Chapter 135 (1/2)
Volume 2
Atelier Tanaka Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 6
Conflict 4
As she continued, she made an incredibly bold statement.
She’s doing something similar to what Allen did but I wonder if she’s aware of how serious that claim was.
“M-My Lord, I’m not sure if you understand.”
I tried to get her to take back her statement but my voice was quickly cut off by the surrounding crowd.
“Lady FitzClarence has gone mad!” “Does Elizabeth-sama intend on becoming a nun!?” “No way, don’t tell me she’s fallen in love with such an ugly man!?” “What do you think will happen when word reaches the capital!?” “Ah, I have a feeling life in Tricklis will soon become troublesome.” “I wish I held position in the imperial court.” “What else can you expect when such a young girl is given such a powerful position?”
They’re completely underestimating Ester-chan.
There’s no way people like this would ever give respect to a teenage girl.
“Silence!”
Regardless of their reactions, Ester-chan continued.
She turned her attention to Gonzalez and Sophichan.
“Now then, I will move on to the rewards for the Twilight Company and this girl.”
It seems she’s trying to forcefully get everything back on track.
And now that the attention of the gathered nobles was on Sophichan, she was trembling even more.
She’s cute when she’s nervous.
“To the young maid who informed Lord Fahren of the crisis facing Tricklis, I reward her with ten gold coins.”
It seems that she was the one that got the noble mage to come here.
Which, I assume, is also why Christina is here. She must have visited again after her first surprise visit to Kalis.
So that would make Sophichan the MVP of this conflict.
It’s regrettable to admit, but the hostilities between Ester-chan and Drill-chan were ended due to Christina’s attack on the castle. I doubt that I would’ve been able to handle both the long-haired man and Drill-chan if I were alone.
“Next, the Twilight Company!”
“Yes!”
It was now the macho man’s turn.
Gonzalez has waited patiently in his spot. Unlike Sophichan, it seems like he’s more accustomed to situations like this. It’s not surprising that a man capable of leading hundreds of men into battle wouldn’t be intimidated by a group of nobles.
This guy always looks cool.
“You’re the eldest son of the Aufschnaiter family, are you not?”
“I’m now just an adventurer. The leader of the Twilight Company, Gonzalez.”
“I see.”
What’s she saying? Does Gonzalez belong to a noble family? No, based on her words, he’s a former noble.
“If you wish it, you will be allowed to take a position at the Central Order in the capital.”
“I’ll have to refuse that promotion.”
“Oh, is that so? Don’t you wish to rebuild your house?”
“My clan is my home. For me to return to the capital, I’d have to throw away everyone and everything I care about here. If I absolutely can’t refuse, then I’d suggest Tanaksan take my place.”
“I see.”
When my name was mentioned, Ester-chan’s eyebrows quivered.
I hope this doesn’t cause some strange misunderstandings.
There were a few nobles conversing quietly when one decided to speak up and cause several others to follow suit.
“Y-You insolent. Your house is crumbling and yet you refuse this gracious offering from FitzClarence-sama!”
“How rude! Do you not understand your place!?”
“Just like your parents, you don’t understand when to respect your betters!”
The nobles all focused their wrath on Gonzalez this time.
They’re acting exactly how Gonzalez described the type of nobility that he hates.
I kind of enjoy not being the focus of their attacks.
“Be quiet!”
Each time Ester-chan speaks, it seems she needs to yell at the room to be quiet.
“Then, if there is something you want, say it!”
“Yes!”
Gonzalez nodded deeply before raising his head.
“This success was due to everyone in my clan working together. I’d like for everyone in my clan to receive a reward. If it’s a monetary reward, then I’d be fine with everyone receiving an equal share.”
The macho guy said this without any hesitation.
However, he’s basically asking for a lowered reward. He was offered a position in one of the most powerful organizations in this country.
It appears that he’s cut ties with his family and his past noble life. I’m sure he still holds bitter memories about the nobility, so I can understand why he wouldn’t wish to return to that life. But I still feel like he should be given a reward deserving of his efforts.
“oh, how benevolent of you.”
“It’s nothing more than what my men would expect from me.”
“I’ve heard similar words before.”
“And you won’t just receive a reward from a local lord. I’ll make request of His Majesty to see that you and all of your men are rewarded properly.”
“Lord FitzClarence?”
“This should be reward enough for your services. I’ll give the Twilight Company 100 gold coins.”
“Wh.”
Gonzalez was lost for words.
The reward might seem impressive but Ester-chan stands to make more than that after selling the supplies Drill-chan will need to rebuild her castle.
Clever bitch.
“Are you still dissatisfied?”
“N-No, it’s nothing like that.”
“If there are no problems, this shall be the Twilight Company’s reward.”
Gonzalez didn’t like her before purely because she was a nobleman. But after fighting with her on the battlefield, and now this audience with her, it seems like his attitude towards her is changing.
“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”
Ester-chan looked at each of us once more.
But nobody spoke up.
The group of nobles were still talking amongst one another.
“Then, this audience is finished.”
After saying this, she got off the throne.
She left through a door in the back of the hall. The noble mage stood in the corner of the room, quietly watching her as she left. His harem was continuing to grow without any effort on his part. What a waste.
But, will this really be okay?
I think the task she’s set out for herself will be challenging.
Is she seriously planning on returning to the capital?
***
We were still in the castle but had left the great hall and were now in a certain room.
The room we had moved to was a like a luxurious living room. I was relieved to be able to rest on the sofa. After receiving our rewards, Ester-chan summoned everyone here.
Apart from Ester-chan and I the noble mage, Sophichan, and the loli dragon are here.
“Richard’s daughter, it was foolish of you to say something like that.”
“I know.”
The noble mage briefly glanced over at me.
“I doubt your father will allow you to go through with this.”