208 CHAPTER II -- FIRST VISITOR (2/2)

As a matter of fact, I'd like to ask a favor of Mr. Leons: ......

Hmm?　A favor?

We were making small talk for a while when Toad burst in.

I thought he wasn't going to ask you today.

What can I do for you?

I bet you're going to ask me to do something messy: .......

'Could I have my niece, Rihanna, back, please?

Yes?

Return ......?

I didn't understand what was said to me for a while.

No, I'm still not quite sure what was said.

Yes. Originally, Rihanna is a Fontaine. She deserves to live in her country of origin.

No, you can't say that with such confidence: .......

Is this guy serious?

You were expelled by the ...... church state, weren't you?

Only the saints of yesteryear. My grandson, Rihanna, is innocent of any crime.

Really?　It was quite a while ago, I don't remember the statement, but didn't it include Leena?

Well, I'm sure that fact is easy for him to change.

But Rihanna's going to marry me, aren't you?

I'm sorry. I'll pay you a good annoyance fee for that: ....... And I'll offer you Lelia instead.

What?

I said, but somehow I knew what this guy was trying to do .

He's going to replace Leena with Lelia .

Initially, I wondered if he thought he'd get his way once the saint and Lena were gone .

But there were probably more noblemen who supported the former saint than he thought.

So he's decided to make Lina a saint and no one will ever complain about it.

So I'm at liberty to do what I want with Lelia, as long as you give me Rihanna. They say she's the most beautiful woman in the land. I'm sure Master Leons will like her.

The man was just like Leena said he was.

At first I thought he was a kind parent who was worried about his daughter, but I guess that was just an act .

''No, that's not what I'm talking about: ...... You're a saint, aren't you, Lelia?　Isn't that treatment strange?

'No, she's just a provisional first saint appointed in the absence of a real saint, so that's not a problem.

I knew it.

Does that mean you're going to make Lina a saint?

Yes, sir. She has neither talent nor bloodline. She's a saint who never complains.

I see. ......

Huh, that went exactly as I suspected.

Please, I beg you. If the kingdom declares war at this Triumvirate Conference, the entire imperial faction of our church will be there as soon as possible.

I don't believe those words.

I'm not giving it to you. I won't give you Rihanna.

May I ask why: ......?

No, let's just say no.

Who would be stupid enough to dump their fiancé out of wedlock?

Simply because I don't want to give you Rihanna.

”Apparently ...... I was wrong in my assessment of you. To bring your personal feelings into politics, ...... does that mean you are still a child too?

Well, I don't care what they say.

I don't care if your reputation is tarnished, it doesn't hurt me.

Think about it. This is a matter of national interest for both of us, okay?　If this negotiation is concluded, the Church State can end its ugly struggle and the Empire can comfortably take over the kingdom. What do you think?　Maybe you should reconsider.

I don't mean to sound like this is a win-win, but the Empire doesn't need your help.

Besides, I'm sure they'll just shoot you in the back.

I'm still going to refuse. Leena's happiness is more important than the good of the country.

No. Rihanna would be happier being a saint in her country. She is a person who deserves to be a saint. I'm sure she'd love to be recognized as a saint.

It's your imagination.

Who would want to leave when they know they're being used?

You really are a bad negotiator.

Or maybe that's how little the Fontaines can afford it.

Maybe the man in front of me can't give me a concrete price.

Delusional?　No, okay, ...... we'll leave it at that for today. I'll be back.

”Huh ...... what the hell is going on here today. Bel~ help me. I don't want to have to deal with that guy every day from now on~

After Gael left, I cried to Belle, who was standing behind me.

When you're feeling stressed out, it's best to indulge Belle.

I know it's hard, but hang in there. The only person who can protect you, Leena, is Leo.

Belle hugged me and patted my head gently, encouraging me.

That's all I need to recover my mind.

I know. ....... Okay, let's get on with it.

Let's go for Lena. I'll do my best!