v-rustl

#752 High Society Trends

Added 2023-08-09 12:00:06 +0000 UTC

My name is Nehra.

I hail from the upper echelons of demon society, from a noble bloodline that inherits the Malicious-Holy Sword Fünfviolett.

I am truly a coveted prize among men worldwide, with my betrothed just within reach of the esteemed title of the Heavenly Four.

Unfortunately, in recent times, the Heavenly Four of the Malicious-Holy Sword line has been usurped by relatives from branch families like Glasya and Leviasa. It's an incredibly disconcerting trend.

Therefore, my future husband must ascend to the Heavenly One status and restore the Malicious-Holy Sword, our ancestral relic, back to the main family.

This is why I must wed a capable and devoted man.

The man I've set my sights on is Olba, a current Heavenly One aide.

He comes from the renowned Corrupted-Holy Sword Viergelb lineage. Though he is from a branch family, his lineage is close enough to the main line to be deemed fitting for me to merge with.

Moreover, he appears to be quite competent, which is crucial for our goal of reclaiming the seat of the Heavenly Four.

As an army officer, wouldn't he naturally aspire to climb to the zenith of his career by becoming a Heavenly One?

If he becomes my spouse, he could carve out his path.

While he has a legitimate claim to the Heavenly Four seat as part of the Corrupted-Holy Sword lineage, unfortunately, the current holder, Belphgamilia, who also hails from this lineage, is an extraordinary character.

He is rumored to be an illegitimate child of the Great Demon King Baal.

If there is any truth to this rumor, his position will likely remain secure for at least the next decade.

This is too long a wait for those hoping to claim the seat next.

Instead, it would be far more efficient for Olba to change his target to the Heavenly Four of the Malicious-Holy Sword by marrying me.

Combined with his abilities and my family's power, we could easily overthrow the current holder, Leviasa.

By bringing Olba into my family, we would ensure our future glory!

I must seduce him promptly and shape him into my dutiful and loyal husband!

...But, I mustn't rush.

It is often said that in matters of love, the one who falls first loses.

Falling in love exposes one to vulnerabilities, making one susceptible to any request from the beloved.

To manipulate Olba to my will, he must fall for me and willingly join my family as my husband.

To this end, I've gone to great lengths.

I bathe in milk daily to maintain my skin, treat my hair with top-quality oils, always wear dresses by high-end designers, and am adorned with exquisite jewels purchased from the dwarves.

At balls, I ensure I catch Olba's attention with my radiant smiles and by personally reaching out to him.

If a lady like me pays attention to him, he is bound to be charmed.

I'm over ninety percent sure he's already fallen for me.

Now, all I need to do is await his proposal.

I look forward to what passionate courtship he'll bring...

***

...What?

Olba is getting married?

How can that be?

I haven't received a proposal yet.

Isn't it incredibly impolite to announce a marriage without first obtaining the other party's consent?

...Huh?

I'm not his spouse?

But why?

You question why I would even assume I was his wife in the first place?

What on earth do you mean by that?!

And just who exactly did Lord Olba marry, if not me?!

Someone other than me? This is unbelievable!

Considering his age, there shouldn't be any other bride in the Demon Kingdom who surpasses me! I am perfect - a family pedigree, stunning beauty, and so much more!

He could have aimed for the Heavenly Four if he had married me. And yet, he tossed such glory aside for some questionable woman?!

This is unacceptable!

Find out who she is immediately! If she is some mediocre choice, I will use my family's full might to knock her down and reclaim Lord Olba's hand in marriage!!!

...What?

"He was never mine to begin with," you say? Be quiet!!!

***

Several days later.

Thanks to my family members scurrying around, we've gathered a fair amount of information about that cunning vixen who's ensnared my precious chess piece, Lord Olba.

...Her name is Batemy.

She was born a commoner with no family honor...? This is off to a bad start!

How can I, from a noble family, lose to a mere commoner?!

Moreover, what about her background? She served as an aide to the Heavenly Four in the Demon King's Army, and her direct superior was none other than Astres the Wild, the current Demon Queen?!

Kuh, that's quite a formidable connection!

With such an ascent in the ranks, despite her commoner status, she might even consider marrying into nobility.

But essentially, it's a grave mistake for a commoner to marry into the nobility!

Hmm... But her connection to Demon Queen Astres makes things substantially more complicated...

Does this mean Lord Olba is being introduced into the Demon Queen's circle?

Presently, our own cadet branch's Glasya ascending to the role of the second Demon Queen has somewhat strengthened our Malicious-Holy Sword lineage.

However, we still pale compared to the thriving lineage of the Wild-Holy Sword Sechweiss, Astres’ family...

Despite both being Demon Queens, there's a clear hierarchy. The firstborn son, the heir to the Demon King, was conveniently birthed from Queen Astres’ side.

Even with our recent momentum, there's a sizeable gap between us and the leading lineage of the Delusion's Holy Sword.

I simply can't afford to lose Lord Olba to their side!

This is grave... This is really, really grave!

Nevertheless, they've committed a blunder as well.

No matter how much Queen Astres may favor her, it's absurd to match a commoner with Lord Olba!

No matter the prestige of her position, a commoner will always remain a commoner, never equaling those born into nobility, inheriting a noble bloodline!

If Queen Astres was genuinely serious about ensnaring Olba, she should've chosen a more reliable, perhaps noble girl with blood ties to her.

I'll demonstrate to this commoner girl how I will outshine her, Nehra, a true heiress of the Cursed Holy Sword lineage!

It's not too late.

If I, a noble lady, make a concerted effort, Lord Olba will undoubtedly be swayed in my direction.

He'll cast aside that commoner girl who has nothing to her name!

I'll make you see just how significant noble blood truly is!

My dear family, who serve as my extensions, go and gather information!

Learn everything about the ball Lord Olba will be attending!

He's about to get married, so he should appear more frequently in social settings. That's where we'll make as many connections as possible to get close to him!

I've been modest up until now, but there's no time to worry about appearances any longer.

I, noblewoman Nehra, will utilize my nobility and charm to capture Lord Olba's heart entirely.

Arrange a dress!

With a high-quality dress accentuating my beauty, I'll ensnare and hold Lord Olba's heart!

Yes, fetch the Noujou dress!

A brand currently causing a significant stir in the magical capital, coveted by ladies everywhere!

A dress fashioned by a top artisan from Noujou will undeniably make me more stunning than anything else, guaranteed to steal Lord Olba's heart!

Now, bring forth the ultra-luxury dress from Noujou!

...What?

I don't have one?

Not even a single one?

What do you mean?!