Chapter 129 – Advantages and Obligations

“Hmm… I believe this would be mutually beneficial. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear your reasons for refusing.”

Upon hearing my words—the Marquis furrowed his brows for a moment. After a pause long enough to chew over his thoughts, the Marquis inquired further.

The premise that Father’s economic sanctions were in place… well, I couldn’t reveal that, but even setting that aside, I saw absolutely no merit in his proposal.

First and foremost, there was no prospect of repayment, nor could I see any reason to lend the money. Perhaps because I had some understanding of their internal situation, this feeling was even stronger. No matter how they dressed it up as an “investment,” the reality remained unchanged. Frankly, there was simply too much wasteful spending. The Marquis should first put a stop to the extravagance he displayed today.

Take today’s hospitality, for instance. Or the furnishings in this mansion. He should cancel his dinner parties and balls, and start by disposing of paintings and ornaments. Yet whether he thought maintaining appearances was paramount or simply couldn’t break his habit of wastefulness, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

I suppose there’s such a thing as noble dignity, but if that dignity were truly intact—meaning if his credit were good—he wouldn’t be getting turned down for loans elsewhere.

“First of all, I have no interest in profiting from such uncertain ventures. I don’t know how much financial assistance you’re seeking, but I don’t have that kind of cash on hand.”

“N-no, no! Just lending your name would suffice. That alone would be enough. With Your Excellency’s credit, I could tide over this crisis. Then I’d repay you handsomely, of course.”

So he wanted to use my credit and name to pull in money.

“If you’re referring to other advantages—such as gaining connections through the Marquis’s network—I maintain my distance from social circles. As one of His Majesty’s direct retainers, I’m careful not to align too closely with any particular faction. So I trust you understand why that wouldn’t be possible.”

At these words, the Marquis looked taken aback. But he didn’t seem ready to give up yet.

“…What about the discord between Your Excellency and your family? I could help resolve that for you.”

“I’m satisfied with the current situation.”

I cut him off flatly. While Kathryn’s attitude toward me might not be directly related to the Marquis, that matter had already been settled behind the scenes.

The Marquis’s comment likely came from ignorance of this, but really, who in the current Gartner household did he think he could influence? It would probably involve speaking to Father, but I’ve already reconciled with Father, who now considers the Marquis an outright enemy.

“So then… I apologize, but may we conclude here?”

There was no response from the Marquis. Thinking he’d run out of persuasive arguments, I waited a moment before standing.

“W-wait! Please! Th-that’s right! What about obligation?”

As I moved to leave, the Marquis called out desperately to my retreating back. …Was he really that desperate?

“Obligation? What obligation?”

If anything, there was no obligation between us. Especially since he’d brought up mediating with my family—he must have known about my strained relationship with Kathryn.

When I turned to look at the Marquis, his eyes darted about. Perhaps if I left now, he’d be at his wit’s end. He gave the impression of having blurted something out and now scrambling to justify it.

Then the Marquis said:

“W-when the marriage between your father and Kathryn was proposed, the Marquis house agreed to accept Your Excellency’s mother as the second wife! You could say we facilitated your parents’ union!”

…Ah, so that’s what this is about.

“That was to make the political marriage happen and gain the parties’ consent—no, rather to make it appear the Marquis house was making concessions, wasn’t it? And you call that an obligation?”

Ah. There was probably no need to gain anyone’s consent in the first place.

“Th-that’s—”

When I smiled at him as if baring fangs while meeting his gaze directly, the Marquis shrank back as if intimidated. Seems I hit the mark.

At this point, such things don’t matter to me. Mother is Mother, and I am I. My birth circumstances, how my parents met—none of that changes anything. I won’t let anyone say anything about those days.

As for Kathryn… Father told me he’d exchanged several letters with the Marquis. Apparently, Kathryn had refused the Marquis’s instructions multiple times.

In the end, Kathryn made her choice. Even so, her awareness of having betrayed her partner is nothing but poison, frankly. She interfered with and distorted Father’s relationships, yet does she feel no awareness or remorse for her actions?

“You’re free to evaluate your own actions as you see fit, Marquis. But my presence here today is absolutely not thanks to you. Please don’t misunderstand that.”

“…Y-yes.”

Leaving the Marquis slumped in his chair, I finally exited the room.

Returning to the dining hall, it seemed the entertainment had just concluded. Not having to interrupt the performances was rather good timing.

Surely… he wouldn’t resort to force just because he was refused here.

“The discussion is finished. Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

We quickly prepared to leave and began our departure. Boarding the carriage, we set off on our return journey.

But really, what a complete waste of time.

I should be careful about security for a while. The Marquis likely thinks “illegitimate children and commoners” are beneath him, so even though I’m the King’s direct retainer, being bluntly refused by someone who was an illegitimate child like me might feel humiliating to him.

Given his state, it wouldn’t be surprising if he became desperate enough to send thieves to my house.

While it’s a misunderstanding that I have enough cash to cover the Marquis’s debts, if someone said my house contains valuables… well, from a sorcery perspective, that’s certainly true.

Which means my workshop that I frequent might be targeted too. I should inform Albert.

“Theo… are you all right?”

“Theodore-sama? Did something happen?”

I had been lost in thought, but looked up when addressed.

The three of them were peering at my face with worried expressions. Hmm. Not good. Was it showing on my face?

“He wanted to borrow money or my name, but I refused.”

When I answered briefly, Ashley’s expression clouded.

“The Marquis asked Theodore-sama?”

“Well, certainly… it was a rather puzzling proposal. But I do think we should be more careful about security for a while.”

After all, when we go to the labyrinth, the house will be empty during the day. Increasing patrols around the house should be fine.

“We understand that part. But…”

“What we’re worried about is you, Theodore-sama.”

The two spoke, and Marlene also looked concerned as she placed her hand over mine.

Ah— Yeah. Given who I was dealing with, and since I’m always with them…

If I came back from talking with the Marquis acting differently than usual, they might suspect something related to my family had upset me. If the Marquis had any topic that could anger me, it would only be about my parents.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

I smiled slightly as I answered. Truthfully, the Marquis’s words were irritating, but I’m not dwelling on them. If I let such words linger, it would tarnish the days I lived with Mother.

“I’m relying on all of you. I’m grateful for your support.”

When I said this, Grace suddenly showed a soft smile and gently touched my hair as if combing it. Ashley drew closer, and Marlene pressed her cheek against my chest as if embracing me.

Surrendering to their warmth and the carriage’s rocking motion, I closed my eyes. Yes. It’s precisely because they’re by my side like this that I can keep moving forward. Having people who care about me—that’s something to be happy about.