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Translator: uly
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: The Ergeti Count
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The count, who had frozen in a dazed expression while trying to grasp the situation, soon flew into a rage.
"What is the meaning of this…!"
"Th-the count. This is Duchess Rubettria Diorus."
As Sera hurriedly spoke up, the count stiffened completely.
There were many who didn't know my face since I rarely went out, but in this capital, there was hardly anyone who didn't know the 'Diorus Ducal House'.
After all, it was a great family that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Imperial Family.
I tilted my head at Count Ergeti, who was blankly blinking as if his train of thought had derailed, and said,
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Count Ergeti. However…"
"…"
"Did you not hear Sera's introduction just now? I'm a Diorus."
"Ah!"
The count soon fumbled about, removing the bowler hat he wore and holding it to his chest as he bowed his head in greeting.
"It's an honor to meet you, Duchess. I am Noban Ergeti."
"Hmm, all right. It's a bit embarrassing to receive such a formal greeting from a count who's old enough to be my father."
"…"
"But it seems the count doesn't find a ten- or twenty-year age gap amusing at all, so I won't mind either?"
As I mocked him for leering at Sera, who was practically his granddaughter, the count's face flushed red upon understanding.
He knew it was shameful, yet here he was. I openly clicked my tongue in disapproval.
"I apologize for not realizing you were here first. Please continue your conversation. I'll return this evening…"
"Hold on."
I grabbed the count as he tried to slip away, subtly glancing at Sera.
"There's no need for that. I'd prefer if the count never came back here again."
"…What do you mean?"
"Ah. Actually, I came to see a play with my father today. And I came to find her separately because I have a proposal for Sera."
As I smiled brightly and spoke, the count's surprised eyes wavered.
The words that I had come to see a play with my father, Duke Diorus, and that I had a proposal for Sera.
This could only be interpreted one way: that Duke Diorus had come to propose a mistress arrangement to Sera Wigo. It was a common occurrence in these circles.
"Erm, if I'm mistaken, I apologize, but if the count has some expectation from Sera and that's why you visit…"
"…"
"I'm afraid you'll have to back off?"
When it was none other than Duke Diorus who had his eye on her, how could an old count like him, who fell far short, continue to pester Sera?
The count understood my words but couldn't bring himself to leave and stood frozen in place.
'It must pain him to waste the time he invested in seating Sera as his mistress? Disgusting old man.'
Irritated, I pressed him.
"In this world, what a noble wants from an actress is obvious, after all. No need for me to tire my mouth explaining further, right?"
I hadn't specified at all what I wanted from Sera, but no one would imagine it was anything else.
With a haughty smile, I pointed at the dressing room door with the fan I held.
"Then, if you would, please leave."
* * *
'That damned girl! How much effort have I put into Sera!'
Having been insulted by a noble lady far younger than him, old Noban Ergeti couldn't hide his fury as he stormed out.
'Damn it all!'
How his blood had boiled every time he imagined parading around the capital with the beautiful actress Sera Wigo on his arm.
He had even anticipated the envious gazes admiring him as a vigorous and capable noble despite his age.
And then, out of nowhere, Duke Diorus?
The Diorus Ducal House boasted power rivaling the Imperial Family. Though it was his first time seeing the daughter's face, the mere mention of the family name was enough to make him tremble and turn tail.
'What the hell is this stroke of bad luck!'
Too furious to even leave the corridor in front of the dressing room, he ground his teeth when his attendant, who had heard the full story, whispered to him.
"Count, but is what that daughter said true?"
"What?"
"It's just… a bit suspicious. You've never seen the Diorus daughter before, right? The one I know doesn't look like that."
"What are you…?"
Noban, who had frowned, paused.
Thinking it over, he vaguely recalled hearing something. The Diorus duke's daughter, still young, was renowned for her stunning beauty, with rumors already spreading through the capital.
The young lady called the 'Swan of Diorus' was said to have golden hair like an angel's.
"Yes, I remember now. I've heard of her. But she looked nothing like that swan girl? Her eyes are golden, so she's from the Diorus family, but…"
"Yes, she's probably the duke's own daughter. Unlike the swan lady, she's not famous at all, and I heard she doesn't go out much because of all the rumors."
"Rumors?"
"You didn't know? It's a famous spirit user family, but she's the only one without a spirit. Everyone in the capital may not know her face, but they all know she's a non-contractor."
Noban silently listened to the chattering attendant, then soon lost interest and clicked his tongue.
"So what? Just because she's not a spirit user, did the Dioruses disown her? She came out on a capital outing with her father, so they must get along. Tsk."
"Is it true the duke came with her? Or was she just bluffing?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
The attendant, glancing around, leaned in close to Noban's ear and whispered lowly.
"There are rampant rumors that Duke Diorus has gone mad. They say he's holed up at home since his wife died and doesn't come out. And he came to see a play leisurely? He wouldn't even know Sera Wigo's face, yet he's proposing a mistress?"
"What? Gone mad?"
Interest finally sparked in Noban's eyes.
"Yes, Count. Everyone who knows says so. For years now, his eldest son has handled all official events and external meetings. There are even rumors in society that he's already dead…"
"This is insane. So the duke's daughter lied to me?"
"That's probably the case, right? She's the deficient daughter they're desperate to hide as a non-contractor. Why should you give up Sera over some bluff from that little girl?"
A sinister desire reignited in Noban's eyes, who had been fully resigned.
"That wench…"
Just as he turned to head back to the dressing room right away.
He froze at the sight of a massive shadow rounding the corridor corner.
'What's this?'
The man was so imposingly built it felt like an entire tree trunk had appeared.
His chiseled, perfectly handsome face bore an expression so emotionless it was terrifying…
'Duke Diorus?'
Noban paled as he stared up at the man in a daze.
The same red hair as the Diorus duke's daughter he'd just met, and the golden eyes symbolic of spirit users.
The arrogant demeanor that revealed a life born and lived as a powerholder.
There was no need to ask—this man was Duke Diorus.
The moment he realized it, Noban whipped off his hat and bowed clumsily.
"D-Duke Diorus, Your Grace. I am Noban Ergeti…"
Noban's bowed greeting was cut short. The duke passed by him without a word of acknowledgment, as if he weren't worth the attention.
Noban slowly straightened and turned to look behind him.
The duke's destination was Sera's dressing room, ignoring him entirely.
Even the theater staff guarding the door were tense and flustered.
"D-Duke Diorus, Your Grace. It's an honor that you've come."
"I came to fetch my daughter. Is she in here?"
"Y-yes… Lady Diorus said she wanted to speak with Sera, so we prepared the dressing room. Would Your Grace like to enter as well?"
The duke slowly glanced at the dressing room door and shook his head.
"No, I'll wait outside. I don't want to disturb them."
Crossing his arms, the duke leaned against the wall.
Noban stared at him blankly, overwhelmed by the aura, and startled when the duke turned his head—perhaps sensing the gaze—and their eyes met. He whipped around awkwardly, looking utterly ridiculous.
His face burned with shame and anger, but his retreating steps were obsequiously polite, lest the duke notice.
Once Noban had exited the theater,
"What the hell is this?"
"S-sorry… Agh!"
He savagely beat his attendant's back with the cane he carried.
"The duke? Mad? All show and no substance!"
"Ugh, wait a moment…! Count!"
"The daughter? A non-contractor? Desperate to hide her?"
"Ah, hold on! It hurts! Ow!"
"You think that looks like a madman out with his non-contractor daughter? Huh?"
"Argh!"
Having lost Sera despite his efforts and been snubbed by the much younger Diorus father and daughter, the old count's tantrum dragged on for quite some time.
* * *
Back in the dressing room, now just Sera and me after the count left.
Sera, who had been looking at me with a flustered expression, flinched as our eyes met and averted her gaze.
Then, in a somewhat resentful tone, she said,
"You came to see me… for some other reason, I suppose."
Her weary, utterly fed-up appearance was heartbreaking.