Chapter 44: I Originally Wanted to Refuse
"It seems our guest isn't very well-versed in etiquette."
"So your hospitality involves drugging and incapacitating guests first? If you ask me, the stereotypes about you people aren't wrong at all."
Aeron flexed his shoulders. The sensation of being completely paralyzed earlier had been unbearable, reminding him of that night when Zani got drunk.
"Stereotypes often stem from ignorance and fear," Cantarella smiled as if hearing an amusing remark, showing no anger.
"And clearly, you are not someone defined by those two words."
"Thank you for the compliment. It would be even better if we hadn't met under such circumstances."
Aeron's gaze swept across the room. The toxins in the air had now materialized into visible mist. Though his words were provocative, the rewards from the System remained as reliable as ever.
"Anyway, I don't want to make this too unpleasant. Why don't we talk as equals?"
Hearing Aeron's request, the enigmatic smile on Cantarella's face deepened.
"You're the first person who dares speak to Fisalia like this."
"Then I'm honored."
Ignoring Cantarella's veiled sarcasm, Aeron calmly returned to the sofa and recalled Arsène.
This was indeed somewhat reckless, but Aeron knew there was still room for negotiation with this family head. Had she wanted to take action, his earlier condition would have been far worse than mere paralysis.
Besides, he understood Cantarella's reasons for doing this. His previous high-profile actions in Ragunna had naturally reached her ears, warranting precautions.
Of course, these were all excuses he told himself. The real main reason was that the lower house had passed the vote.
Though Aeron didn't think these clothes looked good on him, there was no helping it—the woman literally had "ella" in her name, and she was truly... formidable.
He also wondered why Fenrico had sent him here.
Seeing Aeron withdraw his threatening posture, Cantarella didn't completely lower her guard but reduced the concentration of poisonous gas in the room, restoring it to its previous state.
"Reverend, if you wish to negotiate with Fisalia, mere recklessness that only brings unease won't be enough."
"You don't understand, do you? This is called sincerity, Lady Cantarella."
"Sincerity?"
Cantarella repeated the word, raising her parasol with one hand as she approached Aeron, carefully examining this man who showed no respect toward Fisalia.
"In my memory, those who come to Fisalia speaking of 'sincerity' usually want only three things: power, secrets, or protection. But you—"
Her eyes fixed on Aeron like a deep-sea predator locking onto its prey.
"Reverend, you lack for nothing. The people around you provide all that, yet you ultimately abandoned both the 'Blessed Maiden' and the 'truth' there, leaving alone to come before me... Don't you find that fascinating?"
"...You might as well recite my ID number at this point. What else is there for me to say?"
"You can tell me far more than you imagine, Reverend."
Instead of returning to her seat, Cantarella remained within Aeron's reach, pressing the tip of her parasol against his shoulder.
"I'm more interested in why I ended up here myself."
"Hah, it's not as complicated as you think. Answer my questions, and I'll naturally give you the explanation."
Tch. As expected of the head of House Fisalia—not as easily fooled as the second daughter of the Montelli family. You can't overwhelm her with sheer presence alone.
"What questions?"
Aeron didn't move, but Cantarella stepped closer to get a clearer look at his expression.
"Why did you abandon your carefully constructed little nest?"
"...To buy myself a few more breaths?"
"Oh?"
"They targeted me first, so I slipped away, planning to strike back later. It's that simple."
Of course, there were a few minor incidents in between, but no need to elaborate on those here.
Cantarella fell silent for a moment, but she detected no falsehood in Aeron's eyes.
"...A pragmatic reason," she said, her tone ambiguous—neither approval nor sarcasm clear. "For your own goals, you'd stir up storms and drag all of Ragunna into the fray. Quite the selfish fellow."
"Must you all speak so bluntly...?"
In any case, while Aeron's answer was unexpected, it was reasonable enough. For Cantarella, that sufficed.
"So it seems the head of the Order has handed us a shared dilemma."
Cantarella retracted her umbrella but didn't step back, remaining close enough to feel oppressive.
"Fenrico chose to dump you here either to have Fisalia eliminate you—clean and simple—or to see what trouble you'd cause for House Fisalia, watching us wear each other down."
Only then did Cantarella finally create distance, returning to her seat while keeping her gaze locked on Aeron.
"However, he likely didn't anticipate that I have no interest in grinding you down. Instead, you strike me as someone who might be useful."
"...Poaching?"
"What, even as a priest, you can't let go of the Montellis?"
"Why are we suddenly talking about that?!"
Agreeing to Cantarella's proposal wasn't entirely out of the question, but it would mean scrapping all the plans Aeron had painstakingly prepared. A feeling akin to defeat suddenly began lashing at his fragile little heart.
Really, he should just refuse for now—
"If you agree, House Fisalia guarantees you can lounge comfortably in Ragunna for the rest of your life."
"Lady Cantarella, when do we begin?"
Sigh. He'd intended to refuse, but alas—she was just too generous.
"A wise decision."
With that, Cantarella extended her hand to Aeron. A handshake would seal their partnership.
Aeron had been worrying earlier about whether to flee to Septimont after dealing with Fenrico. Now, with a seasoned powerhouse backing him, who in Ragunna would dare touch him!
Moreover, given Cantarella's character and their shared objectives, Aeron could confidently entrust his back to her.
Haha, Fenrico! Just wait—I'm coming for your head!
Thinking this, Aeron likewise reached out and grasped Cantarella's slender, delicate—
"?"
Did he really grasp it?
Aeron flexed his fingers twice before realizing the Cantarella before him was gradually dissolving into shimmering bubbles.
"Holy shit, an illusion?! When did—urk!"
Then, after a strange cry, Aeron was knocked unconscious by the real Cantarella, who had somehow appeared behind him without his noticing.
"Since our cooperation is now established, allow me to offer a small retaliation for the fright you gave me earlier~"
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