But Eustaf wasn’t going to let me off so easily.
“How could Lady Crisiona and I compete alone when the future Archduchess herself is present?”
“You’re free to compete without me. I’ll graciously step aside for the two of you.”
Shut up already. I smiled sweetly while taking another step back.
Eustaf came down from the podium, came closer to me, putting on the most sorrowful expression, as if the world had ended.
“I truly appreciate your noble heart in wanting to yield, but if you withdraw, I cannot claim victory honorably. In any case, only Lady Crisiona and the future Archduchess can prepare the Princess’s birthday celebration.”
“… … .”
“For the sake of my dignity, I must insist! Please participate in this honorable competition.”
No, why should I?
Eustaf was a master of theatrics. Every word rolled smoothly off his tongue as if it had been greased, and everything from his eyes to his gestures seemed calculated. I squinted in disbelief and looked at Eustaf.
This bastard, seriously…
“Or could it be… that you don’t want to participate at all?”
Are you seriously trying to f*ck me up?
* * *
With so many nobles watching and with Eustaf making such statements, there was no way I could refuse. So, in the end, I was half-forced to join the competition. The method of competition proposed by Eustaf was both simple and complex.
That evening. I sighed as I looked at the paper sent from Duchy of Yulpe.
Terran Imperial Banquet Popularity Vote!
Deadline: 15 days
- Starting tomorrow morning, the magazines Terran Ladies and Men of Terran will be printed and sold with a ballot stuck to the back of each issue.
The commoners can write the name of their chosen individual and their personal details on the ballot and send it directly to the royal palace. Each will count as one vote.
- The nobility can write the name of their chosen individual and send it with the seal of their family. Each will count as one vote.
- The total votes from 1 and 2 will be tallied, and the individual with the most votes will be the winner.
All of this will be managed by the Popular Vote Management Department, which will be set up separately at the Imperial Palace.
Any fraudulent votes will immediately result in disqualification.
First of all, it was surprising that the concept of voting even existed in this world, and the idea of giving commoners the opportunity to participate was unique. But there was a clear downside. The system was far too easy to manipulate. I spread the paper out in front of Lacius.
“Look at this, Lashin. This whole thing could be rigged, couldn’t it?”
“Yes. If you want to win, you can just buy magazines in bulk here and there.”
“Exactly. The same goes for the nobility. Naturally, they’ll vote for whoever they’re loyal to.”
In the end, it’s a matter of power. The problem is, if it comes down to that, there’s no way I can lose. Even if I don’t want to get involved, other people won’t feel the same!
“Sigh, I was planning to lose on purpose, but…”
“It’s become a battle of pride.”
“Yes, that’s what I am saying.”
What am I supposed to do now?
Lacius, who was sitting on the sofa and turning the pages of a book, closed the book and spoke softly.
“Shay, you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. There’s no need to set the tone for him.”
“Mm, do you think that would be okay? Won’t Her Highness be disappointed?”
“Not at all. She’s not the type to feel that way. And even if she were, it wouldn’t matter. What’s more important is what you want to do.”
I sighed heavily as I read the paper over and over again. It was because it seemed to say that as long as you win, no matter what underhanded methods you use, it’s fine.
“Yeah, I guess I’ll just give up.”
I reached a conclusion quickly. I had far more important things to worry about than wasting my energy on this nonsense. I had to see a doctor first.
“Your Highness, Your Grace, I apologize for disturbing you so late.”
It was then.
Theobalt came and stood outside the bedroom, knocking politely. Since he wasn’t someone who would visit at such a late hour, something must have happened. When Lacius stood up and opened the door, Theobalt bowed slightly and told him the reason for his visit.
“Lady Narnia Zerpienter has urgently requested a visit.”
“… … Narnia?”
I, too, had no choice but to stand up at the unexpected words. I could roughly guess the reason for her visit. She’s probably going to say, “We can’t lose the popularity contest!”. But from what I knew, Nania’s situation wasn’t particularly good at the moment…?
“Yes. I took her to the drawing room, but since it is so late, how about asking her to stay in the guest room tonight and instead let her join you for breakfast the next morning?”
Theobalt’s suggestion made sense. However, it wasn’t like I would be free tomorrow. Now that I’m back on Terran, I’ll have to make stops here and there and have meetings. The only time I could give to something like the popularity contest was now. I’m also curious about why Narnia came to visit.
“Lacius, I think it would be better for me to meet her now before going to sleep. I’ll go to the drawing room.”
“Lady Zerpienter lacks manners.”
“No, she’s probably here for my sake. She’s likely going to talk about making sure I win the popularity contest. Narnia is the president of my fan club, after all.”
Though Lacius frowned slightly, he soon nodded in agreement and then said something unexpected.
“Alright. If you must do it, it’s better to win first place. Tell Lady Zerpienter to do her best.”
“What? I thought you weren’t interested?”
“I’m not interested… but if it’s between the three of you, it’s only natural that you should win.”
Oh my, what’s this? It turns out this man was secretly competitive.
I lightly patted Lacius on the arm and headed to the drawing room.
“Please bring some light refreshments, Theo.”
“Yes, understood.”
After sending Theobalt away with that request, I took a deep breath.
In truth, since coming back from the desert, I hadn’t had the chance to meet Narnia. I had sent a letter requesting a meeting, but instead of Narnia, one of her sisters responded. She said that Narnia was on probation and couldn’t go anywhere. So, in this case, it’s possible Narnia had run away from home.
“Narnia?”
The door opened softly, soundlessly, and I stepped inside. And a moment later.
“Heup, sob, sob!”
…I found myself face-to-face with Narnia, who was crying with her eyes swollen and red.
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