6. Much Ado About Nothing - 08
6. Much Ado About Nothing - 08
'...This has to be the most goddamn uncomfortable seat I've ever been in.'
Where did it all go wrong? What did I do to deserve this kind of suffering in such a bizarre place? Why?
Yes, that's right. Marquis Castana said to join him for a light meal, and I accepted without a second thought. I never imagined the man would sucker-punch me from behind like this.
I can say with certainty that the meal Marquis Castana invited me to was one of the most uncomfortable, indigestible experiences of my life. First, he sent word to join him for a 'light' meal, so I'd vaguely assumed we'd share a quiet conversation, just the two of us. I never dreamed I'd walk into a huge banquet hall with the entire Castana clan assembled, ready to hold a public inquisition.
"....."
"....."
What set my teeth on edge even more was the fact that every mage of House Castana in this hall was staring at me in silence, their faces as blank as death masks. I always knew mages were socially maladjusted psychopaths with a severe lack of empathy, but having them bore holes into me like I was a monkey in a zoo made it impossible to swallow a single bite.
And secondly—and this was the real issue—there was one thing that made me far more uncomfortable than every mage in this hall combined. What was it, you ask? It was simply—
"Come on, Kain, open up. Say ah. Quickly now."
"...Look, Bianca. I'm sorry, but I have my own hands. There are plenty of other people here, so there's really no need for such an embarrassing..."
"Oh my, are you refusing my kindness right now? No need to be shy. Won't you just open your mouth?"
"....."
—The main culprit was Bianca, who was practically glued to my side, desperately trying to shove more food into my mouth. Despite my repeated refusals, she kept clinging to me and trying to feed me, as if failing to get food into my mouth had left her with some deep, festering grudge from a past life.
Needless to say, it was mortifying. Even if we were a real couple, this would be embarrassing, but what kind of spectacle is this to put on in front of other people?
"....."
What was truly terrifying was the fact that I hadn't heard a single sound from Aria, who was standing behind me. I could feel the presence of someone standing there, but why was there nothing but silence? I didn't have the courage to find out the truth. All I could do was pray to the heavens for this moment to pass quickly.
Just as my mental energy was slowly being drained by simply sitting in this banquet hall, I noticed Marquis Castana, who had been quietly watching my torment from the seat of honor, mutter something under his breath.
"...It's about time to begin."
With that, the marquis lightly tapped the staff he was holding against the floor.
Thoom—!
In the next instant, a subtle ripple washed over the entire banquet hall.
'.....!'
Taking the ripple head-on, I gritted my teeth without even realizing it. I nearly disgraced myself by having the food Bianca had fed me come right back up. The wave the marquis had just unleashed carried that much force.
Yet every mage here, including Bianca, simply looked at the marquis as if nothing had happened. Regrettably, it seemed I was the weakest one present in this hall.
Marquis Castana swept his gaze over everyone gathered in the hall, then slowly opened his mouth.
"...Did everyone enjoy their meal? The reason I have summoned you all here today was not merely to share a meal in the spirit of familial affection. Under my name as head of the family, there is a matter I wish to convey to every blood relative gathered here."
As he spoke, the marquis gestured with his eyes toward Bianca and me. In that instant, it dimly dawned on me exactly why he had called me here.
'...Damn it.'
I grimaced, foreseeing the hopeless future about to unfold, but Marquis Castana ignored my expression and continued in a flat, indifferent voice.
"My one and only daughter, Bianca, and Lord Kain von Estel, Young Duke of House Estel, have decided to enter into an engagement. The union of two of the most storied houses in the empire—I cannot help but call it truly joyous news."
"....!"
The moment the marquis uttered those words in a tone that didn't contain a shred of joy, the atmosphere in the hall began to shift sharply. One thing was certain: the people gathered here did not seem to care much for the head of the family's recent announcement.
"...Estel?"
"Do you mean House Estel of Sukhavati?"
"...I would assume so. There aren't two families named Estel in the Empire. But I can't believe it. House Estel, of all the countless houses out there. Weren't they practically the sworn enemies of Castana?"
The mood was growing increasingly heated. To be specific, the conversation was veering toward a distinctly unfavorable reception of the surprise announcement of my engagement to Bianca. Then again, logically speaking, that was a perfectly natural reaction. And this chaos was doubtless exactly what Marquis Castana and Bianca had intended.
"Let me make one thing clear, if only to put any worries to rest: the engagement between Bianca and Lord Kain von Estel was not brought about by any political pressure or backroom dealings. As I myself only recently learned, it seems these two were genuinely involved with each other, overcoming the ill-fated history between our houses."
'He tells a good joke.'
At the marquis's unfunny nonsense, I found myself cursing internally. If he was going to tack on such a ridiculous backstory, wouldn't common courtesy dictate he at least discuss it with me first?
"However, I also anticipated that the blood kin of the house would not readily accept this engagement. It is a terribly sudden announcement, and above all, are there not many in the main family who are displeased with House Estel? For that reason, Young Duke Estel and I have prepared this occasion."
'...Excuse me?'
The instant my name left the marquis's mouth, every gaze in the room swiveled toward me. I was simply dumbfounded. Since when had I prepared this godforsaken occasion? Could this be what Bianca had meant by 'acting according to this side's circumstances'—one of the contract conditions?
"An engagement is a promise made between houses. While the opinions of the two people entering the engagement are of utmost importance, as long as this betrothal is conducted in the name of our house, I acknowledge that everyone gathered here has the right to voice their doubts. Therefore, I shall give you an opportunity—the chance to ask us, frankly and openly, whatever questions you have about this engagement."
As he finished speaking, the marquis glanced at me. In that moment, I did not miss how the corner of his mouth twisted, ever so slightly, in a peculiar way.
"Young Duke Estel has not yet formally inherited his title, but he is a great noble who will lead his ducal house as the future Duke Estel. I trust no one here will commit any discourtesy toward him."
"....."
Despite being the one committing all the discourtesy, the man's silver tongue was truly something to behold.
'...You crafty old fox. So this is how you're going to play it?'
The reason Marquis Castana had suddenly created this situation was easy enough to deduce. No, it was so blatant there was no way I could miss it.
'He wants to test me.'
It had struck me as odd that the compensation was far too generous for simply playing the fiancé a few times. I hadn't imagined the marquis would gather all his blood kin and hold an inquisition like this, but strictly speaking, his actions couldn't be called a breach of contract.
Back when I made the verbal agreement with Bianca, hadn't she clearly asked me to act so thoroughly that 'the two of us would look like lovers' to everyone around us? In a way, this was nothing short of an opportunity for me. If I could get through this moment smoothly, I wouldn't have to spend every waking moment until the engagement ceremony nervously watching others' reactions to make sure Bianca and I looked like a couple. Well, there was no denying it was a nasty bit of mischief to set the stage without telling me first.
'Goddamn prick.'
What the marquis demanded of me in this moment was straightforward. He wanted to see how I would navigate this situation—which could be seen as both an opportunity and a crisis. He clearly wanted to find out whether Kain von Estel was a reliable partner in the task of rooting out the rats gnawing away at House Castana from deep within, or if I was just another card to be played.
"....."
I silently turned my head to the side. Next to me, I saw Bianca, who looked, to anyone's eyes, like a woman unmistakably in love.
'...What a creepy woman.'
How could she put on an act this convincing for me, a man she felt no affection for, when she already had someone she'd promised a future with? Whoever that bastard was, I just felt pathetic for him. I quietly wished him peace in my heart.
Looking at Bianca's expression, I quietly steadied myself. I hadn't come to House Castana on a leisurely visit. Once I put the name of House Estel on the line and made a contract with Bianca, I felt the need to fulfill the role I had been given.
"Bianca."
"...Hmm?"
"Give me your hand. Now."
"...Huh?"
A slightly surprised look crossed Bianca's face, but she obediently held out her left hand to me. I grabbed it tightly, rose from my seat, and addressed everyone assembled with utter confidence.
"To all members of House Castana present here, I will speak frankly. At this moment, there is only one thing I can say to you."
I took a deep breath—haah—and as I exhaled, I smiled and continued.
"I am in love with the woman called Bianca del Castana. Sincerely, with all my heart."