Chapter 36: 36

on Monday, February 19, 2018ein zwei

16-36 . Earl Seryuu's Foster Daughter (2)

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"--Sir Pendragon . "

Yukel-kun came to talk to me after we park the wagon and horses near the castle gate .

"Are you really, with Aneue--" <TLN: lit . "elder sister", formal . >

"Sir Marientail . "

Another knight who was accompanying us interrupted Yukel-kun .

It kinda feels like they don't want to let me talk with Yukel-kun .

Let's ignore the mood here and make the initiative to talk to Yukel-kun myself .

"Marie--"

"Sir Pendragon!"

Another voice interrupted me at a bad timing .

"--Your Excellency Earl . "

Of all people, it was Earl Seryuu .

I can't exactly ignore him and talk to Yukel-kun instead here .

We may be of the same rank, but as he rules over a City Core, his position is higher than mine .

Earl Seryuu seems to have been from an excursion, he's riding a splendid looking white steed .

"Pardon me for my long absence . Earl Seryuu . "

"I've heard that you've been very active like always, Earl Pendragon . "

Earl Seryuu who got off of his horse invited me to his castle like we had been friends for 10 year after hugging me in an oddly friendly manner .

Make me all the more suspicious for his ulterior motives .

The way Earl Seryuu act right now seemed to be a rare occurrence, servants and bureaucrats who caught sight of us lowered their head with surprised looks on their faces .

"--First of all, I would like to express my gratitudes . Thanks to your assistances, the matter with labyrinth management will likely start in earnest by new year time . "

Earl Seryuu said so once we settled down in the castle's parlor .

It's probably about how I helped his subordinates to be made into Explorer Guild's assistants at the labyrinth city, Selbira .

"Please think nothing of it . It's all the results of your excellency's subordinates blood and tears . "

"Oh stop with 'your excellency' stuff . You'd remind me to call you that yourself, being a cabinet minister and all . Just call me Ros . "

Earl Roswald Seryuu requested for something unreasonable .

"Then, Roswald-sama . "

"That's still too cold but acceptable . Mind if I call you Satou-dono?"

I give my consent to Earl Seryuu .

"Satou-dono, as for the reward I promised you, we have 2000 demi human slaves currently working to build facilities for the labyrinth management . However, due to the number and all, the office folks told me to ask you around half a month time for the transfer period . "

"Then, allow me to make arrangements for the airships needed to transport the slaves . Since I think that we will get our airship allotment turn within a year, I will be sure to dispatch a delegation from Muno Marquisdom early on . "

Let's forward all the responsibilities for this to Consul Nina of Muno Marquisdom .

I'm sure she'd happily welcome them with open arms, as the territory lack the manpower needed for the towns and cities recaptured from monsters, including the city I'm managing, Brighton .

I plan to release them all once they've become self-sufficient .

"Airships to transport demi human? Can't you just have them walk to Muno territory . "

"I cannot even begin to fathom the expenses needed for such method . "

I replied back in kind to the earl who asked in amazement .

I'd hate to hazard the number of victims that would show up if I were to let 2000 demi human slaves, whose levels are mostly at single digit, walk to Muno Marquisdom .

"I've also put out a ban on demi-human discrimination just as I've promised . "

Earl Seryuu looks proud somehow .

But despite that, the attitudes in Gate Inn and stuff felt the same as always .

"Fumu, judging from your displeased looks, you must want to say that discriminations still remain even now, don't you . "

His eyes kinda look like a teacher admonishing a kid who did a poor job .

"Of course, we've not only issued an edict, y'know? We have soldiers who regularly patrol around the city and punish anyone who throw around unjustifiable violences on demi-humans . "

Apparently, there were even citizens who got executed for breaking the ban .

"The sense of discriminations within the citizens is deep-rooted . The complete abolishment of discriminations in its truest sense probably won't happen for a long time . "

I guess that's only natural .

There would be no hardships if discriminations would disappear simply by having the statesmen ban it .

Even with the law in effect, it probably only means a shift of locations to where the eyes of statesmen don't reach .

The reason is similar to why bullying at schools hasn't disappeared .

Even so, a prohibition from the statesmen is still necessary as the first step to dispel discriminations .

And I think there is only one path to that, a path where people have to learn to change the perception from "bad things" to "things not worth doing . "

Afterwards, having the demi-humans show that their existence bring benefit to everyone is also effective .

"As for the other reward--"

Earl Seryuu changed the topic .

Now, he's probably going to check the matter about making Miss Auna my wife, and Zena-san my mistress .

"About your engagement . "

Figured .

"So when are you going to take my daughter, Auna as your wife, and Zena of Marientail House as your mistress again . "

He's coming at it straight huh .

"Regarding that--"

Earl Seryuu raised his hand to stop me while I was hesitating .

"So you really do not wish for it . "

--Oh?

"His Majesty and the prime minister have given me a stern warning . Do not force you to have a marriage you do not wish for, they said . "

Oh, PM and King, good job .

"Please call off the matter about my engagement . "

"Very well then . "

Earl Seryuu consented willingly .

Phew, another load off my shoulder .

"However, were I to withdraw a reward I have promised, the jabbering old household nobles at the Royal Capital would force me to wear the miser stigma around . "

Earl Seryuu words reached my ears as I let out a sigh of relief .

"In exchange, I will raise the number of magic cores that will be provisioned to Muno Marquisdom from our labyrinth . "

Earl Seryuu put up three fingers as he said that .

"By my own discretion, I promise you to accommodate three times the planned amount . I will prepare the documents later . Do deliver them to Marquis Muno . "

I didn't realize at this time, but by Echigoya Firm's manager's account, the amount is comparable to the amount the earldom pays to the kingdom .

"Have you ever talked with Zena's little brother?"

"No, it was my first time meeting him earlier . "

I talked a lot with him as Kuro, but only made a greeting as Satou .

"He might not be at the level of Satou-dono, but he is quite a knight himself . "

Earl Seryuu began to boast about Yukel-kun .

Apparently, Yukel-kun's peerage rank will be raised as a commendation for his feats in the fight against the greater demon and in the Labyrinth Hazard defense war .

And it's not just to Baronet that's just above Chevalier-- .

"Baron, is it . That's wonderful . "

"Umu . He's the first to climb to Baron since me, and accumulating feats enough to propel one from Chevalier to Baron hadn't been done since the days of my grandfather . "

Unlike in my former world, as the nobles in this world aren't given land to govern, letting a noble by blood to ascend the peerage means way higher fixed cost for the lord of said noble .

"--Silver Knight Air . "

Earl Seryuu spoke that name with a suggestive tone .

"That was what the knight who slew a greater demon as she flew in the air called herself . "

"I wonder if she is related somehow to Hero Nanashi-sama and his Golden Knights?"

With the help of Poker Face skill, I ignore past Earl Seryuu's bait .

"I'm in the same opinion . She wielded a holy sword that could fly in the sky not unlike the Claiomh Solais . "

Looks like Earl Seryuu bore witness to that fight .

"Someone amongst the people who witnessed that fight told me . That there is a girl whose fighting style resembles that of Silver Knight Air in my territory . "

I have a feeling that Earl Seryuu is aware that Zena-san is Silver Knight Air .

Since Zena-san is weak at keeping secret, she'd probably spill it out the moment he interrogated her .

Well, I'm not too worried even if he knew .

"And so, Satou-dono . Do you know anyone who fights like Silver Knight Air?"

"Unfortunately, as I never saw how the fight Silver Knight Air-dono myself . "

"Is that so . Sorry to ask for the unreasonable . Getting back to the topic at hands--"

Earl Seryuu easily pulled back at my excuses .

Doesn't look like he's trying to ascertain Silver Knight Air's identity .

"We will be holding a ball to celebrate Sir Marientail's promotion tonight . It would be my pleasure if Satou-dono could participate . Of course, your subordinates are invited too . "

According to Earl Seryuu, it's OK for the beastkin girls to come to the party, but I wouldn't want to expose them to the inevitable inquisitive glances .

I did check with everyone to see if they wanted to participate, but in the end, only Arisa is going to come with me .

I was planning to go back to the inn once, but the time for the ball approached while I was arguing with Earl Seryuu about whether the labyrinth should be managed by himself or not .

◇

"Hmmm, first time coming here, but this Earl Seryuu's castle is really designed for wars unlike the Royal Castle isn't it . "

I'm heading toward the ballroom with Arisa .

It seems the majority of the entrants have entered the venue, there's only the two of us in the passage asides from the busily coming and going servants .

"""Earl Pendragon-sama!"""

High-pitched shrieks resounded the moment we got into the venue .

Fair noble girls of the Earldom come to my side one after another .

It's like the entrance of a famous actor or singer .

"Earl-sama! Please tell me all about your adventures!"

"Earl-sama! I do not have a fiance!"

"Earl-sama! My house is famous for being the most fertile in Seryuu city!"

The beauties who are encircling me make their appeal .

Fertility being an appeal point seems to be common in Shiga Kingdom .

As they're dressing more brazenly compared to the girls at the Royal Capital, lots of the beauties emphasize their cleavage, truly a sight for sore eyes .

"Master's popularity is to the point of being sickening isn't it . I should have brought Mia along--Hey, you there! Don't feel on Master as you please!"

Arisa attempted to guard me from the beautiful noble ladies, but she's way outnumbered .

--Hm?

Noticing a glance, I turn around and see a butler gazing here .

"What's up?"

The butler averted his glance like it was nothing while I was paying attention to Arisa, opened a door and announced the entrance of the territory lord and his family .

"Hueh? Why'd Zena-tan come out from over there?"

Just like Arisa said, Marientail siblings came out of the door along with the lord's family .

"Wasn't this Yukel-kun's celebration?"

As if affirming my words, Earl Seryuu praised Yukel-kun's feats and announced his promotion .

The moment they heard that, half of the beauties who were surrounding me turned their interest over there .

"In addition, Sir Marientail will take my daughter, Auna, as his wife . "

The people in the hall make a stir when they hear the earl's announcement .

Yukel-kun and Miss Auna bashfully smile at each other .

Zena-san looks happy too, but her smile looks lifeless .

"It kinda feels like Zena-tan is forcing herself, doesn't it . "

"You're right . "

I agree to Arisa's whisper .

Zena-san's smile is usually like a blooming sunflower .

"Quiet down . I am not done yet--"

Earl Seryuu silenced the people .

"I am happy to introduce the second wife of my eldest son, Badowald!"

Huh?

Crisis Perception is alarming me for some reason .

"Sir Marientail's elder sister, Zena will be taken as Badowald's second wife . "

--Seriously .

The hall was filled with even more commotion than with the announcement earlier .

"Master, did you know about this?"

"No, first time I'm hearing it . "

Arisa asked me in whisper .

Zena-san didn't talk about it when I talked with her last night, and it didn't feel like she was hiding it either .

Earl Seryuu probably brought the subject to her all of a sudden today .

Zena-san is hanging her head down, I can't see her expression .

"Geez, she's really a good girl . . . "

Arisa sighs .

<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka . com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel . >

"No helping it . "

Arisa scratched the back of her head and used space magic as she stood next to me .

『Zena-tan . Does Zena-tan really agree to that engagement yourself?』

Arisa's Telephone is connected to me through her connection as my Familiar .

『 . . . Yes . 』

Zena-san replied while covering her mouth .

『Not because you can't go against your lord's order?』

『 . . . It's, not . 』

Zena-san sounded stiff .

『I see, there's some kind of reason behind this--wait, no need to even guess huh . 』

Arisa sighs .

『You don't want to be a hindrance in your brother's love life and career, do you . 』

Zena-san remains silent .

In other words, the answer is correct .

『Since both of those would be called off if you were to refuse the engagement forced on you by your lord?』

『 . . . Yukel and Auna-sama had always no choice but to hide their feelings to each other . And just when their wishes were about to be fulfilled--』

Hint of tears are mixed in Zena-san's voice .

Arisa glanced up at me .

Her eyes are expecting something .

Can't be helped .

It's for the sake of my precious friend .

Let me show you how much brunt I will bear for this .

I step forwad toward the crowd that encircle Badowald-dono and Zena-san .

『 . . . Satou-san . 』

At the other side of the crowd, Zena-san raised her head .

Her eyes moist with tears are looking at me .

"Oh, Satou-dono! Demon lord slayer-dono is going to congratulate the new member of my family--"

Earl Seryuu is all smiles, but his eyes remain sharp .

He's probably foreseen what I'm gonna do here .

A blank space has been created in front of Badowald-dono and Zena-san .

"I'm very honored to meet you . I am the eldest son of Earl Seryuu, Badowald Seryuu . "

"Nice to meet you, Badowald-dono . I'm Shiga Kingdom's Tourism Minister, Earl Satou Pendragon of Muno Marquisdom . "

I stop with my formal speech pattern .

I extend my hand toward Zena-san after the greeting .

"Satou, san?"

Zena-san is looking at the hands I've presented to her with eyes full of expectations .

"Sir Pendragon, what are you--"

Badowald-dono sounded perplexed .

"Zena-san . "

Zena-san is reaching out to my hands, reacting to my calling .

Badowald-dono who finally realized my intention took a step forward between me and Zena-san .

Sorry, but you're way too late .

"Excuse me, Zena-san . "

I quickly catch Zena-san's hand and pull her to me .

Since Badowado-dono looked like he was going to block me, I twirl around like dancing and took a distance away from him with her in my arms .

The women in the dance hall let out a shriek, while the men made a commotion .

"W-what is the meaning--"

Earl Seryuu stopped the enraged Badowald-dono with his hand .

I somehow get the feelings that he was dragged in the plot, but there was never a choice to abandon Zena-san here, so I'm not going to let him complain .

"Let me hear your excuses . "

Earl Seryuu quietly asked .

"I'm taking her for myself . "

If Zena-san wished for the engagement with Badowald-dono herself, I would congratulate her as a friend .

But I cannot abandon her if they're looking to make use of Zena-san as Silver Knight Air, not as herself, to benefit Seryuu Earldom .

"In other words, you're going to deprive my son of his fiancee?"

Kinda feels like I could hear Earl Seryuu's inner voice .

"Yes, exactly . "

I look at his eyes and nod .

"This isn't a joke you know? Do you realize your and my positions here?"

In short, he's demanding something that exceeds Zena-san .

I stare at him with sincere eyes .

"As a neighbor, I will promise you this . "

As the lord of the Dragon's Valley .

"If a being appears to threaten Seryuu Earldom, I will eliminate them regardless of what they are, once, I will also assist in the effort to restore the damage incurred . "

If I didn't place a limit, it'd be annoying if I were dragged into wars with the neighboring countries and lords after all .

"From any being? Even if you're up against a greater demon--or even a demon lord itself, do you mean that?"

That must have been exactly what he wanted to hear .

Earl Seryuu grinned and laughed .

In many cases, demon lords tend to be revived in the vicinity of a labyrinth .

Demon lord disasters that had always felt like something distant and not his problems must feel really close now that there is a labyrinth smack dab in the capital of his territory .

Well, even without this promise, I'd have come to exterminate rampaging demon lords anyway .

"Even if I'm up against a demon lord . I swear by the title of Demon Lord Slayer--■■ Contract"

I took a vow by using Contract skill .

"That is still not enough . Give me two more conditions . "

As one would expect from a politician .

He'd keep pushing me on even if I refused here .

"Don't make that face . It's nothing big . "

Is it really?

"First, take Zena Marientail not as your mistress, but as your formal wife . I will not question her position in the hierarchy . "

That's unexpected .

"The rank of Marientail house as a baron must be a bit insufficient . The second condition is for Zena to become an adopted daughter of our Seryuu Household when the time comes for you to take her hands in marriage . "

I see, he's going to make us related through that huh .

It'd be troublesome if she were adopted now, but since it's [when it's time to marry], it's of no particular problem .

"Very well . I agree to those two conditions . "

"Then--"

Since it felt like he was going to add another condition, I activated Coercion skill for an instant to suppress it .

"--Contract complete . "

When the sweaty looking Earl Seryuu announced that, I formally activated Contract Skill .

Right at the same time, the nobles gave their applauses, and as if informed by that, the other people also congratulated me by giving handshakes .

Looks like Earl Seryuu has prepared shills among them beforehand .

Badowado-dono whose face was all red turned confused after Earl Seryuu whispered something to his ear .

Apparently, he was only made to dance in Earl Seryuu's scheme .

Let's give him something to make up for him forced to be a clown here .

"Satou-san . "

"Yes--"

Right when I turned around to Zena-san who whispered into my ears, I felt something warm on my lips .

--Yes?

Looks like Zena-san gave me a kiss the moment I turned around to her .

An innocent junior high school-like kiss .

The slight pain from our teeth clashing kinda feels nostalgic somehow .

『I'll overlook it this time . 』

Arisa's voice that felt kinda sullen reached me through her Familiar connection .

While patting Arisa's head with my free hand, I lowered the blushing Zena-san who was done with the kissing on the floor .

I send Zena-san off to a circle of female nobles who've come to congratulate Zena-san, including Miss Iona .

"Hey, Master, have you noticed?"

"Yeah . . . "

I gave an affirmative to Arisa's question .

Zena-san who's surrounded by her friends has gotten a new title .

--Satou's Fiancee .

Well, I guess it can't be helped considering the situation .

I check my Log .

> [Plunder] skill acquired

> Title [Plunderer] Acquired .

> Title [Love Hunter] Acquired .

> Title [Soulmate] Acquired

I got some slightly objectionable titles and skills .

Well, maybe I'll leave the last title be on the active column for a while .

※ Next Update is planned for 2/25

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