Chapter 9: Olivié Alwei’s Reasons 3

“Honest, it was just the talk of engagement that was too sudden, and I was troubled by Olivié’s unreasonable demands, but I’m not against the marriage itself.”

I revealed my true feelings while holding my hand to my sore cheek.

Truthfully, I felt extremely embarrassed, and was worried, but I never felt disagreeable to the marriage.

“I can’t believe that.”

“To speak frankly, I didn’t think I — could — ever get married, so any pretenses against marriage I had weren’t caused by Olivié-sama. I know it looks like I’m searching for reasons, but my biological father (俺は父親) has never loved me, and my mother died soon after my birth. I don’t know the first thing about a normal family, so I was worried whether I could be a good husband. After coming to this mansion, however, all those worries have disappeared.”

Continuing to rub my cheeks, I smiled at the tearful, indignant Olivié.

“I saw Hannelone-sama’s incredible warmth towards Olivié-sama, and thought that perhaps you were actually a kind person. I was honestly annoyed by your sharp tongue, but now I feel someone like you is much more interesting than a docile and meek girl. I know Olivié-sama doesn’t intend to get married, but unexpectedly I think we get along quite well. ”

“I’ve clearly said you should have no expectations of marrying me.”

“Yeah, I heard. You’ve made that thoroughly clear, but that doesn’t change my answer.”

It became clear to me after putting those feelings into words.

At first, I heard the bad rumors and wanted to be pardoned from marrying Olivié. However, my grandparents said not to believe the rumors, so I decided to think over it carefully. When I heard how the students had been cruelly spreading malicious gossip at school, I didn’t feel sorry for myself or anything like that. No, the feeling that gushed forth was anger on behalf of Olivié. And now that I’ve been invited to the mansion by Treiné, met Hannelone, and seen a new side to Olivié, I feel calm.

I still feel bewildered over the sudden engagement. Since I was suddenly told about it yesterday, I’ve had no time to organize my feelings. Still, I can confidently say that I don’t hate it.

There’s no love between us now, but even though its groundless, I have a feeling that things will work out alright as this engagement goes forward.

Probably because Olivié’s too unrestrained with her words and attitude.

I’m sure things would be different if she unnaturally tried to keep up appearances with me.

“You’re a strange person huh… Father’s introduced many men to me so far, but you’re different from all of them.”

“Are you saying that in a good way?”

“Saa~, who knows?”

I was relieved to see Olivié regain her cheerful mood.

I’m glad that Olivié, who had become emotional, has regained her composure. When I saw her tears, even though I didn’t outwardly show it, I was utterly surprised internally.

Even without those seemingly true rumors, I naturally became flustered seeing this girl with a sharp tongue and strong personality have tears in her eyes.

Because men are always weak to a woman’s tears.

“Ara ara, it seems like your conversation is going rather well.”

Just as Olivié was smiling and I was caught up in her smile, the door quietly opened and Hannelone came in.

“Mother-!?”

Olivié was stunned by the abrupt appearance of her mother.

“W, why?”

“Really, I was worried that you weren’t being honest. Jared-san seems to be willing to get married, so you should just obediently accept him.”

“N, no way, did you eavesdrop on our conversation?”

“Ara, don’t say something so scandalous. I wanted to give my greetings to Jared-san once again and was waiting in the hallway while you were talking. From there I could hear voices.”

In this society, we call that eavesdropping.

But I was surprised for a different reason. Even though I’m at my grandparent’s friend’s villa, because this was my first time here I’ve been maintaining a certain level of caution. And yet, I felt no signs of Hannelone’s presence while she was listening in on our conversation.

At first I thought maybe I was too distracted by the meeting with Olivié, but I could still feel the presence of Treiné. She appeared in front of the room just before Hannelone entered, which clearly shows I should have been able to feel her presence while she stood in the hallway.

Apparently Hannelone can see magic, but it seems her ability extends to more than that.

Most likely, there are other reasons Olivié lives here with her mother and maid besides not getting along with her father’s concubines.

I can’t help but think there’s a hidden reason Duke Alwei has his wife stay in a secondary residence.

Maybe I’d be able to find out why if I ask now, but once I saw Olivié talking happily with her mother, I’ll just pretend not to notice.

“Well now, since this is such a long-awaited event, let’s have some tea. Olivié-chan has recognized Jared-san as her fiancé, and there are so many stories about her childhood I want to tell you.”

“Please stop!”

“Treiné, prepare the album.”

“At once.”

“Wha-, Treiné!”

I let out a smile seeing Olivié in a panic since she has no allies.

“Jared Murphy! What are you laughing at, this is all your fault!” (Olivié)

“I’m unrelated this this!” (Jared)

“In the first place, for a while now you’ve been acting over-familiar! Right from the start you haven’t used honorifics. I’m older than you, you know!” (Olivié)

“Even though you’re separated by ten years, you don’t act like a senior after all~. She’s always been such a willful child, so please feel free to address her casually.” (Hannelone)

“Mother please be silent!” (Olivié)

Hannelone maintains a pleasant smile as she pushes her daughter further into a corner. She seems more formidable than I imagined at first glance.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting. I’ve brought over pictures of Olivié-sama’s childhood.”

In Treiné’s arms are five thick albums. But then, the topmost album lost its balance and fell onto the floor.

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Olivié lets out a scream very unbefitting of a noble daughter.

Because, the album which accidentally fell in front of my eyes, miraculously opened to a certain page. There was a clear picture of what seemed to be a naked young Olivié crying her eyes out.

“Ara ara, that sounded like the roar of a demonic beast, how improper.”

“That’s Mother and Treiné’s fault! Ahhh, I can’t become a bride anymore.”

‘I thought you said you’ll never get married’, but I’d be a fool to say that out loud now.

“Oh what’s the harm. He’s your fiancé, so more than a photo, he’s going to see all the nooks and crannies of the real thing. Yeah?”

“No, hey, even if you say that…” (Jared)

The focus changes to me as I hesitatingly reply.

“This child you know, despite saying how much she hates men, never fails to read love stories every night.” (Hannelone)

“She seems to think she’s hiding her books well behind her bookshelf, but the hiding spot is so obvious. Moreover, they’re even a little bit lewd.” (Treiné)

“W, why do you know about that…”

“Mothers know everything about their daughter.”

“Maids know everything about their residence.”

“That’s not a reason!”

Hannelone turns to ask me, who has been holding my breath and hiding during this battle between women, a question.

“By the way, when will Jared-san come to live with us?” (Hannelone)

“Uhm, I think I need to ask Grandfather first. I also need to ask Duke Alwei, so after I hear their replies.” (Jared)

“I’ll tell my Lord (旦那さま) myself later. Please move in as soon as you get permission from Baron Daum. It’s been a bit lonely with only three family members. But once you move in that will increase with grandchildren.” (Hannelone)

“Grandchildren-!? M, Mother, it’s too early to talk about that…” (Olivié)

“I hope they’re cute girls like Olivié-sama and Hannelone-sama.” (Treiné)

“Treiné-! You too!? Do I have no allies!?” (Olivié)

“It’s my dream to spend my later years surrounded by lots of grandchildren. I have great expectations for you, Jared-san.” (Hannelone)

“G, great expectations-” (Olivié)

“No need to reply right now!” (Hannelone)

I sat there unable to respond with a cramped smile as Hannelone unhesitatingly brought up such difficult subjects. Olivié, her face dyed red with embarrassment, glared at me furiously with teary eyes.

Translator’s Corner:

Oh dear, Hannelone and Treiné really aren’t giving Olivié any face.

This author really likes to tsukkomi, huh.

Lots of things happened this chapter! Jared gives us his thoughts on the sudden engagement, Hannelone’s mystery grows deeper, and we got to see more flustered Olivié! Detecting presences with mana is apparently a thing in this world, and Hannelone can avoid that detection. Sounds like the perfect ability for an assassin… just how did Duke Alwei and her meet?

Well, the fluff route is “he noticed her when she was overlooked by everyone else” whereas the dark route is “he was her target”. Who knows if that’s even important though lol.

Next up, Secret Maneuverings 1, and the first antagonist is revealed!