16-36. Earl Seryuu’s Foster Daughter (2)
Satou here. I tend to see a lot of foster girls and adopted children in news and fictions, but never from people I’m close with. It’s probably not sothing that happens a lot.
◇
"--Sir Pendragon."
Yukel-kun ca to talk to after we park the wagon and horses near the castle gate.
"Are you really, with Aneue--"
"Sir Marientail."
Another knight who was accompanying us interrupted Yukel-kun.
It kinda feels like they don’t want to let talk with Yukel-kun.
Let’s ignore the mood here and make the initiative to talk to Yukel-kun myself.
"Marie--"
"Sir Pendragon!"
Another voice interrupted at a bad timing.
"--Your Excellency Earl."
Of all people, it was Earl Seryuu.
I can’t exactly ignore him and talk to Yukel-kun instead here.
We may be of the sa rank, but as he rules over a City Core, his position is higher than mine.
Earl Seryuu seems to have been from an excursion, he’s riding a splendid looking white steed.
"Pardon for my long absence. Earl Seryuu."
"I’ve heard that you’ve been very active like always, Earl Pendragon."
Earl Seryuu who got off of his horse invited to his castle like we had been friends for 10 year after hugging in an oddly friendly manner.
Make all the more suspicious for his ulterior motives.
The way Earl Seryuu act right now seed to be a rare occurrence, servants and bureaucrats who caught sight of us lowered their head with surprised looks on their faces.
"--First of all, I would like to express my gratitudes. Thanks to your assistances, the matter with labyrinth managent will likely start in earnest by new year ti."
Earl Seryuu said so once we settled down in the castle’s parlor.
It’s probably about how I helped his subordinates to be made into Explorer Guild’s assistants at the labyrinth city, Selbira.
"Please think nothing of it. It’s all the results of your excellency’s subordinates blood and tears."
"Oh stop with ’your excellency’ stuff. You’d remind to call you that yourself, being a cabinet minister and all. Just call Ros."
Earl Roswald Seryuu requested for sothing unreasonable.
"Then, Roswald-sama."
"That’s still too cold but acceptable. Mind if I call you Satou-dono?"
I give my consent to Earl Seryuu.
"Satou-dono, as for the reward I promised you, we have 2000 demi human slaves currently working to build facilities for the labyrinth managent. However, due to the number and all, the office folks told to ask you around half a month ti for the transfer period."
"Then, allow to make arrangents for the airships needed to transport the slaves. Since I think that we will get our airship allotnt turn within a year, I will be sure to dispatch a delegation from Muno Marquisdom early on."
Let’s forward all the responsibilities for this to Consul Nina of Muno Marquisdom.
I’m sure she’d happily welco them with open arms, as the territory lack the manpower needed for the towns and cities recaptured from monsters, including the city I’m managing, Brighton.
I plan to release them all once they’ve beco self-sufficient.
"Airships to transport demi human? Can’t you just have them walk to Muno territory."
"I cannot even begin to fathom the expenses needed for such thod."
I replied back in kind to the earl who asked in amazent.
I’d hate to hazard the number of victims that would show up if I were to let 2000 demi human slaves, whose levels are mostly at single digit, walk to Muno Marquisdom.
"I’ve also put out a ban on demi-human discrimination just as I’ve promised."
Earl Seryuu looks proud sohow.
But despite that, the attitudes in Gate Inn and stuff felt the sa as always.
"Fumu, judging from your displeased looks, you must want to say that discriminations still remain even now, don’t you."
His eyes kinda look like a teacher admonishing a kid who did a poor job.
"Of course, we’ve not only issued an edict, y’know? We have soldiers who regularly patrol around the city and punish anyone who throw around unjustifiable violences on demi-humans."
Apparently, there were even citizens who got executed for breaking the ban.
"The sense of discriminations within the citizens is deep-rooted. The complete abolishnt of discriminations in its truest sense probably won’t happen for a long ti."
I guess that’s only natural.
There would be no hardships if discriminations would disappear simply by having the statesn ban it.
Even with the law in effect, it probably only ans a shift of locations to where the eyes of statesn don’t reach.
The reason is similar to why bullying at schools hasn’t disappeared.
Even so, a prohibition from the statesn is still necessary as the first step to dispel discriminations.
And I think there is only one path to that, a path where people have to learn to change the perception from "bad things" to "things not worth doing."
Afterwards, having the demi-humans show that their existence bring benefit to everyone is also effective.
"As for the other reward--"
Earl Seryuu changed the topic.
Now, he’s probably going to check the matter about making Miss Auna my wife, and Zena-san my mistress.
"About your engagent."
Figured.
"So when are you going to take my daughter, Auna as your wife, and Zena of Marientail House as your mistress again."
He’s coming at it straight huh.
"Regarding that--"
Earl Seryuu raised his hand to stop while I was hesitating.
"So you really do not wish for it."
--Oh?
"His Majesty and the pri minister have given a stern warning. Do not force you to have a marriage you do not wish for, they said."
Oh, PM and King, good job.
"Please call off the matter about my engagent."
"Very well then."
Earl Seryuu consented willingly.
Phew, another load off my shoulder.
"However, were I to withdraw a reward I have promised, the jabbering old household nobles at the Royal Capital would force to wear the miser stigma around."
Earl Seryuu words reached my ears as I let out a sigh of relief.
"In exchange, I will raise the number of magic cores that will be provisioned to Muno Marquisdom from our labyrinth."
Earl Seryuu put up three fingers as he said that.
"By my own discretion, I promise you to accommodate three tis the planned amount. I will prepare the docunts later. Do deliver them to Marquis Muno."
I didn’t realize at this ti, but by Echigoya Firm’s manager’s account, the amount is comparable to the amount the earldom pays to the kingdom.
"Have you ever talked with Zena’s little brother?"
"No, it was my first ti eting him earlier."
I talked a lot with him as Kuro, but only made a greeting as Satou.
"He might not be at the level of Satou-dono, but he is quite a knight himself."
Earl Seryuu began to boast about Yukel-kun.
Apparently, Yukel-kun’s peerage rank will be raised as a comndation for his feats in the fight against the greater demon and in the Labyrinth Hazard defense war.
And it’s not just to Baronet that’s just above Chevalier--.
"Baron, is it. That’s wonderful."
"Umu. He’s the first to climb to Baron since , and accumulating feats enough to propel one from Chevalier to Baron hadn’t been done since the days of my grandfather."
Unlike in my forr world, as the nobles in this world aren’t given land to govern, letting a noble by blood to ascend the peerage ans way higher fixed cost for the lord of said noble.
"--Silver Knight Air."
Earl Seryuu spoke that na with a suggestive tone.
"That was what the knight who slew a greater demon as she flew in the air called herself."
"I wonder if she is related sohow to Hero Nanashi-sama and his Golden Knights?"
With the help of Poker Face skill, I ignore past Earl Seryuu’s bait.
"I’m in the sa opinion. She wielded a holy sword that could fly in the sky not unlike the Claiomh Solais."
Looks like Earl Seryuu bore witness to that fight.
"Soone amongst the people who witnessed that fight told . That there is a girl whose fighting style resembles that of Silver Knight Air in my territory."
I have a feeling that Earl Seryuu is aware that Zena-san is Silver Knight Air.
Since Zena-san is weak at keeping secret, she’d probably spill it out the mont he interrogated her.
Well, I’m not too worried even if he knew.
"What about you, Satou-dono. Do you know anyone who fights like Silver Knight Air?"
"Unfortunately, as I never saw how the Silver Knight Air-dono fights myself."
"Is that so. Sorry to ask for the unreasonable. Getting back to the topic at hands--"
Earl Seryuu easily pulled back at my excuses.
Doesn’t look like he’s trying to ascertain Silver Knight Air’s identity.
"We will be holding a ball to celebrate Sir Marientail’s promotion tonight. It would be my pleasure if Satou-dono could participate. Of course, your subordinates are invited too."
According to Earl Seryuu, it’s OK for the beastkin girls to co to the party, but I wouldn’t want to expose them to the inevitable inquisitive glances.
I did check with everyone to see if they wanted to participate, but in the end, only Arisa is going to co with .
I was planning to go back to the inn once, but the ti for the ball approached while I was arguing with Earl Seryuu about whether the labyrinth should be managed by himself or not.
◇
"Hmmm, first ti coming here, but this Earl Seryuu’s castle is really designed for wars unlike the Royal Castle isn’t it."
I’m heading toward the ballroom with Arisa.
It seems the majority of the entrants have entered the venue, there’s only the two of us in the passage asides from the busily coming and going servants.
"""Earl Pendragon-sama!"""
High-pitched shrieks resounded the mont we got into the venue.
Fair noble girls of the Earldom co to my side one after another.
It’s like the entrance of a famous actor or singer.
"Earl-sama! Please tell all about your adventures!"
"Earl-sama! I do not have a fiance!"
"Earl-sama! My house is famous for being the most fertile in Seryuu city!"
The beauties who are encircling make their appeal.
Fertility being an appeal point seems to be common in Shiga Kingdom.
As they’re dressing more brazenly compared to the girls at the Royal Capital, lots of the beauties emphasize their cleavage, truly a sight for sore eyes.
"Master’s popularity is to the point of being sickening isn’t it. I should have brought Mia along--Hey, you there! Don’t feel on Master as you please!"
Arisa attempted to guard from the beautiful noble ladies, but she’s way outnumbered.
--Hm?
Noticing a glance, I turn around and see a butler gazing here.
"What’s up?"
The butler averted his glance like it was nothing while I was paying attention to Arisa, opened a door and announced the entrance of the territory lord and his family.
"Hueh? Why’d Zena-tan co out from over there?"
Just like Arisa said, Marientail siblings ca out of the door along with the lord’s family.
"Wasn’t this Yukel-kun’s celebration?"
As if affirming my words, Earl Seryuu praised Yukel-kun’s feats and announced his promotion.
The mont they heard that, half of the beauties who were surrounding turned their interest over there.
"In addition, Sir Marientail will take my daughter, Auna, as his wife."
The people in the hall make a stir when they hear the earl’s announcent.
Yukel-kun and Miss Auna bashfully smile at each other.
Zena-san looks happy too, but her smile looks lifeless.
"It kinda feels like Zena-tan is forcing herself, doesn’t it."
"You’re right."
I agree to Arisa’s whisper.
Zena-san’s smile is usually like a blooming sunflower.
"Quiet down. I am not done yet--"
Earl Seryuu silenced the people.
"I am happy to introduce the second wife of my eldest son, Badowald!"
Huh?
Crisis Perception is alarming for so reason.
"Sir Marientail’s elder sister, Zena will be taken as Badowald’s second wife."
--Seriously.
The hall was filled with even more commotion than with the announcent earlier.
"Master, did you know about this?"
"No, first ti I’m hearing it."
Arisa asked in whisper.
Zena-san didn’t talk about it when I talked with her last night, and it didn’t feel like she was hiding it either.
Earl Seryuu probably brought the subject to her all of a sudden today.
Zena-san is hanging her head down, I can’t see her expression.
"Geez, she’s really a good girl..."
Arisa sighs.
"No helping it."
Arisa scratched the back of her head and used space magic as she stood next to .
『Zena-tan. Does Zena-tan really agree to that engagent yourself?』
Arisa’s Telephone is connected to through her connection as my Familiar.
『...Yes.』
Zena-san replied while covering her mouth.
『Not because you can’t go against your lord’s order?』
『...It’s, not.』
Zena-san sounded stiff.
『I see, there’s so kind of reason behind this--wait, no need to even guess huh.』
Arisa sighs.
『You don’t want to be a hindrance in your brother’s love life and career, do you.』
Zena-san remains silent.
In other words, the answer is correct.
『Since both of those would be called off if you were to refuse the engagent forced on you by your lord?』
『...Yukel and Auna-sama had always no choice but to hide their feelings to each other. And just when their wishes were about to be fulfilled--』
Hint of tears are mixed in Zena-san’s voice.
Arisa glanced up at .
Her eyes are expecting sothing.
I brushed Arisa’s head, and took a step forward toward the ring of people that encircled Badowald-dono and Zena-san.
I step forwad toward the crowd that encircle Badowald-dono and Zena-san.
『...Satou-san.』
At the other side of the crowd, Zena-san raised her head.
Her eyes moist with tears are looking at .
"Oh, Satou-dono! Demon lord slayer-dono is going to congratulate the new mber of my family--"
Earl Seryuu is all smiles, but his eyes remain sharp.
He’s probably foreseen what I’m gonna do here.
A blank space has been created in front of Badowald-dono and Zena-san.
"I’m very honored to et you. I am the eldest son of Earl Seryuu, Badowald Seryuu."
"Nice to et you, Badowald-dono. I’m Shiga Kingdom’s Tourism Minister, Earl Satou Pendragon of Muno Marquisdom."
I stop with my formal speech pattern.
I extend my hand toward Zena-san after the greeting.
"Satou, san?"
Zena-san is looking at the hands I’ve presented to her with eyes full of expectations.
"Sir Pendragon, what are you--"
Badowald-dono sounded perplexed.
"Zena-san."
Zena-san is reaching out to my hands, reacting to my calling.
For so reason, Yukel-kun who was slightly away from this place rushed out to position himself between and Zena-san, instead of Badowald-dono who was standing next to Zena-san.
Sorry, but you’re way too late.
"Excuse , Zena-san."
I quickly catch Zena-san’s hand and pull her to .
Since I was about to bump into the rushing Yukel-kun, I twirl around like dancing and took a distance away from him with her in my arms.
The won in the dance hall let out a shriek, while the n made a commotion.
"W-what is the aning--"
Earl Seryuu stopped Yukel-kun who was going to question with his hand.
I sohow get the feelings that he was dragged in the plot, but there was never a choice to abandon Zena-san here, so I’m not going to let him complain.
"Let hear your excuses."
Earl Seryuu quietly asked.
"I’m taking her for myself."
If Zena-san wished for the engagent with Badowald-dono herself, I would congratulate her as a friend.
But I cannot abandon her if they’re looking to make use of Zena-san as Silver Knight Air, not as herself, to benefit Seryuu Earldom.
"In other words, you’re going to deprive my son of his fiancee?"
Kinda feels like I could hear Earl Seryuu’s inner voice.
"Exactly."
I look at his eyes and nod.
"This isn’t a joke you know? Do you realize your and my positions here?"
In short, he’s demanding sothing that exceeds Zena-san.
I stare at him with sincere eyes.
"As a neighbor, I will promise you this."
As the lord of the Dragon’s Valley.
"If a being appears to threaten Seryuu Earldom, I will eliminate them regardless of what they are, once, I will also assist in the effort to restore the damage incurred."
If I didn’t place a limit, it’d be annoying if I were dragged into wars with the neighboring countries and lords after all.
"From any being? Even if you’re up against a greater demon--or even a demon lord itself, do you an that?"
That must have been exactly what he wanted to hear.
Earl Seryuu grinned and laughed.
In many cases, demon lords tend to be revived in the vicinity of a labyrinth.
Demon lord disasters that had always felt like sothing distant and not his problems must feel really close now that there is a labyrinth smack dab in the capital of his territory.
Well, even without this promise, I’d have co to exterminate rampaging demon lords anyway.
"Even if I’m up against a demon lord. I swear by the title of Demon Lord Slayer--■■ Contract"
I took a vow by using Contract skill.
"That is still not enough. Give two more conditions."
As one would expect from a politician.
He’d keep pushing on even if I refused here.
"Don’t make that face. It’s nothing big."
Is it really?
"First, take Zena Marientail not as your mistress, but as your formal wife. I will not question her position in the hierarchy."
That’s unexpected.
"The rank of Marientail house as a baron must be a bit insufficient. The second condition is for Zena to beco an adopted daughter of our Seryuu Household when the ti cos for you to take her hands in marriage."
I see, he’s going to make us related through that huh.
Looks like he’s really eager to tie relationship with no matter what.
"Very well. I agree to those two conditions."
"Then--Contract established."
The Contract skill earlier formally activated the mont Earl Seryuu declared so.
Right at the sa ti, the nobles gave their applauses, and as if inford by that, the other people also congratulated by giving handshakes.
Looks like Earl Seryuu has prepared shills among them beforehand.
Yukel-kun’s expression that looked like he didn’t get what was going on turned perplexed after Earl Seryuu whispered sothing to his ear.
On the other hand, Badowald-dono seed like he didn’t find this amusing, but he’s not flustered at all.
Badowald-dono was probably a conspirator in Earl Seryuu’s sche and Yukel-kun was made to dance in it.
"Satou-san."
"Yes--"
Right when I turned around to Zena-san who whispered into my ears, I felt sothing warm on my lips.
--Yes?
Looks like Zena-san gave a kiss the mont I turned around to her.
An innocent junior high school-like kiss.
The slight pain from our teeth clashing kinda feels nostalgic sohow.
『I’ll overlook it this ti.』
Arisa’s voice that felt kinda sullen reached through her Familiar connection.
While patting Arisa’s head with my free hand, I lowered the blushing Zena-san who was done with the kissing on the floor.
I send Zena-san off to a circle of female nobles who’ve co to congratulate Zena-san, including Miss Iona.
Earl Seryuu approached instead.
"--The matter this ti will be spread as a side show in Yukel-kun’s promotion party. I have no obligation to help other nobles in their sche after all."
Earl Seryuu and his grins annoyed the heck out of .
But well, you have my thanks for your considerations.
Although there’s nothing to worry with Marquis Muno, Duke Oyugock and the king, there’s no guarantee that other nobles won’t follow the sa sche.
Arisa speaks to when Earl Seryuu has left.
"Hey, Master, have you noticed?"
"Yeah..."
I gave an affirmative to Arisa’s question.
Zena-san who’s surrounded by her friends has gotten a new title.
--Satou’s Fiancee.
Well, considering the situation....
I check my Log.
> [Plunder] skill acquired
> Title [Plunderer] Acquired.
> Title [Love Hunter] Acquired.
> Title [Soulmate] Acquired
I got so slightly objectionable titles and skills.
Well, maybe I’ll leave the last title be on the Alternate Column for a while.
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