Ch.175175. ····Selden, Who Is That Woman?

“What do you mean Jawill Wilson is a hero? Explain it in a way I can understand.”

“I don’t fully understand it myself yet. A letter just arrived from Cataria Territory to Alphonse Territory…”

“And?”

Federicks seemed confused as well, appearing to organize his thoughts for a moment before collecting himself and speaking.

“You know how Cataria Territory has the Forest of Destruction, similar to our Death Forest in Lake Territory?”

“Well, they’re similar in the sense that they’re both forests filled with monsters.”

“Yes, while it’s not completely restricted like the Death Forest, it’s still highly dangerous. Even monster hunters avoid going deep inside.”

I slapped my chest with my palm in frustration as Federicks continued to beat around the bush.

“You’re being too vague. Get to the point. Don’t tell me Jawill Wilson went into the Forest of Destruction, killed monsters, and saved people?”

“No, that’s not it. Cataria Territory has a famous delphinium flower field, and five Black Hounds appeared there.”

“They crawled out from the Forest of Destruction to the delphinium field?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

This was strange.

When Jawill Wilson said he was going to Cataria Territory with Lucien, I had studied the place thoroughly.

While the Forest of Destruction was indeed dangerous, there had never been a case of monsters from there venturing outside.

That’s why the delphinium flower field, despite being close to the forest, only required minimal caution…

“Go on with your story.”

“As it happened, Jawill Wilson was sightseeing at the delphinium field at that time, and he immediately lured the five Black Hounds back into the Forest of Destruction himself.”

“So you’re saying Jawill Wilson lured five Black Hounds into the Forest of Destruction to save the people at the delphinium field?”

“…Yes. That’s what was written in the letter bearing the Cataria family crest.”

None of this made sense.

The same coward who had begged and cried for Rio or Luna to enter the Death Forest in his place had voluntarily led five Black Hounds into the Forest of Destruction…

It would be more believable if someone told me Leonard had slept with Seri Familia.

I continued to wear an expression of disbelief.

“So what happened then?”

“After Jawill Wilson lured the Black Hounds into the Forest of Destruction, he eliminated all of them.”

“All five?”

“Yes, and the head of Cataria Territory sent a letter praising Jawill Wilson and expressing gratitude.”

Even if Jawill Wilson had absorbed the energy of the Thousand Origin Group, dealing with five Black Hounds attacking simultaneously would not be an easy task.

Moreover, he moved from the delphinium field to the Forest of Destruction?

That meant there was a possibility that other monsters had joined the fray as well.

Haaa…

Perhaps allowing Lucien and Jawill Wilson to travel together was a mistake after all?

“Where is Lucien now?”

“It seems they’ve been invited to dine with the head of Cataria Territory tomorrow. The letter mentioned permission for his nephew to accompany him, so I assume Lucien will attend as well.”

“There’s truly never a peaceful day.”

“…If Jawill Wilson has any sense, he’ll return to Lake Territory immediately after the meal.”

“Father must have seen the letter too. How did he react?”

At this, Federicks gave a meaningful smile.

“Baron Byron didn’t show much outwardly, but he was pleased inside.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Since Jawill Wilson belongs to Alphonse, it naturally elevates our family’s standing.”

“Of course, your standing has risen as well. The people of Cataria Territory will be giving thumbs up saying, ‘As expected of a direct knight of Young Master Selden Alphonse, who stopped the monster wave!'”

That’s right.

Normally, saving people from monsters deserves praise.

And as Federicks said, it would have elevated both the family’s and my own standing.

But.

Why did he have to do this while traveling with Lucien?

The same guy who usually whines and acts like a coward.

The one fortunate thing was that, judging by the absence of any other news in the letter, Lucien hadn’t transformed into a dragon…

I sighed as Federicks continued to praise Jawill Wilson.

“I’ve told you I don’t like becoming famous like that.”

“Even if you dislike it, Young Master, it’s clearly beneficial for the family.”

“What do I gain from benefiting the family?”

Startled by my sudden question, Federicks carefully continued.

“Even if not now, someday, when you get involved in the succession battle, each of these incidents will help you.”

“I’ve told you I have no interest in becoming the head of the family.”

“Th-then, can’t you be satisfied with making your parents happy?”

My mouth, which had been moving actively until now, became as silent as a mute who had eaten honey.

If I were to refute even this, wouldn’t I be walking the path of an unfilial son?

“Haaa… Anyway, there’s no point in us discussing this now. Let’s talk again when Jawill Wilson returns to Lake Territory.”

“…Understood. Then I’ll let you rest well tonight and see you tomorrow.”

“Alright, good work.”

Creeeeak-! Thud-!

After sending Federicks out, I flopped back onto the bed and gazed out the window.

The view outside had already grown dark.

I slowly organized my complicated thoughts as I drifted off to sleep.

*

“Hello, I’m Derickson Ebert.”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

“…Pardon?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Operation Find Miria Alphonse a Husband” was underway at the outdoor terrace of the Alphonse mansion.

Miria Alphonse was more discourteous to men than I had imagined.

Before meeting Derickson Ebert, one of the husband candidates, Hayward Marcus, had stormed out after being unable to tolerate his conversation with Miria Alphonse.

That’s why.

I had earnestly implored her to show at least basic courtesy…

It seemed she had somewhat understood.

After all, her first words to Hayward Marcus, who had left in anger, had been “You’re ugly.”

Derickson Ebert seemed momentarily taken aback by Miria Alphonse’s aggressive tone but calmly continued.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t need to introduce myself. I already know your name, Miss Miria Alphonse.”

Well, look at this guy!

Responding so politely to Miria Alphonse, who had been rude enough not to even mention her own name at their first meeting?

I exchanged glances with Federicks at the table right behind them.

“That guy seems pretty decent, doesn’t he?”

“Indeed. He handled the young lady’s curt response with composure.”

“Isn’t he a bit too composed? Maybe he knows women too well?”

“Knowing women well doesn’t necessarily make one mannerly, does it? Just look at you, Young Master. You’ve had women around you since you were very young, but you always—”

“Want to die?”

“I-I’m sorry.”

I let out a short sigh at Federicks, who was covering his mouth with his palm.

“I’m just saying he’s too smooth with his manners.”

“Hayward Marcus was the same. Even when the young lady’s first words to him were ‘You’re ugly,’ he didn’t immediately storm out.”

“True, Hayward Marcus did endure well.”

“Indeed. If the young lady hadn’t said, ‘Your breath stinks, talk from further away,’ he might still be hanging in there.”

Nodding slowly, I returned my attention to the conversation between Derickson Ebert and Miria Alphonse.

“What do you like, Miss Miria Alphonse?”

“Selden Alphonse.”

“S-Selden Alphonse, as in…”

Derickson Ebert, already aware that Federicks and I were watching from behind, glanced at me once before smiling gently.

“You must be very close with your brother.”

“You know my brother?”

“Of course. I know Selden Alphonse well. Isn’t he the great man who stopped the monster wave, a first in the Eastern Continent?”

“…You’re quite up-to-date with world news.”

“It was such a significant event in the Eastern Continent that it reached my ears.”

“Was it that big?”

As he praised me, Miria Alphonse seemed satisfied and began to properly engage in the conversation.

Derickson Ebert, sensing an opportunity, brightened his eyes.

“I had an interesting experience recently. I attended a party where women were fighting over who would have Selden Alphonse.”

“They fought at a party?”

“Yes, I was shocked. Despite Selden Alphonse not even being present, the commotion demonstrated his popularity quite clearly.”

“Oh, so that happened…”

“Then, one of the fighting women claimed she had kissed Selden Alphonse and declared he was hers. And would you believe…”

Derickson Ebert trailed off.

Understandably so.

Miria Alphonse, sitting across from him, had tilted her head back and was glaring at me.

Creeeeak-!

Miria Alphonse rose from her chair.

She approached me, slammed both palms on the table with a “thud,” emanated an ominous aura, and forced an awkward smile.

“…Selden, who is this woman?”