Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter Title: Envoys from the Magic Tower, Papal Court, and Imperial Family (2)
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"You're under intense scrutiny. Both inside the court and out."
"...Pardon?"
"Even if you were busy learning estate management as the Argentis family's Kandoria Lord Proxy and didn't venture out much, it would be strange not to notice. The emergence of an absurdly powerful new faction."
A sudden nuclear bomb drop.
More than that, the Imperial Family even knew why I was here as the lord proxy.
As I sank into thought, a seductive voice delivered a proposal.
"So, how about considering a closer relationship with the Imperial Family, beyond just supplying sauce?"
"A closer relationship...?"
"Come on, between you and me. Wouldn't you say we're already in a very 'close and intimate' relationship?"
Even amid this, the princess sent a seductive glance my way. What a dizzying situation.
In the midst of it, Erika's sharp gaze pierced the side of my head like a sting.
Unsure whether to avoid her eyes or meet them, the princess chuckled softly and continued.
"What I mean is designating the sauce as 'Imperial Certified' or 'Imperial Exclusive Supply,' and jointly managing all oversight and distribution with the Imperial Family, Argentis, and Valerius houses. Or did that make you think of what happened back then?"
"Princess!"
"Hehe, oh. Hilarious. Well, we could continue if you want. But I'm here on Father's orders right now. Later?"
Just like the princess's unpredictable personality.
Regaining my wits with effort, I posed a difficult question.
"Um, but it's just sauce... why all this?"
"Hmm~ You seem unaware of how much impact your sauce has, Lord Jonathan."
"Impact, you say?"
The princess smiled with her eyes at my counterquestion.
"Think about it simply: it's a seasoning that stores long-term, works with any ingredient, and makes a dish so delicious it empties the plate. If distributed to the military, wouldn't it massively ease meal prep and boost morale?"
"Oh, yeah...?"
"And there are other points I could raise... but that would only drive up your value, so I won't. Our dense Jonathan? So, what do you think of the proposal? Not a bad one, right?"
"W-Wait a minute!"
At the same time, a somewhat youthful and innocent voice intercepted the princess's words.
Turning toward the voice, I saw curious golden eyes. Long, snow-white hair like first snow.
A graceful, elegant figure even under her white nun's habit.
The Papal Court's public affairs specialist and mascot, Saintess Lumiel Benedicta, approached us with a slightly urgent expression.
"Sigh, interrupted. Well, I'll wrap up my proposal here for now. So?"
"Uh... Ah! Yes! S-Sure."
Lumiel cleared her throat with a small ahem and composed her expression.
Soon, her small lips parted, filling the banquet hall with a clear voice.
"Lord Jonathan, and Lady Argentis. The proposal from Her Highness the Princess was truly bold—imperially unrestrained, in a way. The Imperial Family's power and influence are undoubtedly immense."
Lumiel paused to catch her breath, choosing her words, then continued in a softer yet firm tone.
"However, Lord Jonathan, limiting this miraculous flavor you've created to mere worldly profit or military use might prevent its true value from fully blooming."
She met Jonathan's eyes gently and pressed on.
"The Papal Court views this sauce not as mere seasoning, but as a small miracle from the divine."
"Its taste brings comfort to the weary, small joy to the sorrowful, and we believe it holds the power to revive precious warmth forgotten in this harsh world."
"His Holiness the Pope was deeply moved by this flavor and hopes it will let more souls feel the Lord's grace."
Lumiel clasped her hands lightly before her chest and continued. Her demeanor exuded piety befitting her title as saintess.
"Thus, the Papal Court's proposal to you is somewhat different."
"Proposal...?"
"We wish to officially recognize your sauce as an item 'blessed by the constellations' and guarantee its sanctity and value in the Papal Court's name. It would grant authority respected and trusted by all, distinct from Imperial certification."
"Authority, you say?"
"Yes. We intend to create and bestow upon you a special Papal appointment."
Her voice carried calm yet irresistible conviction.
"Through this, your sauce will transcend mere merchandise to become a beloved and revered gift for all."
"A gift...?"
"Yes. The faithful in every parish across the world will taste your brother's gift and find the will to live."
Lumiel smiled softly and continued.
"Moreover, it could serve as a sturdy shield of holy protection against the scrutiny Her Highness mentioned. Worldly blades cannot face sacred light head-on."
Lumiel smiled faintly as she concluded.
"Of course, in sharing this precious miracle, the Papal Court will not neglect due gratitude. We promise you and your two houses eternal honor and divine blessings recorded forever."
"Oh ho..."
I hadn't expected the Papal Court to extend a hand so proactively.
"Will you not take our hand, Lord Jonathan, and together spread greater joy and comfort to the world through this wondrous taste?"
"So, you're saying no real compensation, just a powerless title, and then claim it's all about honor while sucking Jonathan dry?"
"Y-Yes??"
The princess's timely jab.
"Exactly. You're using it for missionary work, but the authority guaranteeing it comes from the 'sauce,' not the empty title Jonathan gets. Conversely, if they know the recipe, they could ditch Jonathan anytime, right?"
"W-What? No, we wouldn't!"
"And even guaranteeing sanctity and value, how do you protect Jonathan without worldly compensation like money? The Papal Court is powerful, but meddling in lords' affairs is blatant internal interference."
"U-Uuu..."
Tears began welling in the saintess's eyes.
Obvious, if you think about it.
The cardinal and His Holiness were too elderly for public duties, so the saintess—a specially appointed youthful girl picked for her faith—handled them instead. In other words, she was an errand runner with no real authority or command.
"B-But... but with that sauce, more people could find purpose in life..."
"Heh, guess I teased too much. Still, no desire to pick a needless fight with the Papal Court, and the choice is Jonathan's anyway."
"Huuu... Hng."
The princess wrapped it up appropriately upon seeing Lumiel's teary eyes.
And soon, a somewhat calmer voice filled the banquet hall.
"Then, may I make my proposal now?"
Turning toward the voice revealed stern violet eyes, purple bobbed hair adding an air of mystery.
As the other two nodded, Iris von Valkenriter—granddaughter of the current Tower Lord—faced us and continued.
"First, we have no interest whatsoever in the sauce's distribution."
"Eh?"
"Ho ho."
Lumiel's eyes widened in surprise at Iris's curt words, while Lorensia eyed her with interest.
"To be precise, we want to know the process of how the sauce is made. More accurately, the 'principles' or 'laws' contained within it."
"Hmm?"
Lorensia eyed her suspiciously at Iris's words.
"So the Magic Tower wants to outright steal the sauce recipe? Even for the Tower, that's too much."
"Naturally, the Tower has no intention of extracting and monetizing it. You may stake my grandfather's and the Tower's name on it."
"Hmph... Fine. If that magic-obsessed crank says so. Then, what's your offer in exchange?"
"We plan to prioritize procurement and exclusive contracts from Argentis for magic tools and equipment needed by the Tower going forward. And should Argentis require, we'll actively cooperate with mage dispatches and other tasks—a form of alliance."
"Ho ho...?"
Lorensia's reaction showed genuine surprise. Rare for the Magic Tower to be so cooperative.
"We've also considered the protection you mentioned, and we believe we can help there too."
"Help how?"
"Yes. Even remote nobles rarely go without magic tools these days."
"Ah, I see..."
Opposing those closely tied to the Magic Tower—the most advanced in magitech, holding exclusive status under Imperial recognition—means making enemies.
Hostile threats would depend heavily on the conveniences magic tools provide, so it'd hurt badly.
Especially those using them for farming or livestock—they'd be in real trouble.
"Additionally, under our support, you may freely use magic tools, and all profits from sauce produced thereby are yours. That is the Magic Tower's proposal."
"Hmm..."
Each offered clear carrots and sticks.
What should I do in this situation?
As I pondered, the princess rested her chin on her hand, gazing at me possessively.
"So, our Jonathan."
"-Have you decided whose proposal to accept?"