Chapter 42: Those Bastards!
“Hmm…”
After Lily left, I found myself under the intense gaze of Marquis Puridi in the entrance hall. His eyes were fixed on my attire, the uniform of the Royal Academy.
I had made an effort to look presentable. I had checked for any wrinkles or stains on the uniform, but…
“Um, is there something wrong?”
“No, it’s just that I was wondering if you might stand out in that Royal Academy uniform at tonight’s soirée. While there’s no issue since you’re attending as my daughter’s friend, you must know? Prince Slay and many nobles will be present at tonight’s event. You might attract a bit too much attention in that uniform.”
“I see… That might be true.”
Still, I had no other clothes suitable for a soirée… I hadn’t anticipated enrolling in the Royal Academy right after leaving Pnosis Territory, nor did I think to bring formal attire for such an occasion.
…In fact, I doubted my family even had any fine clothes.
“Well then, I shall lend you one of my outfits. It should fit your build well enough.”
“Uh, are you sure…?”
“Since you’re attending as my daughter’s friend, it’s only right that you dress appropriately. I’ll have someone guide you right away.”
With that, Marquis Puridi called over a nearby servant. I was then led to a dressing room where I was changed into a tailcoat and had my hair styled with perfume.
During that time, I didn’t do anything at all. I had heard that high-ranking nobles don’t dress themselves, and it seemed to be true. The servants did everything for me.
Once I was properly dressed, I was escorted to a reception room. In the center of the elegantly decorated room, adorned with paintings and vases, sat Marquis Puridi on a pair of large sofas.
A tea set was prepared on the low table, positioned in front of him and across from me. Did I really have to sit directly across from him…?
“Please, take a seat opposite the lord.”
The servant urged me. Seriously, they were making me sit directly across from him…
“Ex-excuse me…”
As I settled onto the sofa, the servant poured tea into my cup. It was probably made from high-quality tea leaves. A delightful aroma filled the room.
“Thank you for lending me your attire, Marquis Puridi.”
“Yes. It suits you quite well. Make yourself comfortable until my daughter is ready.”
“Y-yes…”
Even if he told me to relax…
A rather awkward silence ensued as we sipped our tea, facing each other.
This is way too uncomfortable…!
Should I bring up a topic, or should I remain silent? I had heard that noble sons learn such social etiquette in high society, but as a country bumpkin from the outskirts, I had never had such an opportunity.
I lost track of how much time had passed. After receiving a refill of tea, I began to feel the need to use the restroom.
“Do you think I’m a heartless father?”
Marquis Puridi suddenly posed the question, almost as if he were murmuring to himself.
It was quite abrupt and difficult to respond to…
“You must know, right? Tonight at the soirée, my daughter’s engagement will be announced. The partner is that Duke Lecherie.”
“…I’ve heard he doesn’t have the best reputation.”
“His family background is impeccable. However, he is of the same age as me and quite a bit older than my daughter. He already has six wives and even children older than her. …And above all, he openly boasts of being a lecher who enjoys tormenting young girls.”
“A lecher…?”
I hadn’t expected him to call Duke Lecherie a lecher. As I hesitated on how to react, Marquis Puridi offered me an apologetic smile, saying, “I’m sorry.”
“I just felt like venting to someone.”
“Do you regret it…?”
“Do you think I wouldn’t? What parent would want to marry their precious daughter off to that lecher? When Prince Slay first brought this up, I thought my insides were boiling over.”
Before I knew it, Marquis Puridi had clenched his fists on his lap. A glance at the servant revealed he too wore a regretful expression, his hands balled into fists.
“I would have liked to refuse if I could. But Prince Slay had already spoken to Duke Lecherie before me. They decided my daughter’s engagement without me present…! The royal family and the duke conspired to take my daughter from me! Those bastards!!”
As he shouted, the teacup hurled by Marquis Puridi shattered against the wall. He slumped deeply into the sofa, burying his head in his hands.
He must have been holding all of this in for quite some time… Being a mere country noble with no ties to the succession war, I was probably the perfect person for him to vent to.
“I cannot oppose the will of the royal family and the duke. All I could do was buy some time. Once she graduates from the academy, Lily will marry that lecher… Speaking of which, you are Lily’s friend, aren’t you? You could even say you’re childhood friends.”
“Yes. I believe so.”
“…Then, would you risk your life for Lily?”
“Of course.”
As I answered immediately, Marquis Puridi looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. He stared at me intently, a dry smile creeping onto his face.
“Then I shall assist you. Leave this place immediately and take Lily with you. In Pnosis Territory, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a place to hide her.”
I recalled a similar suggestion from Lily… As I pondered this, Marquis Puridi shook his head and sighed, saying, “I’m joking.”
“Forget it. Just the ramblings of a powerless father.”
“…No, Your Excellency. I too wish for Lily’s happiness. She is an important childhood friend to me. I don’t want to hand her over to Duke Lecherie… I mean, that lecher. —So, here.”
“A letter…?”
“Please read it, Marquis Puridi.”
I handed him the letter I had kept in the pocket of my tailcoat. This letter, given to me by Prince Lucas beforehand, contained the full details of the plan. Whether to share it with Marquis Puridi was entirely up to me.
There was no doubt about Marquis Puridi’s feelings for Lily. My enhanced observational skills from the «Ninja» Skill confirmed that. If all our previous interactions had been an act, it would have been quite impressive.
“The seal of the flower crown… What on earth…”
Marquis Puridi stared at the letter suspiciously. A servant quickly handed him a letter opener, and he carefully opened the letter.
As he read through its contents, I noticed his hand trembling while holding the letter.
“Is the content written here true…? Does my daughter know about this!?”
“Yes. This letter was written in front of me and Lily. We know everything about the events that will unfold tonight, as well as the hidden truths.”
“…Oh, what a thing this is.”
Marquis Puridi embraced the letter from Prince Lucas as if it were a treasured possession.
“Please, lend me your strength for Lily. Prince Lucas has said it’s fine for tonight only.”
“Tonight only? …That’s outrageous. If things proceed as written here, I would owe Prince Lucas a lifelong debt of gratitude. Rather, I should be the one to pledge my loyalty.”
Marquis Puridi straightened himself and bowed deeply to me.
“Please take care of Lily.”
“I understand, Your Excellency. Rest assured, I will protect her.”
With that, all preparations were complete.
Duke Lecherie, who had harmed Lily, would receive his due punishment.