「君はおかしい」
げっそりとしたクロードに、アイリーンは小首をかしげた。
「そうでしょうか。クロード様は責任感の強い方だと見込んでの策だったのですが」
「なんの責任だ」
「あっははははは、あははははは!」
紅茶を出してくれたキースが、ついに耐えかねたように笑い出し、クロードに睨まれる。
「何がおかしい、キース」
「だ、だって、魔物を人質にとって魔王を脅したあげく、媚薬をもるご令嬢とか。いやはや逸材ですよ」
「おほめにあずかり光栄ですわ、キース様」
用意された紅茶を一口含み、カップをソーサーに置く。
今いるのは、昨日アイリーンが寝かされていた応接室だ。あくまで帰れというクロードを押し切って、ようやく一息ついたところだった。
人を案内できる場所がここしかないというのは問題だが、出された紅茶もソファの座り心地も決して悪くはない。笑い転げているキースが調えているのだろう。
「でも残念ですわ。クロード様に媚薬がきかないなんて......」
「王にそのような小賢しい薬がきくか」
妙に誇らしそうにベルゼビュートが答える。キースが苦笑交じりにつけたした。
「クロード様は散々毒殺とか目論まれてますからね。体に耐性がついちゃって薬がききにくいんですよ。っていうかそもそも魔王ですし」
「あら、でしたらもっと強力なのでしたら効きますかしら」
「君が用意した食べ物は、今後一切口にしないことにする」
「じゃあ別の方法を考えますわね」
「考えなくていい」
「だって時間がないんですもの」
頬に片手をあてて、悩ましげにアイリーンはため息を吐く。
「理由を聞いて下さいます?」
「聞きたくないんだが」
「そうですか。実は二ヶ月後の夜会に出ることになりまして」
「今、聞くか聞かないかの前置きは必要だったのか?」
「それでぜひ、クロードさまにエスコートをお願いしたいんですけれども」
「聞くしかないんだな、分かった。......しかしそれでどうして媚薬になるんだ......」
「? 素直にお願いして了解してくださったのですか?」
目を丸くして尋ねると、クロードが無表情になった。腹を抱えてキースが笑いだす。
「だ、だから既成事実を先に作ってしまおうと思ったわけですね、なるほど」
「何がなるほどだ。娘! 王の気を引きたいのならば、まず全裸になり、服従の意を示せ。王はお優しい方だ。憐れんでくださるだろう」
一人がけの椅子に腰掛けたままクロードが固まった。だが、ベルゼビュートの目は本気だ。
一瞬だけアイリーンは真顔になったが、すぐさま笑顔を取り戻し、胸の上に手を置いた。
「それがクロード様のお望みなら」
「望んでない! 黙っていろベル、君も脱ごうとするな!」
「では夜会に一緒に出席してくださる?」
クロードが頭を抱える。キースは笑いすぎてひいひい言いながら、声を上げた。
「い、いいんじゃないですか、夜会。私め、張り切って用意致しますよ!」
「まあ! 有り難う御座います、キース様」
「ちょっと待て勝手に話を決めるな。行くと言ってない」
「王が望まぬことを押しつけるのは我々が許さぬ、人間共」
ベルゼビュートがクロードを守るように一歩前に進み出た。
「人間の夜会だと? そんなくだらぬものに王の手を煩わせるくらいなら、会場ごと破壊してくれる」
「ベルゼビュート様。あなたは何も分かっておられないのね」
「何だと」
「やめろ、ベル。お前が言いくるめられる予感しかしない」
「世間に知らしめたくありませんの、クロード様の素晴らしさを!」
ベルゼビュートが瞠目した。
片手で顔を覆ったクロードを尻目に、穏やかにアイリーンは説得する。
「クロード様は素晴らしい方でしょう」
「......もちろん、王は素晴らしい方だ」
「でしたら夜会への参加は必須です。人間達の前に姿を見せてこそ、クロード様への畏怖が形成されるのです。あなたたちの魔王が輝くのです」
「......王が......輝く......」
ちらちらとクロードを見るベルゼビュートは迷っている。自分達の敬愛する王が、崇め奉られれば、嬉しいに決まっている。
そしてクロードはそんな魔物達の期待を無碍にできない。
「クロード様、エスコートしてくださる?」
「......そもそも僕が普通に出席できると思わないんだが」
「あら、どうしてでしょう」
肘掛けに頬杖をついて、クロードはどうでもよさそうに続けた。
「僕は魔王だ。会場に着く前に間違いなく邪魔が入る。面倒だ」
「......クロード様......昨日のわたくしの話を聞いてらっしゃらなかったの? わたくしはあなたを飼うと言ったはずです」
ぶっと再度キースが吹き出し、クロードが渋面を通り越して無表情に戻った。
「ではもう一度聞いてくださいませ。わたくしはあなたを飼います。つまりあなたはドートリシュ公爵家令嬢の婚約者です」
「......婚約者という前提がまず間違っていると指摘はしておく」
「ドートリシュ公爵令嬢のわたくしがついておりますのよ。堂々と正面玄関から入場されればよろしいのです。魔王だからってなんだと言うのです」
自信満々に請け負ったアイリーンに、クロードはなんとも言えない顔をした。
「他に不安はありまして?」
勝手に会話を進めると、クロードは足を組み直し、顔を少しそむけた。
「......君の立場が悪くなるぞ。魔物に与していると思われたら」
「まあ......まあまあまあまあ! わたくしを心配してくださるの、クロード様!」
両手を胸の前で握って、アイリーンはクロードの眼前まで詰め寄った。
ぎょっとクロードが身を引いたが、あいにく椅子に腰かけたままなので距離は変わらない。
「大丈夫です。わたくし、今、評判最悪ですもの。これ以上なく嫌われておりますわ、だから心配なさらないで!」
「だって本当ですもの。そもそもこの夜会、わたくしを馬鹿にするための夜会でしてよ? 公衆の面前で婚約破棄の署名にサインをさせて、わたくしが作った商会もセドリック様にどうぞもらってくださいと頭を下げるように、ですって。そしてわたくしはセドリック様とリリア様の婚約をお祝いするのです」
唇だけで笑うと、クロードが沈黙を返した。ベルゼビュートが鼻を鳴らす。
「人間というものは、どこまでもくだらない」
「そこでクロード様ですわ、ベルゼビュート様!」
突然アイリーンに指名されたベルゼビュートが、おののいたようにあとずさる。
「今のわたくしの横に立ってなお、皆が黙らざるを得ない男性! 顔も肩書きも何もかもが完璧なクロード様の他に、誰かいらっしゃって?」
「な......なるほど......!」
「――いい加減にしてもらえないか。僕は出席しないと言っている」
思いがけない強い口調にアイリーンは口を噤む。
唸っていたベルゼビュートも笑い転げていたキースも、あっという間に静かになった。
一人用の椅子からクロードが静かに立ち上がり、アイリーンを見据える。
「ドートリシュ公爵令嬢。お引き取り願おう。見送りはしない。自分の足で帰れ」
「......。お断りしたら?」
「好きにすればいい。厄介事を持ちこむだけの君とは、もうかかわらない」
踵を返したクロードに、アイリーンは内心で臍をかんだ。
(ドートリシュ公爵家のもたらす利益など厄介事にしかならない。そういう意味ね)
確かにドートリシュ公爵家の財力も権力も、クロードには不要だろう。彼は魔王なのだ。その気になればなんでも手に入れられる。それをしないのは、望んでいないからに他ならない。
(だとしたらこの人が望んでるのは何? ......ゲームでは、普通の人間として接してくれるリリアに惹かれたはずよね。でもリリアは聖剣の乙女で、魔物とは相容れない関係だから......)
ゲームではどうやって結ばれたのだろう。そういえば思い出せてない。
その時だった。
「魔王様! 魔王様! 迷子!」
[You are weird] 
Irene tilted her head at Claude's dejected form.
[Am I really? That was an expected measure towards someone like Claude-sama who has a strong sense of responsibility] 
[What kind of responsibility?] 
[AHAHAHAHAHA, AHAHAHAHAHA!] 
Keith who distributed the tea couldn't stand it anymore and finally, let out a burst of loud laughter while keeping an eye on Claude.
[What's so funny, Keith?] 
[I, I mean, it's a lady who took a monster as a hostage to threaten the Demon King and then gave him an aphrodisiac. Good gracious, what an outstanding talent she has] 
[I'm honored by your compliment, Keith-sama] 
Irene took a sip from the prepared tea and put it back on its saucer.
Irene is currently sitting inside the same reception room that she had been laid after she fainted yesterday. After Claude persistently told her to go home but finally managed to force her way in, she was finally able to take a breather.
It was a problem if the only acceptable place to guide the guest was this place, but it wasn't that bad considering the served tea and the level of comfort provided by the sofa. It seems that Keith who was convulsing with laughter had straightened up himself.
[But it was such a disappointment. To think that Claude-sama is immune to the aphrodisiac......] 
[There's no way our King would be affected by such insolent drug] 
Beelzebuth let out a strangely proud respond. Keith added with a wry smile.
[There were so many people who had formed plans to completely kill Claude-sama by poisoning him. His body has unintentionally developed resistance to the point medicine rarely worked on him. I mean, in the first place, he's a Demon King after all] 
[My, I wonder if it will be more effective if it were stronger?] 
[I have decided, from now onwards, I won't take even a bite from the food you've prepared] 
[Then I shall think of another way] 
[It's okay if you don't think about anything] 
[But I don't have time after all] 
Irene put a hand on her cheek while letting out an anxious sigh.
[Are you not going to ask for my reason?] 
[But I don't want to listen to it] 
[I see. The truth is, I have an evening party to attend in two months] 
[Now, does the question you posed earlier even matter when I already don't have the option to whether or not I want to listen to it?] 
[So by all means, I want to request Claude-sama to be my escort] 
[I only have to listen to you, right? I understand....... But how did you ended up planning on giving me the aphrodisiac? ......] 
[?Would you be understanding if I had been honest?] 
Her gaze when she inquired him caused Claude to be expressionless. Keith held his belly and started laughing.
[S, so you intended to establish a fact in advance, I see] 
[What do you mean by "I see", huh? Girl! If you want to attract our King's attention, first of all, take off all of your clothes and show your intention to obey. Our King is a kind being. He will show you some mercy] 
Hearing that, Claude who was sitting on a one-person chair, stiffened. But, Beelzebub eyes were serious.
Only for a moment, Irene had a serious look on her face, but immediately her smile came back to adorn her face; and then she put her hand on top of her chest.
[if that's what Claude-sama wish for] 
[It's not! Be quiet Bel, and you stop trying to take off your clothes!] 
[Then will you attend the evening party with me?] 
Claude was greatly perplexed by her. Keith who was laughing too much, said while taking a deep breath in between.
[I, isn't it fine? Going to the evening party, I mean. I'll eagerly make some preparations!] 
[My! Thank you very much, Keith-sama] 
[Hold on a second, don't just selfishly decide to proceed with everything. I never said I'm going] 
[I won't forgive the human who imposed our King with something that he does not want] 
Beelzebub took one step forward as if to protect Claude.
[You said a human evening party? If something as ridiculous as that bothered our King, I will tear that place apart] 
[Beelzebub-sama. You don't understand anything, do you? ] 
[What did you say?] 
[Stop it, Bel. I had a hunch that she's going to cajole you into something] 
[Don't you want to show the world of Claude-sama's splendor?!] 
Beelzebub was awestruck.
Claude covered his face in resignation with one hand while casting a look from the corner of his eyes at Irene who was calmly persuading Beelzebub.
[Claude-sama is a magnificent person, isn't he?] 
[......Of course, our King is a magnificent person] 
[Then he must partic.i.p.ate in the evening party. Only by showing himself in front of humans will their fear take form into something substantial that is Claude-sama. This is how your beloved Demon King will s.h.i.+ne] 
[......Our King......will s.h.i.+ne......] 
Claude had a complicated look on his face with the way Beelzebub eyes sparkled when he gazed at him. He had decided that he would be happy if their beloved King was revered by the humans.
And Claude couldn't get himself away from the expectations of the monsters.
[Claude-sama, would you be my escort?] 
[......But, I don't think I could attend it normally in the first place] 
[My, why do you think so?] 
Claude put his hand on the arm-chair and rest his chin on the said hand, continuing his words as if it was a trivial matter.
[ I am the Demon King. Without a doubt, I will be obstructed before I can even arrive at the venue. It's a ha.s.sle] 
[......Claude-sama......did you not listen to what I've said yesterday? It was a matter about me keeping you] 
Once again, Keith burst out laughing, Claude briefly frowned and then, he immediately put on his expressionless face back.
[Then, please listen to me one more time. I will keep you. In other words, you are going to be the fiance of the D'Austriche Ducal Family's daughter] 
[......First of all, allow me to point out that your hypothesis about me becoming your fiance is wrong] 
[You're following the daughter of the D'Austriche Ducal House. You will proudly enter through the main gate. If I have to say, it's because you're a Demon King as well] 
Claude's face made an indescribable expression at  Irene who was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with self-confidence at the thought of taking a full responsibility of him.
[Do you have any other concerns?] 
When she selfishly proceeded with the conversation, Claude recrossed his legs and slightly averted his face away.
[......Your position will become bad. If people were to think that you're siding with Monsters] 
[Oh my......mymymymy! Are you worried about me, Claude-sama?!] 
With both of her hands were clasping together in front of her chest, Irene drew near before Claude's eyes.
Startled, Claude tried to pull away to make some distance but unfortunately, because he's currently sitting on a chair, it didn't change.
[That's fine. Currently, I have the worst reputation. It can't become anymore worst than this, so set your heart at ease!] 
[After all, it's the truth. In the first place, this evening party was meant to make a fool of me, you know? I was informed that I have to sign the engagement annulment doc.u.ment in public and I am to hand over the company that I created while bowing my head to him. And then, I have to celebrate the engagement between Cedric-sama and Lilisama] 
When Irene let out a burst of empty laughter, Claude responded to her statement with silence. Beelzebub snorted at that.
[The creature called human is so absurd] 
[That's where Claude-sama come together into this picture, Beelzebub-sama!] 
Beelzebub whose named suddenly being mentioned by Irene shuddered and take a step back.
[The man who can stand beside the current me is the man who can make everyone do nothing but to shut up. His face, his t.i.tle, and everything about him is so perfect, is there even anyone in existence that can hold a candle to him?] 
[I......I see......!] 
[----Can you please cut it out? I told you I will not attend the evening party] 
Irene shut her mouth due to the unexpected firm tone from Claude.
Both Beelzebub who was ooh and aah-ing in admiration, and Keith who was in the middle of convulsing in laughter had become silent.
Claude silently stood up from the chair and fixed his gaze on Irene.
[Daughter of D'Austriche Ducal House. Please leave. I will not see you off. Go home with your own feet.
[....... If I refuse?] 
[Do as you please. I will no longer get myself involved with you who brings nothing but trouble] 
As Claude turned his back on his heel, Irene was engaging with the most important part of her mind.
(the profit or as such gain by involving himself with D'Austriche Ducal House will bring him nothing but trouble. That's what he means, right?)
Certainly, Claude did not need D'Austriche Ducal House's a.s.sets and political power. He's a Demon King after all. If he wished for something, he could easily obtain everything. The only reason he did not do anything was that he did not want it.
(In that case, what is it that this man want?......In the game, he was supposedly charmed by to Lilia because she treated him as a human when she first met him. But, Lilia was the Maiden of the Holy Sword, so she had an incompatible relations.h.i.+p with monsters......)
In the game, how did they get together? Come to think of it, I couldn't remember.
It was at that time.
[Demon King-sama! Demon King-sama! A lost child!]
Villainous Daughter Aims for the Last Boss
悪役令嬢なのでラスボスを飼ってみました
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/villainous-daughter-aims-for-the-last-boss/
Drama Fantasy Romance School Life Shoujo
Adapted to Anime Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Beautiful Female Lead Bloodlines Broken Engagement Business Management Businessmen Calm Protagonist Demon Lord Demons Female Protagonist Handsome Male Lead Hated Protagonist Kuudere Multiple Reincarnated Individuals Nobles Otome Game Politics Reincarnated in a Game World Royalty Saints Sword And Magic Villainess Noble Girls
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n2766dz/
永瀬さらさ