Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: Necktie Mania and a Joyous Miracle
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After the overwhelming victory in the first round, as the event progressed, there were several moments that could have sparked the seeds of conflict for the second and third rounds, but they all passed quietly without incident.
The gap was simply too vast, leaving our opponents bereft of fighting spirit. But more than that, the nobles, having been snapped back to composure after taking a hard hit, finally remembered the fundamental goal of this event.
Whether aligned with the Emperor's faction or the nobles' faction, at their core, they all wished for the empire's prosperity and swore loyalty to the Imperial Family.
Though the directions of their pursued interests differed somewhat, none were the type to sell out the nation. A bit late to the realization, they shifted their focus from fussing over a mere baron like me to paying attention to the Crown Princess and the other imperial royals.
"Has Your Highness the Princess been well all this time?"
Thus, the moment the banquet began, even if they begrudged me drawing the Emperor's attention, they turned to fawning over the empire's dignitaries in an effort to narrow the gap with me even slightly.
It was a swift and rational judgment.
Of course, it was only natural in the Imperial Palace to show a peaceful demeanor unless one was eager to lose their head.
"Perhaps because the nuisances have vanished, I've been quite comfortable."
"Haha! That's a relief."
I had to admire that guy's nerve, brazenly greeting Princess Elizabeth after harassing her and ending up in jail.
If it were me, I'd be too ashamed to even show my face.
"More importantly, aren't you going to greet my partner?"
Even so, changing strategies didn't erase their ill will toward me, so there was some minor verbal sparring.
"Ahaha... It's good to see you too, Baron Howard. How have you been, Count Hume?"
"Fine, aside from being busy."
"I heard you skipped the Crown Princess's birthday event and thought something might have happened. Aren't you practically a close friend of hers?"
"It was a minor matter. And didn't I attend representing my family?"
"Haha... Right you did..."
Neither I nor he intended to hurl genuine barbs in front of the princess, so we exchanged veiled jabs appropriately before parting with lingering resentment.
This was just the everyday banter at a banquet—tedious enough without dwelling on it.
With the Emperor, Crown Princess, and Imperial Heir in the same space, a light greeting would normally suffice before the princess and a baron like me faded from interest.
"Baron Howard? Might I have a word?"
"Pardon?"
Oddly enough today, noblewomen approached showing interest.
And not to Elizabeth, but to me.
I could understand if it were Countess Albemarle or Countess Tigris, with whom I shared some acquaintance, but they came regardless of faction, leaving me flustered.
Noble ladies usually kept their distance from politics, but openly approaching someone their husbands had clashed with felt strange.
"Yes, what is it?"
"That necktie you presented to the Crown Princess—could you tell us what it's like?"
Hiding my bewilderment as best I could, I asked their business, and their response was most welcome.
I'd thought the necktie would be sidelined amid the atmosphere, but for them to show interest on their own...
I was deeply grateful.
Even if some were wives of nobles who'd been sniping at me moments ago, what did it matter?
Customers were customers, and a necktie was a necktie.
Anything else, and I'd draw lines, but for my main trade, I could afford broad magnanimity.
"Of course, that's no trouble at all. What would you like to know?"
After a brief moment of thought—not even three seconds—I nodded agreeably, suppressing my rising excitement.
"!"
The noblewomen, whose eyes had flickered uneasily, brightened at my inclusive attitude, unconcerned with measurements or affiliations.
"His Majesty the Emperor personally tied the necktie for the Crown Princess... Does that hold some special meaning?"
"Hmm..."
Their first question wasn't about the necktie itself, but the Emperor's action in using it.
That gesture must have seared itself deeply into their minds.
It had been quite unconventional, after all.
The Emperor of the Empire adjusting his own kin's attire like a maidservant.
The noblewomen were surely curious about the intent behind it.
In truth, it was just playful banter with the Crown Princess, nothing more.
"Tying a necktie holds no grand significance—it's merely an expression of affection. If one must find meaning... think of it like handing a knight a handkerchief before battle or a match."
Not wanting to reveal it so bluntly, I embellished slightly, likening it—somewhat excessively—to a knight's handkerchief, packaging it as an act brimming with affection, concern, and romance.
"A handkerchief...? Giving one to a knight carries considerable meaning, doesn't it?"
"It might seem trivial compared to handing a knight a handkerchief, but... it's still an act of attentive care for one's husband. In a way, it's a farewell for an important occasion, a show of support, and a declaration of love."
"I see~"
Being lighter and more everyday than a knight's handkerchief, it didn't garner strong empathy, but they seemed reasonably convinced it was an act of affection.
No filling the belly on the first sip, so this would suffice.
"So, as a modest expression of affection..."
"And above all, it's so romantic."
"Oh..."
As I tried to wrap up and move on, Elizabeth, who had been quietly listening, suddenly interjected.
She gently tugged down the necktie I was wearing.
Staring at her in bewilderment, she gazed up at me with seductive eyes and continued addressing the noblewomen.
"Being this close to your beloved, feeling their breath... capturing their most handsome moment from the nearest vantage.
And preparing to step into an important role while feeling your loved one's touch."
With that, Elizabeth slowly pulled the knot upward, straightened my collar, and subtly brushed my shoulders and chest, a bewitching smile on her lips.
"Doesn't it come on gentle yet intensely?"
Finally, she looked at the noblewomen with smug satisfaction and gave my necktie a light tug.
"Ah..."
The ladies, entranced, let out soft sighs, their faces tinged with ecstasy.
Probably imagining themselves tying their husbands' neckties in a warm, harmonious scene.
"Indeed... A child of Count Hume's couple, seeking emotional exchange even in such trifles..."
"No wonder young ladies and lords have been mentioning Duke Howard so often lately..."
Murmuring softly as life returned to their eyes, the noblewomen fixed blazing gazes on me and stepped closer one by one.
"Duke Howard, about tying the necktie knot..."
"What necktie would suit my husband..."
"Where to order or have one made..."
And then, like a dam bursting, questions poured forth.
"W-Wait, one at a time, slowly..."
"Duke Howard!"
"Duke Howard...!"
"Uwaa...!"
D-Damn it, speak slower, please...
_
After fending off the noblewomen's barrage of questions, I finally earned a hard-won hour of respite from the ordeal.
"Haa..."
"Good work."
As exhaustion crashed over me and I slumped my shoulders, Elizabeth—who had stirred them up then slipped away to watch my plight—approached and patted my shoulder lightly.
If this impudent princess hadn't pulled off such a flashy performance like her own mother, things would have gone smoothly and ordinarily...
"Why the resentful look?"
"N-No, it's nothing..."
I shot her a glance laced with grievance, but she innocently tilted her head, subtly pressuring me to drop it.
Unjust as it was, with no strength left, I let it slide...
"Hoo..."
"Baron Howard!"
"Agh..."
Just as I calmed my seething heart and caught my breath, another voice called my name.
Already drained from dealing with so many for so long, I wondered who it was this time and laboriously turned my weary head.
"Countess Tigris?"
Fortuitously, it was someone I knew reasonably well.
No reason for hassle or headaches.
"I should have greeted you first, but I've been too busy. My apologies."
"You're so popular, it was hard just to get a moment to talk."
"Ahaha... How have you been?"
"Very well, thanks to you. These days have been blissfully happy."
"That's wonderful."
Clinging to her husband and wagging her tail happily, it was clear she meant it—no empty words, genuine joy.
Knowing my advice and attire had greatly helped the Count and Countess Tigris lifted my spirits.
"And there's another reason to thank you."
"Thank me? I feel I've received plenty already for the previous garments."
"No, something else entirely."
"Something else...?"
Another reason for thanks?
What had I done?
We hadn't even crossed paths since the Emperor's birthday...
Not about clothes—what could warrant gratitude? Racking my brain, nothing came up.
Something would have to happen first, and there'd been no encounters since the Emperor's birthday...
"Forgive me, but I can't recall doing anything else for you two."
"Ufufu~ Don't be shocked, now?"
"Y-Yes..."
Lowering my head sheepishly, Countess Tigris laughed lightly without minding, her ears and tail twitching as she spoke.
"Duke Howard, thanks to you, I've finally conceived after five years of marriage."
"...Pardon?"
"Eh? William, what does that mean?"
"I have no idea..."
Wh-What in the world...?