The Genius Son-in-law of the Swordmaster Household—Blessed by Authority Chapter 74

Advances (2)

About 30 minutes earlier.

Charlotte was waiting for Ian, leaning against one side of the training hall wall, arms crossed.

― Murmur, murmur!

Cadets bustled around her.

"Gasp! That person over there... Isn't that Lady Charlotte?"

"Huh? Hey. What Lady Charlotte would be dressed so shabbily... Gasp! It's really her!"

"Hmmm? Her name tag is the same white one as ours, though? What's up with that?"

"Isn't it because of the incident with Young Master Ian?"

"Oh. I heard the Heavenly Sword's head scolded her harshly."

"She got thrown out of the annex as punishment."

"Wow, and got her class demoted a whole year, too?"

"She must be having a tough time... It's like she fell at the most important moment."

"Well... It's punishment, after all. Her own fault."

― ZZzt!

Unable to bear it any longer, Charlotte shot them a sharp glare.

"Ugh!"

"Gasp!"

"Ah, ah!"

The cadets who caught her glare stiffened like broken dolls and scattered away like silverfish.

"Tch."

Charlotte clicked her tongue irritably and folded her arms even deeper.

'Fine. Gossip all you want, commoners.'

With her punishment and demotion, Charlotte's situation was in shambles.

'This really was the worst month ever...'

Kicked out of the annex and cut off from her allowance, Charlotte had to earn her own money for a month.

Until the opening ceremony, she couldn't use the dormitory of the Sword Dragon Hall, so for a month she lived in a shabby inn and mainly earned money through the adventurer's guild at the main pavilion.

'To save money, I only ate porridge for the first two days...!'

Thankfully, the knight assigned to watch her, Ophelia, taught her several things, so she managed to survive for a month.

Buying goods at the market, taking quests at the guild, finding a room at an inn—things her servants had always done for her. Having to handle them herself left her overwhelmed.

'I even did labor work alongside commoners...!!!'

She couldn't afford a carriage for hunting or subjugation quests.

Gathering requests required expertise she didn't have.

Delivery requests needed good knowledge of the roads, which she also lacked.

The easiest was cleaning the sewers and repairing the city walls, but since cleaning sewers was impossible for her, she earned her pay working on wall repairs.

Even that was a job she barely managed to get.

Simple labor requests go up at exactly 4 AM and are gone by 4:10.

No matter who she was, the adventurer's guild had no special privileges for Charlotte, so she had to wake up by 3 AM every day to get ready for work.

'My feet ached so much after work...'

Wall repairs required carrying bricks and clay. As a member of Hisperion's bloodline, Charlotte had a superhuman body, so they weren't that heavy, but the foreman, impressed by her strength, assigned an entire section's materials for her to carry.

Thanks to that, she got double pay...

But lugging heavy bricks and clay up and down high walls all day made her soles sore and throb, no matter the Hisperion blessing.

'And I barely got to wash every day, too...'

There was no way such a rundown inn could have bathing facilities that satisfied Charlotte.

She was grossed out by the shared bath and water the commoners used, so she bought a water scoop, hauled up water from a well nearby, and washed herself.

Her whole body felt miserably grimy with dirt and sweat, and washing with cold water never felt truly clean...

'I only had one set of clothes, so I had to wash them by hand every day...'

Scrubbing so hard to remove stains, her cadet uniform soon turned ragged.

'I really suffered...'

But!

'This Charlotte overcame it all!'

Wasn't she the third daughter of the great Heavenly Sword family head?

Adversities of this level–she could overcome them robustly.

Even just last night, she dipped stale bread in watery soup, burst into tears for no reason, cried herself to sleep from exhaustion...

But really, she felt fine today!

Crying yesterday gave her energy!

'Yes... The worst is over.'

Until the Sword Dragon Hall's opening, she couldn't enter the Heavenly Sword Palace or meet Ian.

Now that the pavilion had opened, she could finally meet Ian.

'Hehehe...'

Charlotte took out a neatly folded letter from her bosom.

It was a handwritten letter from the Heavenly Sword Lord.

Summarizing its content:

― To my daughter Charlotte

― I have already given you a stern scolding, so I won't scold you more in this letter.

― But let me say this again. Apologize to Ian sincerely.

― And show this letter to Ian as well.

― Once the Sword Dragon Hall opens, I entrust your future to Ian.

― I will send a separate letter requesting Ian to look after you, so don't fight, and get along.

― If Ian permits, work as a servant in his annex and learn humility.

― If working there, I'll give you a maid's wages as allowance every month via Ophelia.

― Your father sincerely worries about you.

"Hehehe..."

Though the letter was a bit stern, Charlotte caressed the paper and giggled foolishly.

Especially the last line, 'I worry about you,' made her heart feel warm.

'Dad told me to apologize to Ian no matter what...!'

But she had no intention of groveling in a lowly manner.

Instead, she aimed to approach with confidence and dignity.

With the charisma and charm ingrained in her, she would make Ian her own!

'Snagging a mere little boy like Ian is no problem for Charlotte!'

Even without her father's request, Charlotte had to make Ian her ally.

After being kicked out of the annex, demoted at the Sword Dragon Hall, her position was a wreck.

Many supporters had left, and her income stream gone. Supporting even her remaining faction was tough.

To recover, her only option was to make Ian, the era's top talent, her own.

'If I just succeed in making Ian mine...!'

Her father would recognize her again, lost backers would return.

'Hurry and come, Ian Greysel! I'm waiting for you!'

Charlotte stared at the Sword Dragon Hall's large front gate, waiting endlessly for Ian.

Who knew how long she waited.

'There he is!'

Ian appeared at the front gate.

Just as Charlotte was about to approach him—

"Lady, please wait here for a moment."

"Huh?"

Ophelia stopped her and stepped forward.

"What are you doing?"

"I have a letter from the Heavenly Sword Lord to deliver to Young Master Ian."

"Huh? Dad sent a letter to Ian?"

"Yes. I'll deliver it now."

"W-wait!"

Charlotte grabbed Ophelia's cloak.

"Lady?"

"You had the letter Dad sent Ian?! Why didn't you tell me?! L-let me see what's inside before you go!"

"It's sealed, so only Young Master Ian is allowed to open it."

"C-couldn't you open it and reseal it?"

"... That would be deceiving the Lord. Should I report you?"

"A-ah, jeez! So stingy!"

"I'll be back."

"Hmph! So annoying!"

Charlotte fumed, then put a hand on her chest to calm down.

'Still, it's good that Dad left Ian a letter.'

She was disappointed she couldn't check the contents.

No doubt that letter asked Ian to take good care of his pretty third daughter.

'As expected of Dad. Always stern but always thinking of me.'

Maybe this punishment was actually an opportunity handed down by Dad.

A ploy to gift Charlotte the top talent, Ian Greysel.

If he were to connect Ian openly with Charlotte, other factions would accuse him of favoritism.

But in the guise of punishment, he left her with Ian as a 'gift'.

'I'm sure of it. No doubt.'

She'd been caught trying to harm Ian twice, so Ian surely didn't like her.

Or rather, he probably disliked her.

But with her father's letter asking Ian to care for her, Ian couldn't just push her away.

If they spent time together, she could soon charm him.

'I'll have Ian wrapped around my finger in a week!'

At that moment, Ophelia returned to her.

"Ophelia! Did you see what was in the letter?"

"No? Why would I read Young Master Ian's letter?"

"W-what! You should have read it! If I knew the content, I could plan my next move better! You're so unhelpful!"

"I'm only a watcher."

"You never say anything cute! Hmpf!"

"That's probably why they put me with you."

"Hmph! Hmph!"

Charlotte glared at Ophelia before turning her gaze back to Ian.

She was nibbling at her lip, wondering how to approach that calm boy.

"Huh?"

She saw Ian locking eyes fiercely with Hector.

"What's up with them?"

They were staring daggers at each other.

It looked like their relationship was very poor.

'Hmm.'

Charlotte recalled rumors about Hector.

Supposedly, he had huge pride and a fierce temper.

Did he want to hassle Ian because of the entrance exam grudge?

'Hehe. How stupid.'

It reminded her of herself just a month ago.

'That idiot Goldhound.'

Targeting Ian was a fool's game.

Ian was someone to win over, not to keep at a distance!

And she wasn't the only one thinking that.

'Ah.'

Kuga, the giant Barbarian, approached Ian.

'He's...'

Her eldest sister Aris's battle slave.

'Why is he approaching Ian...?'

Soon, Kuga and Ian were smiling warmly and shaking hands.

'T-they seem so close?'

When did they get so friendly?

Charlotte started to feel strangely anxious.

'D-don't tell me...'

Did her eldest sister intentionally send Kuga to approach Ian?

Otherwise, there was no connection between them.

Was Aris also aiming to win over Ian?

No, for someone as cunning as her, it was only natural to target Ian.

'I-I need to hurry...!'

If Aris was targeting Ian, she had to act quickly.

Aris was quick to act, skilled at schemes.

If she hesitated, Ian might be stolen away in the blink of an eye.

'If Ian sides with my eldest sister, all my suffering will be for nothing!'

As she thought this, Kuga returned to his seat.

'Time to approach. My turn!'

Just as Charlotte hurried toward Ian—

"Ian Greysel."

Her younger brother, Kargon, greeted Ian first.

"Huh?"

Charlotte froze in a strange spot.

'Why is he approaching Ian now!?'

Pretending to pace idly, Charlotte pricked up her ears in Ian's direction.

"It's the first time I greet the Greysel heir. Pleased to meet you."

Kargon extended a handshake.

"I'm honored as well, Young Master Kargon."

Ian shook hands.

"I saw you at the entrance exam. You dueled my sister, famed for her natural talent, and won splendidly. You're impressive. Your skill is just extraordinary."

"You flatter me."

"It's no flattery. If anything, I'm understating. If I tried to describe your talent, I couldn't finish today."

"...?"

"Ah, I'm being too chatty. Sorry. Let me get to the point: I'd like to propose an alliance."

"... An alliance?"

"There will be many teamwork-oriented tests at the Sword Dragon Hall. If we help one another, we'll achieve the best results every time."

"... Ah."

"Of course, you have the skill to excel alone, but I wanted to make the offer. Well? Would you consider making an alliance of mutual trust with me?"

Charlotte's eyes narrowed.

'What?!'

No! If they ally, then Ian—! If he allies with anyone, it should be me!

'Turn him down! Reject him, Ian! I'll offer way better terms!'

"I'm sorry. I can't give a definite answer right now."

Sure enough, as Charlotte wished, Ian politely declined.

'That's right!'

Kargon cheerfully said it was a shame, smiled, and returned to his followers.

"Hmph!"

Kargon, that arrogant brat.

He underestimated Ian. Where do you think you're going? Ian's mine!

'No one else will bother him, right?'

No one else seemed to be approaching Ian.

'Now it's really my turn.'

What should she say?

'M-my pride's hurt, but... a proper apology is needed.'

But there was no way she'd grovel.

If she approached in a servile way, even if Ian joined her, it wouldn't mean anything.

If she appeared weak, the hierarchy would crumble and she couldn't keep control.

'I'll make Ian my follower! I can't let him look down on me with some humble act!'

Suddenly, she thought of a good excuse.

'Perfect! I'll tell Ian I was testing him both times! And now that he's passed, I'll support him! Make it sound like I'm giving him a chance!'

Perfect!

Charlotte, after organizing what to say, was about to approach Ian.

"Ah..."

Suddenly, she noticed her shabby clothes.

"U-um..."

She slyly took out a hand mirror from her pocket and looked at her reflection.

Her uncombed hair was frizzy, and recently always washing in cold well water, she might even smell.

'C-can I seduce Ian looking like this...?'

Back in the annex she had been much more dignified and beautiful.

'N-no, be confident!'

I am the third daughter of the illustrious Heavenly Sword Lord!

The whole continent wants me!

No matter what I wear, no matter what state I'm in, my fundamental charm doesn't change!

That's right!

― Chk! Chk! Chk! Chk!

Charlotte gathered her resolve and walked up to Ian.

"U-uh..."

But she still wasn't fully confident, and her steps faltered.

She wanted to approach in her best form if possible.

Should she go back and at least quickly comb her hair?

Did Ophelia have cosmetics? Maybe she could borrow them?

But then she might miss her chance.

If she missed this opportunity, she might not get to talk to him all day.

Would she get a chance tomorrow?

― Hesitate! Hesitate!

Her steps faltered in her swirling emotions.

"Huh?"

Charlotte made eye contact with Ian.

"H-hiek!"

He saw her at her unkempt worst!

"Huh?"

Ian's expression immediately turned grim when their eyes met.

"What are you doing???"

"H-hii!?"

This was completely unexpected.

He smiled warmly at Kuga or Kargon, and even Hector didn't get that look!

Why with her?!

'He's looking at me like I killed his parents!'

It was a look as if he might actually kill her if she spoke to him.

'Y-yes, I did do wrong to him twice, but...! It's not like I did anything deserving that glare!'

Ian's face said he'd kill her if she spoke.

There was no way to start a conversation.

"Tch!"

Ian clicked his tongue and turned away.

"Uh, uhhh..."

Charlotte stood frozen awkwardly.

― Swoosh

A cold breeze swept over her.

'I—I can't give up like this!'

Ian's contempt had startled her, but she couldn't lose her nerve and back off.

If she did, Kargon or Aris might snatch up Ian by tomorrow.

'Tomorrow will be too late!'

So she had to at least talk to him now.

"I—Ian!"

Charlotte shouted.

Ian turned around again.

His face still full of menace.

― Gulp!

Charlotte swallowed dryly and spoke.

"C-could we talk for a minute...?"

His face was too scary.

"C-could we maybe talk... Sir...?"

Afraid to speak informally, she slipped into formal speech.

"Haaa..."

Ian looked at Charlotte and sighed softly.

Normally, he wouldn't have answered her at all, but he'd just gotten a letter from the Heavenly Sword Lord asking him to take care of Charlotte, so he couldn't just ignore her.

'I'd prefer to never be involved with Charlotte...'

But for the head's sake, he'd at least talk.

"What is it you want?"

"S-so... um..."

Charlotte's eyes spun in panic.

W-what did I mean to say?

Something about a test, offering support, an opportunity...

'If I say something like that now...'

He really might hit me!?

But she had nothing else she'd prepared to say, so her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.

"Eh, ebb! Dead...!"

"?"

"Gasp!"

Charlotte bit her lip and closed her mouth.

'This isn't good!'

She was always confident in her charm as a woman, but charm was useless in this situation.

'Maybe if I'd gotten dolled up!'

At this rate, she was bound to make a fool of herself. As frustrating as it was, maybe she had to retreat now!?

'N-no! I can't! Retreating now would look weird!'

If she backed off after calling out to him, it'd look really strange.

She'd find it even harder to talk next time.

So she needed to do something now...!

'Oh, right!'

Her father's letter, still in her bosom.

'I'll give this to him! I'll let him know Dad entrusted me to him! That's natural!'

― Chk!

Charlotte bowed 90 degrees and handed Ian the letter with both hands.

"P-please! T-take this!"

She was so flustered, she put too much force into it.

"Ah."

Her voice came out much louder than expected.

― Murmur, murmur.

Because of that, the surrounding crowd's attention focused on them.

"Huh? That's Lady Charlotte."

"What's she doing?"

"A letter? Looks like she's giving Young Master Ian something."

"Delivering a letter on opening day? Is it a love letter?"

"No way... Hmm, maybe, though."

"Lady Charlotte seems so desperate."

"In this context, isn't it only a love letter?"

"W-what, then, gasp! A confession on the first day!? Lady Charlotte is confessing to Young Master Ian!?"

"Unbelievable! What a story! This'll be all over the market square by tonight!"

"Lady Charlotte confessed to Young Master Ian!"

Charlotte's ears twitched.

"What?"

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

I don't like the Charlotte angle....

【( ⩌_⩌)】