◆
In the end, I agreed to meet with the House of Sarion.
If this so-called tea party would satisfy them, then so be it.
And so, the day arrived.
I was now talking with the Sarion slut in the garden about various things, but my overall impression could only be described as indifference.
For example, if a tree, a rock, or a patch of grass nearby were to suddenly gain consciousness and tell you how much they liked you, what would you think?
As long as they didn’t cause any trouble, you’d probably just let them be, wouldn’t you?
「…And so, Hein-sama. For the continued development of both our houses, I believe we should interact more going forward…」
「Lately, attacks from the remnants of the former Demon King’s army have been increasing. During your recent deployment…」
She was saying all kinds of things like that, and while I could hear the words, none of it was sinking in.
It was all far too roundabout.
So I said,
「Isn’t this a bit needlessly roundabout? Let’s be frank. There’s no need to force an engagement between two people who don’t even like each other, is there? I can tell just by looking that you don’t care for me. And I’m sure you know that I don’t care for you either. We nobles are quite good at reading faces, after all. If the relationship between our houses hasn’t been good until now, then we can simply start negotiating going forward. There’s no need to use marriage as a tool for that. Besides, both of our houses have been entrusted with the defense of the imperial capital. Wouldn’t it be better to cooperate where we can instead of clashing?」
That’s what I said.
「That… may be true」
The Sarion slut agreed, though she didn’t seem entirely convinced.
But that wasn’t my concern, and I had already compromised as far as I was willing to.
Mother is trying to improve relations with other houses, so I wasn’t flatly rejecting everything either.
Of course, as a noble, one of my duties is to produce an heir, and I’m still considering how to approach that part.
「Then, may I take this to mean you’re willing to cooperate in strengthening the alliance between our two houses?」
The Sarion slut pressed for confirmation, so I nodded.
I’d prefer not to repeat myself, but I could understand why she wanted to make sure.
During the recent attack by that inferior lizard, the Sarion family’s prized barrier techniques proved completely useless.
That was likely the reason for her concern.
「However, I would prefer that neither side rely too heavily on the other. I’m sure a sharp mind like yours, Esmeralda-sama, understands what I mean」
When I said that, the Sarion slut lowered her gaze in frustration….
「May I offer an explanation?」
She said that, and since it sounded interesting, I gestured for her to continue.
「Go ahead」
「The dragon-type that attacked the capital the other day was an especially powerful specimen」
「Was it? I thought it was just a low dragon」
Low dragons are the weakest of the dragon species.
They range from small to mid-sized, have low intelligence, and typically act on instinct.
Compared to higher-tier dragons, they’re inferior in both strength and magic, though they’re still a significant threat to ordinary people.
Still, they don’t seem like something the House of Sarion should struggle with.
As I was thinking that, the Sarion slut gave me a look I didn’t care for, a look of inferiority.
The eyes of a loser who had forgotten effort and self-discipline.
「Something wrong?」
「…No. Perhaps, from your perspective, it makes no difference. You look down on everything」
She’s not wrong!
The Sarion slut actually had a pretty sharp insight.
Well, maybe not that sharp.
It’s not like I look down on everyone. Not on Mother, or Gaddem, or Feri, or Oma, or anyone else who serves House Aster.
「If that’s what you think, then you should become stronger. If you come to understand others and yourself, you’ll naturally come to understand how to gain strength」
For once, I offered advice, probably because she’s from another ducal house, and we were ‘formerly’ engaged.
Even though she mostly had the eyes of a loser, there was still some flicker of defiance in her gaze. I figured lending her a hand wouldn’t hurt.
Becoming strong is simple.
When people push themselves beyond their limits and survive, they become stronger. So all you have to do is push yourself.
And then overcome it.
With magic power, anything is possible.
To understand people is to understand the structure of the human body and to know exactly what leads to death.
To understand yourself is to know how far you can push before you die, and then keep pushing right up to that edge.
You don’t even need another person to do this.
If no one will hurt you for the sake of growth, then hurt yourself. It’s all a matter of creativity.
「Understand others… and understand myself…」
The Sarion slut muttered with a gloomy look on her face.
It seemed the message had reached her. Good enough.
「I’ve said what I came to say. I’ll be taking my leave now. The engagement is off. But let’s maintain friendly relations between our two houses, agreed?」
That settled it. I clearly stated that the matter was finished, but,
「May I ask for a chance?」
The Sarion slut said that.
「A chance for what?」
「I want you to recognize me clearly, not just as some girl from the Sarion house, but as Esmeralda Ira Sarion」
「Do as you like」
「Then I will」
This time, the conversation truly ended, and both the Sarion slut and I left the garden at the same time.
◆◆◆
Even in the “original history,” a meeting between the two houses to discuss their relationship had been held at this very scene.
The situation was similar.
The House of Sarion had maintained a stance of noninterference toward the House of Aster, and the meeting was meant to correct that relationship.
However, unlike this parallel world, the positions of the two houses were completely reversed.
In the “original history”, it was the House of Aster that had made the approach, and the tea party had taken place at the Sarion estate.
There, Esmeralda Ira Sarion delivered the final word to Hein.
『Hein-sama, your only value lies in your magic power. You look down on others, you have no tolerance, and you show no mercy. You have no appeal as a person, nor as a member of the opposite sex. Still, I endured, because if I could obtain the magic power, and thus the bloodline, of the one praised as the masterpiece of House Aster, I believed it was worth it. The reason for our lack of interaction was your behavior, so don’t complain. But during the recent emergency in the capital, you didn’t even use the one thing you’re good for, your power. It was that Azel Sera Alphide, whom you despise, who drove off that terrifying demon dragon. The House of Sarion serves as the shield of the capital. And because we are the shield, we understand that without a sword, we cannot strike back. Therefore, we have no use for a dull blade. The House of Sarion has found a new sword. I hereby declare the annulment of this engagement. We have obtained permission from His Majesty the Emperor. Please leave. And do not set foot in House Sarion ever again』
Hein, of course, was not the kind of person to hear that and stay calm. In a rage, he attempted to cast magic and strike down Esmeralda,
『It’s useless, Hein-sama. You may have a large amount of magic power, but you lack creativity』
, and was effortlessly subdued.
From there, punishment for his misconduct and other consequences followed, dragging down the already poor reputation of House Aster even further…
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