Chapter 9

Happy New Year.

When Harold returned to the Stokes mansion after an absence of roughly three weeks, he found that very little had changed. If he had to point to any shift at all, it was simply that Jake had begun experimenting with the LP Farming Method in his own backyard.

Apparently, the accountant hadn't been entirely convinced by words alone.

Still, that skepticism had served a purpose. Having finally glimpsed a ray of hope for escaping their financial ruin through the LP Farming Method, Jake was now pouring all his energy into preparing for a full-scale trial.

Norman was also doing an excellent job of coordinating things behind the scenes, ensuring Harold’s parents remained none the wiser. So far, everything was proceeding exactly according to plan.

Ten days had passed since his return from the Sumeragi territory. On a day when the launch of the LP Farming Method trial was fast approaching, word of a visitor reached Kazuki during his daily training session.

"A visitor for me?"

"Yes, so it would seem."

The news caught Kazuki off guard; he had no idea who it could be. As one might expect, he hadn't exactly inherited a map of Harold’s childhood social circles.

"And the name of this guest?"

"Lady Erika Sumeragi."

The moment Norman uttered the name, Kazuki froze mid-swing.

(Why the hell is Erika here?)

With the farming trial about to start, Kazuki was in the middle of a delicately busy period. His honest feeling was a desperate wish to be spared from further complications.

Besides, what could she possibly want? He found it hard to believe that someone he had insulted so thoroughly during their first meeting would come to see him of her own volition.

If he had to guess, she was likely delivering a response to his secret letter. He just couldn't wrap his head around why she had been chosen as the messenger.

Regardless, there was no point standing around the backyard with a sword in his hand.

"Show her to the terrace."

Hayden was away on business, but his mother, Jessica, was home. She was currently hosting one of her refined, noble-style "tea parties" in the Party Room, so the odds of a chance encounter in the indoor drawing rooms were low. Still, given the sensitive nature of the letter, he chose the most private location possible.

Ideally, he would have preferred his own room, but bringing his fiancée—even a temporary one—straight to his bedchamber felt like an invitation for unnecessary misunderstandings. He doubted such a thing really applied to a pair of ten-year-olds, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Kazuki quickly washed off his sweat, changed into fresh clothes, and headed for the terrace.

There he found Erika, quietly enjoying a cup of black tea poured by one of the Stokes servants.

Unlike the kimono she had worn previously, today she was dressed in a student’s attire, complete with a hakama. It was a jarring, mismatched sight—a figure in traditional Japanese clothing perched atop a Western-style wooden chair.

"What are you doing here?"

Harold took the opposite seat, his voice dripping with irritation.

Since their business regarding the letter couldn't be overheard, he waved a hand to dismiss the servant immediately.

"In a situation like this, isn't the standard greeting, 'I apologize for the wait'?"

As far as Kazuki was concerned, he had intended to say something to that effect. It was just that his actual words and his tone failed to reflect that intention entirely. Perhaps his inner monologue—the part that found her a complete nuisance—had leaked out.

"I’m not an idle layabout like you. You should be grateful I even showed my face."

"Ugh... It’s true that my sudden visit was improper, but..."

Erika slumped, dejected by his blunt logic.

While Harold’s argument was technically correct, seeing a child look so discouraged made Kazuki feel as though he were a common bully.

"Hmph. Fine. State your business."

With his conscience pricking him, Kazuki decided to cut to the chase.

Sensing the shift in Harold’s mood, Erika instantly regained her composure, her aura turning dignified once more.

"First, I wish to offer my thanks on behalf of the Sumeragi family. We are deeply grateful to you for saving so many of our people."

Erika bowed low. The fact that she used the word "saved" meant they had synthesized the item Kazuki had described in his letter and that it had actually worked.

Tasuku had received the letter about twenty days ago. Factoring in the travel time, they must have put the recipe to the test almost the moment Kazuki had departed. They had moved faster than he’d anticipated.

"For the Sumeragi to jump at such a dubious suggestion, you must have been truly desperate."

Erika’s expression remained stoic in the face of Harold’s sneer.

"It is exactly as you say, Lord Harold. In our current state, the House of Sumeragi had no other moves left to make."

"Then I’ll be sure to charge a high price for the favor. But don't get the wrong idea."

"What do you mean?"

"What I gave you was strictly symptomatic treatment. It isn't a fundamental cure, and I can't guarantee there won't be side effects."

In the game, synthesis was as simple as selecting ingredients. In reality, one would have to go through grueling trial and error to find the correct ratios. Kazuki hadn't expected them to see results so quickly.

Furthermore, the game never touched upon whether large doses or long-term use would trigger side effects. Kazuki had no way of knowing. Naturally, he had included those warnings in his letter to Tasuku.

The Sumeragi must have been well and truly cornered if they were willing to take such risks.

"So, you are saying your medicine will not provide a full recovery?"

"If the symptoms are mild, a permanent cure might be possible. But for those in critical condition? Impossible. Besides, I have no intention of looking after you to that extent."

After all, the final solution was the job of Rainer and the rest of the protagonist’s party. Solving the crisis was the very event that would lead to Erika joining them.

It was a cold sentiment, but Erika seemed to accept it. Even if they were fiancés, this was a political arrangement. As long as House Stokes provided a minimum level of supplies or financial aid, they would fulfill their social obligations.

And yet, Harold had gone out of his way to—

(He made it? The "medicine"?)

A question flickered in Erika’s mind.

She wondered exactly when Harold had created that medicine. It was impossible that he’d done it after the engagement was settled; even someone without specialized knowledge knew that developing a drug in a matter of days was an impossible feat.

Did he simply possess the knowledge, rather than being the creator? When Erika had referred to it as "Lord Harold's medicine," he hadn't confirmed or denied it. He had maintained the stance that he had merely "presented" a treatment.

However, it was hard to believe Harold knew of a solution that the entire Sumeragi family—after exhaustive research—had failed to find. Even if he did, if there were enough clinical cases for the medicine’s efficacy to be proven, there should have been records or literature. It was bizarre that he knew nothing of the side effects.

(Then how did he...?)

"Is that all you came for?"

Harold’s voice, which made no effort to hide his boredom, snapped Erika out of her spiral of thought. The "please leave" vibe was palpable.

"Not quite. I have also brought a letter for you from my father."

"Hand it over."

So she really was just a messenger. Tasuku likely felt a letter alone was insufficient to show his gratitude and sent her to deliver his thanks in person.

Poor girl, she's probably here against her will, Kazuki thought, feeling a twinge of sympathy for her as he scanned the letter.

The contents were exactly what he’d expected. The medicine worked; no side effects had been observed yet, but they would continue to monitor the patients closely; and a formal expression of gratitude.

For now, that was the most they could report. Kazuki figured that if he simply acknowledged the letter and told them he’d be watching from a distance, there would be no need for further contact.

(Hm?)

He noticed a third sheet of paper tucked behind the first two. It began with the word "Postscript."

Postscript: As you are aware, the Sumeragi lands are currently in the midst of an abnormal crisis, and we are stretched thin trying to manage it. Since this situation is unprecedented, we cannot predict when an unforeseen disaster might strike. Therefore, it pains me to ask, but I have a request for you. I am deeply sorry, but would it be possible for House Stokes to take Erika into your care for a time? It may be a failure of my duty as a Head of House to let personal feelings interfere, but as a father worried for his only daughter—

Kazuki stopped reading and looked away from the paper. He rubbed the corners of his eyes, wondering if he was suffering from extreme eye strain, then returned to the beginning of the postscript.

The words didn't change. It was still a plea for him to ensure Erika’s safety.

He barely resisted the urge to bury his face in his hands. The voice he managed to squeeze out was thick with resentment.

"What is the meaning of this...?"

"Is something wrong?"

Kazuki silently slid the postscript across the table to Erika. After reading it, she remarked with a flat, feigned air of surprise.

"Oh, my. This is a problem. Even if we are betrothed, living under the same roof would be quite a burden for you."

"...Hey."

"But the carriage that brought me here has already departed. I have no choice but to throw myself upon your mercy, Lord Harold."

"Hey. You."

"Yes? What is it?"

Erika smiled radiantly—the first genuine, full-faced smile Kazuki had seen from her.

"You’ve got a lot of nerve."

"I am honored by your praise."

Erika met Harold’s sarcasm with a cool, mocking grace of her own. This wasn't just Tasuku’s whim; she was clearly in on the plan. Erika was staying here because she had an objective.

It certainly wasn't out of affection. Kazuki had already told Tasuku how to get out of the engagement. Even if Tasuku hadn't believed the letter, Kazuki couldn't fathom why they would send Erika here.

Furthermore, Erika’s behavior was baffling. In the game, she was known for her playfulness and the occasional harmless prank, but she was never the type to snap back or trade barbs like this. Perhaps her personality just hadn't matured yet, but the gap between the character he knew and the girl in front of him was enough to leave him reeling.

"I have no obligation to accept such a one-sided demand."

Even though a request from a higher-ranking noble was effectively an order, Kazuki rejected it without a second thought. He knew Tasuku’s character and the state of their territory well enough to know there would be no real fallout.

In fact, if this soured the relationship between the two families, it was exactly what Kazuki wanted. It would only make things easier when the time came to break off the engagement.

"How heartless. To think you would save the people of another land, yet treat your own fiancée so cruelly."

Erika put on a conspicuously sorrowful face. Unlike the genuine dejection from earlier, this was a clear performance, and Kazuki’s heart didn't waver for a second.

"I did that because the debt was worth the effort. But in this case, there is very little in it for me."

"I see. If you feel that strongly, I cannot possibly ask any more of you."

Erika stood up gracefully and bowed deeply once more.

"Allow me to thank you one last time. Truly, thank you for saving the people of Sumeragi."

Her bow was so formal and sincere that Kazuki felt he could see her true heart. Her love for her people was genuine.

That didn't mean he was going to let her move in, though.

"I’ll be sure to collect on that debt later. You’d better spend your time here finding more cards to play."

"I am touched by your concern. Now, if you will excuse me."

With that, Erika turned and walked away from the Stokes mansion with a steady, confident stride.

Kazuki watched her go, suspicious of how easily she had backed down. It took several minutes before he realized the obvious: if her carriage had already left, how exactly was she planning to get home?

He would receive the answer several hours later, from the mouth of his father, Hayden.

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Translator’s Note: I was busy at the end of the year, but I have a five-day break now, so I hope to post at least one more chapter soon.