Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 30: Time to Find a New Friend (3)

There are two main things I need to accomplish here in Berlina, the Imperial Capital.

The first, naturally, is to bring happiness to the ladies who are eagerly awaiting my touch.

In a way, everything up until now has been a tutorial—or perhaps a prologue.

Of course, that doesn't mean I take Helena or Sitri lightly.

Regardless, my second goal is information gathering.

You have to know your enemy and yourself to even stand a chance, after all.

Besides, I need to send regular reports to justify staying in the capital. Since my status as the second son of the Margrave is essential for making contact with noblewomen, I can't afford to get on my father's bad side right now.

"Young Master, we have arrived."

At the coachman's words, I turned my head. Through the carriage window, I saw a mansion brilliantly illuminated by bright lights.

In the vast garden, groups of nobles, dressed to the nines, were already beginning to gather.

"Good. Let's go, Teacher."

"Yes, Young Master."

I stepped out of the carriage with Helena, who was dressed in neat formal attire.

Immediately, two guards and a butler standing at the entrance of the mansion approached me.

"Excuse me... I apologize for the intrusion, but may I ask which house you are representing?"

Judging by the way they scanned me from head to toe, they seemed quite taken aback by my suit—a style of dress they had likely never seen before.

Still, the power of a well-tailored suit ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠is that it prevents people from treating you lightly.

In any case, it wouldn't do to introduce myself.

I glanced slightly at Helena, and as if she had been waiting for the cue, she spoke up.

"This is the second son of the House of Margrave Konstanz. We sent notice that he would be attending the social gathering today. Did Baron Graf not receive word?"

Her tone was polite, but she was clearly making a point.

How dare a mere Barony fail to recognize the son of a Count—and a Margrave at that?

The butler and the guards turned pale at the implication.

"W-we are terribly sorry! The Young Master's attire was so unfamiliar that we committed such an impoliteness. We sincerely apologize!"

Helena took a step back, signaling that it was now time for the "Young Master" to step in.

Now, as in the past, showing mercy is a privilege only the powerful can exercise.

"It's fine. By the way, there's something I'd like to ask."

"P-please, just say the word."

"Is Baroness Bauer inside?"

"Please give me a moment. I will check immediately. Bauer... Bauer... Ah, yes. Baroness Bauer is inside."

"Thank you. Oh, and give my regards to Baron Graf. Tell him I'm sorry I couldn't seek him out personally due to my busy schedule."

"Ah... Yes, understood. Then, I hope you have a pleasant time, Young Master."

"Keep up the good work."

I naturally slipped a gold coin into the butler's pocket and stepped into the mansion... but.

Before I could take more than a few steps, Helena leaned in and whispered.

"Young Master. Perhaps it would be better to seek out Baron Graf and greet him properly..."

"Well... etiquette-wise, that's correct, but I doubt he actually wants to meet me."

"Is that so?"

"Men generally don't like bowing their heads to someone younger than them. Especially if that person suddenly appears above them in status one day."

"Hmm... I don't quite understand that..."

Well... I suppose it's a difficult concept for Helena to grasp, unlike others. She's been bowing her head to me since she was young.

Anyway, I had two tasks for today.

One was to advertise my salon, which is set to open in a month.

I intentionally wore this eye-catching suit for that very reason... and as expected.

"Oh my, what a strange style of dress."

"But it's wonderful. It's not flashy, but the simple, clean look makes it seem even more dignified."

"If it's not an intrusion, may I ask which house you are from, young sir?"

The ladies naturally surrounded me, tossing out various comments.

They probably took me for the young head of some minor house and were looking to see what they could get...

Unfortunately for them, I am a flower on a very high cliff.

"I am Leon of the Konstanz family. I cannot fully express my gratitude to such beautiful ladies for approaching me first."

"O-oh my, the second son of Margrave Konstanz..."

"It is an honor to meet you. You are truly as magnificent as the rumors say."

The ladies, who looked ready to link arms with me at any moment, took half a step back.

I don't know which families they belong to, but seeing this reaction, they are clearly beneath me in status.

I kissed the hand of ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the lady who was most my type and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I am planning to host a party at my mansion in a month. I would be truly grateful if you ladies would attend."

"We sincerely thank you for the gracious invitation."

"I truly hope you can make it, Viscountess Hannes. I plan to create a space where you can enjoy the culture and civilization of foreign lands and different races that can only be experienced in the Margrave's Territory."

"Oh my... I will be sure to attend."

"Hahaha, thank you."

When I let go of her hand, Viscountess Hannes gave me a bright smile.

Of course, her eyes were darting around quickly, checking the reactions of the other ladies.

It was a good thing I read the reports on the viscountesses who tagged along.

Now... the rumors will spread on their own, so the advertising is done.

Next is today's target: Baroness Bauer.

"Viscountess Hannes, and everyone else here, I have something I'd like to ask. Does anyone happen to know where Baroness Bauer is?"

"Pardon? Baroness Bauer? Someone like her... Ah, no, why would you...?"

"I have something important I wish to discuss with her. Do you know where she might be?"

"Ah... yes. I saw Baroness Bauer sitting alone at a table in the corner of the garden."

"A table in the corner of the garden. Thank you."

Helena naturally walked through the noblewomen to clear a path, and I followed behind her.

Hmm, coming to a party like this just to sit alone... Baron Bauer is supposed to be in a key position, even if he isn't overwhelmingly powerful...

Why would the wife of such a man be alone?

With a hint of suspicion, I headed toward the garden.

*

Ah, so that's why she was alone.

The moment I saw the Baroness, Miriam, sitting at the table, those words immediately sprang to mind.

Even through her loose dress, her heavy build was obvious.

And the table was piled high with food.

Miriam looked like a kind, round person, but she didn't look like a noblewoman at all... however.

I sat down in the seat across from her with a faint smile.

"It seems you are enjoying your dinner."

"Munch... Mmph?! Cough, cough!"

"It's alright. Calm down and swallow your food slowly."

"Ugh, yes..."

I then naturally filled a glass with wine and placed it in front of her.

While keeping an eye on me, Miriam swallowed the food in her mouth all at once with the help of the wine.

"Phew... Ah, um... thank you..."

"Don't mention it. I am Leon of the Konstanz family. You are Baron Bauer's wife, Lady Miriam, correct?"

"Ah... yes..."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Miriam. Since fate has brought us together like this, how about having dinner with me?"

"W-with me...? Are you sure you're okay with that...?"

"Hahaha, yes. I haven't had dinner yet myself. What do you say? If it's uncomfortable, I will apologize and take my leave."

"Ah... well... it's n-not uncomfortable... so... ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠please, have some..."

"Haha, thank you."

Mmm... I can feel it.

The sharp, glinting gazes of the women from all over.

What is that pig doing eating with a man—and the second son of Margrave Konstanz at that?

And why did that man ignore us and go straight to her?

Envy, jealousy, inferiority... such ugly emotions.

I'd much rather deal with Miriam, who is currently busy walking on eggshells around me.

"Baron Bauer's reputation has reached even our territory. They say he is a noble man who works day and night for the sake of the country."

"I-is that so...?"

"Haha, yes. That's why I wanted to meet Baron Bauer at least once... but unfortunately, I heard he is working at the Imperial Palace again today. So, I committed a bit of an impoliteness to see you instead, Lady."

"I see... It is an honor. To think the House of Konstanz thought so well of us..."

"Our family is only able to protect the borders because there are people like Baron Bauer who devotedly focus on internal affairs. On behalf of the House of Konstanz, I sincerely thank Baron Bauer and you, his lady, who serves as his sanctuary."

"Oh, no... that's far too much praise..."

Sitri, who had subtly materialized, was looking at me with an incredulous expression.

Her face seemed to say, How can you spout such blatant lies so effortlessly?

Of course, in her materialized state, no one could see her except for me and her contractor, Helena.

Now... I've said enough empty words to ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠someone I don't even like... time to get to the main point.

"However... I don't know how this will sound to you, but you seem to be in a bit of a difficult situation, Lady."

"A difficult... situation...?"

"Well. How should I put it... I feel a shadow over your heart."

"A shadow over my heart..."

"As I mentioned, Baron Bauer is indispensable to the Roycen Empire. As a member of the Margrave's family, I cannot simply overlook the fact that the wife of such a man is harboring a shadow in her heart."

You might think, What kind of nonsense is that? but surprisingly, it works quite well.

Especially under the justification of the state and national security.

As a result... Miriam, who had been avoiding my gaze the whole time, slowly began to meet my eyes.

"When you say you cannot overlook it... what do you mean...?"

"In my own small way, I would like to use my power to clear the shadow hanging over your heart."

With those words, I pulled a business card from my pocket.

A business card for the esthetic salon, Milfgard.

"This is..."

"As you know, the Margrave's Territory has active exchanges with other races and nations. Among those exchanges are not just goods, but special techniques and magic. Would you mind looking at the back?"

"I see..."

As I expected, Miriam stared intently at the words written on the back.

Body improvement, beauty, marital relationship improvement, psychological counseling... the kind of content women like Miriam would go crazy for.

If you know one thing, you know ten.

"Um, I'm asking this just in case—just as a hypothetical..."

"Please, feel free to say anything."

"Thank you... well... it says here that I would consult with someone trained by the House of Konstanz, but... what about the cost or confidentiality...?"

"Ah, the cost is free. Also, you don't have to worry about confidentiality at all."

"May I ask... why?"

"Because the counselor is me. Wouldn't it be more comfortable to talk to me and get help rather than pouring your secrets out to someone you don't even know?"

I am the second son of the House of Count Konstanz, a name every noble in the Empire knows.

Furthermore, I was the one who approached her first, ate with her, and recognized Miriam when no one else would.

If my calculations are correct, Miriam should say something like this:

"I... I see... certainly..."

"The party won't be for another month, but consultations are available anytime. Please feel free to visit whenever you like. I will be waiting, Lady Miriam."

"...Yes."

"Haha, thank you. Then, I shall take my leave. Have a pleasant time."

"Yes... thank you so much for today, Young Master."

After exchanging goodbyes, I rose from my seat.

By the way, how can she eat that tasteless food so well?

As I was thinking that, Sitri flew in front of me.

"What, you could fly?"

"I have wings, don't I? Of course I can fly. Do you not even know something so obvious?"

"I thought you just wore them for style. Like a proper demon."

"Heh, you are the only one who would say such trivial things. Anyway, that woman Miriam will likely come looking for you as early as tomorrow."

"Really? Why?"

"She stared at the business card for a long time before tucking it away preciousy in her bosom. Though, she did continue eating."

I see.

That is very, very good news.

The only reason I forced a smile and spoke empty words to a woman who didn't interest me at all was to meet the Sword Princess.

If I can use Miriam as my pawn, the thousand-mile road I had to take will be cut down to five hundred.

"Well... shall we head back, Teacher?"

"Are you leaving already? Perhaps you should share some light conversation with the others..."

"I don't know. You have to be on the same level for that. Looking at the faces here, they're all just Viscounts or low-ranking officials; there's no information worth pulling out of them through conversation."

"...You were watching everything. I'm impressed..."

"Hahaha."

So now, all I have to do is make Helena and Sitri happy while waiting for tomorrow.

Being like this reminds me of the old days.

The days I spent struggling to break Helena down.