Konbini Ossan Volume 6 Chapter 13 — Quite the Villain
With a bright, innocent-looking smile that somehow carried a hint of mischief, Shuri asked:
“Since you’re planning to make something, you wouldn’t normally come begging me for tests, right? So what exactly are you plotting?”
He had apparently assumed I was up to something again.
This time, though, the matter was simple. I only needed to know whether these materials were safe to use for the gift I intended for Arisa — nothing more.
So I explained everything, from beginning to end.
Shuri was surprised at first, but after that he simply listened.
And when I finished, he let out a small laugh.
“Heh… Otogin, you’re quite the villain, aren’t you?”
He gave a sly grin as he spoke.
“Sure, forming ties with a Marquis house would benefit your business. But pushing down your own feelings just so your niece can go through with it? Wow. I didn’t think you were that underhanded, Otogin.”
His words stabbed straight through me.
I immediately responded, almost reflexively.
“That was never my intention.”
“But that’s how it turned out, didn’t it?”
Plain, undeniable fact.
“In that case, you’re still a villain, right?”
His voice echoed strangely in my head.
I left Shuri’s laboratory soon after, drifting down the hallway in a daze. His words had hit me harder than expected, leaving my mind blank.
That must be why I got lost.
Despite having walked these halls countless times, I wandered into an unfamiliar corridor.
The castle was enormous, full of complex pathways, but getting lost on a route I knew well was nothing but carelessness.
Feeling foolish, I retraced my steps for ten minutes or so.
“Oh? Otogi-dono. Is something the matter?”
Marceline appeared from the opposite direction.
“Truth be told, I took the wrong turn and ended up lost.”
“The castle is wide and complicated. If one isn’t used to walking it, getting lost is quite normal. Shall I guide you?”
“If your schedule allows it, I’d appreciate that.”
“Of course. This way.”
Marceline began walking ahead of me, and I followed.
Soon after, she spoke in her usual casual tone.
“By the way, Otogi-dono. I heard a rumor. Your niece, Mikimoto Arisa-dono, was it? I hear she’s become engaged to Marquis Roosevelt.”
“Ah… yes.”
I nodded weakly. Whether she noticed or not, Marceline continued.
“As a marriage match, the marquis is not a bad choice at all. He’s a good man, and his faction is the largest in the kingdom. My family is aligned with him as well.
…
With this, it wouldn’t be surprising if Otogi-dono eventually became a full-fledged noble rather than an honorary one.”
“Yes… I suppose.”
“I honestly thought the girl would become your first wife, but political marriages are common among the upper class. And if it’s Marquis Roosevelt, he surely considered that aspect when proposing the engagement.
…
There would still be a way for her to visit you as a concubine. Naturally with due regard to appearances, of course.”
For a moment, I imagined it.
Arisa marrying into the marquis house, yet still coming back to me. Still choosing me.
The instant the image formed, disgust followed.
I had actually hoped for that. I wanted her to remain mine.
How vile.
I had used her for political convenience, and even now I wished she belonged to me.
It was revolting.
“Forgive me, Marceline-dono. I just remembered something I must attend to.”
“Hm? If you’re headed somewhere, I can guide you—”
“No, it’s fine. Excuse me.”
I cut her off and walked away — almost fled.
I needed to be alone somewhere, even for a moment, to steady my heart.
——————
E/N:
You spineless coward, Ossan~! Just stop running away and accept your damn feelings FFS!
Stay tuned!
——————
——————————
Check out my other project -
——————————
Comments
Post a Comment