PLOM Part 2 Chapter 37

Part 2 Chapter 37

‘To make Natasha genuinely angry, of all people. That’s impressive.’

But something felt off.

This wasn’t the first time Andert was being courted by a man or a woman.

Courtship usually started with showing favor. Generally speaking, that is.

“Ah, hello! I…I’m not very skilled, but I would like to give you a handkerchief I embroidered myself…”

It was through the reactions of those around me that I realized these gestures were signals of courtship by the other person.

“Andert, you bastard.”

“Damn son of a bitch.”

I was sure it meant something good when I saw them being jealous and cursing.

However, some signals of courtship were clearly visible without needing to check reactions from others. And they were generally unpleasant.

That discomfort could be felt in the heart just by making eye contact. It was strange, gloomy, and eerie, regardless of gender or age.

‘It’s definitely not that.’

Trevia’s eyes did not hold the same desire as them. Hers were cold and rational. Even her attitude about having a child was the same.

So why me?

“Archduchess Halio. I won’t claim to be an ambassador, but we must not forget the 70-year agreement between our country and the Penrotta royal family.”

The 70-year agreement?

I didn’t even ask what it was, but Trevia looked at me and added an explanation.

“The 70-year treaty, in simple terms, means that every 70 years, the ruler of our country and the royal family of Penrotta hold a state marriage. Depending on the situation, the Emperor of Penrotta and the consul of our country may also have a marriage between blood-ties.”

They sure do all kinds of things.

“It’s a treaty to maintain friendly relations between the two countries, and as part of that process, Archduchess Halio right here in front of us is also distantly related to the Great Lord Spolia.”

Ah.

‘Yes, I remember hearing about that distant relationship with Spolia a long time ago.’

“However, Archduchess Halio! Coincidentally, there are no women among the blood relatives of the ruling family in our country, so the 70-year treaty that has returned this year must result in a state marriage between the ruler of our country and you.”

Natasha’s expression was stiff. Judging by her reaction, Trevia’s claim didn’t seem to deviate much from the actual treaty.

But if there were a royal woman to marry…

‘Isn’t there the head maid?’

I quietly asked Raphael.

“Isn’t there Princess Anastasia?”

“…She’s already married.”

What? Since when? Without telling me?

Trevia lowered her voice, showing deep sympathy for Natasha’s feelings.

“However…… now is a time of disaster. The Calamity that is Rein is slaughtering innocent people and turning fertile lands into ashes. The Emperor is ill, and the Crown Prince is still lacking in learning, so the citizens of Penrotta must be relying largely on you, Archduchess Halio.”

“…”

“Even if the 70-years treaty is important, how can we uproot the pillar of this country for the sake of our country?”

“…”

“And so, Archduchess Halio. The Republic of Contaninos has sent me to the Penrotta royal palace with this request!”

Trevia’s sharp gaze was precisely directed at me.

“If we cannot obtain the blood of the royal family, I am to obtain the blood of the strongest hero. It means to conceive the child of the hero.”

I see.

I vaguely understood what the Republic of Contaninos wanted.

I’m sorry, but that day will never come. And the reason is…

I suddenly pulled up Trevia’s skirt. Natasha, startled, jumped out of her seat.

“Andert!”

One, two, three… seven sharp daggers were in the garter belt revealed at the thighs that looked rigorously trained just at a glance.

“Are these forks to eat the flesh of the man who will become your husband?”

They were even firmly fixed to minimize noise. Trevia looked at me with astonishment.

“…How?”

“I can tell just by looking at the eyes of people like you.”

A look that despises the weak, believing that one can overpower the opponent at any time if they decide to.

Of course, Trevia didn’t show such an attitude here. But instincts were not something that could be so easily hidden.

I pressed one of the daggers against Trevia’s neck and warned her.

“To stand in front of Natasha with such crude tools hidden. What is your true purpose?”

“……I swear by Lord Spolia, I had no disrespectful intentions. They were just tools for self-defense. I have been taking simple martial arts lessons since childhood….”

“That’s not an explanation.”

Trevia calmly moved her lips while maintaining eye contact with me.

“I was careless. I apologize to the three of you. But the Mesita family I belong to is one of the most prestigious families in the Republic of Contaninos, having produced five consuls. My elder sister has been appointed as the next consul. For the honor of my family, I had no malicious intent to harm anyone…….”

“Is it because you’re a foreigner that you don’t understand? There’s no helping it. I’ll personally send your head to the Mesita family on the charge of attempted regicide.”

The sharp edge of the dagger dug into the inside of her long, white neck. A thin, red drop of blood began to gather on the silver blade.

“And I’ll send your daggers to the Legion. Trevia of Mesita attempted to assassinate Archduchess Halio, but fortunately, the hero Andert, who happened to be staying at the royal palace, saved her.”

“…Lord Andert, please listen to me.”

“Spolia would probably like that.”

At that moment, Trevia’s eyes, which had been cool until now, trembled slightly.

Sensing that something would come out of her if I pressed further, I applied more force to the tip of the dagger.

“Goodbye.”

Sensing the killing intent, Trevia, trembling, shouted as if having a fit.

“I am a member of the Knights of God!”

The woman’s delicate eyelashes fluttered like a dandelion in the wind.

The Knights of God?

“Stop, Andert.”

At Natasha’s request, I slowly lowered the dagger.

Trevia, holding her neck with trembling hands, separated the brooch attached to her chest and showed us what was hidden inside.

“I am…… Trevia Mesita of the Order of the Knights of God… I swear by Lord Spolia that I had no intention of harming the three of you. So please, do not report my disgrace to the Legion.”

An uncut purple gemstone.

Wondering what it meant, I watched quietly as Natasha, who had taken the brooch and was examining the gemstone, slowly nodded.

“It’s genuine. It’s indeed the Knights of God.”

Just as I was about to ask what this Knight Order was,

[Daisy.]

…This voice in my head.

[Have you been flirting with other women while I’m resting?]

“Rue!”

I was so happy that I couldn’t help but let my voice leak foolishly. It was even a loud shout that drew everyone’s attention.

Trying to maintain a composed expression as if nothing had happened, Natasha, who had returned the brooch to Trevia, looked at me with a serious expression on her face.

“…I;m asking just in case, Andert. Can you see how many fingers I’m holding up?”

I looked at the index and middle fingers held up in front of me and casually replied.

“One.”

“Hmm.”

“…”

“How about we let Andert rest for a bit, Raphael? I’ve felt since earlier that he doesn’t look too well. Today’s schedule must have been sudden for him.”

Raphael nodded in agreement, and even as he gestured for me to leave, Trevia was still bowing with the brooch tightly clutched in both hands.

‘The Order Of The Knights Of God.’

What on earth was it that made such a well-trained woman look like a frightened child?

‘Rue? Can you hear me?’

I checked my bag, but the rock was still just a rock, and Ash was still Ash.

Before I knew it Raphael had led me to a bedchamber on the second floor. He suddenly stood in front of the door and turned his head.

“You, your appearance is…”

It seemed he was worried about whether I would change back into Daisy’s appearance and wander around the royal palace.

“Don’t worry. I won’t cause any trouble.”

Raphael pushed me into the room with a face that didn’t look very reassured. Then, with a blunt expression, he said this:

“Rest peacefully. We’ll talk about the details tomorrow. Tomorrow. Definitely.”

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ANASTASIA??? MARRIED?? HEAD MAID WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UPTO

Also, Daisy calling out Rue’s name out loud in excitement is so cute ahdsjdka