Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 257: Rocco’s Choice

The day before the soirée, after much deliberation, Rocco finally decided on his partner—Laxus.

The reason was simple.

Above all, he wanted to put an end to the endless bickering between his father and Sylas.

Another reason—albeit a bit of a naive one—was that just because Laxus was his partner didn’t mean he couldn’t talk to other people.

After all, the role of a partner was merely a formality for entering the event.

Once they were inside, he could simply part ways with Laxus and begin his real mission—ahem—his efforts to build a connection.

With that in mind, Rocco conveyed his decision to his father and Sylas.

However, the moment he did, the entire room froze over.

"...You’re choosing that Del Fiore’s son as your partner?"

When Rocco nodded his head firmly, his father’s face turned paled visibly as if the weight of the world had just crushed him, collapsing in utter despair.

Was it really that tragic...?

Feeling slightly troubled, Rocco walked over and lightly poked his father’s shoulder in an attempt to revive him.

No response.

He was like a lifeless corpse.

Furrowing his brows, Rocco turned to Sylas, silently pleading for help.

However—strangely enough—Sylas was trembling just as much as his father, his face overcome with despair.

Why...?

Rocco’s confusion deepened.

Still, there was no turning back now.

He decided to firmly restate his decision.

"Father, I’ve already asked Laxus to be my partner, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. You can go to the soirée alone with peace of mind."

For the past few days, his father had been agonizing over the matter, his forehead wrinkled from deep contemplation.

Wanting to put him at ease, Rocco reassured him with a serious expression.

But instead of relief, his father’s despair only grew deeper.

He trembled violently, his entire presence radiating panic.

Ah...

It seemed Rocco had unknowingly made yet another socially oblivious comment.

The realization dawned on him when Sylas muttered under his breath while eyeing his father as if witnessing something truly horrific.

"Why...? That insolent brat... What is he plotting, stealing my beloved Rocco away...? What is he planning...? That damn kid... I’ll kill him, I’ll kill him... I will never accept this...!"

"Please remain calm, Father. That damn bastard is simply head over heels for Rocco, nothing more."

"Damn it...! If he were scheming something, I could use that as an excuse to reject his marriage proposal...!"

THUD!

His father slammed his fist into the floor, his sheer fury packed into the strike.

Rocco’s eyes widened in concern.

Uh-oh...

Did the floor crack? Was it still okay?

He turned back to Sylas with a puzzled expression, only to see the man shake his head as if to say "There’s no saving him now."

Then, Sylas muttered with a sigh, "Despite how he seems, Father is actually quite hopeless."

Ohhh, so that’s how it was.

As Rocco absentmindedly processed this revelation—wondering if his occasional airheadedness was something he inherited from his father—Sylas suddenly reached out and gently ruffled his hair.

"...So, why did you choose that damn bastard Laxus as your partner?"

Rocco blinked his eyes while tilting his head in confusion.

Sylas, ever composed but as expressionless as always, narrowed his eyes slightly, silently urging Rocco to answer.

"Because... I didn’t want to see the two of you fighting."

Rocco answered honestly, his words slipping out almost absentmindedly.

Sylas’s eyes widened for a brief moment before his expression softened, his brows lowering in a troubled manner.

"...I see," he murmured, his voice laced with quiet regret.

Tilting his head in confusion at Sylas’s reaction, Rocco watched as Sylas strode briskly over to his father and spoke with an air of finality.

"Father, stop making a pathetic spectacle of yourself and stand up already. This is entirely your own doing. We both knew Rocco was a kindhearted angel, and yet we failed to consider that when making our decisions. This is the result of our own negligence."

While Rocco blinked in confusion, his father seemed to fully grasp the weight of Sylas’s words.

With a groan, he slumped his shoulders in defeat.

Was it really that serious...?

Rocco remained puzzled as he watched his father, who eventually stood up—albeit with great effort—and turned his gaze toward him.

Then, with a gentle pat, he placed a hand on Rocco’s head.

Rocco closed his eyes slightly, savoring the affectionate touch.

Ahh, yes.

He loved it when his father ruffled his hair.

It felt so nice.

"...Very well. I will acknowledge your choice of partner."

"Oh! Thank you, Father!"

Startled by the sudden approval, Rocco’s face immediately lit up with joy, and he nodded eagerly.

Overcome with excitement, he began hopping up and down, prompting his father to gently pat his head again.

However, his father quickly added in a firm tone, "However."

Rocco froze.

Oh no... What kind of conditions was he about to impose?

"I am only acknowledging him as your partner for the soirée. That does not mean I approve of any further relationship between you two. Even if this arrangement becomes widely known, I will not tolerate any improper behavior, now or in the future."

"...? Uh, y-yes...?"

Rocco wasn’t entirely sure he understood, but he nodded his head anyway.

His father had a habit of using complicated words at crucial moments, making it difficult to follow his explanations.

In times like these, Rocco found it best to just give a vague response and move on.

Anyway, it sounded like he was saying, "Don’t do anything bad."

Alright then, he’d just take it as a warning to behave.

Satisfied with his own interpretation, Rocco gave a casual nod.

His father, however, frowned in concern, eyeing him doubtfully. "Do you truly understand...?"

Rocco ignored the question and spun on his heel, his excitement reigniting as he took off running.

"I’m going to write Laxus a letter to let him know!"

He needed to send his response as soon as possible.

The soirée was tomorrow, and if he didn’t send the letter now, there wouldn’t be enough time for a reply.