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Due to the Gudanvier family’s involvement in the real estate business, Myaro (or rather, a faction of the Gudanvier Household) was well-versed in the real estate market of Sibyaku, the royal capital. Real estate and land development were fields that often intertwined with bureaucratic corruption. Therefore, Myaro herself avoided new investments in real estate to maintain a clean image. However, she did introduce valuable properties to Hou Company’s employees. Many of the well-paid executives of Hou Company invested their excess bonuses into Sibyaku’s real estate. Even Cuffe Ornette, known for his keen eye on investment viability, had purchased several properties, suggesting that this was indeed a profitable asset management strategy. Lily-san was also one of those investors.

This was the first time I had actually seen Lily-san’s house, and it was quite a mansion. Despite being in an upscale residential area, an elegant iron gate opened to a cobblestone path leading to the front door, flanked by a beautifully blooming garden. It was a luxurious use of land.

In the middle of the garden on the right side, there was a massive tree that seemed like it would be a pain to clean up after in the fall. Witches often plant such trees to signify the history of their homes. Thanks to meticulous maintenance, the tree didn’t look old, but considering its age, the house itself must have been around for quite some time.

A young man who appeared to be a guard was standing beyond the iron gate.

“Is Lily home?” (Yuri)

I asked.

“Yes?”

He responded suspiciously, clearly wary of me. I had ridden a Galloping Bird here alone from the secondary residence. To him, I was just an unknown young man showing up out of the blue. It made sense for him to be cautious.

“I’m here to see Lily Amian. My name is Yuri Hou, chairman of Hou Company.” (Yuri)

“Yuri Hou? Are you serious?” (??)

He looked incredulous.

Being a well-known name can be inconvenient in these situations.

“Yes, I’m serious. I apologize for coming without an appointment, but could you please inform her that I’m here?” (Yuri)

“Alright, I will do that.” (??)

The guard walked along the cobblestone path and entered the house. I felt a bit anxious, wondering if there was some issue I wasn’t aware of. In hindsight, it would have been better to contact her before coming. After a while, he returned.

“She’s at home, but she needs a moment to prepare. Please wait a bit.” (??)

Looks like she’s at home.

“It’s fine. It was rude of me to come without notice.” (Yuri)

Since she is a woman, she must have various preparations to make. However, back in our academy days, when I threw a pebble at the window of Lily-san’s and Shamu’s room, they would come out immediately. In those days, she would just comb her hair a bit and meet me without much preparation.

Our situations and living places have changed, and so have these circumstances. Lily would want to touch up her makeup, and I, too, would feel a bit reluctant to meet her in the dirty, frayed clothes I wore back in the knight academy. Even though we’re still at an age where it wouldn’t be strange for us to be students, it’s a bit sad that we can’t meet as casually as we used to.

“By the way, where did you originally work?” (Yuri)

“In the First Guard Army. I came from the countryside and joined because I heard being a guard was easy, but I had the bad luck of ending up in a strict unit.” (??)

It must be his go-to story. He smiled awkwardly as if embarrassed.

“And how did you end up as a guard here?” (Yuri)

“After serving for about three years, I had a falling out with my superior and decided that military life wasn’t for me. Just as I was thinking that, I found a job opening for a guard. Originally, I was employed by a Witch, but when she had to give up her house, I thought I’d be out of a job. Fortunately, Lily-sama hired me.” (??)

“I see…” (Yuri)

The First Guard Army is a bit better compared to the Second Army. Well, even if he’s not a battle-hardened veteran, just standing there as a guard is enough of a deterrent.

“I didn’t participate in the battle, though. I wish I had responded to the recruitment call.” (??)

For the citizens of Sibyaku, the battle that took place just to the north is still a big topic. As a man who can handle weapons, not participating might feel a bit shameful. But it’s easy to say that now, knowing it was a victory. Back then, no one knew how it would turn out, and it took great courage to join. The context of the choices people had to make often gets forgotten after the fact, leaving only the results.

“Being a guard here is a very important job, so you should be proud.” (Yuri)

“After all, Your Excellency Yuri Hou himself is visiting this house. I was surprised.” (??)

“Indeed. It’s rare for me to visit someone personally.” (Yuri)

That’s not entirely true but saying so might boost his motivation a bit.

“Oh, she’s here.” (??)

A maid in her thirties came running from the house. It seemed she was ready. The young guard opened one of the double iron gates. Since the gate was large enough for a carriage, opening one side was enough for my Galloping Bird to pass through easily.

“Could you please take care of the bird?” (Yuri)

I handed the reins of my mount to him. Just inside the entrance, there was a facility for tying up horses.

“Certainly. I’ll take good care of it.” (??)

The young guard willingly took the reins.

—

The room I was shown into was quite a comfortable and pleasant space. Whether Lily had brought them in or they were a taste of the former owner, the room was filled with light and decorated with several small terra-cotta pots planted with green trees.

“Thank you for waiting.” (Lily)

While I was seated in the chair the maid had shown me to, Lily-san appeared and took a seat across the small table. Today, she was wearing a bit of makeup. Her outfit was stylish and composed, a thin cardigan, not provocative but fashionable, was draped over her shoulders. The cardigan was open in the front, revealing a fitted blouse beneath that accentuated her waist. It was likely haute couture tailored to her figure. With her large breasts, Lily-san could look overweight in loose clothing, but outfits that highlighted her slim waist made her look incredibly well-proportioned.

“It’s been a while. I’m sorry for dropping by so suddenly.” (Yuri)

“It’s fine. No problem at all.” (Lily)

Despite her words, Lily seemed tense, her expression somewhat severe, suggesting she had some concerns.

“This is my first time here, but it’s a wonderful house.” (Yuri)

In situations like this, starting with small talk was usually best. This wasn’t just flattery sinceI genuinely thought so. This house was a gem. Residences of powerful Witches were usually intricately designed and tended to be quite stylish unless created by someone with particularly bad taste. However, this house was exceptionally good. It wasn’t designed to host large gatherings or events, but its compact build gave it a wonderfully secluded, retreat-like atmosphere.

“Thank you. Myaro-san introduced me to this place, and buying it was the right decision. I had plenty of money to spare.” (Lily)

She probably bought this house with the surplus from her executive compensation. Lily was a major shareholder, owning 6% of the shares of the now-incorporated Hou Company. Since Hou Company dealt with the New World and military secrets, it remained a private entity, making stock transactions difficult. However, Hou Company itself, or insiders like Myaro and I, could purchase shares. A house like this could be bought with the sale of just 0.1% of her shares. With 0.1% shares, we could probably buy several more houses.

“This house used to belong to a Witch, right? It has the feel of the Enfile Household.” (Yuri)

“You can tell? I don’t know much about it, but apparently, it did belong to that household.” (Lily)

While there were many exceptions, a Witch’s house often reflected the style of the main house of the Great Witch to whom they belong. The Enfile family had deep roots in the royal castle and strong connections with bureaucrats. Unlike other Witch households who dealt with merchants and ports, the Enfile Household had fewer occasions to host meetings, preferring calm, relaxing homes where they could unwind after work.

“The wallpaper in the hallway is similar to the main house of the Enfile Household in the Witch’s Forest.” (Yuri)

“Is it?” (Lily)

“Yes.” (Yuri)

“I see…” (Lily)

After saying something strange, Lily-san let the conversation lapse into silence. A few seconds of awkward silence followed. This wasn’t good.

“So, how’s your family doing these days?” (Yuri)

I quickly brought up another topic.

“…You mean back in ridge of mountain?” (Lily)

“Yes.” (Yuri)

“It seems they’re reluctant to leave our hometown. They plan to keep running the village as the headman and continue the clockmaking business.” (Lily)

Following the crusades and the ensuing conflicts, most lords aside from the Hou and Rube Households were ousted. However, some nobles, known for their effective land management and beloved by the residents, were asked to stay on as mayors or village heads. Lily’s family, the Amian Household, was among these, still overseeing the Yana Valley, formerly part of the Noza Household’s territory.

Lily’s family originally employed local residents to manufacture pocket watches and grandfather clocks. If they were driven out, the industry would collapse, and the Yana Valley would revert to its former impoverished state. This would be detrimental to the residents as well.

“Is that so…” (Yuri)

As I said this, the maid who had guided me earlier entered, carrying a tray with a tea set.

“Excuse me.” (??)

She said, then proceeded to prepare the tea. She poured it into delicate, thin-walled teacups.

“Thank you.” (Lily

Lily-san thanked while accepting her cup. She seemed quite at ease. Well, it had been six months since she bought this house.

“Please, have some tea.” (??)

She offered to me as well.

“Thank you.”

I was quite thirsty, so I took a sip immediately. As expected, it was tea.

Tea plants couldn’t be cultivated in Shaalta, so this must have been imported.

“It’s delicious. Even though I was the one who sourced it.” (Yuri)

“…Indeed.” (Lily)

Lily-san put her mouth to the cup and appeared to take a small sip.

The maid gave me a brief look, bowed slightly, and left.

“I’m thinking of quitting the company.” (Lily)

Lily said suddenly.

“Uh, why?” (Yuri)

My heart began to beat faster.

“Is it because of the working conditions?” (Yuri)

Not just stepping down as the head of the research institute but leaving the company entirely.

“You see, I’m already living a very good life. I have enough money that, even with some rough calculations, I could continue this lifestyle for a hundred years and still have plenty left. I think I’ve had enough.” (Lily)

“Hmm…” (Yuri)

In reality, she was absolutely right, leaving me with no grounds to argue. If we assumed Hou Company’s value would continue to rise steadily, the increase in her stock alone would be substantial. Not only would her current lifestyle be sustainable for a hundred years, but her wealth might not even decrease over that period.

“It makes perfect sense to say there’s no reason to work when you’ve already earned enough for a lifetime. It’s a tough argument to counter.” (Lily)

“Is there anything you’d like to do within the company? For example, creating the finest luxury watch possible.” (Yuri)

“If I had something I wanted to do, I could just start my own business… And making watches doesn’t require a huge factory like making cannons. I could do it in this house.” (Lily)

“Hmm…” (Yuri)

“What do you think I should do?” (Lily)

For a moment, I didn’t understand what she was asking. She was asking me what she should do.

“Shamu, Myaro, and others have plenty of money but still work, right? Even Cuffe Ornette and Harold Harrel.” (Yuri)

“That’s true.” (Lily)

“I think they find working itself enjoyable. They want to test their abilities in the world.” (Yuri)

“Exactly. But I don’t have that drive. I’ve only stuck around because I like you, Yuri.” (Lily)

Hmm…

“I’m not that oblivious, so I understand that.” (Yuri)

“…That’s probably true.” (Lily)

I took a sip of my tea.

“But I can never marry anyone.” (Yuri)

This isn’t due to my personal principles. It’s the country’s policy. I’m the father of Queen Shulika and the widower of the late Carol. This creates a positive public image and aligns with my motives, making it easy to garner support. It’s very convenient for the position I occupy.

If I were to marry someone else, it would change the situation drastically. Shulika would be seen as a stepchild, and I would no longer be Carol’s widower. This would create long-term complications, even if no immediate problems arise.

“I’m not asking you to marry me…” (Lily)

Lily-san said. She didn’t seem to want marriage.

No, that’s a lie, or rather a compromise, and in reality, getting married would probably be best for Lily-san. Is she suggesting a mistress-like arrangement?

“But even in such a relationship, I think it would be harder for you, Lily-san.” (Yuri)

“Marriage is half about money. I have plenty of it, and we can hire nannies for childcare. You wouldn’t have to help with that.” (Lily)

The conversation was taking a leap.

To begin with, Lily-san has a pretty face and big breasts. She’s not tall as a model, but she’s not overweight and she has a good figure. In this country, glasses haven’t become widespread yet, so some men might see that as a negative. However, even considering that, Lily would still be incredibly popular.

“But Lily-san, you could have any man you want.” (Yuri)

I said.

“Why would you say something like that?”  (Lily)

Lily-san looked at me reproachfully, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as if I said something taboo.

“I’m sorry.” (Yuri)

“Yuri-kun, do you think I’m saying this lightly? I’m not half-hearted about this…” (Lily)

Her voice tinged with tears as she adjusted her glasses to wipe her eyes.

“Well, Lily-san, you could easily find a man to marry and have a happy family with. I can’t marry, and I’m too busy to spend much time together. Are you okay with that?” (Yuri)

“Yes.” (Lily)

Really?

“Lily-san, you’re incredibly attractive, but I don’t want to make you unhappy.” (Yuri)

“Yuri-kun, the worst part is that you won’t even consider it. I’ve been suffering from unrequited love for about seven years now.” (Lily)

“Why would you go through that for someone like me?” (Yuri)

I genuinely don’t understand. Why would anyone endure that for a guy like me?

“Because you’re the best guy I’ve ever met. Sure, a lot of men approach me, but none of them are as attractive as you…” (Lily)

“Hmm.” (Yuri)

“It’s not complicated… If you find me attractive, then you don’t dislike the idea of being intimate with me, right? If we could just be together when we can, I’d be satisfied…” (Lily)

“Please don’t say such sad things…” (Yuri)

Like Carol, why do the women around me say they’re fine with just being friends with benefits? Do I unknowingly give off an aura that only those willing to be convenient partners should approach me?

“It’s painful to keep working near someone you have unrequited feelings for… I don’t want to be stuck in this situation when I’m 30 or 40. It would be a living hell.” (Lily)

“That makes sense…” (Yuri)

“Yuri-kun, do you really not want this?” (Lily)

“No, it’s not that at all. If it were allowed, I’d love to be naughty things with you.” (Yuri)

“Eh, naughty things with me…?” (Lily)

Lily seemed embarrassed but also slightly happy.

Of course, with a body like hers, who wouldn’t want all sorts of naughty things?

“But I don’t want you to miss out on happiness because of it. I don’t want you to look back and think you could have had a happy family if it weren’t for me.” (Yuri)

“That’s why, I don’t think so.” (Lily)

Contrary to my concerns, Lily-san was steadfast. Rather, she seemed to be very sure of her own feelings.

After all, it’s understandable. She’s been nursing unrequited love for 7 years despite being someone who shouldn’t be lacking in admirers. It’s certainly painful, and it seems that if I didn’t agree, she would indeed quit her job.

“I understand that you’re suffering, Lily. But let’s wait for a week.” (Yuri)

“A week?” (Lily)

“Today I have some errands to run, so I can’t start right away. If after a week you still feel the same way, I will properly respond to your feelings. I want to emphasize again, I’m not opposed to this at all.” (Yuri)

It would be arrogant of me to imagine what Lily-san wants and say it would lead to unhappiness or failure. If it were something guaranteed to cause misery, like drugs or something similarly harmful, I would intervene, but this doesn’t necessarily lead to unhappiness.

When I looked at Lily-san’s reaction, she seemed to be in a daze.

“…Lily-san? Is that okay with you?” (Yuri)

“—Huh?!” (Lily)

She appeared to be in a state of shock.

“Y-yes, that’s fine. Really? This isn’t a dream, is it?” (Lily)

Lily-san was pinching her cheeks in disbelief, showing a face full of joy. She looked adorable.

“It’s real.” (Yuri)

“Really? If you say it’s not okay now, I’ll be really angry, you know?” (Lily)

“Yes, it’s really real. Even if you change your mind, I won’t. That’s a promise.” (Yuri)

“Thank goodness…” (Lily)

Lily-san bowed her head and covered her face with her hands.

“Ugh… hic… my love has finally come true… I’m so glad…” (Lily)

“Um…” (Yuri)

“Uhh… I’m so happy…” (Lily)

She was shedding an incredible amount of tears.

Hmm…

“Well then, I’ll take my leave for today.” (Yuri)

This was something Shamu had often mentioned, ‘was it true that Lily was so in love that she would cry out of sheer emotion? She had always been on a diet to maintain her figure all year round just to attract Yuri. What did she think of me?’. Given this, one wonders how resolute her determination was when she invited me today. It must have been quite strong. Now that it has come to this, I need to find some way to repay her.

After leaving Lily’s mansion, I returned to work.