Timid and Shy - Chapter 60

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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60.

Some time after the powder room incident, Prince Robert invited Parma to the Imperial Greenhouse. The two strolled through it at a leisurely pace.
Parma smiled as she took in the surroundings.
“I hear the Young Noblewoman Ariel suggested the Emperor open the greenhouse to everyone. It seems like a good decision. I’ve only ever come here during balls, so I’ve never seen it in daylight. It’s even more beautiful when you can see it properly lit.”
Prince Robert smiled as he spoke.
“Since the Young Noblewoman Ariel’s hobby is cultivating plants in the greenhouse, it’s only natural I’ve taken considerable interest in it.”
Parma asked in an amused tone.
“I hear you met with Father in the greenhouse in the height of summer? Was that really intentional? Father believed you deliberately chose to meet in a hot, humid greenhouse to keep the conversation brief.”
“I can’t deny it. If I’d spent a long time with the Duke, it wouldn’t have been good for either of us.”
“And now? Is it all right to spend time with me?”
“Now it’s fine. I have a betrothed, and today I’m meeting to show the greenhouse to the Young Noblewoman Gareis. The more pleasant time we spend together, the more uncomfortable it will make certain people.”
To Parma’s eye, Prince Robert had no particularly striking advantages. He was simply a convenient ally. If anything, she was beginning to understand just how artificial and contrived Frederick had been in his role as betrothed.
‘I thought all princes had to be like that.’
Parma didn’t mind. There was a certain pride in it that felt good. She knew she had vanity, and she’d liked people who fed that vanity. Now she knew that wasn’t a good choice.
Parma made another circuit of the greenhouse, carefully watching to see if there were courtiers loitering unnecessarily about the grounds to spy.
Seeing where Parma’s gaze went, Prince Robert smiled. It wasn’t a bad thing that Parma Gareis understood the implications of meeting with him.
Prince Robert spoke with a serious expression.
“It would look better to them if we appeared to be sharing something important.”
Parma nodded with a smile.
“Would this look convincing?”
Prince Robert nodded along with her and spoke.
“Actually, I asked you to meet today because there’s something I want to say to the Young Noblewoman Gareis. Your father likely mentioned it, but you needn’t see me as a potential husband. I’d like to recommend that you observe whether I might become a capable commander.”
Parma, intrigued, asked.
“Are you saying I shouldn’t see you as a potential husband? Or are you giving me a choice?”
Prince Robert paused to think, then spoke.
“Please don’t see me that way.”
Parma studied Prince Robert carefully as she spoke.
“I know very little about you, Your Highness. Father only said you’re far superior to Frederick and not to worry. And he also said that if I met you today, Wiscom and the Empress would go berserk.”
Parma watched Prince Robert’s face, which hadn’t shifted its expression.
“Is what you’re saying now that you won’t accept support on the premise of marriage? I’ve heard betrothals are just for show. Have you decided to genuinely pursue Sophia Ariel? I need to verify, since there’s something I’m counting on.”
Only then did Parma see Prince Robert’s flustered expression. He took a deep breath before speaking.
“I… wish to marry the Young Noblewoman Sophia Ariel.”
“Oh! That’s an unexpected answer, though I did ask. I’ve heard rumors too—that there’s a Salt Mine in Ariel. It’s not because of that, I hope?”
“Hardly. The Gareis family’s military might is unmatched in the empire. I’d never dream of trading that for a salt mine. Besides, I’ve already invested in the salt mine myself, so there’s no reason to covet Ariel’s share. It’s an honor that House Gareis would not only support me but become family. However, if she specifically wishes to become Empress, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Parma simply watched, as if inviting him to continue. Prince Robert began a measured explanation.
“The position of Empress and Imperial Relative by Marriage allows one to accomplish much, but it requires maintaining constant tension with the Emperor. Especially when considering an Empress from a powerfully military family and the future Emperor from such a house, it’s unlikely one could expect a warm marital bond.”
Both Prince Robert speaking and Parma listening conjured the current Emperor and Empress in their minds. Even a family like Cressida’s faced the Emperor’s vigilance. Parma thought to herself.
‘With Gareis, it would be worse. Certainly.’
Prince Robert spoke.
“If she doesn’t aim for a harmonious marriage, that’s one thing. But I don’t wish to become a couple who exist as rivals within, living reluctantly alongside each other. Moreover, looking at what’s currently unfolding in Uranos, if Gareis were to become an Imperial Relative by Marriage as well, there would be considerable backlash and vigilance. Gareis wouldn’t crumble because of it, but it can hardly bring good influence to the house.”
“I understand your meaning. On the surface, it sounds like confidence in the Imperial Throne, but to put it less generously… you want a wife you like while still wanting to use Gareis’s power. Why should I agree?”
Parma smiled radiantly as she looked at Prince Robert. He found himself thinking that all the women he knew were formidable.
Prince Robert spoke frankly.
“The Young Noblewoman Gareis needn’t agree. If the Duke wishes to maintain neutrality, I will respect his wishes. No matter how I consider it, it doesn’t seem likely that the Duke will support Frederick at this time.”
Parma recalled a conversation with the Duke from days earlier.
‘Certainly.’
“You’re quite forthright for someone with a reputation for being inscrutable. I’ve heard rumors you’re gloomy and intensely jealous of your brother.”
“Jealous… Since the Young Noblewoman Gareis has met Frederick, you’ll understand—he’s a fine young man, but hardly a good leader. Or perhaps I should say the worst. He’s no fool, but he’ll do anything if those around him encourage it. Truly a man who shouldn’t become Emperor. Though he might make an adequate romantic interest.”
“I’m not even sure about that.”
Parma murmured quietly. Prince Robert spoke.
“The Young Noblewoman Gareis is quite different from the rumors I’ve heard about her. I’ve heard she’s ruthless in her methods—so much so that I even wondered if she’d tortured or cruelly killed someone under the Duke’s protection.”
“Hardly. There were simply a few unhinged people, and I offered them some words to bring them to their senses. Nothing violent at all. Understanding Gareis’s reputation and Father’s character, some young noblewomen and suitors grew frightened and never returned to the Capital, which is likely how such rumors started.”
Prince Robert laughed.
“I suspected it might have been Gareis—your older brother—who actually frightened them.”
“He has his own path. I find it difficult to comment on that.”
Gareis was one of the few people Prince Robert hadn’t properly assessed. Since the Duke had him gain experience in the military rather than attend the Academy, he was unknown to most.
Rumor had it there was significant conflict between the Duke and his son over the Academy matter. With so little known about Gareis, he was a figure where contradictory reputations—for cruelty and for capability and intelligence alike—coexisted.
Parma rarely spoke of her brother either, and his absence only deepened the mystery surrounding him.
Robert guided Parma to one corner of the Greenhouse, where tea had been prepared. She settled into her seat and spoke.
“You’ve made quite thorough preparations.”
“The point is to make the time as pleasant as possible. There’s also the matter that others might find it equally unpleasant.”
Parma gazed at the teacup as she spoke.
“Could you grant me time? Whether toward marriage or patronage without it, I need time to know you better.”
Robert replied.
“My intentions are as I’ve already stated. Take time to think this through carefully, as well. If it seems to you that I would make a worthy Emperor, then offer your support. I’m told that both your father and your uncle hold you in great affection. They will surely follow what you desire. So please, make a wise choice.”
Parma understood Robert’s intent well enough. The power of House Gareis could serve as a support base for him now, but later it might become a force that pressed against the throne itself.
Parma wondered whether Robert had spoken so openly because he was thinking strategically about political balance, or whether he had modified his plan out of genuine affection for Ariel.
Robert was the man who had thrown his heart at Isabel and suffered a crushing humiliation for it, was he not? Would he have even approached Isabel if not for the House Wiscom? Such thoughts occupied Parma’s mind.
‘Since I don’t know Robert as a person, I can hardly know his true intentions or motives.’
Parma spoke.
“I saw Ariel once. At Isabel’s debutante ball. I watched her standing there lost and forlorn after being cast aside by you, and I heard that just days later the two of you met again. When I learned later that you’d become betrothed, I thought it must be some sort of anti-Wiscom pact.”
“It is, in effect. Ariel could participate in such an alliance as well.”
“So she’s the kind of woman worth making alliances with. Sophia Ariel is.”
Robert smiled and nodded.
“Among everyone I know, she’s the most pragmatic and rational.”
Parma found herself wanting to meet this woman, Sophia Ariel, whose heart had swayed Robert even as he faced the great struggle for the throne.
‘I’m curious what kind of person she is.’
“When will Sophia Ariel come to the Capital?”
Robert replied.
“I’m not sure. I don’t think she’ll come up during the winter. I heard her nephew was born.”
“I see.”
Parma nodded, though part of her believed Sophia Ariel had withdrawn to Ariel to avoid her.
‘Is she similar to Isabel Wiscom, or is she more like the Duchess of Wiscom, as people say—the legendary Cinderella?’

***

Maeub had come to the Capital after a long absence. Though he found himself detained in Robert’s Office the moment he arrived, the Capital was still the Capital.
Robert entered the Office and immediately asked without preamble.
“So you’re still uncertain whether Oberon and Ariel will cooperate or clash?”
Maeub sprang to his feet, offered a hurried greeting, and spoke.
“Based on Sophia Ariel’s character, I believe she will first judge what advantages might be gained going forward, regardless of the past. Since she’s drawn to profit, she could well bury old grievances.”
Robert gestured for him to continue. Maeub cleared his throat and went on.
“It seems Sophia might stand to gain considerably.”
“What?”
When Maeub hesitated, Robert’s eyes hardened. Maeub pressed forward carefully.
“Haven’t we been told that Sophia Ariel has been discussing a betrothal with Oberon? At first, I thought she was merely using it as a pretext to approach him. But he’s been coming forward quite aggressively.”
Robert continued to regard Maeub with a fierce gaze. Maeub, avoiding those eyes, continued.
“Oberon has requested to stay for more than a month, and Ariel has agreed. They’re to spend time getting to know each other. Oberon has already visited Ariel once. Right after that visit, Sophia contacted me. She said the betrothal could proceed, but that she would coordinate matters with your schedule, so there was no need for concern.”
“A month? Oberon didn’t force this?”
“More persuasion than force. But if Ariel spends a month in Oberon, even with Gunter accompanying her… wouldn’t she fall under Oberon’s sway? He treats her kindly, he has money, and they say he’s charming. Still, if things go wrong, the danger remains. If persuasion doesn’t work, force could begin. And if she discovers that an investigation has already started… if there truly was collusion with Saturn, there’s only one choice.”
“Treason? Could she become a hostage? Did the Baron knowingly permit Sophia to spend a month in Oberon despite understanding all this?”
“Yes.”
A heavy silence fell over the Office.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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