36 – 36. Marquis of Hohenberg (1)
Once the baptism ceremony concluded, the bishops dispatched from the triumphant kingdom made preparations to depart.
If they were noble souls who enjoyed lavish indulgences, they might have relished a luxurious tour under the guise of a business trip. However, true to their devoted clerical nature, the bishops presented a stern and steadfast demeanor.
Well, they had successfully overcome the ordeal.
Having safely concluded the baptism ceremony witnessed by numerous clergy members.
“Have you considered the proposal put forth by the bishops?” the silver-haired girl, without revealing any emotions, suddenly appeared and caught his attention as he was about to leave.
He didn’t show it, but he was somewhat surprised.
The First Saint had approached without a hint of presence and stepped into his shadow.
“Next time, at least give me a warning gesture.”
“I wanted to see the great Edanant Sage surprised… but you don’t seem to be surprised at all. How boring.”
Javelin smirked with a teasing tone.
He responded with a wry smile.
“Thank you for the proposal from the Triumphant Kingdom, but I have no intention of leaving the Valtaria Empire. More precisely, I have no intention of leaving the Hohenberg Marquisate. Since the eldest son has run away, someone has to protect Father.”
Politely declining the proposal with his father and family as a pretext, he brushed off the offer from the Triumphant Kingdom.
In response, the bishops expressed regret while accepting it. Perhaps they hadn’t expected to succeed in their enticement from the beginning.
“It’s a splendid mindset. Devout faith is important, but we can’t overlook filial piety.”
“That’s true. Thank you for your understanding.”
Javelin sent a meaningful glance and began to move.
It must be a signal to change locations.
Shouldering, he followed the silver-haired girl, who extended her hair.
The place they arrived with the Saint was an elegant reception room with a subtle fragrance of wood. It was located within the luxurious private residence provided by the Valtaria Royal Family.
A stern gaze was directed at the rascal attempting to enter the enclosed space with the pure Saint. They were undoubtedly otaku knights who idolized Javelin like an idol.
Are they really thinking of having a secret meeting with Javelin?
It seemed like a dreadful misconception that would turn the beliefs of millions of land-modeled devotees upside down.
“Saint, may I ask you one thing?”
“Of course.”
He discreetly glanced at the tightly closed door.
No signs of anyone nearby.
The naive knights wouldn’t secretly eavesdrop. Even if they entertained unfounded delusions by now, they were probably sharpening those fantasies.
After activating my intuition and carefully examining Jéblinne, I opened my mouth.
“I would like to know the reason you helped me during the baptism.”
“….”
“Originally, bishops dispatched from the Holy Kingdom should have officiated the baptism, but you, Lady Saint, suddenly took charge instead of the bishops. At that time, I thought it was just a whim… but seeing Lady Saint hesitate to perform the baptism made me certain.”
“…You’re quite perceptive.”
If it had been at the level of overlooking minor mistakes or errors, there would have been no need to dig into it.
However,
This was a problem that must be addressed.
The Saint of the Holy Kingdom concealed the identity of the mine.
If the truth were to be revealed, Jéblinne would face repercussions along with failure. No matter how much of a saint she was, hiding the mine would be considered a grave sin.
It was true that a strong bond had been formed since their first meeting.
However, it was by no means a relationship that would warrant assistance to the extent of committing the sin of deceiving faith.
Why on earth?
Why go to such lengths?
In just a short month of acquaintance.
I demanded an answer to the question while looking at the Saint.
“Well… maybe because I like Edanant the Philosopher?”
“I asked seriously.”
Jéblinne showed an awkward smile and averted her gaze, indicating difficulty in providing an honest answer.
A furrow appeared on my forehead at the flippant response of the awkward saint.
“Hmph, perhaps the one who should forget first is not me….”
“What?”
When I glared at her sharply, Jéblinne turned her head and muttered a grumbling complaint.
I kept my mouth shut at that sight.
Continuing to press would not yield the desired answer.
Although it was a difficult answer to believe, given the result of the baptism ceremony, where actions spoke louder than words, I had no choice but to trust it now. I couldn’t possibly physically harm the First Saint.
“I have no intention of revealing it with my own mouth. Let Edanant the Philosopher find out directly. And, anyway, since I kept the identity hidden… please grant me one favor.”
Thud-.
Jéblinne stood up abruptly, pressing both hands on the table.
The luminous blue eyes sparkled playfully.
Whenever he played a mischievous prank, it was a peculiar habit of the holy maiden of the white dragon to appear.
“Can I call you Edan from now on?”
“…”
That was a nickname allowed only within the family.
Now, however, an impish fairy was unilaterally calling him that.
To address someone by a nickname?
Was she using that as an excuse to tease him?
The solemn atmosphere, previously dominated by Jevlin’s dignified voice, suddenly became light-hearted. It seemed like further questions would be difficult now.
“I am a mage who worships forgotten gods. Are you really okay with that?”
“Of course. Wouldn’t I have to be prepared for something like that?”
He confessed as if making a declaration of conscience.
Upon hearing this, Jevlin nodded, as if she had known it all along.
“You will regret it later.”
“Maybe, maybe not.”
They say a woman’s heart is unpredictable, but the inner thoughts of the First Holy Maiden, in particular, boasted a high level of difficulty.
I don’t know.
I couldn’t understand it at all.
A sense of unfamiliar restlessness deeper than a swamp emerged.
Perhaps that’s why Jevlin, who didn’t show a hint of movement, felt annoyingly elusive. It would have been easier to understand if she had feared and guarded against me instead.
Filled with affection for Jevlin, I sent a sharp warning in an attempt to instill some caution. However, despite the sharp warning, Jevlin did not break her affectionate feelings.
* * *
Rudmila hoped for the conferment of the title of ‘Duke’ upon the Hohenberg family, but due to the opposition of the councilors, it fell through during the process of discussing the non-controversial case.
It was acknowledged that Edanant had subjugated the mages and saved Princess Elezaveta, but appointing the Hohenberg family as a Duke required careful consideration.
It could be perceived as favoritism towards the Hohenberg family, especially since the Valtaria dynasty showed special favoritism. Moreover, there was concern that the ten Dukes who had long been loyal to the empire would strongly oppose.
Councilors who directed the internal affairs of the empire convinced the stubborn maiden with persistent persuasion. Instead, they decided to incorporate part of the Hillidar Viscountcy and the imperial direct command into the Hohenberg family. They also decided to confer the title of Marquisate, the next rank after a Duke.
“Sister, isn’t it too obvious?”
“I can’t show a stingy attitude to the hero who saved the princess. It’s all for your sake. Although the private discussions are temporarily suspended, Edanant will eventually become your companion.”
Elezaveta asked with a sly smile.
Rudmila responded casually.
It was clear that she had no idea. Or perhaps she intentionally pretended not to know.
“Hey! Are you already putting on airs to make a good impression on the in-laws? That’s what you’re doing from the get-go, isn’t it? Unni, I’m telling you.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“W-who…! It’s not like that! Absolutely not!”
Siga (媤家).
Refers to the husband’s ancestral home.
The Siga that Elizaveta mentioned naturally referred to the Hohenberg family.
Upon hearing those words, Ludmila’s face turned crimson, showing a bewildered expression.
“Ahem! I still think Edanant suits you. There’s no other reason.”
“You’re lying again. Unni, you like Edanant, don’t you?”
Though she denied it, her persuasion lacked any credibility.
The fact that Princess Ludmila favored Edanant was well known among all the nobles. Her blatant interference in the courtship had made it evident.
Turning twenty-seven this year.
Naturally, it couldn’t help but be nerve-wracking.
Elizaveta, wearing a look of understanding, teased her sister.
Even to the eyes of a villainess, her unmarried sister nearing thirty seemed pitiable. Elizaveta’s gaze was filled with sympathy.
“I bet you also have feelings for Edanant…! Your gaze at him changed distinctly since that day. It’s like when you used to come to my chamber late at night boasting about Maximilian’s dance stories.”
“W-what! That’s not it…! Edanant is Maximilian’s younger brother! What nonsense is this unmarried woman talking about!”
This time, Ludmila touched Elizaveta’s sore spot.
In response, Elizaveta, startled, hastily defended herself.
They were at a complete impasse.
Their attitudes, refusing to admit, spoke volumes.
Sisters had fallen for the same man.
Ludmila and Elizaveta, entangled in a complicated love triangle, touched upon sensitive matters as if trying to concede to each other. As their prodding voices continued, their beautiful faces heated up like a boiling tea kettle.
“I may have the luxury of time, but, unni, your biological clock is ticking too slowly! If you miss Edanant, you might end up living a lifetime as a spinster! You might even end up marrying a divorced man with a child!”
“….”
Damn it.
No comeback.
She wanted to counter with something spiteful, but…
In the face of Elizaveta’s desperate plea, Ludmila could only smile slyly. She could only utter words that hit the mark with uncanny precision.
“How about taking this opportunity to visit the Hohenberg Viscountcy… No, the Marquessate? Edanant is temporarily returning as the Marquess of Hohenberg. If you act like a couple with Edanant, you might score some points with your stepfather.”
“You come along too! No, I’ll definitely take you!”
Rudmila sincerely revered Edanant.
But at the same time, she wished for Edanant to become Elizabeth’s companion. Nothing was more important to her than her younger sister’s happiness. Rudmila was willing to give up her feelings for Edanant if it meant her sister could be happy.
And Elizabeth, aware of her sister’s devoted heart, consistently expressed her intention to decline.
Her sister had endured countless pains and sufferings to defend the Valtaria Empire. As someone who had always received help like a shield, Elizabeth wanted to step back this time for her sister’s happiness.
nah just marry both