Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Reunion with the Count
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*
I was told that His Excellency the Count was waiting in the castle's third reception room, so I headed there.
When I opened the door and stepped inside, I saw His Excellency the Count seated on the sofa in the modestly sized room.
He was sitting with his back to the door, so all I could see was his rear view, but his distinctive aura made it unmistakable that it was him.
Ahem. I cleared my throat lightly and approached with the most deferential gait I could manage, coming to stand opposite him.
"I'm relieved to see you've returned without incident, Your Excellency. Had you informed me ahead of time, I would have come out to greet you."
There was no response. His Excellency was completely absorbed in the book he held.
As I stood there awkwardly, he murmured softly.
"Sit."
I bowed politely and took my seat. In doing so, I took a moment to observe his appearance.
His blonde hair, reminiscent of Esili's, was neatly combed back, giving an air of meticulousness. Not a speck of dust marred his precisely tailored court attire, and his keen eyes were fixed on the page with the intensity of a scholar in pursuit of truth.
Though past fifty, he showed no signs of age beyond faint crow's feet. He appeared robust enough to pass for thirty at a glance.
Dignity emanated from him even at rest. His Excellency the Count was Leo Berg Felgaroin, a great noble whose name was known not only in political circles but in financial ones as well.
He was also known as one of the five pillars upholding the empire, and even His Imperial Majesty refrained from speaking harshly to him.
Yet he never wielded his authority carelessly.
Ever composed and reserved, elegant yet unbound, incorruptible and upright. It was truly admirable.
His Excellency was the man I respected second only to my father—a figure I aspired daily to emulate in the future.
'That said, Your Excellency.'
Just how long do you plan to keep reading?
After a long wait with his eyes glued to the book, I hesitated to speak up. With no other choice, I kept silent, and only after the sun had set did he finally close it.
"Not bad."
He offered a curt assessment before turning to regard me. His already sharp gaze narrowed even further, fierce as a blade.
"But seeing your face stirs my irritation."
The words stung, but I betrayed no reaction. I could guess the reason behind them. As my father's longtime friend and head of the Felgaroin house, which dominated the empire's heartland...
"You're growing handsomer by the day, making my own looks seem utterly inadequate."
He was simply a bit inept when it came to voicing fondness for those he favored.
I offered no reply, merely a faint smile. I'd discerned his intent long ago, but acting as if I knew might come off as presumptuous.
His Excellency fixed me with a piercing stare for some time, then spoke again, utterly earnest, his eyes like unyielding stone.
"To clarify: this is me praising you. It wasn't meant to wound. Understood?"
He appended the reassurance lest I'd taken it amiss. His speech and bearing were prim and cool, yet the sentiment within was that of a missionary dispensing enlightened compassion.
I was no fool to spurn such kindness, so I replied with genuine pleasure.
"Of course, Your Excellency."
"Hmph. Good, as long as you get it. Seeing you after so long isn't unpleasant."
"I am overjoyed to behold your noble countenance once more, Your Excellency."
"Bold words. You think that earns my favor?"
The corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly. It looked for all the world like he was suppressing a smile.
'You're clearly pleased.'
He seemed inscrutable at first glance, yet profoundly transparent. As I regarded him with a knowing smile of my own, he let out a loud ahem! and straightened up.
"Enough idle talk. Hildess informed me right upon my arrival at the castle. You rounded up the entire bandit crew?"
To be precise, it was the elf's doing. But denying it felt awkward, so I nodded steadily.
"Yes."
"You've acquitted yourself well as regent. Fortunate you're not a failure. Now, what exactly transpired at the ball?"
"The ball..."
"My daughter slapping you."
"Ah."
I'd all but forgotten, but the memory resurfaced. This too stemmed from the elf, though I couldn't very well divulge that.
How was I to explain? As I faltered, a minor commotion stirred beyond the door. I perked my ears, and a familiar voice drifted in.
— Miss! You can't go in! Viscount Theorad and His Excellency are in the midst of conversation!
— Do I look like a fool? I know that much. I just want to peek from afar. That's fine, isn't it?
— Sigh. Honestly...
Their playful tussle ended with Esili peeking around the edge of the open door. She scanned the room like a cat eyeing stolen fish, then flushed crimson upon locking eyes with me.
After some fumbling hesitation, she broke into a beaming grin and gave a light wave.
I nearly waved back on reflex, only snapping to my senses at the sight of His Excellency before me.
"Rumors have it you tried to steal a kiss from my daughter. Fiancé or no, that's the height of impropriety."
"Th-that's so."
Even as I answered His Excellency, my gaze kept drifting toward Esili.
Perhaps sensing it, she stepped fully into view from behind the door, balled her fists at her temples, and raised her index fingers. She pursed her lips and pulled the sternest face she could muster.
I knew exactly what she was mimicking: an irate Count. It was her way of lightening my tension with a comical impression.
The trouble was, it nearly made me burst out laughing. I couldn't afford that. As I fought it down, His Excellency's brow twitched, and he pressed on.
"I don't fail to understand your sentiment, mind. Longtime courtship with scant progress would chafe anyone. Still, attempting a kiss sans the lady's consent falls short of a gentleman's code. Clear?"
"Yes. I'll bear it in mind."
"Bear it in mind, then—I'll overlook it this once. Now, to the matter at hand: your reward for apprehending the bandits."
"Pardon? Reward? Whatever do you mean? I merely did my duty."
"We reward duty fulfilled. These days, the world brims with those who shirk the obvious. Thus, merit rewarded, faults punished—no need to feel burdened."
His Excellency clapped twice with refined poise.
"Enter."
Simultaneously, a scuffle erupted beyond the door.
— Miss, allow me to...
— It's fine. Let me handle it. Please?
— You'll just sulk if I refuse?
— Hey, it's not sulking—it's voicing a valid point!
— Sigh. Very well.
With a weary exhale, the servant handed Esili a small box. She accepted it and approached.
She gave me a quick nod of greeting before setting the box on the table. His Excellency, sensing the anomaly, turned his head.
"Esili?"
Bewilderment clouded his dignified eyes.
"Why skulk out here instead of your room?"
"I couldn't wait to see you, Father. And I wanted to apologize to Sir Theorad. I was dreadfully rude before."
Her unannounced presence might have seemed forward, but His Excellency merely smiled fondly.
"Quite right. Striking one's betrothed at a public ball lacks decorum. Glad you've come to see that swiftly."
"Young, but sharp as ever. Your daughter, after all."
At her coquettish remark, His Excellency's stern features melted into warmth. There lay the root of his reputation as a doting father.
He chuckled softly before shifting his gaze to me. I kept my back ramrod straight amid the tension as he slid the box my way with a languid gesture.
"Open it. A token gift for stewarding the county in my stead."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
As I replied, I inspected the box. It was elegantly adorned without excess, the Felgaroin crest embossed upon the lid.
Curiosity piqued, I lifted the lid to reveal a trove of gems and gold coins. I gasped in shock.
"Your Excellency? This is far too lavish for merely rounding up a handful of bandits."
He furrowed his brow.
"Insulting my generosity, are you?"
"But..."
"Take it. That's final."
After a moment's deliberation, I nodded. It felt as though he'd contrived the pretext to lavish treasures upon me, but spurning such goodwill would be ill-mannered.
As I accepted the box, he tsked in amusement and flicked his hand dismissively.
"I'm weary. Time to review court affairs. Both of you, out."
For some reason, it sounded like "enjoy some time alone." Esili evidently heard it likewise, turning to me with a faint smile.
"Shall we? Sir Theorad."
I returned her smile.
"Indeed."
*
Esili and I emerged from the reception room and crossed the castle's inner courtyard.
In that space where buds slumbered in anticipation of tomorrow, the awkwardness between us left me idly toying with my brooch as I stared at the night sky.
I couldn't find the words to break the silence. Esili appeared equally at a loss, saying nothing for some time.
When we reached the courtyard's midpoint, she let out a soft laugh and spoke.
"I'm sorry."
It came out of nowhere. I cleared my throat and strove for nonchalance.
"For what?"
"I ended up painting you as the villain, Sir Theorad. The slap, and not visiting for four whole days. High society must be buzzing that 'Lady Esili's so furious she won't even see Sir Theorad.'"
"Ridiculous. It was all for my benefit, wasn't it?"
"Even so."
"No cause for worry. Here we are, strolling the courtyard together before I depart the castle. The servants will gossip freely, restoring my good name."
Truth be told, it was Esili who'd proposed the courtyard over a private room. She hoped word of mouth from the ever-watchful staff would rehabilitate my reputation.
"You're right. Word of our reconciliation will spread. Still, it irks me a little."
Yet she pouted adorably, far from content.
"Reconciliation implies we fought first. The more I dwell on it, the more I loathe that elf bedeviling you, Sir Theorad."
"Ditto. I want no stains on what we have, but it grows harder by the day."
"Care to be specific?"
I scratched my cheek, abashed.
"Well... I'm concerned it might tarnish things on the intimate front."
"Hmm. Now I'm curious. Just what intimate blemish has you worried?"