Chapter 55: Can we reconcile?
"Oh~ So this is the guest room of Porto-Veno Castle... Completely different from Montelli's style."
"That's just the feeling the Fisalia family gives."
"Hehe, I hope everyone likes it."
After Carlotta left, Cantarella began showing the three temporary residents around the guest room.
However, Aeron didn't quite understand why they needed to bring him along. Was viewing a room something that required his presence?
"And this room is really spacious, even the bed is huge."
"More space means better mobility, and it helps avoid issues in case of emergencies."
"After all, Porto-Veno Castle doesn't always have guests. While we don't have many, we never disappoint in quality."
Aeron and Cantarella stood by the doorway while Zani and Ciaccona examined the entire room from inside.
"What's wrong, Father? Things have temporarily settled down, no need to be so tense~"
Cantarella's voice came from behind Aeron, still carrying that familiar seductive tone... but with something extra mixed in.
"D-do I seem tense?"
"Of course! After all, you've helped so much, done so much for Ragunna. Everyone should be thanking you~"
Wow, no wonder they call her a bard—she really knows how to sweet-talk.
"That's enough, Ciaccona. A few more words from you and this guy will start floating up to the clouds."
"Did you really have to add that, Zani!"
"After all this time together, don't I know exactly what you're like?"
Through the back-and-forth with the three, Aeron gradually relaxed.
Although coming to Fisalia was unexpected, the final gains turned out richer than he imagined.
The "Imagine Breaker" that could nullify all non-physical attacks, plus assistance from Fisalia—these were powerful assets.
All that remained was helping Cantarella wrap up Fisalia's affairs, then returning to Ragunna to begin preparations for Carnevale.
Thinking this far, Aeron could no longer suppress his gradually rising smile.
Haha, Fenrico, just wait—I'm coming for your life!
Click!
Just as Aeron was lost in his own world, a sudden sound from behind brought him back to reality.
"?"
Aeron turned to look at Cantarella, who wore a smile that seemed to ask "Is something wrong?"
"...My Lady, what was that?"
Cantarella tilted her head slightly, a strand of pale purple hair sliding over her shoulder, her smile unchanged, voice still gentle:
"Someone was standing here while their thoughts drifted too far away... This should help him focus better... Is that reason satisfactory?"
"Uh... There's room for improvement...?"
Aeron instinctively stepped back until his back met the cool wall, his gaze sweeping across the room—Zani stood quietly by the bed with crossed arms, her red eyes filled with exhaustion and resignation fixed on Aeron; Ciaccona stood by the window too, hands behind her back, head slightly tilted as she watched Aeron with visible anticipation.
Damn, why did Aeron feel surrounded?
"Since you've already given the Second Lady an explanation, shouldn't you give us one too?"
"Huh? Explain what?"
A giant question mark practically materialized above Aeron's head at Zani's words.
Was there something wrong with how he'd handled the fight? That shouldn't be possible.
Highest damage taken, highest damage dealt, flexible positioning, perfect total damage output, smooth rotations... Could it be an issue with skill multipliers?
Watching Aeron still trying to process this situation with his immunity-brain, Zani sighed helplessly and glanced at Cantarella.
"Family Head, you see? This is the person we've set our sights on. Just as we told you before."
"Hehe, but precisely because of this, he's so special."
As she spoke, Cantarella walked toward Aeron.
"Mr. Aeron, look at everyone present and think carefully about what you should explain."
"Explain what? Didn't we resolve everything already?"
"Not that."
Zani interrupted him, her voice lower than usual, crimson eyes suppressing some turbulent emotion. "Wherever you go, it's always like this—solve the problem, then immediately plan to leave. Nothing can make you stay. Is that really a good thing?"
Ciaccona nodded vigorously, speaking to Aeron with unusual seriousness: "Exactly! Every time you do things like that, we feel heartbroken too!"
"Huh? I don't even care myself, why are you all so concerned? Just take this worthless life if you want—"
!
Before Aeron could finish, Zani was already in front of him, her hand pressed against the wall behind him.
"I won't allow anyone to speak of you like that, not even yourself."
"I-I-I was obviously joking..."
Aeron was genuinely panicking now. What was going on with these three today? Why were they so fixated on this?
"It seems words truly cannot reach certain stubborn perceptions."
Witnessing this scene, Cantarella said softly, her amethyst eyes sweeping over Aeron's face.
"I've spoken with Miss Zani and Miss Ciaccona about you, and discovered we're facing the same problem—a 'troublesome' fellow who solves everything on his own terms, then leaves on his own terms. What are your thoughts on this?"
Finally, Aeron understood what Cantarella meant.
Pfft, and he thought it was some major issue. For something this trivial, they could've just said so. No wonder she wanted to keep him at the Fisalia household.
Thinking this, Aeron's face regained that expression of having everything under control.
"Don't worry, Family Head, I always see things through to the end. If any trouble comes knocking afterward, just come find me. I provide after-sales service—if the same issue recurs, consider it my failure, okay?"
'...This guy's completely impervious' x3
The curve of Cantarella's lips carried understanding and a hint of unshakable determination. This creature before them could no longer be considered merely wooden—he was so immersed in his own art that he'd lost touch with reality.
"Then, we can only convey our thoughts through actions."
Having said this, Cantarella moved to Aeron's side, her slender hand sweeping before his face and scattering some pale purple dust.
"Hmph, Family Head, your memory's really poor. Have you forgotten poison has no effect on m..."
Before he could finish speaking, Aeron's legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground.
"Oh my, when did I say this was poison? It's merely a medicinal mist with calming properties."
"? ? ? ?"
Holy crap, how is there still a bug exploit!
"Since gentle persuasion fails to make you understand, we'll have to make you comprehend through action."
Cantarella's gaze swept over Zani and Ciaccona, who had shifted positions and were subtly forming an encirclement.
The pale purple medicinal mist that left limbs weak and limp still hadn't completely dissipated in the air. Aeron vainly tried to push themselves up, only to find their arms too heavy to obey, their vision slightly wavering, leaving them no choice but to watch helplessly as Ciaccona and Zani took positions on their left and right.
"Hiss—can we settle this peacefully?"
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