Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 15

“Well now, Your Majesty. There are a few matters I’d like to inquire about.”

“Y-yes.”

At his wife Malphia’s words, His Majesty drank his brandy somewhat uncomfortably.

“The reason you tried to push that trash onto our family was because of Miss Mira, wasn’t it?”

Malphia immediately pressed the attack while hiding her mouth behind her fan. Though His Majesty’s demeanor appeared unchanged, his eyes wavered for just a moment.

“What are you talking about? I know nothing of this.”

“Unfortunately, Count Leo Barbet’s son would likely lose his life quite quickly in our household.”

I spoke frankly as well.

“…That badly?”

“Yes, unfortunately. He only possesses the level of skill expected as a noble’s accomplishment. Our daughter had taken a liking to him so we were being generous, but it seems even she has given up on him.”

When I said this, even His Majesty stroked his beard and made a troubled expression.

That old fool.

“Where might Your Majesty’s beloved daughter Miss Mira be marrying into? She’s poor at studies, and having just become a noble, lacks proper education. It must be quite difficult to find someone of similar age without a fiancé, no? It would be wonderful if she could marry into one of the higher nobles other than his family.”

Malphia spoke to His Majesty without reservation.

With us having obtained information about Miss Mira, this conversation was likely disadvantageous for His Majesty.

His Majesty probably encouraged the match precisely because he had concerns about Count Leo Barbet’s son’s future capabilities.

While managing territory might be acceptable, with his combat abilities, he wouldn’t survive. Had he possessed any special skills, things might have been different.

Even we cannot remain silent while our daughter is treated as a fool.

“Well, she’s not my beloved daughter. That’s my brother Jole’s child.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. And Lady Clementine, who was guiding her, has already passed away as well.”

His Majesty’s hand unconsciously sped up as he swirled his brandy glass. He seemed to be trying to maintain his composure, but it was painfully obvious.

Perhaps we should ease up on the pressure now.

“Even for us, having trash pushed upon us is troublesome. If beasts were to overflow because of that trash and head toward the royal capital, there would be nothing to be done about it. For Miss Mira, even a count would be aiming too high. No matter how you look at it, she’s only baron-level at best.”

“That much, huh?”

“Yes, unfortunately. If you wish for a higher noble and plan to force it through using Your Majesty’s influence, you’ll have no choice but to have Count Barbet take her in.”

“…Understood. I’ll approve the dissolution of their engagement. So, what is your request?”

“We had unfortunately given up on finding a suitable candidate for our daughter’s husband, but just recently we heard some good news. They say a man named Olga Saraphis is capable and honest. Princess Celestina seems quite taken with him, but considering the ducal family’s circumstances, she cannot marry beneath her station, can she?”

“Olga, huh. Even if we granted Olga a title and territory, the Duchess and her sons would likely interfere without thinking. And with Celestina having been raised so freely, she would ruin the territory. Even with an excellent steward assigned, maintaining the status quo would be the best outcome. If the Queen consents, I’d give Olga to you immediately. She dotes on Celestina, who’s the spitting image of herself.”

Queen Ferimeia is quite sharp-tongued and tends to be self-righteous, and the King has grown weary of her, secretly keeping several mistresses behind her back.

Miss Mira is the daughter of one of these hidden mistresses, but when Baron Clementine publicly brought her forward, this current situation emerged as a hasty response.

Naturally, the Queen must have heard about Miss Mira as well.

“My, the Princess and her adjutant. If they’re truly in love, even if they’re poor or face interference, wouldn’t they manage somehow together?”

Malphia spoke as if testing the waters.

“No, it’s only Celestina who feels that way. Olga probably doesn’t think anything of it. He’s a loyal knight.”

“Then Your Majesty, may we take Adjutant Olga into our family?”

“I would like to grant permission, but the Queen would be troublesome. Besides, Celestina wouldn’t let him go.”

“I see. I understand the situation. I’ll speak to Ginette about welcoming Adjutant Olga as her husband. It would be helpful if Your Majesty could keep things under control on your end as well.”

“…Very well.”

“Speaking of which, here are the items you requested. Also, the nobles’ movements are documented here.”

When I nodded, the attendant waiting behind brought a small vial and documents before His Majesty.

The vial contained the extremely rare tears collected from the dragon residing in our territory. They say this is what His Majesty desires most.

After reading the documents and pondering, he burned them on the spot.

“Hmm. I can only say, as expected of a Marquis.”

“Recently, Ginette’s own abilities have grown remarkably along with her development, and the day she surpasses both Malphia and myself is not far off.”

“I look forward to her future. It’s both pleasing and regrettable that she’s a Frontier Count.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

His Majesty gave a slight smile and drained his brandy.