreshed."
"You're removing the dirt... is that okay?"
My brother said it's better to take a bath than to be dirty, so I'm fine! To be honest, I always thought I was a mess. This reassures me!
"Um, actually, me too...!"
"I'm so impressed! My body doesn't smell so bad anymore! I don't have to suffocate in my own body odor anymore...!"
Your thoughts are so sincere... How long have you been holding them back?
Peer pressure is scary because it forces you to keep building a profile even if you don't like it.
But you know what?
Oh, really? Do you feel a little more pressure in your stomach?
"You're the one with the broad shoulders."
"That's a touch♪"
"Seriously. Stop it."
Laughing.
What is this? The old men touch each other's stomachs and shoulders.
It's a very unpleasant sight. Doesn't anyone else find it strange?
In modern public baths, men tend to maintain extreme social distance. They consider naked men to be indecent, don't want to get close to them, and don't want them to get close to them either.
But in this world, the distances seem so short. What's going on?
Let me explain!
It's a scene in the women's bathroom where the girls are playing around, saying things like, "Did your boobs grow a little? That's it! ♪" and "Come on, stop it!" In this world, male nudity is highly valued, so men aren't ashamed either! ≫
"Big brother... I'll wash your back ♪"
As I trembled in horror at the scene, Janice gently reached out and touched my neck.
...Janice's presence was extremely close, so close that I could feel the warmth of her body on my back.
"Wait, Janice. You call me big brother, but I don't have that right.
Huh? Well, wow! My brother's is so big... ♪ His member and testicles are almost twice as big as mine... I'm so jealous!
Stop it, don't look at my stuff and scream in admiration. What kind of reaction is that?
If a man feels defeated by the size of his penis, he would normally cover his crotch with a towel and leave in anger! Why is she so excited? It's ridiculous!
Suddenly, soulmates reunite! Stop it, don't worship him! Don't blush! Don't treat him like a sacred object, that's heresy! Don't worship me like an idol!
"Oh... Big Brother...!"
"Stop! I didn't mean that!" Big Brother
Janice had become very fond of me, and after washing every inch of my body, I returned to the mansion with eyes like a dead fish... It's quite scary that he can penetrate my [Mental Resistance] and [Pain Resistance]...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Eugene is bathing with the men of the Earl family--!?"
Shock runs through the adventurers!
-Damn it, I can't keep doing this!
Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going? Sit down in the guest room.
Let go of him! The Count and his guards will see Eugene naked!
"That's right! Eugene's naked body belongs to me!"
"Ahhh?! Eugene is my bitch!"
"Shall we do it? Silence!"
"Hey, sit down and don't cause any more trouble between you and the Earl family!"
Deabolica's shamelessness makes your hair stand on end!
"Tsk."
"Gufu."
"Good job, Ursuna! I'll give you a compliment just this once!"
Ursuna had managed to calm the tension that was about to erupt into a fight.
"Okay, let's hurry! To the garden!"
The cute heroines rush out to take a look!
"Oh, guest. Where are you going? I'm sorry, but this is a restricted area. Please return to your room."
"You're... the captain of the security force!"
Let me through! Other people will see Eugene naked! I can't let that happen!
"No, I'm here to protect you gentlemen from people like you. Anyway, from here on out, this is a place of rest only for pious and good gentlemen. We can't go in."
Don't let your guard down, Irene! This guy... can do it!
"Wow!"
Behind the bathhouse, adventurers and guards exchange blows!
"Hmm, that's not appropriate for someone your age. All right... let's leave it at that. For Eugene's sake."
"Ugh... strong! The fight lasted so long that in the end I couldn't see it...!"
-At least... give me the water that's left...!
There is a possibility that the leftover bath water is contaminated with the source of syphilis, so the saint has strictly ordered us never to reuse it and to dispose of it immediately. The slime will absorb and purify it, so don't go near it.
"Damn it! Eugene is so well prepared...!"
—No... the women really wanted that water, but that water was full of filth and was definitely dangerous... it was completely dark.
"Look! That's...!"
"!? Eugene is walking hand in hand with a strange boy!"
"Isn't that our Janice? H-h...
"This commander... Well, it's okay. I saw some touching things, Irene... Irene?"
"Ha... ha... Eugene seems to get along so well with a stranger... That position is mine... We've never walked with our fingers intertwined before... But he's a boy... but, but... I have to get there first...! Ahh, my brain, my brain is breaking...!"
Irene, your eyes are bloodshot!
"I'm carrying a weight on my shoulders
To begin with, Yuuji's naked body had been seen countless times at the inn, and Ursuna had masturbated, but she kept quiet to protect Irene's mind. It was a small show of respect for both of them, who had been on the verge of death...! sisters