Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

Correction made on 2015/8/4.

Partial corrections made on 2015/8/3.

This is Satou. While working, unexpected situations like “a bolt from the blue” are an everyday occurrence. But that doesn’t mean we should give up trying to improve the current situation—mainly for our own sake.

◇

As the king announced that he would assign attendants, one of the chamberlains gave a signal at the entrance to the audience hall.

From that entrance appeared a woman dressed in a gown—.

At the sight of her, the nobles inside the hall began to murmur.

“He must be well acquainted with Sir Pendragon.”

“Yes, they are on friendly terms.”

The girl responded with a slight smile to the king’s words.

“I appoint Sera Ouyugok as an attendant to Vice Minister Pendragon.”

“I humbly accept this appointment.”

—Ouyugok?

Surprised, I checked, and it seemed that Sera’s name had acquired a family name. Apparently, she had been secularized this very morning.

While bowing low, Sera glanced this way and gave a mischievous smile. That rare expression was unusual for the serious Sera.

“With someone who can receive the ‘Divine Oracle,’ it should be possible to swiftly detect any urgent dangers to the kingdom. Should the need arise, you are to abandon everything and rush to the kingdom’s aid.”

“Understood.”

I see. Sera’s ‘Divine Oracle’ skill has helped us on several occasions, so including her on the staff is a good choice.

At least it’s better than appointing the viscount’s daughter, the Miko Owner, as an attendant.

Since we just confided secrets yesterday, traveling together shouldn’t be a problem.

“And now, I will announce the second attendant.”

—Eh? Not just Sera?

◇

I turned back to the entrance where Sera had appeared earlier, but no one else came in.

Yet, hostile gazes were shot at me from surrounding nobles.

Cautiously looking forward, Princess Sistina was stepping out from among the royal family.

—No way.

My wish went unheard as the king coldly announced:

“And I shall have my daughter, Sistina, accompany Sir Pendragon as a special envoy.”

Seriously?

Apparently, many nobles felt the same way, and voices filled the hall with objections that bordered on disrespect, especially among the young aristocracy.

Unfortunately, I was zoning out and don’t recall the details.

I only remember Princess Sistina shooting an icy glare at the nobles.

“Silence! ■”

The king’s words carried overwhelming authority; the nobles shrank back as if their hearts were gripped and sealed their mouths.

Ah, the log said “resisted the ‘Roar of the King.’”

Since I didn’t gain the skill, it must be some magic or magical artifact derived from the City Core.

“I initially intended Sistina to be just an attendant, but seeing your attitudes, I have changed my mind. Sistina shall be betrothed to Sir Pendragon.”

Hey, what about my consent?

I wish they’d stop with such short-sighted moves like a young hothead.

Still, it’s unusual for the king to be so rash—it can’t be an act, can it?

Maybe this way, making Sistina a fiancée later rather than from the start results in fewer complaints?

Either way, I think it will only earn resentment...

Fortunately, it’s only a betrothal, so I can later have Nameless annul it.

Yeah, that’s better.

So, Princess Sistina, please don’t look at me with such a happy expression.

And Sera, please don’t look at me like that either. I just found out myself.

“—Sir Pendragon, I entrust Sistina to you, but the official marriage shall take place at the New Year’s audience one year from now. Until then, I expect you to act as a gentleman with restraint.”

“As you command.”

His words warmed me like those of a parent with a daughter of marrying age, and I responded briefly in acceptance.

◇

After the audience ended, I was bombarded with questions from acquaintances among the nobles and comrades.

I was finally freed around midnight.

“Geez, Master, you’re so careless.”

“That’s right! Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean it’s fair you won’t bathe with us! I want to admire your collarbones too!”