BXBX NOVEL Chapter 2107: Date Plan Execution ㊸
(……This is troubling. There’s very little information about Rasal Marfik, so I have no idea what the correct approach is. I know she’s famous as the greatest necromancer in the Demon Realm, but I’m not well-versed in necromancy. Trying to expand the conversation in that direction would be a mistake. If an amateur like me tries to talk about it with my shallow knowledge, I’ll just end up being snickered at.)
As a noble, Eris understood the importance of connections and relationships with others. Even though the development was sudden, if it came to self-introductions, it would be best to leave a good impression on Rasal, who was a Peak Count-rank, one of the most powerful beings in the Demon Realm.
However, Rasal had only recently joined the Death King’s faction and had rarely appeared in formal settings. While it was somewhat known that she is the Death King\'s subordinate, almost no other information was available.
This was not surprising, Rasal had secluded herself deep in the Dark Forest for thousands of years, dedicating herself to research. While her name was known due to the notoriety of the Dark Forest as a dangerous area and Tiamat’s fame, Eris’ information network had failed to yield any further details.
(Earlier, I refrained from mentioning my status as a marquis’ daughter when dealing with Founder-sama, due to her position and the religious implications. But how should I approach Rasal Marfik-sama…… Generally, the Death King faction doesn’t interact with others except for some mining-related matters. However, I’ve heard their faction has grown significantly recently, so it might be better to establish some degree of rapport early on. That said, even if I were to establish a connection with them, I couldn’t handle the oppressive magic power of death, so direct interaction with Death King-sama is impossible…… Perhaps, like with Founder-sama, I should aim for a personal connection with Rasal rather than involving my family or the Death King’s faction.)
Eris quickly worked out her approach and decided on a general strategy. At that moment, Kaito finished his conversation with Kaori and turned to face Eris.
[Ah, so, once again…… This is the owner of the shop.]
[I am Eris Dia Hamilton. Thank you very much for visiting our establishment today.][I am Rasal Marfik, a subordinate of Death King Isis-sama. Pleased to meet you.]
[The pleasure is mine. Thank you.]
Though the progression was as Eris had anticipated, she remained vigilant. Unexpected developments had occurred several times already, so she was prepared for the possibility of unforeseen complications.
Though her limited information about Rasal made it difficult for Eris to initiate and sustain the conversation, she was confident she could respond adeptly to any topics Rasal raised.
(I must have confidence. I’ve undergone the ladies\' rigorous education and should have the knowledge and conversational skills to leave a good impression. Rasal-sama seems like a highly intelligent person, so it’s likely she’ll bring up probing or evaluative topics. At the very least, she’s unlikely to let her guard down easily, so I should anticipate and navigate accordingly.)
Eris’s assumptions weren’t wrong. Rasal was highly intelligent and cautious, often probing to discern the nature of those he met for the first time.
After some probing exchanges, Rasal would likely gauge Eris’s character and end the conversation at an appropriate point…… Yes, that would be the case———- if only Kaito weren’t here……
[……Miyama Kaito-sama, may I ask you a question? You mentioned she is your friend, but in your view, is she someone worthy of trust?]
[Eh? Yes, I think Eris-san is a truly wonderful person, and I trust her wholeheartedly.]
[I see…… Thank you for your answer.]
Although Eris was unaware of it, much like Tre at the ship party, many people held great trust in Kaito\'s ability to judge others, and Rasal was one of them.
Having heard various stories from Isis and witnessed Kaito’s remarkable fortune, bolstered by numerous blessings…… and having evaluated Kaito’s character through their interactions, Rasal had come to highly value him. For Rasal, anyone Kaito trusted was, by extension, worthy of trust.
[Eris Dia Hamilton…… I believe you are affiliated with the Hamilton Marquidom of Archlesia Empire, am I correct?]
[Y- Yes. I am the heir to the Hamilton Marquisdom.]
[I see…… If possible, I would like to have some of your time later. Our Death King faction has been considering establishing more external connections in the future. As part of that effort, we’re exploring ways to expand the export destinations for the minerals mined in the Land of Death. If you are someone Miyama Kaito-sama trusts, then that’s more than satisfactory. It would be helpful if we could discuss this further.]
[……Y- Yes. I would be honored.]
Hearing Rasal\'s proposal, Eris felt her consciousness momentarily go blank. This was a monumental matter. Up until now, the minerals mined in the Land of Death had been exclusively handled by the Demon Realm\'s merchant associations.
While Rasal had only expressed preliminary thoughts about increasing trading partners and wasn’t suggesting an immediate deal with the Hamilton Marquisdom…… the implications of such a discussion were staggering.
(……W- Why? Kaito-sama is just too amazing, and nothing is going the way I expected……)
Even as her inner thoughts devolved into disarray, Eris maintained a strained smile.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [Honestly, the fact that Kaito, the Singularity beloved by the world, trusts someone makes them pretty safe. As a result, the the information that Kaito trusts her dramatically raises her favorability from others, making the higher-ups more amicable toward Eris, and in turn…… Eris\' stomach takes the brunt of the damage……]