Episode 86. Rain, and the Deer (5)
Though I wanted to offer my congratulations from the heart, my mind couldn't fully accept it, forcing an awkward smile onto my face.
"Covering family discord through marriage"-what a childish notion.
While it's common for local nobles to solidify their positions, foster camaraderie, and strengthen power through marriages, this seemed insufficient to resolve the deep-seated grudges in this city.
Moreover, this marriage plan appeared to stem solely from an oral engagement between these two individuals... A secret marriage to stop family strife without consulting their households? Wouldn't that backfire instead?
Rita seemed to share my concerns, speaking with a worried expression laced with apprehension.
"It will be an extremely difficult path."
"I'm aware. But if this can stop centuries of conflict, shouldn't we endure it?"
"The families won't accept this marriage. They might even use it as pretext to drag both of you down from your positions as Lord and family head."
"Let them try. They only keep us in power because they have no alternatives-those power-hungry fools. Who would they install as Lord if they ousted us?"
"Julia. We have guests-mind your words."
"Am I wrong? The elders are using us young ones as shields in their power struggles while avoiding responsibility themselves. Montague is your only heir, and Capulet only has me and my four-year-old brother. Would they replace us with cousins? With our legitimacy already questioned, they'd never dare bring in collateral lines."
"...You're not wrong, but don't air our family's dirty laundry before guests."
Lady Julia had a surprisingly bold, tomboyish side beneath her delicate appearance. No-perhaps "iron lady" suited her better?
When Roman-nim cautioned her, she instantly composed herself with an innocent expression, sitting primly as if nothing happened. Who knew this greenhouse flower hid such explosive potential?
Whenever I saw beautiful women like her-untouched yet strong as diamonds-dark thoughts blossomed in my mind.
Would she maintain that boldness in bed? Would she melt into a lovable feminine puddle before her beloved? What face would she make if forcibly corrupted?
...Indulging in such depraved fantasies I'd never act upon, I leisurely admired the young Lord before me. Such a wicked habit.
"Regardless, this marriage isn't just youthful passion. Our love is genuine, as is our desire to end the family feud. We'll use our union as foundation for the city's harmony-to fulfill both families' long-cherished wish of reuniting Expeer."
"Achieving that wish in this generation will prove extremely difficult. It may remain unattainable for generations to come."
"I know. But I refuse to exploit conflicts for gain like past Lords-spreading rumors about rival Lords to manipulate public opinion, punishing supporters of opposing factions to force loyalty... Such scheming-"
"You tell me not to air family secrets, yet here you are confessing them, Roman."
"...Ahem, my apologies. But this is Expeer's history, is it not?"
"As you say."
They bantered like siblings, trading light-hearted jabs.
Seeing their unwavering resolve required no further interference, Rita bowed slightly and withdrew.
"Understood. I'll keep this matter strictly confidential. I'll quietly support your marriage from behind the scenes."
"We appreciate that."
"Ah, Rita-nim. If you haven't secured lodgings, would you consider staying at our castle?"
"I gratefully decline. My companions are unaccustomed to noble life-it would discomfort them. We've taken rooms at an inn near the City Gate. Please contact us there if needed."
"A pity, but understandable."
With formalities concluded, Rita rose to leave. I followed suit.
As we turned toward the door, Lady Julia's voice stopped me.
"One moment. Triae, was it?"
"Huh? Ah, yes, my Lord."
"My apologies-we monopolized the conversation with our affairs. I'd love to get acquainted properly. Are you free tomorrow? Let's have a girls' chat about how you made Rita-nim yours."
"Y-yes..."
Ah-I might actually pounce on her.
Seeing Julia-nim's playfully suggestive face reminded me of Camellia, making me want to nurture her lewd potential.
Of course, unlike instinct-driven fools, I'd never lay hands on someone as formidable as a Lord. Even enslaving her would exceed my current capabilities.
Perhaps when I rise higher and gain lands... But what am I thinking? I'm still a mere adventurer-what lands? Though with my skills, given the right opportunity... Ahem, am I getting ahead of myself?
We exited the parlor, guided by the stone-faced butler who remained oblivious to our discussion, and left the castle.
* * *
"So, what happened?"
"What do you mean?"
"How do you know the Lords? When did the family feud start?"
On our way back to the inn, I unleashed my pent-up questions.
Deeming them no secret, Rita shrugged and answered casually.
"Nothing special. Shortly after becoming a C-rank adventurer, I visited Expeer when carriages from both families got kidnapped by Terror Birds. I rushed to their nest before any quest was posted and rescued them. They've treated me as their savior since."
"Terror Birds... Those monsters with steel-hard feathers and claws that shred leather armor? And they fly?"
"You know them well. Seen one before?"
"Only in books."
"Studious, aren't you? They fought fiercely defending their nest. Had they flown while attacking, it'd have been tougher."
"Even if they flew... You'd have won."
Terror Birds require two or three B-rank adventurers to defeat. For C-rank Rita to kill one showed exceptional talent.
She added that since she acted without a quest, the Adventurer's Guild wouldn't normally recognize it. But the families' influence got her promoted to B-rank.
"As for the feud... Around 200 years ago, the Montague Count-then Lord of Expeer-married a daughter of the Capulet family. He delegated some lordly duties to her relatives, which caused problems later."
"Why? What happened?"
"When the Count died and his son became Lord, he saw the Capulets exercising lordly authority as overreach. The new Lord revoked their privileges, sparking conflict when they protested."
"So the new Lord was wrong! He dishonored his father's decisions and his mother's family!"
"There may be circumstances we don't know. I can't claim objectivity, so I'll stop here."
Our curiosity satisfied, we reached the inn.
Our carriage and black horse Raven waited safely in the stables. The staff directed us to our companions' room at the far end.
Inside, we found tidy luggage and our group preparing to go out.
Camellia cheered first, followed by Cecilia.
"Mom!"
"Ah, Triae. Finished your business?"
"Yeah, all done... Why are you all dressed to go out?"
"Rose wanted to buy weapons. We were waiting for Rita-nim to return so we could explore the festival streets together."
"Oh? Rita, is that okay?"
"My stamina's fine. How could I refuse my daughter?"
"...Thank you, Mother."
Rose bowed respectfully to Rita.
The festive mood infected everyone-except one person sitting quietly on a bed.
"Hm? Lycoris, not joining us?"
"Ah... Lycoris dislikes crowded festivals. She'll stay behind."
"Really? Then I'll stay too. Can't leave her alone. The festival lasts days anyway."
"Oh... Could you?"
"Sure. Have fun out there."
* * *
"Ugh... exhausted..."
The castle visit left me utterly drained. I collapsed onto the bed, stretching lazily.
The door creaked open as Lycoris entered carrying a wooden tray.
When had she left? Too tired to notice...
"Mother, are you weary? I brewed fatigue-relieving tea with snacks. Would you care for some?"
"Ah, Lycoris. Thanks, I'll drink..."
I sipped the steaming herbal tea from the tray. Its mild aroma and refreshing warmth spread through me. The slight bitterness paired perfectly with Lycoris's cookies.
Mmm... delicious. Well-baked sweetness complemented the tea perfectly.
-Ding!
- - -
<You have ingested a lethal dose of a supreme-grade anesthetic. High Health Stat partially negates the poison effect.>
<Strength and Agility temporarily reduced by 30%.>
- - -
...Huh?