How To Be Misunderstood as a Villain in a Zombie Apocalypse - Chapter 192



Chapter 21. The Art of Deceiving Each Other (4)

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From noble mtl dot com

Virginia accepted the request to meet with Ambassador Arthur Minsk. However, the meeting was held in a hotel banquet hall rather than a conference room, and the number of attendees was quite large. Most of them were Elsa’s military, high-ranking officials, and businessmen.

From the hotel lobby, strict screening followed. Temperatures were taken and simple blood tests were also required. Fortunately, no important attendees were ‘screened out’, but some of the attendants were ‘quarantined’. They were quickly isolated so as not to offend the guests. It was not a very pleasant sight.

However, as soon as I entered the main hall, all the unpleasant feelings disappeared. A buffet was set out in front of me, and the chefs were sweating profusely while preparing the food. The lowest-ranking people secretly took empty cans out of the kitchen, but they did it so often that everyone could see them.

“I’d rather have canned beef. Where else can you get beef? Unless you emigrate to Römer or Minsk.”

Still, the atmosphere was good. Despite the chefs’ tearful efforts, the food wasn’t that good, but the alcohol was real. There were even people who brought their own liquor that was like a family heirloom.

“Oh, Commander Virginia!”

Men tried to approach her with all their might, and women tried to stop them by sneakily tripping them, pinching their arms, or even making faces. However, because there were so many people approaching them, they couldn’t completely stop them.

“It is truly an honor that someone so busy with their official duties would come to this place!”

“you’re welcome.”

Among the others in their flashy street clothes, Virginia stood out in her National Guard uniform. The neatness and orderliness of the well-fitting uniform, and the powerful force behind it, were palpable.

Virginia remembered most of the names of the attendees, and she was able to get through a number of complex issues on the spot, asking for cooperation and promising help. She had done quite a bit of work, but when she finally sat down at Ambassador Arthur’s table, not a single thread was out of place.

“Martial Law Commander.”

Ambassador Arthur smiled gently and offered a handshake. Virginia could tell he had had quite a few drinks.

“It’s interesting that a party is being held even in these times.”

Virginia spoke politely, which made Arthur laugh quite a bit.

“When I was told I was being sent to Elsa, my predecessor said, ‘Arthur, if you want to throw a party in Elsa, you have to cover your face with a white handkerchief. The people there consider that a sin. There won’t be much celebration in Elsa!’ You know? In Elsa, there are more days to commemorate sacrifice and death than days to celebrate joy and birth.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but it doesn’t really make sense because of our status. The only days off for a member of the National Military Police are when they take off their uniform and when they die.”

Instead of answering, Arthur poured a drink. The scent of oak spread faintly. Arthur lifted his glass, and so did Virginia. Virginia wondered what kind of toast this sly diplomat would make.

“For everlasting love.”

It was a somewhat odd question, but Virginia poured herself a glass. The liquor was as strong and bitter as tree sap, but it had a pleasant aroma.

“It’s Minsk whiskey. The name is complicated, and I don’t know much about alcohol. It’s more commonly called tree sap.”

“I see why it tastes like tree sap.”

Arthur laughed heartily because it was the blunt truth and not sarcasm.

“The aroma and taste are a bit different. It is fragrant enough to call everyone around, but the person drinking it actually feels bitter and rich. That’s why middle-aged people in Minsk drink this on their wedding anniversaries. No matter how good and well-matched a couple may seem on the outside, the richness inside is something only they know. Personally, I think it’s a marketing tool for liquor companies.”

Virginia remembered that Arthur himself had divorced a long time ago. She didn’t know why. Since he was a diplomat, he wouldn’t have committed unethical acts in his personal life, so it was likely just a difference in personality.

“It’s interesting. Depending on which of the two is stronger – the aroma in your mouth or the bitter taste on your tongue – your evaluation of the alcohol will also change.”

“What’s interesting is that the more married people are and the longer they’ve been married, the more similar their evaluations become.”

“How?”

“Tree sap is just tree sap, that’s what they say. They say the two are indistinguishable. Those who don’t say this say, “What a dirty drink. I get the bitter taste, and someone else gets all the sweet flavor?” Marriage is the same. Others get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the people involved end up fighting until their heads explode.”

“I see, I’m single.”

Arthur waited until Virginia had finished her drink. Then, with precise and delicate movements, he poured her the rest.

“Commander. Do you have any plans to meet a good spouse? Or, if I may be so rude, are you single…?”

‘It’s come to this.’ Virginia thought she knew why Arthur had said that.

“I don’t think so. I just don’t think it’s time yet.”

“I see. You’re popular both in your home country and here in Elsa. If you want to, you can do it whenever you want.”

Arthur thought it was a pretty nice compliment, but Virginia shook her head.

“This is Elsa.”

“What do you mean?”

“I am a soldier of Elsa. It is true that I was born in Römer, but I do not consider Römer as my home country. A soldier’s ‘home country’ is wherever he or she is currently standing.”

Arthur thought it was a strange statement. It felt like there was something more to it than just a simple emphasis on military spirit. He had to drag the conversation on longer to find out. But Virginia was already losing interest in the conversation.

“Well, Your Majesty, I never thought I would be saying this. And usually diplomats don’t say or receive such things. But I am personally very happy to have the courage to say this to you, Commander.”

“What are you talking about?”

“There is a young man who would like to meet you, Commander. His name is Noi Sedu, and he is the eldest son of the Sedu Corporation Group. I believe he will soon be at the forefront of running the group.”

Virginia thought it was a rather clever suggestion.

Sedu Corporation is one of Minsk’s largest companies. In terms of asset value alone, it is equivalent to one-seventh of Minsk’s GDP, so if employees vote for elected officials from Sedu Corporation, they could easily have a chance at being elected.

Above all, the Lovarten area, which has a direct road leading to the capital city of Minsk, is where Sedu Corporation’s factories are concentrated.

And Virginia’s own father is the president of the Römer Senate. Römer calls itself a republic, but in reality, it is still a place where aristocracy lives and breathes. The Minsk merchants cannot be unaware of this situation.

‘So you’re suggesting a marriage alliance?’

If a Römer noble marries another noble, it is fine, but if they marry someone from a different ‘class’, they are obligated to protect the other person’s property and life as much as possible. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable provision, but in fact, its real meaning is that the marriage partner becomes the property of a ‘noble family’.

So, for a noble to marry someone from another class was in line with a declaration that he would soon expand the family’s prestige.

In the end, Arthur’s proposal meant this.

‘I will give you one-seventh of Lobarten and Minsk, so don’t even think about war. I don’t want to create unnecessary tension between Elsa and Minsk. However, I also feel burdened by this growing into a matter between nations, so I will try to keep it as a matter between individuals. Gracefully step aside.’

Virginia had already made up her mind. But she also wanted to play with Arthur a little more. So, Virginia covered her mouth and laughed.

“But I haven’t even seen his face?”

“He is an elegant and charming young man. He has worked as our model several times. If you search for him, you will find him right away. If you wish, I can arrange a meeting with him in person.”

“In this situation, marrying that kind of person… it’s interesting.”

Was it the diplomat’s intuition? Arthur already felt that he had failed. Virginia’s attitude was extremely polite, but her body was saying no. However, she didn’t want to just back off like that.

“I’m not saying you should meet right away. It’s not too late to think about it slowly.”

“Take your time. I guess you think the banquet today could still be held tomorrow, Arthur.”

“Of course. What could we possibly worry about when such a wonderful and elegant person is the martial law commander?”

Virginia didn’t answer. Arthur, who was clearly embarrassed, cleared his throat a little.

“Commander, this will be over soon. Everyone will return to their daily lives. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to have more to salvage? There’s no need to create a fuss and burn down my house and my neighbor’s house. Now is the time to come together and put out the big fire. Don’t you think so?”

‘Minsk looks pretty desperate too.’

Virginia was pleased. Normally, she would not have acted so meanly. But now she was offering to give up one of the oligarchs. The damage Minsk suffered from the war was greater than losing one-seventh of its GDP.

‘The infection is serious. They haven’t found a vaccine yet. Or maybe they have, but mass production will be difficult in the event of war, so they’re lying flat like that.’

“Thank you for your kind words, Arthur.”

Virginia answered politely, looking more like an elegant noblewoman than a military leader for that moment.

“Well, I guess you don’t really feel like it.”

“If I’m going to drink alcohol, I want to get something that smells and tastes better.”

The diplomat’s face briefly became grave. Virginia seemed to realize what this marriage meant. ‘This is not enough. Bring me more.’ Arthur took comfort in the fact that he still seemed willing to bargain.

“How much would be satisfactory?”

“I would trade it for the whole world.”

“You are very greedy.”

“Yes. I don’t think there’s anyone like that.”

Virginia’s eyes grew cold. Arthur was moderately drunk, but he did not miss the ‘warning’ signal in his mind. In an instant, the diplomat understood what Virginia meant. But he was not convinced.

There will never be a spouse that I would trade for the whole world.

To pay ‘that much’, you must first have ‘that much’.

“Hmm, big. That’s something a father with a daughter might say.”

“No. This is my condition.”

Even the last excuse flew away. When asked, “Is it Roemer’s will?” Virginia answered, “It was my choice.”

“If the conditions are too great, you may have to live alone for the rest of your life.”

It was a warning that if you get too greedy, you’ll get into trouble, but Virginia seemed indifferent.

“Then this world really is so insignificant. It doesn’t even have that much.”

“Living is nothing special.”

Arthur answered with a groan.

“It’s boring.”

Virginia looked like she was about to yawn. At that moment, a guest singer came up on stage. The soprano voice filled the entire hall in an instant. It was like singing the calm before a storm.