Ch#101
Chapter 101"The one who bothers me is actually Angela Bliss."
Dimarcus and Talon Count's gazes turned to Laslo.
"That woman went to great lengths to get her hands on me. Count Bliss even proposed lending me warhorses on the condition of marriage with her."
"Ah, yes, that happened."
"Of course I refused, but I thought Count Bliss would soon come with another deal on different terms. That's how ambitious I felt Count Bliss and Angela Bliss were."
What they wanted was clearly power in the empire. Coming from a fallen small kingdom's royal line, they wouldn't covet power from another small kingdom. It would only stir their own complexes.
What they desired was transparently obvious.
'Connections to become the emperor's close aide.'
They hadn't hesitated to seduce a mercenary-born man they'd despised until then, all for that one thing.
"Moreover, Angela Bliss isn't the type to sacrifice herself just to increase her family's wealth a bit. There must be more to Liandro Bilbro than meets the eye."
"Something greater than the title of heir to Til Armand?"
"Of course. That woman probably has no intention of leaving the empire either. For someone who's received endless acclaim in the empire's high society to debut as a newcomer in a small kingdom like Pes...? Doesn't add up business-wise."
"True. Rebuilding that kind of position in another country would be tough. Plus, if she wanted, she could have snagged a far wealthier man within the empire."
Dimarcus nodded and tapped his crossed leg before ordering Talon Count.
"Dig deeper into the connection between Liandro Bilbro and Isaac Winblair. Send people to Pes too."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Once the discussion on House Bliss and House Winblair wrapped up, Dimarcus shot Laslo a playful smile again.
"By the way, your expression has been oddly bright lately?"
"I think it's the same as always."
.
"No, no. Completely different."
"You said 'oddly' earlier?"
"That's for others. To my eyes, both your mouth corners are practically to your ears."
Laslo immediately furrowed his brow.
"What are you trying to say...?"
"Got something good going on lately?"
"What would there be? Just no bad incidents, so no reason to scowl... unless Your Majesty teasing me."
Dimarcus chuckled again.
"Is that so? Huh. Hmm."
"Can't you just say outright what's making you like this?"
"No, no. It's your personal matter; I can't intrude rudely. However."
Laslo tensed unwittingly at 'however' and eyed Dimarcus.
"If there's ever anything I can help with, don't hesitate to ask. I'll help as much as I can."
"...As much as you can."
"Even the emperor of the empire can't do everything."
"Yes, of course. Especially Your Majesty, it seems."
Laslo figured this was just another of Dimarcus's teases and paid it no mind.
But Dimarcus's gaze toward Laslo remained meaningfully profound.
"Hmm, seems done. Here."
Linia racked her brain for answers to Edel's questions and submitted them.
The three weekly two-hour lessons had advanced from beginner to intermediate level.
- 3 -
And as a passionate, strict teacher, Edel gave weekly exams on the last session, reteaching mistakes.
But today felt off. Even after Linia handed in her paper, Edel's gaze out the window didn't return.
"Edel. Edel!"
Even after several calls, same. Edel's eyes overlooking the western garden seemed lost in deep thought.
"Edel, you okay?"
Only when Linia gently grabbed her arm did Edel startle back to reality.
"S-sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment..."
"Something wrong? First time seeing you this spaced out."
Edel felt a pang at Linia's genuine worry.
How could she say she'd been recalling her conversation with your brother?
"It's nothing."
"...Man trouble?"
Edel nearly jumped out of her skin, her heart pounding.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
Her hard-earned 'never-fluster' society face almost crumbled.
Fortunately, Linia didn't notice, chuckling and shrugging.
"You always spot my worries right away, but I'm still no good."
"Ah, haha..."
"But you seem troubled today, so let's skip class and chat."
"That's not for the student to say."
"Come on, don't be so strict. Anyway, since 'man trouble' came up."
.
Linia slyly shifted, asking with a sly glint.
"In society, is my brother decent guy material? Like, as a dating or marriage prospect."
"So, from your view, Edel. What do you think?"
"Hmm, it varies by person."
It was embarrassing for Edel, fresh off thinking of Laslo, but natural curiosity for Linia.
With her unmarried brother as family head, she might worry more than her own marriage.
Edel answered seriously.
"Marriage proposals for the count are already pouring in. I reject them on my end since he wants no part, but objectively, he's highly attractive as a spouse."
"No, no vague answers. Ah, right! Pretend you're an unmarried noble lady. How'd you feel if my brother asked you on a date?"
Linia's eyes seemed aflame. Edel flinched but imagined earnestly, for Linia's loving concern.
A modest party, after one dance round.
As she slips back to catch her breath, Laslo approaches unnoticed.
He'd silently offer a cool drink—not alcohol. Thorough as he is, no chance of refusal.
[Thank you.]
While she sips after taking the glass, he'd quietly watch the chatting groups, sipping his own.
Then, casually: [Flowers. Do you like them?]
[Flowers? Of course. No woman hates them.]
[Then, how about Queen Freya Botanical Garden this weekend? The greenhouse is full of spring blooms, they say.]
[Pardon? But why me...?]
As she flusters, he'd finally turn, meeting her eyes.
[I'm asking you on a date right now... Best I could think of on short notice is the botanical garden.]
She couldn't help but laugh softly.
How refuse that non-pretentious, non-sappy, humorous invitation?
Of course, his clear brown eyes' spark and charming smile were potent weapons too.
Finishing her imagining, Edel suppressed a smile.
"I couldn't refuse that. Might even be thrilled."
Linia's face lit up, as if she'd gotten permission herself.
"Really? You think so?"
"Yes. The count is a wonderful man."
"Uh, in what ways? Be specific."
Thinking Linia thrilled at brother-praise, Edel resolved to heap on the good.
"The count may seem curt and blunt, but he's deeply considerate, especially toward women. He'd surely cherish and love a lover or wife dearly."
"...You say that after seeing how he treats me?"
"You know he truly loves and cherishes you, Miss."
Linia blushed but pouted cutely, feigning grumpiness while beaming.
.
