Akatsuki Translations

The sinking sun cast an auburn glow over the royal capital, as the hustle and bustle of people gradually quieted.

In a corner of the aristocratic district, where mansions lined the area surrounding the royal palace at the heart of the capital, a single carriage came to a halt.

“Whew, I’m a bit nervous.” -Farsa

As he descended from the carriage, Farsa found himself standing alone in front of a massive mansion. Dressed in a waistcoat and culottes, covered with a justaucorps, Farsa bore the air of a true noble. Normally, he would be clad in a robe of red and white, signifying his role as a court magician. However, this was not a regular occasion, for his engagement to Zenobia was also at stake. In the Kingdom of Valois, it was customary for nobility to dress in formal attire as a matter of etiquette.

“We have been expecting you, Viscount Speciēs. Please, this way,” greeted an elderly gentleman, likely a butler serving the Ctesiphon family. Dressed in a tailcoat, he had been waiting at the mansion’s gate, and he began to guide Farsa with impeccable manners. Farsa was about to face a dinner meeting with Marquis Ctesiphon.

As they passed through the gate, a cobblestone path and a well-kept garden sprung into Farsa’s view. “This is truly the home of one of the most influential nobles in the Kingdom of Valois,” Farsa mused to himself. From the gate to the entrance of the mansion, a series of pipe arches entwined with red and white roses were designed to delight visitors.

“These are Alba Roses and Gallica Roses. The use of roses, once symbols of conflict, to express harmony… it seems to reflect Marquis Ctesiphon’s feelings for the kingdom.” -Farsa

“Indeed, Viscount Speciēs, your reputation in the salon precedes you. I must say, I’m impressed by your knowledge of horticulture.” -Butler

“I wouldn’t say I’m that knowledgeable. It’s just that these two types of roses hold a personal significance to me.” -Farsa

“Is that so?” -Butler

As the elderly butler and Farsa exchanged words, they continued to walk through the arches. The white Alba Rose and the red Gallica Rose were once the symbols of two noble families fighting over the throne in another country. The conflict, known as the War of the Roses, ended with the marriage of the two houses, and the Tudor Rose, a combination of the red and white roses, was born.

Farsa, who found parallels between his own circumstances and these roses, had a fondness for them and even grew them in the garden of his own mansion. He had little time to care for them himself, leaving it mostly to the gardener, but he occasionally enjoyed reading while gazing at them when time allowed. Furthermore, Marquis Ctesiphon was a famous figure who maintained neutrality in court factional disputes, a warrior who always declared his loyalty to the current king.

“It’s quite moving,” the butler remarked, stopping at the entrance to the mansion.

“Is something the matter?” -Farsa

“Lady Zenobia choosing her own marriage partner and introducing him to the master is something we couldn’t have imagined not so long ago. Since meeting you, Viscount Speciēs, she has begun to smile as she used to, as if her brother Leonard-sama were still alive.” -Butler

“That is… no, I’m glad to hear that,” Farsa replied. The old butler standing before him had likely served Zenobia since she was a child. He had probably witnessed her growing up with her late brother Leonard, and her hatred for court magicians after losing her brother.

Farsa responded humbly, keeping in mind the butler’s likely affection for Zenobia, akin to that of a family member, despite the difference in their status as servant and master.

“Ah, I have said too much for a butler. Now, Viscount Speciēs, let me guide you inside the mansion,” the butler said with a broad, grandfatherly smile, bowing deeply before opening the lavishly decorated door.

Farsa followed the butler, walking past a line of servants who had gathered in the entrance hall to greet him. The entrance hall was high-ceilinged, with a dazzling chandelier adorned with various jewels, and the walls were decorated with only the most exquisite paintings. The vases and statues also showcased refined craftsmanship, indicating that they were made over a long period by renowned artisans.

Even though Marquis Ctesiphon was a rugged warrior, he was expected to live a lifestyle befitting his status. Especially for nobles who owned territories, their incomes were incomparably larger than those of commoners, and if they did not spend their wealth, the economy would stagnate. There were even some nobles who lived lavishly to the point of vulgarity, but the Ctesiphon mansion exuded a sense of refined luxury. The mansion of a noble was said to reflect the character of its owner, and from that point of view, Marquis Ctesiphon’s mansion was to Farsa’s liking.

As Farsa admired the furnishings while walking through the mansion, he soon arrived at the dining room.

“Master, Lady, I have brought Viscount Speciēs.” -Butler

“Very well, enter.”

Upon entering the dining room, Farsa was greeted by a long table that could seat twenty to thirty people. Candlesticks and flowers in vases adorned the table, with a multitude of servants standing by along the walls. At the far end of the room, at the head of the long table, a burly man with crossed arms awaited, his eyes wide open. His dignified, mustachioed face and the muscular build visible even through his clothing immediately identified him as Marquis Ctesiphon, renowned as a military noble.

Straightening his back, Farsa moved towards the back of the room with calm steps.

“I thank you for inviting me to dinner this evening, Marquis Ctesiphon.” -Farsa

“Good of you to come, Viscount Speciēs. Or would you prefer I call you Farsa-kun, as a sign of familiarity?” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Whatever makes you comfortable, sir.” -Farsa

“Hmm, then Farsa-kun it is. I’m sure we have much to talk about, but first, let’s eat. We are men of action, after all. Food comes first.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

After exchanging pleasantries with Marquis Ctesiphon, Farsa took his seat where a silver table setting was laid out, as prompted.

Across from Farsa sat Zenobia, her face stiff with tension, while the Marquis of Ctesiphon occupied the right diagonal front, or the so-called chairman’s seat.

Zenobia, usually dressed in armor, was now stunning in a black-based dress, exuding the dignity of an upper-class lady. Despite being in front of her father, her attire was less revealing than before. She wore a hair ornament that Farsa had secretly given her, an apparent testament to her maidenly affections.

On the other hand, the Marquis of Ctesiphon, with his golden hair cut short – a common trait among the people of the Valois Kingdom – and his tanned skin, stood out in contrast to Farsa’s formal aristocratic attire. It couldn’t be helped that his physique seemed more suited to armor or a military uniform.

Farsa was realizing that his manners were being tested while thinking that the saying “health is wealth” was still a fitting remark for a marquis who continues to engage in battles.

Nobility comes with many etiquettes, and those who have been raised in noble families since birth receive this education from a young age. However, most of the upstart nobles like Farsa, who are all of commoner origin, lived without knowing such noble etiquettes, which is quite a common story.

“By the way, Farsa-kun, how about an aperitif?” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“I’ll partake.” -Farsa

“Father, I… I’ll have carbonated water.” -Zenobia

Drinking an aperitif – a pre-dinner drink – is common among the nobility of the Valois Kingdom. Typically, champagne from the southern part of the Valois Kingdom, the main production area, is drunk. If one wants to avoid alcohol, it’s common to drink carbonated water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

As the servants each brought drinks to the table, Farsa and Zenobia held their glasses, waiting for the Marquis of Ctesiphon’s words.

“Let us express our thanks to the goddess Fortuna who has brought a good match between the Ctesiphon family and Lord Speciēs.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Our thanks” -Farsa

“Our thanks” -Zenobia

With these words of gratitude to the goddess, the trio raised their long glasses, and their private dining commenced.

However, Farsa was a little puzzled by the Marquis’s premature talk of a good match. Of course, the Marquis was aware that Farsa had come with the intention of obtaining approval for his marriage to Zenobia. It was assumed that the main topic would be broached after observing Farsa’s noble manners throughout the meal. But to mention a good match from the beginning seemed somewhat premature.

Normally, it would be appropriate to toast to friendship or an encounter, and the word “good match” should be used in a situation where Farsa and Zenobia’s engagement has been recognized, and their relationship is about to be made public.

It’s unthinkable that the head of the Ctesiphon family, with its deep history in the Valois Kingdom, would not know such common sense, and even without Farsa, it would feel off. Indeed, Zenobia, sitting across from Farsa, was also looking at her father with a puzzled expression.

Still, for now, there was no point in worrying about such things, so Farsa focused on elegantly bringing the appetizers and other dishes that were being served to his mouth in a manner befitting a nobleman.

The dining etiquette of the Valois Kingdom is particularly strict compared to the surrounding countries, and one cannot let down one’s guard. Salad, soup, bread, fish dishes, and more keep coming, and Farsa realized something as he tasted the white wine served with the fish.

“Is this… could this be made with grapes harvested in the Marquis of Ctesiphon’s territory?” -Farsa

“Ho ho, are you knowledgeable about wine?” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Just to an extent. Wines made of the Chardonnay variety have a distinctive aroma because they are fermented in oak barrels. It’s well-known that high-quality grapes are harvested in the eastern part of the Valois Kingdom, especially in the territory of the Marquis of Ctesiphon.” -Farsa

“I’ve always thought that the best wine comes from the East.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“I agree.” -Farsa

“You’re quite understanding for a young man. Let’s have some of my treasured wines brought over.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

With that, the Marquis of Ctesiphon ordered his servants, and they began serving several wines that had been aged in the cellar.

The wine talk between Farsa and the Marquis of Ctesiphon continued unabated, taking on the aspect of a tasting rather than a noble dinner party. As Zenobia watched the two, she wore a slightly pleased expression.

“Hahaha, I never imagined I’d have such a conversation with a young man more than half my age. I wish I could have had a drink with my son, Leonard, like this.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Father…” -Zenobia

The flushed Marquis of Ctesiphon voiced his thoughts in a melancholic tone, his gaze drifting out the large window.

Farsa could somewhat understand the Marquis of Ctesiphon’s feelings. Just as Farsa had special feelings for his parents, the Marquis of Ctesiphon was likely yearning for a son.

“I know it’s abrupt to say this, but as you may know, my only child now is Zenobia. My wife was said to have difficulty having children, and having two was somewhat of a miracle.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

Farsa knew this all too well. He had thoroughly investigated the backgrounds, family histories, friendships, abilities, and past actions of those in Princess Aurelia’s faction. Naturally, the internal affairs of the Ctesiphon family had also been investigated.

“I believe you defied opposition to marry your wife.” -Farsa

“Yes. My wife was the daughter of a concubine from a viscount’s family. Naturally, there was great opposition to her marriage to me, the heir to a Marquis family, let alone making her my legal wife. On top of that, the doctors told us that it would be difficult to have children. In the end, I chose to be with her, ready to be disowned, in a situation almost like eloping. Well, at the time, I was already the vice-captain of the knight’s order and had been conferred the title of baron independent of my family, so there was no problem in supporting a wife.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

The Marquis of Ctesiphon’s face, as he spoke of those days, was like that of a mischievous boy who had succeeded in a prank.

Marriages across different social statuses aren’t uncommon, but most often, the women become concubines, such as the third or fourth wife. The legal wife is usually part of a political marriage, and it’s not uncommon for both parties to have their own true loves. This is the reality of the Valois Kingdom’s noble society.

However, such relationships often lead to problems, and there are countless stories of a legal wife, envious of her husband’s attention to a concubine’s child, assassinating the concubine and her child. Usually, the truth is buried in the shadows, but considering these societal norms, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Marquis of Ctesiphon is an exception.

And for a noble wife, giving birth to a male heir is the most important duty. It’s not hard to imagine how much struggle it took to get to the point of elopement. The Marquis of Ctesiphon’s elopement was turned into a play in the capital and became widely known.

A love story across different social statuses, and the miracle of two children being born, is always cherished. However, since the death of Leonard, the performances about the Marquis of Ctesiphon have been self-censored.

“I see. That’s why you are still devoted to your wife.” -Farsa

“Well, yes. I’m aware that it’s shameful behavior as a noble, but I still don’t feel like loving anyone other than my wife. In the end, there were no siblings who were judged to have more ability to succeed the marquisate than me, and after the birth of my eldest son, I became the head of the marquis family like this, but if there was a suitable heir, I would have given it up immediately. There was some noise from the sidelines after Leonard’s death, but now that a good story has come along, I guess good things come to those who wait.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

It seems that since Leonard’s death, and the fact that no other children were born after Zenobia, that’s what it means. If you consider the continuity of the family as a noble, you should still welcome several concubines. It is a fact that such stories were numerous after Leonard’s death, as mentioned in the investigation results.

At the same time, there were a mountain of marriage proposals for Zenobia, but they were all turned down by her. However, the Marquis of Ctesiphon respected Zenobia’s will and remained faithful to his wife, and Farsa held a feeling of respect for him.

But at the same time, he had doubts. He was too understanding.

“A good story…? As you may know, I’m an upstart noble from a commoner background. I don’t have blue blood, and as you can see, I’m not even a pure Valoisian. Do you really think it’s a good story, a good match for me to marry Zenobia-dono? If so, I must criticize you for being a bit careless, despite being a renowned commander.” -Farsa

“What are you saying out of the blue, Farsa-dono? That’s too much. If it’s a slip of the tongue because you’re drunk, take it back right away. Did you drink too much because you’re nervous?” -Zenobia

Zenobia raised her voice slightly to caution Farsa, who could be taken as speaking out of line. The original purpose was to get the Marquis of Ctesiphon to mediate with the northern nobility, on the grounds of the marriage relationship. If the Marquis of Ctesiphon is favorable to Farsa, the conversation will go faster.

It is a mistake to say something that will anger the other party. That’s why Zenobia is advising Farsa to apologize as if he was drunk. Even if it was a slip of the tongue, if it was because he was drunk from being too nervous, it’s still a recoverable situation.

However, Farsa didn’t show any signs of taking Zenobia’s consideration, and with his expression unchanging, he just stared at the Marquis of Ctesiphon, waiting for a response.