SLO Chapter 75

Shout out to Mori’Grim for becoming a patron!

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[Akali’s Proposal]

I had expected they would try to assassinate me or something during the onboard party, but it turned out to be nothing but a stage for my brother to show off his Deadly Sin Magic.

Afterward, I remained cautious, but nothing eventful occurred until the very end.

However, both Tashte’s Nezul House and Karin’s Caribbean House went on high alert.

Tashte sent his subordinate, Kobato, to my mansion to act as a go-between for us. Besides Kobato, Tashte also had many other subordinates serving as his eyes and ears.

Tashte’s sending Kobato to my mansion was also a clear declaration to Testa that he had joined my faction.

But… I wasn’t really interested in engaging in a power struggle.

Why did you have to be so confrontational, Tashte? Why didn’t you ask for my opinion? Didn’t you always say ‘As you wish’? Or was that just a lie? Haa~ thinking about it was a pain.

“Master, you will be receiving two guests today. Please allow me to dress you for the occasion.”

Such instances were quite rare.

With the new year just beginning, most nobles gathered in the royal capital, either seeking an audience with the king or meeting with other noble households.

Karin seemed to be growing busier lately too. After we had dinner, she always hurried to go back.

“Who are these guests?”

“The first is Miss Akali Mido of the Great Store Mido. It appears she bears a message from Lady Karin and wishes to convey it to you in person.”

“A message from Karin?”

“Yes.”

Syrup wore a troubled expression.

Her ears drooped, making her look adorable. I couldn’t resist patting her head.

“Well, no problem then, if that’s the case. So, who’s the other guest? Is it Rivera?”

“No, it’s Her Royal Highness Princess Elina Cildy Borg Alecidus.”

“Huh?” I exclaimed, surprised. She was the last person I would have expected to pay me a visit.

I could from how grand the onboard party had been held.

The Noble Faction was currently gaining influence.

This situation shouldn’t bode well for the Royal Faction, yet the first princess herself was coming to the residence of the Ducal House of Deskustos, the leader of the Noble Faction. It seemed suspicious, no matter how you looked at it.

“For real?”

“Naturally, I wouldn’t jest about something like this,” Syrup replied with a serious look on her face.

“Phew~ it’s going to be a pain, I bet.”

“Please try not to let it show on your face.”

“Okay. So, who am I meeting first?”

“Miss Akali will be here in the morning and Princess Elina will visit in the afternoon.”

“Got it.”

After finishing my preparations, I met Akali.

Akali was dressed casually, unlike her usual attire.

“Sorry for intruding.”

“If you know that, then go back.”

“Alright, I’m leaving… wait, no! I just got here.”

It was our typical banter.

Feeling weary of our silly exchange, I plopped myself down on Bal.

Syrup urged Akari to take a seat on the sofa.

“So what’s this message from Karin all about”

“Well~, it’s less of a message and more of a report.”

“Report?”

“Yep, I’m here today to discuss the formation of a personal maid unit for you, Lord Luc.”

“Huh?”

I was stunned, struggling to understand what Akali said. I turned my gaze toward Syrup.

She seemed composed, showing no signs of surprise.

Ahh~, she was in on this too. I was the only one out of the loop, huh…

“Lady Karin and I handled the funding, and we’ve already built the educational environment. All that’s left is for you to give your approval.”

“Approval, you say? But I’m not really in need of more maids, am I?”

“No, Master, you definitely are! You’re destined for great things, so you shouldn’t settle for the status quo!”

Syrup seemed even more enthusiastic than Akali.

You are in cahoots with them, huh.

“But I hardly do anything.”

“Exactly. The maid unit’s responsibility would be to look after you, Master.”

“Okay, I’ll give my approval. Karin surely wanted this for my benefit too, anyway.”

“Lord Luc… there’s one more matter.”

“Hm?”

“I’ll ask you once more. Please take me as your concubine!”

“I’ve already declined, though… Wait, did you get Karin’s permission?”

A smile spread across Akali’s face.

“Yes, she did! I managed to persuade her by presenting the proposal for the maid unit, its funding, and a commitment to supporting your future endeavors.”

I could only imagine the kind of presentation she must have delivered. It made my head ache just thinking about it.

“Why are you so fixated on becoming my concubine? Honestly, I don’t see how it would benefit you.”

“Can I explain from a practical standpoint?”

“Mhm. Actually, I’d prefer that.”

“Alright. There are multiple reasons, but the foremost one is freedom.”

“Freedom?”

Her answer was quite unexpected.

“Yeah. Unlike other nobles, you wouldn’t try to restrict me, would you?”

“It depends on what you mean by restrict, but if you’re talking about actions, I think I’d let you pursue whatever you want.”

After all, imposing constraints on what others should or shouldn’t do was a pain.

Though I did feel a bit lonely when Karin wasn’t around, I genuinely wanted her to follow her own interests.

“See? As an inventor, I aspire to establish a shop that exclusively sells products I’ve invented.

“To that end, I require time to work on my inventions.

“I want to earn money to set up the store too.

“So, I wish to spend less time with my husband.

“But of course, if you wish, I’ll do my best to serve you! I like children, too.”

Akali shared her dream with a joyful look on her face.

Although she used the word ‘practical’, what she truly wanted to do was to have her own store and the time to create new products. She spoke like a child sharing her cherished dream, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Ah! I ended up rambling too much. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to. I found it quite interesting. I understand your dream. But still, I refuse!”

“Why!!! Isn’t the usual progression that you agree after hearing my dream?!” retorted Akali, standing up.

Syrup also seemed taken by refusal. Her expression held a hint of surprise as she looked at me.

“You say your motive is tied to your dream. You want to have plenty of time for yourself and wish to avoid constraints. In that case, wouldn’t it be more logical for you to avoid marriage altogether? It’s a contradiction. I understand you’re concealing your true intention, but I don’t like the idea of you creating a group of maids solely for your convenience. All I need is Karin and Syrup.”

Hearing my words, Akali sank down to the sofa.

Gritting her teeth, she gripped her skirt.

“Ca… be… lo.”

“Hm?”

“I can’t help it, because I’m in love with you!!!”

“Huh?”

“I’m just a commoner! To become your concubine, a high rank noble, I’d either have to be incredibly beautiful or highly useful! You’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful women in the kingdom, including Miss Syrup! I can’t compete with them in terms of beauty! That’s why I’m offering my abilities! I can invent stuff! I can make money! I want to use these skills to stand by your side!”

It was less of a confession and more of a bold declaration.

“Make me your concubine!”

Akali’s face was flushed, her eyes moist. She looked incredibly attractive in that moment.

“You’ve lost, Master.”

Syrup declared the result before I could answer.

“Haa~ you’re right. I’ve lost.”

“Huh?”

“I am slothful. I simply want to revel in life’s pleasures. You won’t really be a concubine, but more like a caretaker. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes, absolutely!!!”

“Then, be mine.”

“Yes, I will!!”

Haa~ Did Karin also succumb to her passion? I didn’t need to ask; she definitely did.

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