War and Fortune 2.246

After dinner ended some talks took place that ended in an invitation to the empire for Semiramis, but not for Scheherezade much less for Viggo. Erica and Siegfried were surprised to see the emissary's burlesque smile as he looked at Viggo.

Semiramis dressed in a beautiful white dress that outlined her curvaceous figure, shook her head —I can't, thank you very much. My daughter is small and seems to get pregnant again. It's not safe yet, but I don't want to take risks. The empire is far away and even by ship it looks complicated—

The nobleman in charge, a man with blond hair and a thin face and androgynous features, made a mischievous smile and insisted —it might be a good idea for you to think about it, this is the first time a merchant from little Orario has been offered permission to negotiate with the empire.

—I am a woman of values; I love my family and my husband. Even if I have all the business in the world, if I lose my family, I am nothing. Thank you very much, it is a shame to miss this valuable opportunity—

The man narrowed his eyes and gave Viggo a sharp look. However, the latter raised his glass with wine, made the gesture of a toast, and drank the wine. The nobleman showed a sly smile and looked back at Semiramis —it's a pity, I hope you don't regret it— he said, then looked at Viggo and asked, —Do you have nothing to say?—

—My wife knows what she's doing, I've never told her how to do business. She owns herself and can decide on her own. I will support her with all my might—

—That's it... An adorable, young, reckless couple—

—Mr. Edgar— Erica said in a firm tone of voice. She was dressed in a blue coat like Viggo's, jacket and trousers, half a meter and sixty centimeters –I remind you that you represent the empire, moderate your words.

The nobleman named Edgar looked at Erica two heads lower than him —young Schtauffen, are you speaking on behalf of your family?—

—Mother authorize me to speak on her behalf, so I remind you to keep the label and not put the two families in a difficult position. I remind you that the Dragonroad family is influential in Orario—

—Compared to the empire?— asked Edgar with a sneer.

Erica frowned and added —I'll pretend I haven't heard your comment—

Edgar looked at Semiramis, in front of him. Small, dark hair, milky skin, beautiful and tempting. Large breasts and pronounced hips. However, most importantly, young, ignorant and heiress of the goddess Hera. If it weren't for the red-haired boy, she would be the best marriage prospect for any nobleman in his faction. Even for the same lord who leads the faction.

—It's a pity— said Edgar, he approached Semiramis, but she raised her hand as if putting a wall between her and him. Edgar froze, but then smiled and chuckled —it's a shame, Miss Semiramis—

—Madam— rectify Semiramis without bothering Edgar —I think this evening is over—

—You don't talk to other people too much, do you?—

—On the contrary, dear Edgar, I talk every day with hundreds of people. Nobles from all over the kingdom come to talk to me on business. Some like you, totally oblivious to the deal between equals and others who know how to negotiate. Maybe you need to talk to more people, with respect and politeness—

—You're just a lucky woman—

—Maybe, but my fortune doesn't come from what Hera left me. Now, you can retire—

Edgar stared at her for a few seconds, nodded and turned his back on her. He made the gesture with his hand so that all the nobles who accompanied him would gather. He left the room, Erica wanted to follow, but Viggo put his hand on his shoulder. Erica looked at Viggo with red hair and elegant clothes like hers, but black and with white embroidery.

—I will accompany him; you stay here and take care of Semiramis— said Viggo.

Erica was going to reply, but Viggo raised his index finger, put it on his own lips so that she would be quiet. After Viggo gave Semiramis a look, she nodded, and Viggo followed the nobles out of the dining room.

Viggo went to the end of the group, watching over the nobles so that none would do anything that might cause any discomfort. Edgar, at the beginning of the group, slowed down until it coincided with Viggo's. Both looked at each other. Edgar with blond hair, stylized face with androgynous features. Viggo with deep red hair, square face, and full lips.

—What kind of architecture is this, young Viggo?— asked Edgar with a mocking smile —it looks like that of the kingdoms in the Kaios desert, but there is a different air—

Viggo smiled calmly, not taking it seriously and commented —this white architecture with varnished furniture comes from the birthplace of my wives. A land of white sand beaches and turquoise sea. If you could see the domes at the top of the mansion, they are blue, simulating the sky while the outdoor gardens simulate the long pastures. It is a land of warm climate and peaceful life—

—I see, a different place. I've never been to a place like the one you mention—

—The chances are that you will never be in a place like that—

—Why do you say it?— asked Edgar with a frown —you says I can't travel to such a place. I tell you from now on that I have traveled to every corner of the continent. Even Telskyura itself—

Viggo showed a small funny smile and said —You and I have privileged lives. You have access to certain exclusive things, so do I. So, my friend, you will never see the land in which my wives grew up. You can't reach it because it's something unique to me—

—How long has a child lived? What do you know about exclusivity?— asked Edgar disdainfully.

Viggo chuckled, kept walking, and paid no more attention to Edgar. Which annoyed the latter. Viggo took him to the door, dismissed the nobles and stared at them until the carriages left the property.

—You stay calm— said someone behind Viggo's back. The latter turned around and looked at the woman dressed like him. Erica Schtauffen, sister of Siegried, an annoying woman, possessive of her brother, but upright as a spear.

—I think I told you not to come— Viggo said with a serious look, turned around and closed the door.

—I don't remember telling you I would obey you— Erica replied in a serious voice.

—Yes, I forget, you just listen to Siegried. Well, only when he doesn't run away from you—

—My brother doesn't run away from me!—

Viggo advanced at a slow pace and passed by her side without giving it much importance.

—Are you really not worried?— asked Erica, turning around and looking at him intensely.

Viggo stopped, frowned, and looked back sideways —Of what? From him? Of the empire? From its business partners? Possible murders?—

—Edgar is famous for seducing women—

Viggo froze for a moment and then burst into laughter. Viggo covered his mouth as if wanting to control his laughter, but he couldn't, he laughed and laughed at just remembering Erica's words. After a long minute, he looked back and smiled —you're so childish— he said. He turned his back on her and walked down the hallway on the first floor. White walls and ceiling, burgundy ceramic floor with emerald details. Furniture on the left varnished to the natural. Large windows on the right overlooking the dark gardens at night.

—Hey, Viggo, I'm serious— Erica said with an angry expression.

—Yes? Well, I imagine that was Edgar's intention. Seduce my wife, take her to the empire, and then take possession of my wife's property— Viggo said without stopping, but also showing concern —that level of seduction may work in your empire, but they don't really know anything. They are so banal thinking that the physical is everything, as if because someone was young, had an androgynous face and whispered in his ear could make you fall in love, do they have so little world in the empire? Is that all the women of your nation can do? Look for men who look feminine? You know nothing about seduction and that guy Edgar leaves eighty percent of his seduction to his appearance, ten percent to his lapdog look and other ten percent to his caramelized speech. He is someone who has youth, beauty, and novelty. But what will he do once his youth is gone? Will he use his money, his status, or his military strength? They are so boring; they do not know how to create the illusion of the perfect lover and give the other person what their heart needs. Believe me, if that's all Edgar has, he has nothing. And because of his appearance— Viggo stopped and looked back at Erica with a mocking look —this is Orario, Erica, there are all kinds of races and above all there are goddesses and gods. The vast majority young, beautiful, perfect, and more charming than any mortal. My own father is an elf with a face as androgynous as he is of Edgar, but with the subtlety and beauty of elves. You need to know Erica world; I fear for you. Any idiot with a little lip and appearance would make you fall in love, occupy you as their toy and then discard you—

—Insolent— said Erica, a face full of fury. She walked up to Viggo and threw a punch at his face, but he caught her fist. She continued —I'm being kind to you and warning you to take care of your wife—

Viggo brought his face only a few inches closer to hers. He looked into her eyes, and she blushed and then looked in another direction. Viggo let go of her fist, she retracted it, and he continued—thank you so much for your warning, but my wife doesn't need to be taken care of. I already said it "she owns herself and can decide on her own". If she no longer loves me, it will be eternal pain, but I prefer that she go where her heart directs her and that she be happy. However, if she stays by my side, I will tie her to my ability—

—Conceited—

Viggo shook his head, turned around and continued walking —she's too busy to have an affair with an insipid existence like Edgar while I'm too busy to focus my whole being on feeling jealous. I have other wives, children, and a future. You may be too idle to go around imagining things. Build a life, Erica, that way you will stop worrying about others and become an interesting woman. Otherwise, you will remain a woman who lives off others and public opinion—

—Pretentious idiot— said Erica.

Viggo continued walking to the room where they had dinner and opened the door. In one corner was a set of armchairs where Semiramis, Scheherezade and Siegfried were sitting. Viggo waited for Erica to catch up, then walked to Semiramis and said to her —Love, please don't leave for a dog-looking man—

Semiramis, Scheherezade and Siegfried froze, but after a few seconds they started laughing. Only Erica remained serious.

Semiramis got up from the couch with a broad smile and hugged Viggo —love, hahahaha, you're a fool— she said with amusement.

Viggo hugged her by the waist, and she clung to him with a broad smile. Viggo was smiling, gave Erica a brief glance, and winked. However, outside of jokes, Erica only hated Viggo more.