Akatsuki Translations

Cradling two large wooden crates filled with an abundance of books and documents that he had brought out from the storage, Farsa was slowly walking down the corridors of the royal palace.

Maidens and nobles passing by gave him curious glances but they quickly recognized him from his black hair protruding from behind the crates and his robe of red and white. They courteously cleared the path for him.

Though many offered to help, Farsa politely declined, stating that the books were confidential and access was restricted. He chose to carry them by himself.

Truth be told, he would have preferred to use teleportation magic to lighten his load, but the sudden disappearance of hundreds of books would be suspicious to say the least.

As a side note, items without viewing restrictions were to be delivered to his laboratory later.

“You seem to have quite the load there. Do you need help?”

Yet another offer of assistance, but Farsa couldn’t see the speaker’s face because of the crates in his arms. However, from the tone of the voice, he deduced that the speaker was of higher status than himself. Deciding to confirm, he slowly lowered the crates to the floor.

The person who appeared before Farsa was a handsome man with golden flowing hair and emerald eyes, a face he was quite familiar with in Zenobia. He wore noble formal attire, a waistcoat, culottes, and a justaucorps, and was accompanied by several attendants.

“Apologies for my late greeting, Duke Dampierre. You seem to be in good health.” -Farsa

The man was none other than Silvestre de Dampierre, the one who had proposed to Zenobia. Farsa had wished to avoid encountering him at this time.

He had been thinking of having a direct conversation at some point, but that was after he had read the contents of the crates and formulated a proper strategy.

To meet the day after dining with the Marquis of Ctesiphon was far from ideal.

“You look well too. The novice wizard from back then is now the chief court magician, you never cease to amaze me. Even when I stay in my domain, I hear many stories about you. It seems you are making a big name for yourself.” -Duke Dampierre

“That’s high praise, I am simply trying to live up to His Majesty’s expectations. Duke Dampierre, you too are remarkable, maintaining peace in the north while keeping your eyes and ears open to the court.” -Farsa

Both men responded with friendly smiles, but the attendants behind Duke Dampierre wore strained smiles. Farsa had intentionally spread rumors about his relationship with Zenobia in the court, and it would have reached their ears as well.

Moreover, Duke Dampierre was also proposing to Zenobia, so from the outside, the two men were love rivals. Their exchange of smiles likely appeared as a veiled battle of wits.

“As a lord, it’s important to have a broad perspective. By the way, Lord Speciēs, you seem to be quite popular in social circles. Could you please teach me your secret to attracting women? I am turning 23 this year, yet I do not have a confirmed partner. You, being a well-known playboy, must have many tricks up your sleeve.” -Duke Dampierre

“That’s quite the joke. I am older than you, Duke Dampierre, and still single. I just can’t seem to find a good match.” -Farsa

“Haha, my apologies. You look so young that I forgot you are older.” -Duke Dampierre

“It is said that magicians age slower than normal people due to the influence of magic. It’s understandable that you would think so.” -Farsa

Farsa was unsure whether the Duke’s superficial demeanor was intentional or if he truly was unaware of the situation.

It was certain that Duke Dampierre knew about the rumors concerning Farsa and Zenobia. The question was whether he had proposed to Zenobia to supersede Farsa or whether he had intended to do so from the beginning, regardless of Farsa’s existence.

Without grasping the information and intentions of the other party, it would be extremely difficult to find a solution.

Farsa was impressed by the Duke, who was unreadable despite appearing to be just a simple noble. But then again, Farsa himself wasn’t any different, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Duke felt the same about him.

“Ladies would hate me if they heard us. There are stories of people going bankrupt after getting involved with dubious rejuvenation potions.” -Duke Dampierre

“Women do wish to stay young forever. Well, if my future wife desires so, I would recommend her to learn magic.” -Farsa

Wait a minute, why am I bringing this up, Farsa wondered, astonished by his own words. It was clear that Duke Dampierre was trying to steer the conversation towards women, a topic Farsa wanted to avoid at the moment.

He could have deflected the conversation subtly, but instead, he let slip words about a future wife.

In the current state of affairs, he could steer and expand the conversation in any direction he pleased, be it about the illegal drugs that were causing concern throughout the kingdom, estate management, economic matters, or even bankruptcy. However, it would be nothing short of a blunder to bring up topics that could easily be linked to Zenobia.

“A wife, huh? You may have already heard, but I’ve been thinking of settling down. Just the other day, I proposed to someone.” -Duke Dampierre

“That is indeed joyous news. The one who received a proposal from the Duke of Dampierre, who governs the north, must be over the moon.” -Farsa

Their words were clearly meant as a check, yet neither’s expression changed. It would be considered rude to abruptly end the conversation and leave, given that his interlocutor was a duke. From a distance, Farsa could see the nobles and servants eyeing them curiously.

He, the right-hand man of the First Princess and the court’s leading mage, Viscount Speciēs, was speaking with the Duke of Dampierre, the uncle of the Second Prince and vice-commander of the Black Iron Knights. Moreover, their conversation was taking place in the palace corridor, naturally drawing attention.

As Farsa maintained his undiminished smile during their exchange, he sought a good excuse to cut the conversation short.

“Well, I’m not sure about that. We were close when we were children, and she was very adorable. But now we hardly see each other because we’re both so busy. Still, she is the sister of my late best friend, and I want to ensure she leads a happy life.” -Duke Dampierre

“That’s commendable. By the way, your attendants look worried. Is there something urgent?” -Farsa

The Duke’s attendants were young men, probably around fifteen or sixteen, a knight and a butler. They had evidently changed their expressions due to the Duke’s words. Matters of noble engagements, which involve the honor of their families, are usually dealt with privately. If a Duke were to propose to a Marquis’s daughter and be rejected, it would become the laughingstock of society. From the Duke’s words about his late friend’s sister, it would be easy to deduce that the woman in question was Zenobia.

It was only natural for the attendants to worry about the Duke’s slip of the tongue, especially when Farsa, a potential rival in love, was present. While there was a chance the Duke knew that Farsa had been at the Marquis of Ctesiphon’s mansion the previous day, it was highly unlikely that his attendants had been informed. This misunderstanding provided Farsa with the perfect opportunity to end the conversation, and he pointed out their concern under the guise of a misinterpretation.

“Ah, I was invited by His Majesty the King, but it seems time has caught up with us while I was chatting with you. I apologize for offering my help and then having to leave.” -Duke Dampierre

“No, no, it was I who benefited from our meaningful time together. If I were to trouble you, the Duke, I would be blamed by others, so please don’t worry about it. I appreciate your concern.” -Farsa

The Duke of Dampierre took out a pocket watch, checked the time, and confirmed Farsa’s words. The two of them then gracefully excused themselves according to noble etiquette, and Farsa continued down the palace corridor.

He felt a slightly increased weight in the luggage he was carrying, but attributed it to his not being in the best of health. As Farsa pondered his next move, he felt a significant emotion stirring within him, which he attempted to suppress.