Chapter 184, Meeting of the Lords (aka Drinking Party)_3

Translator: Xini

Proofreader: Silavin

 

“And that brings the meeting to a close. So, now—”

 

The meeting had almost ended and we had exchanged all the information we could. The most important issues that needed to be addressed were related to monster habitat changes and distribution channels for local specialty trades. Not that Shiki had any part to play in the latter.

As I was relaying reports on Shiki, the facilitator mentioned that I had covered about sixty percent of all the issues that had popped up. Just how many problems are my guys causing and resolving in the neighborhood for crying out loud…

The more earnest Lords sat with their hands on their heads or knit their eyebrows in disapproval but,

 

“After hearing all the reports, I see that the people of Shiki have resolved over sixty percent of the issues that were troubling us in all of our regions. Aren’t their efforts and cooperation commendable? If it were me, I might not even have the energy to begin. Maybe that isn’t the case with any of you?”

 

Gen came to my rescue by supporting me with his remarks.

Everyone reluctantly agreed with him and I survived the meeting. Well, him asking everyone if any of them would be able to govern Shiki as well as I could, probably did the trick though.

 

“Well then, for the prosperity of our kingdom, we should cooperate–”

 

 

And so, after a halfhearted sermon, we went someplace else and then began the drinking party to strengthen our ties.

Not to say it does not help us fraternize but there are Lords who sit it out. It was an opportunity for Nobles to have a sort of a tete-a-tete as well and it was nothing like how drinking parties in my past life went where people would just get blind drunk and puke it all out. But I guess it’s nice that we are able to afford such small luxuries.

And it was not like only us Nobles were living it up in a time of economic crisis.

 

“Oh, how ya been, Clo? I’m glad to see you look well.”

“I guess it’s been six months since I last saw you. Looks like you’re still suffering in Shiki.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you two are doing well too, Gen, Sumi.”

 

Also these meetings give me the rare chance to meet with my siblings, Gen and Sumi. Although I don’t know why Sumi is here instead of her husband today.

 

“Is something up with your Husband, Sumi? Is he ill?”

 

Viscount Lime Clover married my Sister without any reservations despite her having a disgrace of a Brother like me and he always treated me like Family. If he was unwell, the least I could do is send him a little something as a get-well gift.

Sumi answered, ‘Hmm?,’ as she took another sip of her wine.

 

“I mean, it’s a new year.”

“That it is?”

“It’s a happy occasion and it’s cold. And we wanted a third kid, so we got to trying and that went on for about 12 hours straight after which he couldn’t move a muscle. So I’m here in his place.”

“Are you crazy, Sumi…”

“Are you insane, Sumi…”

 

Gen joined me in criticizing Sumi.

For what it’s worth, she apparently put him on the road to recovery before she left. I wouldn’t care if it was a stranger, but I’m glad one of my Siblings didn’t end up a murderer.

 

“Wow, rude. He’s busy as hell but still made time for me, you know? How could I not be all over him after that?”

“I mean I get it but still… you’re gonna kill him…”

 

I know Sumi and her Husband have a healthy relationship and that’s one way to show love… I guess.

Having said that, I’d rather not hear such raunchy details about my own Sister’s love life. I am supposed to have grown up with them and they are my Family so hearing such details puts some graphic imagery in my head that I’d rather not have in there.

 

“By the way what about your Family, Gen? Are they well?”

“Yeah, everyone’s fine. Children are precious, aren’t they? So freaking adorable when they’re just starting to talk and call you ‘Papa.’”

“I bet your Wife was all cute and jealous of you being completely smitten with your kid and shot you a look like she wanted some of that attention herself.”

“Well, if he asked her what’s wrong, she would probably just say, ‘Nothing, of course she’s adorable, she takes after you,’ and turn away.”

“And, his cuteness would be so irresistible, that she’d want to jump him right then and there?”

“Pretty much.”

“H-How do you know all that?”

“So, we were right.”

 

Because my Sister-in-law happens to be a very naive lady whose entire world revolves around her Husband. And Gen never misses a chance to gush about his Wife every time we meet, so I can more or less guess how she’d act whether I want to or not. She’s warm and fuzzy and a bit of an airhead, who wants to be fully involved in raising her Daughter(Nobles tend to have nannies raise their children). I have personally witnessed her warmth before. Though I’ve never seen her jump Gen.

 

“I get that you want another child, but try not to push your Husband too much. I’m sure you don’t want to end up a Widow and live a long life with him.”

“I know….”

 

Gen waited until his face wasn’t so red before asking Sumi to exercise control.

I guess even Sumi was starting to feel embarrassed because she awkwardly topped up her glass and downed it in a gulp.

 

“Speaking of children, how’s Gray? Hope he’s doing good as always?”

“I hope he’s not been exposed to any bad influences in Shiki.”

“I’ve been worried as I suspect someone in their sixties is trying to entrap and add pretty boys to his collection.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did something happen?”

 

I don’t know, something could happen. Something that could result in my precious son falling prey.

I’m hoping that a certain someone I entrusted with investigating the situation will clear my suspicions soon…

 

“I don’t really understand what that was all about, but I gather he’s well?”

“He did catch a cold some time ago, but other than that he’s doing fine.”

 

For now, I better keep to myself that he might be skipping a grade and enrolling in the academy. If my suspicions are proven to be true, I will have to turn down the Principal’s offer and not let Gray join the academy.

And if by any chance the Principal decides to drop by Shiki, then I’ll send him flying. All I know is a useless piece of information that the back of his neck is a vulnerable spot, but even if he were to use magic, I’ll hold my ground and protect my Son.

 

“Anyway, Shiki is bustling as always, huh? Well thanks to that, my town feels like heaven in comparison.”

“Yeah, same here. I think my people are all law-abiding citizens. “

 

I mean in one of the towns, every time a baby is born, a public holiday is declared and the townspeople all gather to congratulate the parents and the other is always in the top three among the towns with the least crime rate. Of course, my town looks anything but peaceful in comparison.

…And of course, the townspeople feel more disciplined.

 

“But I have to say people in Shiki look like they are having a lot of fun. I feel like they’d look at someone in the capital who keeps their impulses and emotions in control and happily shout, ‘I’m having a lot of fun living life however I want!’”

Yeah, I see what you mean. Even if they get old, like in their 70s or 80s, I feel like they’re the kind of people who would say, ‘I lived a very happy life! And will continue to do so!’”

 

Please don’t. I can easily imagine them saying things like that.

And it’s all the more scary that I might be forced to deal with these guys up to a ripe old age. If at all possible, I want to live the rest of my days peacefully with Lady Violet, sewing clothes for my grandchildren or something.

 

“Well, I’m sure they aren’t as happy as my Family.”

“True. Nor can they ever hope to be as fortunate as mine.”

“You’re gushing again, you silly Siblings.”

“Frustrated?”

“Wipe that smile off your face, it’s pissing me off.”

 

I may sound harsh but I know they worry for me and love me despite my past transgressions.

Besides, they married for love when it’s common for Nobles to marry for convenience to maintain their station in life. So I’m sure they wish for me to have a happily married life too.

 

“I know you have Gray with you but doesn’t it get lonely? It may be a little difficult considering your past, but find yourself a bride soon. I know you can find the one someday. You’re my Brother after all.”

“Yeah. I know you won’t end up like Raven and we will support you, so don’t let Mother and Father get to you. You’re my Brother after all.”

“Hmm?”

 

Huh? Something about this conversation feels weird…?

I was sure they knew I was married because I informed them both via letter and yet they speak as if I’m still a bachelor.

 

“Gen, Sumi. Forget finding a bride, you do know I’m already married?”

“What?”

“Come again?”

 

Both of them froze in place. They looked as if they’d been struck by lightning, their minds frantically trying to process what I had just said.

They filled each other’s empty glasses with wine and took three sips at their own leisurely pace. And then,

 

“Who’d have thought that you’d marry someone when we figured you had no interest in women?!”

“What do you take me for, you two?!”

 

They said something very rude in tandem.

 

---

 

Notes

Gen Heartfield

The Second Son of the Heartfield family. 22 years of age. Married.

On good terms with Clo.

After the incident, laughed at Clo, calling him an idiot and criticized him for his actions but was still understanding.

 

Sumi Clover

The Second Daughter of the Heartfield family. 21 years of age. Married.

After what Clo did in the past, his Parents and First Brother and Sister did nothing but admonish him to which Sumi responded by knocking them down. A true musclehead.

A very strong person who was almost disowned along with Clo but managed to shut her parents up by marrying into a Viscount Family.

 

Lime Clover

Viscount. Sumi’s Husband

Can survive after twelve rounds