Volume 4, Chapter 52 – Negotiation

“Ahem… actually, I’m the one who has a favor to ask…”

Yisi told Count Pescia about the situation of her and Edith sharing a body.

As Yisi had expected, the Count frowned.

“Miss Yisi and Viel share a body? But aren’t you standing right here? If I’m not mistaken, although you look like a fairy, you’re actually a doll, aren’t you? This is the first time I’ve seen such an exquisite one.”

“Well, how should I put it…” Yisi tilted her head, troubled. Her gaze went past the Count to Edith behind him. “Edith, I’ll need to borrow some time.”

“Hmph.”

Edith turned her face away but did not refuse.

That probably means yes.

To demonstrate for the Count, Yisi flew in front of Edith and then took back control of the body. The Magic Fairy immediately dropped to the ground like a kite with its string cut.

Yisi introduced herself using Edith’s body.

“As you can see now, Count, I am Yisi, not your daughter, Loiswell Edith Pescia. The fairy doll is just a vessel for my soul. Also, I must clarify that even when my soul is in the doll, I am not actually separated from your daughter.”

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She could still feel things like emotional changes.

As she said this, Yisi grew vigilant. Given how the Count doted on Edith, it was highly likely that he would see her and Clementine’s group as enemies.

The Count’s brows furrowed tightly. He took a small step forward, looking very anxious.

“Then what about Viel? Why isn’t she in the doll?”

“Edith is inside this body. She asked me to tell you that you don’t need to worry about her.”

“Is that so… But why are you in Viel’s body, Miss Yisi? Did Viel make some kind of pact with you in exchange for power? If that’s the case, I will find a more suitable vessel for you. Please, return Viel’s freedom.”

“No, that’s not it. My appearance in Edith’s body was a coincidence. I don’t know the reason for it either. Of course, if possible, I would be more than happy to leave this body and reside in one of my own. I’ve told Edith from the beginning that I am seeking a way for both of us to exist independently. Assisting your daughter is also my own personal act. Your daughter is an excellent noble. Even in the face of great difficulties, she has never abandoned her honor as a noble.”

Edith began to curse her in the mind space.

Yisi chose to ignore it.

Although she could understand the embarrassment of a friend “praising” you in front of your parents, it was truly something worthy of praise. To never give up on one’s beliefs was something only a very few could do. Most people, including herself, focused more on the result of achieving a goal than the means.

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Count Pescia gave a wry smile.

“Viel has always been a stubborn person. I hope you will bear with her, Miss Yisi. As for the problem with the body, I will find a way to solve it. Also, this is…”

The person the Count was referring to was Camilla.

Camilla stepped forward and bowed to him.

“Father.”

“You seem different than before, Camilla.”

The Count’s eyes were very sharp, as if he were scrutinizing her.

Camilla did not flinch, but looked directly into his eyes with her ruby-like ones.

“I am no longer the vassal of Loiswell Edith Pescia. Camilla Pescia will follow Miss Yisi and will no longer be lost.”

“Have you forgotten who saved you from the brink of death and raised you—”

“That’s enough, Father. I don’t need Camilla as my vassal.”

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Since Yisi had returned the body to her, Edith was able to sternly stop her father. As for the reason, first, of course, was that she no longer valued Camilla as much. Second, even if she did, it was impossible to snatch her back right under Yisi’s nose. If her father were to inadvertently anger Yisi, the outcome would certainly not be pleasant.

The change in her tone and the Magic Fairy flying up from the ground quickly made the Count realize that the speaker was Edith. He advised her in a mature tone.

“Viel, Camilla is your future assistant after you become the Countess. With your personality, you will surely make many enemies after you become the Countess. You need someone to mediate your relationships with other nobles.”

“Unnecessary,” Edith refused him outright. “You want to hand over the heavy responsibility of governing the territory to me when you’re not even a hundred years old. I don’t want to take over the position of Countess so soon. In the end, there are still at least five years until I come of age. During this time, you can find a third daughter of the Pescia family to replace Camilla. Someone who has betrayed once will always have a rebellious streak. I no longer need her. As for the position of the second daughter of the Pescia family, it’s fine to maintain the status quo.”

Considering the interests of the territory, it was of course better to let Camilla continue to serve as the second daughter of the Pescia family, to be a tool to tie Yisi down—although Edith wasn’t saying this from the perspective of the territory’s interests.

In the past, Count Pescia would not have let it go at that. Camilla was someone he had worked hard to find and had spent a great deal of effort and money to cultivate. Now, she could not be used by his precious daughter. Even if Edith was unwilling, he would have forcibly given Camilla to her for her own good.

However, because he had mistaken his own daughter and had even pointed his sword at her, he would be accommodating to Edith for a long time to come out of guilt.

A clear look of hesitation flashed across the Count’s face. He finally sighed.

“…If that’s the case, alright. We’ll do as you say, Viel. But Camilla must give me an explanation afterward.”

Yisi took over the conversation.

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“I will explain it to you together with Camilla, Count.”

“Speaking of which, Miss Yisi, you don’t seem to have a noble title. To only have ‘Yisi’ as a name feels a bit shabby. If you don’t mind, I can set aside an area within the territory and make you a Viscount under the Pescia family line.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Count, but I would like to travel the continent for a while. If, after seeing the whole world, I still don’t have a place to settle down, I will choose to live in the Pescia territory.”

The subtext was a refusal of the title.

The Count looked regretful.

“Is that so… I understand. The gates of the Pescia territory will always be open to you, Miss Yisi. It’s getting late, and I have now seen the fallen angel’s purpose. This northern expedition is hereby concluded. Please, all of you, follow me back to Elden City. Allow me to host you properly.”

“Ooh! A grand invitation from a vampire count! It would be a lifetime of regret not to attend a banquet of this caliber!”

The one who responded was Clementine. And everyone else, including the serious Shinku, also looked quite expectant. Yisi even noticed Mary swallowing.

If they think vampire cuisine is delicious, they’re gravely mistaken.

Of course, Yisi couldn’t say this in front of the Count. Mentally noting that she had to let her companions eat a good meal before attending the banquet, Yisi and her friends set off on the road to the Count’s mansion.