My Wife Waited in the Wheat Fields

Chapter 54: The Banquet (8)

PR: Ford 53 & Alive Sigh

Despite himself, Elric knew immediately what he was going to say.

I am grateful for your mention.

There were too many eyes on him right now. A baron from a small country would not be so quick as to speak to the third son of one of the core families of the Empire in a rude manner.

Elric had no choice but to play to his strengths.

At this point, Elvus clasped Elrics hand.

Ah, why are you talking so stiffly? Speak at ease. As I said yesterday, Im not so shallow as to treat my lifesaver lightly.

Elrics eyebrows trembled.

Being brothers is creepy, and being lovers is even creepier, so Ill settle for a compromise, how bout being my friend. From this day forward, you are my best friend.

The smirk on his face made Elric want to see what would happen if he passed his fist through it.

I really dont know what to do.

Hey, I dont know anyone who speaks so stiffly with their friends.

Haha

Now, come on, you can call me Elvus, too.

Elvus eyes glowed.

That was creepy enough, but even creepier were the stern stares from the surrounding nobles.

The stares that had been so dismissive of Elvus had been reversed in an instant, simply because he was returning a favor.

It was so ridiculous that he couldnt help but laugh on the inside.

Theyre all the same.

The physiology of aristocratic society did not suit Elrics self well.

Regardless, he had a clear sense of what Elvus was after.

Protection, I suppose.

Elric wasnt stupid enough to not know what it meant for the Imperial Grayman to take the little Portman under his wing.

It would probably make his interactions with the other nobles that Tyria had been worried about much smoother than they were now.

In fact, from the look on her face, there was surely a tiny hint of amusement amidst her bitterness.

Unless, of course, he was mistaken.

Now, come on, lets talk about this in private. That story I heard you tell yesterday about the cultural differences between the different parts of the continent was fascinating.

This man was a master at making excuses.

Elric glanced over at Tyria.

She considered it for a moment, then let out a small sigh and nodded.

Or we can talk about it later.

How about never?

That question almost slipped out of his mouth.

Elric praised himself for his intrinsic control.

In that case, lets go talk for a while.

Alright.

And with that, Elric left the ballroom.

He walked down the hall with Elvus and entered the private quarters assigned to him.

What the hell was that supposed to be?

Elric asked, not bothering to hide his anger once they stepped into the room.

Of course, I appreciate your intentions to shelter me, but Im not happy about being the center of attention.

If he was going to do something like this, he should have at least consulted him.

If it were Kashas personality, he would have snapped.

The only reason hed tolerated it so far was because this man was Elvus Grayman.

He held his friend at a higher breaking point.

Elvus shrugged.

Relax. I just couldnt help myself.

What?

That Nimrud fellow was up to no good, and he mentioned your name during the interrogation.

Shiver, Elrics body shuddered.

An uneasy feeling filled him, but it was quickly ended by Elvus words.

Dont worry about it. I killed him before he could make a bigger mess.

He smiled, even though killing a person was no laughing matter.

This wasnt new though. This was just the kind of man Elvus Grayman was.

Elvus continued with his trademark grin adorning his face.

Anyway, even though that was a hastily concocted excuse for contact, you think too little of me, dont you?

What do you mean by that?

He wanted to know what Elvus meant by Elric belittling him.

Elvus chuckled as he stated, his anger evident in his tone.

Im a Grayman, part of one of the most prestigious families in the Empire.

So what?

To be a noble from a foreign country under my protection means something that is not much different from being a noble granted permission to being the arbiter of all exchanges with the Empire.

Elvus created a circle with his index finger and thumb.

Which means youve become the one to sit on the money seat, and for the nobles in Ferdinand, it means youve become someone they need to be closer to than anyone else.

Only then did Elric understand his words a little more clearly.

His eyes widened slightly.

Youre looking better now.

Elvus said.

There were some stories I heard at the banquet yesterday. You and your wife dont come off too well, do you?

Thats

Look, Elric, if you want to live as a noble, dont put too much faith in your own strength.

Elric frowned.

Ive never been overconfident. On the contrary, I struggle quite a bit trying not to use force to settle things.

No, you are overconfident.

Elvus picked up one of the refreshments on the table.

You dont realize how cunning they are. You may be immune to such things, but what about your wife and your estate? Can you protect them all by yourself, and can you guarantee that you will always be there? You cant hold the sky in the palm of your hand and if you did think so, then you really are overconfident.

Elric was speechless.

What he was thrusting at him was reality.

I know you have no immediate intention of returning to the battlefield. If thats your choice, I wont stop you, which is why Im telling you this.

He swallowed his refreshment in one gulp.

If you choose to remain in your homeland, think of the things you must protect. Most humans need society, they crave the security of it. Only you are different.

My wife

Is a part of the nobility. She was born as a noblewoman and educated as a noblewoman. She may seem like a good person, but she is a noblewoman. Her happiness cannot be there without the well-being of her estate.

He was indeed right.

Much of Tyrias day was spent running and managing the estate, and she tended to take pride in it.

Not that it was a bad thing.

On the contrary, it was something to be respected.

If that was the kind of happiness she wanted, then he needed to take care of himself, too.

Elric looked at Elvus.

He seemed to be enjoying the refreshments, teasingly picking up a biscuit and munching on it.

Humans really did end up stabbing at their friends vulnerable spots at the strangest of times.

Thanks.

Youre welcome. Theyve got some really good refreshments.

I hear they have a famous pastry chef.

Really? Id like to meet him before I go.

Please dont recruit him. My wife loves the refreshments, and shell be quite sad if she cant have them when she comes back next year.

Youre being pathetic.

Lets just say I regret not being more pathetic.

No need to regret it, just do better in the future.

A mischievous look crossed his face.

After all, making a mistake once after doing well nine times makes more of an impression on others than the opposite.

Elric smirked.

Is that why youre always embroiled in an affair?

Im just chasing romance.

Im surprised youre still alive.

Its all thanks to Ilyas generosity. Well, I still remember her telling me to give it up because Im not worth burning bridges for.

You are a terrible husband.

Thank you for the compliment.

The tense mood broke.

Elric let out a chuckle, letting off some steam.

There was some news, too.

By the way, I received your letter. The matter was handled as was written.

Was it?

The money you entrusted to me has grown so large that Im not even wanting enough to pay for the trade.

He was talking about the money Elric had made as a mercenary.

Elric, who never had a knack for rolling the dice, had entrusted all of his earnings to him, to invest in various ways.

He didnt know how much it had been, but it wasnt much.

Suddenly, Elric thought.

Just in case

Now that he was here, he might as well be prepared.

Hey, Elvus.

What?

My money. I want you to change the heir.

For a moment, Elvus body twitched.

A scowl appeared on his face, a blatant expression of disgust.

Do you have some kind of weakness, or is it black magic?

Huh?

I suspect youre about to give me your liver and gallbladder.

He wanted to know what the hell he was talking about.

Elric dismissed his bullshit.

Its money thats going to you when I die anyway, and Id rather give it to my wife than to you.

If you really do die, your wife is going to be pissed.

Hmm?

Nothing.

And with that, Elvus let out a smirk.

It was so funny to him that Elric didnt realize the extent of his own wealth.

When will he ever learn that the money in his vault could buy a country?

The wealth he had amassed as the swordsman Kasha from the treasuries of the four kingdoms had more than doubled due to the successful investments Elvus had made.

You wont ask, so I wont even tell you how much.

Hed keep his mouth shut for now.

Elvus was beginning to look forward to the day when Elric could see the fortune for himself.

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