The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 70
Chapter 70: The fat aristocrat is asked to do it
In the time before Apélie Tiff and the “chief” returned, Mitrof explained to Canule about the “amber”. However, even she has little idea what it is.
Only certain people knew about it, and it seemed to be expensive and in high demand…
“Why did Mitrof-sama decide to meet with them?—It doesn’t sound like a very… wholesome discussion.”
‘A wholesome discussion.’
Mitrof chuckled at Canule’s choice of words. It might be more relieving than suspicious.
“It seems they want to propose some kind of ‘business deal’ with me.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because Apélie Tiff gave me the ‘amber’. At that time, she said that the ‘chief’ said it had value.”
Although he thought it was just a pretty stone at the time, the meaning behind the words “had value” has changed over time.
“That was probably a preliminary gift—they give us something of value to pique our interest and then get to the point—It’s a tactic often used by merchants.”
“I see, I understand.”
Canule nodded, but her voice did not show much interest in the conversation.
As a knight with integrity, Canule may have felt that the roundabout way of talking, involving such procedures, was cumbersome.
“So, Mitrof-sama, do you intend to negotiate?”
“That depends on the contents of the discussion—I can’t imagine what they might want from me in the first place…”
At that moment, a figure walking down the hallway came into view. It was Apélie Tiff, along with another shadow behind her.
Until the two stood in front of them, Mitrof and Canule remained quiet.
“Thank you, Apélie.”
After speaking with a soft voice to Apélie Tiff, the “chief” stepped forward and turned to face Mitrof.
“Nice to meet you—my name is Blanc Manje. Everyone calls me ‘chief.’ You must be Mitrof-san—It seems like we could become good friends.”
Blanc Manje laughed, and Canule was standing on high alert.
“…I heard you wanted to meet me.”
“Ara, aren’t you going to mention my appearance?”
“It’s fine—I’m used to it.”
Mitrof replied, and Blanc Manje laughed again.
In front of him stood a small woman, covered in a robe dyed with plants. The hood was covering her face. She was just like Canule. It was clear that there were some circumstances involved.
“I thought only a naive child who yearns for adventure would venture into the labyrinth with nothing but a slim sword—but it seems you have wisdom.”
Mitrof raised his eyebrow. Blanc Manje’s voice was elegant and pleasant to listen to. Even her sarcasm sounded refined.
“As expected, being called the “chief” and living underground for so long must have made you used to it—it’s alright, I don’t mind—it’s troublesome to bring the above-ground etiquette up in the great elevator anyway.”
Blanc Manje laughed gracefully, Mitrof stood confidently, and Canule remained motionless. Only Apélie Tiff was restless, and her gaze wandered between the two.
“… Chief and Mitrof, are you fighting…?”
Apélie Tiff asked in a concerned tone.
Suddenly, Blanc Manje let out a pathetic voice and grabbed Apélie Tiff’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Apélie, you were worried, but there’s a reason for this, we’re not fighting.”
Mitrof watched Blanc Manje’s rapid excuse-making, her previous mature composure replaced with unexpected youthfulness.
Apélie Tiff looked up at Mitrof with her ears folded against her head.
“…Mitrof, are you angry?”
“Ah, I’m not angry—this is, well, one of the greetings.”
“Greeting…? That’s weird.”
“I think so too.”
Exchanging sarcastic remarks is one of the pleasures of nobles. By exchanging light talk, they show that they can talk openly with each other.
Of course, there are also social gatherings where no negativity is expressed. Conversation skills change depending on the situation. No one knows who started it or why it continues today. It’s simply because of tradition.
Apélie Tiff probably had the right idea. However, there are convenient aspects to this way of talking, and many things can be communicated in just a few words.
“Apélie, could you give Mitrof-san and me some time to talk?”
“…Okay.”
Observing this, Canule whispered to Mitrof.
“I’ll also step out.”
“…okay.”
Although it didn’t bother him, Mitrof had no choice but to nod at Canule’s resolute response.
As a former servant of a lord, Canule could roughly understand the meaning of their conversation.
The current exchange between Mitrof and Blanc Manje was like an appetizer for a negotiation between powerful people.
Canule judged herself to be an outsider and left the scene so as not to interfere.
After Canule and Apélie Tiff distanced themselves, Mitrof faced Blanc Manje again.
“… I apologize for earlier—I just wanted to confirm something.”
“It’s fine. So, let me ask you straight out, what do you want?—I am a man who has been kicked out of his own home—there is little I can do.”
Blanc Manje smiled. Mitrof’s frank way of speaking was too direct for a noble or a merchant.
So Blanc Manje also got straight to the point.
“I have a request.”
Mitrof narrowed his eyes. He could not believe that someone overseeing “people of the labyrinth” would have anything to ask him.
Blanc Manje placed her hands in front of her body and stood up straight with a dignified posture worthy of the high society.
“I would like you to exterminate a single ant.”
Blanc Manje spoke to Mitrof in a manner that was reminiscent of inviting someone to dance.