232: It’s Still too Early to be “Cool” (Top)
“The people of the Saber territory sure trip a lot.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?”
After hearing something bizarre, Jill, who had just put on her apron, turned around. Hades replied while deftly peeling potatoes.
“Since the day before yesterday, I’ve been helping those who have stumbled in front of me. Just today, I’ve helped three people. Could it be some kind of trap?”
“I’ve never heard of any such traps or tactics…”
“Fair. Not like they actually attempted anything against me…”
“Did Rave say anything?”
During their stay with the Saber family, Rave rarely appeared and never left Hades’ side. As the Kingdom of Kratos was under the control of the Goddess, he chose to remain on the sideline. Some influences and rules, inconceivable to humans, must had been at place.
“I’ll inform either my father or mother. It’s difficult to imagine there is any damage to the road, or that it’s limited to the people of the Saber territory…”
Those lived near the Saber family’s main residence were basically retired from active duty. However, both their legs and magical power were still in peak condition. In fact, they could even annihilate an entire group of mercenaries by forming a squad.
…Hence, something as trivial as a bad road hindering them didn’t make sense.
“You should. Ah, there aren’t enough vegetables. I forgot to ask mother-in-law…”
“I’ll go get it.”
“No, I’ll go. The old man’s field is only two blocks over.”
Hades, who had learned how to procure food from the Saber family, removed his bandana and took out a basket from the shelf.
“That is one belligerent old man. Your Majesty, don’t be deceived by his appearance.”
“Ah, but he said that he’s willing to share his vegetables if I win at arm wrestling.”
“What? That sounds like fun! I want to try it too—”
“Wipe the dishes you wash without touching anything else!”
Hades said swiftly and bolted from the kitchen.
“Ugh,” exclaimed Jill.
After his recovery, Hades decided to resume his cooking duties as he had during his initial stay with the Saber family. Considering he even went through the trouble of testing it for poison, Jill truly appreciated his efforts. The Saber family’s villa was good for recuperation, but it wasn’t suitable for entertaining nobles. Hence why it suited the self-sufficient Hades.
The only danger was that she never knew when those belligerent people would challenge Hades.
…Still, arm-wrestling should be acceptable.
“Oh, Jill. Where’s Hades?”
Jill had just found a dry cloth to wipe the dishes with when her mother—Charlotte—appeared with some ingredients. Some kind of miscommunication with Hades appeared to have happened.
“He left, saying there were some vegetables missing. He should be back soon.”
“Right. Then Jill, don’t just sit there doing nothing. You’ll only add to his work.”
“His Majesty asked me to wipe the dishes! I’m helping out right now!”
Her mother, who knew that Jill was terrible when it came to doing household chores, ruthlessly tried to kick her out. In response, Jill huffed, eliciting a laugh from her mother as the latter put the vegetables on the table.
“I can’t imagine Jill offering to help. Hades sure is amazing.”
“What? It’s true that I’m not good at many things, but I’m still willing to help…”
“But you never offered to help before, have you?”
Her mother laughed while wearing an apron, and Jill couldn’t say anything back.
“Jill is at that age, too. Mother is so happy for you. You’re in love, aren’t you?”
Her mother was teasing her. Do not react to her. Jill maintained her composure and changed the subject.
“Now that I think about it, Mother, His Majesty mentioned being concerned about the condition of our roads.”
“—But you’re not quite there yet. You still haven’t been able to fight as a woman.”
Hearing her mother’s profound words, Jill, who was holding her plate, paused.
“You’re referring to how some of our people keep falling over, right? So far, only girls fell in front of Hades.”
“…Only girls? In front of His Majesty…?”
As Jill slowly raised her eyebrows, Charlotte opened the condiment jar, refilling its contents.
“Correct. Only girls, in front of Hades. From young children to grandmothers. Hades sure is amazing, isn’t he? He’s very kind.”
“H-huuuh!? B-but His Majesty is an emperor! The Dragon Emperor!”
“Because of the engagement signing ceremony between you and Hades, many were invited to the Saber territory. Some of them are homecoming youths, while the rest are from elsewhere. Moreover, Hades has probably been going out in his apron, so I guess they didn’t notice.”
Possible.
No matter how good-looking the man wearing an apron walking down the country road in search of vegetable was, they wouldn’t normally think he was an emperor.
“It started when Hades picked up a girl who had broken her leg and took her home. I guess the other girls who saw that scene got jealous.”
“J-jealous… b-but that’s…”
“Isn’t it because of his face? It doesn’t matter if he’s wearing an apron.”
Her mother said something very convincing.
“Besides, I’m sure Hades is popular with women.”
“H-His Majesty is?”
Jill simply couldn’t fathom it. After all, he was the type who’d run away screaming at the first sign of trouble, complaining the whole time.
Charlotte suddenly laughed.
“Whenever anyone falls, he’ll lend them a hand and takes care of them. It must be because he was raised by the Dragon God Rave.”
That’s wonderful.
Yet, Jill couldn’t help but think: Dammit, God of Reason! Why did you raise him so well!?
“Then, more and more people are going to trip in front of His Majesty…”
“The old lady across the street said she felt younger.”
“What the hell are they doing to someone else’s future husband!? I’m going after His Majesty!”
“I don’t think your relationship will last long if you keep getting upset over trivial things like this.”
Her mother’s calm words sounded like a commander analyzing a battlefield.
“—At first glance, he seems unapproachable. However, it all changes once he smiles, showing his adorable friendly and childish side. Women instinctively want to help and protect him. Still, make no mistake, the fact that he’s unapproachable doesn’t change. He draws a clear line, not letting anyone else get close. He seems attainable, when in truth, he isn’t, which adds to his enigmatic presence. Surely, the youths think like this: He’s dangerous, but I can’t help myself.”
“W-what is that?”
Jill’s mother laughed as she struggled to take off her apron.
“After all, he’s the man who seduced even the Goddess of Love.”
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***T/N: can’t wait for author to drop the lore on goddess of love and make me cry my lungs out
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