Chapter 112

The Court Social Gathering (1)

Only after Queen Marceline and all the Royal Knights had left did I cautiously move.

... That had been dangerously close.

[Effect 2] of the <King of the Underworld> Title.

Its [Blessing of Darkness] had allowed me to silence my movements. But the palace interior was fairly bright, which apparently made the effect intermittent. By hastily activating Slime Cell[B-], I had just barely avoided discovery.

'She really almost caught me.'

Granted, I hadn't absorbed the Shameleon's complete genetic material through Predation[S+]. Even so, Assimilation[C+] could fool the Royal Knights.

Yet the woman who had met Queen Marceline had found a gap in my concealment. That meant she possessed far from ordinary skill.

According to Predatory Instincts[S], her information was as follows.

==<Character Information>==

Name: Luseria

Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Class Mammalia, Family Hominidae, Cambion

Sex: Female

Age: 28

Traits: Mind Penetration[E]

◆Mind Penetration[E]

: The user can penetrate deep into a target's mind to manipulate their memories, thoughts, emotions, and psyche.

Luseria could invade and manipulate the human mind—an ability rather similar to the Authority of Oblivion.

But she wasn't the Sovereign of Darkness. She belonged to the Dark Merchant Company. In other words, she was one of the Devotees of the Fallen Souls.

Luseria, the Enchantress of Lust.

As her classification made clear, she wasn't human. She was the bastard offspring of a human and a nightmare—a cambion.

Mind Penetration[E] was an ability inherited from her nightmare parent. Combined with her bewitching beauty, it became an irresistible weapon of seduction.

That was how she had been chosen by the 'She-Spider of the Abyss Pregnant with Fifty Thousand Young,' and she had reigned as a Legion Commander of the Abyss alongside Iratum. However...

'Has she not been chosen yet?'

At this point in the past to which I'd returned, she had yet to be chosen.

In any case...

'Things must be urgent if Luseria's getting involved personally.'

The empire had a fire to put out, too. And no wonder.

'She said the Obscura had collapsed.'

But all I'd done was seize the laundered funds. I hadn't touched the Obscura's system.

So if it had collapsed anyway...

'Must have been Isolde.'

I could put that down to her. Apparently, she and the Azure Silver Knights had given Violess a thorough thrashing.

'That explains it.'

I'd wondered why there were no rumors about me at all. Why neither the Dark Merchant Company nor the empire behind it knew anything about my existence.

Now I understood: it hadn't even occurred to them to investigate me. Isolde's exploits had drawn all their attention to her.

Just what I'd expect from Isolde. Thanks to her, things had worked out very nicely.

At any rate...

'Luseria isn't the one leading this operation.'

There was clear evidence of the Sovereign of Darkness's involvement in the Kingdom of Battenberg. The Sovereign was the ultimate architect of this scheme.

Yet it had only sent Luseria to the fore, which meant...

'So this isn't enough to make you come out?'

It had judged that a rampage in the palace didn't warrant its intervention. That could also mean it couldn't use the Authority of Oblivion indiscriminately.

Regardless...

'I know their whole plan now.'

I'd seen through everything Queen Marceline was plotting. She was in the palm of my hand.

What remained was simple: dismantle her plans one by one and completely overturn their intended results.

Then...

'You won't be able to stay in the darkness forever.'

The Sovereign of Darkness would be all but certain to make a move.

* * *

A chandelier adorned with delicate patterns. Ivory walls and marble floors.

Here in the palace guest suites, grandeur and refinement blended in exquisite harmony.

Inside, a head of silver hair swayed back and forth as Seraphia paced anxiously before a door.

'Why isn't Brother back yet...?'

Worry for Adrian, trapped in the dungeon, made it impossible to sit still.

She had been released and returned quite some time ago. Yet he still hadn't come back.

Night had already fallen outside the window, leaving only soft moonlight to illuminate the darkness.

Had something happened to him?

Come to think of it, Adrian had said he would take responsibility for all her offenses, too. Perhaps she had been freed so early because he had sacrificed himself for her.

At that thought, all manner of images unfolded in her mind.

Adrian being tortured. Adrian bound in chains, his face twisted in agony. Horrible wounds carved into his body.

And finally, his head severed for treason...

"No!"

"No what?"

"Eek!!"

Her heart nearly dropped out of her chest.

"Waaagh...!!"

She was so startled that she lost the ability to speak. But the moment she recognized the person before her...

"Brother!!"

Her fallen heart sprang back into place, and her power of speech returned in an instant.

"A-are you all right?! You're not hurt anywhere, are you?!"

Her eyes darted over Adrian, checking his condition. With every confirmation that he was unharmed, her worries faded, and relief and joy welled up in their place.

Whether he knew how she felt or not, he merely tossed out a question, his face indifferent.

"Why did you do that?"

"... Pardon? Oh, I was just... so startled."

"I mean, why did you fight the Royal Knights?"

"O-oh. That..."

She hesitated, avoiding his gaze.

"It's just that you..."

She began in a small voice, then stopped. He seemed likely to get terribly angry. To hate her terribly, just as he had after the Shameleon incident.

She was so afraid this would drive them apart again.

"I thought you might be in danger... so I just..."

Unable to go on, she hung her head.

But then...

"Don't do it again."

His actual response was unexpectedly calm. Startled, she looked up.

And, goodness gracious.

Adrian wasn't angry. His face wasn't contorted. He wasn't looking at her as though she were a creature so loathsome that disgust had turned to hatred. He wasn't looking at her as though she were an evil spirit.

Nor did his face look as though it had been molded from every negative emotion in existence.

"Huh...?"

Cognitive dissonance set in. The reality before her felt like a dream.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing! Nothing at all!"

She hastily waved her hands. But the corners of her mouth kept twitching upward, forcing her to bite down hard on her lower lip.

"That aside."

Adrian looked at her and continued.

"It seems His Majesty the King's illness is showing no sign of improvement."

"... Oh."

"It looks as though the court gathering will be held before our audience, so make your preparations."

For a moment, she was speechless. She had been busy marveling at the palace's splendor and scenery, while Adrian had been calmly assessing the situation.

... He really was incredible.

Her eyes shone as she strengthened her resolve.

"Yes! I'll prepare as best I can!"

"Go on, then. It's late."

With that, he left. Seraphia quietly returned to her room as well, but she didn't go straight to bed.

The court social gathering brought together all the kingdom's high-ranking nobles. As House Whitewolf's eldest daughter, Seraphia would attend as its representative.

Her conduct, her manner of speaking, her attire—everything about her would represent House Whitewolf's dignity and honor.

She sat before the mirror and practiced the various rules of etiquette and manners required in high society. She was still lacking and clumsy in many ways, but she would become a wonderful little sister Adrian could be proud of.

'I have to work hard so I don't embarrass Brother!'

She renewed that vow again and again.

As the moonlight outside gradually faded...

'I can do this. I have to do this well.'

She kept practicing until dawn broke on the day of the gathering.

* * *

Gentle morning sunlight bathed the royal gardens, and understated elegance filled the tea-party venue.

The guests were all lavishly dressed. The women wore gorgeous gowns and fine jewelry, while the men added a touch of formality in immaculate attire and uniforms.

Each brought their own charm and fragrance, filling the gathering with life.

Seraphia drew a deep breath. Her heart still fluttered.

'Whew! Whew!'

She kept exhaling, coaxing her nerves into settling as she reminded herself of the effort she had put into practicing day and night, staying up through the nights for days.

But the court gathering was far more complicated and demanding than she'd imagined.

On the surface, it looked like a casual occasion for men and women to meet and converse. Underneath, however, lay cold calculations about political alliances and mutual interests between noble houses.

"Have you heard about Count Emberlyn's mining contract this month?"

"Of course. But I hear he holds exclusive mining rights... Is there any room for negotiation?"

"It won't be easy... But as it happens, House Emberlyn's daughter is attending this gathering."

"I'll have to approach her."

The nobles were engrossed in calculations, each pursuing their own goals.

"Everyone is talking about how popular Belgard's local specialties are."

"Nothing could make us happier, but transportation is a problem. The roads in the central region have been in such a poor state with the recent ogre appearances..."

"Then why not cooperate with our house?"

"With House Grayburn?"

"Our head of house has recently been investing in new transport routes. Why don't you meet with him?"

"Hmm. Perhaps we should discuss it, then."

Quiet deals and conversations passed back and forth as they probed one another's interests, weaknesses, and resources available for exchange.

Perhaps that was why no nobles approached Seraphia. Whitewolf county had nothing to offer.

She lowered her head.

... It was so difficult. Court society was so unfamiliar and daunting. The world beyond the county was so complicated and hard.

But she clenched both fists.

'I have to help Brother.'

If she wanted to be a wonderful little sister to Adrian—ultimately, to win back his affection—she had no time to stand around looking gloomy.

She straightened her hunched shoulders and began walking slowly toward the other nobles. Just then...

"There you are."

A clear voice rang out, and she turned her head.

"Her Highness the Queen!"

The atmosphere changed in an instant. The nobles all bowed their heads and offered respectful greetings.

"We are honored by your presence, Your Highness."

"Greetings to Your Highness the Queen."

Acknowledging their courtesies, Queen Marceline approached with graceful steps. She stopped directly before Seraphia.

"Might we speak for a moment?"

At her words, everyone at the party caught their breath.

"Oh...!"

"Her Highness, personally...?"

Unable to conceal their surprise, they exchanged looks.

No wonder: it was exceedingly rare for the Queen to take such an initiative. As the representative of the royal court, she merely provided the stage for high society.

She maintained a strict distance from the nobles and had never sought out a particular individual like this. Being singled out by Queen Marceline was not something to take lightly.

"To think Her Highness would approach someone herself..."

"Who is it? Who has she chosen?"

Whispers spread among the nobles.

Seraphia, too, hesitated briefly in confusion. Then her eyes brightened as she recalled the movements she had practiced countless times.

She raised her head gracefully, adopted a dignified expression, and offered a respectful courtesy.

"I am Seraphia Whitewolf of House Whitewolf. Greetings, Your Highness the Queen."

The words she had spent all night memorizing and practicing flowed naturally from her lips.

"Furthermore, please accept my heartfelt thanks for granting me this honorable opportunity."

The nobles stirred.

"I'd thought they were merely a wastrel's house on the frontier..."

"She has quite the dignity and grace of a noble."

Their murmurs gradually turned to admiration.

Seraphia cheered inwardly.

'That went perfectly!'

Even by her own assessment, her etiquette had been flawless.

"There's an empty spot just over there."

Smiling, Queen Marceline led her away. The nobles remained at a distance, not daring to approach, but every eye and all their attention were focused on the pair.

As Seraphia held her breath under that peculiar tension, the Queen spoke.

"Have you grown accustomed to the atmosphere?"

"... Oh, yes. A little."

"This tea party is quite a complicated affair. It may look like idle conversation, but countless interests and calculations are intertwined beneath it."

Seraphia gave a small nod. That was indeed the case.

"Whitewolf county, on the other hand, is far removed from the political center."

Queen Marceline paused and looked at her as though studying her expression.

"Yet Whitewolf county plays a very important role for our royal court—as a strategic stronghold."

"Pardon?"

"I mean that it is a vital territory from which we can monitor and control the kingdom's northern border."

"Oh..."

Was it...?

"For generations, House Whitewolf has served as a loyal fortress for the royal court. However..."

Her expression darkened slightly as she continued.

"We have failed to reward that loyalty adequately."

"Not at all. Please don't say—"

"That is why this invitation was also intended to bring renewed recognition to House Whitewolf's worth."

"Oh..."

Seraphia looked dazed for a moment. She had had no idea that was the purpose.

Court gatherings really were so difficult and complicated.

"It may be somewhat overdue, but I hope you will accept this as the royal court's reward for House Whitewolf's loyalty."

"The royal court's reward?"

All of a sudden?

Instead of answering, Queen Marceline signaled to one side with her eyes. The palace maids waiting there moved, but...

"... H-huh? It was definitely here!"

Something was clearly wrong.

The maids soon rushed over, their faces deathly pale. Queen Marceline raised her eyes sharply and asked,

"What is it?"

"W-well..."

With every word the maid whispered, the Queen's face hardened into an increasingly ominous expression.

* * *

Queen Marceline's expression was growing grimmer by the moment. One look told me all I needed to know.

'So you finally noticed.'

Sorry, but that money had been sitting in my Inventory for quite some time.

Really, only noticing now...

'Well, I suppose she couldn't openly check on a payoff.'

The sum came to a whopping ten million gold. Luseria hadn't said that for nothing.

["Wouldn't we need at least this much to put her in our debt so she can't refuse our requests?"]

With ten million gold on the line, any request would naturally be hard to refuse.

That much money disappearing was a major incident. It wouldn't have been strange for the entire palace to be turned upside down, but...

'She can't bring herself to report it missing.'

After all, it was an under-the-table payment.

What if someone demanded to know where she'd gotten it? Queen Marceline would have no answer.

It wasn't even her own money. The money in my Inventory was the safest money in the world to take, with no risk of repercussions.

In other words, a criminal's money.

And money has never had so much as a scrap of loyalty or fidelity.

Once it lands in someone else's pocket?

"W-what do you mean...!!"

It couldn't care less about its previous owner.