(EP-146.1) #6

146 – Pincer #6

Mirna fiercely glared at Elga’s face before sitting down at the table.

“Lady Lioness. Calling people for such a meeting on a weekend, what on earth is this about? It’s incredibly rude.”

Even a midsummer puddle would freeze from the iciness of her words. It was very distant from the warmth that Mirna usually showed me. Hearing such, I could not help but flinch.

Receiving such a scornful expression and disdainful words from a beauty like Mirna, it would make anyone tremble like a scared mouse.

However, the woman facing her, Elga, was not ordinary either.

“Can’t a person invite people over? Why are you taking this so seriously? What, afraid that I’ll eat you?”

Pajjit.

For a moment, it seemed like sparks were flying from their eyes. Finally, it was Elga who opened her mouth first.

“If you’re confident, then sit here.”

Deureureuk.

Elga pulled out a chair.

Mirna scoffed with a “Hmph,” and took a seat on the opposite side of the chair Elga had pulled out. That gave this war of nerves a brief truce.

“…….”

“…….”

Both sipped from their cups in silence.

In the midst of it all, I felt a page from the history of Angmar that I had read before flash before my eyes.

The conflict between the Lioness Family and the Draco Family had been going on for a long time.

The centuries-long rivalry between the two resulted in a lot of bloodshed, bringing each other down for their power and beliefs.

They had aimed spears and blades at each other like sworn enemies.

But, it was said that there were times where the two sat at the same table and extended their hands to each other.

This was according to the historical records of Angmar Palace, albeit it only happened twice.

The first time was when they founded the kingdom together with King David Angmar.

The second time was when they raised arms to subdue the Demon King Solomon.

Unless there was a great cause and a common goal like the above, they would mix as good as water and oil.

And now, they were sitting together at the same table before my eyes.

A triangular relationship where each person kept a certain distance from each other.

“I don’t understand the intention behind all this.”

Mirna was looking displeased as she scrutinized our faces, while Elga remained relatively calm, sipping her tea.

“Just wait. We’ll talk after we finish these drinks.”

Meanwhile, I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what was happening.

“…….”

What kind of situation was this?

From what I could infer right now, it seemed that Elga had planned for this meeting in advance.

Perhaps at some point I was not aware of, Elga contacted Mirna and set up an appointment at 7pm on Saturday evening.

The process was probably a one-sided notice from Elga.

Hence why Mirna was angry with Elga for arbitrarily creating the meeting.

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

‘Alright, I know this far up.’

Now, I needed to figure out why Elga called for such a meeting.

If there was anything that came to mind, it might have something to do with Elga mentioning about helping me progress my relationship with Mirna.

But even I couldn’t figure out what Elga would say after gathering us in this place.

Even though I knew that Elga was more “act first, think later”, I couldn’t have predicted a sudden move like this.

“Theo Gospel. What is going on here? Are you colluding with Lady Lioness to embarrass me?”

Then Mirna spoke to me.

I glanced at Elga, who had a relaxed and laid-back expression on her face, and had no choice but to reply honestly.

“I also have no knowledge of this. Let’s wait for Elga-nim to speak.”

“Well, don’t dawdle and let’s hear it then. If it’s some nonsense, I’ll make you pay for the joke.”

Dalgak.

With Mirna’s urging, Elga finally set her teacup down on the table.

“Mirna, why are you so impatient?”

“If you think I have the time to laze around like you, you’re mistaken.”

“Alright, since I don’t want to hold a busy person back for too long either, shall we go straight to the point?”

“…….”

Elga’s words seemed to catch Mirna off guard, and she swallowed a bit, almost imperceptibly. In that fleeting moment, Mirna’s mind must have been filled with various thoughts.

“Go on…”

“Great. Then I’ll ask you, Mirna Draco. When are you planning to get married?”

“What?”

“Yes. I’ve heard that Theo Gospel is your fiancée, no? Then you must have thought about marriage. Have you decided on a date or anything?”

“… And why would you be curious about that?”

Instead of answering, Mirna skillfully deflected the question back to Elga. However, Elga calmly responded, avoiding it with ease.

“Why would I not be? I’m also interested in this guy.”

“……!”

Mirna jumped up from her seat like a startled mouse. Her posture was like that of a cobra standing tall, ready to pounce on its prey.

I was equally taken aback.

I looked at Elga in surprise.

But Elga leisurely continued with the conversation.

“Why? Did I say something I shouldn’t have? You’re not even married yet. There shouldn’t be any legal issues, right?”