Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 39: Omen (3)

For nobles, a party is more than just a venue for eating, drinking, and merrymaking.

The casual updates shared over a few glasses of wine are, in themselves, high-level intelligence. It’s also an opportunity to catch the eye of high-ranking officials or upper-tier aristocrats.

One could attach many other meanings to it, but… in my opinion, the greatest significance of parties and banquets is the sense of superiority.

No matter how you slice it, nobles are a breed of people desperate to show off and say, "Look at who I am."

For that reason… a stack of envelopes currently sits piled high on my table. They are addressed to the noble families and bureaucrats residing in the Imperial Capital.

"Next is Baron Bauer."

Helena skillfully folded the envelope and let the melted candle wax drip onto it.

All that remained was for me to press the seal of the Konstanz family…

Candle wax… if used correctly, it’s something Helena would quite enjoy…

"Hmm…"

"Young Master."

"Would you like to try it once?"

"…I-I ask that you save it for tonight. Since it is currently day…"

Watching Helena, whose expression was a mix of embarrassment and excitement, I pressed the seal into the slowly hardening wax.

Perhaps I should include not just wax, but also a gag, handcuffs, and a whip.

"A blindfold would be good, too."

At this rate, I might end up building a dedicated torture chamber just for Helena.

Helena is one thing, but lately, I feel like I’m discovering tastes I never knew I had.

"Next?"

"…The Clausewitz family."

I stared at the envelope placed carefully before me and fell into thought for a moment.

The Clausewitz family is a prestigious house among houses, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠traditionally inheriting the title of Sword Saint and the position of Imperial Knight Commander. While they weren't granted a higher title of nobility for political reasons—to prevent their power from becoming too absolute—their order of precedence is similar to my own family's.

Therefore, they are a family that must be invited to the party if possible… however.

'The problem, as always, is the people.'

I am the one hosting the party, but the protagonists aren't me; they are Natalia and Helena. This party exists to beautifully stage the reunion of those two.

But here, Natalia’s husband, Loengram, becomes an issue.

"If I only invite Natalia, I’ll have to worry about the Knight Commander’s reaction. If I invite them both…"

That’s a headache in its own right. Natalia and Loengram are a married couple in name only; their relationship is so strained it wouldn't be strange if they drew swords on each other.

To summarize the situation:

Inviting only Natalia is easier for now, but in the long run, I risk getting on the Knight Commander’s bad side. Why? Inviting only a wife he’s on bad terms with is no different from openly stating I intend to distance myself from him.

So, inviting both as a couple is safer for the future.

But if I do that, there’s no telling what might happen at my party. I’ve only heard that Natalia and Loengram have a bad relationship; I’ve never actually seen it for myself.

'Well… honestly, the chance of something actually exploding is quite low…'

Perhaps I simply dislike the idea of another man entering my hunting ground. Especially an opponent who is vastly stronger than me in every aspect.

The Imperial ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Knight Commander is, by all accounts, a key figure in the military establishment, and the title of Sword Saint isn't something one wins in a gamble.

Honestly, since I’m the one throwing the party, it’s only natural that I want to be the center of attention. But if the Knight Commander shows up, everyone will only have eyes for him.

…It was because of those childish thoughts that I hesitated to press the seal.

"Fufu, at times like this, you truly seem like a brat befitting your age."

"Sitri…"

"Of course, I find even that side of you quite cute."

Sitri appeared beside the silently standing Helena and let out a soft chuckle.

I don't know why… but that sight actually irritated me. It felt like Sitri was mocking me for being a "noob."

"…Fine, let’s just do it."

I scraped off the hardened wax with a knife and poured a fresh batch. Finally, I pressed the family seal down with a resounding thud!

Onto the envelope bearing the names of both Loengram and Natalia.

"Young Master…"

"Instructor, do you know this saying? 'Those who seek to live shall die, and those who seek to die shall live.'"

"I have never heard it before… but I believe it is a famous quote that carries great resolve and spirit."

Of course, I don't possess the same sense of deadly sincerity, patriotism, or loyalty as Chungmugong, who left those words behind.

But I do think this much:

You can't live your life doing only what you want; sometimes, you have no choice but to do what you must. So, if it’s something I have to do anyway, I’ll do it perfectly.

…As I was thinking such thoughts, Sitri subtly leaned her body against my thigh.

"So, what exactly do you plan to do?"

"It’s nothing grand. I’m just going to make sure no one interferes with the reunion of sisters who were separated long ago."

"I see. Ah, I envy Helena. To think you would care for her so much. It ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠is merely a pity that I cannot meet my own brothers and sisters."

"…To be honest, I don't know about you, but the other Great Demons are a bit…"

"Mmm… true… someone like Glasyalabolas wouldn't be to your taste…"

"Glasya… what kind of Great Demon is that?"

"The Great Demon of violence and murder."

Right, that Glasya-whatever is staying sealed forever. The same goes for the other Great Demons.

With that settled, I pulled Sitri into a deep embrace and looked at Helena.

"Then I’ll leave the invitations to you, Instructor. And please call for Matthias."

"Yes, Young Master."

"I’ll give you plenty of affection once this is all over, so don't feel too neglected, haha."

"Fufu, yes. I shall look forward to it."

Helena left my study with a suggestive smile.

After enjoying some time with Sitri for a while, Matthias appeared before me with a cautious knock.

"Did you call for me, Young Master?"

"Yeah. Do you happen to know the rumors about Sir Loengram? Specifically, the ones about his adultery and child born out of wedlock."

"…Yes, I am aware of them."

"Are they true?"

Matthias gave a small but firm nod. It seemed he had grasped the general gist of the situation, if not the full details.

Good, then let’s try this.

"Do you happen to know who Sir Loengram’s mistress is?"

"Y-Young Master."

"Don't worry. I’m not planning to do anything as dangerous as what you’re thinking. So, do you know or not?"

"…I know."

"Good. Then immediately hire some prostitutes in the Imperial Capital. Those who specialize in dealing with nobility and fit Sir Loengram’s tastes perfectly. Oh, and set aside one of the annexes. You understand what I mean, right?"

"Ah…! Yes, I understand. I will move immediately."

"Thanks. I’m counting on you."

"Yes, Young Master."

Matthias also vanished from my sight at once.

Then, Sitri, who was still sitting on my lap, wrapped her arms softly around my neck.

"Hmm, surely you aren't planning to trap that man known as the Sword Saint."

"Well~ isn't it just a case of 'everyone wins'?"

"Fufu, I suppose so."

Natalia wins because she gets a tearful reunion with Helena.

I win because I don't have to deal with a boring man.

And our dear Sir Loengram wins because he gets to spend time enjoying sexual pleasure with ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠women who are exactly his type.

It’s the completion of a world where everyone is happy.

"Now… I’ve done everything I need to do for now."

"What are you saying? There is still work left to be done."

"Huh? What… mmmph."

As if she couldn't wait any longer, Sitri lunged for my lips.

"Mmm… haah…"

"I thought I gave you plenty of affection this morning. Are you hungry already? Haha."

"Fufu, indeed. You are a man I could never tire of, even if I ate you every day."

"I’m honored."

Then, shall I spend the remaining time enjoying myself with Sitri?

*

A whole pig sizzling over a large bonfire.

Various dishes emitting unique and intense aromas thanks to foreign spices and cooking methods.

Beautiful glass cups filled with a tempting amber liquid.

And… various nobles wearing fake smiles throughout the garden.

As always, noble parties were a ridiculous masquerade ball.

"Young Master."

Matthias approached silently behind me as I looked out over the garden from the balcony.

"Have they arrived?"

"Yes. Sir Loengram and his wife have sent word that they will arrive shortly."

"Good. I’ll go greet them personally. Is the preparation for the annex finished?"

"Yes. Everything is perfectly ready."

"Thanks."

Sure enough, two white horses and several guards were approaching the main gate of the mansion.

Of course, the most eye-catching people were the man and woman riding the white horses. One was the very familiar Natalia, but the other… tsk.

"Sir Loengram, I am Leon von Konstanz, the second son of the Count Konstanz family. I am truly grateful that Your Excellency has accepted my invitation. It is a sincere honor to meet the man who symbolizes the strength of the Empire."

"Hmph."

I bowed deeply at the waist as if to show off, but Loengram merely let out a light snort.

Of course, I wasn't angry. I had heard he was that kind of person.

'Anyway… I suppose a Sword Saint is a Sword Saint for a reason.'

Even in his somewhat plain formal attire, I could feel an immense Martial Spirit. A sharp, hawk-like gaze that seemed to be eyeing prey. Neatly groomed dark navy hair and beard.

And… the National Sword hanging at his waist, which successive Knight Commanders received directly from the Emperor.

Actually facing Loengram, the thought 'I definitely can't win' crossed my mind instinctively. Of course, that was strictly limited to a normal swordsmanship duel.

'In any case… seeing Natalia, who doesn't look at all outclassed by the Sword Saint, it’s clear the name 'Princess of the Sword' wasn't given for nothing.'

Today, Natalia was more beautiful than ever. Like her husband, she wasn't flashy at all, but her white dress, which naturally accentuated her figure, made her look like a single lily.

Furthermore, with her past beauty fully restored and the added maturity of her years, Natalia had become not a Princess of the Sword, but the Sword Queen.

As I bowed deeply to Natalia as well, Loengram suddenly stood before me.

…What exactly was he thinking?

"I have heard the stories. You… no, you have done my wife many favors."

"I merely provided a little assistance."

"Ha, is it possible to reverse all that disgrace with just a 'little assistance'? At least you seem to know your place."

Disgrace… even so, I’m an outsider; does he really use such words in front of me? And directed at his own wife, no less.

The rift is deeper than I thought. The darkness is even deeper.

'Of course, that works out well for me.'

Looking at Natalia, who seemed completely unbothered, I couldn't help but smile. Naturally, Natalia returned it with a faint smile of her own.

Now… shall we have a good time with our Knight Commander?

"Your Excellency, there is something I wish to discuss with you in private. Could you spare me just a moment of your time?"

"Your business?"

"In my own way, I have prepared a space for Your Excellency to enjoy. It is my hope that Your Excellency might take a breather and have a pleasant time, even if only for a moment. What do you say?"

"Hmm."

Natalia was naturally following the maids toward the garden. To a place far away from the annex, where she could reunite with Helena without being disturbed by anyone.

Of course, Loengram was paying no attention to Natalia at all.

Which meant…

"Very well. I cannot ignore the sincerity of the Konstanz family, so I shall take a look."

"Thank you for your consideration. My father, who is far away, will be pleased to hear the news of Your Excellency’s visit today."

"Ha, the Margrave has raised his son well."

Absolute pride and confidence in one's own strength naturally lead to arrogance. Loengram was exactly that type of person.

'I heard people like that are small, though.'

What’s small? Well~ let’s see… a man’s true pride?

Anyway, Loengram was looking at me with eyes that asked, "So, when are you going to show me this 'sincerity' you prepared?"

Immediately, I called for Matthias, who was standing behind me.

"Matthias, escort His Excellency. Without a single mistake."

"Yes, Young Master. Your Excellency, if I may be so bold, would you allow me to escort you on behalf of the Young Master?"

"Fine. Lead the way."

Loengram slowly followed Matthias toward the annex.

As their figures were swallowed by the shadows of the night and the gloom of the lights, Sitri appeared before me as if born from the darkness itself.

"How is the annex? Will it be okay?"

"Do not worry. Even if I have fallen, I am still the Great Demon of Lust. Keeping a single man in a pit of pleasure is something I can do as much as I please."

"I thought you said you could only use enchantment or suggestion. I didn't intend to use your full power."

"Fufu, it is called application. Besides, I did it because I wanted to."

I had only asked her to check on the situation… but it seemed Sitri had cast some kind of magic. Seeing how confident she was, the effect must be certain.

"…Nothing bad will happen later, right?"

"Do not worry. Of course, if you wish for that man’s ruin, I shall make it so."

"I don't want it to go that far. What I want isn't chaos, but darkness."

A darkness where I can live exactly as I want, as I have decided, without hesitation—that is what I desire. Therefore, I have no intention of disturbing the current world.

For the brighter the light, the deeper the shadow.

"Now… shall we go enjoy ourselves as well? Sitri."

"Fufu, let us do that."