Chapter 31: Time to Find a New Friend (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 31: Time to Find a New Friend (4)
「Name: Miriam Bauer (43)
Originally from the Koch Viscounty; married the current Baron Bauer the year she came of age.
Gave birth to a son three years later; the son married and moved out of the estate last year.
Possesses an unpretentious and frugal personality, but her extreme timidity makes it difficult for her to build social relationships.
Her tendency to be seen constantly eating at banquets or social gatherings appears to stem from this personality and her plain appearance.
However, she has been frequently observed conversing or dining with the wife of the current Knight Commander, Lady Natalia Clausewitz, over a long period.
As Lady Natalia’s public appearances have decreased, no interaction with Lady Miriam has been observed within the last three months.」
“Hmm…”
As soon as day broke, I was reading the report Matthias had submitted.
Of course, I had already read it once, but there was no harm in being thorough.
The contents of the report and the impression I got from meeting her in person match almost perfectly. I’ve only met Miriam so far, but Matthias is quite capable.
He was certainly a man worthy of being sent by my older brother.
Though that didn't mean I could reveal everything to him.
“Anyway… it’s a bit awkward to put it this way, but…”
Miriam was exactly the type of person who was easy to manipulate.
She was the kind of person who shouldn't have been born a noble, but rather the wife of a farmer who lived a modest, hardworking life.
To a herbivore like Miriam, high society was nothing short of a jungle filled with predators.
That was why she kept eating and drinking at the party yesterday.
After all, even a dog is left in peace while it eats.
Of course, the other nobles likely only invited her to satisfy their own sense of superiority.
Now then… how shall I make Miriam my pawn? What kind of piece should I make her, and where should I place her?
The method to make Miriam mine was simple.
I had to bestow a favor upon her.
People like Miriam might forget a grudge easily, but they never forget a kindness.
However… because of her personality, I couldn't entrust her with anything too difficult or important.
The only thing I could task Miriam with was relaying my words to others.
Is it worth investing time in Miriam just to have her do that much?
The conclusion came immediately.
It was more than worth it.
Chess isn't played only with knights, rooks, and bishops.
To call checkmate, one must move the pawns to shape the battlefield to their liking.
And sometimes, it is the pawn that delivers the checkmate itself.
—Slurp.
I pushed the finished report aside and took a light sip of tea.
The liquid had a subtle taste—neither bitter nor sweet—and a concentrated floral aroma.
…As I thought, no matter how much I drink it, I just can't enjoy tea, I was thinking, when—
—Knock, knock.
“Young Master, Lady Miriam has arrived. What shall I do?”
“Bring her in. Prepare some refreshments as well.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
I looked at the cooling teacup and thought of Miriam.
A woman I could serve to a guest as much as they liked, but one I could never enjoy myself.
Now then… shall I carefully brew some tea for the Sword Princess?
*
The Imperial Capital at noon was visible through the wide-open window.
The lighting was soft yet perfectly illuminating.
A gentle, smooth fragrance lingered at the tip of my nose, and the room was decorated to feel cozy.
This consultation room was a web I had spun—my personal hunting ground.
Without a clue that she was stepping into such a place, Miriam appeared before me again.
She was hesitating just as she had yesterday, her fear of people clearly palpable.
“Welcome, Lady Miriam. It is truly a pleasure to see you again. Did you have a peaceful evening?”
“Ah… yes… thanks to your consideration, Young Master…”
“I am truly glad that I could be of some small help to you, My Lady.”
I naturally guided Miriam to the seat across from my table.
Though she still faltered and hesitated, she followed my lead obediently.
I sat down directly across from her and picked up the conversation where we had left off.
“My Lady, may I assume the reason you sought me out today was the business card I gave you yesterday?”
There was no real need to ask, but I had to hear the answer from her own lips.
I needed her to recognize that she was the one who made this choice.
Only by planting that awareness would she remain a pawn on my chessboard.
Eventually, Miriam gave a difficult nod.
“…Yes.”
“I see.”
I adjusted my posture.
I leaned slightly toward Miriam, looked her straight in the eye, and spoke slowly.
“How difficult and complicated it must have been for you to come here of your own accord. You have shown great courage. I offer you my sincere respect and admiration.”
“Ah…”
As I expected, Miriam was speechless for a moment.
I was likely the only person who had ever reached out to such a plain woman first.
I was the only one who understood her feelings and encouraged her, telling her she had done well.
However… Miriam’s next words, choked with tears, caught me off guard.
“Sniff… To think there was someone else like Lady Natalia…”
“…By Lady Natalia, do you mean the wife of His Excellency Loengram, the current Knight Commander…?”
“Yes… aside from Lady Natalia, you are the first person to reach out and offer me a hand, Young Master…”
Of course, I already knew that Natalia and Miriam were acquainted.
However, I had no idea that Natalia had been the one to reach out first, let alone that she had become a pillar of support for her.
It was an unexpected development… but this flow wasn't bad.
“Is that so? That is truly a wonderful thing. To think Lady Natalia understood your hardships first.”
“Yes… as you can see, because of my personality, it was very difficult for me to speak with the other ladies… but when Lady Natalia first spoke to me and invited me, I felt as if I had been saved…”
“That is truly fortunate. However… um… if I may be so bold, the context of your words makes it sound as if that is no longer the case.”
Miriam lowered her head without a word.
Beneath her silently trembling shoulders, thick teardrops began to fall.
It seemed Natalia was a person who provided as much comfort and support as those heavy tears suggested.
I took a handkerchief from my breast pocket and quietly placed it in front of Miriam.
“Thank… you… hic, hic… I’m sorry…”
“Please don’t mind me. Cry for Lady Natalia as much as you need until you feel at ease.”
Judging by the way her sobbing intensified, it seemed my guess had hit the mark.
Miriam wasn't crying out of self-pity for her own situation; she was crying for Natalia, who had shut herself away for some reason.
Truly… the more I see her, the more I realize how ill-suited she is for the nobility.
“Hic, hic… sob… sob…”
“Do you feel a bit better now?”
“Sniff… Yes… I am truly grateful for your kindness. And… I am so sorry for showing you such an unsightly side of myself.”
“You have no reason to apologize to me. I am truly moved by your heart, My Lady, to be so willing to shed tears for another.”
“How warm your words are…”
Taking advantage of the moment, I offered Miriam some tea and snacks.
As expected, while still mindful of my gaze, Miriam tentatively reached for a cookie.
“Oh my… it has such a unique scent. A bitter yet rich aroma…”
“Haha, do you like it? I added an exotic ingredient that can only be enjoyed in the Margrave’s Territory. It’s a type of bean called coffee. Have you perhaps heard of it?”
“No… so it was the scent of a bean called coffee… I never even tasted cookies like this at Lady Natalia’s mansion… As expected, the Margrave’s Territory has such active exchange with other nations.”
“Indeed. Active trade is an indispensable part of the economic power required to support the borders.”
It’s a well-known fact that eating sweet things improves one's mood.
Thanks to that, Miriam’s mood seemed to have recovered from rock bottom, so I subtly brought up the main point.
“Forgive me for asking, but I have also heard rumors regarding Lady Natalia. I heard she hasn't shown herself at all for several months… Do you have any idea why that might be?”
“Ah… Lady Natalia… are you truly curious…?”
“No, it is not mere curiosity. I am sincerely worried about Lady Natalia. The Knight Commander is a symbol of the Empire’s strength. Therefore, I have no doubt that Lady Natalia is also a pillar that supports this country.”
Of course I’m worried.
Not just me, but Helena is worried too.
She says she wants to reunite with her long-lost sister as soon as possible and mend the pieces of their broken bond.
So, go ahead and tell me about Natalia. There’s a good girl. Come on.
“The story might be a bit long…”
“That is fine. Listening to stories is exactly what I am here to do. And… if Lady Natalia is in a difficult situation, perhaps I can offer help to resolve it? If you are able to meet Lady Natalia again, you will also be reunited with your old friend, My Lady.”
“That… is true. If I could see Lady Natalia again…”
“Thank you for understanding.”
*
By the time Miriam had emptied her teacup three times, the story of Natalia and Miriam had concluded.
My conclusion after hearing the whole story was similar to how I felt when I suddenly heard about my marriage.
I’m fucked.
The situation Miriam described regarding Natalia was so serious that I almost let that vulgar phrase slip out loud.
It was urgent and grave.
Furthermore, it was an ongoing issue.
“So… in my opinion… the reason Lady Natalia won't come outside is probably…”
“Yes, I think I understand even without you saying it. Also, that story has helped me decide the direction of the help I can offer you, My Lady.”
“Help for me…?”
“My Lady, what phrases were written on the business card I gave you?”
“Psychological counseling, marital relationship improvement, and…”
“It also includes beauty and body improvement. If I may venture a guess, I believe you would also like to improve your figure and appearance… Am I correct?”
Where in the world is a woman who doesn't want to be beautiful?
And it is a historical fact, practically etched in stone, that massages help with beauty and body improvement.
Flab must be massacred. Death to fat.
I didn't care how much weight Miriam gained or lost, but I absolutely could not tolerate a fat Sword Princess.
Regardless, Miriam nodded with a slightly flushed face.
“Is it… really possible…?”
“I wouldn't have invited you here if it were impossible. As you can see from the cookies you just enjoyed, the Margrave’s Territory possesses many technologies from foreign lands and different races. Among them are techniques for cultivating a woman’s beauty. I personally have a great interest in such things, so I have acquired various skills and knowledge.”
“Ah… I see…!”
“Yes. So, you just need to trust me and follow my lead completely. Will you do that?”
“…Yes. I—I didn't always have this kind of body. Of course, I wasn't a great beauty in my youth, but still…!”
“I understand. I also understand that it isn't your fault. I will resolve everything for you.”
“Ah… yes…! Thank you…!”
With that settled, I lightly snapped my fingers.
Immediately, Sitri, who had been by my side all along, revealed herself in front of Miriam…
“A—A demon?!”
“Miriam, look straight into my eyes.”
“Yes…”
“Now, carve my words clearly into your mind.”
“Yes…”
“Eat only at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After dinner, you must not consume anything other than water. Furthermore, eat a balanced diet, focusing especially on vegetables and lean meats. Do you understand?”
“Yes… I will do so…”
Only after adding that she must come here every day for aerobic exercise did Sitri’s suggestion end.
While Miriam’s mind hadn't quite returned yet, I asked Sitri.
“Will this be okay? You said suggestions don't last very long.”
“The power and duration of a suggestion depend more on the target’s mental state than on magic power. It would be impossible with a butler like that Matthias fellow, but for a woman like this Miriam, two days might be possible, let alone one. She lacks the mental strength to break out of the suggestion herself.”
“Hmm, that’s good. After all, dieting depends entirely on whether you can stick to the meal plan or not.”
“…I am simply flabbergasted. You are the first person to ever use my power just to lose weight. Wouldn't it be simpler to just enchant Natalia?”
“That wouldn't be any fun. I love watching a virtuous lady struggle and agonize between desire and taboo, only to eventually succumb to that desire.”
“The more I see you, the more I think you are the Demon of Lust, not me…”
At any rate, I had no intention of dragging this out.
In the next three months, I would burn away all of Miriam’s flab and fat with the fires of hell.
And then, using a slimmed-down Miriam, I would drag the hidden Natalia out into the light.
“Then, I shall see you again tomorrow, Lady Miriam.”
“Yes…”
“We shall end here for today. I hope you have a safe journey home.”
“Yes… thank you…”