"Esdeath! What are you planning to do?!"
Origami spoke up almost immediately, wanting to shield Asuna behind her. But Esdeath, clearly different from Ryuji, didn't care at all about the power slumbering inside Origami's body.
"Of course, to make you fulfill what you previously agreed to? Or do you think promises made to me can be ignored?"
Esdeath spoke with righteous confidence. Confronted with this, Origami found herself at a loss for words.
Because the facts were indeed as she said. Although they hadn't explicitly agreed before, they hadn't denied it either and they did benefit from Esdeath's protection. So, claiming she wasn't honoring a prior agreement now was something she couldn't do.
"Moreover, regardless of where you lived before, you wouldn't be so naive think that protection is free in this world, would you? I assume you've learned enough by now about how cruel this world is, right? Also, my master has no obligation to protect you for free, does he? Your position should be the same as mine, something like female slaves, right?"
She spoke very seriously. She was well aware of her status as a female slave and genuinely hoped these two girls could survive and, like her, gain Ryuji's favor as female slaves, thereby securing their survival rights and freedom as females.
Yes, she was a standard survival-of-the-fittest adherent, or rather, a standard feral child one who could appear to function normally in human society.
Everything in her mind, all her perceptions and views, still followed that primitive societal framework. So, she was extremely dissatisfied with Origami and Asuna's conflicted attitude.
"Don't say that, Esdeath. There's a high probability we'll be teammates in the future."
Ryuji looked at Origami. Although he didn't know why Origami already had Spirit powers within her body in this world, since she possessed them, she would be a major fighting force in the future, someone that could let him breathe easier in dangerous battles.
So, Ryuji didn't really want to make things tense.
After all, Origami seemed visibly unlikely to be romanced, making her suitable as a teammate.
"Huh?"
Esdeath was momentarily stunned. Just as she was about to retort, realizing it was Ryuji speaking, she quickly replaced the arrogance on her face with a coquettish expression.
"Yes! Master is right! I love you the most, Master!"
This was also a skill she had learned by observing her surroundings, and factually speaking, this skill was very effective.
She swiftly pressed her body against Ryuji's, rubbing her ample figure against him, wanting Ryuji to lower his guard towards her quickly.
But what made her feel conflicted was that if Ryuji lost his wariness of her so quickly, she would feel quite disappointed.
No, how can I be dissatisfied with someone stronger than me?
The feeling of disappointment flashed by. This underlying logic instantly kicked in, making her quickly change her mindset. She decided to unconditionally approve of any choice Ryuji made!
Origami and Asuna watched Esdeath's completely different, submissive demeanor a stark contrast to how she spoke to them and found it utterly bizarre. The impression Esdeath gave them was always that of a high and mighty queen; this kind of attitude was something they could never have imagined.
What kind of person is Esdeath, really?
Why does she feel so contradictory? It's like she's two different people.
They couldn't help but ask this inwardly.
But clearly, Esdeath had no intention of telling them why she was like this, because in Esdeath's mind, she was the normal one.
"Alright, let's head back first. You both should get some proper rest too."
Ryuji also couldn't quite figure out if Esdeath was like this because of this world's nature or if she genuinely had a personality where being defeated meant she could be casually dominated.
Because this world was truly...
Truly made even someone as lustful as him feel too exhausted to complain.
"Okay!"
Esdeath was the first to agree. Origami and Asuna also breathed sighs of relief and quickly nodded.
"Thank you so much!"
Their voices of gratitude were very loud, especially Asuna's, because...
W-what… what happened to me just now…?
Asuna's fair hands couldn't help but clenched together. Because just moments ago, when Esdeath said those words about making her serve Ryuji, she, she...
Feeling the sticky fluid continuously trickling down her thigh, Asuna was very glad she had worn jeans before coming here. At least no one would notice anything strange.
But thinking about Esdeath wanting her to... marry Ryuji together, her feelings became very complicated, unsure how to describe them.
Because when Esdeath said that, she genuinely pictured herself marrying Ryuji in her mind!
And worse… her mind kept spiraling into related fantasies.
She couldn't help but look at Ryuji, who had mounted his horse, gazing at his profile. She recalled the dazzling sword light from before and his handsome, reassuring figure from before.
Her hands unconsciously gripped her clothes, completely bewildered by her own reaction.
"What's wrong, Asuna?"
Origami looked at Asuna with concern and couldn't help but ask.
Asuna hurriedly released her clothes, flusteredly waving her hands.
"N-nothing… I'm fine… I-I'm just… still a little shaken…"
As she spoke, she placed a hand on her chest. Just moments ago, she had truly thought death might be a better outcome because, based on what those people said, she really would be better off dead!
"Ah, don't worry about that. You're my teammates. Don't take Esdeath's words too seriously. Her values are quite different from ours, so you don't need to worry about me making a move on you. Although I have a harem, if kind girls like you don't agree, I won't force it."
Ryuji turned his head upon hearing Asuna's words and explained. However, he didn't mention what he would do to those who weren't kind girls.
After all, villains had no human rights in his eyes.
"So you really are a harem man. But hearing you say that puts me at ease."
Origami twitched the corner of her mouth and sighed in relief. Her intuition told her this was true, so she didn't dwell on it.
But Asuna stared at Ryuji in astonishment. She completely overlooked the latter part of his statement and directly asked, "M-Mr. Ryuji, you have a harem?!"
She found this somewhat hard to accept.
Ryuji admitted it frankly.
"Yes. For various reasons, I plan to reorganize this world. You've seen what state it's in... So I must establish a unified nation. However, I have no interest or ability in boosting the world's productivity or political structure. Therefore, I can only follow the path already present in this world: become a ruler and then unify the country by building a harem. By the way, I also have harems in other worlds."
Ryuji didn't care if Asuna would be unwilling to join his harem because of this. If he used deception, she would inevitably leave him once she found out.
So Ryuji chose to be direct.
"Ah, this..."
Asuna couldn't help but recall everything she had witnessed along the way. Coming from a family background that gave her some understanding of politics, she immediately realized Ryuji was right.
It was impossible for a founding king to have only one wife, like in some novels.
Countless interest groups needed balancing, and marrying and having children was inevitably the most suitable method.
"I see..."
She lowered her head somewhat silently.
If… if Mr. Ryuji weren't someone with a harem…
If he weren't… then maybe… I…
Asuna's heart was tangled with countless conflicting emotions. She didn't know what was happening or what she would do. But at that moment, Ryuji looked at the two girls and asked,
"By the way can either of you ride a horse?"
"No!"
Origami stated bluntly. She had never learned how, and no matter how you looked at it, this was clearly an activity for nobles! It had nothing to do with her, an orphan whose parents died because of Spirits!
"I know a little, but not much..."
Looking at the tall horse led over by Ryuji's attendants, Asuna timidly raised her hand and answered Ryuji's question in a small voice.
"I see..."
Ryuji glanced at Alicia, who had rushed over, and pointed at Origami.
"Then, Esdeath, Alicia, you two take them with you."
But as soon as Ryuji finished speaking, Esdeath immediately spoke up.
"I don't know how to ride a horse either!"
Esdeath, nestled in Ryuji's arms, put on a shy expression.
"I want to ride with you while being held in your arms Master!"
Are you kidding me?!
Ryuji looked at Esdeath's full display of coquettishness and flattery. Honestly, he found it increasingly strange, feeling like this girl had a split personality.
"You, a general who fights with cold weapons, don't know how to ride a horse? Do you think I'm easy to fool?"
Ryuji tapped Esdeath's forehead speechlessly, then told her to go ride a horse separately. He nodded in thanks to the three knights who had offered their mounts.
The three knights were extremely excited. Ryuji mounted his warhorse and headed towards the First Fortress.
Although Alicia was somewhat displeased by the number of women appearing around Ryuji, she still obediently helped Origami onto her own horse and followed Ryuji.
But as for Asuna...
She was hoisted onto the horse by Esdeath. But while in Esdeath's arms, Asuna only felt fear and coldness. She deeply regretted not riding on the same horse as Ryuji earlier!
Because Esdeath at this moment looked completely unsatisfied and angry!
She was in a very bad mood!
And most crucially, Esdeath showed no intention of letting her off!
That was indeed the case. Esdeath deliberately slowed her pace, and after separating from the main group, she spoke to Asuna.
"Although the Master isn't planning to make a move on you because you're a so-called 'Transmigrator,' I think you'd better behave yourself around me. Even though you already belong to the Master, and I won't kill you or harm your lovely body, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead..."
Esdeath stroked Asuna's cheek. In her opinion, a slave who couldn't understand her own situation like this should just be killed directly. It was a pity that both Asuna and Origami now belonged to Ryuji.
Asuna couldn't speak. She trembled, unsure how to respond, feeling once again plunged into boundless darkness.
But just then, Ryuji returned.
"I knew you'd do this."
Looking at Esdeath threatening Asuna, Ryuji sighed, directly reached out, lifted Asuna onto his own horse, held her close, and spoke to Esdeath.
"Since you've already said you're one of my people, let's leave it at that."
After speaking, he felt Asuna's body trembling. Knowing that Esdeath's gaze was still putting immense psychological pressure on the girl, he swung his cloak, completely enveloping Asuna's body beneath it.
Although Asuna might not be the most suitable teammate, Ryuji still liked her. Moreover, he really wanted Asuna to help him acquire some brain-wave interface devices or something similar.
If such devices could be used in the Food Wars world or the Sailor Moon world, then the Kingdom of Vespania and Erina's family would never have to worry about money again. Many of his plans could also be carried out.
It would also make the women in his harem more devoted.
And help him acquire more women.
Although it felt somewhat unfair to Erina, he genuinely liked her cousin, Alice Nakiri.
If he gave this technology to the Nakiri family and demonstrated the culinary skills he learned in that world, then Alice would very naturally end up in his bed.
When Asuna was pulled into Ryuji's embrace, she was momentarily stunned. But immediately, a sense of security completely captivated her, making her forget everything else.
Especially the scent on Ryuji. It wasn't any strong fragrance, but it deeply attracted Asuna, making her want to stay in his arms and breathe in his scent a little longer.
"I understand. You're really something... making me seem like a villainess..."
Esdeath pouted. This was also something she learned from people around her. She didn't really understand the meaning of this gesture; she was simply imitating it.
"But the problem is, in other people's eyes, you really are as scary as a demon. Don't worry, as long as you don't betray me, I won't consider you a bad person."
Ryuji could understand. In Esdeath's worldview, she wasn't wrong. But Asuna and Origami fearing her wasn't wrong either.
They lived in different worlds. It was perfectly normal for such issues to arise.
"Hehe, Master is so good." Esdeath wanted to act spoiled towards Ryuji, but Ryuji still felt a sense of dissonance...
Because this Esdeath was completely different from the one he saw in the anime. Although he had already encountered many characters who didn't match their original versions, Esdeath's drastic change was on another level.
Whatever, I'll understand eventually.
~~~~~~~~~~
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