Chapter 20

"Eira?"

"Ah, Lady Asaria...!"

Finally, she seemed to notice my voice and met my gaze with a pale face.

"How was it? What do you think of my personal knight's skills? Was there anything unsatisfactory?"

"N-no, they were very strong, and I believe they are worthy of being Lady Asaria's personal knight..."

"Hehe, I'm glad you think so. But I'm sorry, I told Lauro to hold back, but it seems he defeated your knight in an instant."

I didn't actually say that, but since Lauro wasn't really serious, it's about the same.

"However, this is a duel, so I don't think there's any problem."

"Come to think of it, we didn't decide what would happen if I won. Since you lost, would you be willing to do one thing I ask?"

"...Yes, of course."

Eira looked as if she had made up her mind to lose something.

Hmm, but I don't really want anything from the Ercal Marquess family, so I don't need anything.

"Then, here, apologize to me deeply."

"Huh...?"

"Politely, so that everyone can hear your apology."

"...Yes."

There were many young ladies from lower-ranking noble families, such as baronial and viscount families, around, who were of lower status than Eira, the marquess' daughter.

Apologizing in front of all these people would be very humiliating.

Eira bowed deeply, not just a slight bow as when greeting someone, but bending her waist and lowering her head deeply.

"This time, I have been impolite..."

"What impolite thing did you do?"

"Ah, I spoke out of turn to the daughter of the Duke of Spencer, one of the Four Great Dukes."

"What did you say? Tell me in detail?"

"W-When I learned that Lady Asaria's personal knight had only been a knight for a week and was a commoner, I advised that a more experienced noble knight would be better."

"And how did that advice turn out? Was it correct?"

"N-no, it was wrong... Your personal knight is stronger than my three personal knights and is an excellent personal knight... I am very sorry."

I could hear the young ladies around us giggling.

It must be hilarious to see the young lady of the Ercal Marquess family, who had been so full of herself at social gatherings and tea parties, apologizing so humbly.

Eira, with her head bowed and looking at the ground, must also be hearing these laughs.

I can see her body trembling.

"Hehe, I forgive you, Eira. You were just worried about whether Lauro was suitable to be my personal knight, right?"

"...I am grateful for your magnanimity, Lady Asaria."

"Yes, you may raise your head."

When Eira raised her head, her face had turned even paler, and her eyes were a bit teary.

"I appreciate your concern, but when you give advice, be mindful of your position and behavior."

"...Yes."

Eira, looking dejected and lowering her gaze, was indeed pitiful.

I wonder if I should remind her who caused this.

"Eira, always judge things with your own eyes."

"..."

At my words, I could see anger in Eira's eyes and expression.

Yes, she remembered who had given her the information that the knight had only been a knight for a week and was a commoner.

Eira glared at Oline.

Oline, who had been standing next to Eira all along, must have been very nervous.

Because of her, the young lady of the Ercal Marquess family was humiliated in front of everyone.

"It's because of Oline...!"

Naturally, Eira's anger was directed at her.

"N-no, Eira-sama, I didn't...!"

Oline's face turned pale, and she trembled as she tried to say something.

But Eira didn't hear her words and left after bowing to me.

She had been surrounded by a few followers just a moment ago, but now she was alone, heading somewhere.

What about the three unconscious personal knights?

Well, it's not my concern.

Oline, who had angered Eira and watched her leave, was trembling with a pale face.

I believe her family, the Dianu Baron family, operates brands of perfumes and accessories.

All of these are businesses that the Ercal Marquess family also handles, and the marquess' family's business is, of course, much larger.

If I were to influence manufacturing companies, it would be easy to crush the baron's family's stores.

I don't know how much influence Eira has over the business, but it's now impossible for Oline to get along well with Eira and manage the baron's family's business effectively.

"Oline?"

"Ah, Lady Asaria..."

Oline, who was trembling in fear, met my gaze, and I spoke to her with a smile.

"Are you shaking because you're not feeling well?"

"N-no, I'm fine."

Oline, with a pale face, forced a smile.

Hehe, it's always fun to see this face.

"That's good to hear. Take care of your health."

"Y-Yes, thank you for your concern."

Saying "Excuse me," Oline left the scene.

Phew, when Eira got involved, I thought it would be troublesome, but in the end, it was quite entertaining to see that woman's pale face.