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The Meeting of Two*

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The strategy meeting with Myaro ended, and by the time their words ran out, it was already four in the afternoon.

“Shall we go get something to eat soon?” (Liao)

Liao stood up from the sofa and said, trying to appear casual.

“Food…?” (Myaro)

Myaro paused for a moment to think, and then, rose from the ebony desk chair.

“Well, that sounds fine. I suppose I’ve done enough work to be treated.” (Myaro)

Liao felt a sense of relief inwardly. It seemed she was not opposed to the idea. Honestly, to worry this much over women was something his eighteen-year-old self would find unbelievable.

“So, where are you going to take me?” (Myaro)

“To a place called Tel Mos.” (Liao)

“Oh, I know it. I’ve never been there, though.” (Myaro)

That made sense. It wasn’t the kind of place a woman would go to alone.

“It’s not a place that’s strict about guests’ clothing. I’ll guide you.” (Liao)

“What are you saying? Of course, I’m going to change clothes. Do you think I’d go to a place like that just as I am?” (Myaro)

After giving him a reproachful glare, Myaro headed toward the sleeping quarter. What the heck. If she was going to wear a dress, there were places with a better atmosphere. He had thought Myaro would not say, “I’ll dress up in a gown, so please escort me”, when he suggested going out to eat.

That was why he chose a place where going in the same clothes was not strange. However, when Myaro came out a little while later, she had only changed from slacks into a skirt, keeping the look simple. She wore a finely tailored jacket over her shirt. She had no necklace or hair ornaments. Her outfit looked more like she was going to dine with a business partner than with a lover.

“Well then, shall we go?” (Myaro)

Her tone was curt.

—

Liao entered the restaurant where he had made a reservation under a false name and took a seat in the private room he was shown to. Beyond the highly transparent window, the night view was visible.

“Order whatever you want.” (Liao)

“Alright… then, what is today’s dessert in the seasonal recommended course?” (Myaro)

Myaro asked the waiter who was waiting.

“It’s peach cheesecake.” (Waiter)

“Sounds good. Then, I’ll have that course, please. For drinks, white wine, please leave the selection to you.” (Myaro)

“I’ll have the same course, with red wine, please.” (Liao)

“For an aperitif, would you like a sparkling drink? It has a refreshing apple flavor.” (Waiter)

Liao glanced at Myaro’s expression, and she gave a slight nod.

“Alright, I’ll have that.” (Liao)

“Understood.” (Waiter)

The waiter bowed lightly and left the private room. Since Liao had already said not to worry about the cost, it saved unnecessary trouble. The common topic between Liao and Myaro was still their time in the observation squad. They first met during the observation squad, and while Yuri took separate action, Myaro supported the troops under Liao’s command as a staff officer.

“By the way, did you know Gazeri, whom I once broke up a fight for, is now a chef?” (Liao)

“You got into a fight over the way the meat was cooked?” (Myaro)

“Yeah. He runs a casual eatery in Kotsuraha. I heard it’s doing fairly well.” (Liao)

“Is that so? Then he must have had a good palate. That fuss back then was something else.” (Myaro)

Liao couldn’t help but laugh.

“Heh, well, everyone was inexperienced then.” (Liao)

At that time, since they criticized others’ cooking, naturally it led to “then you try cooking”. However, the meat Gazeri cooked was burnt on the outside and raw inside. Though he had criticized others, he had never cooked before. That was the case for every member of the unit. They had no choice, since someone had to cook when people gathered, but hardly anyone had done housework before.

“Ah, those were truly nostalgic times.” (Liao)

Liao sipped his red wine. The unique bitterness spread in his mouth. It went well with the pheasant meat but was a poor match with the peach cheesecake that had just been finished. Myaro took the last bite, savored it, then washed it down with white wine.

“Phew.” (Myaro)

She exhaled deeply with flushed cheeks.

“It was delightful. It was delicious.” (Myaro)

She said that and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“I’m glad to hear that.” (Liao)

“When you think this might be the last meal like this, the taste becomes even more special.” (Myaro)

She smiled wryly, speaking with a hint of irony.

“It won’t be the last. Rest assured.” (Liao)

“Is that so? Well, since it’s a special occasion, let’s have a dessert wine as well. The noble rot wine from Ultima would be good. How would it pair with the cheese from Kirchina?” (Myaro)

Myaro looked at the wine list while casually drinking her white wine.

—

After finishing the dessert wine, Myaro’s expression softened.

“Phew, I think I drank too much.” (Myaro)

She said this and placed the empty glass down.

“Well then, shall we be going soon?” (Liao)

Quite some time had passed since dessert ended.

“Yes, that’s right.” (Myaro)

Myaro also stood up. When she opened the private room door, the waiter nearby noticed and came closer.

“Are you finished?” (Waiter)

“Yes, thank you for the meal. It was delicious.” (Liao)

“Thank you. The bill has been sent to the place you indicated.” (Waiter)

“Understood. Thank you very much for today.” (Liao)

They left the restaurant. The restaurant was on the top floor of the hotel and was mainly used by guests. Liao had, of course, reserved a room. Without going down the stairs, he used the key he had to open a room on the same floor. He was terrified to confirm her intentions and said nothing, but Myaro showed no resistance and entered the room quietly. It was the first time Liao had seen Myaro drunk, and he wondered if her judgment would be impaired. However, for a man like himself, that was a favorable situation, he thought.

Myaro took off the jacket she had been wearing and draped it over the sofa. Liao guided her to the bedroom, holding her by the shoulder, and laid her small body down on the bed. He turned on a dim light, opened her jacket, and unbuttoned the pure white shirt, one button at a time from the top. As if peeling the shell off a boiled egg, the white skin around her shoulder became exposed. When he finished unbuttoning, the silk camisole she wore under the shirt remained like a translucent thin skin.

Liao ran his fingers over the soft, pleasant texture, leaned forward, and brought their faces close. He intended to kiss her. However, Myaro turned her face away as if to refuse the act.

“…What is wrong? Are you scared?” (Liao)

When he stroked her cheek, his fingertips became wet. A single tear ran down her face.

“What are you crying for?” (Liao)

“…I am sad because I am going to die soon. After all, I will die without seeing Yuri-kun.” (Myaro)

Myaro seemed to be weighing her purity against her own death. She viewed the coming death as a choice, which meant she was refusing Liao.

“I came this far thinking it was to protect my own life, but it was still impossible… I am sorry. It is not because your escort was bad, Liao-san.” (Myaro)

“Do you hate it that much? Being held by me?” (Liao)

Liao swallowed the words, “More than dying”.

“I do not want Yuri-kun to think I am a stained woman.” (Myaro)

“That guy isn’t such a narrow-minded man.” (Liao)

“I hate it. I do not want him to see me as ‘this woman was held by Liao Rube.’ I do not want to even slightly enter his view in that way.” (Myaro)

“I understand.” (Liao)

Liao pulled back his body, leaving her wrapped in a thin robe. There was no meaning in forcing this woman he wanted to have. He had to make her accept it.

“Then, just in form. Just in form, become mine. We will announce it tomorrow, and the day after, have a wedding ceremony.” (Liao)

“…No. I cannot cooperate.” (Myaro)

Doubt filled Liao’s head, and he was dumbfounded. Myaro must understand the current situation precisely. She could not possibly think this would be accepted. Nor was her judgment impaired by drunkenness.

“Why? There should be no disadvantage. Even that guy will understand it was just a nominal wedding.” (Liao)

“No. That is an act only to survive.” (Myaro)

Liao did not understand.

“What is wrong with surviving? Yuri would want that too.” (Liao)

If Yuri were here now, he would surely crawl and beg for her to do anything to survive. Liao could not even imagine Yuri saying something like, “If you have to have a ceremony, then die”. That was the least likely thing from that man. Myaro’s actions clearly did not align with Yuri’s wishes.

“I live for myself. I want to be by Yuri-kun’s side in the way I want to be. For that, I do not want to bend my loyalty and devotion at all. It is impossible for me to be by his side for decades as a blade that once bent. So please kill me here. I don’t mind if he laments and grieves. If those cries are directed at me.” (Myaro)

Looking at Myaro’s face as she said that, Liao gained a hopeless understanding. This woman, this chancellor, who likened herself to a blade, the talent for a king’s counselor belonged to Yuri. She would never belong to anyone else. And if her loyalty would be even slightly clouded, she was saying to break the blade.

“Are you saying you will not become mine, even if I defeat Yuri and kill him with my own hands?” (Liao)

Liao did not think so. He thought Myaro did not submit to him because she was not recognized for her talent as a king’s counselor. That would be solved by overthrowing Yuri. Once that ranking was settled, Myaro would kneel under a superior king.

“…I am sorry. I am happy for your feelings, Liao-san. But it absolutely will not work.” (Myaro)

Feeling sorry, Myaro said this, and Liao involuntarily slapped her cheek with his palm. There was a sharp sound, and Myaro’s face bounced.

“What about my feelings? I truly love you.” (Liao)

“…I’m sorry.” (Myaro)

“Do you understand? If you refuse even a formal ceremony, I will have to kill you.” (Liao)

Naturally, if Myaro refused, he would have to kill her. Otherwise, the Pope’s army would run wild, uncontrolled. Everything would be ruined, and Liao would be doomed.

“Do you intend to make me kill you?” (Liao)

Liao placed his hand on Myaro’s throat. He wished she would obey out of fear for her life.

“Please.” (Myaro)

Myaro relaxed her shoulders and gave in as if offering her own neck. The collared shirt was open, exposing a flawless slender neck. It looked like the stem of a flower waiting to be cut.

“One last time, I will ask.” (Liao)

Knowing it was pointless, Liao said…

“You are going to die. Are you really sure?” (Liao)

What an unsophisticated question. That was his flaw.

“Yes. I am sorry to ask something so painful.” (Myaro)

Then, Liao gathered strength in his hand.

—

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