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Translator: Xini
Proofreader: Silavin
Eclu Forsythe appeared calm but I could sense clear hostility from him.
His laidback attitude until a while ago was all just an act… or maybe, he was keeping a poker face like Silva and was simply on guard at the moment.
I don’t have all the details, but I do know that he was one of Lady Violet’s duel opponents. Meaning, even if he has a cheerful personality and treats everyone the same, he doesn’t feel the need to do so with Lady Violet.
Also, he probably has feelings for Ms. Mary. As such, if he’s aware that I’m Lady Violet’s spouse and knows of my past – that I beat that guy senseless, then he certainly wouldn’t have a favorable opinion of me.
“Did you punch His Highness Carmine?”
“…”
Hearing his words, Ms. Kriemhild repeated them in her head as if she couldn’t believe her ears, and Silva showed more hostility towards me as if his suspicions had been confirmed.
His Highness Vermillion was aware of the incident and I wasn’t sure if he felt the same indignation as Eclu, but he looked on silently.
Apricot, who knew about my circumstances, let out a sigh as if she wanted to say, ‘Here we go again.’ She didn’t feel inclined to explain the situation to anyone and had simply taken a step back to watch things unfold from a distance, which I frankly appreciated.
“I know all about your past and what people say about you. I also know what you did at the festival in your first year at the academy and about your appointment as the Lord of Shiki.”
Why, thank you, I feel honored you know so much about me.
Even if you investigate me, all you would find is a shameful past and title attached to my name. And even if you tell me all this, all I can do is be more wary of you. Also, could you please let go of my hand already? Or are you planning on doing something depending on how I answer?
“That said, it would be unwise to judge you based on rumors alone, even if you’re that woman’s husband and the both of you are on good terms. Even if your notoriety may seem well-deserved, all of the rumors could be groundless. Which is why I want to ask you. Faced with an enemy of your wife, what exactly is your plan of action?”
… Well, he’s certainly coming on strong.
It looks like he’s just as flabbergasted about my notoriety, wondering if one lone baron could truly be all that he’s claimed to be, as he is about me being on good terms with Lady Violet.
And it also feels like he wants to ask me if it’s true that we’re close and we’re planning to do something to Ms. Mary.
…This guy or rather, Silva and His Highness also seem to feel the same way and appear ready to attack me depending on how I respond. I see how things are.
“If Ms. Mary ever acted the same as that guy, I’d probably not hesitate to hit her hard either.”
Still shaking hands, I answered his unposed question without bothering to play the diplomat.
“That guy huh… you must resent His Highness quite a bit.”
“I do. Even if I were to go back in time before it all happened, I’d still do the same thing in a heartbeat.”
“You would ignore the referee’s warnings and continue to pummel His Highness Carmine, breaking through his defensive barrier, to within an inch of his life?”
“Yes, if that’s how you want to put it.”
I acknowledged his second question without the slightest hesitation.
I still resent him and that’s never going to change.
And my resentment was the reason, I was forced to drop out of the academy by that guy and had a leash thrown around my neck in the form of Shiki.
Only reason I wasn’t summarily executed was because the tournament was seen as a ‘dedication to God in which status was of no consequence.’
Owing to that loophole, my actions during the duel could not be judged in a court of law.
He probably thought having me watch over all the problem children would be a form of punishment, but I was more than happy not having to hobnob with other nobles anymore.
Moreover, even if you were to turn back time to a moment before the incident occurred, knowing full well that I’m only trying to take my anger out on him and that it would only result in a permanent stain on my reputation, I would still make the same choice. There was no other choice left to me back then.
“That said, I only resent that guy because of what he did and I don’t have anything against Ms. Mary for now. Please go easy on me for I can only use my physical strength to compete in tournaments as magic isn’t my forte.”
“I’d assume I’ve given you enough reason?”
“Reason? I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
“I’m talking about someone who ostracized your wife standing in front of you.”
“Sure, I adore Lady Violet but that wouldn’t be enough reason to attack someone who was at odds with her in the past.”
“True nature of humans is something that hardly ever changes. I doubt she’d never again let envy consume her or use the authority that comes with her status to intimidate someone.”
… I see.
They say love is blind. I suppose his concerns are merely an extension of his feelings for Ms. Mary.
He’s being wary of the guy who is going to fight the person he likes. The guy who’s rumored to be on good terms with the woman he clashed with in the past.
The same goes for His Highness Vermillion and Silva. They didn’t bother to chastise Eclu for his clearly aggressive attitude nor question his behavior.
Not that I care because I don’t exactly trust these three or Ms. Mary myself, but still seriously…
“Eclu, I think it’s best you stop…”
Ms. Kriemhild probably thought that he’d taken things too far for she intervened in a conversation where her seniors and His Highness were present, but I beat her to the punch.
“Ah, I’m pissed.”
“—Ack!”
I squeezed Ecle’s hand hard enough until he winced and pulled back.
Considering he’s from a Count Family, which is well above my station, my behavior just now is sure to be considered improper and subject to criticism.
But who gives a damn.
“Apricot, let’s go. We’re done here.”
With my hand and freedom of movement regained, I made to leave the place and those three behind. Since everything happened too suddenly, everyone except Apricot stood transfixed, but Silva soon gathered his bearings.
“What’s the big idea—!”
He said as he tried to stop me by grabbing my shoulder. He seems to be looking for some sort of explanation for my behavior.
I’m pissed. Who do these guys think they are trying to make a fool out of my girl?
I brushed aside his hand and said,
“I understand you lot being wary of me out of concern and safety for the girl you like.”
I continued to speak and didn’t bother turning around to look at their faces.
I just don’t give a shit how they regard me or my family anymore.
“However, if you ever try to lay a finger on my wife again, just know that I will do anything to protect her. I hope you can understand that.”
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