15 – Episode 2. Regaining the Favor of the Demoness (5)
“Abel, your expression doesn’t look good.”
“Huh? Ah… uh…….”
Is this what they mean by feeling jittery all over?!
This pressure of an unprecedented formal greeting makes my stomach churn.
Abel has to clean up his mess, so there’s no choice but to go, but it’s the first time I’ve felt such a strong urge to go immediately.
“I need to get ready to go to Sponsor Ga right away.”
I sighed and got up from my seat.
“Sponsor Ga? What did the letter say about it…?”
“That’s my problem. You don’t need to worry about it.”
I mumbled as I quickly tucked the letter into the envelope. Clara seemed disappointed, mumbling under her breath.
“Is it really not something to worry about?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Why is that…?”
Clara pouted with a chubby face. I casually poked her lips, causing her to startle.
“Eek!”
She took a step back in surprise at the sudden physical contact. Clara covered the lips I touched, her eyes wide open.
“I said I’ll make you happy. Unnecessary worries will make that happiness disappear.”
“Is that so…?”
“Yeah.”
I said with a smile.
Quest said Clara would become a disaster preparedness talent, so I need to make sure she’s firmly on my side.
It seemed like trying to deceive an innocent child, but it was inevitable.
As a powerless ordinary person, I needed to prepare means of protection in advance.
“But I really want to know about Lord Abel. Not some baseless rumors about manipulating people… I mean the real Lord Abel.”
Ah, that’s not a baseless rumor; it’s the truth.
Of course, it wasn’t something I did, but Abel’s past wasn’t disappearing. Even if I laundered the image, the title of a lifetime scoundrel wouldn’t likely come off.
“Let’s gradually learn about that in the future. We have plenty of time.”
As far as I knew, there would be at least a year of spare time. The point where Clara becomes a witch occurs before the protagonist’s story begins.
“…Yes, Lord Abel.”
Only then did she smile, seeming relieved.
“By the way, how have you been feeling lately?”
“Ah… Are you talking about my divine power?”
I nodded.
Around the time the envoy left, the quest renewed and provided me with additional information.
It was a method of designating a target to permanently increase divine power. Seeing that, I immediately took Clara to the magical purification spring.
As it was mentioned in the content that I could touch both the magical purification spring and Clara’s body to act as a medium for designation, I promptly grabbed Clara’s hand.
Then, Clara blushed shyly, looking quite charming.
“To be honest, I don’t really feel any difference. Like, healthy every day? Energetic? That kind of feeling…”
“Really? Well, since the results won’t come out immediately, we’ll have to wait patiently.”
It was stated that being within the domain alone would enhance divine power, so there should be a definite effect.
If there was no effect, it would mean failure, and death upon failure.
“Yes, Abel.”
Come to think of it, it’s about time for the knights sent to Bemoni Village to bring back some information, but there’s still no news.
Upon learning that Clara had come from Bemoni Village, Houston had already dispatched knights to the village.
Houston was actively receptive to my opinion that if the demon worshippers were trying to obtain information, they would definitely have visited that place.
We’ll soon hear some news, so let’s wait patiently.
“Shall we get ready then?”
* * *
“…Don’t cause trouble.”
“I won’t cause trouble? This kid is trouble incarnate.”
I forced a wry smile at Latty’s threat.
“If the same story comes up again, I’ll kill him then.”
“…I’ll be careful, Miss.”
That was all I could say in response to the stern warning. Latty is stronger than me.
If she truly intends to harm me, I can only take the beating passively.
Come to think of it, Sirius people have exceptional physical abilities, so I wonder why Abel is so powerless. Could it be that he’s not a child of their own?
While pondering such absurd thoughts, Clara stood before me.
“Take care, Abel.”
“Sure. Behave yourself.”
There are many knights stationed at the Marquis’s estate, so Clara’s safety shouldn’t be an issue. Houston must also be aware of the position of the saint, so he’ll quickly take action if any issues arise.
“Then, I’ll be off.”
As soon as I got on the carriage, I loosened my tightly buttoned shirt.
Because the servants were dressing me like they were putting clothes on a mannequin, I ended up being late. By the time I arrived at the Spawn Mansion, it would already be night. In a novel I once read, it was said that you had to travel non-stop for half a day to reach the Spawn Mansion. So, it couldn’t be helped that it would be night when I arrived. But I had to consider getting some sleep too.
However, the people who would become my father-in-law and mother-in-law already knew about Abel’s misdeeds. In that situation, could I really afford to sleep for just one night?
No. Absolutely not.
I’d rather sleep on the streets.
“Darn it…”
If I were Gelus Spawn, Lina’s father, I would have probably turned my face into a mess and demanded a breakup.
The reason why the topic of breaking up hadn’t come up until now was because, according to the setting of this world, the Empire allows polygamy. But considering that the other party is the daughter of a duke, it was definitely an unacceptable act.
Once I arrived, I’ll definitely bow my head from the start. I’ll definitely apologize.
Alright. I’m ready. Ready to face the music.
* * *
“Oh my, Abel.”
As soon as I arrived at the Mansion of the Spawns, I couldn’t help but come face to face with the hostess of this mansion, Amelia Spawn.
“How have you been all this time?”
“It’s been a while. Abel, you still look handsome, as always.”
The woman with wavy blonde hair, full of vitality, smiled brightly.
From Noble mtl dot com
She had a slightly sharp impression, but her distinct features enhanced her charm and created a unique sense of intimidation.
To put it simply, she looked like a villainess with a slightly exaggerated presence.
Rina’s appearance clearly revealed her genetic origins. If she were a bit older, it would give off precisely this impression.
“Thank you, um… Lady Amelia.”
“Huh? Lady? Can’t you address me like that?”
Could it be that I shouldn’t address her this way?
Even though I thought it didn’t suit me to use titles like mother-in-law or mother, I had considered a safe title because of that…
“Is it rude, perhaps…?”
“Hmm~ Houston Duke did mention it changed a bit… But scolding looks surprisingly cute, doesn’t it? Is it because he’s handsome?”
“Yes?”
“But still, that handsome face should be used only for Rina, right?”
In an instant, the conversation’s control was seized by the sudden entry into the main topic. Although her laughter remained, the blue eyes looking at me were sharp and chilly.
This person is also not an ordinary aristocrat.
“No matter how the Empire allowed some flexibility in nobility, shouldn’t you still uphold what needs to be upheld?”
“…I-I apologize.”
“Apologizing won’t make our daughter’s hurt disappear, will it?”
“I truly have no excuse.”
I bowed my head and repeated apologies. What I needed to do now was not to make excuses but to sincerely apologize.
“…You’ve certainly changed.”
“Yes?”
I raised my head unconsciously at Amelia’s muttering. She was looking down at me with a faint expression.
“A few months ago, you had an attitude that didn’t care whether there was a breakup or not. No… it felt like you wished for a breakup. That’s why you didn’t come even when you were called to the Spawn family.”
Wishing for a breakup…?
This was information even I didn’t know.
Just as there was no novel that delved into the inner workings of a third-rate villain character, Abel had never been depicted in such detail either.
“Still, seeing the change in you today puts my mind at ease. The fact that you rushed here and immediately apologized, and even offered an apology first. It was a good decision to meet you after all.”
“…Is that so?”
A fairly positive response. It was a moment filled with anticipation, wondering if forgiveness could be obtained if things went well.
“Abel.”
“Yes, Madam Duchess.”
She takes a step closer. As the distance shortens, the sweet scent of perfume intensifies. At the same time, my body involuntarily stiffens.
“The bond between the Spohn Kawas Sirius family and yours will continue.”
“Yes.”
“Realize that there is always a reason behind noble marriages. Understand?”
“I understand.”
“Abel, who is emotionless and cold, isn’t bad either, but I prefer Abel, who listens to me obediently like this.”
Amelia smiles and, pulling up the sleeve of the cardigan she was wearing, continues.
“Now it’s time for a slap.”
“Yes…?”
“Didn’t Lina say that if you visit the Spohn Ducal House, she’ll give you a slap or two?”
Damn it. Did she really say that?
I tightly closed and opened my eyes. It’s too late to say I don’t want to be slapped now.
“I understand.”
Even if not everything will be forgiven just like that, if I don’t mention it anymore, I’m willing to accept it. Instead, I will continue to call Abel a bastard until the pain disappears.
I took a deep breath while looking at her and made up my mind. I closed my eyes and lifted my chin.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
“——Gotcha!”
Amelia burst into laughter, not slapping my cheek but lightly patting my head. My maid had messed up my hairstyle.
“hahahaha. Just kidding. I don’t want to see a handsome face get ruined. Instead, I’ll just mess up your hair.”
“If that’s what makes you happy…”
She smiled widely, knowing what she liked, and then spoke in a serious tone as she casually stroked my hair.
“Abel, I hope you’ll cherish Lena as much as I do. Can you promise me that?”
“Yes. Leave it to me.”
After all, that’s why I came here.
Lena is on her way to becoming a sword master, just like the protagonist. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a good relationship.
“Good answer. But what about Clara, who you said you would keep by your side?”
It seems my apology is not over yet.
* * *
After being tormented by Amelia for a while, I was led to the dining room.
As we sat across from each other and chatted, Lena walked in as the restaurant door opened.
“Gasp! W-why are you here?”
As soon as Lena walked into the restaurant, she scowled with disgust. Judging by the way she arrogantly posed, it seemed like she still hadn’t cooled down.
“Welcome, Lena.”
“Mother, why is he here?”
“Why wouldn’t he be? I told you. Next time, I’ll go myself. I came here to see you.”
I put on a poker face and spoke.
“…Mother.”
Amelia covered her mouth in surprise, as if she didn’t know how to speak bluntly in front of herself.
Lena also stammered, seemingly unaware that I would appeal to her directly. Her face turned pale and she turned her head.
“Hah! Did you suddenly come here thinking I would like it?”
“I didn’t think you would like it. But I thought it was only right for me to talk to you face to face if I wanted to discuss something.”
“Lena needs to be more honest. You said Abel became strange all of a sudden, so I asked Galus to inquire with Marquis Houston on your behalf.”
“No, Mother…!”
“Oops!”
Amelia, who listened to Lena’s enraged denial, clapped her hands suddenly.
“Come to think of it, I read the letter Abel wrote and forgot to give it to Lena.”
“What?!”
“Huh?!”
Both Lena and I shouted in unison as we looked at Amelia. No wonder the letter quest stack wasn’t progressing…
“But maybe Abel is also at fault for this? I inspected it just in case he wrote something that could hurt my daughter.”
“Oh, yes…”
With her words, I had nothing to say.
“Tell someone to bring the letter in my room.”
Amelia ordered a maid to bring the letter from her room, and soon the maid brought an envelope that was clearly from me.
“Read it.”
As Amelia spoke with a mischievous smile, the maid handed the letter to Lena. Lena, with a surprised look, carefully opened the envelope and read the letter for a while. Her face started turning red as she read the letter. Blushing from ear to ear, she pointed at me and shouted.
“Lena, it says, ‘When I look at you, it’s as if I see the beauty of the world.’ You, are you crazy?! You’ve never said anything like this before!”
The letter paper and the envelope I wrote on crumpled in her hand. At the same time, my expression also crumpled.
“Why are you reading it now?!”
“It’s your fault for writing something like this!”
“No—!”
“Such a commotion.”
The dining room door opened, and a blond man walked in.
Ah, there was one more person I had to face.
Marquis Gellus Spon.
The owner of the Spon family had appeared.