Chapter 362 (2/2)

“We can talk without hindrances here.”

It appeared as if they were going to talk about something important. However, Reiko’s presence was not a bother to them.

“I think I should talk to you about this, Jin.”

With that preface, Reinhart started talking.

“Saki’s mother is dead now, but she was the eldest daughter of the marquis.”

“Huh?”

They’ve suddenly started talking about such a serious matter.

“Look, that’s the marquis Elsa was proposed as a bride to. Marquis Gehlen Theoderic Von Aizen. His territory is to the west of ours.”

That eldest daughter and Saki’s father fell in love, ran away together, and in the end, Saki was born.

“Let me tell you something about marquis Theoderic. … How should I put it? The Marquis… erm, he likes women who are on the small side.”

“Huh?”

Although it was somewhat difficult for Reinhart, he managed to explain that the Marquis has a preference for young girls that are just becoming women.

“So, now he has three, no, four children counting Saki’s mother. However, they are all women. It seems that the lack of a male heir troubles him. For that reason, and because his own wife has passed away, he has had his eyes on Elsa for a while now.”

It seems that Reinhart has been gathering all sorts of information since his return to his home town.

“I see… so, what about Saki?”

“Ah, I’ve strayed from the point. Now, Saki’s father, Toa Eschenbach, has become one of the top expert alchemists in the country, so he doesn’t show any resentment in public. I can tell as much because he lives right across the next territory.”

“Oh, I see.”

“However, he seems to treat Saki as if she was but a cute granddaughter, and is often trying to have our household take her under our care. But Saki refuses him every time, and continues to live over there.”

Reinhart laughed, with a little hint of sadness.

“When it comes to the Marquis’ family, there’s only so much that the Earl’s family can do.”

That is the way of feudal society.

“A Marquis’ word is only overturned by the prince, and then by the Emperor. Although it does not necessarily mean that it is against the law, you cannot simply say no to a Marquis’ will. Be it marrying Elsa, or having Saki taken under our care.”

The Emperor is not a dictator. It is a matter of simply not being able to doing anything similar to disregarding the customs and laws of this land.

“Well, I hope I haven’t troubled you by talking about this with, Jin. But since there may be something up ahead, I thought about telling you so you could keep it in mind. … I’m sorry, though.”

Reinhart finished his speech with a nod.

There were so many troublesome things already, but even though they’ve just become acquainted, Jin was already fond of Saki. So Jin simply said ‘It’s nothing’ and laughed.