Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 336

"Fuhahahaha! Do you understand, lass!? I'm still rolling in money! My final goal is to use that money to return to the lavish lifestyle!"

Despite his talent, his personality is the worst. What a terrible shame.
While spitting saliva, Wire said.

"For that, I decided to regain prestige first! I wish I could buy back the peerage I had been stripped off, but the Royal Family didn't allow that… So, I thought… I'd run a popular store in the prime location of the Royal Capital! I'll get back my influence in the association! I'll make my store a success, and then grasp even more successes!"
"Amazing…"

I unconsciously applauded his words brimming with vitality. I respect that he's still greedy despite his age.
While I was honestly astonished, feeling like I witnessed the human potential, Wire looked at me with a lecherous smile.

"However, lass… In the time I didn't see you, you've become quite a good woman. If only you weren't the daughter of Vivoir ducal house…"
"…"

My face turned serious.
If I weren't, what would he say? That he'd make me his mistress?
In the first place, I'm already married.
I spontaneously thought that it's good Freed isn't here.
Freed would flip out in an instant.
And even without him, the mood of the surroundings went from bad to worse. "How dares he to our Princess Consort…" "If not for the order, I'd already…" Everybody is so angry at the insults towards me that they may barge in at any moment.

I wonder if it wouldn't it be better to say that I'm the Crown Princess to get rid of him.
While I was having such thoughts, Wire made a face like he came up with something good.

"That's right! Lass! Won't you bet with me? Open your new store at the same time as me. We'll compete in sales for one week. The loser has to listen to one thing the winner says. How about it!?"
"Eh? … Why are we betting suddenly? I don't want to."
"You have no right of veto! I hit rock bottom because of you! It's the etiquette to go along with that!"

… Etiquette? When I was about to reflexively repeat, Wire calmly said.

"Properly speaking, you should prostrate yourself before me and say, 'I am sorry. Lord Wire. As an apology, please let me become your mistress. I will listen to everything you say,' but I settled on a bet. You should thank me!"

It was so farfetched I became lost for words.
While amazed from the bottom of my heart, I looked at the small man in front of me.
Really, why does he think I should accept such an absurd bet?
There's nothing I gain from it. It's strange he thinks I'd accept.
But, I suddenly realized.
What if I make him to promise, "Never again do business in the Royal Capital," if I win? If I do that, this troublesome man will never appear before my eyes again. It'll also be for the good of townsfolk. Isn't it quite good?
Wire's new store. Mrs. Marietta said it wasn't a good exchange. He may have threatened people again, like before with the curry store. Then I can't leave it alone. But I only have rumors, not evidence, so I can't accuse him.
Then this bet may be the quickest way to drive him off without a fuss.
The problem is if he really intends to keep the promise, but――

"… If I win, can you promise to never again do business in the Royal Capital?"
"Fine."

When I asked as a test, he agreed much too easily.
I frowned since it didn't feel like he'd keep the promise, but Wire scornfully laughed and said.

"I'm a gambler. Gamblers don't lie about games. I've lived by this for a long time. This time too I amassed fortune with that talent. If you win, not only I won't do business, I promise to never approach the Royal Capital again. That much is trivial."
"…"

I thought a little.
I feel like I can believe the reason that Wire is a gambler.
If I use any other way, he'll probably stubbornly keep coming back to this town. I have such a hunch, so I must accept his challenge to prevent that.

"… I will accept, but there are two things I need to say first."
"What, lass?"

Wire raised an eyebrow. I showed him my ring.

"I'm married. That's why, no matter what you say, I will have to decline becoming your mistress."
"What!? When did you!?"
"I just got married recently. And one more. I said my wish. Mr. Wire, please also state your wish first. Unless I hear it, I won't accept the match."
"If I can't have you as my mistress, give me your store!"

―― As I thought.

I thought it would be that anyway. However, it's not something I can decide at my own discretion.

"I'm sorry, but this time it was my husband who invested in it, not me. So if I lose, could you talk directly with my husband? If my husband agrees, I think the shop will become yours."

I'm not going to lose. Wire only uses underhanded means, so I don't think my Japanese café would lose to his store.
But, I still must consider the case where I lose. That's why I wanted this development.
The store belongs to Freed. That's why I want Wire to talk to Freed directly.
I feel sorry for ultimately relying on Freed, but it's the only way to safely bet with Wire while protecting the store.

"Your husband did? Hm. He must be some inexperienced noble heir anyway. I'll easily cajole him. Alright, those conditions are fine. If I win, you'll introduce me to your husband. I'll negotiate directly afterwards and explain to your husband how things are. One or two brats are nothing with my conversational skills. I'll have him give over everything he owns right away."

He'd be amazing if he could say the same thing after seeing Freed, but it would be impossible for a small fry like him.
Without a doubt, it will be Wire who'll run away with his tail between his legs.

"I understand. I don't mind introducing you to my husband if I lose. Afterwards, discuss it together or whatever… Mr. Wire. Last but not least. Cheating is forbidden in this match. If I learn you cheated, it will be my victory. I'll have a third party be a referee, so please don't think it's alright as long as it doesn't get exposed."
"… Grr."
"You're a gambler, right? I've heard that it's one of the pleasures of gambling to cheat and not get exposed, but this isn't a gambling venue. Ah, don't try anything like bribing the referee. The instant that's confirmed, I win the match."
"… You're cheeky for a lass… But well, fine. As a generous adult, I'll accept those conditions. Even without such tricks I won't lose to someone like you."
"It's a promise. ―― Everybody. You heard Mr. Wire's words.
"Yes."

Everybody responded all at once. It seems Wire for the first time noticed the countless eyes glaring at him, as he froze from surprise.

"Eek!?"
"About the match details… Let's see. Mr. Wire, I can't trust your honesty, so can I decide them? You won't say no, right? You proposed the match, so that much isn't a problem, is it?"

Now that he's frozen, it's my chance. I took the opportunity to set further conditions. Perhaps unable to stand the surrounding's bloodlust, Wire shouted.

"G-Got it! That's all! Lass! I'll crush your store!!"

Saying only that, he rushed outside the store as fast as he could.
I saw him off in silence.
Come to think of it, Wire didn't bring any bodyguards today. I don't know if it's because it was simple reconnaissance or because he couldn't spare money on them, but it wasn't like him. While I was thinking that, the staff members, who all had been enduring, spoke all at once.

"Princess Consort! Why did you let such a small fry say whatever he wanted?"
"That's right! Treating the Crown Princess of Wilhelm like that is unforgivable!"
"Aah… I'm happy about your feelings, but please calm down."

Now, now. I calmed my surroundings. I felt sorry that I made everybody endure.
Although briefly, I talked to everybody about the past trouble with Baron Wire and finished by saying.

"That's why I don't want a person like that in town. But as you all can guess, that sort of person won't listen to anything he's told. If anything, he'd come back no matter how many times he was driven off. To completely get rid of him, the only way is to convince him. It's because I thought that. And then, the reason I didn't reveal my status is because it would only drive him off. I can easily imagine he'd come back when he found a gap, and above all, I had a feeling he wouldn't believe me if I said that I'm the Crown Princess."
"Certainly, he had such an impression…"

Despite his anger, one of the staff members nodded like it couldn't be helped.
He's one of the Primera Chivalric Order members, and Freed brought him because he's very strong and most suitable for the job.
His name is Levitt and he came from the navy. He was transferred to the Primera Chivalric Order on Lord Garay's recommendation. Since Freed has a good opinion of him, this time he was appointed here.
He's a big man with a muscular body, so Wire probably fled after seeing him.

"Try as I might, I can't forgive such insults to Princess Consort cherished by His Highness…"
"It certainly was offensive, but I only thought, "Ah, that's how Mr. Wire is," so I didn't get offended. I'm alright. I'm just glad I found a way to convince him. I don't feel like losing, so be relieved."
"Of course, we don't think Princess Consort will lose… The deliciousness of those Japanese confections is bound to captivate everybody in the Royal Capital."
"Thank you."

The whole staff cooperates in food tasting, so it fills me with confidence to hear that.

"I intend to work harder than before to ensure the victory, so everyone, cooperate."

When I asked them, everybody who was listening gave an excellent response, "Yes!"

Chapter end