SOWD Chapter 101

Chapter 101

“The one who actually bothers me is Angela Bliss.”

Both Dimarcus and Count Talon turned their gazes toward Laszlo.

“That woman went to great lengths to try and claim me. Count Bliss even proposed lending me warhorses on the condition that I marry her.”

“Ah, right, I remember that.”

“Of course, I refused. But I still believe that Count Bliss will soon come to me with a different offer. That’s how ambitious both Count Bliss and Angela Bliss are.”

What they desired was clear—it was power within the empire. Given that their family descended from a fallen kingdom, they had no reason to covet the rule of another small nation. That would only provoke their own inferiority complex.

Their goal was as transparent as glass.

‘A connection to become close to the emperor.’

Just for that, they had tried to seduce a man they had once scorned for being a mere mercenary.

“Besides, Angela Bliss isn’t the kind of woman who would sacrifice herself just to increase her family’s wealth. There must be something more to Leandro Bilbro.”

“Something greater than the title of Lord of Til Armand?”

“Of course. That woman wouldn’t even think of leaving the empire. She’s been basking in the praise of high society all this time—would she really throw that away to start from scratch in a small kingdom like Fes? That’s hardly a profitable deal.”

“Hmm, that’s true. It would be difficult to build the same level of influence in another country. And if she had wanted to, she could have easily ensnared a much wealthier man within the empire.”

Nodding, Dimarcus tapped his crossed legs thoughtfully before giving an order to Count Talon.

“Look deeper into the relationship between Leandro Bilbro and Isaac Winblair. Send people to Fes as well.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Once the discussion about the Bliss and Winblair families concluded, Dimarcus flashed a mischievous smile and glanced at Laszlo.

“By the way, you’ve been looking oddly pleased lately.”

“I believe I look the same as always.”

“No, no. Not at all.”

“Earlier, you said ‘oddly,’ didn’t you?”

“That’s just for others. To me, your mouth is practically stretched to your ears.”

Laszlo immediately furrowed his brow.

“You’re planning to say something again, aren’t you?”

“Have you had some good news lately?”

“What’s there to be happy about? There’s simply been no bad news, so I have no reason to scowl. …Other than Your Majesty teasing me, that is.”

Dimarcus chuckled again.

“Oh, really? Is that so? Hmm.”

“Why don’t you just say what you’re thinking instead of dragging it out?”

“No, no. It’s your personal matter—I wouldn’t be so rude as to intrude. However.”

At the word ‘however,’ Laszlo instinctively tensed and observed Dimarcus carefully.

“If you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to ask. If it’s within reason, I’ll assist you.”

“…’Within reason,’ you say.”

“Even an emperor can’t do everything, you know.”

“Indeed, and Your Majesty, in particular, probably shouldn’t be doing certain things.”

Laszlo assumed Dimarcus was just teasing him again and paid no further mind to it.

However, the way Dimarcus looked at him remained enigmatic.

“Hmm, I think that’s it. Here.”

Rinia handed over her answer sheet, having wracked her brain to solve Idel’s questions.

Three times a week, for two-hour sessions, her lessons had steadily progressed from beginner to intermediate level.

As a passionate yet strict teacher, Idel would conduct a test at the end of each week’s final class, reviewing and re-teaching any incorrect answers.

But today felt different. Even after Rinia handed in her answers, Idel didn’t turn her gaze away from the window.

“Idel. Idel!”

Even after calling her a few times, there was no response. Idel continued to stare out toward the western garden, lost in deep thought.

“Idel, are you okay?”

Only when Rinia lightly grabbed her arm did Idel jolt and snap back to reality.

“S-Sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment…”

“Did something happen? I’ve never seen you this distracted before.”

Rinia’s genuine concern made Idel’s heart skip a beat.

How could she possibly explain that she had been recalling her conversation with Rinia’s older brother just moments ago?

“It’s nothing.”

“…Is it a man?”

Had Idel not been clenching her mouth shut, her startled heart might have jumped right out.

“W-What do you mean by that?”

Years of social training had taught her how to maintain a composed face, but it nearly cracked at that moment.

Fortunately, Rinia didn’t seem to notice her flustered state. She simply chuckled and shrugged.

“You always figure out what I’m thinking in no time, but I still can’t do the same for you.”

“Ah, haha…”

“But since you seem preoccupied today, let’s skip the lesson and just chat.”

“That’s… not something a student should be suggesting.”

“Oh, don’t be so strict. Anyway, since we’re on the topic of men…”

Rinia’s expression turned mischievous as she asked,

“In high society, would my brother be considered a good catch? I mean as a romantic or marriage prospect?”

“Hmm, that would depend on individual opinions…”

“Exactly. So what’s your opinion? How do you see him?”

For Idel, who had just been thinking about Laszlo, this was an incredibly embarrassing question. But Rinia’s curiosity was understandable.

Her older brother was still unmarried—she might be more anxious about that than her own marriage prospects.

Idel answered sincerely.

“There are already numerous marriage proposals for the Count. Since he isn’t interested, I’ve been rejecting them on his behalf, but objectively speaking, he is a very desirable partner.”

“No, no. I don’t want a vague answer. Oh! I know! Let’s say you were an unmarried noblewoman. How would you feel if my brother asked you out?”

Rinia’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. It made Idel flinch a little, but seeing how much she cared about her brother, she wanted to respond properly.

She imagined it—

A modest party, just after a dance had ended.

She would be standing off to the side, taking a breath, when suddenly, Laszlo would appear by her side, unnoticed.

Without a word, he would offer her a cool drink—likely not alcohol. A man as meticulous as him wouldn’t offer something that could be refused.

[Thank you.]

She would accept it with a small nod, sipping while he silently observed the lively crowd.

Then, in his usual indifferent tone, he would ask:

[Do you like flowers?]

[Flowers? Of course. I doubt any woman dislikes them.]

[In that case, would you accompany me to the Queen Freya Botanical Garden this weekend? The greenhouse is said to be full of blooming spring flowers.]

[Huh? But why with me…?]

If she hesitated, he would finally turn to look at her, meeting her gaze.

[I’m asking you on a date. …I’m not very skilled at this, so the best I could come up with was a botanical garden.]

She would inevitably let out a small laugh at that.

It wasn’t overly serious or pretentious, nor was it too casual. How could anyone refuse such a date invitation?

And of course, there would also be the warm glow in his clear brown eyes and his charming smile—formidable weapons in their own right.

Coming back to reality, Idel barely suppressed a smile and replied,

“I don’t think I could turn him down. I might even… be a little excited.”

At that, Rinia’s face lit up as if she had received a date proposal herself.

“Really? You really think so?”

“Yes. The Count is a very wonderful man.”

“Oh? In what way? Tell me in detail!”

Mistaking Rinia’s enthusiasm for simple sisterly pride, Idel decided to heap on the praise.

And so, their conversation continued, with Rinia grinning brightly—though whether from her brother’s prospects or something else, Idel wasn’t entirely sure.