Chapter 82: “Bidding in Two Rounds?”
“Yeah. One is for the eldest son, and the second is for the younger son. For now, we have to secure the land coming up in three days for the eldest. You don’t need to worry about the second one, Adele.”
Xerox spread out a map and pointed with his finger, telling her to look carefully.
It was precisely the prime central area of the South—there was no need to follow his finger.
The most dazzling gem among golden treasures.
It was the southern city’s last treasure island, where the largest road in the city passed through, connecting not just the South but also the East and West via the shortest routes.
Currently, it was owned by a mere marquis family who had built a family mansion there, but soon it would belong to the Yuden Trading Company and become their new headquarters.
“Adele, if we win the bid for just this one, we can consolidate the surrounding lands and carry out large-scale construction.”
“And of course, it’ll be Yuden Trading Company that handles the construction. Building the South’s largest and most symbolic building will enhance our reputation in construction!”
This was a win-win situation.
Adele tapped the map lightly with her finger. She hadn’t slept in days, consumed entirely by this thought, and her heart raced.
Xerox glanced at her and snorted.
“You’re that excited? After all, the rest was all owned by the count’s family anyway.”
“It’s always the worst when one piece is missing after finishing the whole puzzle.”
She leaned on the desk, smiling playfully.
Though it was officially a land bid, this was truly her first step as heir. She couldn’t disappoint her father, who had given her this rare chance to shine.
“Still, I heard there are quite a few people aiming for this land when we submit the bid.”
“They’re probably just hanging around. It’s not like buying one or two mansions. At that size, they wouldn’t be able to handle it anyway.”
“That’s true… Have you decided how much to bid? Of all days, I have a business trip then—I don’t know if you’ll be okay alone.”
“It’s already arranged. Anyway, it’s a symbolic place in the South, so it’s better to pay the proper price. Otherwise, they’ll think we’re ousting the marquis family. So, the amount… huh?”
As she lowered her voice close to Xerox’s ear because of the sensitivity of the matter, she sensed someone and stopped speaking.
“…You’re quite dedicated.”
“Commander!”
Kilion had entered the study without her noticing, looking at both of them. He seemed gentle at first glance, but his gaze toward Xerox was sharp.
“Oh, you’re here. I was just discussing something with Adele because of work…”
“Adele? Do you mean my wife?”
“…I was discussing matters with Lady So… Haha.”
Xerox quickly corrected his title and backed away.
Where are you going?
Adele reflexively reached out, but Kilion gently steadied her.
“You’re quite diligent.”
“…Is that all you have to say, Commander?”
“No.”
Kilion looked directly at her and took the quill from her hand. The lush feather was tucked behind Adele’s round ear.
“What is this?”
Startled, she widened her eyes, and Kilion lightly kissed her on the lips.
“Don’t think it’s just this.”
His words lingered around her ear as he pulled away.
He’s getting harder and harder to handle… Adele quickly turned her gaze.
She hadn’t realized because she was entirely focused on the task at hand, but if she had been alone with him all this time, her heart might have already fallen apart.
“W-Why all of a sudden…?”
“Does it look sudden?”
Kilion gave a reluctant smile and stepped back.
If she thought so, that would be fortunate.
His blue eyes, looking down at where Xerox had stood, were chilling.
“You seem very busy. Must be important.”
“Yes. It’s a huge deal for me. Really huge.”
“Is that so?”
He glanced at the map Adele had touched.
He roughly knew the matter, but seeing her eyes sparkle like that was unusual.
“This is a task that will take a lifetime for me.”
It carried the same mix of anticipation and tension as when he had proposed to her.
Remembering the words he had spoken with those beautiful lips made her whole body ache as if her chest were being squeezed.
Unaware of his feelings, Adele innocently counted off her reasons.
“I want to do this well, just to show everyone. Father has completely withdrawn from the trading company, and before the next quarter begins, I want to make my presence felt.”
“I see.”
“And yet, Commander, why are you… interested in my matters?”
Now that she thought about it, it was strange. Kilion had never shown interest in the trading company’s affairs before.
As Adele tilted her head in curiosity, a presence was heard outside.
“Madam, may I see you for a moment? Michael here.”
“Oh, Captain.”
What do I do!
Startled, Adele instinctively stepped further away from Kilion.
It wasn’t that they were doing anything, but being seen together felt embarrassing.
“Here, take this.”
Handing him a book that had been at her waist, Kilion closed his mouth with an unreadable expression. He didn’t seem pleased with the situation, but at least he didn’t throw the book.
Adele greeted them as they entered, not forgetting to remove the quill from her ear first.
“Captain, how did you… And the squad leader is with you too?”
“Hmm, I didn’t know the Commander was here too…”
“Oh, you weren’t looking for the Commander?”
“No… Lady, no, I came to see you.”
“Me?”
Adele had assumed they came for Kilion and tilted her head.
She reflexively looked at her husband, but he was quietly gazing downward in a corner.
In his calm, still eyes, no emotion could be read.
“What brings you here…”
“I wanted to thank you before returning to San Fidelio at dawn tomorrow.”
“Already?”
Adele expressed regret.
Even though her father was present, she had neglected hospitality as Lady of the estate. A week had passed since the ceremony, so it was time for the knights to return.
‘Then…’
She unconsciously glanced at Kilion.
After all, he was the head of the knights.
She suddenly realized that he too would be leaving.
Unlike when greeting the two men, her shoulders sagged.
“…I see.”
So that’s why they came to see me.
She had never asked when he would leave, charmed by his nightly gentle gestures.
Even if she hadn’t asked, he probably would have left anyway. She didn’t know why she acted so foolish.
“Then, Commander…”
“Yes. He will return with us and come back after the festival.”
“I-I see.”
Her heart skipped a beat, whether from him leaving or returning, she couldn’t tell.
Adele smiled brightly to hide her confusion.
“Though unfortunate, it can’t be helped. Both of you should visit here anytime. By then, I’ll have finished my work and can properly host you.”
“Yes. But… we are currently looking for volunteers.”
“Volunteers?”
Seeing the two men hesitate and shift responsibility to each other, Adele tilted her head.
Volunteers… the word alone made her inner underdog eager to stretch.
“Since dignitaries from various nations are coming, we need someone experienced in hosting… We’re not suited to taking the lead.”
“Exactly. We need someone skilled in foreign languages, sociable, and exceptionally beautiful…”
“I-I see.”
But why are they speaking to me while looking at the Commander?
Adele watched the two stumble through their words while Kilion focused entirely on his book, ignoring them. Yet the subordinates looked at him as if reading a book.
“It may be bold, but could we ask you, Madam, to lend your strength for San Fidelio again?”
“Me?”
“It would certainly help. The priests and priestesses would be reassured, the children delighted, and the Commander would be present as well.”
“Wow…”
That’s quite appealing. Especially the last part.
Adele bit her lip in thought.
Being with Kilion… she almost packed her bags, but realistically, she couldn’t.
Recalling the upcoming important trading company task, she replied regretfully,
“I’m sorry… I have duties with the company.”
“Ah.”
Sigh.
…But is it really that disappointing?
Watching the knights in silver uniforms sighing heavily, she didn’t know what to do but bite her lip.
Anyone seeing this might think they were doomed.
The knights’ expressions of defeat made the back of her neck tingle.
“If it were something else, I could postpone… but this is crucial. Unfortunately, the schedule overlaps…”
“Then even for just two days, or one day…”
“Renald, stop it.”
“Commander.”
With a soft thud, the book closed, and Kilion turned.
He glanced at Adele, hiding her embarrassment, and coldly dismissed his subordinates.
“Your lady is busy, isn’t she? How can you bother someone with important tasks?”
“B-But… the volunteer work is important too…”
“Indeed. They were only concerned about the affairs at the temple. It’s significant work.”
“No. Your task is also important, isn’t it?”
“…Commander.”
Adele looked at Kilion, trying to stop him from scolding the two men.
He stepped forward and held up the white quill from earlier.
“Do not forget: what you, my lady, wish to achieve is more important to me than unknown dignitaries.”
“…Kilion.”
“…Commander.”
The gazes on one man varied wildly.
Adele couldn’t hide her gratitude and embarrassment, while the two men, dragged along, displayed open shock and betrayal.
What are we even doing here?
Why?
Kilion ignored his subordinates’ blank stares and wrapped his arm around Adele’s waist.
“Humph.”
Renald hiccupped at his boldness.
Though modest for newlyweds, the effect on onlookers depends entirely on who’s involved.
Seeing the knights frozen as if witnessing a deity in an intimate act, Kilion frowned slightly.
Leave.
His silently conveyed order made them move automatically.
Though feeling used and betrayed, they weren’t foolish enough to defy him.
“…Kilion.”
Adele bowed deeply as the two left.
Her face buried near the quill, the white feather contrasted sharply against her flushed cheeks.
“I was genuinely surprised. I didn’t expect you’d respect my work so much.”
“That is only natural.”
“…I thought the temple work was important too.”
“Not so much.”
He said it as if it were trivial.
His calm, ordinary tone drew him closer to her face.
“It’s not significant enough to require my presence.”
“Really? You don’t have to go?”
“…Is that alright with you?”
For the first time, he smiled and gently moved the quill away from her face.
Handling her cheek as if she were a fragile glass doll, she held her breath.
How do I act casual?
Even that simple thing, she had forgotten.
“Hmm, that’s a relief. Actually, Xerox is also going on a business trip, so I wanted someone nearby.”
“Is he going?”
“…Yes?”
Her gaze was too sharp to be a misunderstanding.
Kilion pretended to ponder, then changed his words.
“Hmm… It’s not entirely trivial. To uphold the archbishop’s dignity, I may need to be present at least briefly.”
“That’s different from earlier.”
“You too, weren’t you the same?”
The most important words, only now.
The man who had considered abandoning the knights looked down at Adele.
Just looking at him stirred countless emotions.
Do others feel this way too?
A foolish question repeated on her tongue.
Among them, he found the words she’d most love to hear, those that most vividly reminded her she was alive.
“When you return, my lady, you will have taken your first step as a proper heir.”
“Of course. In a week, you can expect it.”
Adele’s expression brightened as she waited for his words.
With Kilion trusting her, she naturally wanted to achieve even more.
His deep voice, observing her, warmed the air between them.
“…I really look forward to it.”
Even if their expectations differed.
