Chapter 79
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Seven Stars Harmony Meeting
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There was a brief commotion, but the harmony meeting proceeded as planned.
This way, please.
We were led to the innermost room in Dongbang Myeongju.
Inside was a large round table adorned with red fabric embroidered with golden Oriental patterns that felt strangely familiar.
This is totally.
Id thought it from the moment we entered, but this place was a dead ringer for a high-end Chinese restaurant from the real world.
Even the side dishes sold at the student cafeteria last time gave off that real-world vibe.
This was all probably So-ras handiwork too.
Her tastes, I suppose.
As her companion, I got to sit next to Bella.
Helga and Blanche stood behind us as guards.
But after what happened earlier, they were on high alert.
They were both glaring daggers at Patrick like theyd made a pact.
For reference, Patrick had originally aimed for the seat to Bellas right, but Id taken it.
Hed tried settling for her left as a backup, but Blanche was blocking the way, so hed given up early.
In the end, hed chosen the seat next to me.
Ahaha This harmony meetings going to be fun today. Everyones going to be shocked to see you here, Count.
Patrick said with a hint of sarcasm.
He wasnt wrong.
This place was enemy territory for me.
As the appointed time arrived, the heads of the Seven Stars began filing in one by one.
The first familiar face I recognized appeared.
Hoo Why is President Seo here?
It was Mondri Cremont, the university president.
As head of the Cremont family, his presence here was only natural.
Bella answered for me.
Oh, the Counts my companion.
Lady Izarkhels?
Yes.
Mondri looked like he wanted to ask more, but he had no choice but to hold his tongue.
More heads of the Seven Stars were arriving behind him.
Uahaha! Im here, everyone!
The moment the armored man burst in, the room seemed to shrink.
The room wasnt small by any meansthe best and biggest in Dongbang Myeongju.
But compared to the newcomers massive build, it felt cramped.
Come on in, Leon.
Mm! Lady, long time no see! Whoa?! The ceilings a bit low!
As Id guessed, the giant was Leon Fairigris.
Head of the Fairigris family, which wielded fire magic, imperial armys ground forces commander general, and father to Marco of the Imperial Guard.
Hold on Move aside a bit, Leon. The entrance is narrow.
Hm? You were behind me? Didnt noticeyoure so small!
Youre all huge. Your size, your voiceeverythings oversized
The girl hidden behind Leons bulk stepped into view.
She looked no older than ten at most.
Dressed in a black frilly gown, she was Laura Elsink, head of the Elsink family.
Her appearance hadnt changed with the years, fitting her moniker as the Ice Witch.
As the two bickered and took their seats, another man entered.
A disheveled middle-aged man with unkempt hair.
Hed been frowning since stepping inside, his dark-circled eyes hollow.
From his distinctive looks and behavior, I knew who he was.
Long time no see, Colin.
Yeah.
He gave Bellas greeting a curt reply and plopped into the nearest seat, promptly burying his head on the table.
Hed fallen asleep, no doubt. The guy was always sleep-deprived.
Mm.
Finally, the last one arrived.
A dignified elderly gentleman with neatly combed white hair and beard, dressed in a crisp gray suit without a single excess detail. He gave Bella a nod and sat.
Odell Ryumin. With him, all the heads of the Seven Stars were assembled, exuding noble grace.
Now that even Lord Odell is here, we can start the harmony meeting. So
Lady Izarkhel.
Bella was interrupted by the black-clad girl across from her, Laura Elsink.
Yes? Go ahead, Laura.
I thought this was a gathering for the heads of the Seven Stars families Unless my eyes deceive me, there seems to be one extra person.
Lauras gaze flicked toward the man seated between Bella and Patrickme.
Odell, peering over his glasses at my face, showed surprise in his eyes.
No way Count Ruelverta? Youve slimmed down so much I almost didnt recognize you.
The one hosting the harmony meeting should explain. Why is that man here?
Laura asked Bella in a small but clear voice.
And she wasnt the only one wondering.
Mm! I demand an explanation too. Why is that guy here? Its seriously bothering me!
The burly general beside her chimed in agreement.
Everyone present had to be curious.
Why was the head of Ruelverta here?
Bella answered their questions with a single phrase.
Hes my companion.
Heh Your companion?
Laura propped her chin on her hand, looking back and forth between Bella and me with amusement.
If only family heads are required, then one or two companions wouldnt be an issue. But what Im asking isnt why you brought a companionits why you brought that man. Dont tell me you didnt know who he is.
Laura Elsink bared her hostility.
It was hard to believe such chilling hostility came from that tiny frameher tone was icy enough to make one shiver.
Uahaha! Laura, dont push her so hard! The lady mustve made some mistake! While were at it, how about handing the Seven Stars leadership to our family? Just say the word to Leon here. If its too much for Izarkhel, Ill step up anytime!
Leon boomed with laughter.
He called it help, but it was outright insult.
Even as he mocked the fallen Izarkhel, Bellas expression didnt change.
If anything, she looked relaxed as she addressed them.
You must be wondering why I brought Count Ruelverta as my companion.
She glanced at the ring on her finger and declared.
I, Bella Izarkhel, hereby nominate the Ruelverta family as a new member of the Seven Stars Harmony Meeting.
What?!
Whats that supposed to mean?!
Bellas bombshell left all the Seven Stars members stunned.
Even the sleeping Colin woke up to question her.
Are you serious? Lady Izarkhel.
Yes. Im completely serious.
As Bella nodded earnestly, Leon shot to his feet.
Mm! I cant understand your thinking, Lady! The Seven Stars are the pillars upholding the empire! Youd entrust one of those pillars to Ruelverta?
Ruelverta is one of the powerhouse families thats led this nation. I think they more than qualify for the Seven Stars Oh, we might have to change it from Seven Stars to Eight Stars if that happens.
Lady! You think well accept that nonsense?
Whether you accept it or not doesnt matter. If you dont take in Ruelverta, Ill leave the Seven Stars.
Mm?!
The harmony meeting was in chaos before it even began.
Meanwhile, Ithe source of the turmoilsipped my tea and watched.
This was what Bella and I had discussed on the carriage ride over.
Izarkhel nominating Ruelverta for Seven Stars membership would naturally face opposition.
And Bella planned to use that opposition as reason to exit the Seven Stars.
....
.....
Id left it to Bella to do as she pleased, but naturally, I had zero intention of joining the Seven Stars.
Theyd never accept me anyway.
My goal was simply to use the Seven Stars.
Thats when Laura whipped around to face me from her seat.
Count! Why dont you explain? Do you really think you belong here?
She looked like a child purely on appearance, but inside was an ancient witch.
We know exactly what kind of man you are. So be honest. Whats your scheme for showing up?
I was impressed inwardly.
Laura wasnt entirely wrong.
Shed seen through that I had other plans.
Though shed completely misread what they were.
I met Lauras eyes directly.
With the smug smile of an unwelcome villain laced with Pride.
Exactly. The reason Im here is something else entirely.
As expected!
Laura exclaimed like shed known it.
The other Seven Stars heads looked at me with contempt.
Only Bella stared, wondering what Id say.
I hadnt told her, so no helping it.
I came here to warn you all.
A warning?
Yes.
Lauras face twisted.
Like a prophet, I told them.
This nation will soon be engulfed in great chaos.
Heh Why? Planning to plunge it into chaos yourself?
No.
To the sneering Laura, I revealed the secret Id kept.
The Hero has appeared.