I Already Know My Magic Power Is Ridiculously High! Now I Just Need a Cute Wife... - Episode 85

Luna was a beauty beyond my imagination.

Through our letters, I already knew she had an excellent personality and education.

All that was left was her appearance. If she was good-looking, she’d be perfect—and then, a stunning beauty appeared before me.

—

“I am Rednark de Ortenos.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Lord Rednark. Today, let us work together so that Ortenos, Hoshiros, and Naia can take a better step forward.”

“That is a wonderful proposal. May our future be blessed.”

—

Father skillfully hid his emotions behind the veil of nobility.

He was likely still assessing whether she could be trusted.

After finishing her greeting with Father, Luna turned to face me.

Well, I figured she’d come to me next.

—

“Nice to meet you, Lord Ortenos. Umm… I’m Luna…”

—

Unlike how she spoke to Father, Luna now fidgeted as she spoke to me.

It was like a classmate nervously approaching their crush.

—

“I am Shalka. Before such a lovely princess of Naia, I find myself at a loss for words. It is as if I have been bewitched by a golden fox spirit.”

—

When praising a noble lady, it is common to compare her to something beautiful.

Like a colorful bird or a butterfly.

Since Naia’s family crest features a golden-furred fox, I decided to use that in my compliment.

Upon hearing my introduction, Luna’s face lit up with joy.

—

“Oh my, you are quite charming. Just as I imagined from your letters, Lord Shalka, you are a gallant gentleman. I have long looked forward to meeting you.”

—

Excitement and delight.

Luna was clearly expressing her feelings toward me—surprisingly openly, considering she was wearing a chastity belt.

—

“Though Naia and Ortenos are currently at odds, if we can achieve friendship, then not as a representative, but as a person, I hope to have a good relationship with you, Lord Shalka…”

—

Luna blushed as she spoke.

Wait… Is she actually interested in me?

When did I manage to raise Luna’s affection this much?

As I pondered this, our conversation was abruptly interrupted by a third party.

—

“So, you’ve arrived, Rednark. Hm? Urgore isn’t here? Don’t tell me you’ve brought these little pups out for a walk.”

—

A towering man with a deep voice spoke provocatively to my father.

The Marquis of Hoshiros, Galtano.

He had the face of a battle-hardened warrior, complete with scars.

Despite this being a peace negotiation, he was dressed in full battle attire.

“And which fool was it that got tripped up by these so-called pups, Galtano?”

“Heh, you’ve got quite the mouth. Which of your little pups was it that snatched Bangwall from us?”

Galtano compared me and Roa before locking his gaze onto me.

“You must be Shalka.”

“I am.”

I met Galtano’s sharp gaze head-on.

“You have the face of a man who thirsts for bl00d. You smell just like Urgore.”

Galtano narrowed his eyes at me, his tone dripping with disdain.

(*Who’s a bloodthirsty wolf?*)

I wanted to retort in my head.

I’m a pacifist—what kind of nonsense is he talking about?

“Lord Galtano, please refrain from causing disruption here. We have not even begun negotiations yet. Kindly avoid provoking others.”

“Negotiation is foolish. Why should we agree to peace? Have you forgotten how much bl00d has been spilled, Lady Luna? We will never forget our grudge against Ortenos.”

Despite Luna’s protests, Galtano refused to back down.

As expected, Hoshiros would not agree easily.

It was predictable, but still an unfortunate development.

If this keeps up, my chance of building rapport with this lovely princess will be utterly crushed.

“If the war continues, it will only lead to sorrow for both sides. Please, lay down your arms here.”

“Luna is right, Galtano. According to the Continental Charter, a defeated noble should accept peace with dignity. Are you saying you will reject that tradition?”

Father reinforced Luna’s strong stance.

This should have made it clear to Galtano that Father was in favor of a ceasefire.

“Words from a toothless noble are not worth hearing. Naia has prolonged this war for sixty years—we have no reason to turn back now. Luna, your desperate plea must be for your own selfish ambition to become queen. Just like Ortenos, who bows to the west, I can see through your ugly schemes.”

“I… I have no such intentions…”

This conversation was going nowhere.

As I thought that, my father subtly signaled to me.

(*Yeah, I figured this would happen.*)

I didn’t want Luna, my pen pal, to see this side of me, but I had no choice.

Though reluctant, I decided to put on an act.

“*Sigh*… I told you, Father.”

I let out a deep, exaggerated sigh, drawing attention to myself.

“Hoshiros will never agree to a ceasefire. In that case, it would be easier to wipe them out instead.”

“Lord Shalka?! What are you saying…?”

Luna looked at me, her eyes wide with shock.

Now she must believe that my views differ from my father’s.

“Lord Galtano, you are right. Ortenos has not forgotten our grudge against Hoshiros either. My father may permit your survival, but I do not.”

“Oh…?”

Galtano let out an intrigued sound.

It was likely an attempt to show composure, but I could tell he was on guard.

“If Hoshiros truly desires war, we are ready to respond immediately. If you have the resolve, then draw your sword.”

With those words, I pulled out my star-engraved pipe.

I had no intention of using it unless absolutely necessary, but if Galtano was serious about fighting, a full-scale war with Hoshiros could break out right here.

“Lord Shalka, you mustn’t!”

Luna’s desperate cry rang out.

The tension reached its peak.

Galtano’s hand moved toward his sword—then stopped.

“GAHAHAHA! So this is the true nature of Lord Shalka? A genius or a fool—I still cannot decide. But that boldness is wasted on a mere protector.”

Galtano burst into hearty laughter.

Even though we were the ones pushing him, I found myself breaking into a cold sweat.

This man was truly fit to lead a marquis house.

“And what will you do now, Lord Galtano?”

I struggled to hide my own unease.

Father had instructed me to act as an opponent of peace to make Hoshiros suspicious.

To them, I was an unpredictable wild card—an unknown factor.

And my father exploited that uncertainty perfectly.

“…Very well. Out of respect for your resolve, I will at least sit at the negotiating table.”

Galtano finally relented.

I let out a silent sigh of relief.

(*Whew, that was close. Now we can finally move forward.*)

—

This was essentially the “good cop, bad cop” strategy.

By playing the irrational villain, I made my father’s stance seem more reasonable.

(*That was a risky gamble, but I played my part well.*)

If battle had broken out here, it would have put Father and Roa in danger.

I was not yet confident I could take on four Star-ranked warriors without casualties.

However, there was one major issue—someone’s opinion of me had just dropped.

“Lord Shalka… that was a lie, right…?”

Luna stared at me; her eyes hollow with disbelief.

As if she had been betrayed by someone she trusted.

(*Oof… that hurts…*)

Thus, the pure, gentlemanly image Luna had of me from our letters… had been utterly shattered.