(EP-155.1) Aspect #8

155 – New Aspect #8

Mirna appeared eager to shift the subject.

“Everyone will talk about this trial by combat. It might go down in history. It’s going to be a crucial moment, so whose name will you put forward?”

“A name, huh?”

Having finished her meal, Aira elegantly wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and lightly replied.

“I’m considering it. However, there seems to be quite a willing few. If you have something to say, then don’t dally and just directly come forward.”

“Who are you talking to?”

Mirna looked around, puzzled.

Plop.

Something gently landed on the floor from the high ceiling. It was a woman wearing a brown leather jacket, a leopard-print bra top, tight pants, and high-heeled boots.

She had luscious purple hair and the pointed ears of an Elf. It was Professor Stella.

Where did she come from all of a sudden? Was she stuck to the ceiling?

“Queen Tarantera.”

Stella Bellhawk said to Aira. Of course, Aira didn’t even spare her a glance and simply took a sip from her glass.

“As I said in my letter, the Bellhawk Family and I have no involvement in this incident. I did invite their party, that’s true… But I had no idea something like this would happen!”

Stella Belhawk claimed her innocence regarding the recent ambush. From what she was saying, it seemed that she had already sent a letter to Aira through something like a messenger pigeon.

“I will be your champion. That will prove my innocence.”

“Hm, the prairie fairy is going to be my champion?”

Aira seemed intrigued by her suggestion. I guessed it was unexpected for Stella, the Young Lady of the Bellhawk Family, to volunteer as a champion.

However, from Stella’s perspective, it made sense.

With this recent attack on the Queen, her standing within the family would further deteriorate. She probably wanted to prove her innocence and usefulness at the same time.

If she were to win as a champion, she would gain fame, honor, and a clear validation of her skills. So, in many ways, it would be beneficial for Stella.

She certainly wasn’t lazy or lacking in intelligence.

But Aira’s words were quite harsh.

“Even if it’s not you, there are many people who would want to fight for me, the Queen. So why should I choose you instead of others?”

Indeed, there were many who would want to be Aira’s champion.

Even Elga wanted to fight.

Given that the stage was set in a globally recognized event involving the Queen, it was probably known by all what kind of honor and glory they’d gain if they emerged victorious.

“Tell me, Stella Bellhawk. What will I gain from choosing you?”

Aira’s question was sharp.

Why should she choose Stella Bellhawk? In other words, appeal yourself to the queen, what was your selling points.

Stella, seemingly taken aback by the question, quickly glanced around. She probably knew that there were many ears listening.

Stella appeared somewhat uneasy, but she soon spoke in a low voice, as if trying to shake it off.

“Support from the Bellhawk Family.”

“Hmm, support~?”

Aira snorted.

“Stella Bellhawk, I am well aware of your background. Bellhawk’s prodigal daughter. A lazy fairy. The sloth princess. I also know you were almost excommunicated by the Bellhawk Family.”

“…….”

Stella looked at me in surprise. Her expression seemed to ask, “Did you tell her!?”

But honestly, I was also shocked by what just happened.

Aira knowing that much was unexpected.

Then the wise Queen continued to speak.

“I don’t think you, who’s abandoned by the Bellhawk Family, can promise me their support.”

“Ugh….”

Stella Bellhawk looked like she was at a loss for words. But in her head, she was probably thinking of the cards she could play.

From her hand, she would need to pick and choose the joker that would please the other party.

However, Aira presented her cards first, even before Stella could.

“A champion is the one who stands in for me, Aira, the wise and sagacious Queen. Therefore, they should possess the corresponding dignity. For this matter, I shall entrust it to Theo, my most trusted court entertainer.”

Upon hearing this, Elga furrowed her brow.

“A court entertainer. Such a position exists? I’ve never heard of it before.”

“I just made it. So, now it exists. After all, I am the Queen~.”

Aira just abused her power to create a new position for me…

I was now the court secretary, gardener and entertainer. There was no shortage of jobs. However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed.

To entrust the role of a champion to me.

In other words, she was telling me to fight.

I had already partly expected it, but now that it’d become real, the psychological impact was greater than expected.

Even though Aira was gradually becoming calm and wise, her unpredictable nature remained unchanged. It was probably her true self.

Then Mirna asked on my behalf.

“Are you appointing Theo as the champion?”

“No, I am delegating the authority to appoint a champion. Of course, if Theo wants to, he can appoint himself.”

‘I see.’

So she just wanted me to choose the champion in her stead.

Well, I was originally like Aira’s manager who planned and managed her schedule, meals, and even the color of the stockings she wore.

So it seemed that choosing the champion had naturally become my authority.

“Miss Stella. If you want to be my champion, try persuading Theo. Also, remember that I am your Queen, so show more respect.”

“…….”

The once haughty Elf couldn’t retort and only trembled. She was demanding me to kneel not long ago, and now she was in this pitiable state.