CH 80.2

To proud nobles of Zebrudia, there are times when they can’t back down. There are times when they have to stick through it even if they don’t want to.

They Gladys House isn’t poor. Their territory isn’t as large as other Houses, but they possess a Knights Order which is reputed to surpass Hunters to maintain their security. And their territory possesses Shrines which call for Hunters making their territory wealthier.

However, even for a noble House with sufficient authority, two hundred million Gils isn’t cheap at all. At the very least, it is more than what Éclair can handle as she isn’t the current househead.

After meeting with that horrible “Infinite Variety”. She reported the content of the meeting to her father and told him that two hundred million Gils is needed… And the Count Gladys said. He has a deep red coat and was wielding a sword on his waist. He has trimmed dark brown hair, eyes that are too sharp and a body too trained for a nobleman. Éclair’s father… Van Gladys is a noble and a soldier. He is a man who sometimes stands in the front line to direct his Knight Order. The sharp gaze directed at her has instantly subsided Éclair’s anger. Her head return to being calm.

『… Fine. Win, Éclair. It is something stupid. We aren’t at war, there isn’t any use for a Relic, so I wanted to avoid fighting against the famous “Footprint” but… If you back down after facing each other directly… Then it will stain Gladys’ name. Even if you are a child, if it is spread that we have been pressured by Hunters then we wouldn’t be able to face our ancestors. 』

His tone was quiet, but Éclair felt a heavy pressure on it.

In the first place, the origin of this matter lies in Éclair herself. After being seen off by Ark, she met the man who is called his rival and that man was going left and right to get his hand on a Relic. This was what her father hated the most, she didn’t think about anything and act impulsively.

When Éclair wanted to offer him her gratitude, Gladys-kyo lower his eyebrows and clearly says.

『Do not misunderstand. Our House won’t give you money freely. Éclair, this is a loan. You will need to repay it one day. Éclair, even though you are a child, you have Gladys’ blood in your vein… Actions call for responsibilities. Since you are my first daughter, I spoiled you too much. But this is also a good opportunity. 』

『This is an order as the head of the Gladys House. Do whatever it is needed to win, Éclair. There is no need for the weak in Gladys House. And learn the consequences of your actions. I will let you fully cooperate with Montor. He is a thoughtful man. 』

His words clearly impeached Éclair.

I have to win. It was Éclair’s fault that we have been underestimated. And that fact must be dealt with Éclair’s own hands.

“Ojou-sama. I contacted Wells company and obtain a promise to loan us money in case of emergency.”

In the reception room of our residence in the Imperial Capital, an old man approaches and reports to Éclair who is sitting without expression. He has wise eyes and says in a gentle voice that doesn’t seems to be afraid of Éclair who seems to be in a bad mood.

Montor. The right-hand man of Count Gladys. He is a man who has contributed to the Count House in many way other than strength.

“… How much can I use?”

“Of the funds we have in our House, the amount that can be safely used by Ojou-sama is about five hundred million Gils. And the amount of money that can be obtained from the Wells Company is an additional five hundred million. It isn’t impossible to ask for more but, it will become very difficult to return it.”

“… An additional… Five hundred…Million……?”

Éclair opens her eyes to Montor’s words which she has known since childhood.

The amount that annoying woman said was… Two hundred million. I was thinking that if I can prepare 2,5 times the money, I can win without problem. However, according to Montor’s words, he seems to have negotiated with company and succeeded to promise a loan.

When Montor sees Éclair’s expression, his gentle appearance changed.

“Ojou-sama. No one will honestly say their upper limit to their competitor. Moreover, the opponent is the famous “Infinite Variety” … A man with a good intuition. More than anything, as far as my investigation says… The woman who came with “Infinite Variety” … Sytry Smart can prepare an amount of money well over two hundred million Gils.”

“What did you say…”

Éclair’s mind went blank when she hears this unbelievable information. The opponent has so dignifiedly proclaimed war against Éclair. She declared that she would lose if I had more than two hundred million. Is there even a person who would lie to a noble?

The calm appearance of the woman standing next to “Infinite Variety” comes in my mind. It is hard to believe. No, I didn’t want to believe it.

“That is… Impossible… The, the opponent said they would accept their loss… If I have more than two hundred million Gils! If I can prepare two hundred million, they should… give up…”

“Danna-sama1 wants Ojou-sama to obtain an absolute victory. You should be prepared. A sudden strike is the basic in a battle. In the first place, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that information warfare is the real battle in an auction.”

Montor says plainly to the depressing Éclair.

Absolute victory. Be prepared. Montor’s words are correct.

What I need is to meet my father’s expectations.

Éclair drops her shoulders and trembles after losing her strength, but she called out by squeezing her voice.

“…… Aaah. Thank you, you are right. I should make… Every preparation.”

This is just preparations. If I can win with two hundred million Gils, then it is fine. If by any chance I can’t win with that, then I just have to crush them with all my might.

It is shortly before the auction… The truth will soon be revealed. Montor with a gentle look, is watching Éclair holding her fist, dropping her line of sight and says this to herself.

Thanks for reading! Oh man they got 1 billion Gils, now unless Liz come back with a lot of money Cry wouldn’t win the mask! How will you get your mask Cry? Is it your destiny to be oppressed by noble? XD Tchao à plus

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1. Danna-sama: It is a way buttler and maid refer to the head of the house or their master.