Volume 05, Act 51: False Good Deeds and Sincere Diligence Part 03
Translator: Blushy
Editor: SenjiQ
Shelley isnt here yet, but I feel like putting something in my mouth, so why dont I get tea prepared?
Thank you very much. But, before that Even though it had been urgent, Im sorry for suddenly disappearing like that.
Thats fine. I was surprised when I realised you both were gone, but I received your message from the knight.
I see.
I was looking at an acquaintances shop. I was browsing too many items in there.
Cordelia felt strange again by Earl Zakharovs words.
Earl Zakharov seems to prioritise Shelleys wishes, but he forgot about her because he was so focused on things he liked?
Were you looking at things to gift to Shelley-san?
Thats right. But it looks like Ill have to give her a congratulations present.
It seems like Earl Zakharov has been informed about her possible relation to Earl Clydereine.
Have you already heard about it?
Yesterday, I waited for Shelley-san at the church until night time, but she was with a Clydereine House magician. I asked what was going on, and the magician told me that she might be related to Earl Clydereine. I was so surprised, Earl Zakharov said, as he smiled a little.
If shes related to the Clydereine House, then she wouldnt be related to me. Thats a shame, but well have the opportunity to meet each other in the future. Its an honour to be able to get along with her.
Really?
Besides, she brought us together. I got to know you because of her. I might ask if I can borrow Ronnie, who can suppress three men in the blink of an eye by himself.
The Earl joked, and Cordelia smiled as she tilted her head.
My doubts are still there, but Im sure of one thing.
Earl, can I ask you something? Is Shelley-san here?
Shes not Why do you think she is?
How did you find out that three men tried to kidnap her? The only people that know that is me, Ronnie and the knights. We have to report it immediately if there is an insolent person who leaked information outside, but when did you hear about it, since you were at the church until night time?
Cordelia smiled and the Earl widened his eyes. Then, he smiled.
Youre really smart. No, I was careless since I was happy.
I think youve talked quite a bit, even though you say Im smart. Why did you try to kidnap Shelley? And, why are you happy?
He could get his hands on Shelley, even if he hadnt tried to kidnap her. If Cordelia hadnt tried to influence the relationship between Shelley and Earl Clydereine, then it would have been better for Earl Zakharov to make a move after he got his hands on her.
But Earl Zakharov remained calm.
Even I know that there are people after Shelley. There was someone who offered me a completion bonus because I had a relationship with her.
Then
However, his offer wasnt appealing to me. Sure, he had offered a lot of money, but Im not after money, and I dont think I can buy what I want with that amount.
Earl Zakharov continued, and it didnt seem like he was lying.
What is it you want?
I want commendation.
Commendation?
Yes. Commendation that can be bought with money disappears in an instant. But I found out from a certain man that I had an opportunity to talk with you, Cordelia-san. So, I accepted his proposal.
With me?
Cordelia knitted her eyebrows because he had suddenly said her name, but Earl Zakharov looked happy as he continued eloquently.
Ive always known about you. Youre famous among my circle. When you were under 10, you educated the children in your fief, and you collected noble children and conducted charity work. So, you know how pleasant it is to be admired, right?
No, theres no point in living if Im not admired. The more I give, the more thanks I get in return. The happiness I get from that cant be substituted for anything else.
The smile she had put on her face, once again turned sharp.
At the end of Cordelias glare, Zakharov slowly raised his face from the potted plant.
However, the smile that had been lost in his face was back in an instant.
This is quite different from what that man said. I heard that you would think more positively about this. But, in any case, Ill have you help me with this.
Do you think I would help you after everything Ive said?
If you have to, then itll be a different story. Youre smart, so youre also a little proud.
Zakharov said as he slowly stood up.
I have powers that arent inferior to a magicians. I might be inferior to your father and brothers, but I even know martial arts. If I carry you to a carriage and take you out of the royal capital, then youll have to help me.
Ronnie will think somethings off if I disappear from this mansion. And, Otou-sama knows that Im here.
Just like with Shelley-san, itll be fine if I tell them that suspicious people attacked the mansion. In fact, I could have kidnapped you at that time if you had told Ronnie to chase them by himself, but you were more cautious then, unlike now.
Well, I know youre on your guard because you confronted me while leaving your tail.
So thats how it was. I dont agree with how you think, but I understand it.
He was recklessly indirect, but things didnt go as he had planned. However, he still thought that he was in an advantageous position, and was relaxed.
However, Cordelia wasnt panicking either.
Then, Ill tell you. Im Earl Pameradias daughter. You said that I was cautious before, but didnt you think that I might have thought this was a trap?
Cordelia spoke as she quickly scattered some seeds.
Ive also heard that this is your special attack!
Zakharov swung his sword down sideways and mowed down the plants which Cordelia had rapidly grew, but the plants quickly grew back to the same height as it was, and attacked Zakharov like they had a mind of their own. However, Zakharovs sword was embedded with magic, and he didnt yield.
(I dont plan on losing in a magic endurance test, but its not a contest right now.)
Cordelia smiled, and in the next moment, a thick ivy vine wrapped itself around Zakharovs neck from behind.
Ive been told to learn self-defence.
Gah!
If your carotid artery is tightened, then youll lose your consciousness but before that, your neck will feel tight, and youll find it painful to breathe. You werent paying attention to your back, so I took it to my advantage.
Cordelia spoke as she used another vine to fling the sword out of Zakharovs hand. Then, at the same time, she strengthened the binding on his hands and feet. Zakharovs expression distorted even more, but Cordelia was surprised.
(It went better than I thought.)
I thought it would be enough if I just stalled him a little, but Ive trained my magic more than I imagined. But he was probably careless due to how Shelley-san usually acts. If his standards for children is Shelley-san, he wouldnt feel nervous even if he thinks Im somewhat smart.
In that case, Ill have to thank Shelley-san a little.
Wh at the hell!
Zakharov said that his magic power was equivalent to that of a magicians, and broke through the bondage on the left half of his body with his own magic. However, Cordelia didnt panic.
She had already bought enough time.
Zakharov, youve missed one more thing.
What
Ronnie. Hes more reliable than you think.
The moment Cordelia said that, the door was destroyed violently.
See, isnt he really reliable?
Argh Ojou-sama, I told you to give me a signal if something happened, but I didnt tell you to suddenly start a fight. What magic did you use?
Zakharov widened his eyes in surprise, and Ronnie sighed as he scratched his head.
Anyway, Ill hear it later. I understand that you couldnt settle things quietly, since it has become like this.
Thus, Zakharov, who claimed to have the same power as a magician, quickly lost consciousness, because he wasnt able to resist a real magician, especially since he was already restrained.
Later, Lara, who was waiting nearby, sent a message to the knights, and Zakharov was handed over to them while he was still unconscious. The knights searched the mansion and interviewed the servants, since Zakharov was manufacturing narcotics, but the servants had thought it was a decorative plant.