Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

The meeting with Celestina, the new Queen of Aragon, began in the harem. I never thought my first official diplomatic meeting would take place in a bedroom—perhaps this is just like me…

「Wouldn’t it be better to hold this meeting in the royal castle for diplomacy?」

「Ufufu, but it’s much better here, isn’t it?」

「Is that so? Why’s that?」

「For diplomacy as the ruler of a new nation, I should be negotiating with Queen Silhouette. This is more about creating a deep connection with Silesie’s Hero-sama in a different way.」

With that, Celestina lightly stroked my shoulder.

Such a casual gesture was irresistibly enchanting. The moment she touched me, I felt drawn in. Celestina utilized her unique magic from the ‘Fascination’ and I might already be under its influence.

Still, for Celestina, an outsider, to enter the harem and for no one else to be around means everything has been arranged in advance. Naturally, it seems like the area has been cleared of people, leaving us alone.

This means they want me to do something else. We were supposed to be discussing serious political matters, yet it always turns into something so sultry.

「I don’t quite understand what you mean by that deep connection…」 「Oh my, you can’t really be that clueless. With everything set up this way, do you really intend to embarrass someone of your stature, Silesie’s Hero-sama?」

As she leaned closer, I found myself at a loss. Trying to play dumb seemed futile. Of course, I wasn’t completely oblivious. Celestina wanted to be embraced by me here.

Supporting the Kingdom of Aragon in gaining independence would strategically weaken the Kingdom of Castilia, which had its advantages.

Economically, it would also allow us to make effective use of surplus weapons and troops after the war. It was a twofold benefit.

However, that benefit alone is not enough to justify supporting another country’s civil war.

A more straightforward connection between nations is necessary.

For instance, what if the womanizing Silesie’s Hero-sama falls under the spell of the Queen of Aragon, who seeks his aid, and they become intimately involved?

Such a physical bond could also forge a blood connection.

If we grow close, Celestina would be considered my family.

With Celestina as queen of the Aragon kingdom, it would only be fitting for my army to openly support her.

The hero’s personal affairs could easily intertwine with political matters.

Such is the era we live in.

It would be a good thing for me to be united with Celestina. If I can make it clear that I stand firmly behind her, I could minimize the damage from the civil war in Castilia and ensure the recognition of Aragon’s independence.

However, I feel a strong reluctance to share a bed with a woman for political reasons.

The sweet scent of flowers rising from Celestina’s body tickled my nose, reminiscent of cyclamen.

I thought she might be burning incense, but that strong fragrance emanated from her generously exposed décolletage.

Perhaps it was perfume.

「Oh, are you interested in this?」

「No…」

Celestina chuckled, pulling a gold necklace from around her neck, which accentuated her ample bosom.

Women have an uncanny intuition; she seemed to know exactly where my gaze was fixated.

「This is a phallic charm called the Fascinum. It’s an ancient good luck talisman from my hometown, said to bring fertility. It should be perfect for the esteemed Silesie’s Hero-sama, who has many wives. Though it’s a small gift, I’d like you to have it as a memento of today. It’s reputed to be a very effective magical item.」

I see. The Fascinum, crafted from gold. It’s quite rare.

Indeed, there are similar items in Japan, and such forms are often used in talismans.

「A good luck charm for a safe delivery? But isn’t that something you always carry, Celestina?」

「I have another one, a feminine version of this. I’ve kept this phallic charm, the Fascinum, for when I find the right partner, so please, don’t hesitate to accept it.」

Receiving a necklace shaped like a man’s decapitated dickus brought an odd tension to the atmosphere. While it is a curious and humorous talisman, playing with such an item in bed could feel quite strange.

Moreover, it was tucked away in her ample cleavage.

It still feels warm to the touch. The golden, gleaming Fascinum carries the same fragrance as Celestina.

「Ahem, more importantly, I apologize for everything.」

「What do you mean?」

「We’re the ones who stirred up the rebellion in the Aragon kingdom. Because of us, you’ve become embroiled in war again.」

「That doesn’t concern me. At least the Dandorians are grateful to you. After being conquered and treated as second-class citizens, this is a good opportunity for independence!」

「I see… But I suspect that Silesie will likely make you a protectorate. Even if the Aragon kingdom manages to achieve independence, it may be used as a buffer state against Castilia.」

I spoke frankly; there was no way to sugarcoat the truth.

「That’s fine with me. If we can gain independence from Castilia… I was only hoping for autonomy, so for them to recognize our full independence is an extraordinary offer.」

「I basically want each region to be self-reliant. But was Castilia’s rule truly that harsh?」

At my question, Celestina shook her head.

「The rulers weren’t excessively cruel, but how should I put it…?」

「Yes?」

Celestina tilted her head thoughtfully before speaking.

「Well, it’s like we’re not compatible with each other.」

「Not compatible?」

「It means our ways of life are completely different. We Dandorians are mountain people. Our way of living is worlds apart from that of the Castilians who have ventured out to the sea—it’s like the difference between spring water from the mountains and saltwater from the ocean.」

「That’s an interesting analogy.」

「I could endure being treated as a second-class citizen. I could tolerate the head tax and being forced into harsh military service for pointless wars… but to have our lives dictated in a place so different from ours? That was unbearable. Your country wouldn’t do that, would it?」

「Ah, that I can promise. There may be political necessities, but I will never deny the culture or autonomy of any nation.」

The dominant powers until now have aimed to unify the Eura continent into a homogeneous world.

A world free from conflict, ruled by a single authority.

Though this ideal may seem to lead the world to lasting peace, history has proven it to be a foolish act that drains the vitality from each nation.

People and nations are diverse.

It is the recognition of diverse values that enriches the world.

What I strive for is an international order where each nation can maintain its independence and identity.

International rules will be established through the principles of international law, but within those rules, nations will continue to compete economically.

Because we will not unify power, conflicts may arise from differing viewpoints, and there may be armed clashes.

Even so, it is precisely these clashes of differences that compel nations to improve and progress.

「Achieving independence from the Castilian kingdom has been the long-cherished dream of the Dandorians. I won’t ask you to fulfill that for us, as it would be too audacious, but I would be grateful for your assistance. With Silesie’s Hero-sama, I feel we can dream a wonderful dream.」

「Indeed, our interests seem to align, and I will certainly help… Hey, Celestina.」

Despite my serious tone, it seems there’s no escaping this sultry atmosphere.

I couldn’t push away Celestina, whose soft body leaned against me. Her gentle hand rested atop mine.

「Can I call you Takeru-sama, but only in bed?」

「Even though you’ve just gained independence, you’re still a dignified queen, Celestina. Feel free to call me as you like.」

「Then can I call you just Takeru?」

With a mischievous smile, the alluring Celestina boldly hugged me tightly.

Her ample bosom pressed firmly against my chest.

Her bare legs entwined with mine, and the warm breath tickling my ear was overwhelming.

But if I let this go on, it would be cheating.

It would be quite bad to openly be unfaithful in the bed of the harem!

「Wait a minute… I understand that it’s very important to show our deep connection, both inside and out. But isn’t it enough that we’re just lying here together?」

「Oh? After a woman has mustered the courage to come this far, isn’t that a bit cold of you?」

「However… I have a principle against cheating. You might think it’s strange coming from a man with ten wives.」

「Surprisingly steadfast, aren’t you? I expected you to be more indiscriminate… Oh, but you can harden over here if you like.」

Celestina’s crude joke, which clashed with her elegant appearance, made me laugh.

The relaxed atmosphere eased my tense feelings.

「We’ve only just met, and I’m not really a playboy; I’m not very experienced with women…」

「Well, in my hometown, it’s customary to spend three days getting to know someone before exchanging vows.」

「Exactly. Even if you suddenly suggest spending the night together, you must have someone you like, Celestina.」

「The man I like is right in front of me.」

Celestina’s obsidian-like, wet eyes held a strength that couldn’t be easily deflected, as if asking, ‘You’re kidding, right?’

「I don’t think I’ve done anything to earn that much affection.」

「Oh, when I saw you on the battlefield, I felt a sense of destiny. Even though you’re not a Dandor, we are very similar.」

「That might be true.」

「Destiny is like that. Even just being similar in this vast world is enough. I believe that you and I were fated to be together. Moreover, if gaining your favor could save all of us, it’s only natural that I would feel this way. It’s only right for a woman saved by a brave hero to have affection for him.」

「Well… Regardless, I will provide ample support. It benefits both of us and helps us both.」

「In that case… fufufu.」

Celestina, who had been speaking to me seriously, suddenly burst into laughter.

「What’s so funny?」

「I found it quite frustrating. I’ve never had experience in charming a man, so I seem to be quite clumsy at it. I could easily use my ‘Fascination’ magic… but with a scary oneesan watching, I can’t cheat.」

As I wondered who might be watching, Kaara emerged from the shadows of the bed.

Kaara knelt before us, lowering her long hair to the floor and bowing deeply.

「Nation’s Father, I apologize for the intrusion at such an intimate moment. That advance mage was an enemy until recently, so I wanted to ensure there were no risks…」

「No, it’s fine. You’re my bodyguard, after all.」

Kaara’s stealth magic was flawless, and I hadn’t noticed her at all, but Celestina, being an advance mage, must have sensed her presence. With a faint smile, Celestina turned her sultry eyes towards Kaara and spoke to her.

「Feel free to watch from there if you’d like. After all, Kaara-sama, you’re also one of Takeru-sama’s wives, aren’t you?」

「I’m not that rude of a woman. But look at you, the master of temptation—your hands are trembling.」

Kaara stepped closer and swiftly took Celestina’s hand. At her words, Celestina appeared slightly flustered.

To me, she seemed entirely composed, but if Kaara said she was trembling, then it must be true.

「It seems I might be a little nervous. I never thought there would be any difficulty in negotiating with a man I believed couldn’t resist my charms.」

「If you’re not going to cheat with magic, then it’s not my concern. New Queen of Aragon, if that’s what you want, then you should tempt Nation’s Father properly. If your feelings are genuine, he will surely respond to them.」

Though Kaara said that…

It’s not about whether her feelings are sincere; I just have a strong aversion to cheating.

Since I’ve been hailed as a hero and placed in a position to govern, temptations have increased. I need to draw a clear line, or I might really slip into something I shouldn’t.

Turning back to me, Celestina pulled my arm firmly and spoke in a compelling voice.

「You said you only embrace your wives, Takeru.」

「Yes, that’s true.」

「Then let me be your wife for just one night.」

「Isn’t that a bit… inappropriate?」

「Even just once would be enough. If you don’t, I won’t have a place as a woman. How cruel of you! You understand, don’t you? Please say you do!」

As I continued to hesitate, her actions grew bolder.

She leaned over me, starting to remove her clothing. To my surprise, she wasn’t wearing any underwear. The sound of fabric rustling echoed in the quiet harem.

「No, no, you should take better care of yourself.」

「I want to entrust myself to Takeru-sama because I value myself. I’m much older than you; if I take too much care, I’ll end up as an old woman. Besides, I’m not a virgin, so there’s no need for hesitation.」

「But still…」

「Enough!」

That night was filled with a constant back-and-forth, but I won’t go into details.

I remember Celestina, despite her title as ‘fascination’ being somewhat clumsy and aggressive in her approach to seduction.

Celestina could ensnare any man with her ‘ Fascination’ magic.

She had probably never seriously pursued a man before.

Yet, perhaps her desperate demeanor made it seem genuine to me. I thought I shouldn’t give in, but I was swept away.

When it was all over, and the sky began to lighten, Celestina had vanished from the harem.

……………….

…………

…….

「Celestina, you liar. What do you mean you’re not a virgin?」

The sheets left behind bore a red stain.

It was a clear mark of purity.

If she had told me it was her first time, I would have been a bit gentler.

Now that it had come to this, I had to take responsibility as a man.

Instead of just calling her a one-night wife, I would consult about welcoming Celestina as my eleventh wife.

Although Celestina hadn’t asked for it, I knew that doing so would be the best way to protect both her and her kingdom.

「Looks like another harem meeting is in order…」

When I consulted with Lyle-sensei, she replied, ‘I thought this might happen!’ I was sure she would help me navigate the situation.

I could already imagine her teasing me about what I meant by ‘not adding any more wives’.

But this time, I resolved to make it the last.

Given the circumstances, it was unavoidable, but I wouldn’t take on any more wives after this.

※※※

Some time after my night with Celestina, I received news of the victory in the Kingdom of Aragon.

The Kingdom of Castilia was certainly aware of the possibility of local rebellions. They had been diligently reinforcing their battered army after their defeat, working swiftly to address Aragon’s defection.

The Castilian army, equipped with the new siege weapon, the stone-throwing bombard, rushed to attack what they thought were just a collection of minor ethnic groups in the remote mountainous countryside.

They believed that the noble regular army of Castilia would not be defeated by the mountain troops barricaded in the city of Pamplona, the center of the rebellion.

However, what awaited the Castilian army upon their arrival at the foothills of the Andorra Mountains, where the united forces of the three tribes were holed up, was a new type of cannon with a much longer range than the stone-throwing bombard that Castilia had prepared for the siege.

It was none other than Lyle-sensei who had incited the rebellion in Aragon. There was no way she hadn’t smuggled weapons across the Andorra Mountains from Silesie in advance.

Moreover, fortifications that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere suddenly emerged before the city, standing in the way of the Castilian army.

The Castilian troops struggled against the fortified positions, which had enough muskets to mount a strong defense. Faced with a relentless barrage of cannon fire, they were ultimately forced to retreat.

During their withdrawal, they suffered guerrilla attacks that further diminished their forces, and the Castilian army commander returned to the capital in a state of disarray, greeted by the news that Queen Celestina of Aragon had married the Silesie’s Hero.

With Silesie now openly backing them, it was impossible to subdue the Kingdom of Aragon.

Thus, the Kingdom of Castilia found itself defeated for the second time, this time by Aragon, which resulted in the recognition of Aragon’s independence.

The Kingdom of Castilia, of course, lodged vehement protests against the outrageous internal interference by the Kingdom of Silesie.

The response from the Silesie ambassador was simply, ‘More importantly, when will you return the remaining reparations?’.