Episode 7: Imminent Conflict
I’ve pulled strings in the past to help those wrongly accused and imprisoned. However, nobles are the highest authority in this world, so my actions—cozying up to the weak and acting in a manner unbecoming of a noble—make me appear soft.
(I was surprised by the backlash back then, it was much stronger than I expected.)
Even my usually mild-mannered father scolded me. In short, I’m currently just a useless Ortenos fool with no title but plenty of scandal, truly good for nothing.
“So what? No matter what anyone says, I will only serve Elmia-sama.”
I’ve decided to support Elmia, so whatever the Lanecki heir says is irrelevant. Besides, I hate being looked down on.
“Can’t you listen to me? Know your place! You’re nothing but a nuisance to the Lanecki Family, the House Ortenos, and even the Nevilim!”
“……Guh.”
Jilga grabbed my collar and lifted me with one hand. His grip tightened around my neck with noble-like strength.
“P-Please stop! Jilga-dono.”
Elmia hesitated for a moment before trying to stop Jilga. Jilga had more power due to his family’s influence, so Elmia couldn’t stand up to him strongly. Although the House Ortenos had a higher status, the Lanecki Family was overwhelmingly more powerful in practice.
“Don’t stop me, Elmia. This is all for your sake. You see, Elmia, it’s wrong for you to have such strong feelings for Sharka-dono. I won’t stop until you understand. So, you should reconsider what it means to be a noble and learn it properly.”
“……I understand, so please don’t bully my brother anymore……”
Elmia pleaded with Jilga. Tears streamed down her face. The superior demeanor she had shown earlier was gone, replaced by a vulnerable girl.
(Ah…)
Elmia has always been highly empathetic. Whenever I was in trouble, she would always cry. I would always stay by her side until she stopped crying.
(Can she really manage as the next head of the family like that? As her brother, I’m worried.)
“Elmia, a noble shouldn’t cry in a place like this. You must be pragmatic. It’s unacceptable for you to look at other noble men when you have a fiancé like me, even if he is your brother! If you continue to fraternize with Sharka-dono, you will have to stay in the Lanecki Family from now on… Ouch!”
I gripped Jilga’s arm, the one holding my collar, tightly. I didn’t break any bones, but I squeezed hard enough to leave a mark, and Jilga’s grip loosened.
“Elmia-sama, are you alright?”
I took out a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped away Elmia’s tears. Her eyes were red, and her pupils were moist. Like a touch of warmth on white snow, she was sacred and beautiful.
“I’m fine. Are you alright, Brother?”
“Yes. More importantly, Elmia-sama, your way of addressing me has gone back to how it used to be.”
“Oh… Sharka, your collar is crooked.”
Elmia straightened my crumpled collar.
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing. Taking care of your subordinate’s appearance is the duty of a ‘superior’.”
Elmia smiled shyly. It seemed she had regained her usual composure.
“Ugh…!”
Jilga held his arm, his face red, and gnashed his teeth. I don’t know if it’s because she’s his fiancée, but his obsession with Elmia is abnormal. It seems he routinely subjects her to the kind of noble harassment he just displayed.
(If he harms Elmia any further, I might have to “deal” with him somewhere.)
As Jilga and I exuded an atmosphere of imminent conflict, a female noble timidly raised her hand and spoke.
“Um, everyone, is it alright to be involved with the fool Sharka any longer? I think it’s almost time for the meeting.”
Carlotta la Erschein, the next head of the Erschein Family. A girl with glossy, long purple hair flowing down her back. The impressive curves visible even through her clothes are inherited from her mother, the current head. At sixteen, she is one of the oldest among the next heads.
“Y-Yes, that’s right. Shall we head to the venue soon…?”
Encante agreed with Carlotta, as if being swept along.
“Elmia, if you continue to associate with that fool, I will have to reconsider things…!”
Jilga left with a stalker-like parting shot, stomping away in frustration.
“Sharka-dono, contrary to the rumors I’ve heard, you seem quite calm and intelligent. I like you.”
Dinoren said with an air of superiority. I don’t like him at all.
“How kind of you.”
“If you don’t mind, please give me some time later. Let’s talk for a bit.”
“Yes, if there’s an opportunity.”
I couldn’t figure out this orange-haired young man at all. I don’t know if I’ll have the chance to meet him again, but I shouldn’t open my heart to him easily.
“Sharka, you’re strong, but don’t get too cocky. I think you understand that.”
Elmia said with a slightly serious expression. I see, she means I shouldn’t achieve too much in my First Campaign.
“Of course, Elmia-sama.”
“Hehe, if you understand, that’s good. Also, listen carefully to Getrude. You seem a bit reckless to me, Sharka.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“And… well then, good luck, Brother.”
“……”
Elmia whispered “Brother” in my ear and kissed my cheek. Then, she left the balcony with her entourage.
“……What was that?”
Recalling the soft sensation of her lips on my cheek, I felt an indescribable mix of joy and embarrassment. I tightened my expression with an iron will, preventing it from turning into a silly grin.
—Because I am finally taking my first step towards my First Campaign.