Chapter 50 - Explain yourself, Liza

After giving Emilia an order, I returned my gaze to Carlos.

“Since the alliance has been set, I think it’s about time for you to leave.” (Lumina)

“….” (Carlos)

I expected Carlos-sama to reply in an abusive and arrogant manner, but he remained silent. He had been like this for a while, and his continued silence made me feel uneasy.

“Umm… Lumina-sama… about that…” (Liza)

Liza’s face looked troubled as she spoke.

“Nn?” (Lumina)

“Actually, since you’ve agreed to form an alliance with his household… he’ll be living here as your hostage to guarantee that their house won’t betray the alliance.” (Liza)

“Explain yourself, Liza.” (Lumina)

I used a more commanding tone, pressing her to continue due to the suddenness of the news.

“Remember when your faction was formed a few months ago?” (Liza)

I nodded, prompting her to go on.

“A few days after that, following a plan by Fate’s father, all our fathers announced their betrayal to the four houses on the same day.” (Liza)

I was already aware of that from a stack of documents Emilia had forcefully handed to me last month. They detailed the chaos in the royal court. A week after that announcement, a brutal power struggle erupted between the four families. Using the chaos, Fate’s father’s faction covertly bribed officials and tempted them to join their side. In the end, my faction gained more influence while the four families returned to a stalemate.

“When the royal court stabilized, Carlos-sama’s father met with mine in secret. According to my father, he wanted to understand why my father had betrayed his house to join yours.” (Liza)

So it was due to secret meetings…

“In one of those meetings, my father called me and my younger sisters. He told Carlos-sama’s father that he would base his decision on me. Though he was already aware of our loyalty, he wanted us to state the reason in front of Carlos-sama’s father.” (Liza)

“And? What were your answers?” (Lumina)

Liza hesitated for a moment, but, urging her silently to continue, she answered in an unsteady voice. I didn’t want to pressure her, but the thought of living under one roof with Carlos-sama made me feel tense.

“My younger sisters said it was due to our household’s tradition… while I…” (Liza)

Her last sentence was barely audible. She looked very reluctant to reveal her answer. Not wanting to make her suffer further, I decided not to press her.

“Then… because of your answer, your father didn’t leave my faction?” (Lumina)

“Y-yes… Then, when Carlos-sama’s father heard this, he made numerous offers and attempts to persuade my father to return to his house. However, my father remained steadfast and didn’t yield.” (Liza)

Since the Mylekek house is one of the four families, I imagined the offers were very tempting. It was impressive that her father resisted them due to his daughter’s answer. He might be either a doting parent or incredibly foolish. But don’t judge me; I’m just saying.

“Then, because Carlos-sama’s father became insistent, your father suggested forming an alliance?” (Lumina)

“Y-yes… and father wanted a hostage as a symbol of trust.” (Liza)

“… and that hostage is Carlos-sama?” (Lumina)

Liza nodded.

“Because he’s the next head of the Mylekek house, he was the best candidate.” (Liza)

He’s the next head? The future of their house looks bleak if that’s the case. But that’s just my opinion.

“I’m curious. If I had refused the alliance, what would have happened to your younger sisters? The reason you begged me was because of them, right?” (Lumina)

“Father said that if you refused, they would have to renounce their loyalty to Carlos-sama. They don’t want to serve anyone else but him, so father compromised by saying they would be disowned by our house and evicted from our castle.” (Liza)

This situation is becoming more complicated.

“Also, regarding Carlos-sama’s situation—“ (Liza)

“It’s okay; I don’t care about what happens to him if I refuse. You don’t need to elaborate.” (Lumina)

I took a deep breath and asked Liza.

“Is that the entire situation?” (Lumina)

“… Yes.” (Liza)

“One last thing… that long convoy of coaches over there, are they yours?”

I pointed at the coaches parked in front of my home. An army of servants had emerged and were chatting with each other. Although I knew they weren’t Liza’s servants, I wanted to confirm.

“No, they’re Carlos-sama’s servants.” (Liza)

“…. I see.” (Lumina)

Closing my eyes and leaning back in my chair, I spoke in a tired tone.

“Was Fate’s father aware of the conditions your father set before they came here?” (Lumina)

“Yes, father contacted Fate’s father promptly.” (Liza)

I reopened my eyes and sighed heavily.

“Emilia… make those people leave.” (Lumina)

“As you command.” (Emilia)

Emilia bowed deeply.

“What!?” (Carlos)

Carlos—no, since he’s a hostage now, addressing him with ‘-sama’ seems odd.

Carlos stood up and exclaimed loudly.

“What do you want?” (Lumina)

“Why are you sending them away!? I brought them here to take care of me while I live in this dump! You expect me, a noble of high standing, to live without any servants?” (Carlos)

A vein popped on my forehead.

“You need that many people to take care of you?” (Lumina)

“Of course!” (Carlos)

This spoiled brat really pisses me off.

“Emilia, have them leave immediately.” (Lumina)

“Oi! Weren’t you listening!?” (Carlos)

“It seems you don’t understand your position here. Since we’ve accepted the alliance, you are now my hostage. You have no say in this matter.” (Lumina)

“!”

Carlos’ face twisted with anger.

“Besides, you still have some servants with you.” (Lumina)

I nodded toward the twins standing beside him, their faces flushed with anger. A bit further away, Duke Mearess’ daughter was crying silently. I could guess why.

“Liza, please take Duke Mearess’ daughter to my mother.” (Lumina)

“… Yes.” (Liza)

Liza stood up and walked toward her.

“Since you’re now my hostage, I won’t tolerate any brazen behavior in front of my mother and little brother. If you act out of line, consider this alliance over.” (Lumina)

“You’ll pay for this.” (Carlos)

Carlos uttered those words as he stood up and descended to my house, with the twins following closely. I remained seated in the sky, contemplating whether this alliance would be worth it.

* * * * *

At dinner, Duke Mearess’ daughter quickly grew attached to my mother and little brother. Carlos sat silently, shoveling food into his mouth, while the twins flanked him.

Aside from the casual atmosphere around my mother as she fed my little brother and Duke Mearess’ daughter, the dinner table was tense. As a result, I couldn’t fully enjoy the meal.

After we finished eating, Emilia arrived with a large stack of documents. I asked her what they were for, and she explained they were related to the formation of the alliance. I massaged my temples as I read through each document under Emilia’s strict watch.

During this time, I noticed Carlos glaring at me. He kept glaring until I finished the documents. Once I was done, he stood up and headed to the room assigned to him.

“About Carlos, are you going to do anything while he stays here, Lumina-sama?” (Emilia)

“Not really. I already told him that if he does anything to upset me, we’ll end the alliance. So let’s just ignore him and move on.” (Lumina)

“Yes. By tomorrow, will you have Liza help with your research?” (Emilia)

“Yes, with her help, my research should progress faster now that there are three of us. Hmmm… by the way, where’s Liza?” (Lumina)

I looked around the room but didn’t see her.

“A few hours ago, she looked really exhausted, so I sent her to her room to rest.” (Emilia)

“Hours ago? How long did it take me to finish those documents?” (Lumina)

Raising an eyebrow, I questioned Emilia.

“About 4 hours.” (Emilia)

“Really?” (Lumina)

“Yes, there were many details to review.” (Emilia)

“I see… then can we hav—“ (Lumina)

“No, Lumina-sama. You’ve had enough tea for today.” (Emilia)

“You demon…” (Lumina)