Chapter 51: Fairness in the Eyes of Love

The magic airship soared high above the skies of Duranzia, steadily closing the distance between it and the Sword City of Gladius.

Vritra stood quietly with an face expressionless as he gazed at the endless sea of clouds.

『Ugh... I should be in Kaalen Tower City winning over a heroine, but now I'm stuck focusing on Gladius City instead. There better be a beautiful woman like Esme there for me to meet; otherwise, what's the point of unlocking a new area? After all my hard work, I definitely deserve the full harem protagonist treatment. It's only fair.』

Suddenly, Luciana appeared by his side and affectionately hugged his right arm tightly.

"Husband, you've been so quiet ever since we left the royal capital a few hours ago... ♡"

She rubbed her cheek against his arm and snuggled closer, making sure the softness of her breasts pressed firmly against him to catch his attention in more ways than one.

『Just as I expected, Esmeralda was right about how easily a man's attention can be caught when you press your breasts against his arm. I remember how long it took me to get it just right... my shorter height perfectly matches his, so my chest is pressed against my Lord in just the right way. Tee-hee! I'm sure he didn't expect me to be so bold... he's probably quite aroused by now~ ♡!!』

Vritra glanced at the princess and smiled.

"Have you considered maybe I was quiet because of all the fun we had last night. You were quite active..."

He wrapped his arm around her robust, shapely waist, and pulled her even closer.

... EEEK!

The princess was a little surprised when his arms suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her close in a very intimate way. Just hearing his little tease made Luciana's cheeks turn red, so she lowered her head and rested it against his chest.

"W-, Well... I've been more excited than usual lately since we're going to have our little honeymoon rehearsal. I wanted you to enjoy my body in bed even more since you've been so kind to me lately."

The more she spoke, the quieter her voice became, until it was almost a squeak, and her face grew redder.

She now sounded like a little mouse.

『Kyaaaa──♡! I'm always like this around him...』

What probably embarrassed her the most was realizing she was a little selfish.

『My lord has been working so hard lately, studying all he can about our vassal states, especially Grimbarrow and Gladius. He often asks me questions about the people of Gladius City, what makes it special, and whether it has good residential areas.

『I think his interest in Gladius City goes beyond just business. So, when he suggested a honeymoon, I thought it would be nice for us to see if Gladius City suits us as husband and wife before deciding whether to extend our stay.

... Hnnn

『Still, I feel a bit selfish... he's doing most of this for me and our marriage, so we can enjoy time together, but I can't shake the feeling he'd rather be working.』

Normally, this was when she'd put on a sad face, but after thinking it through, she smiled instead and cuddled even closer to her husband.

『Tee-hee! I'm quite a lucky woman...』

She was just happy to have a capable man like him who, every now and then, would put her needs before his own.

Vritra closed his eyes, smirked at her cute reaction, then gave himself a little praise.

"I wouldn't call it kindness. Let's just say I'm a very good husband who knows how to treat his lovely wife."

Luciana's embarrassment melted away at his words.

She lifted her head and smiled brightly.

"Really?!"

Esmeralda watched Ghislaine march over like she was a soldier heading into battle and giggled softly.

『Usually, I'd try to help my princess enjoy her time with God Vritra, but facing some challenges in her relationship isn't necessarily a bad thing. If she loves him, she should be prepared to fight for him... that's what makes her a strong woman. If things go this way, I might even want God Vritra for myself too. Mhm-mmm~ ♡』

Deciding not to interfere, Esme stayed where she was.

Ghislaine stood in front of Vritra, bent forward, and put her hands on her small, round hips.

... Hmph!

There was a small pout on her face.

"I tried to ignore it before, but I won't anymore! It's absolutely unfair, young master! Usually, I'm the one you call to your bed whenever you need to shove it inside. You even called me your personal meat toilet. I'm not some high-class noble who gets upset over that name... ju-, just as long as I'm your item!"

She almost looked like she might cry.

[Your subordinate, Ghislaine's feelings for you has experienced a transformation. Would you like to know more?]

Vritra shook his head inwardly.

『No. Not right now, at least...』

Luciana turned to Vritra with a small frown.

"My lord, did you really call Ghislaine a meat toilet? That's very... unlike you. I don't like it."

She looked genuinely upset, not even trying to defend her relationship with Vritra from Ghislaine's challenge.

『Sigh~ typical heroine righteousness. Gah, isn't there like a way to make her an anti-hero or some kind of villainess? Like change her fate or something...? What a drag...』

Vritra yawned.

"You should get used to it. I'm not exactly a saint. If I call a woman a tool of sexual satisfaction, it's better than pretending she isn't one. Don't ask such questions again."

Luciana lowered her head, mumbling sadly as she rested it back on his chest.

"Yes, my lord..."

She wouldn't question him again.

Prince Vritra sighed inwardly.

『Besides... it was the other Vritra who called a meat toilet. If I'm being honest he's way worse than me... he raped and ate men, women and children. I'm actually an angel.』

Next, he shot Ghislaine a cold glare.

"I'll deal with your insolence when we arrive at Gladius City. Be prepared."

Most people would react with fear, but Ghislaine was different. She held out both her fists, grinning eagerly with a trail of saliva running down the corners of her mouth like a hungry dog.

"Yes, young master. I've been a bad girl!"

"Eh?"

"Discipline me however you see fit!"

Seeing this, Vritra just put his face in his hand and sighed.

『This woman...』