Chapter 116: Rover, You're Scheming Against Me!
"Um... So what did you need me for?"
"Can't I just... want to see you?"
Actually, no, you can't. And do you really have that much free time!
Once again, it was the familiar Margherita Restaurant. Only this time, Aeron was facing someone he had never imagined—and never dared to imagine—he would meet.
"Ah, after sleeping for so long, it's good to have a proper meal when you wake up~"
Oh, and there's an Abby too.
Aeron looked at the Rover sitting across from him, her expression gentle with a faint smile, and at Abby who was happily munching away, feeling very uneasy inside.
Originally, after resolving the Phrolova incident, he had planned to make a quick escape. But then he remembered there was still the second hurdle, and now, unexpectedly, a third one had appeared.
At first, he had tried to use the excuse of being a "producer" to avoid the situation by seeking out Carlotta, but to his surprise, the Second Young Lady simply said, "I hope you two have a pleasant chat~" and ran off on her own.
Was he being targeted or something? He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being set up.
In Aeron's mind, after that meeting following the Leviathan incident, his connection with Rover should have come to an end.
Rover would handle the matters in Ragunna and then head to Septimont. Although Leviathan wouldn't be causing any more trouble, Aeron was certain that Fractsidus wouldn't just sit idle either. And after all that, none of it would have anything to do with Aeron anymore.
Aeron had expected some trouble at first, but he never imagined it would be this big.
Seeing Aeron's expression, a mix of annoyance and amusement, Rover naturally guessed what he was thinking.
"Although the Threnodian issue has been resolved, there are still many matters in Ragunna that need sorting out. I wanted to hear your opinion."
"Ah, sorry, but aside from raising salaries, I really don't have any suggestions."
"Then... let's just treat it as a casual chat?"
It seemed Rover really wasn't planning to let him off the hook.
Aeron helplessly rubbed his forehead, trying to figure out what he had done to upset her.
Little did he know, all of this was actually within Rover's expectations.
Getting him to handle the Phrolova situation was only one of her goals; making him actively offer his help was the second.
From the moment she met Aeron and everything he had done, it proved he had sufficient capability. As for his character and qualities... well, he was passable.
The reason Rover had invited him to join the Black Shores as a Bloom Bearer yesterday was precisely because of this, though his refusal had annoyed her a little.
Even if he wasn't willing to become a blade against the Threnodians, he could still become a sturdy shield to protect Rinascita. This was the conclusion she and Carlotta had reached after discussing it today.
And after her conversation with Phrolova... Rover became even more convinced of her idea.
Rover didn't deny that there were many things along the way that were beyond her capabilities, and Aeron... might just be able to fill that gap. If he could become an ally, it would undoubtedly reduce potential sacrifices to some extent.
But judging by his attitude, it seemed that reasons like "the survival of civilization" and "fighting the Threnodians" wouldn't be enough to persuade him. So, after discussing it with Carlotta, Rover had specifically devised a strategy for Aeron.
First, grant Ciaccona the status and identity of an "idol." Given Aeron's personality, he definitely wouldn't refuse such a fun and entertaining task. Then, step by step, through other people, expand Ragunna's influence. That way, even if Aeron is unwilling, he will eventually establish connections with other regions.
Judgment.
This approach might be a bit underhanded, but considering how this guy had everyone running in circles before, think of it as a little payback.
Besides, who told him to refuse me earlier.
"Thank you for handling Phrolova's matter."
Rover gently pushed the juice on the table toward Aeron, steering the conversation.
"No need for thanks. After all, she was somewhat a problem I had to deal with. If Aeron hadn't intervened and stirred things up, Phrolova and Leviathan would probably still be out there making a fortune with Fractsidus. But there's no helping it—who told them to provoke me?"
"By the way, what are your plans for handling her next?"
Since Phrolova was brought up, Aeron naturally couldn't avoid topics related to her.
Even with the specially prepared prison Carlotta arranged and the poison personally concocted by Cantarella, Aeron didn't think these alone could restrain that Fractsidus performer.
"Thanks to you, at least she's willing to talk to me now... and I've learned some things I didn't know before. It's just..."
As she said this, Rover's tone dipped slightly, then she turned to Aeron with a smile and continued.
"I haven't decided how to deal with her yet. I'll be staying in Ragunna for a while longer... I'll figure something out during that time."
No particular emotion could be heard in her voice, but Aeron still sensed a hint of weariness.
It wasn't physical exhaustion but more like something weighing on her heart. Probably related to those "past matters" with Phrolova.
As for this answer, Aeron wasn't particularly surprised.
After all, Phrolova, like him, couldn't die. The death penalty was useless against her. Keeping her locked up indefinitely risked her pulling off some grand scheme at any moment.
But given Rover and her companions' lofty moral standards, they definitely wouldn't resort to methods like water torture.
Still, Aeron wasn't too worried about it because he believed Rover would surely find a way to resolve everything.
Besides, he had no desire to delve into the past between Rover and Phrolova. As Phrolova herself said, that was her own business, and Rover's—Aeron wouldn't interfere.
"That's good. Being able to communicate is progress."
Aeron followed up, trying to keep his tone steady. He didn't believe Rover had invited him for this meal just to discuss Phrolova.
To avoid getting tangled in troublesome matters, it was best to end the topic here.
"Since things are progressing, then I should also..."
"Start considering the arrangements for Ragunna next."
Seriously, sis, you transitioned the topic way too smoothly.
Following Carlotta's teachings, Rover ignored the displeasure on Aeron's face and continued.
"Carlotta's side is fine. Montelli's family resources are substantial enough, so she can keep things under control there. Thanks to the performance during Carnevale, the pressure on Cantarella and the Fisalia Family isn't too heavy either."
As for Phoebe's side...
"Don't worry, I'm here, and I can always ask Zani for help too."
Aeron knew that Rover was not one to let go easily and preferred to verify things personally, so he naturally wouldn't give her any reason to distrust him.
"Mm, I know. With you here, I'm not worried about Phoebe."
Rover naturally picked up the conversation, her gaze carrying a hint of gentle teasing as she looked at Aeron.
"After all, you're now the most solid backing of the Order, and the newly appointed Primus holds you in great esteem."
The words were spoken casually, even with a touch of playfulness, but why did they sound so strange to Aeron?
Rover didn't mind his silence. She intended to seize the opportunity before Aeron could figure out what she was up to.
"Ragunna has just recovered from a serious illness. The surface wounds have healed, but internal damage still needs to be addressed."
"With Carlotta and Cantarella in charge, you can rest assured."
"But in reality, there are always matters that can't be handled through official channels."
"Well, there are always people from the Fool's Troupe who can help. Brant has been so idle lately—we can give him more work to do." (Brant: I f*cking thank you.)
Aeron didn't hesitate to shift the burden. When there's hardship, you have to let your brothers help carry it! Besides, this is somewhat of an official arrangement—he should be thanking us!
"But the Fool's Troupe has its own mission. Their leader has plenty to handle, and... the nature of some matters isn't suitable for their involvement."
As she spoke these words, Rover continued to smile at Aeron.
...She's got him cornered.
Faced with this scene, even Abby, who was busy devouring carbs nearby, couldn't help but sigh.
As for Aeron, he was already sweating profusely.
Even a fool, after going through this entire round of screening, would more or less realize what the other party meant.
Damn it, Aeron just wanted to live a relaxed and happy life too—why is it so difficult?
Just as Aeron was still thinking about how to refuse, Rover's offensive showed no signs of stopping.
"Besides, whether it's the Black Shores or Huanglong, they're all full of curiosity about the power that can tear through the sky and sea. Judging by someone's attitude, it seems they aren't very welcoming toward them either?"
This statement made it clear what Rover was here for.
The implication was that if Aeron truly didn't want to be dragged into even more troublesome matters, as long as he was in Ragunna, he had to obediently listen to Rover.
Who would have thought? Who would have thought? To think that one day he would be threatened by the game's protagonist. Aeron's life just kept getting more and more interesting.
"...I'm just a beast of burden sent down by fate, bitter like the weeds under the wheels, the coptis in the cracks of stones. I have no control over anything, constantly pressured. In Solaris, you are truly the master."
Hearing Aeron's words, the faint smile on Rover's face instead grew more amused, and the gloom brought on by Phrolova dissipated quite a bit.
"I'm not forcing you. Didn't you agree to Carlotta's request first? Can't I do the same?"
"...Huh?"
The moment those words were spoken, Aeron froze in place.
What is this guy talking about?
Ah, it's a checkmate now.
Meanwhile, Abby munched on her pizza, enjoying the spectacle unfolding before her.
Seizing the opportunity, Rover launched her final assault.
"You see, others can persuade you, so why is it only with me that you refuse?"
After saying this, she let out a soft sigh, making it seem as genuine as could be.
"You clearly agreed to help Carlotta, tacitly accepted Cantarella's arrangements, actively went to assist Phoebe, and now you're even going to be Ciaccona's producer..."
She listed Aeron's actions one by one, as if enumerating his crimes.
Then, Rover paused, lowering her voice even further.
"Why aren't you willing to consider me and take on the responsibility you should?"
"Cough—"
Hearing Rover's words, Aeron was dumbfounded, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood onto the table.
Is this even your character? How can you say such things with a smile? Your cat ears at the back of your head are standing straight up, you know!
The key point was that Aeron truly couldn't refute her, because he had indeed... done all of it.
Only when facing Rover had he always tried to avoid and evade her.
Damn it, Aeron had wondered why Carlotta had approached him with those words earlier—it turns out she was setting him up here!
After all this time, he had been played!
Aeron stared at the metaphorical hats on his head labeled "Discrimination," "Double Standards," and "Use and Discard," desperately thinking of how to counterattack.
This round was a high-stakes game!
Seeing Aeron's expression as if facing a formidable enemy, Rover couldn't help but marvel inwardly—the tactics she learned from Zani really were effective!
Although Rover hadn't spent much time with Aeron, they had at least faced life-and-death situations together, so she understood him to some extent.
She could tell that everything Aeron had done along the way wasn't just for the sake of the "ordinary life" he claimed to pursue.
As long as she grasped this point, winning him over wouldn't be a problem. Besides...
This guy had pushed her into this position all on his own, and now he wanted to dump all the troublesome matters on others and slip away unnoticed? Dream on!
Moreover, who told him to reject her earlier?
Whether for the greater good or Rover's own selfish reasons, everything she said was perfectly reasonable and flawless!
"Y-y-you're twisting my words! If someone who doesn't know the context hears this, won't they think I'm some heartless scumbag?"
"To be honest, aren't you?"
As soon as Aeron finished defending himself, Abby delivered a precise blow from the side.
With that, the outcome was decided.
Aeron slumped his hands onto his knees, a resigned smile appearing on his face as his body went limp in the chair.
"..."
Although these words left Aeron with one last shred of room to maneuver, everyone present already clearly understood the truth:
Aeron had lost.
Not only had he been defeated by Rover in a fight, but now he had also been verbally defeated by her.
Folks, getting whipped from both sides—now he's truly become Rover's little plaything.
Rover had long anticipated this reaction from him and didn't press further.
However, her smile now carried a hint of understanding, along with the composure and delight of a victor: checkmate!
"Alright, take your time to think it over. As the 'King' of Ragunna, I won't leave until matters here are resolved."
"..."
In the end, Aeron could only muster this particularly feeble response.
Just then, the restaurant door was gently pushed open, and a faint, familiar fragrance wafted in.
"Oh, what a coincidence."
Lilac silk-like hair flowed with a gentle sheen under the indoor lighting.
Cantarella nodded slightly to Rover in greeting.
"Your Highness, good day. I hope I haven't interrupted your conversation."
Rover also stood up, facing Cantarella, her expression returning to its usual calm and gentleness.
"It's fine, Cantarella. We just finished talking."
"That's good." Cantarella's smile deepened as she turned to Aeron, who was in a state of mental turmoil.
"The Fisalia Family's 'son-in-law' has been outside for quite a while. I'd like to bring him back for a moment... if that's alright?"
"Of course, feel free."
Rover looked up, glancing at Aeron's relieved expression and then at Cantarella's elegant smile, making no move to stop them.
"Mm, please go ahead."
"Hey, wait—what about my opinion?!"
Aeron's protests were in vain. Cantarella simply took his hand and led him out of Margherita's restaurant.
Meanwhile, Abby, munching on her pizza, watched Aeron being led away and could only sigh in the end.
"You reap what you sow."