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The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs (Light Novel) - Volume 11, Chapter 5: ’the Acting Duke Fannos”
Volume 11, Chapter 5: ’the Acting Duke Fannos”
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Part 1
Castle of the Duke Fannos.
After successfully arranging a meeting, Jilk and his team visited the castle and were met by [Hertrude Sera Fannos], who was working as the Acting Duke.
Her long, straight, shiny black hair makes her white skin stand out.
The most characteristic feature is her red eyes, the same as Ange’s.
Hertrude, now more mature than before, was in charge of the territory as the Acting Duke Fannos.
From princess to head of the Duke household. The princess who used to be still a little girl now wears a black chic dress.
“What does the Duke Bartfalt want from the Fannos family?”
In the audience chamber, Hertrude, propped up on her elbows in a chair that was once a throne, is not in an appropriate posture.
Her attitude told them that she did not welcome Jilk and his group.
Jilk shrugs his shoulders.
“Acting Duke, we are here on behalf of the Kingdom of Horfalt——”
“It’s a lie.”
When Jilk said he was here to negotiate for the kingdom, Hertrude immediately denied it.
In the audience room, in addition to the nobles of the Principality, there was also a stationed officer sent from the Kingdom of Horfalt.
He is charged with keeping an eye on the defeated Duke Fannos, and he looks somewhat uncomfortable.
There is no telling when the Duke Fannos will betray the Kingdom of Horfalt.
He had behaved arrogantly up to now, and seemed to be worried that he might be killed.
Hertrude raises her right hand and orders everyone to leave the place.
“I want to talk to these men. All of you, get out.”
Then the stationed officer holds off.
“Please wait! Such selfish behavior is——”
“I’m telling you to get out.”
The standpoints are reversed, and the stationed officer is escorted out of the room by a group of nobles. Some of the nobles offered to stay on out of concern for Hertrude’s safety, but were rejected.
And so, only Jilk and his group were left in the audience chamber.
Then Hertrude corrects her posture.
“I’m glad you came. If you hadn’t come by the end of the day, we would have come to you.”
Hertrude is smiling and her attitude is different from earlier.
Jilk, puzzled, tries not to let it show on his face.
“Am I correct in assuming that we are welcome here?”
“Of course. There are many nobles and people in the country who are thinking that now is the time to destroy the kingdom of Horfalt and avenge their long-standing grudges. But I still think highly of his abilities.”
Hertrude, squinting and arching her eyes and smiling, looked somewhat suspicious.
Jilk feigns calm.
(It seems she has grown as a female monarch after being pressured by the stationed officers for quite some time.)
Despite feeling that this is a weakness, they must continue to negotiate.
“So, will you cooperate with us?”
“Do you really think there’s such a convenient deal?”
Hertrude begins to talk about the current situation of the Duke Fannos.
“We have already received a letter from the Holy Kingdom of Raschel inviting us to join their alliance, and the nobles are supporting it because of the good conditions.”
“What a problem. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. We will do everything we can to help.”
Hertrude crossed her arms and looked down from her throne at Jilk and the others.
Because the throne is several steps higher, Jilk and his friends are forced to keep looking up.
Hertrude states her conditions for cooperation.
“Then I want independence from the Kingdom. Then I need funds. I also want military power. Can you lend me the three Einhorn class ships you had on board? I want at least a hundred other flying battleships as well. And of course, supplies are included.”
The demand is so much that Brad, who had been silent, opens his mouth.
“It’s too much to ask.”
But Hertrude is still smiling.
When she touches her rouged lips, she giggles.
“Then you’ll be making the Fannos family your enemies? If the Margrave Field focus on dealing with us, they will neglect their support for the rest of the country.”
“Guh!”
Brad swallows his words, unable to say anything back.
Hertrude turned her gaze back to Jilk.
“What do you think? I think it’s a small price to pay to avoid having us as enemies.”
Jilk shrugs his shoulders.
“You must be joking, right? If we do that, you people will seriously attack us this time. Even if the Acting Duke keeps quiet, the nobles will not tolerate it.”
It seems that Jilk’s prediction was correct, Hertrude admits honestly.
“Yes.”
“You admit it quite honestly, don’t you?”
“I just respect the opinions of my subordinates. As for myself, if we can’t win the war now, I’d rather prioritize domestic development.”
Jilk is relieved to know that Hertrude herself is not eager to go to war with the kingdom.
“In that case, can you assure me that the Duke Fannos will not be joining Raschel?”
Jilk asks Hertrude as she makes a fake smile.
“I heard that you gave away a lot of jewels during your tour of the small countries. I wonder if you have any for the Fannos family.”
“It’s a valuable item. There are no more left.”
“That’s a shame.”
Despite saying it, Hertrude smiled.
“—— The nobles guarding your borders have been in contact with the Fannos family. They are also negotiating with Raschel.”
Jilk did not react to Hertrude’s words, but the intuitive Greg and Chris, who were not used to negotiating, were visibly upset.
Hertrude looks at them, smiles, and then turns impassive at Jilk.
“Don’t you think it’s a little too convenient to ask me to be your ally for free?”
“——Then let’s hurry up and prepare the jewel.”
“One is not enough. I want at least three. And I also want the return of the airship you confiscated from the Fannos family. And then —— have the stationed officer withdraw their troops.”
Jilk scratches his cheek with his fingertips.
“Unfortunately, there are only two jewels left in my custody. In addition, it was the royal court that confiscated the flying battleship. It cannot be returned without permission. As for the stationed officer——”
“See, I knew it was his own decision.”
When told that his actions were arbitrary and unauthorized by the kingdom of Horfalt, Jilk kept his mouth shut.
As the three people in the back are upset that this was a failure, Hertrude hides her mouth and begins to laugh.
“Fine, I promise you that I won’t betray you for two jewels. However, do something about the flying battleship and the stationed officer when this battle is over.”
“Are you sure? I’m not sure we can keep our word, though?”
Hertrude’s change in attitude puzzled Jilk.
Hertrude mutters as she leans back on her throne and looks up at the ceiling.
“He’ll keep his word, I’m sure. ——Also, give my regards to the fake saint, will you?”
Jilk nodded deeply.
“I’ll be sure to let them know.”
“Yes. And this is a souvenir for him.”
Hertrude tells him that she wants this information to be a souvenir for Leon, and she tells Jilk and the others about the information she has obtained.
.
Part 2
I think I looked pretty grumpy when in the middle of the night he woke me up with what he said was an urgent matter.
When Luxion projected an image on the wall of the room as a screen, it showed Jilk’s face with a rather impatient expression on his face.
“What do you want at this time of night?”
As I yawn, Jilk ignores my greeting and tells me his business.
It showed that it was a rather urgent matter.
“The royal court intends to cut off the nobles of the borders.”
“——Ha?”
I was so sleepy from listening to Jilk that I didn’t understand what he was saying at first.
Jilk, too, thought he had not explained well enough, so he details it to me.
“The royal court of the kingdom of Horfalt intends to use this war to destroy the betraying lords and nobles.”
“——Ha?”
I had expected that they intended to reduce their power, but I had no idea that they intended to destroy them. I had no idea.
“What’s the point of doing that——”
What is the point? Before I could finish, I covered my mouth with my hand.
The kingdom fears the noble lords.
After the loss of the royal ship, not long ago, the Duke Redgrave was thinking of usurping it.
Although it may still be working behind the scenes, the Kingdom of Horfalt is in a very perilous position.
I thought things would settle down now that I have declared myself on the side of the royal family.
“——Is the royal palace serious?”
“To be precise, it must be the royal family, and I think the queen is working behind the scenes.”
“Where did you get that information from?”
I was surprised by so much information, but the question is whether this is the right information.
When asked about the source, Jilk gives the name of an unexpected person.
“It’s the Acting Duke, Hertrude. This information is a gift from her to you, Leon-kun.”
“Hertrude-san did? ——She’s not trying to trick us, is she?”
There are piled up resentments between the kingdom and the Duke Fannos.
Could she be trying to trick us for some kind of profit?
When I doubt it, Jilk assures me that’s unlikely.
“I don’t think so. When the Acting Duke asked me to deliver this information to you, Leon-kun, she showed embarrassment, like a maiden.”
“Maiden?”
“You’re so dense. I think she’s in love with you, Leon-kun.”
“Ah, that’s so.”
I don’t trust Jilk one bit when it comes to romantic relationships.
I am sure Jilk was misunderstood.
“You don’t believe me, do you? More importantly, this information has not been verified. It’s not solid information, but it is highly possible. Brad-kun was at his parents’ house a few minutes ago doing some checking, and he said he couldn’t deny it.”
They must have obtained the information and were doing a lot of investigation in their own way. It seems that they were checking around to see if the information they had obtained was correct, and their report came at such a late hour.
“——How well is the alliance cutting?”
“That one is right on schedule. But do you want to continue like this? I think we should check on the palace movements?”
“I want to reduce the strength of the Alliance first, so you guys keep moving as planned. We’ll take care of the royal palace. No, wait.”
“What’s wrong?”
I think about whether I can get information by relying on my own personal connections.
“Claris senpai’s family is a noble court family, right? And the head of the family is an active minister.”
Jilk seemed to get what I was trying to say, but he wasn’t too keen on it.
“If you rely too much on them, they will ask for something in return, but in this situation it seems better to rely on the Atley family. But you’ll be in trouble later.”
Jilk is worried that a price will be demanded, but he is willing to splurge a little.
The question now is how much correct information can be obtained in a limited amount of time.
“I will accept some unreasonableness.”
“Well, if you say so, I won’t say anything more.”
“You guys continue to chip away at the alliance as planned. We’ll take care of the problems at the palace.”
After saying this and finishing the communication, Luxion approaches me. When he came to my right shoulder, which was becoming his usual position, he pointed his red lens at me.
[If it was just the Atley family, there would be a problem with the accuracy of the information.]
“I know, but there aren’t many people I can count on. And since Ange cut her ties with her parents, I can’t rely on the Redgrave family to help me out.”
Luxion flashes his red lens and lists the names of the people we might be able to count on.
[Then why not count on the Roseblade family, as I will provide the funds? Count Dominique Fou Mottley is also a good choice.]
“Count Mottley is a faction of the Redgrave family. You think he’s going to help us?”
[Didn’t he claim to be a fan of Master?]
“No, that’s right, but —— Well, I’ll send a letter just in case? So, what are you going to do?”
[Currently I am gathering information on Raschel. Additionally, we need to examine the bodies of Erika and Mia. ——Master, I’m busy too.]
Luxion, who says he’s busy, deliberately gets close to my face to put pressure on me.
“I get it, just don’t get too close and intimidate me.”
Thus, I decided to gather information from my reliable connections.
.
Part 3
Next morning.
Mia, who was spending time in the castle of the Marquis Fraser, came to the dining room to have breakfast.
Because they are not treated as noble guests, this dining room is also used by the servants.
Other guests visiting the castle also use it.
She eats breakfast with Finn and Brave, but this time Karl is with them.
Karl smiled as he watched Mia eat.
Mia, who has been eating energetically since the morning, is a little embarrassed by that.
“Oji-sama, please don’t stare at me so much. Mia is a lady, too.”
Karl is even more pleased when he hears the statement.
“I beg your pardon for that. By the way, do you have any plans for today? If not, how about sightseeing with me?”
Mia, invited by Karl, takes one look at Finn’s face and then looks down.
“Etto, I’m about to start treatment for a medical condition, so I don’t have much time.”
To find out the cause of the disease, Leon and others will be helping her.
Karl was also concerned about Mia’s illness and was pleased that clues to a cure might be found.
“I see. Too bad, but I guess I have no choice.”
“Yes.”
However, that said, there is still a little time left.
Mia blushed a little as she sat down and turned her upper body toward Finn, who was sitting next to her.
“Ano, Knight-sama!”
“Hm?”
Finn was eating well behaved. Brave was nearby, receiving his share of breakfast from Finn. Brave was not concerned about manners.
Finn and Brave turn their gaze to Mia.
Mia feels her heart beat faster and invites Finn.
“Ano, would you like to hang out with me?”
When Karl heard that, he had a very complicated expression.
.
Part 4
The lake is a tourist attraction for the Fraser family.
Finn, admiring the natural fountain, watched Mia’s joy.
Mia, who is excited, looks a lot like her sister in a previous life.
“Look, Knight-sama! There are boats. Boat! I’d love to ride it!”
Finn smiles as Mia points to the boats lined up on the pier.
“As the Princess commands.”
“You’re teasing Mia like that again.”
When Mia turns away with puffed cheeks, Finn laughs and tells her he means it.
“I really think so. Mia is a princess to me.”
For Finn, it’s a fact.
Mia was —— a girl who looked a lot like her sister in his previous life.
When he first met her, he still remembers that he was so surprised that he shed tears. Mia, who was worried about Finn and ran up to him, was a kind girl even then.
Mia is blushing and embarrassed.
“I can’t look Knight-sama in the face~”
Then, Brave looks at the two of them and shakes his single eye from side to side, yare-yare, he said.
[Whatever, if we’re going to ride, let’s just get on with it. And, buddy! I want front row!]
Brave, who wants to be at the front row, Finn responds thoughtlessly.
“Fine, but don’t fall off.”
[I won’t fall! I’m floating!]
The three of them headed to the pier and Finn paid the rental fee and got on the boat.
.
Part 5
Looking at Finn and the others in the distance is Karl with binoculars in his hand.
“That kid, if he ever does anything improper to Mia, I’ll have him executed.”
Karl says something dangerous, but then turns around when he hears someone’s footsteps approaching.
Then, standing there was Leon.
“Areh? Karl-san, right? What are you doing in a place like this?”
Luxion was floating near Leon’s right shoulder, pointing his red lens at Karl and moving his inner ring.
Karl responds by making a smile, although he feels as if he is being probed.
“Well, Mia was on the boat. I thought I’d check on her.”
Leon comes next to Karl, who is trying to smooth over, and sees Finn and Mia on the boat.
“True. But still, they’re together today? Finn is as overprotective as ever.”
Leon is stunned by Finn’s overprotectiveness, but his partner, Luxion immediately tells him.
[Master can’t speak about others either, though. You are with Noel today, and I think you are overprotective enough.]
“——Shut up.”
Karl was intrigued to see Leon interacting with the artificial intelligence.
As he strokes his chin and watches them, Leon notices and asks.
“What’s wrong?”
“No, you seem to be very close. The kid——Same with Herring and Brave, but your relationship looks slightly different. That’s interesting to me.”
After hearing Karl’s assessment, Leon and Luxion were apparently dissatisfied.
They turn their faces away from each other.
“It’s hard to have an artificial intelligence without loyalty.”
[It’s me who has a hard time with a twisted Master.]
In front of two people who seem to be somewhat similar to each other, Karl let his guard down a bit.
Then he asks Leon how he is doing these days.
“I beg your pardon. Things seem to be getting more and more dangerous these days. I know you can’t talk about it, but are you okay?”
Leon answers, scratching his cheek with his fingertips and looking away from Karl.
He can’t tell them everything and doesn’t seem to want to.
“It’s a lot of work. Well, I’d like to end it peacefully.”
“Peaceful, huh? ——Herring tells me that you are very strong. I wonder if you could defeat the Holy Kingdom of Raschel single-handedly?”
When he asked probing questions, Luxion was more guarded.
There was silence, and the red lens watched Karl’s movements.
If he makes a strange move, he will be immediately dealt with.
However, Leon is less cautious.
Perhaps he had been let his guard down by the fact that he was an acquaintance of Finn and Mia’s.
“I hate that kind of thing. I may look like this, but I’m a peace loving man.”
“You, the so called Fiend Knight?”
Karl laughs teasingly, and Leon jokingly replies.
“That’s a different person. I’m not a fiend, I’m not that kind of a man to be feared. It’s just what other people call me arbitrarily.”
“I think it’s what other people think of you. Well, that’s fine. ――Do you have a goal? Since you’ve got the power, you at least have a wish that you want to fulfill, right?”
Status, honor, money, women —— it’s a question for Leon, who seems to be able to have it all if he wants it.
But Leon scratches the back of his neck and makes a disgusted face.
“Any more than this is out of my hands. The truth is, I’m someone who lived the slow life as a quasi-baron in the countryside. I don’t know what happened that made me rise so far”
When Karl heard this, he was startled and rolled his eyes.
“You didn’t want this? Not even a little? As a man, you want to get a promotion, right?”
“No, I don’t. I hate responsibility. If I have to take on more responsibility as I rise in the ranks, I’d rather be in a lower position.”
Karl looks at Leon and thinks.
(Well, maybe it’s not unselfish, but maybe it’s true that he doesn’t want to get a promotion.)
That’s when it happened.
Leon notices something unusual and directs Karl’s gaze toward the boat.
“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
“Hmm? Wha!?”
Karl looked toward the pier and saw Mia there, getting off the boat and running alone. She was apparently crying.
Finn is standing there, Brave is rushing after Mia.
It is obvious that something happened.
(K-Kiiiid! How dare you made my Mia cryyyyy!!)
.
Part 6
When Mia returned to the castle, she was holed up in the room she had been given.
Erika noticed that she was acting strangely and came to visit her room with Eriya.
Eriya seems to be waiting outside, as it is a woman’s room.
Mia was crying on her knees with Erika accompanying her.
“——I see. You confessed.”
As Mia spilled large tears, she told Erika that she had confessed her feelings to Finn.
“Mia! Mia —— loves Knight-sama. I said I wanted him always by my side. But Knight-sama said that Mia is just like a sister to him.”
It may have been the confession of a lifetime, but to Finn, Mia was like a little sister.
Mia was shocked when he told her that he could not see her as a romantic partner.
Brave, who was watching the situation in the corner of the room, was flustered and troubled.
“It’s not that my partner doesn’t like Mia. It’s just that —— to my partner, Mia is important, but not as a lover.”
‘How could I explain this to Mia without hurting her?’ He seemed to be so concerned about this that he was unable to comfort her.
Erika rubs Mia’s back.
“That’s great. It’s great that you confessed your feelings to him. Mia-chan is a strong girl.”
Mia hugs Erika.
“Erika-sama! Mia is, to Knight-sama——Uwaaah”
When Mia started to cry out loud, Erika hugged her and comforted her.
