SS #34 Edward Chase (2)

Sylvia Crossbell.

Age 21.

The eldest daughter of the Crossbell family, which dominated the financial industry of the North.

She possessed a beauty so renowned she was called the greatest in the North, but her looks were not her only outstanding quality.

She had a sharp business sense and a talent for arithmetic that went beyond mere cleverness.

Gifted with such remarkable abilities that she had been involved in the Crossbell family’s business even before coming of age, she was, by all accounts, the most talented woman in the North.

“She’s already incredibly popular.”

“Huh? Well, yes, but for you to know that… no, wait. Of course you’d know, because you’re Yuder.”

Even though the world had changed drastically from Legend of Heroes 2, let alone Legend of Heroes 3, Cordelia couldn’t imagine Yuder being ignorant of affairs in the North, of all places.

After all, he was Yuder.

“So this is what it feels like to be a trusted man.”

“Suddenly, I’m feeling the urge to stop trusting you.”

“Hehe, don’t be coy.”

Yuder chuckled and pinched Cordelia’s cheek. Instead of retorting with a ‘what the hell,’ Cordelia found herself laughing, a hollow chuckle filled with various meanings at her own reaction.

Even she had to admit she was looking at him through some seriously thick rose-colored glasses.

“Anyway, Sylvia-unni may be incredibly popular, but we have a competitive edge. My brother is incredibly popular too.”

If Sylvia Crossbell was a premium catch in the northern marriage market, then Edward Chase was a super-premium one.

Even without the backing of Yudelia, Edward was young, handsome, from a good family, highly capable, and had no flaws in his personality. He was a blue-chip prospect with nothing to be ashamed of.

“The problem is the right of succession, I suppose…”

“You mean because my brother is the eldest son and Sylvia-unni is the eldest daughter?”

“Well, it won’t actually be a major problem.”

Just as he and Cordelia had done, they could simply inherit their respective titles.

“The potential issue lies more with their children’s generation than their own… but that can be resolved quite neatly if they have more than one child. Or a nephew or niece could inherit. Both of them have several siblings, after all.”

Edward had Adelia and Cordelia, while Sylvia had a younger brother and sister, though there was a considerable age gap.

“The Crossbell family is highly unlikely to give up a talent like Sylvia. That’s why, even if they were to each hold their own titles, they would sooner take in a husband for her than seek a union with another family. But with the Chase family, it’s a different story.”

“Because of us?”

“That’s part of it, but also because the Chase family is a house of mages without a territory. Their domain is completely different from the Crossbells, you could say. To put it more simply, it means there’s a low probability of an incident where someone tries to use Sylvia to swallow the Crossbell family whole. Even if they tried, it would be easy to defend against. As I first said, their fields are just too different.”

“Uh… so you’re saying that from the Crossbell family’s perspective, the Chase family is a rather reassuring partner?”

“That’s about right. Plus, the Chase family can provide the military power that the Crossbells somewhat lack, so it could be a win-win for both. And since it’s not just simple military strength but ‘magic,’ it would be a great help in pioneering new businesses. In many ways, the Chase family is an appealing partner for the Crossbells.”

After hearing Yuder’s explanation, Cordelia pondered for a moment before breaking into a wide smile.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing, right?”

“…I’ve said it before, but in terms of brain specs, you’re better.”

“Yup, yup, that’s why I’m good at magic.”

“…Right. Anyway, back to the main topic… isn’t the real problem whether Sylvia will take a liking to your brother? Of course, whether your brother likes Sylvia is also a key factor.”

In a typical noble marriage, the personal preferences of the individuals involved didn’t matter much.

The transaction between families was more important.

But for Edward and Sylvia, it was a different story.

“Because of Father.”

“And because it’s Sylvia.”

For one, Count Chase would never permit something like a political marriage.

To him, what was important was the love between the two people, not the interests of the family.

“Then why were you and I in a pre-birth engagement?”

“Perhaps he knew it would turn out like this?”

Yuder said slyly, gently tightening the arm he had around Cordelia. Feeling a sudden flush of embarrassment, Cordelia huffed, true to her Chase family nature.

And Yuder, of course, chuckled.

“You’re just so cute. I want to bite you.”

The combination of his expression, voice, and words would have made Scarlett scream and cough up blood in agony had she been present, but fortunately, it was only Cordelia here.

Of course, that didn’t mean Cordelia was unscathed.

“S-stop it.”

As Cordelia, her face and neck flushed crimson, squirmed in embarrassment, Yuder blew softly on her ear.

And then—

“Th-that’s enough! Enough!”

Wincing, Cordelia erected a wall of mana and glared at Yuder. Instead of pushing further, Yuder put on his sly face again and continued the conversation.

“Sylvia’s position within the Crossbell family is by no means small. If it’s a marriage she doesn’t want, it won’t happen, no matter how much Count Crossbell desires it.”

He was right.

But despite him being right, Cordelia felt it was unfair.

Here she was, red-faced and neck-deep in embarrassment and mortification and what-have-you, while he was calmly continuing to speak with a composed expression.

She could not tolerate such a one-sided exchange.

“Just you wait until tonight.”

“Tonight? I’m fine with right now, too.”

“Agh, seriously. Stop joking around. Okay? Huh?”

That was her limit.

Yuder immediately nodded and released the arm he had around Cordelia’s waist. Cordelia took a deep breath.

“Okay, so to sum it up, there are surprisingly few obstacles to my brother and Sylvia-unni getting together, right?”

“That would be the case, if they like each other.”

“Hmph, that’s not even a problem. Nope, not a problem at all.”

As Cordelia spoke with a confident expression, crossing her arms, Yuder narrowed his eyes as if he were worried.

“Uh… don’t tell me you’re planning to do what you did on Earth here, too?”

All the things Cordelia had done to get Kang Jin-ho and Hong Yu-hee together.

At Yuder’s question, Cordelia gave him a look that said, ‘Why are you asking something so obvious?’ Yuder smiled bitterly and nodded.

‘Well, I figured as much.’

And in truth, Yuder had no reason to stop her.

As long as Cordelia was having fun, that was all that mattered to him.

“Then let’s come up with a plan to get Sylvia-unni and my brother together. First, they need to meet by chance.”

“Hmm… that won’t be easy.”

Their spheres of activity were far too different.

Geographically, they were also quite far apart.

“Besides, my brother is almost always at home or in his lab. Is there any kind of event where the two of them might run into each other?”

“Nope, none.”

“Really?”

“Yep, really. So let’s create a new event.”

At Yuder’s words, Cordelia beamed.

It was exactly the answer she had expected from her Yuder.

“What kind of event are you going to make?”

“We need to create an event that meets the victory conditions. First, it has to be an event that both of them would attend, and since we need to create an incident, it would be better to have it outside the city rather than in it.”

“Is there such an event?”

At Cordelia’s question, Yuder smiled faintly and gestured with his hand as he always did.

It was a gesture to come closer.

“Whispering again.”

“Because it’s important.”

“Yes, yes, Cordelia is ready to listen.”

As Cordelia snuggled into Yuder’s embrace again and perked up her ears, Yuder whispered in a small voice. And Cordelia, as always, broke into a radiant smile.

*

[2nd Anniversary Ceremony of Shampoo and Conditioner Commercialization.]

A secluded castle located some distance from the outskirts of Langest, the city known as the heart of the North.

Seeing the banner hanging over the large castle gate, Cordelia smiled brightly.

“It’s a really good excuse. My Yuder is so competent.”

“With an event like this, not only your brother but also Sylvia will have no choice but to attend.”

The Chase family was the main producer of the shampoo and conditioner Yuder had created, and the Crossbell family was the biggest investor in the business.

In other words, if they held an event related to shampoo and conditioner, it was only natural that Edward, the next head of the Chase family, and Sylvia, the next head of the Crossbell family, would attend.

“An event unfolding in a secluded castle. During the celebration that lasts into the night, an exhausted Sylvia escapes the crowd and goes out into the garden, where she meets Edward, who was also resting alone in the garden… Kyaa.”

Had Kaisa given her another strange book?

As Cordelia blushed and reveled in the thought, Yuder felt a renewed sense of concern, but he quickly shook his head.

As long as Cordelia was happy, that was all that mattered.

“Anyway, do you have a plan for after they meet?”

“Of course, I do. I have a perfect plan prepared, so don’t worry and just trust me.”

Cordelia thumped her chest and lifted her chin as if she were truly confident. Yuder chuckled and nodded.

“Alright, then let’s begin.”

“Yup, yup, let’s go!”

And seven hours later, when the sun had set and the moon was high in the sky.

Walking toward the garden, Sylvia was seized by a strange feeling.

The 2nd Anniversary Ceremony of Shampoo and Conditioner Commercialization.

It was a plausible event, and it was natural for her to participate.

Sylvia, who usually used her appearance as a tool for business and promotion, had attended the ceremony in a very beautiful dress this time as well.

‘But the location is a bit strange.’

A secluded castle located quite a distance from Langest.

The garden, harmonizing with nature, was indeed beautiful, but was there really a reason to hold the ceremony all the way out here?

‘Well… if I had to say, there is a factory nearby.’

If she thought of it as a combined factory tour and inspection, the choice of location was surprisingly plausible.

‘And…’

There were several reasons why Sylvia herself was gripped by a peculiar feeling.

After Cordelia left for the Holy Nation of Yudelia, Sylvia, now the undisputed greatest beauty of the North, was always surrounded by a swarm of people.

Naturally, it should have been the same at this ceremony, but—

‘Four of them tripped and fell, three got stomachaches, and another two were overcome with sudden drowsiness.’

Those were the reasons why the men who approached her—young and handsome ones at that—had been taken out of the running.

‘It’s not like it happened to everyone, though.’

Nothing had happened to the women or the elderly.

Was it really just a coincidence?

“My, it’s a little warm.”

Muttering to herself, Sylvia endured the heat instead of fanning herself with her hand and continued walking.

Spring was approaching, but it was still winter, so there was no reason for it to be hot. Yet, for some reason, she felt her body heating up.

Did she want to get some cool air?

‘The way to the garden was this way, right?’

The castle had a large, beautiful garden.

But strangely enough, there wasn’t a single person on the path to the garden.

Not just the young men and women who had paired off for a night of fun, but even the servants were gone.

Subconsciously, Sylvia felt that it was all a bit contrived, but she kept walking.

The heat seemed to rise with every step, making her desperate for a breath of cool air.

A few more steps.

Finally reaching the door that led to the garden, Sylvia carefully opened it.

“Haa.”

Letting out a soft sigh at the cool night air that gently washed over her, Sylvia stepped forward and took a deep breath.

‘I feel a bit more alive.’

Pressing a hand to her chest, Sylvia took another deep breath and looked ahead.

The night garden, where fireflies danced, was spread out beautifully under the light of yellow lanterns.

‘Shall I take a little walk?’

Normally, Sylvia would have wondered, ‘Why is there no one here when the night view is this good?’ but right now, whether it was due to the rising heat or the beauty of the garden, she just wanted to walk.

And when she reached about the middle of the garden, a new sight came into view, and Sylvia stopped in her tracks.

‘Sir Ed…ward?’

At the edge of the garden, a blond man sat on a long bench overlooking the hill below.

And then, as if by fate, the man—Edward—turned his head and looked at Sylvia.

“Yes! This is it!”

In a corner of the garden.

Cordelia, who was watching the scene through a crystal ball, let out a hushed cheer, her face ecstatic.

“Now, the two of them will sit side by side, and in the middle of their conversation, an earthquake will happen. Sylvia-unni will lose her balance and fall right into Edward-oppa’s chest.”

“Right, that… what? Wait, an earthquake?”

“Yeah, an earthquake. Earthquake magic. Then the ground will crack open, and the two of them will panic and try to move. But at that very moment, a torrential downpour will start from the sky. I learned Control Weather magic recently, you know.”

“Uh… just keep going for now.”

“Yup, yup, drenched by the rain, their clothes soaked, the two of them will look around in a panic and happen to find a cozy-looking house.”

“And that’s made with Create Shelter magic?”

“Exactly. And the two of them will go inside the small shelter… with their clothes clinging to them from the rain and half-transparent, and their bodies all heated up… ohoho.”

As Cordelia continued her story with a sly laugh, Yuder had two thoughts.

One was that Cordelia was, as always, adorable. The other was that he needed to inspect the books in Cordelia’s study.

“Anyway, I’m starting now! Earthqua—!”

“Wait!”

Yuder clamped his hand over Cordelia’s mouth, stopping her spell incantation, and pointed at the crystal ball with his other hand.

“Look at that.”

“Mmph?”

Her mouth and even her chin covered by Yuder’s large hand, Cordelia rolled her eyes to look at the scene in the crystal ball and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Mmy brober is malking mo Mylbia.”

“Yes, your brother is talking with Sylvia. And they look quite good together.”

It was literally true.

Without any supporting fire from Earthquake or Control Weather, Edward and Sylvia were sitting side by side, chatting amiably.

Both of them had smiles on their faces.

“Oppa is… good at talking? With a woman? And a beauty like Sylvia-unni at that?”

“Hey, just in case, I have to ask, what did you usually think of your brother?”

“A shut-in research otaku?”

“…That’s not an entirely inaccurate description, but—anyway, I think this is enough. Let’s not overdo it.”

“Ugh… but still, don’t you think they need a little more of a push? Like a room they can’t get out of unless they do XX.”

“Nope, not needed. This is enough.”

“Hmph.”

Cordelia pouted in disappointment, but only for a moment.

One way or another, it seemed Edward and Sylvia were more interested in each other than she had thought.

“I hope it goes well.”

“It will.”

Neither Sylvia nor Edward was a fool.

In the first place, both of them must have anticipated that the other would be here.

And as Cordelia had emphasized several times, Sylvia wasn’t the only premium catch at the moment.

Even setting aside the Holy Nation of Yudelia, Edward was one of the most eligible bachelors in the North.

‘In other words, Sylvia was interested in him from the start.’

And Edward was interested in Sylvia, too.

So it was only natural for two such people to be laughing and chatting happily when they met like this.

‘It might be a little different from the pure love that Father and Cordelia dream of… but as long as the two of them are happy, it’s a good thing.’

Having finished his thoughts, Yuder put an arm around the shoulders of Cordelia, who was now focused on the crystal ball, and smiled faintly.

And at the same time, in another place.

Another mage who had witnessed Edward and Sylvia’s secret meeting fell into deep contemplation.

“For a daughter-in-law, not a son-in-law… what on earth should I give her?”

Standing on a balcony overlooking the garden, Count Chase agonized, while Count Bayer shook his head with a wry smile.

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Translated By: Meher (RaidenTL)

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