Even if my only strength is water magic, having modern knowledge should be sufficient, right? - Chapter 48

Episode 48: Announcement of Defeat and Manners Lesson

It took a week, but we couldn’t breach the security of the Levias estate.

There’s a possibility that we can’t touch it anymore because of its security. Besides, there hasn’t been any handover of administration. However, we managed to find some usable alcohol and a few hidden passages.

“Well, it can’t be helped. And if Frim-sama takes refuge there, no one can touch that mansion, so maybe it’s fine as it is. In a way, it’s proof that you’re recognized as the Levias family’s daughter.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

There were discussions about the security, based on the map of the mansion and what was found inside, but none of them went well.

“Perhaps such devices are in the central part of the mansion?”

“No, no, I heard that in the Utamai family, the head is decided by singing more beautifully.”

“Here… could there be something in the head’s room after all?”

“When it comes to strict protection, the third floor or the basement seems suspicious.”

“Hey! Didn’t I tell you that Fleemis-sama investigated there?! Are you doubting Fleemis-sama’s words!?”

“I-it’s not like that.”

“Save the accusations for later. How about near the armory? It’s unusual for a mansion to be so large, especially when it’s not a knight’s house.”

Eventually, it was discovered that some keys were not locked, and some extremely expensive grimoires, staffs, and weapons were left behind… A few people who seemed greedy among those who came here died.

Before we knew it, bodies surfaced from the waterways flowing through the Levias estate. We received complaints from the neighbors and apologized profusely. Thanks to that, it became apparent to the noble society that we were not united, but at least it confirmed that the Levias family’s “enter and die” security was functioning.

It was also revealed that the waterway running through the Levias estate originated from the Levias family.

―――It was decided that instead of spending too much time, the debut would be held at the nearest mansion without using the Levias family’s mansion.

Since not only people in the capital are attending, we need to notify them a month in advance, but we can’t announce the location at the Levias estate.

Suppose Frim-chan could discover and manipulate the security system. It might be a wonderful system where only those with ill intentions toward Frim-chan are excluded once everyone else can enter. …But is it okay to use that mansion?

As of now, the only known mystery of the security system is that “Frim-chan, a blood relative, can enter, but something invisible pushes her away,” and “suspicious individuals are blocked once, and even if they enter later, they are all killed.” It’s too dangerous.

Even if Frim-chan could control the security system and find the “instruction manual,” I have no trust in a system that can only produce results between “whether people die or not.”

If there’s something wrong with it… if it’s something like “killing all the invited guests,” it would be disastrous. I wouldn’t be able to face the people who support me and those who came to the debut, besides myself.

There’s naturally no Japanese manufacturer we can trust here. There’s no manufacturer’s manual or warranty, and there’s no track record of what they’ve been making so far.

Considering the operability and safety checks, it was decided that we couldn’t use the Levias mansion… I can’t help but feel defeated when I think about all the efforts so far.

So, we’re having a manners lesson. Since I’ve shown that I can use water magic to our people, it’s not a top priority.

Etiquette… manners vary greatly depending on the country and culture.

We invite people regardless of their faction, but it’s completely different depending on whether it’s the “noble themselves,” “noble’s family,” or “proxy” who comes.

I learned Japanese business manners, but I was supposed to learn that you invite the most important person to sit farthest back at a banquet, and that knocking twice on a door means someone’s in the bathroom. You shouldn’t drink the prepared tea… But that’s both correct and incorrect.

When I met acquaintances from America and England, they knocked on the door twice, although I was taught that three times was correct in the past, but later, in another manners class, it was said that “three times is incorrect, and four times is correct.”

There are various manners, but you have to learn the important ones.

Even if I think I’m being polite, I must avoid not only “making people uncomfortable” but also “provoking fights.”

“Is that really part of etiquette?”

“Yes. At the venue, water will be provided by Frim-sama, and that’s what we’ll drink. Even if alcohol is requested, it must not be provided.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it’s impolite. Demanding more than what’s offered is rude, and it could even lead to a duel if the head of the household’s offerings are disparaged.”

“But if providing alcohol would settle things, wouldn’t that be better? Right now, I don’t want to provoke anyone.”

“…Far from provoking, some nobles are actively plotting against Frim-sama. We must not show weakness here.”

“I see.”

Teacher Ael looked a little troubled. I’m one of those peace-loving Japanese people who are not good at conflict in the first place. There’s a part of me that subtly rejects learning how to deal with people who come at you with a confrontational attitude. While I don’t consider myself aggressive, I think I have that kind of logic and mindset… but in this world, I still feel a discrepancy in ethics.

Even Ael, who looks like a perfect lady, carries a staff and knife in her skirt, and her mindset is different. I confirmed it in the bath.

Etiquette was a formidable enemy.

Just walking straight draws criticism, and everything from the elegant way of turning around in a dress to how to turn corners in the hallway, how to reprimand subordinates, the method of dueling, praising staffs, making snide remarks and compliments to territorial nobles and court nobles, and even how to wield a knife in a fight…

“Like this, you stab and twist at the same time.”
“…Yes.”

It’s completely different from what I had in mind for the class content. For now, there’s no one of similar height for dancing. Tea parties are also off the table for now, and as the head, I’ve decided to decline any invitations to tea parties where there’s a possibility of poison.

I thought Ael might be dangerous, but teaching “how to wield a knife” seems to be common sense that even Boss-san and Mr. Bursa mentioned. It’s because it’s natural to have a knife that’s allowed to be carried… I hope I never have to use it.

Etiquette and behavior make you more aware of malice. You learn how malice is exposed, common methods of poisoning, and even how to retaliate.

…Maybe I need this now. It’s better to know something than nothing in case of an emergency. I might need it to survive, but why am I not feeling motivated to learn so much?

But it’s helpful that basic etiquette is the same. Don’t get names wrong. Don’t get territories wrong. Don’t get family names wrong. Don’t get factions wrong. Don’t disparage parents. Lying is a sin. Avoid making careless remarks. Don’t ridicule physical features. Don’t break promises, and so on. There are many aspects that I understand.

Whether to pick a fight where no one is around or do it in public, the difference, and the significance of doing it in front of the king, are also taught.

“Teacher Ael! Shall we have tea soon?”

“Understood.”

I don’t want to run away. It’s just that Frim-chan is too exceptional for Ael to put a stop to one-on-one. We’re still exploring the Levias estate, practicing manners, and I’m exhausted… and without a break, the next instructors will arrive. Bagbal Markdenbeyer will report on finances and the financial situation of the factions, Kiett Markdenbeyer will report on how to manipulate factions skillfully and about individuals who are currently rebellious or promising. Boss-san will teach me about the crests and specialty products of each territory with miniatures. It seems a bit too cram-packed for a five-year-old to handle.

Especially since Frim-chan, who is thought to have low combat abilities due to her water attribute, could potentially be challenged to a duel, she is carefully taught various patterns of how fights might be provoked. Dueling wasn’t supposed to be included in the etiquette I thought of, but everyone teaches it firmly.

――――It’s quite dangerous, so I might as well prepare a bit too.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
(Boss’ Perspective)

Life, you never know what’s going to happen. I never imagined I’d become a noble… I thought I would make sure my sons didn’t receive the same treatment I did from my father, but if I don’t do anything, they won’t grow up well either. Myued and Tony are still okay, but my other sons are not even good at manners, let alone how to speak. I had older brothers to look up to, and I grew up watching them, but maybe I was just lucky.

Relkef and Pakis have harmed Frim before. The remaining three, Alley and Korkot, might be usable with a little training since they’re still involved in business, but they’re not suitable for dealings with nobles. What is Goff doing?

All my kids are receiving education… I didn’t think children needed education or fathers, but how did this happen?

“Dugga…”

“Viscount Druggen, what’s the matter?”

Was he ever this small? Was he ever this old? The damn father kept scolding me who couldn’t use earth magic at all, hitting me with a stick, and eventually gave me this scar on my face… The good-hearted older brother defended me and stood up for me, but Father really put me through hell, saying someone like me would hold him back.

Bursa graduated from school and immediately looked for me, helping me out. Even brother Forblin, busy with the knights, said he punched Father.

I’m getting old now, and I might have grandchildren soon, but I still remember my childhood.

The worst enemy, the one I wanted to kill over and over again…

But—

“You damn father, I still resent you and want to kill you, but I guess we have to get along now.”

“…Is that so?”

“Tch, ‘Is that so’ is that all you have to say?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Sorry about that.”

I almost reached out and stepped forward involuntarily, but I held back. What would punching him accomplish? It would only make my situation worse. Because he’s my father, I never thought I’d be so infuriated.

Still, I have to talk to him. It’s not like Bursa, the main family, and I are on bad terms, but since Frim and I are connected to Bursa, we’ll have to talk eventually.

“So, what’s the matter?”

“…I want to ask for――”

“Huh?”

…It was completely different from what I expected, and I didn’t understand the meaning at all.