Akatsuki Translations

“Zenobia’s behavior… Yes, I too was confused and had no room for speculation, but upon reflection, I must admit that her demeanor in the presence of Princess Aurelia was indeed strange. She seemed rather pensive, as if she was deeply troubled by something. Despite her professed intentions to do everything for the sake of the princess, I find it hard to believe that Zenobia would consider a marriage of convenience. It’s infuriating, but Zenobia seems to have feelings for you. Since returning from our journey, it appears as though these feelings have grown stronger. However, she seems to be hiding her true feelings from me this time around. Despite the fact that she probably didn’t anticipate me consulting with you about this, it seems as though she’s wary of letting something slip.” -Cecilia

If one were to set aside the overbearing affection of Cecilia, the two of them were close friends since their time at the knight academy.

Zenobia would gossip about Farsa, and an annoyed Cecilia would shout at her, they were that close.

There was a time when Zenobia had tried to mediate between Farsa and Cecilia, but her attempts were fruitless.

The more Zenobia praised Farsa, the worse Cecilia’s mood became. It was only natural.

Publicly, both Farsa and Cecilia treated each other normally, so Zenobia had once given up on trying to bring them closer.

As far as Farsa was concerned, he had no problem if Cecilia disliked him. As long as she did her job well, even if she wore an unpleasant expression, he had no major complaints.

Thanks to Cecilia’s earnest personality, she never sabotaged Farsa out of spite.

In the end, things were only complicated when Zenobia was involved.

“You are straightforward in strange ways for someone who dislikes me. Just because you can keep being the captain of the knights, are you okay with Zenobia and I getting married?” -Farsa

“Hmph, as if I would be okay with that! However… I just want Zenobia to be happy. The Zenobia I liked from the past is no longer here, but the Zenobia who is with you now seems incredibly happy. Ah, enough! Stop asking strange questions, you fool! That’s why you have the responsibility to make Zenobia happy!” -Cecilia

The Zenobia whom Cecilia admired, who was like a drawn sword, is no longer here, but Cecilia’s feelings probably haven’t changed from before.

Because she genuinely loves her, she can do anything for her sake, a level of devotion that Farsa could never possess.

However, having thought that, Farsa felt a aching sensation in the back of his mind.

“Hey, you said earlier that Zenobia was being cautious, could you elaborate a bit more? Even if you’re wrong, I want you to answer, including what you think.” -Farsa

“Ignoring my words of determination… You really are something. Well, alright. When I asked her about her reasons for marrying Duke Dampierre, she only answered ‘for the sake of the princess’ and was obviously hiding her true feelings. When I asked if there was confidential information I was not informed about, she evaded the question. You should know well enough that Zenobia isn’t the type to marry for political gain, right? If so, there must be another reason, yet she stubbornly refuses to speak. It was a similar atmosphere when we first returned from a joint mission with you, but back then she still talked to me…” -Cecilia

Ah yes, I recall that Cecilia had been hostile towards me since then, Farsa reflected.

Despite the misunderstanding being cleared up later, the accusations that he had brainwashed Zenobia, deceived her, or threatened her were harsh.

Given the sight of the then-thirteen-year-old female knight blushing and fidgeting, it was only natural to think that he had done something. However, for Farsa, it was quite a bother.

“Hmm, I understand the reason, but it’s a bit excessive.” -Farsa

“Excessive, what do you mean?” -Cecilia

“If the reason I know is correct, even excluding you and Aura, she should be able to consult me alone. However, her actions, moving unilaterally like that, feel off somehow. Her attitude changed dramatically right after she heard from Marquis Ctesiphon that a proposal had come from Duke Dampierre.” -Farsa

The reason Zenobia is hiding is that Farsa is involved with the demons, and he wishes to return Roux to her parents.

It’s not out of conceit, but because Farsa knows Zenobia’s feelings, he understands that her advancing the proposal with Duke Dampierre is due to her devotion to him.

However, jumping to a conclusion at that place was a bit hasty, and it was also possible to postpone it once and consider it with others.

Despite this, Zenobia proceeds with the proposal with Duke Dampierre on her own and treats Farsa as an obstacle.

“Tch, what do you mean consult only you? Are you trying to be sarcastic? I’ll overlook your unpleasant attitude for now, but could it be that she’s being blackmailed by Duke Dampierre?” -Cecilia

“If that were the case, she would have talked about it beforehand or her demeanor would have been strange from the start. At least, she was normal until then.” -Farsa

If the klutzy female knight who fantasized about having children with Farsa in front of her father was acting, then Zenobia could become the leading actress in the capital’s theater right now.

“In that case, it seems there’s a reason that neither you nor I know. It’s frustrating, but since Zenobia is deeply in love with you, she won’t be moved by ordinary reasons. She was even discussing love stories while escorting a demon girl. At first, I thought it was to gather information about the demons, but it turned out they were talking about their respective loved ones. Even I was speechless at the absurdity.” -Cecilia

“That’s… a bit embarrassing.” -Farsa

After all, both Zenobia and Roux were talking about the same person.

At that moment, Farsa arrived at a hypothesis.

But could such an absurd hypothesis really happen?

Is it because he doesn’t have the same experience as Zenobia that he thinks it can’t happen?

“Cecilia!” -Farsa

“Hyaa! Too close! You’re too close!” -Cecilia

“There’s something I want to ask you.” -Farsa

“I got it! I got it, so back off!” -Cecilia

With a burst of energy, Farsa stood up from his seat, grabbed Cecilia’s shoulders, and stared straight into her eyes.

Her cheeks were slightly sunburned, but still fair, and were slightly flushed.

It wasn’t due to the sunlight coming in from the window, nor was it the blush of a maiden in love.

“Back off, I told you!” -Cecilia

With a terrifying expression that would scare anyone who saw it, Cecilia grabbed Farsa’s arm and beautifully executed a shoulder throw.

One of the main reasons she was in the White Lily Knight Order was because of Zenobia, but the second reason was that there were no male members.

Farsa, who was thrown toward the wall of the research room, twisted his body in mid-air, rotated, adjusted his posture, and landed on the floor.

Farsa had completely forgotten in his excitement, but Cecilia was not good with men.

It’s okay to have daily conversations, but if they touch her body, she immediately gets physical.

This time he was the one at fault, so he was honestly thrown, but it’s typical of Farsa to avoid hitting the wall because he doesn’t like getting hurt.

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean any harm.” -Farsa

“Hmph, if there was malice, being thrown wouldn’t have been the end of it. So, what do you want to hear? You’ve been asking a lot of questions, but it looks like you’ve come up with something.” -Cecilia

“Well, kind of. But before that, I want to confirm some premises, so I want to hear your honest feelings. Without any lies, after seriously considering it.” -Farsa

“I’m not in the mood to deal with your roundabout expressions. I’ll answer anything, so stop beating around the bush and get to the point.” -Cecilia

Farsa sat back down in his chair, facing Cecilia, and looked into her eyes again.

The eyes speak more truth than words.

The degree of dilation of the pupils, the way the gaze moves, the number of blinks, it is not an easy task to manipulate these against one’s will.

Farsa did not have the keen observational skills of Palmina, but when dealing with someone as expressive as Cecilia, he was confident he could discern some truths.

“First question, would you treat Zenobia the same way if she weren’t a noble?” -Farsa

“That’s a stupid question. Status doesn’t matter.” -Cecilia

“Second, what would you do if Zenobia wasn’t a citizen of the Valois Kingdom? What if, for example, she was from the East, with black hair and black eyes like me, or from the Germania Empire?” -Farsa

“Are we dealing in hypotheticals again? My answer is the same as the first. Status or race has nothing to do with the person. If I were a blood purist, I wouldn’t even be speaking with you here.” -Cecilia

Farsa had anticipated these responses.

No one from Princess Aurelia’s faction held strong views about race, lineage, or class.

Cecilia was no exception, and from the start, anyone who would belittle someone based on hair or eye color did not belong in their group.

While spies with such views could infiltrate their ranks for specific purposes, the chances of Cecilia being one were nearly nil.

Farsa waited for a moment before proceeding to the next question.

“Third, what if Zenobia was a criminal? Suppose she had murdered innocent people. If Zenobia was accused of this, would you stand by her, or against her?” -Farsa

“What kind of question is that? If Zenobia did something like that, there must have been a reason. So, my answer remains the same. I trust Zenobia, so I will definitely stand by her. Well, I would like to know the reasons, though…” -Cecilia

“I see. Fourth, you said status or race doesn’t matter. What if Zenobia wasn’t human but a demon like Roux? If you knew she was a demon posing as a human… would you give the same answer?” -Farsa

“That is…” -Cecilia

For the first time, Cecilia, who had been answering immediately, paused and averted her gaze.

The demon race had been an enemy of the Valois Kingdom for three hundred years, and Cecilia was no exception.

Sympathizing with demons could lead to a heresy trial, so an answer would not come easily.

However, now that Cecilia was cooperating, Farsa wanted to seize this opportunity to ask. Because from now on, there would be opportunities to interact with demons, given Roux and his presence.

Whether she was mulling it over or not, Cecilia didn’t utter a word for a while. Farsa didn’t rush her and waited for her answer.

Finally, Cecilia, with a heavy heart, began to speak.

“It’s a ridiculous story, but even if it were true, my feelings wouldn’t change. I would still stand by Zenobia.” -Cecilia

“Even if doing so puts you in a difficult position? You could make enemies of your family and country.” -Farsa

“I’m prepared for that. If Zenobia really is a demon, I’d feel sorry for her if no one was on her side… So, I want to be on her side, at least.” -Cecilia

Cecilia, whose eyes showed no sign of lying as far as Farsa could tell, finished her thoughts, saying it was a hypothetical story.

Her unwavering trust was almost blinding to Farsa.

He wondered what he was doing, living like a opportunist between humans and demons, constantly hiding his true identity.

Suppressing the urge to blame himself, Farsa continued with the questions.

If Zenobia were a man, if she were a womanizer, if she had a huge debt, Farsa posed more than ten or twenty questions to prevent Cecilia from guessing his true intentions, and time ticked away.

” ――Finally, if you received a duel challenge from Zenobia, would you accept it?” -Farsa

“Truly strange questions until the end. As knights, Zenobia and I sometimes need to communicate through our swords. Naturally, I’d welcome it… Wait! Why are you laughing?” -Cecilia

Farsa ended the questioning with a bitter smile at Cecilia’s characteristic remark.

The idea of communicating through swords, or fists, was so absurd that it made Farsa doubt if her brain was made of muscles.

However, there were many people, both humans and demons, who shared this belief.

He had lost count of how many times he’d been dragged into duels by these people.

Farsa preferred to resolve things through conversation, but he knew from his three hundred years of life that the world didn’t always work that way.

“Well, I’ve got some ideas thanks to your cooperation. But it’s not a sure thing yet, so I need to take action.” -Farsa

“Wow! It’s indeed impressive. What are you going to do? I’m thinking either the classic bride-snatching during the wedding ceremony or sneaking into the mansion late at night to overpower Zenobia. Which one? If it’s the latter, of course, I want in! Well, if the two of us hold her down, even Zenobia won’t be able to resist, hehehe.” -Cecilia

“Ha, that kind of nonsense only happens in stories.” -Farsa

Cecilia, panting and laughing creepily, proposed a ridiculous criminal plan. The serious image from earlier was nowhere to be seen.

Farsa was left wondering how this woman could claim to wish for Zenobia’s happiness.

She was full of energy, waving her arms and acting like she was ready to do anything. Of course, Farsa, utterly disgusted, denied such options.

Even discussing such crimes was outrageous, and kidnapping the bride at a ducal wedding, where royalty would undoubtedly be present, could lead to charges of disrespect and possible execution or, at best, exile after being stripped of nobility. It was a prime example of putting the cart before the horse.

“What are we supposed to do, then?” -Cecilia

“Cecilia, you said you’d do anything to get Zenobia back, right?” -Farsa

“I did say that, but… hey, what are you planning?” -Cecilia

“Oh, just going out with me. But as my new fiancée.” -Farsa

At Farsa’s devilish grin and words, Cecilia let out a scream that echoed throughout the palace.

She tried to attack Farsa but ended up being restrained, leading to hours of brainwashing, or rather, persuasion.

As she struggled to free herself, she shouted things like, “Are you trying to take advantage of my despair because Zenobia left me? I’d rather die than suffer such humiliation as a knight! Kill me!” But Farsa did not loosen his grip, thanks to the counterintelligence magic, there was no fear of her cries leaking out of the laboratory.

Even as a deputy commander of the knight’s order, if he let his guard down, she might escape.

Several hours later, a disheveled and tearful Cecilia, with the unsteady steps of a newborn fawn, was seen leaving the lab. Her appearance sparked various speculations and rumors spread throughout the palace.

Meanwhile, Farsa, having completed the tiresome task of persuading Cecilia, apologized to Astarte through a communication orb and spent the night in the lab.

All this, for the sake of Zenobia, who was likely acting foolishly due to her foolish thoughts.