episode_0156

Since the overwhelming victory in the first round, there were several moments during the event that could have been seeds for the second and third rounds, but they all passed quietly.

This was partly because the opponent lost their will to fight due to the overwhelming gap, but also because the nobles, having regained their composure after being hit hard once, realized the fundamental goal of this event.

Whether they are from the Emperor’s faction or the Noble’s faction, they fundamentally desire the prosperity of the empire and are loyal to the imperial family.

Even if the direction of their pursued interests is slightly different, they are not at the level of selling the country, so although it was a bit late, they realized that they should pay more attention to the Royal Consort and other members of the imperial family rather than paying attention to a mere baron.

“Has Her Highness the Princess been well?”

Therefore, from the moment the banquet began, even if they were displeased with the fact that I, a mere baron, was receiving the Emperor’s attention, they wagged their tails at the dignitaries of the empire, changing their direction to reduce the gap between them and me even by a little.

It was a truly quick and rational judgment.

Unless they wanted their heads to fly off, it was only natural to show a peaceful appearance in the imperial palace.

“Perhaps it’s because the annoying people have disappeared, but I seem to be doing well comfortably.”

“Haha! That’s a relief.”

I think the sheer audacity of greeting me shamelessly after being imprisoned for hitting on Elizabeth is truly remarkable.

If it were me, I would be too embarrassed to even show my face.

“More importantly, aren’t you going to greet my partner?”

However, even if they changed their strategy, their ill feelings towards me did not disappear, so there was a minor war of nerves.

“Ahaha… Baron Howard, it’s good to see you, is Count Hume doing well?”

“He’s doing well except for being busy.”

“I was wondering if something had happened since Count Hume was absent from the Royal Consort’s birthday event, isn’t Count Hume like a close friend of the Royal Consort?”

“It’s a minor matter, and didn’t I attend representing the family?”

“Haha… I see…”

Neither I nor the other party were going to hurl heartfelt insults in front of the princess, so we exchanged barbed remarks appropriately and parted ways, leaving behind a grudging feeling.

Up to this point, it’s just the usual daily life at a banquet that I don’t even need to talk about.

With the Emperor, the Royal Consort, and the Crown Princess in the same space, it was natural for the princess and the baron to be out of the spotlight after a brief greeting.

“Baron Howard? Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Yes?”

Today, unusually, noble ladies were showing interest and approaching me.

And not to Elizabeth, but to me.

If it were the Countess of Albermale or the Countess of Tigris, who are on friendly terms with me, I would understand, but I was embarrassed because they were coming regardless of factional ties.

Noble ladies usually distance themselves from politics, but it’s also strange for them to approach someone who is openly at odds with their husbands.

“Yes, what’s the matter?”

“Can you tell me about the necktie you presented to His Highness the Royal Consort?”

Hiding my reluctance as much as possible, I asked about their business, and the answer that came back was very welcome to me.

I thought that interest in the necktie would be pushed back due to the atmosphere, but they are taking an interest on their own.

I was so grateful.

Among those who were interested were the wives of the nobles who had been snarky to me until just now, but what does that matter?

Whatever they are, they are all the same customer, and they are all the same necktie.

I can show as much generosity as possible in matters related to my profession, if it’s anything else.

“Of course, it’s not difficult, what are you curious about?”

After a short deliberation of less than 3 seconds, I nodded readily, suppressing my excitement this time.

“!”

The expressions of the ladies, who had been moving their eyes slightly uneasily, brightened at the sight of me embracing everyone without hesitation and regardless of affiliation.

“His Majesty the Emperor personally tied the necktie for His Highness the Royal Consort… Does this have any meaning?”

“Hmm…”

The first question that those noble ladies brought up was not about the necktie itself, but about the actions that His Majesty the Emperor had taken using the necktie.

It seemed that His Majesty’s actions were deeply imprinted in their minds.

I guess that action was very unconventional.

It was none other than the emperor of the empire tidying up the Royal Consort’s clothes like a maid.

The noble ladies will be curious as to what intentions that action has.

The reality is that it was just the Royal Consort and His Majesty being lovey-dovey without any special meaning.

“There is no significant meaning in tying a necktie, it’s just a simple expression of affection, if you have to find a meaning… you can think of it as giving a handkerchief to a knight going to the battlefield or a match.”

However, saying that as it is would not be dignified, so I added a little bit to the explanation, and although it was a bit excessive, I portrayed it as an act full of affection, worry, and romance by comparing it to a knight’s handkerchief.

“Handkerchief…? Isn’t giving a handkerchief to a knight an act with quite a lot of meaning?”

“Compared to a handkerchief given to a knight, the act of tying or adjusting a necktie may seem trivial… but in any case, it is an act of paying close attention to one’s husband, in a way, it can be seen as seeing off, supporting, and expressing love for one’s husband who is going to an important event.”

“Hmm~ I see.”

Compared to a knight’s handkerchief, it is a light and everyday act, so it did not gain much sympathy, but at least they seemed to have adequately understood that it was an expression of affection.

You can’t be full on the first try, so I have to be satisfied with this much.

“So, as a small expression of affection…”

“And more than anything, it’s romantic.”

“Huh…”

Just as I was about to finish the answer appropriately and move on to the next one.

Elizabeth, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between me and the noble ladies, suddenly intervened and gently pulled down the necktie I was wearing.

I was dumbfounded, wondering what was going on, and as I stared blankly at Elizabeth, she looked up at me with captivating eyes and continued to speak to the noble ladies.

“To be so close to the one you love that you can feel their breath… to be able to capture the most wonderful moment of your beloved husband in your eyes from the closest place.

And to feel the touch of your loved one as you prepare to go to an important event.”

As she said that, Elizabeth slowly pulled the knot of the necktie upwards and tidied up the collar, subtly touching areas such as her shoulders and chest, and put on a charming smile.

“Doesn’t it come across as subtle but intense?”

Finally, as Elizabeth looked at the noble ladies with a proud expression and lightly pulled on my necktie.

“Ah…”

The ladies, who were mesmerized by this, let out a soft sigh and showed a slightly ecstatic expression.

Probably.

They must be imagining the scene of tying a necktie for their husbands and welcoming a friendly atmosphere.

“Indeed… the child of the Hume couple is different, they seek emotional exchange even in such trivial things…”

“There must be a reason why young ladies and gentlemen have been mentioning Howard’s name so often lately…”

The ladies, who were muttering something in a low voice and whose eyes were slowly regaining life, fixed their fiery eyes on me and took a step closer to me.

“Duke Howard, about how to tie the knot of a necktie…”

“What kind of necktie would suit him…”

“Where to order or make it…”

And then, like a dam bursting, they began to pour out questions.

“W-wait a minute, let’s ask questions one by one slowly…”

“Duke Howard!”

“Duke Howard…!”

“Aaaah…!”

Darn it, please speak slowly…

_

After being tormented by the noble ladies and frantically dealing with their questions, I was finally able to enjoy freedom after an hour of hardship.

“Heeuh…”

“You’ve worked hard.”

As I felt the rapidly approaching fatigue and slumped my shoulders, Elizabeth, who had stimulated the noble ladies and then slipped away, watching me in trouble, came close and lightly patted my shoulder.

If this despicable Elizabeth hadn’t shown such a passionate performance like her mother, it would have flowed smoothly and normally…

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

I looked at Elizabeth with a hint of resentment, but Elizabeth tilted her head shamelessly and subtly pressured me to take the strength out of my eyes.

It’s unfair, but I have no power, so I have to bear it and move on…

“Hoo…”

“Baron Howard!”

“Aah…”

As I calmed my disgruntled heart and took a breath while resting, I heard someone else calling for me.

I had already been tormented by several people for a long time, so I wondered who it was this time and laboriously turned my head to the side.

“Countess Tigris?”

Fortunately, the person who was looking for me this time was someone I knew to some extent.

Someone who has no reason to bother me and no reason to make my head ache.

“I should have greeted you first, but I was too busy to do so, I’m sorry.”

“You are so popular, it’s hard to even talk to you.”

“Ahaha… Have you been well?”

“Of course, thanks to you, I’m having happy days these days.”

“That’s really a relief.”

Looking at her clinging to her husband and wagging her tail, it was clear that she was truly happy, not just saying empty words.

I feel good that my advice and clothes have been of great help to the Tigris couple.

“Besides, there’s another thing I need to thank you for, you know?”

“Thank me? I think I’ve already received enough for the previous clothes.”

“No, there’s another reason besides that.”

“Another reason…?”

Another reason to be thanked?

What did I do?

I haven’t even met them since His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday…

It’s not about clothes, so I racked my brains to think of what I could be thanked for, but there was nothing.

Something has to happen when you meet face to face, but there had to be a chance to meet since His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday…

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what I did to you two.”

“Ohoho~ Don’t be surprised when you hear this?”

“Yeees…”

As I tilted my head slightly downwards with a look of embarrassment, Countess Tigris smiled lightly, not caring much, and said while wagging her ears and tail.

“Duke Howard, thanks to you, I have finally succeeded in conceiving after 5 years of marriage.”

“… Yes?”

“Eh? William, what are you talking about?”

“I don’t know either…”

Wh-what is this…?