Ch.166Somehow… #1

“What? You advised the representative to withdraw when they were winning quite well? And the representative accepted that?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve already informed our representative, and they have accepted it.”

When Liam mentioned the withdrawal, the king’s eyes widened in surprise.

It was understandable, given that he had requested an audience specifically to announce the dropping of a promising candidate.

“Hmm… I find it quite regrettable, but why did you make such a decision? Ah, of course, I respect the Duke’s decision and won’t say much… I’m just curious about the reason.”

“Yes. The reason is… the way our duchy’s representative fights is too dangerous.”

With each victory, he would face increasingly skilled opponents, and when fighting such opponents with his reckless style, the risk of irreversible consequences was high.

Such unfortunate incidents should not occur at a festive event, and it would be inappropriate for a lord of a territory.

The king listened quietly to Helena’s explanation, then nodded with an “I see” murmur.

Perhaps due to her solid reasoning, he showed no signs of objection.

It was fortunate indeed, as any expression of regret from the king might have led to a tiresome, prolonged conversation.

“…That’s right. Though it’s a tournament to select knights, its essence is still a festival, so certain lines shouldn’t be crossed. I understand both of your intentions well.”

“Thank you.”

Afterward, the king issued a direct order to process Liam’s withdrawal, and his scheduled opponent advanced to the semifinals without crossing swords.

Though he unfortunately had to taste defeat before reaching the finals, making it to the final four was still impressive.

“First, I commend your valiant effort in standing firm until the end, responding to challenges, and achieving victory.”

After successfully completing the remaining schedule over several days,

The king approached a man kneeling on one knee in the middle of the training ground, placed the flat of his sword on his shoulder, and continued in a solemn voice.

The winner was from the Riesling Marquisate that I had visited before, and perhaps due to living in harsh conditions, his features were sharp.

Clap, clap. I felt relieved as I heard the cheers and thunderous applause.

I was also pleased at the thought that the event was finally over and I could go home. Though everything had been comfortable thanks to careful attention, there’s nothing like the comfort of one’s own home.

“…Finally, to commemorate and celebrate the history of driving out the wicked Empire, I shall arrange such an occasion once every three years!”

Though all nobles already knew of the intention to hold such tournaments regularly and none objected, the spectators who had been quietly listening couldn’t help but be surprised.

It was a natural reaction, as this was the first public announcement of such scale.

However, they didn’t stop at surprise but expressed their joy by shouting “Long live the King!” until their throats were raw.

Despite the long interval, they couldn’t help but be excited about having one more thing to enjoy in life.

.

After completing the rather enjoyable but somewhat tiring schedule, I spent my time doing paperwork as usual.

During this time, I handed over Liam, whom I had appointed as a squire, to Holland for physical and mental training, and also discussed venues for the regularly scheduled festivals.

I wanted to get these necessary tasks done in advance.

“I think it would be good to hire people who have free time in winter to build it… what do you think?”

“Sounds good. It won’t be lifelong work, of course, but it will help them a little.”

From materials to people,

Discussing all necessary matters with Helena without missing anything made things easier.

The real issue was how much tax to collect this harvest season.

Because of the war, I planned to collect less tax than usual, but it wasn’t easy to find the right balance.

“Andy, could you bring some wine to the office for us to drink?”

“Yes, of course.”

In the late afternoon after finishing the day’s work as usual, Helena asked Andy to bring a bottle of wine.

The drinkers would be myself, Helena, Ellen, and Eve—four of us.

In the past, I might have wondered if it was appropriate to drink in the office, but now it didn’t seem like a big deal.

The work was done, and Helena was the current owner of this mansion.

“My Lady, I’ve brought it.”

“Thank you. I’ll pour it myself, so please hand it over.”

When Andy brought a silver rectangular tray-like object with wine and four upside-down glasses, Helena smiled and took the tray from him.

Andy seemed quite flustered for a moment but soon bowed his head and left the room.

“Um… is there anything I can help with?”

Eve, who had entered the office a step ahead of Andy, tilted her head and asked, to which Helena maintained her gentle smile and shook her head.

It was a refusal.

Probably because even if Eve offered help, it was obvious she would be clumsy with handling alcohol.

“Here’s to peace.”

Glug, glug. After pouring wine equally into the four glasses and finishing a simple toast, Helena finally brought the glass to her lips.

“To peace” was brief but, to me, the most important words, making it quite impressive.

“Wow… the wine feels like it’s wrapping around my tongue. How fascinating…”

Eve, carefully holding the stem of the glass with both hands as she drank, murmured in amazement.

While it might partly be because she doesn’t usually drink, I suspect it was more because the taste was uniquely intriguing.

Of course, I mean intriguing in a good way, not bad.

“I think it could benefit from more aging… what do you think, Jion?”

“I don’t know much about alcohol, so I can’t really say. I can only tell if it tastes good or bad.”

“Then Ellen, what’s your opinion?”

“Me…? I think it can still hold up well. The grapes used were grown by elves, so they’re stronger than ordinary grapes, and a lot of care has been put into the production and storage.”

In my opinion, I could sense clear pride in Ellen’s voice despite her casual tone.

Although she had to step away from grape farming to serve as my guard, it was natural for her to have special feelings about it, having been involved from the beginning.

“Then it might be good to keep more for long-term aging. We’re exporting a little to other territories, but the quantity is still small.”

While Helena emptied her glass as if it were no big deal, I thought it was fortunate things were gradually improving.

A few years ago, people would have scoffed at who would drink this, but I could feel the perception improving.

What if demand increases?

Currently, consumption is mostly within our territory, but what if more places start requesting it?

If we increase production, we’ll need more hands—should we use the magic corps?

I was pondering how to handle a future that might or might not come, then cleanly erased those thoughts from my mind.

It felt too much like counting chickens before they hatch.

“Um, by the way… did something happen? You suddenly suggested we drink…”

As the mood was getting better without getting too drunk due to the low alcohol content, Eve cautiously asked a question.

With her shoulders hunched as she held her glass, she looked just like a frightened child, which made her seem cute.

Plus, being the youngest of the three women gathered here might have added to that impression.

Helena must have thought the same, as she parted her still-curved lips and said:

“Hmm? Nothing special. Alcohol isn’t something you only drink when something happens. Like any other preference, you just drink it when you want to.”

“Ah. That’s true, isn’t it…?”

“Yes. Besides, since we all serve the same man… it’s also necessary to have gatherings like this.”

When Helena’s gaze, which had been fixed on Eve, turned toward me, Eve naturally looked at me too and nodded slightly.

Moreover, even Ellen, who had been quietly drinking, nodded as if it were obvious, which made me feel somewhat embarrassed.

“It’s… thanks to the Duke allowing it. I’m truly grateful.”

When Ellen was the first to bow her head toward Helena, Eve hurriedly followed suit and expressed her gratitude.

For me, it felt strange that these women, who could easily be someone’s legal wife if they wanted, were acting this way.

I wondered if I was worth all this, feeling both proud and grateful…

“Well… since we’ve arranged this gathering, it might be good to clarify some things in advance.”

After emptying another glass in the quiet, gentle atmosphere, Helena chuckled and tapped the table with her finger.

At this, the other two women, including myself, turned their eyes toward Helena.

“As you might know… next year, I’ll be having Jion’s child. It’s necessary for continuing the lineage, but… we’re quite late by normal standards.”

“Yes, we know. Isn’t it standard for noble ladies to have at least one child by the age of twenty-two at the latest?”

“That’s right. According to our plan, we were supposed to have a child this year, but as you know, those Empire bastards started a war…”

Haah. When Helena sighed deeply, I strangely felt a chill down my spine.

The momentary sharp glint in Helena’s eyes and the way she interlocked her fingers so tightly showed that her grudge against the Empire had not yet faded.

Ellen and Eve must have noticed it too, as they showed clear signs of tension, but soon seemed to calm themselves.

“Anyway, I plan to have a child next year… but what’s important is what comes after. You both want to have Jion’s children too, right?”

The tone and look that reminded me of “You’re pent up, aren’t you?” gave me goosebumps for a moment.

Once, I was so startled when I saw something like that without knowing what it was that I dropped my phone… well.

However, Ellen and Eve, who wouldn’t know about that, nodded quite vigorously with sparkling eyes.

“Of course.” “I… would like that too, if given the chance.”

“Right. If I feel this way, how much more must you two. But. Even if you have children, as unofficial concubines, you won’t be able to inherit any part of the duchy’s assets. Of course, the support you receive now will continue, which might somewhat substitute for inherited wealth… you understand what I mean, right?”

“Yes, don’t worry. As I’ve said before, if you just allow me to stay by his side… that’s enough for me.”

“I… feel the same way.”

When Ellen answered with resolute determination, Eve also added a brief comment and nodded.

Some might think this lacks affection, but I silently watched, knowing such clarification was necessary.

It’s similar to establishing discipline to maintain the center of an organization, to put it in exaggerated terms.

“I’m glad you think that way. Then I’ll move on to the next topic. This is actually the most important.”

Something more important than household management?

I felt anxiety sprouting within me, wondering what it could be, but soon inwardly sighed at what followed.

“Once pregnant, one can’t satisfy Jion’s desires, so you two should decide the order in which you’ll have children. Make sure to space them out, from as short as a year to as long as several years.”

“Ah…! That was an issue, wasn’t it? As expected, the Duchess has such a broad perspective!”

When Ellen clapped her hands in genuine admiration, I was beyond sighing—I was dumbfounded.

Prioritizing the satisfaction of my sexual desires over maintaining discipline for the duchy, or even the entire ducal house—isn’t that something?

Of course, from my perspective, it’s tearfully appreciated, but I couldn’t help feeling a sense of deflation.

Perhaps… are they all drunk? Looking closely, their cheeks do seem flushed…

“As it happens, Eve and I have been continuously searching for ways to conceive the Grand Duke’s child… so at least during that time, there shouldn’t be a major issue.”

“…I see. However, if you find an answer sooner than expected… as I said earlier, adjust accordingly. Understood?”

“Yes, leave it to us.”

This time, Eve answered confidently, clenching her small fist.

She seemed quite confident, perhaps thinking it was an area that could be addressed through magic.

Thanks to this, Helena also showed satisfaction, as if a burden had been lifted.

“Good. Let’s end this discussion here. However… since we’ve come this far, I was thinking we could fairly decide who gets to be with him first tonight.”

“What…? Fairly? Unless there’s something special, the Duchess always goes first…”

“I’m in a strangely good mood today. That’s why I’m suggesting we decide fairly, just for today.”

While Helena was saying something completely unrelated to what she had started with “however,” no one pointed this out.

Instead, Ellen and Eve’s eyes widened at the mention of deciding the order through a special fair process.

“But how will you decide? A duel wouldn’t work since our fields are too different, and if someone gets hurt, the Grand Duke would be sad.”

“Of course. We should decide with a suitable and simple bet. Let’s see…”

Helena paused for a moment, looking around, then approached the desk drawer where documents were kept and took out a gold coin.

It was obviously going to be a coin toss.

“Let’s decide with this. We’ll toss it three times, and whoever gets the most heads wins first place. Understood?”

When the two women, excluding the proposer herself, silently nodded in agreement, Helena tossed the coin as if she had been waiting for this moment.