Chapter 98

A few minutes later, Ichirō and the others moved to a room at the back of the store and took their seats around a long table. Zirconia sat next to Ichirō, while on the opposite side, Rize and Eira took their seats.

"Are you saying you were trying to create a fait accompli and force a marriage?"

"……"

"Ah, um, Lord Kazura, Lady Rize didn't have any ill intentions……"

Eira interjected, trying to defend Rize, who looked uncomfortable and had her gaze lowered to the table. Eira had been receiving a continuous, unspoken command from Zirconia to "do something" since the beginning of the conversation.

"Eh, she didn't?"

"I, I don't think so……"

"Hey! You should be more decisive!"

"Well, that doesn't really matter."

"……Ugh"

"But I'm troubled if you cry……"

Ichirō sighed and scratched his head, wondering what to do. From the conversation with Rize earlier, it was clear that all her previous behavior had been an act. She had been aiming for marriage for the sake of money and power, and even went as far as to plan a night visit to create a fait accompli.

"Because……it was a good opportunity……"

"A good opportunity for what?"

"……Never mind"

When Ichirō pressed her, Rize lowered her gaze to the table again. Her usual composed demeanor was completely gone, and she was hunched over, looking small and defeated.

"But, Lady Rize really admires Lord Kazura. She talks about you almost every day, even when she's talking to me."

"Yeah, but after hearing her say she wanted to 'make you fall head over heels and get you to shower her with gifts,' it's hard to believe that."

"Um, the talk about money… Lady Rize is a bit stingy with money, but she has a good eye for people and isn't the type to deceive others with ill intentions. Her comment earlier was probably just a slip of the tongue, expressing her desire for a more luxurious life after marriage……"

"That sounds pretty desperate…… And the fact that you were planning to create a fait accompli with a night visit makes it sound like you were planning to take advantage of the situation."

"Um, well… Lord Kazura mentioned that there was a woman he was close to, and Lady Rize was worried that you might go to her! So, in her heart, she thought it would be better to take a more aggressive approach!"

Eira desperately tried to break the tense atmosphere. After all, Zirconia was right there in front of her. If she remained silent, she might lose her head later.

"Romantic feelings, huh……"

Ichirō crossed his arms and grunted, looking at Rize. Even though she was looking down, Rize was secretly observing Ichirō. When their eyes met, she lowered her gaze to the table again, looking dejected.

"Do you dislike Lady Rize, Lord Kazura?"

"I don't dislike her, but……"

"Then, would you consider dating Lady Rize? I know the impression from earlier might be bad, but she really does admire you. Please give her another chance."

"Um… What kind of dramatic turn is this? The story has jumped too far too quickly……"

Ichirō was slightly taken aback by Eira's persistent push. The situation was too forced.

"……Is it a no?"

"It's a no."

"……Ugh"

"But, if you're upset, I understand……"

When Ichirō firmly declined, Eira also lowered her gaze, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Um, I know you might be angry, but could you at least continue working together as before? Lady Rize has been working hard and trying to help you in any way she can."

At this point, Zirconia, sensing the conversation was going awry, interjected.

"In the future, she won't make any more strange plans. I'll make sure to talk to her strictly. She seems to be reflecting on her actions, so please don't be too harsh on her. I believe she truly admires you."

"Of course, I have no problem with that. I know Lady Rize has been working hard for the region. Besides, I don't dislike her, so I'd like to continue working together. I won't stop supporting the region because of this, so please don't worry."

Zirconia let out a relieved sigh at Ichirō's words. She hadn't expected Rize to like Ichirō so much that she would go to such lengths. While she was frustrated that Rize's plan had been exposed, it was too late to change that now.

Fortunately, it seemed that her secret involvement in the plan to bring the two together hadn't been discovered. It would be best to use this to her advantage and try to resolve the situation as smoothly as possible. She had a vague idea of Rize's true nature but hadn't expected her to be so proactive. Despite her current dejected state, Rize wasn't the type to give up easily. If they could maintain their interactions, she might gradually recover. Of course, this was only if Ichirō didn't truly dislike her.

"But, please don't make any more strange plans in the future. Creating a fait accompli through a night visit and forcing a marriage is almost like ignoring the other person's feelings. I understand you had your reasons, but it's not a commendable approach."

While inwardly criticizing himself for being a hypocrite, given his own deceptive activities, Ichirō frowned and said this to Rize. Honestly, if Rize had come to his room at night and tried to seduce him, he wasn't sure what would have happened. He was already somewhat captivated by her appearance, and if she had approached him as she did in the archive room, he might have succumbed.

However, now that he knew she was after money and power, Rize's stock in his eyes had plummeted.

"Yes… I'm sorry…"

Rize looked up at Ichirō with teary eyes and apologized sincerely. Her dejected appearance made Ichirō lose the will to say anything more. After all, she had worked hard and tried to help him. While he was shocked by her true nature, no real harm had been done, so it was pointless to continue scolding her.

However, he didn't believe her when she said she truly admired him, especially after her "fall head over heels and shower me with gifts" comment.

"Well, let's leave it at that. This girl has been forced to meet a man she doesn't like every day, so it's understandable that she might get carried away when she finally finds someone she likes. If she uses a bit of force, it's not entirely unforgivable."

Clara, who had been silently preparing tea, placed ceramic cups in front of everyone and advised Ichirō.

"No, I don't think it's entirely forgivable……"

"Men shouldn't be so picky. What exactly is it about this girl that you don't like? She's beautiful, from a good family, and popular among both nobles and commoners. You won't find anyone like her in the entire country."

"But, knowing she was after money and power, I can't just ignore that, can I?"

"Most people would. If the benefits of marriage are great enough, they overlook minor issues."

Clara said this with a look that suggested Ichirō was being unreasonable.

"As a prominent figure in Clayratz, you should understand the benefits of marrying Lady Rize. I don't know how much influence you have in Clayratz, but if you marry her and move to this country, you could become the lord of Istele in the future. If you turn down such a good deal, you'll definitely regret it later."

"Huh? ……Oh, I see."

Ichirō was momentarily taken aback by Clara's serious persuasion. But then he understood the meaning of "Oh, I see." His eyes met Rize's, who had a glimmer of hope in her eyes, interpreting his words as a sign of acceptance.

However, that wasn't the case. Ichirō had realized that both Rize and Clara believed he was a prominent figure in Clayratz. He would need to explain to Rize that he was actually from Grisiole, especially since they would continue working together. If she believed he was from Grisiole, she might give up on the idea of marriage.

"Let's discuss this matter with Lady Rize later. For now, let's talk about this gem. Zirconia, please."

"Understood."

Zirconia, now the focus of the conversation, turned to Clara and began explaining their original purpose.

"Colored obsidian, you say……"

Clara took the irregularly shaped blue glass and examined it, her expression serious.

"Can you sell it to another region or country in a way that won't draw attention? If you accept, I'll guarantee your safety within the region and be more flexible with your business in the future."

"Hmm, are you saying I should accept or else?"

"I'm not saying that. If you don't want to accept, we can pretend this conversation never happened."

"‘This conversation,’ huh. ……Well, it's a good business opportunity for me."

Clara put down the glass and pulled the ink bottle and quill from the corner of the table.

"I'll accept. However, since the item is rare and valuable, it will take a considerable amount of time to liquidate. As payment, I'd like preferential treatment in future business and land deals within the region, as well as priority in wholesale for clothing and furniture. In return, I won't charge any fees for the gem sales you send my way."

"……The business and land deals are fine, but I can't decide on the wholesale arrangements right now. I'll discuss it with Nalson when I return. For now, will you accept the job under these conditions?"

"Well, let's see……"

Clara crossed her arms and pondered.

"Clara……"

As Clara thought, Rize, who had been silent, spoke up. Clara sighed when she saw Rize's expression.

"Alright. I'll accept under these conditions."

When Clara said this, Rize glanced at Ichirō. When their eyes met, she lowered her gaze to the table again, looking dejected.

"Priority in wholesale…… Well, if you can accommodate us, that's fine. Send us a list of available items later."

"Understood. But don't get your hopes up."

"There are existing interests to consider. I understand, so don't worry."

Clara wrote on a piece of parchment with a quill, quickly drafting a contract.

"Here, sign this. I'll make another copy now."

"……You're quite a tough negotiator……"

Ichirō was impressed by Clara's confident demeanor. The carpenters and well-diggers he had met before had seemed intimidated by Zirconia, making Clara's reaction refreshing. She didn't even use polite language, which was unusual.

"Before we sign, can you tell me where and how you plan to sell it? We have a complicated situation, so we need to know the distribution channels."

"I'll have a middleman in a certain country contact the people in the country you specify. The source won't be traced."

"Can we send one of our merchants with you?"

"Don't be ridiculous. That's impossible."

"Right…… Also, before we sign the contract, can we meet again at the mansion tomorrow? I'll summarize the compensation and include it in the contract. We'll finalize the details of the job then."

"……Alright."

Clara nodded, despite Zirconia's reluctance to sign immediately.

"Thank you. Come by in the afternoon when it's convenient for you."

"Alright. I'll visit at a suitable time in the afternoon."

Zirconia smiled, having successfully negotiated without being completely dominated by Clara.

"Is everything settled? Then, let's continue working together in the future."

Ichirō bowed to Clara and stood up, then turned to Rize, who was still looking down.

"Rize, would you like to go home together?"

"……Yes."

When Ichirō called out to her, Rize stood up, looking dejected.

---

After returning home.

In a room of the mansion, bathed in the evening glow, Ichirō was pouring hot water into a teapot filled with herbs. Rize sat dejectedly beside him. The room was empty except for Ichirō and Rize. Zirconia had gone to report the negotiation results to Nalson, and Eira was preparing dinner.

"Please don't be so down. Here, have some tea."

"Thank you……"

Ichirō handed Rize a cup of herbal tea, and she smiled awkwardly in gratitude. She hesitated for a moment, looking at the teapot and cup, but didn't ask about them. Ichirō placed cookies on the table and sat down. They were made by Eira for him the previous night, a source of pride for her.

"Now, let's continue our earlier conversation."

"Um, Lord Kazura, I admit I was rude earlier, but I really……"

"Ah, that's enough."

When Rize tried to speak, Ichirō waved his hand.

"……Ugh"

"So, you're still angry?"

"Yes."

"……"

When Ichirō nodded, Rize lowered her gaze, her eyes welling with tears. Ichirō's expression was calm, but his tone was slightly cold, a deliberate choice on his part.

"However, I'm not negating all your hard work. I'm very grateful and respect the effort you've put into helping me, even in areas where I was lacking."

"……Yes."

"But, your words earlier really hurt. As Clara said, forcing a marriage for money and power, even if you don't like the person, is something I can't accept."

"……But"

"Um?"

"……No, I'm really sorry."

Rize started to speak, looked up, and then lowered her gaze again, falling silent. Ichirō sighed, feeling like he was bullying her. He was still uncomfortable, but he didn't want to continue this awkward relationship.

"Rize and I come from different backgrounds and have different values. What was acceptable to you was shocking to me. I said I was angry, but I don't want to continue in an awkward state because of this. Since you've apologized, let's put this matter to rest and be honest with each other from now on. I'll continue to help the region's recovery so that you can have a better life."

"……Yes, thank you."

Rize answered in a barely audible voice and then fell silent again, lowering her gaze. Ichirō waited for a moment, but when she didn't speak, he sighed.

"Let's do this. From now on, let's interact without any pretense, just as we are."

"Um?"

Rize looked up, confused by Ichirō's sudden casual tone.

"Just as we are. No acting, no polite language. Just be honest with each other. You seem to be good at acting, but you're always yourself with Clara and Eira, right? I want you to be the same with me."

"Um, no, that's not it! It's not about acting or anything like that!"

"Rize"

Ichirō called her name seriously, looking at her flustered attempt to cover up. He didn't like the idea that even her current dejected state might be an act. He sincerely wanted to build a better relationship with her.

"I know this might be confusing and unsettling, but I want to be friends with you. It might be difficult to change your behavior suddenly, but can you try? I want to be friends, without any ulterior motives."

"Friends……?"

"Yes, friends. Is that okay?"

Ichirō's serious expression softened into a smile.

"……No! I'd be happy to be friends!"

Rize's face lit up, realizing she could escape the worst-case scenario. When Ichirō confirmed he was angry, she thought she had been completely rejected. But he didn't scold her harshly and instead offered to build a good relationship. While the idea of being herself was concerning, she had no other choice but to agree.

"Great. And from now on, no polite language. Just call me Kazura. No honorifics."

"Um, okay……"

"……I know it might be difficult at first, so we can take it step by step. Also, I need to tell you about my true identity. I think the misunderstanding about me being a prominent figure in Clayratz was part of the cause of this whole situation."

When Ich