40 Chapter 10: the banquet (8)

The emperor was continuing the conversation at his own pace, but the other three children were yet to introduce themselves.

Sophia seemed to be a little worried about that, but since the emperor himself personally addressed her, she had no choice but to answer.

"I will be talking to my father to decide on that after today's banquet, Your Majesty"

Acting cordially, Sophia answered the emperor's query with extreme courtesy and politeness, although even her graceful demeanor can't hide the fact that she was troubled from Markus.

((Hang in there milady))

Markus subtly and lightly tapped the back of Sophia's chair as to reassure her that he was still there and she need not worry.

That seemed to do the trick as Sophia's expression eased up a bit and her composure returned.

"I see, then how about Charles?"

"Goho!?"

Prince Charles choked on his aperitif.

((Of course he'll be surprised if his engagement was brought up as easily as asking about the weather))

Markus pitied the prince for having to live with this kind of a father everyday which was likely even more tiresome than having to deal with Sophia and her father on a daily basis.

((I told the Sophia not to give flirtatious glances, but she captured the hearts of Luke and Prince Charles in this short period of time. Though I'm sure the young lady didn't intend for it))

Markus lamented how difficult of a situation this has turned out to be.

"Father–Your Majesty! What are you saying!?"

Flustered, the prince hurriedly tried to correct his father.

"Didn't I tell you in advance that this is also the place to decide your consort?"

((The third imperial Prince's consort...))

Markus sighed (for the nth time)

Ladies, who were supposed to be sitting at a distant table, reacted simultaneously, everyone seemed to have been listening in. The other tables went silent.

"Y-Your Majesty also told me that that is something I should think on my own"

Charles said trying to contain the situation as quickly as possible.

"Looking at you stuttering, who knows how long that's going to take, seriously who raised you to be such a dullard?"

The emperor said looking at prince Charles disapprovingly.

((While I do agree that the prince has the density of a neutron star, but...))

"Still, this is too hasty!"

Charles took the words right out of Markus's mouth.

"What? You're dissatisfied with Al's daughter?"

Emperor Valen asked his son.

((Oh come on! That's a dick move...))

((What kind of boy would be bold enough to tell a beautiful young lady that he's dissatisfied with her?! Well...maybe Kazuma from "Konosuba" would be able to, but most of the girls around him are annoying and useless so that doesn't count))

"T-T-T-That's not what I am saying…"

Charles started fidgeting, trying to find the right words to say.

While the father and son were going back and forth, Luke looked at Markus, grinding his teeth.

"–Hey escort. Your Lord is in danger, eliminate it" that was what he was probably thinking.

One can say more with a look than with 10 000 words.

((Don't tell me how to do my job! But I do agree that this is a difficult situation))

Even a duke's house cannot interfere if Sophia becomes a fiancée of the imperial Prince.

Luke's feelings were clearly transmitted to Markus .

And Markus turned away and promptly ignored it just to spite the annoying kid.

"Bastard, are you ignoring–"

Luke growled.

"Charles-sama! My name is Charlotte, of House Marquis Mule! I am meeting you for the first time!"

Lady Charlotte quickly introduced herself without a moment's delay, it seemed like she was rushing to make a good impression on the prince.

((Oh yeah I forgot that she was here...what was her name again?))

Markus was startled by this complete stranger that just appeared in his vision and wondered if he had seen her somewhere before (gee it's almost as if he didn't intend to completely forget about her).

"I feel sorry for the child, seeing the father being so nosy…"

((The grey bear spoke again!!! Oh, it didn't, it was the Border Margrave))

"Ah? Are you talking about me, margrave?"

The emperor furrowed his large eyebrows and displayed a "smile".

"If you have self-awareness, why don't you be quiet, Mr. Escort?"

Sarcastically, the margrave retorted.

"Even when I called you, you didn't come to the Capital city without giving any reason, but then you sneaked into this place, wearing that out-of-place bear pelt, for your daughter. Which one of us is the nosy parent now?"

The passive-aggressive jabs were thrown back and forth through the air

"The children are the main characters. Who was it that said that?"

Markus could swear he had just seen some sparks flying in between the two titans.

"Ah!? You wanna go at it?"

The emperor cracked his large knuckles.

"Oh? I'm all for it, Your Majesty. It's gonna get bloody"

The gorilla and bear faced each other with their arms folded at a distance of half a step.

On one hand, the emperor who is leaking mana, and on the other hand, it is the gray bear of a margrave.

((Is a Vale Tudo going to start? …No, well, I don't really know the personalities of these two, so I'm quite confused. But Prince Charles had gone prone while covering his head, and Lady Mira, the daughter of the margrave , had also gone prone while covering her head. Whereas Lady...Charlotte? Is that her name? who was completely ignored, is in tears))

But Markus was relieved when I saw Lord Ethan staring in blank puzzlement.

((That's right. That's how a normal reaction is supposed to be. However, Luke is watching with gleaming eyes, as if thinking, "They're going to fight? For real? Awesome" that's a child for you I guess...))

The curtain raised on the banquet with an upheaval.

"—I see. So, House Rosewood does not own a territory?"

"Yes, that's right. My father always says, "Holding a territory entails a lot of responsibility, and it takes a lot of time to fulfill it" House Rosewood has been working to serve the entire country from the capital City since long ago"

"I think that is an admirable moto"

"No… I think it is also important to produce local specialty products for the prosperity of the country, like how Ethan-sama's House Jackson has been doing"

"We still have a long way–"

"I heard that the development of a new perfume was successful last year. That is wonderful to hear"

"I am flattered. You are very knowledgeable, Lady Sophia"

Lord Ethan and the young lady were having a friendly conversation, Markus was glad that she paid attention in her tutor classes.

((my lady, I somewhat feel like a proud parent))

Prince Charles and Lady Mira were too anxious to speak anything because their escorts were staring down each other with veins popping on their head. And Lady Charlotte, who failed to make her introduction earlier, was stress eating the dishes which were carried in.

((I'm not sure if Luke is thinking of speaking to the young lady, or whether he is worried about the "engagement" brought up by the emperor, or if he simply can't keep up with the conversation between the young lady and Lord Ethan, but he was is just silently eating his food. He stole quick glances at the young lady's face while chewing, and heaved a sigh. Oh man, he has completely fallen for her...))

"Since we are all the same age, let's become friends"

Lord Ethan said to all.

((He probably said that because the other members at the table were feeling uneasy. This kid is a bit too admirable for his age. Are all halflings such good people?))

"I think it's a great proposal!"

Lady Charlotte cut in.

((Stop scaring me...ehh lady Harlot? Whatever your name is, precognition can't predict if someone is just going to pop into existence out of nowhere!))

Markus almost jumped at lady Charlotte's words

"What shall we do to cement our friendship, Ethan?"

Luke finally spoke up.

((Weren't you guys already friends?))

Markus judged from the way Luke addressed Lord Ethan that both of them were already quite close with each other.

"For example, I usually stay in my House's territory for a long time, so I'd be happy if we could all gather whenever I come to the capital"

"You're just doing it for yourself?"

"It's fine, isn't it? I am usually free while in the capital city, after all. And you are the only one I can meet when I come here, Luke"

"Am I not enough?"

"Will you come play together with me every day?"

"Gah, absolutely not!"

"My-oh-my, you two are so close with each other!"

Lady Charlotte cut into their conversation.

((I don't know why but this woman just rubs me the wrong way somehow? And why can't I remember her name?))

It does seem as if they are on good terms, but it doesn't seem like they can get along.

"By the way, Charles-sama will also be in the circle of friendship, right?"

Lady Charlotte's main issue, or rather her concerns, seems to be that. Prince Charles, who was put on the spot, looked back in a hurry and tried to confirm his father's expression. The emperor nodded, with a grin.

"I-I would love to participate!"

The enthusiastic Prince Charles seemed cute.

((How did such a kind-looking child come from a gorilla-like emperor?))

Prince Charles then tried to check everyone's reaction. And his line of sight stopped on Lady Sophia.

"Is it okay for me to join as well?"

The young lady asked, with her head tilted.

((You guys better fvcking say yes or I'll pay you all a visit when you're sleeping tonight))

Markus glared at everyone present, knife at the ready.

"Isn't it better for House Rosewood to refrain?"

When Lady Charlotte said that, as if taking a bite at the young lady, Prince Charles panicked.

((Oh this little...don't you even dare!))

Markus's hit list was open right now.

"W-Why do you wish to leave Miss Sophia out of the circle, Miss Charlotte?"

"Prince Charles . I am afraid I can't say it. Only thing I can say is:"House Rosewood brings friction to the noble society""

Lady Charlotte then smiled meaningfully, acting like a true pretentious hoe from a cheap knock off dollar store otome game.

((That's it! You are D-E-A-D, let's see how you like it when I create some "friction" between your face and the floor))

The number of Markus's assassination targets increased.

Each person at the table was from a higher-ranked house than "Earl." Those who Sophia has met—most of them were probably children of a lower-ranked house than Earl, so the young lady has never faced anyone's malice in this way.

((Heart rate rising, increased sweating, rise of body temperature… My lady, don't get anxious. I'll deal with her later))

Such information came back when Markus checked the young lady's state, well, maybe he didn't even need to check it, Sophia's expression was frozen.

Markus calmed himself and tried to do the same for Sophia.

"…House Rosewood creates friction within the noble society?"

The young lady tried to be polite, but her voice came out rather chilly. It was as cold as the marquis's-making Markus think,""Like father, like daughter"".

Lady Charlotte took a breath, hesitating, but soon pitched forward.

"Y-Yes, that's right! You are not going to say you haven't heard the talks going around, right? House Rosewood not holding a territory despite being an marquis and being heavily involved in central politics is also called "arms merchant who eagerly awaits dispute"–"

"Miss Charlotte!"

Before lady Sophia can make one of those ironclad comebacks that she had learned how to make from Markus, Prince Charles raised his voice.

The band music breaks off, as if in response, and the hall falls silent.

"…A daughter from the prestigious House Mule believes in slanders thrown around by people with ill-will?"

Prince Charles is not only kind-looking in appearance but his heart is also kind, Markus thought. Markus didn't know if his voice was trembling because he was angry, or afraid of the reaction of the people around him for raising his voice—but it is a fact that Prince Charles was standing up for Lady Sophia.

((Nice...good job your highness! My impression of you has improved...just a little though))

Markus approved of Charles's actions and would smile at him if he could.

The lips of the emperor, who was standing behind Prince Charles, curled up slightly, Markus had been watching him. If Prince Charles had not said anything, the emperor would have.

Words cannot be taken back once said. Thus, Lady Charlotte continued, while frightened of the much higher-ranking imperial prince.

"With all due respect, Charles-sama… Isn't it true that marquis Rosewood has sent many nobles to the gallows? As a result, distribution was delayed in many territories, thus nobles had to invest their own funds to settle the disorder. Naturally, nobles without territories were unaffected!"

((You shut the h*ll up, you've been nothing but an eyesore so far...))

It is taking Markus everything he's got to hold back his bloodlust.

((But come to think of it, something like that did happened, huh))

((But the marquis acted for the empire, and consequently took on the role of a bad-guy for the sake of the whole country. And yet, she only mentions their losses, how petty...it's true that people can only see the rubbish above each other's heads and cannot see the pile of trash on their own))

Markus disgust for this witch was getting worse and worse by the seconds that went by.

((Oh, right. It is a secret known only to a handful of nobles that the marquis is a "Special Assistant Secretary" of the imperial Administration Bureau. The marquis executed them for reasons such as "money fraud","tax evasion" and "bribery," all of which pose serious problems for the empire. This is to preserve the appearance that the empire is "uncontaminated"))

Markus remembered the information he gathered on his employer, marquis Alterra Rosewood.

((Lady Charlotte is from a Marquis house, but has no knowledge of it? No, the head of the house probably knows, but hasn't told others))

Maybe that was for the best, Markus thought, it's unfortunate but to maintain such a large country such as the empire, sometimes sacrifices have to be made, the reputation of one man is a trivial price to pay in order to maintain the integrity of the nation

"Furthermore, there were some nobles who took advantage of the turmoil to control distribution and made a lot of money"

((But that still doesn't mean that I'll spare your life, just you wait...))

Markus sharpened his fangs.

((Considering our marquis's "Cold-Blooded Lord" nickname, it would indeed seem like he is capable of anything. He was the one who caused the disorder in the first place, so it's easy to predict what will happen after that))

But although he hated admitting it lady Charlotte had a point.

"…Father. What Miss Charlotte said…"

The flustered Prince Charles's tone returned to his usual one. His timid appearance makes people have this desire to protect him, but leaving that aside, the emperor was silent, with a difficult look on his face.

((It is something that can't be said in public, huh…))

Politics was a complicated and brutal thing to wrap your head around, even for the unrelenting Markus.

((If he defends the marquis and tells the truth, it will besmirch the empire's name, but if he accepts Lady Charlotte's statement, it will mean to betray a loyal retainer who took on the bad-guy role for the sake of his country))

"…Looking from just one side, all those are indeed facts"

Lady Charlotte's expression brightened in response to the words of the emperor .

"But those who conduct politics have to know that all things have two sides"

"Two sides?"

The emperor patted the head of Prince Charles, who was staring blankly.

"You guys have just stepped into the nobles society. From now on, you will choose your dreams and aspirations, learn a lot of things, sometimes fight with each other, sometimes fail, sometimes feel joy, and sometimes suffer. Since you were born with noble blood, you will have to fight that fate… Miss Charlotte"

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty"

Lady Charlotte, whose name was directly called by the emperor, straightened her back.

"Don't be swayed too much by rumors. You haven't heard it directly from Mule-ossan, right? Go back and ask him about it. Then remember well every single word that he says"

"O-Okay…?"

"I can't say any more than this. Moreover, this is not the place for you guys to be fightin–"

"Your Majesty. I don't think an escort should be so talkative"

"…I suppose that's right"

When told by the bear of a Border margrave, the emperor folded his arms and fell silent.

((Huh...the emperor is...surprisingly not an idiot))

This was the most astonishing revelation Markus had today.

"?"

The ladies seemed to be feeling somewhat dissatisfied that the conversation ended halfway through, but then the band started playing new music, and the next platter of dishes were brought in.

Although conversation started at other tables, the Sophia was silent, with a gloomy look.

((Did the marquis not tell her anything about the "Cold-Blooded Lord" aspect? No, I'm sure he has))

As Lord Ethan's suggestion, "Let's be friends", flowed away, Lady Mira, the daughter of the margrave, finally started a new conversation.

"Even so, there are a lot of delicious foods. It's full of dishes you can't find in my territory"

Relieved that the conversation has started, Prince Charles said:

"Today's food was arranged by House Rozier. Right, Luke?"

"Oh, yes… I hope it fits your taste"

Luke said, in a surprisingly modest tone.

((His earlier self-important attitude is nowhere to be seen. Was it the shock from finding out the rumours surrounding marquis Rosewood?))

What kind of place is the margrave Phrasin territory?"

"It's a very rural area. There are wide grasslands, farms, and besides that, dungeons left behind by the ancient Valentian people in mountainous areas. Adventurers actively visit those dungeons"

((Dungeons!))

What an exciting word! This was the first time Markus heard that word, in the game dungeons was the go-to when trying to make your character rich, powerful and overall just better at what they do so Markus had intended to hit one as soon as he was ready.