「くどっ......」
かあっと頬が赤らんだ。男性に対する免疫のなさのせいだ。前世は乙女ゲームがお友達で、今世は婚約者こそいたが箱入りのお嬢様として育ち、セドリックとは悲しいほど何もなかった。
しかしうろたえるなんて弱みをさらすことはできない。及び腰のまま、綺麗な無表情に向けて無理矢理不敵に笑う。
「え、ええ。そ、そういうことになりますわね」
「......。声が震えてるような気がするのは気のせいか」
「き、気のせいです」
「口説けるほど男慣れしてるように見えな」
「わたくしを誰だと思っていらっしゃるの、殿方を口説くなんて朝飯前の百戦錬磨です!!」
力いっぱい言い切っても、クロードは無表情だった。ただ頭のてっぺんから足の先まで、しげしげと眺められる。
いつも通り化粧もドレスも完璧なはずだ。もちろん、魔王の城に挑みにやってきたので軽装ではあるが、公爵令嬢として十分に恥ずかしくないはず。でもどうしてだか突然に恥ずかしくなって、アイリーンは身じろぎした。
(や、やたらと美形な人が目の前にいるとさすがに緊張が......あ、髪! ぼさぼさ――っていうかああぁ)
今頃気づいた。靴は泥で汚れているし、どこかにひっかけたのかドレスのレースはほつれ、全体的によれよれだ。森の中を突っ切ってきたのだから仕方がない。とはいえこれはゆゆしき事態だ。
この時代、完璧な装いこそが女性の戦装束であり、防御力なのだから。
「きゅ......求婚しにきたのに、お見苦しい格好で失礼しました。もう一度、出直しますわ」
「出直す必要はない」
クロードがぱちんと指を鳴らした。魔物でもやってくるのかと身構えたが、ふわっと優しい風が足元から吹き上がり、アイリーンの周囲を光をまき散らしながら舞う。靴の泥が取れ、ほつれたレースが編みこまれたように戻り、木の枝にひっかけた生地が修復され、綺麗になっていく。ぼさぼさの髪の毛も丁寧にとかしなおされたように風と一緒に後ろに流れ、心なしか疲労も軽くなった。
(......魔法だわ)
ぱちりとまばたいたアイリーンにそっけなくクロードは告げる。
「これで二度とこなくていいだろう。帰れ」
「......。わたくし、この服、宝物にしますわ」
「は?」
「だって魔法がかかったドレスなんですもの! 素敵!」
目を輝かせてくるりと回ると、お忍び用のワンピースの裾が広がった。
同時に、花瓶に活けてあった花のつぼみが開く。これも魔法だろうか。瞳を輝かせて棚の上の花瓶を凝視したが、一輪つぼみが開いただけで、それ以上の変化はない。
不思議で、アイリーンは無表情のクロードに尋ねる。
「今、花が咲いたのも魔法ですか?」
「......いや」
クロードはそれ以上答えない。
首を傾げているとクロードの斜め後ろから、キースが意味深に笑った。
「やはり女性がいらっしゃると部屋が華やかでいいですねえ。魔物に囲まれてばっかりだとクロード様の美意識や常識がゆがむのではないかと心配してたんですよ」
「そうだ、思い出しましたわ! 道中のカラスのことです」
「......僕は帰れと言っているんだが、聞いていないのか」
「聞いていますがお断りしているだけです。それであのカラスなんですけれども、あれはクロード様の部下なんでしょう?」
微妙な顔をしているクロードの目の前、アイリーンは仁王立ちした。
「この森に入った者に対して警告するのはいいとは思いますが、嘲るのは下品です。部下の行動はクロード様の品位にかかわります。低俗な醜聞を元にした誹謗中傷は控えるよう教育しておいてくださいませ」
「なぜ君にそんなことを言われなければいけない?」
「婚約者が品のない方ではわたくしが恥ずかしいからです」
「そもそも僕は君の婚約者になった覚えはないんだが」
「それと他に気になった点がいくつか。まずベルゼビュート様の格好が破廉恥です。露出狂に見えます」
ベルゼビュートが目を白黒させ、キースが腹を抱えて爆笑した。
ベルゼビュートは上半身は長いベストを羽織っただけで肌が見えている。いわゆる東国風の格好で乙女ゲームで見ていた時は何とも思わなかったが、この国でわざわざ肌を見せるなんて常識外れだ。大体、今は真冬である。見ていて寒い。
「きちんとしたものを仕立てましょう。あとは礼儀作法も学んでいただかないと」
「おい、人間の娘。どうして俺がそんなことをせねばならない」
「クロード様の片腕なのでしょう。魔物だろうがなんだろうが公の場に出て行けるよう、きちんとしていただかないと困ります」
「......。片腕」
ベルゼビュートが心なしか弾んだ声を出した。これは簡単に操れそうだ。
「それとキース様も......同じ服をずいぶん長く着回してらっしゃる感じですわね。物持ちのよさは好ましいですが、無精は困りますわ。きちんとした公の場に出られる衣装はおあり?」
「あー、数年前に仕立てたのがありますねえ。というのもですね、アイリーン様、聞いてくださいよ。なんと私、クロード様の見張り兼口止め役で高官のはずなんですが、クロード様の味方しすぎて給料ゼロなんですよ! 額面あるのにおかしいと思いません?」
「まあ」
横領か。顔をしかめた後で、アイリーンは考え込む。
「......わかりました。となると、クロード様にもお金はないんですのね?」
突然、花瓶に活けてある花が一斉に散る。それを見た従者二人の反応は早かった。
「あ、クロード様傷つかなくていいですからね。私めは、十分人生楽しいですからね」
「王よ、そもそも金銭が必要ならば我々が奪ってくる」
「二人とも黙れ。――分かっただろう、僕に嫁いでも君になんの利益もない」
「あら、そんな小さなこと気になさらないで。わたくし、クロード様を養うくらいの甲斐性はありましてよ? なんなら、飼って差し上げてもいいくらいです」
途端、窓の外で落雷が発生した。もう驚かず、あらあらとアイリーンは笑う。
無表情のままクロードがうなるような声を上げた。
「......どうしてそうなる。口説きにきたんじゃないのか」
「口説くよりそちらの方がわたくしの性に合います」
ラスボスを飼う。いい展開ではないかと、ほくほくアイリーンは微笑む。
クロードが冷ややかにそれを見返した。
「口説く方がまだましだとわからない君の感性はおかしい」
「褒め言葉として受け取っておきますわ。というわけでわたくしと結婚という名前の契約を致しましょう。うんと頷いてくださるだけで皆様に快適な生活と幸福が訪れます」
「うわあ、新手の宗教勧誘っぽいですねえ」
「クロード様。わたくしへの見返りは、あなたの愛だけで十分です。それがどんなに難しいことなのか、わたくしはどこかのゴミ屑男のおかげで思い知りました」
クロードが顔を上げた。ほんの少しだが、感情が出ている気がする。
うんと言わせてしまえばこっちのものだと、アイリーンはクロードに詰め寄った。
「あなたは優しい人です。自分が人間を憎み切れないせいで魔物達が窮屈な思いをしていることにも、心を痛めてらっしゃるのでは?」
「わたくしは人間なんて滅びてしまっても構わないと思いますけれど、ええ特にわたくしを侮辱した連中なんて頭から魔物に食べられてしまえばいいと思いますけれど、あなたの場合はそう願えば現実になってしまう。それはどれだけの重責で、葛藤でしょう。その誘惑に耐えられるあなたの強さを尊敬します」
クロードの動揺が、初めて表情に出た。
瞠目した瞳の中に映りこんで、アイリーンは悪魔の笑みを浮かべる。
「わたくしと結婚してくだされば、わたくしはあなたもあなたの大事な魔物も守ります。一人で背負わせたりしませんわ。これでも皇妃になるはずだった人間ですから、心得ています」
そこでクロードが唐突に無表情に戻ってしまう。
どこか間違えたかとまばたいた瞬間、アイリーンの眼前にクロードの綺麗な顔があった。
「もう帰れ」
[Sedu-......] 
I'm sure I was blus.h.i.+ng. That's because I lacked immunity against men. In my previous world, the only friends I had was my otome games. While in this world, even though I had a fiance, I was raised in a conservative environment. Therefore, I haven't really done anything with Cedric.
But, I can't be fl.u.s.tered and let my weakness be exposed. With her back slightly bent forward, I forcefully let out a fake laugh towards the expressionlessly beautiful man.
[Y, yes. T, that's what it is] 
[....... Is it just my imagination because I think I just heard you stutter] 
[It, it's just you] 
[It doesn't look like you know enough about men to seduce them] 
[Who do you think I am? I'm a veteran when it comes to seducing gentlemen!!] 
Even if I said that with all my might, Claude was still expressionless. But I could see that he was scrutinizing me from head to toe.
My makeup and my dress were perfect as usual. Of course, I was dressed in a light attire because I came to this Demon King's castle to challenge him but, my attire should be respectful enough to not shame the t.i.tle of a duke's daughter. But why did I feel embarra.s.sed all of a sudden, Irene thought as she stood motionless.
(O, of course, you'll feel nervous when there's a beautiful person standing in front of you, but......Ah, my hair! It was frizzy, I mean (;o;;))
I just realized. I was overall in a shabby appearance. There was mud staining my shoes, the lace of my dress was caught by something from somewhere causing it to be loose. But, there's nothing I could do about it because I was walking through the forest. Although I said that, this is a very troubling situation.
In this period, a perfect attire is every woman's defensive power; it was an armor for the women.
[I......Although I came here to propose marriage, please excuse me for my unsightly appearance. I'll come back again] 
[There's no need] 
Claude's snapped his fingers. At that moment, she was ready to be attacked by the monsters, but Irene suddenly felt a gentle fluffy wind blew around her feet and light seemingly dancing and scattering around her. The mud on her shoes was removed, the loosen lace had been woven back to normal, and the fabric that was caught by the tree branches was restored. The dress has become pretty.
(......It's magic)
Claude said to the Irene who was struck silly.
[With this, you don't have to come here again. Go home] 
[....... I will treasure this clothes] 
[Huh?] 
[I mean, this is a magical dress! How wonderful!] 
When I turned around with s.h.i.+ning eyes, the hem of the one-piece dress spread around beautifully.
At the same time, a flower in the vase bloomed. Was that magic as well? With a pair of s.h.i.+ning eyes, I stared at the vase on the shelf, but there was only one flower blooming; and, there were no further changes on other flowers.
Seeing such a strange occurrence, Irene asked the expressionless Claude.
[Just now, was it magic that made the flower bloomed as well?] 
[......No] 
Claude did no further answering.
Keith, who was standing behind Claude, turned his head around and let out a meaningful laugh.
[As I thought, if women were in the room they lit up the whole place wonderfully. I was worried about the Claude-sama who was always surrounded by monsters alone, losing all of his sense of beauty and his common sense] 
[That's right, I remembered!The crows I met when I was on my way here] 
[......I told you to go home, were you not listening?] 
[I heard you, but I just refuse to listen to it. So, are those crows your subordinate, Claude-sama?] 
Irene stood like a King in front of the Claude who made a subtle expression.
[I think having them around was a good way to warn against those who enter this forest, but it was offensive of the crows to insult those people like what they did to me. After all, the subordinate's behavior is related to Claude-sama's honor. Therefore, I would like to educate them so they will refrain themselves from ridiculing people based on some vulgar scandal] 
[Why do you need to be the one who tell them all of those things?] 
[Because it'll disgrace me if my fiancee is someone without dignity] 
[But, I don't remember agreeing to be your fiancee at the first place] 
[Also, there are few other things that bother me. First of all, Beelzebuth-sama's appearance is disgraceful. I can see everything (1)] 
Beelzebuth wore a bewildering expression upon listening to Irene's comment while Keith let out a belly full of laughter.
Beelzebuth's upper body was only covered by a long vest and we can see the skin underneath it. When I saw his so-called Eastern-style appearance in the Otome game, I didn't think anything of it; but, exposing skin isn't a part of common sense in this Kingdom. Also, we are in mid-winter now. Just looking at him makes me feel cold.
[Let's tailor something proper for you. Next, we need to make sure you learn proper etiquette as well] 
[Oi, daughter of human. Why do I have to do those things?] 
[You are Claude-sama's right-hand man, right? It doesn't matter if you're a monster or whatever because it'll cause us trouble if you're not being proper when you go out in public] 
[....... Right-hand man] 
Beelzebuth let out a seemingly lively voice. He seems like someone who can easily be manipulated.
[And Keith-sama as well......I have a feeling that you've been wearing the same attire for a long time. Wearing something with good quality makes someone look presentable, but this dull attire you're currently wearing is very embarra.s.sing. Do you have another attire that you can properly wear out in public?] 
[Ah-, I have something that was tailored for me a few years ago. It's that kind of thing, right? Irene-sama, please listen to me. I'm supposed to be a high-ranking officer serving and watching over Claude-sama, but maybe because of my overly strong support for Claude-sama, I have zero salary!It's even written on my paycheck, don't you think that's odd?] 
[Oh my] 
Maybe it's embezzlement. Frowning, Irene pondered.
[......I understand. So, you were saying that even Claude-sama has no money, right?] 
Suddenly, all of the flowers inside the vase withered; the petals fell and scattered around the room. Both of his followers quickly reacted to it the moment they saw what happened.
[Ah, Claude-sama you don't have to feel bad about it. For me, I'm having so much fun here] 
[Oh King, in the first place, if you need money, we can go and steal some] 
[Both of you shut up.----Now you see, there's no profit in marrying me] 
[Oh my, I don't care for such a trivial thing. I have enough to feed Claude-sama, you know? If so, I am good enough to keep Claude-sama] 
Immediately, a lightning strike outside of the window. No longer surprised at such occurrence, Irene let out a laugh.
Claude with no expression on, raised up his voice.
[......how do you even reach to that conclusion? Didn't you come here to seduce me?] 
[Rather than seducing, I think doing it this way fits my style better] 
I'll keep the Last Boss. Irene, thinking that this had developed into something good, let out a giggle.
Claude looked back at her frostily.
[You pretty much don't know anything about the person you're seducing. That's a very weird sense of humor you have right there] 
[I'll take that as a compliment. So, let's make a contract under the name of marriage. Just say yes to my proposal, then I guarantee you will have a comfortable life and happiness knocking on your door] 
[Uwaa, this seems like a strange religious solicitation] 
[Claude-sama. In return, your love is more than enough for me. I knew how difficult it is thanks to some trash teaching me that fact] 
Claude lifted up his face. I kinda had a feeling that he let out just a little bit of emotion.
To make Claude say yes, Irene got closer to Claude.
[You are a very kind person. You knew how painful it is for the monsters to live among humans, but despite that, you can't bring yourself to hate humans. Isn't that what's really eating you inside?
[I personally think that it is completely fine if the entire human beings are destroyed, yes, I think it would be nice if they were to be eaten alive from head to toe by the monsters, especially those people who had insulted me; but, I think in your case, if you desire for the destruction of humanity, then it will become a reality. I wonder how heavy of a responsibility and struggle it is. I respect your ability to withstand the temptation] 
For the first time, Claude's sadness was shown through his emotionless facade.
Irene's figure that was reflected in his eyes was smiling devilishly.
[If you marry me, I'll protect you and your precious monsters. You don't have to bear the burden on your own. I am fully prepared because I was the former Queen candidate after all] 
At that, Claude expression turned back to his former expressionless face.
At some point, she made a mistake; and, in a blink of an eye, Claude's beautiful face appeared in front of Irene.
[Just go home already]
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