Akatsuki Translations

“While it’s necessary to inquire about the true intentions of the other party, negotiations through strategic marriages are an everyday occurrence for nobles. I’m also of a certain age, so I understand the discretion required, unlike in the past. My apologies, Farsa-dono, it seems our little marriage charade has come to an end.” -Zenobia

Her use of the term ‘marriage charade’ was tantamount to confessing that her engagement with Farsa had been a sham. A self-mocking smile played on Zenobia’s lips as Farsa and the Marquis of Ctesiphon listened in silence.

The former didn’t want to make the mistake of showing panic and thus admitting the truth of Zenobia’s statement. The latter, it seemed, had been prepared for such a deception from the beginning.

Regardless of what the Duke of Dampierre had in mind, as a duchess—and indeed as his legal wife—Zenobia would have a certain amount of influence over the northern nobility. It could be considered optimal for the Duke and Zenobia to marry in order to suppress opposition toward Roux, a demon.

However, because the Duke of Dampierre supports the second prince, Zenobia would outwardly need to distance herself from Princess Aurelia’s faction. The loss of the talented Zenobia would be a blow to Princess Aurelia’s faction, but they could gain a strong connection to the northern nobility behind the scenes, so overall, the benefits outweigh the losses.

Regarding the Order of the White Lily Knights, Zenobia’s position could be handed over to Cecilia, who had served as acting captain for about a year.

“Certainly, for us in Princess Aurelia’s faction, accepting the marriage proposal from the Duke of Dampierre would be the best choice.” -Farsa

If one only pursues Farsa’s goals and the benefits of Princess Aurelia’s faction, there is no denying that Zenobia’s choice is the most efficient. Therefore, her current statement was undoubtedly sincere.

“Y-Yes, that’s right, Farsa-dono, I thought you would say that. I’ve learned a fair amount about politics from my father and under Princess Aurelia. When considering the benefits I can gain on my own, there isn’t a better deal than this.” -Zenobia

“But… I am opposed. Your choice might be optimal, but it’s not perfect. I can’t accept treating Zenobia as a pawn. A result that is built upon someone’s sacrifice is wrong.” -Farsa

Farsa, however, outright denies Zenobia’s proposal. His approval of the marriage proposal with the Duke of Dampierre was conditional upon disregarding Zenobia’s personal feelings.

“D-don’t be ridiculous! What complaint could you have about a choice that aligns with your principles, Farsa-dono?” -Zenobia

“Are you saying that seriously? It would be outrageous if you think I’m a shameless person who would joyfully choose a method that sacrifices someone.” -Farsa

Farsa has the ruthless side of being able to choose a method that saves 100 lives at the cost of 10, and has actually carried it out. However, this is only when there are no other choices.

He is someone who has been accumulating knowledge and power to solve problems before they reach the stage where such a decision has to be made.

“Hmph, after all that, you didn’t realize that you’re the shameless one, Farsa-dono? It seems like the chief court magician who has preyed on numerous women other than myself has quite a naive mindset. After all, you intended to use this marriage proposal to increase your standing with Princess Aurelia. There’s no need to keep wearing a false mask in front of my father.” -Zenobia

“Zenobia, could you correct what you just said? I’ve never done anything with the intentions you’re describing.” -Farsa

“I refuse. I’m just stating the facts.” -Zenobia

Zenobia, who made a comment that belittled Farsa, had a cold look in her eyes that seemed inconsistent with her earlier gaiety. It was as if all her feelings for Farsa had been an act. On the other hand, Farsa, though slightly agitated, retorted to her words with a strengthened tone. Although Farsa was used to receiving snide remarks from other nobles, his current opponent was Zenobia, a woman and human with whom he had the closest relationship and with whom he had spent a significant amount of time.

About four years. But Farsa was aware that those four years felt more intense than the hundred years he had spent living as a demon in idleness. That’s why Zenobia’s words pierced his heart like thorns.

“Enough from both of you! Zenobia, are you really okay with breaking off your engagement with Farsa-dono and pursuing marriage with the Duke of Dampierre, as you just said? Surely you’re not making this decision based on momentary feelings?” -Marquis Ctesiphon

The two of them were exchanging glances as if they were in a standoff, but the Marquis of Ctesiphon, who had been silent until now, reprimanded them and reconfirmed his beloved daughter’s intentions. His expression became more stern, exuding the aura of a warrior commanding a knight’s order on the battlefield. If a green recruit were to face him, they would undoubtedly tremble and be unable to tell any lies.

“Of course. Please let the Duke of Dampierre know that we would like to meet him whenever it is convenient.” -Zenobia

Zenobia, undeterred, looked straight into her father’s eyes and responded. Her beautiful eyes held a strong determination.

“…I see. If that’s what you’ve decided, I have nothing to say. Farsa-kun, I apologize, but unless my daughter changes her mind, let’s pretend this conversation never happened.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Ah, it can’t be helped now. It doesn’t look like we can have a proper conversation in this situation, so I’ll take my leave for today. Marquis of Ctesiphon, I apologize for the outcome of today’s meeting.” -Farsa

As the heavy atmosphere cast by the Marquis of Ctesiphon dispersed, words of apology were uttered for the engagement discussion. Deciding that the current problem couldn’t be solved right now, Farsa agreed and apologized while letting out a sigh. He glanced at Zenobia, but she made no effort to meet his gaze.

“Well, although it’s not true that I don’t care, there’s no point in saying anything now. I’ll talk to my daughter again later.” -Marquis Ctesiphon

“Father, no matter what you say, my intentions will not change. Farsa-dono, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from visiting this mansion in the future. It might cause troublesome rumors for an unmarried lady.” -Zenobia

“…Then, I will take my leave.” -Farsa

With Zenobia stubbornly maintaining her attitude, Farsa, though somewhat exasperated, bowed and left the room. Farsa, who had exited the dining room, told the waiting servants that he was leaving and was guided out of the mansion.

The beautiful rose arch that had welcomed him now seemed to be clothed in thorns, as if it were determined to repel outsiders. Farsa mocked his own sentimentalism as he walked away.

“Please wait, Lord Speciēs.” -Butler

“…What can I do for you?” -Farsa

Just as he was about to step off the mansion grounds, he was called from behind by the old butler who had greeted him when he arrived.

Evening was supposed to bring a cool respite, yet sweat beaded on his forehead as the curtain of night began to descend.

“I apologize once again for my impertinent remarks, unbefitting of a servant,” said the old butler, bowing deeply.

Farsa gazed at the man’s head, which was more white than gray, and guessed why he had come. For Farsa, it wasn’t a big deal, but as a nobleman with the rank of viscount, it was considered prudent to accept the apology for the other party’s sake.

“I accept your apology, in recognition of your sincerity. By the way, did Zenobia have anything to say?” -Farsa

“Thank you for your generous consideration. It’s difficult to tell you this, but I have been instructed by Lady Zenobia not to invite Lord Speciēsto the mansion in the future.” -Butler

“Hahaha, she seems to be quite thorough. I wonder who she got that stubbornness from.” -Farsa

“I would not presume to say.” -Butler

Despite his flippant remarks, Farsa admired the butler standing before him. The apology was for a conversation that had occurred during a visit to the mansion, specifically about a potential engagement with Zenobia, which an ordinary servant had commented on.

The old butler had spoken positively about Farsa’s possible engagement with Zenobia, but in reality, the proposal had fallen through, and he was apologizing again to ease any lingering concerns. A malevolent noble might accuse the servant of insult and blame the Marquis of Ctesiphon, who employed the old butler, for the incident.

Farsa considered it absurd, but there were many past instances of such scenarios, and the butler before him had preemptively diffused the potential issue. His remarks about Farsa were merely the ramblings of an old man who couldn’t resist doting on Miss Zenobia, so as not to implicate the Marquis of Ctesiphon. Of course, Farsa understood that he wouldn’t make a fuss over such a minor matter, but the butler was probably apologizing to show his sincerity.

What impressed Farsa wasn’t just that, but the fact that the butler maintained a friendly attitude towards him within the boundaries of his role as a servant. It’s not common to simply relay the master’s orders honestly. Even if Farsa were to visit the mansion again, the normal response would be to make up a good reason to deceive him.

The butler’s final words, that he couldn’t dare to say, seemed to indirectly suggest that the master, the Marquis of Ctesiphon, was also stubborn. In other words, the seemingly serious old butler standing before Farsa may be hinting that while he is loyal to his employer, he can also adapt based on his own judgement and still has a positive impression of Farsa.

Lady Zenobia is mistaken, and if possible, she wants Farsa to do something about it. Since expressing her true feelings directly would be considered a betrayal of her master, she maintains the pretense of apologizing for her rude actions.

“May I ask your name?” -Farsa

“Yes, my name is Sebastian Felgenhauer. Please call me Sebas.” -Sebas

“It seems you really care about this house, about the Ctesiphon family, don’t you, Sebas-san?” -Farsa

“I am certain that this is the family I should serve for the rest of my life.” -Sebas

Sebas’s words had the weight of coming from the depths of his heart. Farsa, however, didn’t have much to do with loyalty. Even though he was regarded as Princess Aurelia’s right-hand man, their relationship was based solely on mutual interests.

He might have some affection due to their association, but he had no intention of pledging loyalty. In Farsa’s eyes, those who devoted their loyalty to someone always seemed to shine.

“I see, I’m quite envious of having a butler with such devotion. Well, I can’t keep chatting for long, so I’ll take my leave.” -Farsa

Farsa, who wanted to talk a bit more, saw other servants who seemed to be chasing after Sebas from afar, so he cut the conversation short and withdrew. He informed the coachman who had been waiting for him that he would walk, and Farsa started to walk down the nobleman’s street.

“Felgenhauer, sounds like he might be from Germania.” -Farsa

Ensuring there were no people around, Farsa murmured softly. It was unusual for a nobleman to ask a commoner, especially a servant, for their name, unless there was a complaint or they were highly praised for their work. Farsa was obviously the latter, but he had unexpectedly discovered that Sebas was from the Germania Empire.

The eastern neighboring Germania Empire, although an ally, is potentially an enemy of the Valois Kingdom, where Sebas serves as a butler for a noble family. The Germania Empire has expanded its territory through military invasions, and has had many skirmishes with the Valois Kingdom in the past.

The reason they have not launched a full-scale invasion of the Valois Kingdom and have even formed an alliance is likely because they see it as a bulwark against the threat of demons. They may be waiting for the right time when both the Valois Kingdom and the demons have exhausted their military power.

Sebas, a servant from such an ally formed by calculation, serves the Ctesiphon family, a powerful noble family in the kingdom, and a house that guards the border with the Empire. Farsa didn’t know why Sebas had come to serve the Ctesiphon family, but Sebas, who had revealed his identity, could put his position at risk.

Even when they were investigating Zenobia’s surroundings, it had not been determined that Sebas was from the Germania Empire, let alone that he had a surname.

“In any case, I’m beat. It seems like my personality is quite well known.” -Farsa

As they investigated Zenobia’s surroundings, it was clear that the Marquis of Ctesiphon had done the same to Farsa, and Sebas was probably at the center of it. This in itself was not a problem, in fact, it was a recommended practice.

The public history of Farsa is that he was a foreign magician who was picked up by Princess Aurelia on her journey for his magical skills. He has been suspected of being a spy or assassin from another country more than once, and being investigated is almost a daily occurrence.

It’s just Farsa’s speculation, but it’s thought that Sebas, the butler, has thoroughly investigated Farsa and has seen through his character and what he values. Farsa, who tends to make enemies easily due to his dubious background, does not like to unjustly betray or belittle others.

Also, he doesn’t simply bite the hand that feeds him, and he is basically suspicious of everything. And so far, he has answered favors with favors and trust with results.

If it became public that Sebas was from the Germania Empire, he would undoubtedly lose his job. The Marquis of Ctesiphon might be able to protect him, but Sebas’s loyalty would probably reject that. The best sincerity a mere butler can offer is his true identity, and Farsa Speciēs, a man in the aristocratic society filled with power struggles, is not a person who would treat someone who trusts him unfairly. That’s what he must have judged.

Originally, Farsa had no intention of accepting the marriage between Zenobia and the Duke of Dampierre, but now he had one more reason he couldn’t run away from.

“A waxing moon, huh.” -Farsa

Farsa looked up at the night sky where the moon was quietly shining, and stopped in his tracks. The reason Zenobia had accepted the proposal from the Duke of Dampierre was undoubtedly out of devotion.

Knowing Farsa’s true feelings to safely return Roux to her parents, she was trying to sacrifice herself. She had even acted poorly to anger Farsa and keep him away from her.

Did she think I would be fooled by something that superficial? Or perhaps, she had another reason to convey her determination, even if she didn’t deceive me, Farsa thought, gazing at the moon shimmering in gold, as she envisioned Zenobia in his mind.