Three days have passed since I gave Janice my advice.
Janice spent three days preparing documents about vegetables and a plan for cultivation experiments, and then accompanied Mr. Midler to persuade the Count. It wouldn't be very convincing to say, "I just want to do it without a plan." I also gave her advice on how to prepare the documents and the plan.
Writing a university report would have been considered quite an academic endeavor in the Middle Ages. When Midler read it, he was surprised that his son had written such a well-written document.
And the result was... that the persuasion was successful.
The Count had always been very cautious about a man succeeding him as head of the family, but it seems he finally decided to entrust the future to the enthusiasm of Janice, who had already prepared all the necessary documents. Even if a girl were born in the future, Janice would remain the chosen successor, and that would not change.
It seemed that it would be some time before the announcement was made to the entire household, but the Count's confidants who were also present seemed happy about the birth of a male successor.
Even if the count had a daughter the following year, it would still be about twenty years before she would be old enough to inherit the title. By then, the Count would be in his fifties, which, by the standards of this world, was considered an advanced age. If something happened to him before then and a young prince took his place, in the worst case scenario it could mean the extinction of the family line. In fact, it seemed that there was already concern that a war of succession would break out against the noble family Janice had married into.
It is said that, at that time, the Longfields' confidants toasted together, convinced that the family was safe.
Janice and I celebrated together, just the two of us.
That, in the end, is also the best gift for him.
After all, the appetizers were poisonous mushrooms, including the dreaded fly agaric.
If I grant Janice the ability [Resistance to Drugs and Poisons], she will be able to eat all the poisonous mushrooms she wants. Even though they are delicious but normally lethal, they will pose no danger to her!
"Today, you and I will celebrate to our hearts' content with poisonous mushrooms!"
"Yessss!!!"
Janice's eyes were already wide with excitement, and we immediately filled our mouths with fly agaric skewers.
"Delicious...!"
Janice makes a grimace that completely belies her beautiful androgynous appearance, with a trickle of drool escaping from the corner of her lips.
This pretty boy is absurdly attractive even while eating mushrooms...!
I guess beauty transcends gender. I feel like sitting here for a while.
Mm~...
No, seriously, this is delicious. It's definitely the best mushroom I've ever tasted. It's barely grilled, but the flavor spreads throughout your mouth as soon as you bite into it. Its texture is thick and meaty, very satisfying. It reminds me of shiitake donko, with that deep, rich umami flavor.
Ah, but good boys who don't have [Drug and Poison Resistance] should never try this. It's a promise I made to my older brother ☆
Apparently, there are poisonous mushrooms so dangerous that they can remain dormant in the body for a month before showing symptoms. That's why I'll have to keep Janice's [Drug Resistance] active for a while. Although, of course... I'm sure I'll never forget the Longfields.
"Ahh... I'm overwhelmed with emotion. I never thought I'd be lucky enough to eat the poisonous mushrooms I've always wanted to eat..."
"What would make you happier, inheriting a noble title or this?"
When I said that with a grudge and a smile, Janice smiled back at me.
Thank goodness. Thanks to you, my third dream has come true.
"That's good."
Janice lies on her back on a pile of dead leaves and nibbles on a skewer of roasted fly agaric mushrooms.
"Oh, I wish my brother would stay with me forever. Then I could eat all the poisonous mushrooms I wanted for the rest of my life."
"Hahaha, I'm not a mushroom detox machine."
"Of course. Big Brother is a much more important person."
Suddenly Janice sat up and looked at me with a serious expression.
"Look, brother. I'm serious. Would you stay in Longfield?"
"You know..."
Janice dropped the skewers and grabbed both my hands tightly.
"I'm still inexperienced. It's comforting to have someone like my big brother to guide me, and to be able to learn from you in the cultivation trials... No, that's not it. Those are all just excuses."
She shook her head, unable to find the right words.
"It's okay. I know what you're trying to say."
His lips trembled before he uttered what he truly felt.
"...I just want to be with you, big brother. Will you stay by my side forever?"
Janice's hand, which was holding mine, was drenched in sweat and trembling slightly.
You seem nervous. So you consider me a friend? It's... an honor that's hard to put into words. "I like you too, Janice. It's only been three days since we met, but I feel a deep connection.
I imagine myself as Janice's assistant, farming together. It would be comforting.
Every day I worry about water and fertilizer, I rejoice and grieve over pests and moles, and when the crops ripen, I take pride in showing off new dishes. After gathering the seeds, I prepare the fields for the next planting, and so the years pass in the blink of an eye. It's a hectic life that could hardly be called peaceful.
And someday, when Janice is a grandfather, we'll laugh together at how old we've become.
What wonderful days those would be!
But.
"I'm sorry. I can't. I have to go back to Thousand."
"Why? Why, big brother? What do you mean, is there something there? I can't stand the idea of someone like you being at the mercy of such an evil woman! Don't tell me... you're in love with that woman...!"
"That's not possible! You can't do it no matter how hard you try!"
Ah...deabolica
I also have the right to choose my beloved knight. Why should I fall in love with an intriguing and deceitful beauty who tricks strangers into wearing sexy accessories?
"Ah, I see... That's fine. But then, why?"
Janice breathes a sigh of relief and asks
That's right... It's hard for me to put into words, but if I had to say...
"Maybe because I don't want the adventure to end yet."
"An adventure...?"
Yes. I've traveled from far away. Even when I was at home, I was naive. I read all kinds of stories and always admired the adventurers who appeared in them. I didn't know that in this country, "adventurers" meant monster slayers; I thought they were simply people who traveled in search of adventure, just as the name suggested. So when I arrived in Thousand Leaves and tried to be an adventurer for about six months, I discovered that it really wasn't my thing. I felt like my dreams were crumbling.
Janice listened patiently as I laughed at myself.
But somehow I ended up being praised as a saint, and the next thing I knew, Deabolica was dragging me along. I guess you could say she was using me.
When I visited Longfield, I thought it was a wonderful place. The lord and his family were very loving and attentive to each other, there were few poor people, and the land was suitable for farming. I even made some good friends. It was such a comfortable place to live that I almost considered settling there.
"..."
And it was only when I arrived in this country that I really got excited. This was what I had always wanted: to visit unknown lands, meet new people, share joys, face difficulties from time to time, and learn new things. For me, that's what a real adventure means.
I didn't want to be just a monster slayer. I wanted to be an adventurer, a pioneer of the unknown. Because of my stupidity, it took me six long months to realize what I truly longed for. It wasn't until I met Janice that I finally understood what my naive self had been searching for all this time.
I'm sure I'll continue traveling to new places and meeting new people. My adventure has only just begun.
Longfield is too comfortable, and there are so many things to do here that if I were to settle down, I might never be able to set off on adventures again. I really appreciate Janice's offer, I do, but... I don't want my adventure to end yet. I'm so sorry.
"...No, I understand. I'm sure it's the same feeling I have when I want to be a botanist. Your heart also flies to where you want to go, brother. If that's the case, I can't stand in your way. We can't give up on our dreams just because someone else doesn't ask for them."
"Thank you, Janice."
When I bowed my head, Janice gave me a somewhat worried smile, inherited from her father.
Oh, my God! If my brother had been a woman, I would have definitely proposed to her and stayed with her. And I would have been a househusband, cooking you mushroom dinners.
"Hey, come on, then we wouldn't have met like this. We probably wouldn't have become such good friends."
"Ah, I see. Then it's good that it's between two guys."
"That's right. There's an old saying that the relationship between a man and a woman ends when love cools, but friendship between men lasts forever."
"Hehe. What's that? I've never heard that expression before... But it's a very nice phrase."
Janice and I bumped fists as I taught her.
Hahaha
"Well, let's drink again. Here's to friendship between men!"
"Cheers!"
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Today is the last day I will teach you, soulmates! Don't forget this rhythm and engrave it in your hearts! Even after I leave, keep singing and practicing!
"Yessss!!"
Finally, it's the seventh day of training camp. Today is the last day of training.
My soulmates have also grown stronger...
Lift your thighs! Hey! One, two! One, two! One, two! Have fun with all your heart! Keep smiling! Great, how clever! You're doing well!
"Hey! One, two! One, two! One, two!"
Snap takk Snap takk Snap takk
No, seriously, you've gotten too strong. You all have bodies almost sculpted like athletes. I said I would burn all your fat in a week, yes.
But that was just a sales pitch, and I hoped that if they managed to show some abdominal muscles, they would be happy.
You'd never think they went from flabby to toned.
The older ones are almost like me, and Janice and the other little ones have trained like steel, slim and framed. You can't get to this in a week.
Do the men of this world have the potential to become macho, or do their bodies grow at an incredible rate when they possess magical powers? It took me quite a while to train, too. If they catch up in such a short time, I won't stand a chance against them. Unbelievable!
However, I am grateful to them for considering me their alpha. I will do my best to teach them until the end.
Before today's lesson began, Mr. Midler approached me and said with a shy smile, "Last night was the first time I was able to completely satisfy my wife."
The original goal was to give Mr. Midler enough stamina to satisfy the Count, so I succeeded. I'm very happy.
It was worth the effort. Just hearing that means this training camp was a complete success.
...By the way, the participants are not just the concubines. Servants from all over the mansion who have managed to make time in their schedules have also gathered, and in the distance, the women form a crowd to watch us.
I was already used to the guards' stares as they escorted me, but this is different: now it's not just simple stares. All the women in the mansion are watching us with smiles so bright they seem to be salivating. When they get together in a group, they become even more daring.
Oh, and the count is not present, of course. He's most likely spying with binoculars from his office window...
...Ufff, the cooldown time is over.
Well, the whole program is now complete.
None of the spouses or concubines gave up on the activity. Everyone did an excellent job.
See, Captain? Your training camp has taken root firmly in this other world...!
Hmm? It seems like everyone is looking at me...
Then Midler spoke on his behalf.
"Brother, a few final words, please?"
Ah, I see. It's true that today is the last day, and it would be a little silly to just say "thank you for your efforts" and "well, we're parting ways" without anything happening.
Now then, what was I saying? Ah, that's right.
My soulmates, you've worked so hard until now! I'm so glad you've managed to develop such impressive muscles! Our bond as soulmates is now eternal, thanks to our muscles!
"Yessss!!!"
"Thank you, big brother!!"
"I'll never forget this week!"
Now I will spread my brother's teachings throughout the land!
"Big brother is the best! Muscles are the best! Soulmates are the best!"
I nodded and raised my voice.
"Calm down!!"
The cheering suddenly stopped and silence reigned.
You have acquired muscles, a treasure that is irreplaceable in itself. Some of you may have gained confidence in your own strength. Others may just want to walk around showing off their physique. I understand, it happened to me too at one point.
I can see some of my soulmates nodding seriously, and others wiggling their elbows with a knowing smile.
Yes, yes. Exactly. Muscles are a real treasure for a man; that's why they want to show them off.
But...
"...But remember this! Don't get conceited! Gaining strength is no excuse to look down on those who are more fragile than you, nor to show off as if those muscles were the merit of no one but you. That is shameful for a true comrade!"
When I said that, a tense atmosphere spread among the soulmates.
Some of them must have been hit in a sensitive spot, as they clenched their buttocks and straightened their backs.
Your muscles are undoubtedly the result of encouraging each other with your soulmates! Your muscles are undoubtedly the result of the food and wages given to you by the Count! Don't forget to thank those who supported you! Be grateful to your friends! Be grateful to the Count! Be grateful to the lives that became your food! Gratitude for everything surrounding your muscles will give strength to tomorrow's muscles! ... This is my last lesson, that's all! Dismissed!!!
"Yes, big brother! Thank you very much!"
...I wasn't taught sports slang, so I wonder where all this came from.
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Then it was time to leave Longfield County.
Mr. Midler and Janice saw us off in the carriage. Behind them was a line of femboy concubines, their white teeth gleaming and their chests puffed out.
And at the head of them was the countess.
And the tip Countess dismissed me...
As I was thinking that, the count approached me.
"You've gone to a lot of trouble, Santo. You're meddling in the affairs of the house. I asked you to cure an illness, but I don't remember asking you for something like this.
"I just wanted to do it, so don't worry. Or was it a bother?"
No. To be honest, I am more grateful for your help than for healing me. Thanks to you, my husband seems to have gained confidence, and Janice's eyes light up. My concubines also live fuller lives. I no longer have to worry, but what makes me happiest is that the house is now brighter... I never imagined that you would not only cure my illness, but also the hearts of my family, even after I almost raped you. You are a true angel.
Saying this, the count bowed deeply.
No, no, no. That would be a real problem. The most important person in the territory should not bow to a commoner; it affects his prestige.
While I was panicking, the Count raised his head and let out a small chuckle.
"Oh, it seems that being so humble works better with the Saint than trying to scare him. It's the first time I've seen you so frightened.
Ah, so this person could smile like that too...
In fact, that sweet smile might be his natural expression. Mr. Midler and his servants are very loyal to him.
As for the successor, I have decided to leave it to Janice for now. In time, she will marry, but I will evaluate whether to hand over the position of head of the family to her or to retain it after observing her performance. If I deem her to be insufficiently capable, I will not hesitate to take it away from her mercilessly, so I hope you are prepared. I also have the option of placing my hopes in my grandson.
"Yes. Prepare yourself, Mother. I will make you so proud that you won't be able to say a word about my future achievements."
Janice smiled, while his mother posed as if she were about to burst into tears.
"Oh, how arrogant my dear Janice has become in just a few days! Who could blame him, Santo?
"Isn't it wonderful that you now have a reliable successor?"
I heard someone mutter something in the background like, "Successor? What are you talking about? I didn't hear anything," but I ignored it. Come to think of it, I hadn't told Deabolica anything about my relationship with Midler or Janice yet. They didn't ask me to announce it either, so I guess it's okay to keep it a secret for now.
Thank you very much for your hospitality, Santo. You owe a great debt of gratitude to the Longfield family. If you have time, please come back soon. We will treat you with the utmost hospitality, as a friend.
Thank you very much. Of course, I will gladly accept your invitation.
"Well... as long as you're okay with it, I don't mind being a lover instead of a friend."
Saying this, the count winked at me quickly.
There was no trace of the seduction he showed that night. It was just a playful invitation.
"Hey, hey..." I saw Midler panicking out of the corner of my eye and lowered my head.
I'm afraid I must respectfully decline. It's an attractive offer, but it would mean I could no longer be friends with Janice.
"Hehe... I see, I see. As a mother, I can't take away the friendship my son has finally made. It's heartbreaking to lose a man as good as you, but I'll give it up for my son. Please continue to be a good friend to Janice."
Mr. Midler's expression of relief was so amusing that I couldn't help but laugh, but I nodded.
"Yes, of course."
Janice came up beside me and grabbed both my hands tightly.
Big brother! Please come back soon! I'll be waiting for you!
"Yes, yes, I know, Janice. But why do you always try to intertwine your fingers with mine?"
And why are the adventurers watching from behind, saying things like "Oh!" and "I can't believe it!" with such shocked expressions? What the hell do they see between Janice and me?
Let me explain!
It's a beautiful yuri scene between a young aristocrat and a saint, who intertwine their fingers in love and lament that their paths have separated. It's extremely rare in this world for two men to get along so well!
As we reluctantly said goodbye, Deabolica approached from behind and poked her head out, smiling.
"...By the way, about the item I asked you to get..."
—Ah, that one. I understand. I will give you the family heirloom: the Spring Water Orb.
Teeth?
Midler took out a familiar cloth bag and handed it to Deabolica.
Deabolica was thrilled when he received it.
Ohhh...! This is the famous Spring Water Orb! Thank you so much! With this, Thousand Leaves will be able to achieve even greater development!
Hey, wait a minute.
"That's something we'll need for test vegetable cultivation...!"
When I tried to intervene, it was none other than Janice who stopped me.
"It's okay, brother. There's a river running through our garden. We can get water from there."
"But, you know! That's Midler's family treasure, right? Isn't it something that reflects Midler's feelings? And..."
"No, it's okay."
Midler says, slowly shaking her head.
Brother, we have received too much from you. You have cured our illnesses, solved our household problems, and even given us a wealth of knowledge. It would be dishonorable for a Count to simply receive blessings. We must also give you something valuable.
"Giving a blessing... that's not what I meant."
So think of it this way. A relationship where you only give unilaterally cannot be called friendship. If you consider us friends, please accept our gifts.
"Midler..."
I am so glad to have met you. More than this jewel, meeting you is a treasure to us.
Ugh...srr
I gently wiped away the tears that had unconsciously formed in the corners of my eyes with my thumb.
Yes, me too. Meeting these warm-hearted people was the first treasure I discovered in this other world.
That's right. The Longfield and Hottaste families are bound together by a strong relationship! Let's accept the gift with gratitude, ha ha ha!
Shut up, you third-rate porn scammer.
No, you... you... Seriously? Are you going to get involved in this atmosphere? You're even worse at reading the atmosphere than I am, who has been contaminated by [Mental Resistance].
I think it would have been better if Deabolica had been beaten up badly here.
That said, without this guy, I wouldn't have anything to receive as a gift, so I wonder if this is a good way to balance things out. Hmm...
Well, it seems that everyone in the Count's house agrees with it, so I'll leave it at that.
"Well then, everyone, take care!"
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--From the Biblos glossary
[Centuries ago in history]
A Protestant sect that emerged on the island of Vrishab in the early days of the Great Vrishab Empire.
In addition to the basic tenets of Protestantism, which place the Bible at the center of faith, this group has three additional pillars: "physical training," "praising others," and "thanking others."
At that time, the Great Vrishab Empire was dominated by strict sects that suppressed any form of entertainment. It was in this context that the training sect was born: it consisted of muscle exercises at a particular pace, accompanied by a ritual that today would resemble a dance. The people accepted this practice as a novel form of entertainment, and it soon became popular as a reaction against the rigidity of the strict sect.
The founder was a man known as the "Big Brother," remembered today as the "Great Angel." His name symbolizes the idea that all humans are brothers before God, and that the big brother guides everyone. However, his true identity remains a mystery, and to this day researchers continue to debate about him.
Another notable feature of this sect is its advocacy of gourmet and healthy food, which is unusual for a Protestant group that normally promoted a simple diet. It especially recommends the consumption of lean meats, vegetables, and fish, causing changes in the gastronomic culture of the Great Vrishab Empire as its faith spread. In fact, this influence is said to have been key in earning the Great Vrishab Union its reputation as the world's number one gourmet country.
The sun omelet, similar to a common omelet, is popular in the Castella region, while rabbit salad, with ingredients from Charsmel cuisine, remains a frequent dish among members of the training sect. It is believed that these dishes were probably introduced from those regions, although it is not known for certain why Castella cuisine suddenly became popular on the island of Vrishab, apart from the influence of Charsmel, a neighboring country across the strait.
The sect also pioneered the revival of the bathing culture, lost since the days of the ancient Roman Empire, within the cultural sphere of Nauru. To maintain its doctrine of bathing at least once every three days, public baths were rebuilt in various urban areas. The public baths in Longfield, in particular, have a long history; records indicate that, perhaps thanks to this, the incidence of epidemics in the area was remarkably low.
In its early days, the sect included a component of male genital worship, which led both the Protestant and Catholic churches to consider it an evil heresy. However, it is said that the Big Brother suppressed it before it spread, and the Vatican, which had declared it heresy at the time, soon recanted. In fact, this practice seems to have had a positive effect on fertility.
The sect was later incorporated into the Holy National Synod, the official religion of the Great Vrishab Empire, and has remained the mainstream religion to this day.