Chapter 85
Chapter 85
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Stroll
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Soothing Luna, who brimmed with dissatisfaction, I said,
"Come on, we can't just let him meddle in our relationship, right?"
"Hmph. Whether we get married or not, what can that guy even do? He's not like that perverted Crown Prince. He doesn't have the power or ability to threaten us."
Her cold gaze.
Within it, I could see her firm resolve not to hold a banquet for the Black Knight.
"Really, no way?"
"Of course not. Why would I throw a banquet for that guy? No!"
Her response was firmer than expected, leaving me a bit flustered...
But I had my own plans.
"Alright. What can I do if the Grand Duchess says no?"
"What's your angle?"
Luna eyed me suspiciously.
I flashed her a bright smile.
"Angle? I have no angle at all. Except..."
"Except?"
"We've been sharing a bed every night lately, so maybe we should cut back for a bit."
"That's blackmail!"
I nodded at the flustered Luna.
"Yes, it's blackmail, but I was planning to ease up anyway. We're not officially married yet... It wouldn't be proper for a man and woman to be so promiscuous, right?"
"Ugh..."
Her expression, as if she wanted to argue back, somehow looked so enticing.
-Swish...
I gently cupped Luna's chin.
"You wouldn't rape a man who says no, would you?"
"Rape?! What do you take me for!"
"Serial rapist?"
"What?!"
As her face flushed bright red and she raised her voice, I whispered softly into her ear.
"Well... if you hold the banquet... I might change my mind?"
Looking at her face after saying that, even her usually sharp eyes wavered slightly.
She must be seriously considering it.
I waited calmly for her to make up her mind.
"Ugh... Fine. But no take-backs."
Her expression screamed she wouldn't let me off if I reneged, but I nodded.
"Of course."
Luna wore a dissatisfied look.
She glanced at the door and shouted loudly.
"Summon the head maid!"
-Yes!
And just like that, the banquet was confirmed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ That night.
The maids and servants buzzed about in preparation for the sudden banquet.
Normally, it would take over a week to prepare a banquet befitting the Grand Duchess's station, but...
They'd all been running around like their feet were on fire at Luna's abrupt command.
-A banquet because the Black Knight arrived? What changed in the Grand Duchess's mood?
-No way? She hated him that much.
-Yeah. She chased out Sir Raoul, who came to support the Grand Duchy during the last war. No way now.
-Who knows? She might've hated him then, but time heals. Plus, he was her former fiancé.
I let the servants' chatter flow in one ear and out the other as I surveyed the banquet hall.
A long table laden with luxurious dishes.
I was impressed by the Grand Duchy's chefs, who whipped up such fare on short notice.
Who knows... they might've cursed Luna while cooking.
Glancing around at the attendees.
Nobles and notables residing in Vain.
And... Black Knight Raoul.
I spotted him downing wine alone.
Speaking of which... how to handle the Black Knight?
The Crown Prince was bound by my authority as his uncle and his duties, forcing women on him, but this stubborn guy wouldn't be so easy.
Should I approach first?
Raoul was a famed Swordmaster of the Empire, but so was I, no slouch.
Knighted personally by the Emperor, and his sworn brother to boot.
No matter how strong a Swordmaster, he couldn't ignore the Empire's Emperor.
So I decided to approach him first.
It was pitiful seeing him alone while everyone else mingled.
"Greetings, Sir Raoul."
The Black Knight, mid-sip of wine, turned to me.
"And you are?"
"I'm Aiden, economic secretary to the Grand Duchess."
He looked intrigued.
"Ah, the famous Sir Aiden. I've heard you brought prosperity to the Grand Duchy."
"No, no. How could I? It's all the Grand Duchess's talent."
"Is that so? That's quite different from what I've heard."
Raoul swirled his wine glass and tossed it back.
-Gulp.
"They say your outstanding abilities prompted His Majesty to offer you a knighthood and sworn brotherhood?"
Not abilities, but the aphrodisiac tonic and Dragon Heart.
But publicly, it was packaged as talent, since admitting it was vigor tonic for sworn brotherhood would be awkward.
"You're too kind. I merely served His Majesty."
"Modesty beyond measure. Word is, His Majesty was moved by your loyalty—it's spread across the Empire."
How much gold leaf are they gilding my face with over that tonic?
Apparently, my brother said I was the first non-family to stand by him in the treacherous politics after becoming Emperor.
I don't know the details, but the Emperor must've had a tough life.
"Your words embarrass me."
"Praise well deserved."
Our conversation lulled.
What to talk about next?
I pondered how to turn the Black Knight into a solid ally, but no clever idea surfaced.
"I hear you enjoy the Grand Duchess's favor."
Raoul helpfully picked up as I hesitated.
"Favor, yes, but honestly, she overloads me with work."
The Finance Ministry exists to let the Grand Duchess rule efficiently via secretaries, yet she piles minister-level tasks on me.
No wonder I already have three aides.
"Must be nice."
Wondering if the Black Knight was a pervert like the Crown Prince, I glanced at his face.
But his expression was filled with deep regret and loneliness.
"Hardly a luxury."
"I just want to be by her side. I'd die overworked without regret."
This guy... has never done real work, huh?
I felt it in my bones: the Black Knight had never touched paperwork.
How much harder and duller is admin than swinging a sword?
Quarterly all-nighters are killer.
Thanks to the unicorn horn boosting stamina, I manage...
Without it, Luna's serial assaults might've actually killed me.
Ugh... come to think of it, my brother saved my life.
Without that unicorn horn... sniff... I'll serve him eternally.
Our bond was truly excellent.
"Probably because you've never worked under the Grand Duchess."
"Even so..."
"It's seriously deadly. Do I look like I'm joking?"
Raoul averted his eyes at my fierce glare.
"I see..."
Oh no... I got too serious about work and killed the mood. Desperate, I asked,
"Sir Raoul, I have a question."
"Ask away."
I voiced a long-standing curiosity from novels.
"Do you like the Grand Duchess that much?"
The Black Knight hesitated long.
He sighed.
"Honestly, I'm not sure if it's love. It's just... fulfilling my duty and atoning for my mistakes."
As expected, he doesn't love Luna.
Just fixing past errors.
In that case...
"What’s your ideal type, Sir Raoul?"
"Pardon?"
His eyes blinked in surprise at the question.
Soon, frowning as if insulted.
"I've never really thought about it."
"I see."
At that moment.
-The Grand Duchess is entering. Honored guests, please rise.
Luna arrived at the banquet.
She glided in elegantly in her dress.
The red gown and her crimson eyes blended stunningly.
If only she weren't a serial rapist.
I knew all too well.
How intense and terrifying her lust was.
-Thud.
Luna stood at the banquet hall's center and spoke calmly.
"First, thank you all for attending this sudden banquet. I'm grateful so many came to celebrate the visit of my old friend and famed knight, Sir Eric. The spread is modest, but please enjoy yourselves."
She gazed at me lingeringly, sending sharp killing intent only I could sense.
As if telling me to stay away from the Black Knight.
"Haha... Looks like the Grand Duchess needs me."
"Indeed. Her prowess is astonishing—such refined killing intent..."
Raoul's words puzzled me.
"You can feel that?"
"I'm a Swordmaster her equal."
Ah... right.
"Anyway, I'll head to the Grand Duchess. Until next time..."
I made my way to Luna's side.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I'd opened the banquet to get acquainted with Raoul, but he was more rigid than expected—no real progress.
Roughly gauging our chat.
The Black Knight showed no interest in women.
This won't work...
"What now?"
Originally, I planned to introduce a suitable woman.
Elf, dwarf, orc—let him pick.
Not so easy?
Just asking his type drew a glare.
Then.
-Knock knock.
A knock at my door.
Luna would've come through the window—no need to knock.
Who?
"Who is it?"
"It's me. Eric."
At the Black Knight's voice, I hurriedly opened the door.
"Greetings?"
"I'd like to continue our talk... if that's alright?"
What? Why seek me out?
"I wanted to chat more at the banquet, but the Grand Duchess seemed displeased."
"Ah..."
"Shall we take a walk?"
"Sure."
I grabbed my coat and left the room.