Hentai Conquest: Starting From Kuroinu

'Combat training? What does this mean? The opponent is clearly just a newbie who has barely started physical training, and now you're suggesting combat training?'

Klaus couldn't understand this decision. In his view, Garf's actions were doing nothing but setting Asahi up for a beating. He thought Claudia would stop this from happening, but instead, she appeared completely indifferent to it.

'Claudia, why aren't you stopping something like this?'

Klaus didn't harbor much hostility toward Asahi. After all, he understood the main cause of the situation lay with his father. When he saw the current scenario, he could even imagine the brutal beating Asahi would receive from his father, as he himself had gone through similar experiences in the past. However, Claudia's inaction was entirely unlike her usual self.

Soon, Klaus finally understood why his father had insisted on the combat session and why Claudia had chosen not to intervene.

Previously, even basic physical training had left Asahi completely exhausted like a rookie. Yet now, the moment he picked up a weapon, he seemed like a seasoned warrior who had fought countless battles. His evenly matched sparring with Klaus' father left Klaus utterly stunned.

After all, he was certain Asahi had no professional training and had never been on a battlefield. Such drastic change could only be explained in two ways: either he had been hiding his true abilities—which seemed unnecessary—or he was a natural-born warrior whose talents allowed him to achieve results that others could only attain through years of grueling practice.

"Is this… why my father values him so highly?"

Klaus understood that such a talent, when seen by his father, would evoke a strong desire to incorporate Asahi's bloodline into the family. Especially now, with frequent conflicts emerging at the borders, this made perfect sense.

As Klaus watched Garf and Asahi sparring, he couldn't suppress a bitter smile. His father's face was lit with a rare smile of joy—something Klaus had never seen directed at him. His memories of his father were always filled with strict training and a perpetually stern demeanor.

Compared to this boy, it felt as if Asahi were the real son, while Klaus was merely a foundling.

Klaus couldn't help but laugh bitterly. He had always thought he'd come to terms with this, but it was clear he still cared deeply about it.

———

"Lord Asahi, have you given more thought to yesterday's proposal?"

After the combat training ended, Garf and Asahi sat down to rest. Garf eagerly brought up the subject, his eyes full of expectation. He was hopeful Asahi would agree so he could immediately announce the matter before the family.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

Asahi, who had been gulping down water, choked upon hearing the question. Claudia quickly tended to him, concerned.

"Ah… Regarding this matter, I want to know why General Garf is so keen for me to become your adopted son?"

Asahi had consulted Celestine about it, but she didn't know either. Though her status in the Seven Shields Alliance was high, it didn't mean she was privy to everyone's business.

"It's because the Levontain family lacks heirs who can shoulder the family's responsibilities, which has been a source of great concern for my father," Claudia explained. She hoped to prevent Garf from losing his temper and saying something unpleasant due to mentioning Klaus.

"Is that so? Speaking of which, General Garf, do you have children of your own? With your abilities, your offspring should be highly talented too."

"I don't have children."

Although Garf tried to control his emotions, his tone carried a trace of loathing, which Asahi picked up on.

It made him curious—if there were no children, why was there such obvious animosity? Sensing there was more to this, Asahi chose to drop the topic to avoid worsening the atmosphere.

"If Lord Asahi doesn't intend to become my adopted son, that's fine. However, I still hope you will marry into the Levontain family. At the very least, this would prevent the family from collapsing under my watch."

Garf wasn't particular about formality. As long as Asahi married a member of his family, their relationship would solidify.

"If you're agreeable, you can even take Claudia home today."

The bluntness of this statement left Asahi dumbfounded. He instinctively turned to look at Claudia beside him. Her face was slightly flushed, but she didn't show any signs of objection. It seemed she had already made her choice.

Asahi couldn't help but feel tempted. Claudia's beauty and figure were impeccable, making her impossible to refuse for any normal man.

Garf noticed Asahi's reaction and saw that he clearly had feelings for Claudia. This was exactly the outcome Garf desired.

"Asahi."

Just as Asahi was about to agree, Celestine appeared, calling his name. The words he was about to utter got stuck in his throat as he turned his attention to her.

"Is something the matter, Celestine?"

Although Asahi didn't understand why Celestine had appeared or why she was calling for him at this moment, he instinctively prioritized her due to their connection.

"I noticed you'd finished training, so I came to help you recover," Celestine explained. Her gaze briefly flickered toward Claudia before she subtly clenched her fists.

The truth was, Celestine had overheard the conversation using a monitoring spell she had left on Asahi. When she learned of Garf's intent to marry him into the Levontain family, unease gripped her heart.

Although she rationally understood that this would be beneficial for Asahi, securing his footing in this world, her private feelings resisted the idea. She wanted Asahi to stay by her side rather than be taken away by another woman who might replace her role.

Driven by this possessiveness, she intervened to disrupt the exchange.

Claudia watched as Asahi was called away by Celestine, glancing slightly at her. What she got in return was the same gentle smile that didn't differ much from usual. Although it seemed perfectly normal, Claudia still sensed something different.

"What a shame. It seemed like we were so close to succeeding just now."

Garf looked regretful. He had noticed that Asahi had been just about to agree. But Celestine's sudden appearance had ruined that opportunity.

"This doesn't really matter, Father. After all, my situation hasn't been fully explained to Sir Asahi yet. If, after he fully understands everything, he still has no objections, then it wouldn't be too late to proceed by then."

Claudia, too, felt a tinge of regret but also sighed in relief. Without knowing Asahi's reaction after understanding her circumstances, she still felt somewhat nervous about the possibility of them being together.

"Hmm."

Garf responded in a low voice. He watched the departing backs of Asahi and Celestine. Celestine clung tightly to Asahi's arm, and Asahi's slightly flushed face showed that he harbored some special feelings for Celestine. This situation worried Garf about whether it might become a hindrance to Claudia.

After all, Celestine's beauty was undeniable. It was entirely normal for Asahi to have feelings for her, not to mention that both of them were devotees of the goddess Relentia. This connection naturally increased their mutual affection.

"It seems we'll need to put in some effort. Let's head back."

Garf stood and left with Claudia. Meanwhile, Klaus, who had been observing, heaved a slight sigh of relief. Things hadn't escalated to that point, much to his relief. But he knew that if he couldn't figure out a solution, that outcome would still happen eventually.

But what could he do? At the moment, he had no idea. Should he talk to his father about it? If he really did that, he'd surely be scolded harshly in the end. The more Klaus thought about it, the more he realized there seemed to be no way to change this outcome. Feeling disheartened, he left.

———

Back in the room with Asahi, Celestine helped ease his physical fatigue while casually asking, as if by chance, about Claudia.

"I just overheard Garf mentioning that he wanted you to marry Claudia. And from the looks of it, Claudia didn't seem opposed to the idea. I didn't expect that after knowing each other for less than a day, your relationship would already seem so close."

Though she tried hard to appear unconcerned, there was a clear hint of displeasure in Celestine's tone. Asahi, enjoying the comfort of magic easing his fatigue, didn't immediately notice and responded somewhat awkwardly.

"Well... it's probably more that she sees me as someone who needs care, which is why she'd act that way."

Asahi understood that this situation stemmed from the ability granted by the goddess Lerentia, not his own merit. Thus, he explained it that way. However, this explanation only made Celestine feel worse. She had always thought of herself as the one who should care for Asahi. Now, with Claudia in the picture, she feared that everything might be taken away from her.

As such, her already troubled heart became even more restless.

"So... do you really want to be with Claudia, Asahi?"

"To say no would be impossible. After all, for someone like her, it's very difficult for any normal man to refuse."

Hearing Asahi's honest answer, Celestine's face grew even more distressed. Although she had expected such a response, it still hurt her deeply.

"But among the women I know now, in terms of being caring and gentle, only you, Celestine, can compare to her. No, in some ways, you're even better than her."

Whether it was in terms of figure or attire, Celestine was undoubtedly superior. Especially with the added bonus of being both an elf and the mortal representative of the goddess, she far outshone Claudia.

"Me... I'm better than her?"

Celestine's previously sorrowful heart instantly turned into joy upon hearing those words. A bright, happy smile lit up her face, and she couldn't control her emotions as she hugged Asahi tightly from behind.

This unexpected embrace allowed Asahi to feel the softness pressing against his back, causing his heart to race. He was surprised at how happy Celestine seemed, all because of his simple words of praise.

"Um, Celestine... you seem a bit too excited."

"It's just that your words made me so happy I couldn't help myself."

Hearing this, Asahi realized something was off. But before he could fully process it, Celestine asked him another question.

"Asahi... if I were to hope you wouldn't marry Claudia, would you agree?"

"Wha... why would you want me to refuse Claudia?"

This question made Asahi's heart start to race with nervousness.

"It's just... I really hope you'll maintain a good relationship with General Garf. But the thought of you being with Claudia, spending your future days together with her and having her take over all the care I've given you... it makes me sad to think I won't be able to take care of you anymore."

"...Huh?"

Asahi's previously elated heart instantly calmed down upon hearing this. This sounded exactly like a mother upset about her cherished child being taken away by another woman.

Undoubtedly, this was a result of the ability granted by the goddess. It made her treat him like a child she wanted to pamper, to the extent she couldn't bear to let anyone else care for him. Why had he ever said something so careless back then? If he could go back, he would never say anything about wanting women to love him like a mother ever again.

Asahi's emotions rose and fell like a rollercoaster, leaving him visibly troubled. Celestine, noticing this, began to suspect that Asahi was reluctant to part with Claudia.

Why did his attitude seem to change suddenly, when just moments ago, he had said she was better than Claudia?

"Asahi, could it be that you can't bear to leave Claudia?"

"No... that's not it..."

Asahi shook his head. It wasn't that he couldn't bear to leave Claudia. Rather, he felt saddened that someone who treated him so well saw him only as someone to care for and not as anything more. That kind of realization was heartbreaking.

Asahi shook his head after hearing Celestine's words. Was he reluctant to let Claudia go? Not exactly. What saddened him was that someone who treated him so well, whose intentions were solely to care for him, didn't have any deeper thoughts. In such a situation, it was impossible not to feel upset…

"Then, what's the reason? If you're willing, please tell me. No matter what's troubling you, I'll help share the burden with you."

Celestine leaned her face against Asahi's back, tightly embracing his body, as if trying to soothe his spirit in this way, making him feel better.

However, such behavior didn't significantly improve Asahi's feelings. In fact, it made him feel even sadder.

"Celestine, are you planning to always take care of me like this?"

"Yes, because I just can't stop worrying about you. Besides, if it were someone else taking care of you, how could we be sure they'd handle everything properly?"

Celestine answered with a rational and logical tone, as if implying that no woman other than her could care for Asahi properly. Although saying such words made her feel a bit shy and embarrassed, fortunately Asahi couldn't see her expression, so she didn't feel too anxious about it.

"Then, are you planning to do this for your entire life?"

"There doesn't seem to be a problem with that, does there? Why can't we live like this for our whole lives?"

Celestine saw no issue with this. In fact, just thinking about taking care of Asahi for a lifetime made her heart feel happy. But she quickly realized something.

"That's true. Asahi, sooner or later, you'll need to build a family. When that day comes, it won't be possible to continue like this. But what if the person you choose isn't a good wife? Or what if she can't take good care of you? What should we do then?"

Celestine became worried and anxious at the thought. Asahi, feeling this unique kind of doting affection, was both happy and helpless at the same time. But suddenly, a thought occurred to him.

"Then, what do you think should be done in that case? Or… would you be willing to take on that responsibility?"

As he spoke these words, Asahi felt a bit nervous. He wasn't sure if this approach would work. After all, it was exploiting her doting care for him. But he couldn't guarantee anything.

"I… I'll take on that responsibility…"

Celestine was stunned for a moment before realizing what Asahi meant. Her face instantly turned bright red. She never expected Asahi to say something like this to her. Was this considered a proposal?

Asahi turned around to look at Celestine's flushed face. She didn't seem to reject the idea, which made his heartbeat gradually quicken. He realized there might actually be a chance of success here.

"This… this is so sudden… I wasn't prepared for this at all. But… but what you said does make sense. If it's because of me that you're unable to start a family, then it's only right for me to take on the responsibilities a wife should bear…"

"Then… does that mean you agree?"

Asahi's heart started racing uncontrollably. Did this mean he had actually succeeded?

"...Yes, I… I agree."

Celestine, with a shy smile, nodded at Asahi. At that moment, Asahi immediately embraced her in his arms. As their bodies pressed together, he could clearly feel the excited beating of Asahi's heart within his chest.

Seeing Asahi so happy, Celestine realized the depth of his feelings for her. This realization filled her with joy as well. If she had known this earlier, she wouldn't have needed to worry so much about the possibility of Asahi leaving her side. [T/N: The f*ck? it is barely 4 chapters in.]

"But… how should we respond to General Garf about this?"

After the initial happiness, Asahi suddenly thought of the matter. If he were to reject General Garf regarding this situation, what should he do? This was indeed a matter that required careful consideration.

"This… is definitely something we need to think through carefully."

If it had been someone else, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way. After all, others wouldn't be as eager as Garf to integrate Asahi into the Levontain family by marrying off one of their women.

Ultimately, this situation was orchestrated by her. Even if it pained her heart, she could only endure it silently.

"I feel like directly rejecting this won't work. General Garf places great importance on the continuation of his family. Moreover, he seems extremely intent on this matter, almost to an obsessive degree. I'm worried that if we outright refuse him, it might create negative feelings and affect our relationship. That would be disastrous. So perhaps we can only handle this slowly. When the time comes, I'll think of a way to delay things."

"Do you think that's possible?"

Celestine felt concerned, but Asahi nodded confidently.

"I can ask Claudia for help. She should be willing to assist me."

However, this approach was simply taking advantage of Claudia, which made Asahi feel somewhat guilty. After all, her attitude toward him was similar to Celestine's. Asking her for help, knowing full well it was for the sake of being with Celestine and not her, would inevitably hurt her.

In fact, Asahi realized his actions could be considered despicable. This thought left him feeling terrible.

"Is that really appropriate?"

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