Chapter 40: Omen (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 40: Omen (4)
Under the moonlight that descended like a white veil, Helena stood waiting for Natalia.
She was the proud older sister who had always been one step ahead.
Helena was reminiscing about her sister’s final moments—how she had sparkled more beautifully than anyone else, which only made the memory more sorrowful.
“Lena…”
The moment she heard that voice—so familiar, yet so strangely distant—Helena turned around.
“Sister Ria…!”
Despite the vast amount of time that had passed.
Despite not having exchanged a single word or even having crossed paths during all those years, their nicknames for each other flowed naturally from their lips.
Without needing to say who went first, Helena and Natalia pulled each other into a tight embrace.
They didn't say they were sorry for the past, nor did they ask how hard things had been… No such words were exchanged.
The sisters simply comforted one another with the tears that flowed without end…
“…It would probably feel something like that, right? Sitri.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. Human ways of thinking and their emotions are difficult to understand.”
“You said you have siblings too. How would you feel if you met your sealed sisters?”
“Well…”
Sitri seemed to fall into deep thought for once.
If she could meet the other sealed Great Demons, what would happen? What should she do? What kind of expression should she wear, and what emotions should she harbor?
Seeing how these questions were spiraling in her mind—I could feel them too—it seemed she hadn't given it a single thought in five hundred years.
‘Or… maybe it’s just because she’s a demon.’
Perhaps tender feelings like longing, understanding, and yearning are privileges reserved only for mortals.
Watching Sitri struggle with the thought, which was quite unlike her, I found myself slipping into similar questions.
“Young Master.”
I turned around to find Matthias standing there.
“How did it go?”
“His Excellency… was very satisfied.”
“Haha, that’s a relief.”
I raised an imaginary toast to Loengram, who was likely spending a night of madness in a secluded annex in a corner of the garden.
And, of course, to Sitri, who had made it possible.
“Hmm… the wine tastes especially good today.”
Next, I offered a glass to Matthias, who was always acting so stiff.
“I am fine…”
“Well, I’m not. You worked very hard today, so you deserve this much of a reward.”
“…Understood. Then I shall accept it gratefully.”
“And take tomorrow off. That goes for the other servants, too. It was a particularly large banquet today, so everyone must be exhausted.”
“I sincerely thank you for your consideration, Young Master.”
Unlike me, who just tossed it back, Matthias took his time to catch the aroma and let the wine linger in his mouth before swallowing.
“I didn't know you were a man who enjoyed his spirits.”
“Yes. It is a fine wine with a subtle yet deep flavor that lingers.”
“Haha.”
Thanks to that one glass of wine, Matthias’s perpetually stiff shoulders seemed to relax slightly.
Now then… shall I bring up a sensitive topic?
“So, what are our Knight Commander’s tastes like?”
“That is…”
“Speak freely. I gave you expensive wine just for that. Besides, I didn't even get a glimpse of the prostitutes.”
“Haha, I see. Well… His Excellency… is somewhat…”
As soon as I heard Matthias’s explanation, a hollow laugh escaped my lips.
With tastes like that, it was no wonder he treated the beautiful Natalia as nothing more than a broodmare.
Well… I can’t go into detail about what Loengram’s preferences are, but… they are the polar opposite of Natalia or Helena.
To put it simply, Loengram’s ideals are women who I wouldn't even consider women, let alone look at.
“Sexual preference is a matter of personal freedom, but that’s a bit disgusting. Don’t you think?”
“I have nothing to say on the matter, Young Master.”
“Haha, right.”
I don’t think this has made Loengram my ally, but I do think things will go more smoothly from now on.
In a way, it’s an equivalent exchange.
I give love to a wife who isn't loved by her husband, and I provide the husband who can’t love his wife with someone he can love.
‘I still don’t like those arrogant eyes and his looking-down-on-everyone attitude… Come to think of it, this is another difference from the original work. In the game, Loengram was a perfect warrior—upright and incorruptible.’
Of course, I’m not surprised anymore that reality differs from the game.
As the saying goes, one can endure any humiliation for a greater goal.
And Natalia is a woman worth it.
“Anyway, I hope His Excellency doesn't cross the line.”
“…Indeed. To be honest, I am also a bit concerned about that.”
My proud ancestors—that is, my ancestors from Korea—left behind a certain saying.
That a late-blooming passion is the most dangerous.
In truth, the rumors of Loengram’s adultery and his child born out of wedlock were relatively recent, starting about a year ago.
And, of course, the rumors were true.
‘The position of Knight Commander isn't exactly one where you can just indulge yourself as you please. The problem is that Loengram is reckless enough to do it anyway.’
Loengram is a man so undisciplined that the title of Sword Saint feels like a waste on him.
Furthermore, he’s incompetent enough that he can’t even clean up his own messes.
Well, he was raised by a father blinded by extreme elitism, after all.
So… I’ve developed a small wish.
I truly hope that I haven't just let Loengram off his leash, or that I haven't just thrown a lit match into a powder keg…
“Well… it’s not like I don’t know his weakness. If things go south…”
“Pardon?”
“A man needs to keep a tight leash on his ‘bat.’ Don’t you agree?”
“…You are correct.”
The look in Matthias’s flustered eyes seemed to ask, ‘Are you really one to talk?’
I’m different.
…I should be, right?
“But… His Excellency shows no sign of coming out. It’s about time to end the party. He certainly has a lot of stamina.”
“Shall I go and…”
“No, it’s fine. He’ll have to come out tomorrow morning whether he likes it or not. So let him enjoy tonight, and just keep dealing with him appropriately. If you feel like things are getting out of hand, let me know.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Good. Now, start wrapping up the banquet and see the guests out.”
“I shall follow your orders.”
Now, the next thing I have to do is…
Naturally, it’s to make an impression on Helena and Natalia.
“Want to come along, Sitri?”
“I shall.”
*
The conversation between Helena and Natalia was still in full bloom.
How have you been in the Konstanz territory, how have you been, what kind of person is the Young Master, I’m happy every day thanks to the Young Master, and so on… They were even exchanging stories that were a bit embarrassing.
All while being completely unaware that I was standing behind them.
So, I had no choice but to let out a small cough.
“Ahem.”
“Ah, Young Master. I’m sorry…”
“I didn't realize you were here. Please excuse my rudeness.”
“Haha, it’s fine. You too, Teacher. Don’t be like that. This is a precious reunion, after all.”
I sat down across from the two women with a faint smile.
Helena and Natalia didn't seem to mind at all; if anything, they seemed pleased.
Now… shall I start with a light massage for Natalia?
“I hope you enjoyed the banquet, Lady Natalia.”
“It was more than just enjoyable. I am truly, sincerely grateful for everything that has happened.”
“I’m the one who should be grateful. You came a long way to be here.”
After naturally exchanging smiles, I turned my gaze toward Helena.
Hmm… she looks even more beautiful today. Is it because she’s with Natalia?
The day I have both of these sisters under me isn't far off…
“Young Master? Is something the matter…?”
“Ah, haha. Seeing Teacher and Lady Natalia together like this, I’m just a bit moved.”
“Oh my, to think you’d feel that way.”
Helena even sent a mysterious smile my way.
…It seems she read my mind again.
Then, Natalia sharply cut in between Helena and me.
“Hmm… it seems the relationship between Leon and Lena isn't just a simple teacher-disciple one…?”
“It’s only natural that it looks that way. I’ve been crossing swords with Teacher for a very long time.”
“I have heard as much… but I’ve never seen Lena smile like that before. Except with me, she was a child who rarely smiled at others…”
“S-Sister…!”
Well… there is that side to Helena.
Though, in front of me, she does a lot more than just smile.
Anyway, I didn't come here just to listen to her boast, so I naturally shifted my gaze back to Natalia.
However, it was Natalia who spoke first.
“By the way, I’m not sure where my husband has gone.”
“I heard His Excellency is discussing important matters with others. It seems to be about state affairs, so it might take a while.”
“Hmm… I see.”
Natalia didn't look disappointed at all.
In fact, she seemed almost happy that Loengram wasn't here.
Perhaps because of that, or perhaps because of the mellow atmosphere… Natalia let out something completely unexpected.
“Sometimes when I look at Leon, I find myself thinking… if only Armin were a man like Leon.”
“…Pardon?”
“Ah, no. I’ve said something I shouldn't have. As a mother, I shouldn't be saying such things…”
Of course, I was only acting like I didn't understand.
But… ah… you were thinking that…?
‘Do I seem like a son’s age to Natalia? That’s not bad either. Early marriage has its perks.’
This might actually add a nice flavor to things.
With that thought, I leaned slightly toward Natalia.
“If it’s alright with you, I would love for you to visit my mansion whenever you like, Lady Natalia.”
“Oh, would that be okay?”
“Haha, yes. Since we’ve reconnected, shouldn't we keep this relationship going? And…”
I intentionally trailed off at an ambiguous point, and Natalia’s eyes sparkled.
Good, she’s completely focused on me.
“I’m not sure how this will sound, but personally, I would like to continue seeing you, Lady Natalia.”
“Is that so…? Hmm, since you put it that way, I’m curious as to why.”
“Well… shall I say I want to continue helping you maintain your beauty?”
Whether it’s the Sword Princess or anyone else, every woman desires beauty.
And Natalia, with my help, had reclaimed her sparkling past self.
So, it was only human nature to want to keep sparkling.
As expected, and as I had hoped, Natalia nodded.
“Fufu, yes. Actually, I wanted to keep seeing you too, Leon. You have a talent that is far too precious to let go to waste.”
“…Pardon?”
“Helena seems to have taught you well, but from what I can see, there are still many areas where you are lacking. I also find it enjoyable to spar with you, so let us sweat together from now on.”
I stole a glance at Helena, who was completely feigning ignorance.
…Dammit, I’m done with suffering from muscle pain.
Though I’m always happy to "sweat together" in other ways.
“Ah… haha… if that is what you wish…”
“Fufu, thank you.”
She has more of a muscle-brain temperament than Helena.
They say no younger brother is better than the older, but I guess that applies to sisters too.
‘Anyway… I’ve got her word.’
All that’s left is to coordinate things so that Loengram and Natalia’s paths don’t cross.
And then, I’ll begin conquering Natalia in earnest.
“My, look at the time.”
As expected, Natalia looked at Helena with eyes full of lingering regret.
“Sigh… if I had my way, I’d want to stay up all night like we used to…”
“I want that too, Sister.”
“…Right, we can keep meeting from now on. Thank you, Lena. And… I’m sorry.”
Helena and Natalia naturally embraced each other.
Promising both a farewell and a reunion.
“By the way, that man… no, my husband still hasn't shown his face. He’s not the type to be that passionate about state affairs.”
“Haha, isn't it a good thing if he’s become that way now? I’ll make sure to look after His Excellency personally.”
“Hmm… yes, alright. Actually, I prefer going back alone anyway.”
With that, Natalia disappeared into the darkness of the night, seen off by Helena.
I’m really looking forward to tomorrow…
“By the way, Sitri.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“What on earth did you do that Loengram hasn't even shown his nose?”
“Well… since he is called a Sword Saint, I applied the enchantment a bit strongly… but he is more honest with his desires than I anticipated…”
She wasn't joking; he really was having a night of madness.
It’s not bad. It’s not bad, but…
“…The enchantment will wear off, right?”
“Of course. I can remove it whenever necessary.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
It’s good to have more ways to prepare for any situation.
Besides, I’ve learned that Sitri’s mind magic works well on Loengram, so today has been a truly bountiful harvest.
“Now then, shall we go enjoy ourselves too? The night is still young.”
“Ah, finally. My body has reached a point where it can no longer be satisfied by anyone but you. You must take full responsibility.”
“Y-Young Master. You said you would dote on me…”