49. The Authority of the Main House (Mistake)
For authentic Rosian Empire people, once it involves a competition of “drinking capacity,” which is no different from a father-son duel, then it’s a matter of not being able to go home until there’s a result!
So, even though the matter had been settled and the sky was gradually darkening, Letty, who was still drinking with Moriarty, didn’t want to concede defeat!
“Burp~ One more, let’s drink again!”
After clinking glasses once more and downing the “water of life,” even someone as strong as Letty began to feel dizzy and started to retreat. When it came to drinking, she was among the best in the Rosian Empire! However, this Brit before she surprisingly could hold her liquor; to this point, she hadn’t shown the slightest bit of drunkenness!
—
The “convenience” of drinking together requires both parties to supervise each other, so Letty knew that Moriarty must not have cheated! Then… she was just too strong, wasn’t she!?
Letty felt like she was about to collapse, and just then, Moriarty, who had started to look a bit “shadowy” in Letty’s eyes, raised both hands.
“Alright, alright, Your Majesty, I admit defeat.”
“Ha… ha! It’s good that you know my strength…”
Letty had no time to ponder why Moriarty had clearly conceded yet acted unexpectedly decisively; all she knew was that she could barely walk straight.
“Your Majesty, you look like you need someone to take you back~”
“Blah, blah! The loser has no right to talk so much! This Emperor… can… get back… on my own…”
She stumbled and nearly fell, and in her ear came Moriarty’s somewhat eerie laughter.
“Then how about… I escort you? After all, once you return, many things will be much easier to handle~”
【Click】
What was that sound?
Letty had no time to think; just as she instinctively wanted to refuse Moriarty’s support, a familiar voice seemed to come from not far away.
“Wait, Kephir, it’s not what you think!”
“I warn you, charlatan! If it’s true, just wait for our family to hunt you down to the ends of the earth!”
Letty felt a bit more alert; her head was still foggy, and she didn’t notice that Moriarty seemed to have tucked something away after a click of her tongue. Instead, with the little clarity she had, she instinctively shouted.
“Big brother?”
——
That’s right, of course it’s me. But Ivan Letty, you truly are the Emperor of Rosia, overly confident in your identity, even neglecting the most basic dangers.
Dealing with me is one thing, but to be alone with Moriarty? Do you know what kind of danger you would have faced if it weren’t for my earlier words with Kephir that attracted the bystanders!?
【Moriarty is preparing to assassinate Ivan Letty.】
At least, I managed to contain this dangerous scenario before it unfolded. Though it was out of necessity, I really hope this little girl will thank me later for my good deed in return for her grievances.
I didn’t dare say much; after all… my collar was still being tugged by Kephir.
What does an angry “protagonist” look like? I got to see it today, as Kephir fiercely dragged me in front of Letty.
Although her movements were a bit stiff for a moment, they became assertive after I cleared my throat.
“Hey, shorty, get up!”
Truly, Kephir was impressive; not only did she have a frosty expression, but even her questioning carried a force that felt like it came from a protagonist. Not only did Letty look over, but even Professor Moriarty took notice.
The crowd gathered around them slowly, and Kephir clenched her fists, lifting me as if I were a bamboo rat.
“Just a few days ago, did you use some excuse to sneak into his dorm and try to seduce him!?”
Letty’s face turned bright red, clearly having just been drinking with Professor Moriarty. Who in the Rosian Empire isn’t a heavy drinker? Yet, to have Letty drunk, Professor Moriarty remained calm, and there was only one explanation in the script.
【Professor Moriarty had taken medication beforehand to intoxicate Letty!】
What’s the point of getting Reiti drunk!? Hmph, but I don’t have time to investigate this right now.
Reiti, who was only half-drunk, surprisingly hadn’t lost her judgment. The moment she saw Kefier, she groggily spoke her mind.
“Huh? So what?”
“You…”
As she spoke, a flustered Kefier pulled me closer to her!
“He’s mine! Don’t get any ideas!”
“Who decided that?”
“Shorty, do you need a lesson in discipline!?”
Kefier’s brows were already slightly furrowed with anger. Fortunately, I’m just a rookie and couldn’t feel the so-called “king’s dominance.”
But… wait a minute, Kefier, what happened to our act!? We were supposed to put on a show of you catching the mistress and taking Reiti away without Moriarty suspecting anything!?
Why are you getting so serious during the performance…
【Kefier is really jealous.】
Really… getting serious?
“Since you don’t like him at all, why are you still hanging onto him!? If you’re just treating him like a toy, don’t blame me for being rude…”
“!”
Reiti, who had just been dazed, suddenly snapped awake like she had been splashed with cold water. With her still flushed face, she stared at me as if she had just met me.
It seems this third-rate cheating drama isn’t rare in the Rosia Empire; even among the onlookers, there were voices of mockery.
“Isn’t he just a scumbag? Little beauty, don’t bother with him, why not come with me…”
“Get lost!”
Kefier swung her sword, and the icy wind scared the lewd man who had just been laughing to turn and run. Indeed, if you don’t understand the situation, don’t just stand there…
“I-I’m not…”
Reiti hesitated, wanting to explain something, but Kefier looked like she was already caught up in the moment, probably forgetting she was acting. Seeing that the situation was about right, I had to hasten my own plans.
“Um, um, Kefier, how about we take Reiti back and talk slowly?”
“How can you still say that! Uh… um… um.”
After turning back to complain to me, Kefier finally realized we were still in the act and calmed down. She watched as I picked up the still-drunk Reiti and waved goodbye to the professor.
“Um, professor, sorry about this; we’ll explain everything to you tomorrow.”
“It’s tough being a popular man.”
“Ha… haha~”
If only it were that simple. If we hadn’t come to stir up trouble today, what would you have done to Reiti?
And besides…
The danger is not over yet.
【Moriarty does not intend to give up this opportunity.】
I held Letty behind me more securely and immediately quickened my pace, not daring to look back at Moriarty’s reaction as I hurried away.
——
I’ll respond to some recent issues all at once.
1. Welfare section: I wrote it, and if it must be every chapter with constant updates, I’m sorry, times have changed, and I won’t be doing that. Also, I’m not the type to pad out word count with lengthy scenes.
2. Nilu section: Nilu is a supporting character, but her identity is that of the “protagonist,” while this volume focuses on Letty, the ‘supporting character’. Nilu’s part is still “lurking” in preparation for a big reveal, and I’ve occasionally written her appearances; it’s definitely not that I’ve forgotten her, but she’s in stealth mode.
That’s all.