For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 19 - First Evaluation
#19. First Evaluation
“Father.”
“Have you arrived, Count?”
Appearing behind the two was Lia’s father, Count Penelope. He was wearing his conquest for the court. He seemed uncomfortable in the conquest, constantly adjusting around his neck. His stern expression accentuated his already rugged face.
“What brings you here?”
“I had some business at the palace. Have you forgotten what I do? I came for the regular meeting.”
Come to think of it, the Count usually attended meetings at the palace once a month. She hadn’t paid much attention, thinking he was just going out.
“How’s life at the palace?”
The Count seemed concerned about Lia. Looking into his eyes, her heart softened. She wanted to say it was difficult, especially dealing with people, especially those right in front of her. But saying so would only land her in trouble.
“It’s naturally fine.”
“The atmosphere earlier didn’t seem too pleasant.”
“It was just a minor disagreement with Mr. Perth.”
As if seeking immediate agreement, Lia glanced at Perth. Fortunately, he understood the meaning in her eyes and nodded.
“It was a trivial matter.”
It wasn’t a lie. He genuinely felt Lia’s issue wasn’t significant. Even if she wanted to voice it out, a resentful glance momentarily flickered from Lia. The Count was astute. He quickly noticed the odd atmosphere between the two, but if Lia wished to conceal it, he wouldn’t pry further.
“Well, since we still have time before the meeting, how about we go over the deal?”
“Alright. Let me guide you to my office.”
* * *
Perth’s office was near the prince’s office. While Lia had been to the prince’s office before, it was her first time visiting Perth’s. Unlike the prince’s office, it wasn’t spacious. There were no extravagant decorations. Instead, a practical desk and chair were placed in the center.
A considerable amount of documents lay neatly on the desk. Fortunately, there was a sofa in the corner for guests. It was also a simple sofa without lavish embellishments. The entire office reflected Perth’s personality.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Please.”
Despite the chilly atmosphere indoors, refreshments were thankfully prepared. The difference from Alfonse’s office was that Perth had to prepare the refreshments himself. As Perth poured the tea, the Count and Lia conversed in hushed tones.
“Saying it’s fine is obviously a lie. It probably isn’t as smooth as you think.”
“Don’t speculate without seeing it for yourself. It’s really good.”
“Is that so? You still haven’t faced reality properly.”
His words hinted at something speculative. The Count hadn’t believed from the start that Lia would adapt well to the palace’s life.
“Surely… you knew?”
“Knew what?”
“The reason I could enter the palace.”
“It’s probably because of me. I don’t know why you’re so keen on denying it.”
From the moment Perth arrived, the Count had suspected. There were plenty of plant manipulators in the palace. When Perth insisted on having Lia, despite her low control over her powers compared to the experts, the Count found his proposal intriguing. But it was merely because Lia wanted it, and he thought she could find a better match at the palace. Innocent Lia was glad to think that an opportunity had come her way.
“You’ll get the three months of palace apprenticeship experience you’ve always wanted, and you’ll find a good match. It’s not a bad offer, even for you.”
Lia felt resentful towards her father. He knew everything, yet he didn’t say a word to her, who innocently enjoyed the thought that an opportunity had come for her to demonstrate her abilities. She felt angry, and tears threatened to well up in her eyes. Fortunately, at that moment, Perth brought the tea, allowing her to hide her tears.
“It won’t be as splendid as what Lady Lia prepared. But it shouldn’t be undrinkable. Please, have some.”
“Thank you.”
As Perth sat opposite them, he observed the two. Although he couldn’t hear their whispered conversation while preparing tea, he could guess from Lia’s expression. Unlike the Count, who seemed to have already captured her expression, she appeared flushed. In this regard alone, she seemed unsuitable for the palace.
“Alright. Who was the first candidate?”
Without any preamble, the Count went straight to the point. Though his tone was calm, Perth felt as if he were being tested. He felt a bit tense and his grip on the teacup tightened.
“It was Prince Alfonse.”
“The first prince? Your superior?”
One of the Count’s eyebrows rose at Perth’s words. It wasn’t so much displeasure as it was a slightly surprised expression. From the moment Alfonse’s name came up, Lia’s expression distorted even more.
“I see. He’s an unmarried gentleman, and if you’re a woman from Psychedelia, he’s someone everyone likes. I thought he would be a good fit.”
“He’s a prince of the country, in line for the throne, and he even has a pre-arranged fiancée, but he meets the criteria.”
“Yes.”
A somewhat stiff response came back. But Perth didn’t waver. As he had told Lia, he had fulfilled the conditions of the contract. There was no condition stipulating a high likelihood of marriage.
“As cunning as ever.”
“You flatter me.”
It wasn’t necessarily a compliment, but Perth seemed genuinely pleased as if he had received praise. It was clear from the start that it was his opinion that had brought Lia into the palace. He didn’t think the first prince was such an outstanding figure to come up with such a complex plan. He had heard that the prince’s advisor was competent, but he hadn’t known he could be so cunning.
“So, did they manage to meet as agreed for a month?”
“The prince paid special attention to Lady Lia’s palace life. Thanks to him, they had tea together at least once a week. They were just having a meal together moments ago.”
“Does the prince know about our deal?”
“No, he’s unaware.”
“Then what benefit did the prince have in meeting Lia regularly?”
“I can tell you that, Father.”
Listening quietly to their conversation, Lia interjected. Perth didn’t falter even in front of the Count. If need be, she thought, he would even make things awkward.
“What’s the benefit for the prince?”
“He wanted to impress you by getting close to me.”
“What does he gain from impressing me?”
“It seems he needs your assistance.”
“What help could an old man like me possibly offer?”
The Count’s response was a refusal, even with a hint of the prince’s intention. As expected, Lia felt triumphant at the firm refusal. Perth had anticipated it to some extent, but his firm rejection still brought bitterness in his mouth.
“A fair and influential person like the Count is hard to find elsewhere. The prince needs the teachings of experienced and capable elders like the Count. I hope you’ll consider it slowly.”
Yet he didn’t give up. It wasn’t his desire to sever the connection between the prince and the Count. Alfonse had lost Lia’s trust by revealing his true intentions too easily, but there were two more chances for him.
“The prince has chosen a good aide.”
The Count was pleased with Perth’s polite yet unyielding flattery. While introducing the prince abruptly had been unpleasant, it wasn’t necessarily a bad choice upon reflection. Lia had no immunity to men. So, rather than starting with a serious meeting from the beginning, perhaps it was better to gain experience with someone like him, who was known to be a playboy.
“Well, Lia. What do you think after meeting the first prince?”
She pondered for a moment on how to respond. The first impression hadn’t been great. But she thought it was due to prejudice and tried to think differently, even though it was clear they wouldn’t work out.
But there was something more infuriating than that. She realized that she had been called to the palace not because her ability to grow plants was recognized, but because of her father’s background. Initially, she was furious, but upon sober reflection, she realized it was partly her fault.
After all, growing Miracle of the Deserts didn’t require any special ability. Moreover, Prince Alfonse had blatantly demanded to befriend her from the start. Everything was saying that nobody needed her except herself. Or rather, she pretended not to see.
“I had prejudices at first, but he treated me well.”
It was true that Alfonse had tried to be kind to her. Though his methods were often strange and sometimes burdensome.
“So, has it improved?”
“No, it was just burdensome since the prince already has a fiancée. He expressed a desire to befriend me, but I don’t think we can become close. Besides, he doesn’t seem like my type.”
The outcome was predictable, but it still meant the first introduction was a failure. There was no change in the expressions of the three people, unsurprisingly.
“You’re saying a man who is outstanding in character, status, and wealth isn’t your type?”
“But the prince only saw me as ‘Lia, the youngest daughter of Count Penelope’. I would prefer someone who sees me as just ‘Lia’.”
“Did you hear that?”
“Yes.”
The request for the second person to be chosen was made with Lia’s conditions in mind. Considering there was an element of his own desires in the first choice, Perth nodded obediently.
“This time, consider solely from Lia’s perspective. Don’t mix in your own interests.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Well then, I have a meeting, so I’ll take my leave. Lia, let’s meet again in a month.”
“Yes, Father. Take care.”
The Count briefly rested his hand on Lia’s head as she rose from her seat. The warmth felt on her head reassured her. Despite his occasional harshness, he was still her father. After seeing off the Count towards the meeting room, Lia headed back towards the dormitory. Perth offered to accompany her, but she firmly refused.
“I can go alone.”
“There’s something I want to ask you on the way.”
“Go ahead.”
Perth was inwardly surprised. Lia had never been so cold to him before. Her coldness towards him hadn’t affected him at all. But he couldn’t shake off the feeling of concern about why she was so angry right now.
“Why… are you so angry?”