A Battle of Claims.
Emilia gazes directly into my eyes, displaying a resolute determination to broach the subject. On my part, I am reticent to speak of it. I have not mistreated her; we simply maintain a professional relationship.
"Could you be more considerate towards her?" Emilia regards me with concern. "I know she was tough on you at first, and when you told me about it, I was upset with her. But after witnessing her transformation and hearing about her past, I couldn't help but feel glad for her."
We've had this conversation before, but I decided to share the reason behind my demeanor with Emilia, as she had previously mentioned it. Of course, I didn't mention Rem's attempt to let me die, but I did share how that week had been for me.
For Emilia, it's easy to say.
"She's been putting in a lot of effort for you, but lately, I've seen her looking down, just like before." I observe as Emilia's ears droop slightly. "I haven't had many opportunities to talk to her due to our busy schedules, but I've noticed the change from radiant and energetic to troubled."
"Stress could be a contributing factor," I add, attempting to find an explanation.
Emilia shakes her head and gazes directly into my eyes.
"One night, I was on the first floor, it was quite late, and I heard a strange noise coming from the courtyard," Emilia's tone lowers, revealing sadness. "I approached quietly and saw Rem weeping through a window."
Ugh, though it doesn't surprise me as much, it irks me to be the source of her pain. After all, she saved my life on two occasions, even when I was nearly killed; it was her who ultimately intervened. Perhaps I've been too harsh on her.
But deep down, I can't help feeling this way.
My emotions fluctuate and become increasingly challenging to control. I'm not sure if it's due to the miasma or some other reason, but certain feelings intensify. Perhaps that's why the protagonist in the novel acts inexplicably at times, clinging to ideas and personality traits.
"Are you sure about that?" I inquire, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, I know you don't like her, but I dislike seeing both of you like this. Wouldn't it be better to make amends after all?" Emilia responds sincerely.
I've also considered that possibility. Rem is someone I could get along with, but it's the feeling in my heart that has prevented me from doing so until now.
Emilia has revealed something unknown to me. I can discern the façade of her smile; I've become quite adept at recognizing it, after all. But at this juncture, I suppose I must act for her sake.
"Very well," I smile at last. "I will speak with her, and we shall reconcile. I, too, dislike seeing her in such a state."
I suppose it's time to cease dwelling on my grievances. Moreover, my relentless toil has prevented me from truly pondering the people around me. Now that Emilia has unveiled this truth, I can seize the opportunity to engage in a profound conversation with Rem.
I made a promise to Rem to aid her, and I left her waiting.
"Yes!" Emilia smiles and begins to walk toward the village, waving goodbye. "See you this evening, don't be absent!"
Without uttering a word, I bow in farewell and continue my journey toward the imposing mansion.
As Phase Two commences, my responsibilities in the village will diminish, affording me the opportunity to concentrate on two pivotal aspects: the enhancement of the steam engine and intensive sessions with Emilia before Crusch's arrival, as dictated in the narrative.
However, there is a significant issue I must address: Puck. I need to find a way to harness his energy to our advantage without harming the delicate ecosystem's balance and the well-being of its inhabitants.
In the series, everything appeared idyllic, but I know that in reality, crops were lost, and the fauna suffered due to the abrupt temperature shift.
I gaze at the sky with a touch of irony, recalling that it's merely a tale, whereas here, in the harsh reality, the consequences can be devastating.
If I fail to fortify the village and establish a robust force, I will be compelled to follow the same steps as outlined in the novel. Fortunately, I have more resources and strategies at my disposal at this juncture, thanks to all the preparation I've undertaken.
I have confidence that the effort I've invested thus far will yield valuable fruits in the future. That's why I am willing to do whatever is necessary, even if it means my body will be affected.
Finally, I arrive at the magnificent mansion, where two maids and two footmen receive me, all of whom are villagers who volunteered to work here. Initially, Roswall seemed skeptical about this idea, but he eventually grasped that, with humans instead of demi-humans, more personnel are required to keep this imposing residence running smoothly.
"Welcome back, Mr. Marco," they express with reverence, bowing in acknowledgment of my presence.
I can't help but feel uneasy with these formalities, deeming them trivialities, but regrettably, this is how things operate, and I must adapt, however burdensome it may be.
"I appreciate your kind welcome. It is a true pleasure to return to the mansion when I have such dedicated and serviceable workers like yourselves," I respond politely.
Without wasting time, I embark on my quest to find Roswall, as we still have pending discussions about potential buyers for the future steam engine.
Though Roswall possesses vast knowledge in magic, when it comes to physics, he is akin to any other person. At this moment, Beatrice is likely the most knowledgeable in that field, so I consider it necessary to enlist her aid.
Once inside the office, Roswall greets me with a smile on his face, accompanied by Ram, who remains silent but attentive in expression.
"What a ple~~asant surprise to have your vi~~sit," Roswall says as he places a folder on his desk, prepared to commence our conversation.
I walk to a sofa and sit down, gazing at the ceiling as I gather my thoughts. Finally, I decide to begin speaking, acutely aware of the significance of phase two of our plan.
"Phase two entails the commercialization of the steam engine," I announce, my words resonating in the room.
Roswall, with his characteristic smile, responds enthusiastically, "There are many individuals who would undoubtedly take interest in it."
At that moment, Ram approaches me and hands me some documents. I glance at them, revealing a list of various mine owners, my primary targets.
"Our aim is to monopolize the industry entirely, so we need to ensure we have ample resources for production," I explain with determination.
In truth, the core of the steam engine deal would not revolve around money but rather a stake in its production. We would claim a percentage commensurate with the profits garnered, using those funds for gradual expansion.
Mine owners would provide us with the requisite raw materials, and in return, we would furnish them with the manufactured products. Given our status as the exclusive manufacturers, they would be compelled to collaborate with us.
I briefly contemplate the resemblance of this business model to that of a nation preaching peace. However, I concentrate on our objectives.
"To solidify our position, we must acquire resources from diverse sources. Presently, we have an abundance of lamicta stones in the Elior forest, a highly valuable material. Nevertheless, we grapple with a scarcity of iron and other materials we do not produce."
Aware of the necessity to assemble a research team, I add, "In Lugunica, the Karsten family is renowned as the foremost iron exporters," Ram contributes, offering valuable insight.
I realize that I must delve deeper into my understanding of Crusch, the owner of the Karsten House and a candidate for the throne. There are so many issues to address.
"If that's the case, it would be pertinent to establish contact with them, reaching an agreement for the large-scale production of the steam engines," I decide aloud as I rise from my seat. "I entrust you with this task, and I shall take this folder to peruse it in detail. At this juncture, it is crucial for you to liaise with material suppliers—iron, coal, materials for gunpowder production, and, above all, construction materials."
Roswall nods, granting me permission to depart. I exit the room and begin to walk, but I'm halted by a tug on my back.
"Marco, I need to speak with you," Ram says in a serious tone, her gaze intense.
I turn toward her, meeting her gaze squarely. I suggest we find a more private place, so we both enter my office, where I've been working.
"What do you want to tell me?" I inquire of Ram, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor.
Ram approaches me and firmly grips my suit, exerting pressure on me. I step back slightly but exert force to stand my ground.
Ram gazes at me with anger, and I can sense her palpable rage. I know where this is heading, though with Ram, the situation becomes more complicated. She knows Rem's intentions, yet she defends her.
Well, they are sisters, and in Ram's eyes, I am not a significant part of the equation.
"I warned you; I told you that if I ever saw my sister like that again," Ram says, reaffirming her grip, "I wouldn't care about the consequences."
Sure, am I the one who should bow down to the mistreatment I've endured? I never mistreated anyone, I was never disrespectful, but it seems like everyone expects me to maintain a facade of happiness to make others smile.
What nonsense!
I seize her arms firmly, applying pressure. I'm not as weak as before; I've trained and gained a deeper understanding of magic.
"And what do you want me to do? Should I kneel and beg you to accept my forgiveness for what she nearly did to me, should I tell you that I forgive her for waiting until I was nearly killed?"
"You know there were special circumstances," Ram responds, regardless of the consequences. "Now that my sister is starting to get better!"
I tighten my grip on her wrists, causing her to release her hold. People believe forgiveness is easy, that it's as simple as purifying the soul. But for me, it isn't, I can't forgive anyone.
When I did, I regretted it with blood.
"The circumstances don't justify her actions. I didn't force her to be my secretary, I didn't compel her to follow me, let alone endure my attitude," I retort, tapping her chest with my finger. "It was you! I told you I didn't want to work with her, but you insisted."
Ram gazes at me with fury, clenching her fists tightly, and seems on the brink of doing something rash. I employ my mana, channeling the ability taught to me by Beatrice, to convey my anger to her. She doesn't flinch; Ram is not one to be cowed. She looks at me with even more rage.
"We are not enemies, Ram. It's absurd to want to fight."
Mentally, I prepare my wind spell to counter her blades. I can't create barriers or perform similar feats, so my only option is to dodge. My magic is constrained by the laws of physics, but I possess far deadlier spells.
Ram is much stronger than me; I have no chance in a life-or-death battle against her. Fortunately, I know she doesn't want to kill me, so perhaps I have some opportunity.
"All I want is to see my sister well," she says, preparing to attack.
"A relationship based on hypocrisy is not my style," I reply.
Ram approaches propelled by the wind, launching a hook toward my face. Anticipating it, I step on the ground, causing all the leaves and objects in the vicinity to be violently blown away in a gust of wind.
Halting her attack, I attempt to hold her arms to immobilize her, but despite exerting all my effort, Ram's strength is far greater than mine, and I fail to bring her down.
Taking advantage of having her arms in my grip, Ram delivers a knee to my stomach, forcing me to step back.
"Don't think so highly of yourself, Marco. Just because things are going well doesn't give you the right to trample on my sister's feelings."
Of course, I am the villain in this tale.
"Trample on your sister's feelings?" I clench my fists tightly. "Did you even hear how absurd that sounds?"
Ram reacts immediately, bringing her fist toward me, propelling herself with wind magic and striking me in the face.
The blow forces me backward, and I feel as if I've been struck by a metal ball. My lip begins to bleed, but I contain it. I cannot allow what's inside me to come to light. It feels as if my jaw is about to dislocate, all due to a simple blow that inflicted so much damage.
I must remain resolute.
"You're a fool, Marco. A scoundrel who believes he's doing the right thing," Ram declares.
"Calm down, Marco," I tell myself. After all, she knows nothing of what is to come. I have many things to do, and I must not waste time.
"Yes, if that's what you want to believe, fine by you," I spit blood onto the ground, attempting to calm myself.
She simply remains ignorant of the future. It's not her fault. She's unaware that it's Rem's twisted display of affection that will lead her to sacrifice herself in the future.
All because no one put a stop to it, thinking it was a form of love.
Calm down.
"You've done nothing but cause trouble for everyone since you arrived," Ram sends a gust of wind that sends me crashing into the wall. "You're irresponsible."
Calm down, just calm down.
It's not her fault.
I rise and look into Ram's eyes.
"Now you wear an expression of weariness. You are a fool. You think bearing all the burden will be enough."
She hasn't truly harmed me. If she truly desired it, she would have already broken several bones or even killed me. After all, she is still half ogre.
"Ram, there are things you don't understand."
She's only seventeen. I can't force her to comprehend. At that age, to possess such strength, even without her horn, is truly astonishing. Undoubtedly, I can understand why she's feared.
"How dare you tell me I don't understand? My sister has cried because of this. I can't forgive you for it."
Ram approaches me swiftly. Her speed is formidable, and it's evident that her physique is on another level. However, the human body is fragile, and there are areas you cannot defend.
In the moment she thrusts her fist, I raise my arm to catch the blow. A sharp pain courses through my body, but I don't stop there. With a strike to her solar plexus, I deprive her of breath, and Ram retreats because it's something that affects you no matter how strong you are.
"Listen, I understand I've made a mistake. Treating a child like that, I know it's wrong."
I seize the distraction to bring her down to the ground. Probably, she allows it herself. If she wished, she could turn me into a mass of flesh. Ram offers no resistance; she simply stays still.
For a moment, my words seem to have reached her.
Ram then shouts, "So why did you tell her that?"
Ram's cry echoes in my conscience. After all, what's happening is solely my fault.
"You think you're so mature, yet you do such foolish things."
Ram begins to harness her mana. She unleashes a gust of wind that sends me flying against a wall. Upon impact, I shield my head with my other arm, mitigating the force of the blow.
"You believe that because you're older, you have to bear the entire burden. You're arrogant, Marco. You have no idea how much Miss Emilia worries every time she sees you."
"I already know, but there are still things that must be done," I rise slowly, containing the pain within me, "This has only just begun."
I cleanse my lip, which has now sealed its wound. I attempt to exert force on my left arm, but a piercing pain courses through it. I suppress the urge to scream, the desire to fall to my knees in anguish.
"Your sister must understand, even if she is a child, even if she has suffered greatly," I draw closer to Ram and extend my hand to help her up, but she swats it away.
"My sister deserves to be happy," Ram utters, displaying a tone of remorse for the first time.
"Happiness," she says. That happiness leads her to fall into a coma in the future. It leads her to foolishly sacrifice her life in countless loops. Her twisted idea of what love is compels her to commit those deeds.
It leads her to treat herself as a slave and neglect her own well-being.
That's love, many would say. It's foolish that a concept of love can make you disregard your self-worth.
It's repugnant.
One thing is to love, and another is to become obsessed. Love is not a form of obsession. Love involves desire, yes. When you control that desire, when you don't overstep, when you truly love, you want to be with that person, you want to feel good in their presence, but you also understand that it's for your well-being.
You realize that even if that person leaves, your life goes on.
I have loved, and that is why I know what loving entails.
I also know what obsession is.
"Yes, I understand that which is why I will put an end to this," I tell Ram, who seems not to grasp my words.
I will talk to her, make her tell me everything, and put an end to this once and for all. It is what I should have done from the beginning.
"Your sister must understand. She's superimposing her vision onto me, thinking her well-being depends on how I treat her."
I know, I know because I've witnessed it. It's not merely that she feels comfortable around me. I know that Rem, though she denies it, hasn't done anything for herself.
"Do you even know why!?" Ram exclaims, looking at me with fury.
"Yes, I do," I say. I clench my fist. "That's something that shouldn't happen."
Ram looks at me, her gaze seeming to understand what I mean.
"It would be more irresponsible to give her something she'll never attain. That's why I have to make her understand."
Ram looks down at the completely disordered papers on the floor. Her eyes scan the chaos we've caused. Ram is intelligent, so she understands what I'm trying to convey. She knows it's for her sister's well, even if it causes her pain.
Ram attempts to approach me but then exits the room without saying a word.
Both had to strive to maintain a strong mental state. Even Ram, who always appears so firm, loses control when it comes to her sister.
Now, I suppose I must do something about my arm.