The request obviously took everyone by surprise.
Everyone looked at me as though I was a complete fool, including the Head Elder.
"So you're saying that it was all a show?"
It took a while to explain everything to her. Sitting in her office, she leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.
Sitting on the chair opposite her, I nodded my head.
"Yes, basically."
Looking at her, she didn't seem very pleased with my stunt.
It couldn't be helped. I had to make sure everyone saw it. I was sure news of my actions was going to make its way into the ears of everyone in the Empire.
"...Our household can't afford to take on the deal openly. Given that we've just emerged from a large conflict, we had no choice but to resort to such a tactic."
"I see."
Rosanna Astrid seemed more understanding when I explained to her a small part of our circumstances.
Eventually, she sighed.