MTEF 29

Chapter 29

Ronin knew from experience that apologizing blindly would only make the other person angrier.

Trying to change the subject wouldn’t help either. He had no idea what he should say. Whenever he found himself in situations like this, Ronin couldn’t stand how pathetic he felt.

Conversation skills were considered an essential accomplishment for an Omega. Unfortunately, Ronin had absolutely no talent for them. His personality was as stiff and unbending as bamboo.

“Lord Ronin! You are not a scholar! What Alpha would enjoy being spoken to as though they’re being lectured?”

“B-But, Madam… Unlike the leaves, the roots of Tarsila must be used with great care. Because if they’re used incorrectly, their toxicity—”

“Lord Ronin!”

“Eek! S-Sorry…”

“What exactly are you apologizing for?”

“Th-That is…”

“Sigh… Lord Ronin, you still haven’t realized what’s truly important. When speaking to an Alpha, facts are not what matter most. Their pride is. An Alpha’s pride must never be challenged, and it must never be broken.”

Madam had instructed him with a stern voice. Somehow, he had managed to survive the lesson, but even now, he still didn’t understand.

Why would explaining the proper use of a medicinal herb—one that could take a person’s life if mishandled—be considered an attack on someone’s pride?

Maybe the reason I don’t understand is because I’m a Beta. Omegas seem to grasp things like this naturally.

The thought crossed Ronin’s mind, but he quickly shook his head.

…No. That’s not right. It would certainly be convenient to think that way, but it isn’t true. They… the other Omegas must have listened to these lessons seriously as well. I’m simply… too inadequate to learn what I was taught.

It left him in a foul mood.

Being foolish was bad enough, but to have such petty thoughts as well…

Even so, part of him felt relieved that no one could read his mind.

I don’t want anyone to see how narrow-minded I really am.

“Grand Duchess.”

So when Callion Leofric called out to him, Ronin was startled inside.

It felt as though he had been caught in the middle of doing something wrong.

“Yes, Sir Leofric.”

He barely managed to answer calmly, only for an even more shocking reply to follow.

“If you don’t mind, would you care to have some tea with me in the drawing room?”

It wasn’t the invitation itself that surprised him.

But… you hate my family… and you’re suspicious of me, aren’t you?

His expression alone said as much.

Rather than inviting him for tea, Sir Leofric wore the solemn expression of someone issuing a challenge to a duel.

Seeing that face filled Ronin’s mind with countless thoughts, but there was only one answer he could give aloud.

“…Of course.”

The two of them headed toward the drawing room.

Two steaming cups of tea and an assortment of beautifully arranged sweets were placed between them.

Clink.

Once the servants had finished preparing everything and withdrawn, neither of them spoke.

Neither even reached for their tea.

In truth, this meeting was uncomfortable for both of them.

Callion and Ronin had no real connection, and with their families entangled as they were, it was hardly the sort of situation where they could laugh and exchange pleasantries.

Yet neither could simply leave.

Whether they liked it or not, Ronin was now the Grand Duchess, and there were duties he had to fulfill as a member of House Alistair.

With no other choice, Ronin endured the awkward silence.

Just as he had been unable to refuse Callion’s invitation.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Ronin picked up his teacup first.

The bitterness of the tea did nothing to hide the discomfort weighing on his heart.

Only after what felt like an eternity did Callion finally speak.

“Ronin Alistair. It seems I owe you a debt.”

Ronin lowered his gaze toward Callion over the rim of his teacup.

Those clear, sky-blue eyes rested on him.

For a brief moment, Callion felt the words catch in his throat, but he forced himself to continue.

“On my way here, I heard what happened. You spent your own personal funds repairing this castle and securing supplies.”

Even saying the words aloud felt strange.

An Alistair using their own wealth to care for the Leofric family’s castle and its people?

His thoughts were complicated enough that he found himself asking a question that hadn’t even needed to be asked.

“Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it… How should I repay this debt?”

Ronin Alistair remained silent.

With his mouth hidden behind the teacup, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

After deliberately taking his time, he answered in his usual composed tone.

“A debt? That’s far too generous. I merely did what I was supposed to do.”

“A debt should always be repaid properly. Otherwise, it comes back to haunt you.”

At those words, Ronin Alistair’s eyes narrowed.

Savoring that reaction, Callion continued.

“…Isn’t that what you told my godfather?”

Anyone could have predicted Ronin Alistair’s response.

He would claim he wanted nothing.

Or he would dance around the issue.

He would pile up favors like debts, only to stab someone in the back when they least expected it.

Without giving them even a moment to prepare.

I won’t let that happen.

With an icy expression, Callion silently urged him to answer.

Meanwhile, Ronin had reached a realization of his own.

So that’s why the servants were too frightened to move. Sir Galahad is Sir Leofric’s godfather.

Apparently, it wasn’t merely a ceremonial title.

Considering how Callion had immediately returned from the battlefield the moment Galahad appeared…

Ronin remembered that day.

The air had frozen over.

The servants had all held their breath.

Now he finally understood why.

Without letting any of it show on his face, Ronin thought quietly.

Can I make use of this information?

What a person treasured became their weakness.

Ronin, who cherished almost nothing, understood that much.

“Haha, Richard… Is this truly the reward for all the years we’ve spent together?”

He remembered the Omega who had muttered those words after being betrayed, standing there in complete despair.

Ronin pressed his lips together tightly.

I will never become someone like that.

I refuse to be discarded miserably after my usefulness has run out.

The sting of biting his lip brought him back to himself.

Speaking more calmly than usual, Ronin said,

“I see. In that case… I have one request.”

Callion gazed steadily at him.

Though he revealed nothing outwardly, inwardly he found it unexpected.

I thought he’d keep pretending to be selfless and insist he wanted nothing.

Still, this was preferable.

If Ronin openly stated what he wanted, then at least Callion could understand why he had done all of this.

He gave a small nod, signaling him to continue.

Encouraged, Ronin spoke.

“I would like us to consummate our marriage.”

Since Ronin had been watching Callion closely, he clearly saw his expression twist.

“At least… while Sir Leofric is staying in the castle.”

He hurriedly added the condition, but Callion’s expression showed no sign of softening.

His displeasure was unmistakable.

“So you’re asking me to become your breeding stallion? That doesn’t seem like a fair bargain.”

Callion had even abandoned formal speech.

Only then did Ronin realize how his words must have sounded to an ordinary person.

“…That wasn’t what I meant. I simply meant that we should sleep in the same room together…”

He swore that he had never intended to suggest they spend the night together as husband and wife.

Never, since the day he was born, had he imagined sharing a bed with anyone.

With one exception.

The Emperor, Charles Ermengarde.

Because ‘Ronin Alistair’ had been raised as the most beautiful and noble ornament, destined solely for the Emperor.