Chapter 6 : Imperial Palace (3)
Chapter 6 : Imperial Palace (3)
The meeting with the 7th Princess Elina did not last long.
This was because she had blankly responded to the questions Deltain asked with answers like "Yes" or "No."
For Duke Levadein, who was caught in the middle, the awkwardness felt even more blatant. And, as it happened, he had a good excuse to break up the situation.
"I think I must be going now. I need to stop by the mansion for a moment. Will you be staying longer, Count?"
"...No, I will not. I must return as well."
After all, he had come all the way here in search of a hidden piece that he wasn't even sure existed.
As such, Deltain also felt dizzy and had no reason to remain here.
Duke Levadein brightened his face.
"Ah, then shall we leave the palace together?"
"That sounds good."
Elina blinked her eyes, then soon smiled slightly and bowed.
"It was a meaningful meeting. I hope to see you again next time."
'I doubt it.'
Deltain received the greeting while thinking just that. It was because he didn't want to meet Elina a second time.
He was in the middle of painfully realizing what kind of secrets are better left unknown.
"Then let us go."
Duke Levadein led Deltain and walked through the Imperial Palace.
His complexion was beaming. The reason was that Agnes's lifespan had recently increased.
Naturally, how could he not be happy when his daughter, who had been diagnosed with a 3-month terminal illness, had her lifespan doubled? And wouldn't he look favorably upon Deltain, who had accomplished that feat?
He asked Deltain in a tone filled with goodwill.
"Did my daughter not cause any rudeness? She has been physically weak since she was young, so I have a tendency to coddle her. If she was rude, please allow me to apologize on her behalf..."
"It is fine. I have gotten used to it by now."
Deltain said that and did not continue the conversation further.
It was for no other reason. Since he had rolled in the sheets with the daughter he cherished so dearly just last night, human guilt was rising within him.
It was a situation where poking at it unnecessarily would only make him feel more sorry.
Deltain thought of a topic to switch to, and brought up what he had heard in his conversation with Ishmark just before.
"Come to think of it, I heard you are being courted by the Aristocratic Faction these days."
"Ah..."
Duke Levadein smiled awkwardly.
"It is a troublesome matter."
"Will you not interact with them?"
"Yes."
"It would be a good deal. If nothing else, they do take terrible care of their own people."
The Empire's Aristocratic Faction was a group that would be correctly described as racists if compared to Earth, Deltain's hometown.
Would it explain it to say they were a collection of elitism, with shoulders puffed up high with the pride of being nobles, and who habitually treated base blood with thorough disregard and contempt?
However, Deltain did not view them that negatively.
The body he had entered, Deltain Hebron, was of noble birth, even if it had fallen. He had never been harmed by them, and rather, he had received various special treatments due to the prestige he possessed, so there was no reason to hate them.
'It's convenient to keep them nearby.'
They are a group like Golden Goblins that offer tribute even if you just sit still.
Compared to Ishmark, who cuts off even his own kin if they lack ability, aren't they a pretty good group?
He didn't join their faction because he didn't particularly want to align himself anywhere, but Deltain was favorable enough toward them that he would write a recommendation letter if someone around him wanted to join the Aristocratic Faction.
While such thoughts continued, Duke Levadein answered with a bitter smile.
"Their culture is too closed off. They are swallowed up by the pride of being those who reign, and they do not acknowledge the value of labor. I judge that a future where they gain power would have a negative impact on the Empire."
"The future, you say? Even if those bastards gain power and the country falls, it will be after you've died, Duke. Why worry about that?"
"I would appreciate it if you could view it as a conscience I must uphold as the Prime Minister of this country."
Deltain looked at Duke Levadein with an admiring face.
"You say cool things."
It wasn't just empty words. Deltain knew how difficult it was for a powerful figure, who was the second-in-command of the nation, to act with conviction at the forefront.
Isn't that right? When power and wealth are right in front of your eyes, how much patience would it take not to be tempted by them?
'Is this why Ishmark keeps the Duke by his side?'
It was understandable. In the country that idealist Emperor wanted to build, people like this must have been absolutely necessary.
Duke Levadein waved his hands, accepting the praise, then soon asked cautiously.
"...But are you joining the Aristocratic Faction, Count?"
It was a question that came to mind due to the goodwill Deltain had shown just before.
Deltain let out a hollow laugh.
"I'm not in a position to play faction games, am I? Besides, there's no reason to. I'm just accepting things because they keep handing them over."
"Hmm, that is a relief. Their demeanor has been suspicious lately, so I was wondering."
"Hmm?"
"The Aristocratic Faction has been showing particularly aggressive movements lately. They are frequently buying and selling land in the commercial district or changing import items. His Majesty is also paying attention to that, but there is no proper grounds to restrain them, so he is just watching the situation."
The face of Duke Levadein, who was saying that, was full of worry.
Deltain nodded and thought.
'That must be a headache.'
The Aristocratic Faction had many complaints about Ishmark. It was because of the current policy of employing commoners in state affairs.
Of course, since respect for imperial authority is a virtue of the nobility, they would obey to his face, but who knows what they might be plotting behind his back?
Deltain thought blankly, then said to Duke Levadein.
"...If something big happens, I will protect you, Duke."
"Pardon?"
"People with ability and conviction. I quite like them."
Duke Levadein blinked. Then he burst into laughter.
"If such a time comes, would you protect my daughter instead of me?"
"As for her, well, if I just throw Kaltara at her, she'll be fine."
"Ah, the captain of the Hounds."
"She gets the job done, so you don't need to worry."
The smile on Duke Levadein's lips deepened.
"I am grateful. The rumors about how much you cherish the captain are widespread. I suppose you must view my child just as favorably."
The nuance was strange for some reason.
When Deltain shifted his gaze to that, there was Duke Levadein looking at him with a satisfied face.
'...Why is he looking at me like that?'
It might be a stretch, but the look in his eyes was exactly like that.
It was a gaze that looked like he was looking at his son-in-law for some reason.
"My daughter is pretty, isn't she?"
"...Uh, yes. Well."
"Fortunately, she is a child who looks exactly like my late wife. If she becomes healthy, she will be dazzlingly beautiful. Hmm, she was such a lovely child that when she was young, I remember tossing and turning every night worrying about who I could send this child to without it breaking my heart. Now, well..."
Silent pressure.
Deltain felt it in the Duke's attitude right now.
Cold sweat ran down the back of his neck. It was because of the thought that popped into his head.
'Does he know?'
Could Duke Levadein know about what happened last night?
Is the reason he is saying this now a coercion to save her somehow and take responsibility, since they've already slept together?
It was a fairly well-founded speculation.
That was because the marks left all over Agnes's body would definitely be revealed if the maids tried to change her clothes, and since she only stayed in her room, he was the only one who could have caused those marks, so it was highly likely that the news would reach the ears of the Duke, the master of the mansion.
Feeling guilty for no reason, Deltain pulled his sleeves down further.
"...I will do my best to ensure the Lady becomes healthy."
"That is a good answer."
Deltain became uncomfortable with Duke Levadein.
*
Late in the afternoon of the same day, the room with the best view in the Duke's mansion.
Agnes was receiving a guest while leaning her back against the bed.
"I saw Count Hebron today."
Beside her, sitting in the seat where Hebron always sat, was a woman smiling shyly.
The name of the woman whose pure white hair, indigo eyes, and petite physique turned into loveliness was Elina Von Levrok.
She was the 7th Princess of the Empire and Agnes's only friend.
The connection between the two began when they exchanged greetings once during one of the seven banquets Agnes had attended.
Elina, who had approached Agnes first at the time, continued to visit the Duke's mansion afterward, and their friendship deepened.
For Agnes, she was still maintaining the friendship because she found her interesting, as she had quite lewd hobbies, unlike her small-animal-like appearance.
'Addicted to erotic books.'
Agnes diagnosed Elina's illness as such.
Elina Von Levrok had a severe case of text addiction. Not just any text, but the kind of addiction where one shows a fanatical obsession only with erotic texts.
Need I say more? The source of all the vulgar words Agnes spat at Deltain was Elina.
"Hmm, he was really cool. He was someone who felt like a flame was burning."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, but he was also scary. Even when I tried to talk to him because I wanted to get close, he only answered with 'Yes' or 'No.' Plus, he kept frowning."
Agnes smiled satisfactorily.
It was because of Deltain's attitude of not showing any openings to other young women.
"It's because he's shy. Isn't he cute?"
"Cute...?"
Elina tilted her head.
It was because she thought the word 'cute' didn't suit Deltain Hebron.
Isn't that right?
His height, well over 180, and his long limbs are mature. His bright red hair and piercing gold eyes gave a strong impression, and above all, considering his sharp features and frowning face, he was a man who suited the word 'fierce' better than 'cute.'
Elina thought.
That her friend's standard for 'cute' seemed somewhat twisted.
Of course, she couldn't reveal that thought. Instead, Elina expressed agreement.
"Hmm, he is handsome, though. I think he's one of the best-looking people I've seen in my life."
Agnes's fingertips twitched.
"...Really?"
"Right? He's a handsome man. Count Hebron. I remember there were a lot of young ladies who wanted to at least talk to him whenever he went to a banquet."
"I thought I heard he didn't go to banquets."
"He comes out about once a year. Although he almost always just drinks alone and then disappears."
Agnes's eyebrows lifted slightly.
Elina didn't notice that sign and continued to praise Deltain repeatedly.
This was a bad sign for Agnes.
She was displeased with the situation where her only friend was showing interest in Deltain.
What came to mind was the not-so-distant past, when she sent her personal maid Anya back to the territory.
Of course, since Elina was a princess, she couldn't do the same thing as back then, but Agnes was determined to take special measures if Elina continued to show interest in Deltain.
'...Should I probe her?'
She needed to know if that was just praise about his appearance or if it was budding romantic feelings.
It wouldn't be too late to make a judgment then.
Agnes smiled and asked.
"Do you like Deltain?"
"Huh? There's no reason to dislike him... right?"
"I think you two would suit each other well. You're white and cute, so I think Deltain would like you too."
Elina's body jerked. A look of embarrassment appeared on her face.
Agnes watched every single one of her reactions.
"Th, that is..."
"Above all, you're a princess. If you want Deltain, isn't it a position where you can get involved with him as much as you want?"
Cold sweat flowed down Elina's forehead.
Her pupils trembled as if there were an earthquake.
Agnes thought.
That this might be a reaction that arises because she is trying to hide her feelings while watching her (Agnes's) reaction.
That perhaps measures might be needed.
She was a woman who, if she put the relationship she had built over several years and Deltain on a scale, would tip the weight toward Deltain.
What should she do? How should she deal with Elina?
The moment when the vitality was gradually disappearing from Agnes's smile at such thoughts.
"No!"
Elina shouted, jumping up.
Anger was embedded in Elina's demeanor. On top of that, a sense of unfairness could also be felt.
This was an emotion that was difficult for Agnes to understand.
So when Agnes narrowed her brows, Elina began to glare at her as if she hated her. And she trembled her shoulders.
"Agnes, you idiot! I don't like Count Hebron, I like someone else!"
The shout, tinged with sorrow, was natural from Elina's perspective. She was truly thinking that Agnes was heartless.
It was because of her (Agnes's) dullness in not noticing her feelings despite having appealed so much in the meantime.
"Why do you think I come here every time! Why do you think I return only after the sun sets every time! Do you still not know my heart?!"
No way.
Such a thought popped into Agnes's mind.
No, looking at Elina, who was looking at her with tears hanging in her eyes, it must be correct.
'...Homosexuality?'
While such a conclusion was rising within Agnes.
"I like the Duke! I like a gentlemanly middle-aged man!"
Elina dropped a bomb.
"...?"
Agnes's expression stiffened.
Her thinking, too, stiffened.
Even in the midst of that, Elina blushed as if shy.
Her shoulders were heaving.
The words that followed were imbued with the relief of finally having said it.
"I, I... like the Duke."
Elina grabbed Agnes's hand, trembling.
She made eye contact with Agnes with eyes filled with desperation.
There was no reason in them.
"I, I want to be your mother."
On this day, Agnes witnessed unrefined madness.