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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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Chapter 33: Ophelia Violet (2)
For a noble lady, marriage is a matter of great importance.
The union of two clans producing heirs to continue the bloodline.
This obligation, established by tradition since ancient times, applies to Ophelia Violet as well.
However, Ophelia Violet had several significant disadvantages in the noble marriage market.
First, the Violet clan was the Margrave clan.
While the position of the Margrave who guards the border is quite important, it also means minimal contact with the central powers.
It wouldn't be strange to think they're rotting away at the border, far from the center of power.
Second, their location in the northern border region.
Since ancient times, the north has been cold and difficult for industry to develop.
Their only trading partners are the barbarian tribes they constantly fight at the border.
Though they have profitable mines, the iron ore is a strategic resource that can only be traded with the royal family.
It's cold, full of miners, and if you're not careful, you might never leave the north.
It's not a place favored by either noble ladies or potential sons-in-law.
Because of these factors, the Violets have always arranged marriages with humble families below their own standing.
In other words, the greatest concern of successive Margraves has been how to marry off their children well.
And recently, Ophelia Violet has acquired a new label...
"Did you hear about Lady Violet?"
"I heard too. They say she was possessed by a demon? My goodness..."
"Fortunately, the Solar Theocracy performed an exorcism... They say a demon had been inside her for half a year."
"Half a year! So that's why the Violet march was sealed off recently!"
The incident of Lady Violet's demon possession became a major topic in social circles.
They all expressed sympathy for the poor countess's situation, but inwardly, they were all thinking the same thing.
"That lady. She's ruined for marriage."
In nobility, even the slightest flaw pushes you to the back of the marriage queue.
And demon possession? Even just being accused of witchcraft in the past was enough to be labeled unmarriageable, let alone actual demon possession.
"Daughter... I think this matchmaking will fall through too."
Ralph Violet covered his face at the one-sided cancellation of another matchmaking arrangement.
"More pointless nonsense. I don't like people who don't like me either."
"Still, you need to get married. Do you truly have no intention of marrying?"
"Of course I do."
"Really?"
"I want to go hunting with a fox-like husband and toad-like children too."
‘Isn't that... an odd comparison? She's my daughter, but... sigh.’
"Well, I suppose there's no choice. I'll have to send letters to the northern nobles."
"No, Father!!"
"Ack! My ears!"
She's my daughter, but can nothing be done about that volume?
He hides his complicated feelings as he looks at his daughter, whose voice has only gotten louder since becoming a Sword Expert.
"Not the northern nobles! I've been carrying those kids on my back since they were toddling around!"
"You were seven at that time..."
"Besides, aren't they all cousins and second cousins now? Are you telling me to commit incest?! Father, I'm disappointed in you!"
"Ugh... surely we can find someone suitable if we look carefully?"
It wasn't easy.
It's common for nobles in the same region to marry each other.
But that only works for a generation or two.
In the isolated north where everyone is connected by marriage, most potential matches fall into the category of incest.
This incest problem is especially pronounced in the harsh northern territories where nobles are few despite the vast lands.
"Forget it! A husband! I'll bring one myself!"
"But where would you find a man..."
"I can join the Solar Theocracy, can't I? Even priests can marry, right?"
"Well... that's true."
If there's no one to marry among the nobility.
Then bring in a priest!
"Anyway, I've never thought about anyone else but him."
-Capricorn! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I command you. Begone!! This is the holy land of Lord Sol Invictus!
Ophelia remembered the voice of a boy she had never seen.
***
When Ray and his companions returned, the Solar Theocracy was thrown into turmoil.
The revival of Campbell Church and the hidden conspiracy of heretics.
Though the Holy Knight Order had been summoned, it was a terrible incident that left an entire city devastated.
"First, I thank you for your hard work, brothers and sisters. You have accomplished great things."
When Archbishop Dunwell kept praising them, the four people looked honored and overwhelmed.
"Sigh... The recent behavior of these heretics is concerning."
The Archdemon Capricorn attempted to manifest by taking the body of the Margrave's daughter, plotting to devour the city.
Archbishop Dunwell, with his years of experience, sensed that this was a harbinger of a coming storm.
But he shouldn't burden these young sprouts unnecessarily.
"You'll soon receive rewards from the Solar Theocracy. Enjoy your vacation for a while."
"Yes, thank you."
Having been promised rewards and vacation by Archbishop Dunwell, the four people walked outside.
"Somehow, we accomplish something big every time we go out."
"...Come to think of it, it's always because you wander off the path."
Ray felt wronged.
Oh, sensing demonic mana from the lord's castle, or finding heretics selling goods in someone else's territory while breeding monsters in their bellies.
It's not me who's bad, it's those heretics.
"Now that we've got reward leave, what's everyone going to do?"
"I should visit my family. My parents seem to be keeping an eye on the situation here."
Aaron's father was a cardinal and his mother a holy knight in the Holy Knight Order.
As high-ranking members of the Solar Theocracy, they'd have many questions for their son who had experienced everything firsthand.
"I'm just going to rest. Honestly, I'm mentally exhausted."
Jenny decided to enjoy her vacation.
The four had also received separate vacation allowances, so they could afford to empty their wallets for a while.
"What about you, Henry?"
"I don't have any specific plans, just thought I'd do some training. What about you, brother?"
"I..."
"Ray!!"
That's when it happened. From far away came that distinctive, cheerful volume.
Ophelia Violet was running toward Ray.
"Um... good luck."
Aaron placed his hand on Ray's shoulder.
Jenny followed suit.
"Good luck, brother Ray. If you're lucky, you'll become a noble son-in-law."
"No, please..."
"Brother! I believe in my brother who has the charm to captivate even noble ladies!"
"..."
Ray watched the three of them leave with words of encouragement, feeling touched.
‘Please stay with me…’
***
As soon as she arrived at the Solar Theocracy, Ophelia declared her intention to join the Solar Theocracy.
There were no problems like entrance exams.
She was a noble, and above all, a Sword Expert.
"So Young Lady, you're really... joining the Solar Theocracy."
"Hey, I told you to call me Ophelia. In the Solar Theocracy, aren't we all brothers and sisters regardless of social status? Or would you prefer to call me big sister?"
"..."
‘I can't keep up with her energy.’
Ray understood that this noble lady had truly joined the Solar Theocracy when he saw her changed attire.
The combat nun's habit with a side slit for mobility, and snow-white garter belts.
Standing around 175 cm tall, Ophelia had good proportions, flaunting her aggressive figure even in a nun's habit.
The Solar Theocracy's combat nun outfit had always been somewhat provocative, but with that figure in a nun's habit, it's practically R-rated.
"By the way, Ray. Have you eaten?"
"No, not yet. Have you eaten, Lady... I mean, Ophelia?"
"I had brunch!"
"Brunch?"
"The meal you eat after breakfast and before lunch."
"..."
‘I don't think that's what she meant.’
"So let's go have lunch now! This big sister will treat you!"
"As members of the Solar Theocracy, our meals are free anyway."
"Cafeteria food is bland and tasteless! And Ray, if you want to grow taller, you need to eat meat, meat. Not vegetables."
At Ophelia's request to recommend a restaurant, Ray took her to a civilian restaurant within the Solar Theocracy.
Considering his budget, he took her to a moderate place, though he wasn't sure how it would look to a noble lady.
"Oh! So this is a commoner's restaurant! Smells like untanned leather!"
"Ophelia?"
"Ah, I don't particularly mean to criticize your poor taste. I understand the commoners' plight."
‘Why? Why doesn't it feel malicious even though she's openly mocking me?’
Ray ordered soup he often ate, as Ophelia requested he order for her, saying it was her first time at a commoner's restaurant.
Soon the staff brought soup and freshly baked bread.
Potage with oats and fish, and rye bread.
This was a decent meal in his opinion.
But it didn't impress Ophelia at all.
"Chef! Come here!"
"Um... Sister? What's wrong?"
The employee who had placed the food and was about to leave tilted her head in confusion.
"Are you really serving this as food?! How will my Ray grow taller eating these greens?!"
"Uh, well..."
"Bring out the finest dish you have here! Meat! Just meat! And bread, not this dark bread, but white bread! Freshly baked!"
In the end, only after the owner brought out a mountain of meat and bought bread from a nearby bakery did Ophelia express satisfaction.
Can she eat all that?
Everyone around was staring, but that's only because they didn't know Ophelia's appetite.
During their return journey from Campbell to the Solar Theocracy, whenever it was mealtime, Ophelia would go hunting, saying she would get provisions.
"It's a shame there are no wild boars or deer! Bear meat is too tough!"
Thanks to her, Ray ate more meat during the return journey than he had in his entire life.
"By the way, Ray. Are you doing the exercises I taught you every day?"
"Yes... well, I do them occasionally."
"It's our family's secret Height-Increasing Exercise. Do it for an hour every day! Should we train together?"
"I'd... appreciate that."
When it came to physical activity, Ophelia was a professional.
The Violet clan had traditionally subjected their children to rigorous training, so this was a chance to learn noble training methods for free.
There was no reason to refuse.
"By the way, the Solar Theocracy is magnificent. Even the royal capital isn't this splendid. White marble floors are quite shocking! At least you don't have to worry about slush!"
"Right? Well, the road paving is quite well done..."
Ophelia moved on to the next topic without even listening to Ray's answer.
"Oh right. Do I have to stay in the Theocracy buildings? If not, I'm thinking of buying a house. Ray, you should move in too."
"Ah, no. That's a bit..."
"What! Between us! People naturally live under one roof, see the snow, watch the plums bloom, and pick mulberries! Though maybe I should wait until you grow a bit taller?"
‘My head is getting heavier.’
Ophelia's stream of chatter continued endlessly.
"Ray! Do you have plans this weekend?"
"I think I'll just rest at the dormitory."
"Hmm! That means you're free! Don't stay home being gloomy, come somewhere with me!"
"Oh, yes... Do you have something planned?"
"A date, of course! What else would there be?"
‘I'm losing my energy.’
Ray is a manly man too.
Pastor Kim from his past life wasn't impotent either; rather, he had quite an interest in romance.
If he hadn't been hunting werewolves in Milan on weekdays and wrestling with vampires in New York under the full moon, he might have had three children by now.
But what could he do?
This body shall be sacrificed for the lambs of this land.
Pastor Kim's perpetual singleness was merely his sacrifice for the world.
Therefore, in this life, he had thought he would date, marry, and have children. But Lady Ophelia was something... beyond common sense.
'Now I understand why Capricorn couldn't complete the possession for half a year.'
How could anyone push out and separate this crazy energy lady?
"Sigh... Lady Violet."
"..."
"Miss Ophelia."
"Yes, speak."
Ray looked directly into Ophelia's eyes and spoke in a serious voice.
"I understand you have goodwill toward me..."
"Your speech is too stiff. Try to be more casual."
"Anyway... Miss Ophelia. It's not right to talk about marriage so easily... I think we need to be more careful."
"Really?"
He expected an immediate noisy objection, but Ophelia's response was surprisingly mild.
She shrugged her shoulders and tore off a piece of white bread, placing it on Ray's bowl.
"Well, let's get to know each other gradually."
It seems she hasn't given up.
Ray isn't the type to bluntly reject a beautiful woman who likes him.
"Since we're talking about getting to know each other, Ray. Do you have any savings?"
"...No?"
He would receive the reward money, but it probably wouldn't be enough to satisfy the daughter of the northern region's leading family.
A priest's monthly stipend is essentially just an activity allowance.
"What about a house? Do you only live in the dormitory?"
"...No."
Ray was a deacon from the countryside who joined the armed organization.
Having come to the Solar Theocracy just to survive, he wouldn't have any assets.
"Well, that's fine."
Violet smiled at the dejected Ray.
She opened a fan from somewhere and waved it vigorously, creating a gust of wind.
"I have everything."
So just bring yourself, she seemed to say.
"...Can I call you big sister?"
"Ohohohohohohoho!!"
She's hooked.
‘I've never seen a person laugh like that before.’
That's truly a laugh only a noble can produce.
'Real nobles are indeed different!'
The Cardinal's son? They're all commoners.
"By the way, Ray! I heard there's a party system in the Armed Organization of the Solar Theocracy!"
"Ah~ Since you just joined, you must be an apprentice member."
"That's right! I tried to join your party, but I was told it would be difficult in the future."
"Pardon? Why?"
‘This is news to me.’
Ray hadn't heard anything related to Lady Ophelia.
"They say you’ll become 'regular member' soon and an apprentice like me can't form a party with you."
‘Was there such a rule?’
Ray had never properly read the manual.
"So I need to raise my rank. It's absurd that I, an advanced Sword Expert, start as an apprentice."
"Raise your rank..."
In truth, it's not easy for a member of the Armed Organization to raise their rank.
Ray and his companions had been involved in some abnormal incidents, which is why it was extremely rare for a one-year member like Ray to be mentioned as a 'regular member.'
Ray would readily accept Ophelia into his party if she wanted to join.
After all, she's an advanced-level Sword Expert knight, isn't she?
While he may not know the strength of knights in this world, he remembers the strength of Ralph Violet, who was said to be top-tier.
He was overwhelmed by a man who was greatly weakened after half a year of resisting an Archdemon's whispers.
If he had truly intended to kill them, Ray and his companions wouldn't be alive now.
The strength of knights who can manipulate aura is that formidable.
"You'll need to focus on missions with high point values, but as an apprentice member, there won't be much for you to do yet. I'll help you."
"Great! Since you are going to recommend, I'll gladly follow!"
"..."
While this noble lady causes many concerns, her enthusiasm is important.
Ray thoughtlessly agreed to do one high-point request together.
And then.
"Why the fuck won't this bastard listen to what people say?! You basic welfare recipient! Do you want a beating?!"
BANG!
The iron table she struck split in half.
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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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