Chapter 2

The One Who Will Make Letitia Happy Is Me

<Olivia Barrow POV Side>

“I honestly can’t believe this…! What exactly do you intend by this…!?”

I proceed down the hallway of the Barrow Duke’s mansion—my own home—at a trot.

Terribly irritated, the high-pitched clack-clack! peculiar to high heels echoes as I walk.

Then, I stop in front of a certain room.

“Father, excuse me!”

I knock twice, knock-knock, and open the door before a reply even comes.

Inside the room I barged into—is the figure of an elderly gentleman with platinum silver hair identical to mine.

“…I do not recall granting you permission to enter, Olivia.”

Sitting at his office desk, he continues his work without even glancing this way.

—Willem Barrow.

The current head of the Barrow Duke House, and the father of Letitia and myself.

“I am working right now. Save the talk for later.”

“No, I will speak now! About my sister… about Letitia!”

I slam both hands onto the desk—Bam!—and begin speaking to my father, Willem.

“I hear you have dissolved the relationship between that child and the Odrant Baron House, and concluded an engagement with the Ryduan Marquis House!”

“Yes, I have already sent a letter to the Odrant Baron House. Furthermore, her engagement partner, Joshua Ryduan, readily accepted. There should be no problem, correct?”

“Tch! How dare you do something so selfish…!”

The Odrant Baron House has no choice but to listen to what the Barrow Duke House says anyway—an act of extreme arrogance, knowing that full well.

Truly, it makes my skin crawl…!

“It is not selfish. This is a strict decision made as the Head of the Barrow House.”

Father speaks in a cold voice, stopping the hand moving his pen for the first time.

“…Recently, your sister stands out too much. If only she had stayed quiet under that Baron…”

Then, without moving a single eyebrow, he finally looks me in the eye.

“However—it is desirable that the scandals have decreased compared to when her engagement was annulled by Mauro. If she cannot stay quiet herself, then she will at least be of use to the Barrow House.”

“Hmph… You truly only view your daughter as a political tool to the bitter end, don’t you. You care nothing for Letitia’s feelings…!”

“Is it not better than being with the ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’?”

“Baron Alban Odrant is absolutely not the ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’! If you met him even once—!”

“This conversation is over. Leave the room immediately.”

▲ ▲ ▲

“I have heard rumors of you for some time. Including the outcome of the incident that happened just the other day. It must have been truly difficult.”

Joshua stares into Letitia’s eyes, speaking in a truly gentle tone.

His dignified figure looks proud, possessing an atmosphere more like a knight than a noble.

Facing such a Joshua, Letitia is naturally flustered.

“No, um…”

“Honestly, I was anxious until I met you directly like this. Because the name ‘Letitia Barrow’ is inevitably followed by bad rumors. But… that worry has been dispelled.”

Joshua floats a smile on his lips and slowly reaches out his hand toward Letitia.

“You are beautiful, and above all, you have elegance. To be able to make you my fiancée, I am truly happ—”

—Creak.

“Don’t touch… my wife Letitia.”

Before it could reach her, I grabbed Joshua’s arm and stopped it.

Putting all my strength into it.

Intending to snap it if I have to.

Only then did the guy turn his gaze toward me.

A gaze as if looking at an animal.

“…I hate to ask, but could you release my hand? Also, she is no longer your wife.”

He puts strength into his arm, opposing my grip strength.

Surprisingly, the muscular strength transmitted from that arm was substantial.

He is decisively different from the spineless nobles who usually hold nothing heavier than a teacup.

This guy is—a warrior.

And likely quite skilled.

But right now, that doesn’t matter.

“I don’t know anything about the Barrow House dissolving ties with us. Don’t speak nonsense.”

“You will know soon enough. Or… do you believe you are more suitable to be the husband of her, a Barrow Duke’s daughter, than I am?”

“Yeah, I can make Letitia the happiest in the world. No, I will make her happy.”

“You, the ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’?”

“What would someone like you know.”

“B-Baron Odrant, calm down a little…!”

Ivan flusteredly grabs my shoulder, trying to settle the explosive situation.

Calm down?

Don’t joke with me.

If they try to tear the relationship between Letitia and me apart, then no matter who the opponent is or what class of human they are, they are all enemies.

I’d rather just right here—

“…Marquis Joshua. I apologize, but I have no intention of separating from Alban.”

Just on the verge of it turning into bloodshed, Letitia’s mouth opens heavily.

“What?”

“It is a fact that I have been saved by him many times. And the one who knows best that he loves me from the bottom of his heart is none other than myself. Naturally, I also know he is not some ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’.”

“…”

“Also, I would like to confirm that the Barrow Duke House and the Ryduan Marquis House have indeed formed a tie. Could I ask you to leave for today?”

Told that by Letitia, Joshua looks alternately at me and her, wondering what to make of it.

Then, showing a moment of thought—he abruptly relaxes the strength in his arm and steps about half a step away from Letitia.

Seeing that, I also release his arm.

“Understood, very well. I also do not wish to act tactlessly in front of you, my future fiancée.”

Joshua seems to have taken Letitia’s feelings into consideration for the moment, and tries to leave the class quietly.

However, he stops in front of the door.

“…However, I have my honor to maintain as well. Besides, I have taken a liking to you. Regarding this matter—I will ensure we reach a settlement.”

Leaving those words, he left the classroom.

Immediately after, Ivan strokes his chest in relief.

“Good grief… honestly, I wondered what would happen for a moment… Why don’t you guys try to step in and stop them a little too!?”

“Even if you say that, you know perfectly well that stopping Baron Odrant when it involves his wife is fundamentally impossible.”

“I-I wanted to stop them, but I was scared…!”

Matthias answers sounding unmotivated, and Shanoa is frightened as usual.

Well, even if they stopped me, I had no intention of stopping.

If I can be with Letitia, I intend to do anything.

…Even so, this is a pretty sudden story again.

Did the Barrow House really decide on a new engagement partner for Letitia?

But I haven’t been told anything, so maybe I should check with Sebas…

Depending on the situation—the Barrow House—

While I am thinking such things,

“…Hey, Baron Odrant.”

Leonil, who had been quiet the whole time, calls out to me.

“Hm? What is it, Leo?”

“That noble called Joshua… Shall I go kill him?”

“Ha—?”

Leonil stares at the door Joshua left through, and says it with a blank face.

Neither laughing nor angry, with a face almost devoid of expression.

“…It’s fine. I’ll handle that guy with my own hands. Or rather, stop with the weird jokes. It’s not like you, Leo.”

“No, a joke is─No, if Baron Odrant says so, I will obey. Because I am a Knight.”

Leonil finally puts on his usual pleasant smile.

…What is this?

Did Leo… change somehow, after all?

His atmosphere, or his presence…

I feel a vague uneasiness, but—seeing Letitia sigh beside him brings my consciousness back to the problem at hand.

“Haa… what should we do… Anyway, let’s try consulting Olivia-oneesama first…”

Just as Class F began to shake greatly—

“…Oh my, oh my~? ♪ Could this possibly be a once-in-a-lifetime big chaaance! Or something like that★”

Inside the classroom, Laki alone smirks to herself.

“Hmmm, but then again… What should I do? Hey, Al-kun♡”

▲ ▲ ▲

<Letitia Barrow Odrant POV Side>

“I am truly sorry, Letitia… for things to turn out like this…”

Olivia-oneesama lets out a long sigh, “Haaa~~~,” and collapses limply onto the table.

I secretly contacted Oneesama, and we arranged to hear the details at Shanoa’s tearoom.

I thought something like this might happen… No, I didn’t anticipate a situation going this far, but regardless.

I had arranged to be able to contact her without going through the Barrow House in case anything happened.

“It is not your fault, Oneesama. Even so, why did talk suddenly arise of insulating the Odrant Baron House and getting engaged to the Ryduan Marquis House?”

“I don’t know the details either. To begin with, by the time it reached my ears, Father had already decided everything…”

“…He hasn’t changed, Father.”

“Judging by that feeling, I think he knows I met you, even though it was Ministry of Magic work. And also that you were involved in the Cursed Gear incident. Truly, he’s a sharp-eared stubborn old man.”

Olivia-oneesama clicks her tongue, Tch.

It’s been a long time since Father and Oneesama didn’t get along, but it seems their relationship has worsened rather than improved.

“…Father does not consider it good for you to become famous. He likely thinks that the more the name ‘Letitia Barrow’ spreads, the more the Barrow Duke House’s family name will be tarnished.”

“I have no intention of becoming famous, particularly.”

“I know. At least I believe I understand that you are a quiet child.”

Saying that, Olivia-oneesama softly touches my hand.

“But… you have already been caught up in several incidents, and your name has spread to the public. Whether you wish it or not, among the nobles, Letitia Barrow is the person of the hour.”

“…”

“The more active you are, the more unpleasant it is for Father, who thinks of you as a stain on the clan. That is likely why he proposed the talk to the Ryduan Marquis House, to settle your status.”

—The Ryduan Marquis House.

I know the name, at least.

A lineage with deep ties to the Royal Knights, said to produce excellent knights for generations.

Known as a militant faction with a unique position and clique among nobles, they do not involve themselves in politics and consider holding a sword to be virtuous.

Because of their very noble family tradition, they have thick support from the populace.

On the other hand, it is said that precisely because they do not try to involve themselves in the world of politics, their peerage has not been raised, stopping at Marquis.

Why did such a Ryduan House agree to an engagement between Joshua and me…?

The Barrow House is a lineage that places itself in the world of politics, if anything…

“There was talk that even the Ryduan Marquis House, extolled as noble, felt displeased at heart about not being able to raise their rank… If the bad reputation Mauro spread is fading, let’s use it for political strategy—perhaps the intentions of both houses lie somewhere around there.”

“Even so, proceeding with an engagement without consulting me…!”

“Yes, I think it is terrible tyranny. But… honestly, it is not like Father. Anyway, I suspect he is trying to hurry and separate you and Baron Odrant.”

“With Alban…?”

“Perhaps—he thinks he is the root of all evil.”

▲ ▲ ▲

“Dear Baron Alban Odrant-sama,

Almost two months have passed since Alban-sama and Letitia-sama began attending the Royal Academy.

How have you been spending your time?

I have written this letter because a matter has arisen that I must inform you of immediately.

The other day, a letter arrived at this mansion from the Barrow Duke House.

The content written was to the effect of “Dissolving the marriage between Baron Alban Odrant and Letitia Barrow.”

I will hurry to investigate the situation on my end as well, but sending the letter to this mansion instead of the academy is clearly a stalling tactic.

I do not know if this letter will make it in time, but please, do not do anything rash.

Sebas Christian”

“…Stop screwing around.”

I crush the letter from Sebas in my hand—Crunch.

It’s not like this started today, but the Barrow Duke House is clearly looking down on us—or rather, looking down on me. This is effectively an ex post facto report.

…Marriage in noble society is a set with the word “political strategy.”

For better or worse, it is built upon that system.

Because of that, Letitia and I were able to meet, so I don’t deny the system itself.

But—this is indeed going too far.

I was originally known as the “Lowest, Worst Baron,” so I could concede a hundred steps and tolerate or understand if they thought about separating us.

However, the circumstances are different now than with Mauro.

They should have consulted her first… they are completely ignoring Letitia’s will.

If Letitia’s father decided everything, frankly speaking, I’m disappointed.

“Lord Craon, do you know anything about this situation?”

—I am currently at the office of Lord Hugue de Craon.

The Ryduan Marquis House is a family with deep ties to the Knights.

In that case, I thought asking Lord Craon would be the quickest way.

“…I only learned that the Ryduan House and Barrow House formed a tie yesterday myself. It seems they proceeded with the marriage proposal quite secretly.”

“Joshua Ryduan falls under your command, right, Lord Craon? Can’t you do something?”

“Honestly speaking, it is difficult… I am your supporter, but more than that, I am a man of the Royal Knights side. If I intervene forcibly, it could trigger an internal split in the Knights.”

Lord Craon interlaces his fingers on the desk, looking somewhat troubled.

“The Ryduan Marquis House is an honorable family name in the Knights. And Joshua is a noble warrior whose future is viewed with promise. Unfortunately, the difference in reputation between him and you is like heaven and earth.”

“Haa… As I thought, the stigma of ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’ follows me everywhere.”

“That is what society is. But… it is strange.”

“? What do you mean?”

“Even if there was a coincidence of interests for both houses, for that noble Joshua to agree to such a tyrannical political marriage… Even for the Duke of Barrow, I feel this method is unlike him.”

“Does that mean… there’s some kind of ‘underside’ to it?”

“Who knows. In the first place, it would be rarer for there not to be a backroom deal in a noble marriage.”

Well, I guess that’s true.

My marriage with Letitia had a proper “underside” too.

In a sense, you could even say our marriage itself was the “underside.”

Lord Craon falls silent as if deep in thought for a moment,

“…Right, why would that Joshua… Could it be…”

“Lord Craon?”

“…Baron Odrant, if you are willing… would you feel inclined to have a frank talk with him once?”

▲ ▲ ▲

“—Your distance is sloppy.”

Joshua lightly swings his wooden sword, deflecting the wooden sword his opponent holds.

He is currently in swordsmanship class, right in the middle of training with his classmates.

That figure sweating refreshingly is truly the very picture of a young noble.

—Joshua Ryduan is enrolled in Class C.

At the same time, he also serves as the King of Class C.

“Yo, looks like you’re pretty fired up today, huh.”

A man’s voice calls out to Joshua from behind.

He is Martin Ofero.

Also a member of Class C, a person characterized by his slightly long black hair tied messily at the back of his head.

Martin comes from a family of Career Knights, and is a close friend of Joshua.

Addressed by Martin, Joshua wipes his sweat,

“…Does it look that way?”

“Sure does. Is it about that engagement case after all?”

Engagement—having that word spoken, Joshua glares at Martin.

“Hey, Martin…”

“Plunder-marriage, huh. And the partner is that Letitia Barrow to boot. It’s amazing in various ways, really.”

“Don’t speak ill of her. I understood after meeting her directly, but that young lady is not a villainess as the rumors say. Rather, she is intelligent and pure… Perhaps a flower on a high peak for someone like me.”

“Pure, huh. Even though Baron Odrant might have already laid hands on her?”

Being told that line, a hint of killing intent dwells in Joshua’s gaze.

As if to say, even for a joke, there are things you can say and things you can’t.

“L-Lies, lies, don’t glare like that… Or rather, what about Baron Odrant? That guy doesn’t accept it, right?”

“Accept it or not, nothing matters. The engagement is a story already decided between both houses. I will have him withdraw even if he dislikes it.”

“…Hmm. Hey, Joshua.”

“What?”

“I don’t intend to butt into what the Ryduan House decided, but… isn’t this unlike you?”

“…”

“I’ve known you since we were brats. It’s not really advice, but I’ll just say that much.”

Leaving those words, Martin moved away from Joshua.

▲ ▲ ▲

After school—

Joshua was walking alone down a deserted hallway.

Then,

“—Onii-san, do you have a moment?★”

A cat-like cooing voice, eerily sticking in the ear, stopped Joshua.

“Mm…?”

“Hello♪ Do you remember me?”

“You are… from Class F, if I recall…”

“I’m called Laki Azalea☆ Pleased to meetcha~♪”

Wink. Laki winks cutely and makes a peace sign next to her eye.

Seeing her like that, Joshua immediately exposed his wariness.

Because his intuition rang alarm bells saying, “This is an untrustworthy human.”

“…What business do you have? I am in a hurry.”

“Don’t say thaat~, let’s talk a little♠ Right, specifically—how about regarding Alban Odrant and Letitia Barrow?”

“…………Hoh?”

Joshua’s ear twitches slightly.

Ah, he took the bait, took the bait—♫

Laki smirks to herself inwardly.

“Joshua-kun, you want those two to break up pronto, right? Since you seem to have taken a liking to Letitia-chan who became your fiancée, and Al-ku—Baron Odrant is in the way, right?”

“You are… a member of Class F, are you not? You should have sworn loyalty to Baron Odrant, the King. Why speak of such things?”

“Is ‘because our interests coincide’ not good enough♣ I also think I want those two to break up~, maybe we can cooperate~?♢”

“…”

“But, just for the record, I want to ask. What kind of deal was there between the Barrow House and Ryduan House?”

There must have been absolutely something.

Otherwise they wouldn’t suddenly make the two separate, and on top of that make her re-engaged.

But stepping on a tiger’s tail is a no-go, so—

Laki mutters this in her heart while observing Joshua’s reaction.

“…What are you talking about. Both houses merely tied a bond of engagement.”

“Are you planning to say your hobby is stealing love then? You don’t look the type♠”

When Laki says this teasingly, Joshua lets out a deep sigh, “Haa,” looking annoyed.

“Even if there were something, there’s no way I could tell you. …However, I can say this much.”

“! What is it, what is it?☆”

“Baron Alban Odrant… that ‘Lowest, Worst Baron’, should die.”

“Eh—?”

“Because of him, Letitia-jō is exposed to danger time and time again. I don’t know how he seduced her, but if Baron Odrant weren’t there, the numerous incidents wouldn’t have occurred.”

“W-Wait wait, that’s wrong. Conversely, Al-kun has saved Letitia-chan many times, you know?”

“No, she is merely being used. As long as Letitia-jō is with Baron Odrant, she will remain unhappy forever.”

“Fo-Forever, you say…”

“That Baron Odrant loves Letitia-jō… is definitely a lie.”

Joshua speaks as if asserting it.

Without even trying to hide his disgust for Alban.

Huh—why?

Why am I getting so irritated?

Hearing Joshua’s words, Laki started becoming unable to sort out her own feelings.

Initially, Laki thought Joshua’s interest was directed only at Letitia.

That he heard the rumor of the “Lowest, Worst Baron” about Alban and was just looking down on him somewhat.

Otherwise, he just viewed him as a lower-ranked rival in love.

She thought, He’ll be satisfied as long as he gets Letitia-chan anyway—

However, she realizes that seems to be wrong.

She doesn’t know the reason, but Joshua hates Alban fiercely.

Enough to harbor killing intent.

In contrast, Laki felt intensely angry that he spoke of Alban with such a knowing tone.

Even though she came here to make those two break up—while aware of the contradiction, she couldn’t simply let Joshua’s words slide.

—Laki Azalea was raised being taught that “Men are tools that produce money.”

Originally an abandoned child, Laki was picked up by the Azalea family, who runs a brothel for high-class courtesans.

To make her entertain nobles in the future, the Azalea family educated Laki in academics and the conduct to manipulate men.

In that process, they thoroughly beat into her to become a villainess, to become a magical enchantress.

However, before becoming a courtesan, it was discovered that her academic ability, intelligence gathering ability, and ability to scheme were outstandingly high.

That reached the ears of Headmaster Faust, and she ended up enrolling in the Royal Academy.

Laki was told by her foster parents, “Use what we taught you to catch a moneybags at the academy.”

Of course, she intended to do just that; catch a convenient man, build status at the academy, and if possible make him a moneybags after graduation too—she was even thinking that right after enrollment.

In fact, the reason she tried to steal Alban and become the Queen of Class F was also because of that.

But meeting Alban Odrant—no, watching the couple of Alban and Letitia, she gradually began to think like this.

—I’m envious.

──── I also want to be loved like that too.

Just pure “envy.”

However, strangely there was no jealousy or resentment toward Letitia; if anything, she even felt it was “heartwarming.”

Well, if there’s an opening I’ll steal Al-kun though—Current Laki was harboring complex emotions where such true feelings and public stance intermingled.

But now, right in front of her eyes, that “envy” was completely denied.

As a result, a certain emotion wells up.

That is—”Anger.”

For Laki, who unconsciously glossed over her true feelings saying “Because I am a woman of the Azalea family,” this state of mind was a first.

“Al-kun is… Al-kun isn’t, like that…!”

Laki’s lips tremble.

Joshua also clenches his fist tightly,

“…Indeed. Because he doesn’t fulfill his own role, Letitia-jō is… to the Royals…”

He said it muttering, in an extremely quiet voice.

“Eh? What did you just—”

“I said, ‘Alban Odrant is a plague god who can make no one happy’.”

“—!”

“So? You said you would cooperate with me, but specifically—”

“…What’s that. Meaningless.”

Complete change from the cat-like cooing voice until now, Laki emits a low voice as if pushing him away.

“What exactly do you know? Letitia-chan, being with Al-kun, looks so happy.”

“W-What is wrong? Your behavior is somewhat different from earlier…”

“My bad, but I changed my mind. I can’t cooperate with you.”

Laki turns her back to Joshua and tries to leave just like that.

But suddenly stopping—

“Joshua Ryduan… You know, you should try having a proper talk with Baron Odrant once. If you do, you should understand immediately how much he cherishes Letitia-chan.”

Sending a sidelong glance with a cold gaze, she left those words and left for real this time.

“…”

Joshua is left alone, isolated.

—Less than two days after this event, through the mediation of Hugue de Craon, a “Seat of Conference with Baron Alban Odrant” would be set up for him.