I was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but that World is at Peace (WN) -
Chapter 2385: Intermission: A Terrifying Warning
In a room furnished with pieces that were unmistakably high-class, a portly man dressed in what was clearly expensive clothing sat on a sofa, leisurely drinking wine.
Judging by his obvious good mood, the man, who occasionally let a self-satisfied smile slip as he tilted his glass, was the head of a certain Viscouncy within Archlesia Empire.
As he enjoyed his wine alone, a knock sounded at the door. Shortly after, a woman in her 40s wearing a fine dress, his wife, the Viscountess, entered the room.
[……Ara, aren’t you in quite the good mood today? Drinking wine in the middle of the day, did something pleasant happen, Dear?]
[Ahh, not quite yet, but soon enough. How about it, care for a drink?]
[Then I shall join you.]
Though slightly puzzled by her husband’s cheerfulness, the Viscountess accepted the offer, sat beside him, and began to drink as well. It hadn’t been some grand romance, but the two had met at a social gathering in their youth and, rather than marrying for politics, wed for love. Now, over 20 years later, the Viscount began to happily share the reason for his good mood with his beloved wife.
[Well now, I’ve come across some rather profitable information. It seems the Ritch Barony has gotten themselves into an interesting situation. I was thinking our household might as well get a piece of the pie.]
[……Ara? Are you sure that’s wise? I’ve heard a bit of that rumor myself…… isn’t it connected to that Otherworlder? Her Majesty the Emperor warned all noble households not to act carelessly in any matter involving him, did he not?]
[Is it really that lucrative a deal?]
Perhaps influenced a little by the wine, the Viscountess smiled brightly at her husband’s gleeful tone.
[Oh yes, we stand to gain a considerable profit.]
[Ara, how lovely. Then perhaps you might buy me a new accessory?]
[Hahaha! Leave it to me! We can even replace your dresses and the magical furnishings in the room.]
[Oh my, how wonderful!]
Eyes sparkling at his words, the Viscountess set down her glass and lovingly embraced her husband. The Viscount, even more pleased, deepened his grin.
Clinging to him in a sweet show of affection, she lingered for a moment before slowly pulling back, her lips close to his ear as she whispered in a honeyed voice———–
[……The Phantasmal King No Face-sama will not permit such an act. If you intend to go through with it, be prepared to face the consequences.]
[ ! ? ! ? ]
The words were so shocking that the Viscount’s intoxication vanished in an instant. He turned toward his wife in disbelief…… only to find her looking back at him, wide-eyed and puzzled, her head tilted innocently.
[Dear? What’s wrong?]
[Y- You…… just now……]
[Just now? ……Did I perhaps say something offensive?]
[……Ah, no…… it’s…… it’s nothing……]
[Is that so? Ara, ara, Dear, you’re drenched in sweat…… Are you all right? Perhaps you’ve been drinking a bit too much?]
Sweat gushed from every pore as the Viscount felt as if the heat were draining from his body. Standing before him was undeniably his wife…… or at least, she should be his wife. Her laugh, her tone, her expression, her gestures…… everything was unmistakably that of the beloved woman with whom he’d spent over 20 years.
And yet, just a moment ago, he had undeniably heard it from her voice…… a warning……
He didn’t understand. Was the person before him truly his wife? He couldn’t tell. He understood nothing.
Was it one of the Phantasmal King’s subordinates in disguise? Or was his wife the Phantasmal King’s subordinate all along? Or perhaps she had been momentarily controlled by some kind of Mental Manipulation Magic? Or maybe the warning had only been whispered to his ears, mimicking his wife’s voice? He had no idea which was the truth.
The one thing he did know for certain…… was that all his thoughts were already laid bare before the Phantasmal King, and that if he did not heed this warning, the next time it would be his head that rolled.
The wife who had been his dearest, most trusted companion had…… in an instant, turned into something unfathomable, and he trembled in an indescribable fear. With deep regret, he resolved to wipe all his schemes clean.
At that moment, he couldn’t help but think that after this incident, the fact that this terror would follow him always, breeding suspicion and doubt, was itself the punishment for daring to entertain such foolish thoughts……
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [……That’s terrifying!]
? ? ? : [Well~~ as expected of Alice-chan, she’s great at subtle behind-the-scenes support. I don’t know about that Viscount in question, but the correct answer this time is number two, the wife was originally one of her subordinates~~]
Serious-senpai : [Honestly, that’s scarier than bringing Eden along to intimidate someone…… That’s the kind of thing that could leave you traumatized……]
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