Chapter 97

The nobleman's mansion can be roughly divided into two types: those located within the city and those outside of it.

Baron Bouquet's mansion, like the headquarters of "Dragon First" in Perseron, is situated a little away from the city.

I had Patricia wait at the dragon stable a little distance from Baron Bouquet's mansion, and then I entered the mansion with the two women.

At the entrance, I showed the letter of introduction from Mademoiselle Catherine, and the butler who greeted us hurriedly went inside. Within three minutes, he led us into the mansion.

And now, we are in a grand reception room, facing Baron Bouquet.

This was my first time meeting Baron Bouquet.

The last time I delivered a letter from Mademoiselle Catherine, a butler had taken it, and that was the end of it. This is the first time I'm meeting him in person.

I casually observed Baron Bouquet.

He is probably in his late twenties to early thirties.

His hair is long enough to reach his shoulders, and he has a piercing gaze.

He doesn't seem very cheerful—rather, he gives off a gloomy and ominous vibe.

"I have read the letter of introduction."

Baron Bouquet spoke.

"What is it that you want from me?"

"Permission to reopen or enter the abandoned mine."

I stated my request straightforwardly.

Ultimately, I just need to obtain a substantial amount of tin, so I phrased it this way.

"I refuse."

Baron Bouquet heard me out but flatly refused.

"Can't you reconsider? The reward will be—"

"What obligation do I have to listen to your request?"

Baron Bouquet said sharply.

"..."

"That's the end of the conversation."

Baron Bouquet unilaterally ended the discussion and stood up.

"Sir Cyril"

"Ah..."

Called from behind, I turned around with my body.

Then I released the disguise on her.

As the disguise was lifted, Mademoiselle Catherine appeared.

Baron Bouquet, who had stood up and was about to leave the reception room, stopped and turned to us, frowning at the light of the disguise being lifted. Then—his expression changed dramatically.

"C-C-Catherine!?"

The gloominess from a moment ago was gone.

Baron Bouquet's face turned red from tension or something as he stammered Mademoiselle Catherine's name.

Yes, the one who appeared after the disguise was lifted was Mademoiselle Catherine.

"Sir Cyril..."

"Let's watch for a while."

I and Jeanne whispered to each other.

Indeed, this was Mademoiselle Catherine's suggestion.

—Let's have Baron Bouquet refuse once.

Following her suggestion, I disguised Mademoiselle Catherine and, as planned, had Baron Bouquet refuse once before revealing her true identity.

Honestly, I didn't understand why she wanted to do this.

...Until just now.

"C-C-Catherine, why are you here!?"

"I am very disappointed."

"What?"

"You don't care about my request, do you?"

"No, that's not true!"

"It's fine. I am aware that I am asking for a lot. It's not good to be too demanding."

"A-Ah..."

Mademoiselle Catherine spoke in short phrases but maintained her smile.

"I won't make any more requests."

"—!"

Baron Bouquet's expression changed dramatically.

It was clearly visible to anyone that his face now bore the expression of "despair."

"C-C-Catherine! It's fine! I'll prepare the mine for you."

"But I don't want to trouble you."

"Uwah..."

I couldn't help but let out a sound.

What a villain, a real villain.

Mademoiselle Catherine had completely wrapped Baron Bouquet around her little finger.

"It's not a problem! If it's a request from C-C-Catherine."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Is that so? I'm glad to hear that."

Mademoiselle Catherine smiled.

"—!"

Baron Bouquet's face lit up as if spring had come to the world, a look of pure bliss.

"He's completely wrapped around her little finger."

Beside me, Jeanne whispered, sounding a bit taken aback.

I... mostly agreed.

"S-S-So, I'll show C-C-Catherine around!"

"That's not necessary."

"But—"

"It's not good to be alone with a man before marriage in such a confined space. It's not proper."

"—! Yes, you're right..."

Baron Bouquet's spirits sank again.

His shoulders drooped, and he looked visibly dejected.

Then, Mademoiselle Catherine, with a deliberate air, started speaking.

"To make sure no one interferes at the mine, it would be easier if someone could clear the area completely."

"—!"

"But that seems difficult. No one could do such a thing—"

"I'll take care of it!!"

Baron Bouquet looked up and approached Mademoiselle Catherine with a snap.

"Really? You have someone in mind?"

"I'll take care of the clearance! Not even a mouse will get through."

"That's too much to ask of someone of your stature, Baron Bouquet. Perhaps someone else—"

"Please let me do it!! I want to help C-C-Catherine! I really want to!"

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Really, really?"

"Please!!"

"Is that so? Then, may I ask you to do it?"

"—! I'll take care of it!!"

Baron Bouquet looked even happier and rushed out of the reception room. In the hallway, he loudly called his subordinates and gave them orders.

"Wow... I just saw something incredible."

"Yes..."

I and Jeanne were amazed by what we had just witnessed.

Mademoiselle Catherine had completely wrapped the difficult and probably high-ranking Baron Bouquet around her little finger.

It was a skill, and I genuinely thought it was impressive.

After Baron Bouquet left, Mademoiselle Catherine turned around and came back to me.

"Was this satisfactory, Sir Cyril?"

"Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for making such a difficult request."

It was easy because of their relationship.

But it was a difficult matter, and I was grateful to Mademoiselle Catherine for pushing it through.

"Not at all! It's not difficult. I'm glad to be of service to you, Sir Cyril."

"Thank you, even so."

"Yes..."

Praised by me, Mademoiselle Catherine lowered her head slightly, looking up at me with a shy expression.

"From the outside, it looks like a strange power dynamic..."

Jeanne muttered beside me.

I completely agreed.