Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 14
Unable to shake off my curiosity about the noblewoman and the young man, I approached Freinir, who was enjoying a meal with Larni and Karma.
“Frei, I apologize for interrupting your meal, but do you know who those two talking to Princess Marishielle are?”
“Yes, the woman and the man over there. That is… um… those people…”
“You sense something, don’t you?”
“Yes. This feeling is similar to that strange priest we encountered during the ‘Ceremony of Saint Succession’ in the Royal Capital.”
“Both of them?”
“Yes, I can sense it from both of them, though it’s quite faint…”
“Does Larni not catch any scent?”
Engrossed in a fine meat dish, Larni swallowed her food and, with a puzzled expression, casually strolled near the two before returning.
“Indeed, there is a slightly unpleasant odor. It might be close to the scent of the Undead.”
“Soushi-sama, could it be…?”
“Ah, it’s possible they are connected to the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld.’ Since we’re here, shall we try talking to them?”
“Please be careful.”
“They wouldn’t dare cause a ruckus in a place like this.”
Naturally, Princess Marishielle and the leader of the Dominate Knights were present, along with elite knights stationed throughout for security. They must be aware that an A-Rank party like ours is here. Even if they were related to the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld,’ they wouldn’t act recklessly.
However, the thought that there might be connections to the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’ right in the heart of the Empire was unsettling. Then again, it was the same in Mecalinan and the Kingdom. In fact, both were often found close to those in power.
Feeling the presence of Bad Luck, I made my way toward Princess Marishielle.
“Your Highness, this dish is truly delicious.”
Feigning ignorance, I interrupted the princess mid-conversation. The noblewoman frowned at the disruption. I bowed my head as if I had just noticed them.
“I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I am Soushi Okuno, recently granted the title of Count in the Empire. I’m sorry for intruding on your discussion.”
As I offered my apology, the middle-aged noblewoman with brownish-gold hair piled high on her head suddenly broke into a friendly smile.
“Ah, Hero, I must apologize for my delayed greeting. I am Rosemary Falcram, granted the title of Marchioness in the Empire. This is my foolish son, Momental. Please take note of him.”
It seemed that Marchioness Falcram was the head of her household. The young man standing beside her, Momental, was a towering figure, half a head taller than me. With neatly styled dull gold hair, he exuded the aura of a spirited young man.
“The Falcram family is renowned in the Empire for its martial prowess, alongside the Zanzagil family, Count Okuno.”
Princess Marishielle added, still appearing somewhat tense around me.
“I see. I have personally experienced the high level of training among the Empire’s soldiers. I would love to visit the Marchioness’s territory someday.”
“If the Hero were to visit, it would surely boost the morale of our soldiers. I hear you are participating in this martial arts tournament. If you happen to face Momental, I would appreciate your guidance.”
As the Marchioness spoke, Momental stepped forward confidently, looking down at me due to our height difference.
“Nice to meet you, Count Okuno. I am Momental, the eldest son of the Falcram family. I am an A-Rank adventurer and have gained a fair amount of renown within the Empire. I look forward to crossing swords with you in the tournament.”
Though he bowed, there was an air of arrogance about him, as if his words lacked sincerity. Given his background as a member of the esteemed Falcram family, I could understand his demeanor. If he was participating in the tournament, he likely had confidence in his abilities.
“Let us both give our all when that time comes. By the way, how long have you been an adventurer, Momental?”
“About a year and a half, I suppose. I reached A-Rank faster than anyone except Princess Marishielle.”
“That’s impressive. It must be the result of exceptional talent and relentless training.”
“I’ve merely conducted myself in a manner befitting a member of the ‘Water Lily Lion’ under the Princess’s leadership. I take pride in being the one closest to her.”
As he spoke, I noticed a glint of rivalry in his eyes directed at me.
His attitude towards a sudden appearance of a hero might be appropriate, but there was also the possibility that he harbored feelings for Princess Marishielle and viewed me as an obstacle. I wanted to deny any such intentions, but with the Emperor’s endorsement, it was a complicated situation.
“Momental, that’s enough. Count Okuno, we must take our leave. Princess Marishielle, I ask that you continue to look after my foolish son. Farewell.”
Sensing the atmosphere becoming awkward, Marchioness Falcram gracefully bowed and led her son away.
As I watched their retreating figures, Princess Marishielle spoke up, concern evident in her voice.
“P-Please don’t take offense, Count Okuno. Momental is usually a quiet man, but with the tournament approaching, he seems a bit overly spirited.”
“No, I understand. As a newcomer, it’s only natural for a talented young man like him to feel a bit anxious. By the way, he is a member of your party, isn’t he?”
“Yes… He joined about a month ago, and he is quite an exceptional warrior. He is dedicated, and the other members trust him.”
“I see. From what you mentioned earlier, he will also be participating in the tournament…”
“Y-Yes. He has been quite vocal about wanting to defeat me. Bringing him into the party was somewhat of a forceful decision on my part.”
A slightly troubled expression crossed Princess Marishielle’s face.
At first, it sounded like a youthful rivalry between young men, but the latter part of her statement hinted at some political undertones. After all, it was unlikely that a princess would attract suitors purely based on personal preference.
“You don’t intend to lose to him, do you?”
“Y-Yes, of course. I won’t hold back in battle. That would be disrespectful to anyone.”
“I agree with your stance. However, I see…”
“D-Do you have something on your mind?”
“No…”
“Oh my, it seems you two have grown quite close. When you speak so intimately, it makes the scrutiny from those around me quite uncomfortable.”
At that moment, the Emperor appeared, wearing a sardonic smile.
Knowing he was the one stirring the pot, it was clear he was joking, but there was likely some truth behind it. Sensing this, Princess Marishielle furrowed her brow slightly.
“Your Imperial Majesty, if I may ask, what position does the Falcram family hold among the nobility of the Empire?”
“Are you concerned about Momental? I’ve heard he is quite strong, but I don’t believe he can match you, Soushi. As for the Falcram family, they have been a pillar of the Empire since its inception. The previous head passed away unexpectedly, and his wife, Marchioness Rosemary, inherited the title. It seems she intends to pass it on to her son, Momental, once he establishes himself as a renowned adventurer.”
“So they are a significant family… Your Imperial Majesty, I have something I wish to discuss privately. May I have a moment of your time?”
The Emperor looked slightly surprised at my request, then nodded, his expression softening.
“Of course, if it’s a matter concerning you, Hero, I will listen. Is there anyone else you think should be present?”
“I would like the Prime Minister and Princess Marishielle to join us, if possible.”
“Understood. After this gathering, I will arrange a meeting.”
While I needed to discuss matters, I had to tread carefully when speaking with one of the Empire’s foremost dignitaries. Though I had been elevated to the status of a hero and granted a title, I was still merely a newcomer in this intricate world.