Chapter 99

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"Really, such a thing at the Bartez family. That must have been quite a challenge."

Carina smiled gracefully, offering her sympathy. Ganus nodded in response, feeling a slight sense of relief.

"But if it's a letter of authorization, it does seem to have some effect. If Lord Ganus takes the lead as the Elldland family, it shouldn't be dismissed. I'll also ask my father for his cooperation."

Carina smiled calmly and instructed the maid to relay the message to her father, the head of the family. Hearing this, Parfait thanked Carina gratefully and slowly lifted the tablecloth to peek inside.

"Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!"

"Parfait, stop talking under the table."

Ganus, without looking down, tried to calm Parfait, who was acting as if someone was there. Next, Ganus turned to Margaret, who had been listening to the conversation next to Carina.

"If that's the case, please stop by the Brown family on your way back. It's for Lady Mary, so they will cooperate. Besides, the Dice family is practically family, and we're just one step away."

Margaret, subtly hinting at her relationship with her fiancé, received a grateful response from Ganus. Although Carina and Margaret were young ladies of noble families, they didn't have the authority to make decisions for their families. However, if they spoke to their fathers, the heads of their families, they would likely agree.

Ganus and Parfait exchanged a look of relief. With their cooperation, the letter of authorization would be even more effective. Just as they were feeling relieved, Parfait lifted the tablecloth again.

"Both Lady Carina and Lady Margaret are so admirable, unlike someone else!"

"Parfait, you can have my cookies, but stop making snide remarks under the table."

"Oh, Lord Ganus, thank you. ... But there are no cookies for you!"

"Parfait, just stop talking to the table. There's no one there in my mind."

Ganus, determined not to look under the table, spoke with an unnatural raised face. Parfait smiled calmly, "Yes, that's right."

The fact that Carina and Margaret didn't comment on this was terrifying, but of course, Ganus wouldn't bring it up.

"Anyway, I'm grateful for your cooperation."

When Ganus expressed his gratitude again, Margaret responded with a grand gesture, saying that they should be the ones to thank him. They had been discussing what they could do about the rumors from the neighboring country.

"If the Elldland family takes the lead, I believe your fathers would have no objections to entrusting the family name. I'm grateful to Lord Ganus for thinking and acting on this. I'll give you five points. What do you think, Lady Carina?"

"Yes, acting together will have more influence. I'll give you one point for taking the lead."

"Ah... I'll gratefully accept them..."

Ganus received points from both Margaret and Carina, and a look of confusion appeared on his face. Parfait's mischievous smile was evident as she looked back and forth between the two, and Carina and Margaret exchanged glances, seemingly thinking, "Maybe they haven't talked about it?"

After a moment, they nodded in unison, silently agreeing, "Well, these two, let's just leave them be." Parfait and Ganus were still engaged, but practically married. They often displayed a level of affection that rivaled newlyweds. So, leaving them alone wouldn't be a problem... and, of course, there was the thought that "If we get involved, we might get caught up in their affection," which was a bigger consideration.

After some more casual conversation, with another family name added to the letter of authorization, Ganus and Parfait left the place.

They continued to visit various families to seek their cooperation and returned to the Elldland family late at night. Parfait, determined to deliver the letter of authorization in person, insisted, "It should be delivered in person!" Ganus, in a hurry, chased after her, and they ended up boarding a carriage together.

It was already dark, and they might have to spend the night in the carriage if they couldn't find an inn. But even when Ganus mentioned this, Parfait stubbornly insisted, "I'll deliver it in person!" Ganus, giving in, shrugged his shoulders.

"You're right, delivering it in person is best. If we find an inn, we'll stay there and leave early in the morning. We should reach the Dice family by then. If we give it to Lord Patrick, he should be able to use it effectively."

"Shouldn't you give it to Lady Mary?"

"I initially thought of giving it to Lady Mary, but it seems there's a council meeting about Lady Alicia tomorrow. The head of the Albert family will certainly attend."

Mary was still a young lady of the Albert family, and the final decision rested with the head of the Albert family. That's why the letter of authorization was addressed to the family name rather than her. If Mary delivered the letter to the council, it would be her father who would take it there. So, giving it to Patrick would be the same. Moreover, Patrick, who knew the situation, would be more efficient.

"Of course, I've already informed the other families that I'll give it to Lord Patrick. They've agreed. Besides, considering Lord Patrick's current state of mind..."

Ganus frowned, thinking about the psychological burden Patrick must be under. Alicia was suspected of being a false princess, and the Dice family was suspected of supporting her. The council meeting, where the heads of various families and important figures would gather, would be a significant burden. If Ganus were in the same position, he would feel the same way, and the thought made him frown even deeper. Just thinking about it made him want to run away.

While the effectiveness of the letter of authorization was uncertain, it was better than nothing. It could provide some support, and it could help push Patrick forward as he faced the council.

Hearing this, Parfait looked at Ganus intently and nodded with a calm smile. She admired him for acting as the head of the Elldland family, but the foundation of his actions was personal friendship. What a wonderful story.

"Lord Ganus, five points."

"I don't quite understand the criteria, but I'll take them. By the way, Parfait, I don't know anything about this point system. Can you explain it to me?"

"Unfortunately, the explanation is reserved for when you reach 100 points."

"Is that so, it's decided... Alright, then I'll save up. Let's aim for 100 points."

Ganus, now with a goal, was motivated. Parfait, looking up at him, laughed happily and leaned into him, her strong hand gently touching his shoulder and pulling him closer.

"Parfait... This... When things settle down, let's... get married..."

"Oh, Lord Ganus...!"

"Is it too soon? If you say it's too early, I'll wait as long as it takes."

"Really... Saying such important things now, and you're too hasty!"

"Right, I should do it properly."

"Proposing is 5,000 points, accepting is 10,000 points, and getting married is 20,000 points!"

"Got it, I'll work hard to save up!!"

Parfait, blushing, leaned into Ganus, saying, "Your determination is worth five points," in a sweet and adorable voice. Ganus, about to embrace and kiss her, asked, "Should I deduct points?" Her response, with her cheeks flushed and eyes closed, was obvious.

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Later, when Mary heard... or rather, was subjected to their affectionate conversation, she muttered:

"Since you're planning to get married at 20,000 points, it's like you've already accepted the proposal."

To which Parfait, with a red face, trembled and protested, "Don't say that!" Ganus, who had already realized, couldn't help but smile widely.

---

"Ugh... Uu..."

"Oh, Lord Patrick, what's wrong?"

"Adi, it's fine, I'm fine..."

"You don't look well. Should you rest a bit? Or should I call a doctor?"

"I'm fine. It's not that I'm unwell... It's just..."

"Just?"

"Just that Parfait is trying to take over my consciousness."

"Ah, I see."

"She's been trying to do it all morning. I've been resisting, but she's quite persistent. I can't concentrate on work or reading."

"Quite a heated battle, it seems. (But if Parfait is trying to take over someone's consciousness, it must be to convey something.)"

"Phew... It seems she's taking a break now. I'm sorry for worrying you, Adi."

"Lord Patrick, Parfait must have something important to tell you. If not taking over your consciousness, perhaps you could let her talk a bit... Mmm!"

"Adi?"

"Ah... The fifth volume of the Albert family's books and the first volume of the comic will be released on March 1... (Realizing she can't take over Patrick's consciousness, she's targeting me!?)"

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(´；ω；) So, here's the announcement. The fifth volume of "The Young Lady of the Albert Family Wishes for Decline" and the first volume of the manga will be released simultaneously on March 1!

(´；ω；) I'll provide more details about store promotions and other information when they are finalized.

(´；ω；) See you again in the next announcement.

(´；ω；) Next time... I will definitely take over Lord Patrick's consciousness...!!

The fifth volume of the book and the first volume of the manga will be released simultaneously on March 1! The book illustrations are by Hazuki Futaba, and the manga is by Tsukasa Ayazuki! I'll provide more details about promotions and other information when they are finalized. Thank you very much.