[FMMIKA] Chapter 286: Envy and Jealousy

"Can't understand?"

Looking at the bewildered Marie, Artorius asked and smiled.

"Um, I truly can't understand." Marie shook her head, somewhat disheartened.

"Even though she's a Saint, a Holy Maiden, possesses such powerful abilities and could accomplish many great things. But..."

As Marie spoke, there was a hint of resentment in her tone.

"Indeed, longing is often the farthest from understanding." Observing her this way, Artorius sighed slightly. "Have you heard of a story from the Analects?"

"The Analects..." Marie shook her head.

Although the Dragon Emperor had a special fondness for Eastern culture, which extended to his harem members, it was mostly limited to enjoying poetry and literature. The Four Books and Five Classics were a different realm altogether.

"It's alright if you haven't heard of it. We can talk about it."

Artorius told her about the passage titled 'Zi Lu asked about the qualities of a superior man' which went like this:

"Confucius asked his disciples about their dreams—What is it that you all desire?"

"The most impulsive and ambitious disciple said he wanted to become a ruler of a medium-sized state, make it wealthy and strong, and protect it from foreign aggression. By the way, his eventual fate, after entering the service, was to be minced to pieces in the chaos of a rebellion. Just before dying, he said a famous phrase—A superior man, regarding what he does not know, shows a cautious reserve. But that's a different story—"

"Let's not bring that up, Your Majesty~"

After hearing Artorius mention the latter part, Marie felt a bit queasy as that disciple's fate somewhat resembled hers. She knew he was doing it on purpose, so she playfully complained to him, causing a brief pause in his storytelling.

"Moving on, the second disciple said he could make the people of a small city-state prosperous. To be honest, this one is not that interesting, but this disciple actually achieved the success that the first one aspired to. He won a war against a major nation using spear tactics and also carried out fiscal reforms during his time in office. He can be considered quite successful."

"Ah, I see..." The gentle and calm Marie, who was nestled in Artorius's embrace, nodded while continuing.

"The third disciple said he could be an etiquette consultant during the meetings of the feudal lords. That kind of frivolous task doesn't deserve much discussion. This disciple didn't achieve anything noteworthy; we can just ignore him. Let's talk about the fourth guy instead."

"This fourth disciple said that in spring, he would put on new clothes, and five or six youngsters would tag along with him. When they heard the gong drum, they would make their way to the village for some dancing and singing, and then head back home afterward. Essentially, what he's getting at is that during spring, he plans to go on an outing with his buddies, splash around in the river, and have a blast. After they've had their fill of fun, they'll sing songs on their way back home."

"..."

Listening to Artorius, Marie couldn't help but furrow her brow.

"Hmm, this kind of man—"

"—Do you want to say that this guy is lacks ambition?"

Although Marie didn't finish her sentence, Artorius understood what she wanted to say. As he watched her who appeared somewhat indignant, he laughed.

"Hahaha, so, you think he's just too lazy?"

Though her words were left unsaid, her intent was clear. Artorius filled in the blanks, and Marie, with an expression that conveyed 'Isn't that right?' couldn't help but smile.

"Confucius holds him in the highest regard though."

"Mm...?"

"Look beyond appearances, sweetie."

Though he had a mature air about him, Artorius still spoke tenderly to Marie. He wasn't the type to get tired of the old and crave the new.

"Because it represents peace." Artorius spoke with a relaxed tone.

"To achieve all this, there's a prerequisite—peace, tranquility, and being in a serene society. Only then can you have such a peaceful life. Such a life is unattainable in times of war, in a chaotic world, in an uncertain society. Confucius's first three disciples described their dreams, all rooted in war and tumult. But the last disciple's dream can only be achieved in times of peace."

"Does Your Majesty mean... Miss Jeanne is like that?" Marie asked after hearing Artorius's explanation.

"Umu, that's right." Artorius nodded. "Although the wording differs, the essence is the same. The glory or wealth gained in war means nothing to Jeanne. In the end, all she desires is peace and tranquility. As long as the world is at peace, she wants for nothing and can live a simple life as a simple villager."

"Miss Jeanne is that kind of person..."

After Artorius's explanation, Marie's expression seemed dazed, absent-minded, and somewhat sad. Despite her strong affection for Jeanne, she couldn't fathom Jeanne's innermost desire.

Marie found herself feeling inferior.

Once she finished berating herself, Marie couldn't help but cast a glance at the Dragon Emperor. Her failure to understand Jeanne's desires meant that she didn't care for Jeanne as much as she had imagined.

On the other hand, the man before her seemed to understand Jeanne's desires. Did this imply that he liked Jeanne more than she did?

This thought made Marie uncomfortable.

Admiration and yearning were one thing, but that didn't mean she was willing to see Jeanne favored by Artorius. Not the kind of favor a leader might give to a subject or general, but the kind a man might bestow upon a woman.

It was painfully evident.

If he didn't genuinely care for Jeanne, how could he understand her character so well?

Thinking this way, it seemed inevitable that one day Marie would find Jeanne, her idol, in the emperor's bed, and that prospect left her with mixed feelings.

"What are you thinking about?"

Guessing what was on Marie's mind, Artorius said while playfully patting her soft buttock. With a soft voice, she moaned "Your Majesty~" and without hesitation, he began to 'smash'.

As for the topic of Jeanne, it could be discussed later. The most important thing right now was to give Marie his 'love and cream'.

"B-But, Your Majesty..."

During the 'clapping cheeks' process, Marie couldn't help but ask her final question.

"Ahh~ but the world isn't truly at peace now, is it?"

"In this singularity, with the empire's presence, the order is being created and progressing in a positive direction, even without Miss Jeanne—Mphhh~"

"But in this grand game of proper human history, the empire has not yet achieved victory. In this game involving the Empire, Human Order, the King of the Demon Gods, and the 'Beasts', we still need more strong allies, we need Miss Jeanne—Ahhh~"

"Hahhh, you're right..." Artorius responded with pleasure as he continued to thrust his 'spear' toward the delicate 'cave'. "The peace in this singularity is just a temporary. If the empire were to ultimately lose, all of this would be a fleeting illusion."

"Mmm~ In that case, then—"

"—Jeanne's power is necessary."

Artorius interrupted her and continued:

"I will obtain her."

"She will eventually become a part of the empire."

"Just for now, let that child live a happy and carefree life."

"This is my compensation to her. It's also the reward she deserves."

"It will help her alleviate the mental stress and get into the best shape."

"When the time comes, it will be her turn to serve the empire, humanity, and me."

"When will that be?" Hearing Artorius say that, Marie continued to inquire.

"There's no specific time frame; it depends on her."

"No specific time...? Your Majesty, you're really kind to Miss Jeanne..."

This time, Marie's tone carried a stronger sense of envy and jealousy than before.

"Am I not good to you, sweetie?"

Artorius spoke gently as he embraced Marie's petite body from behind and continued to thrust his 'spear' in and out of her 'cave' as she sat on his lap.

"Ahhh~ Your Majesty~"

The tiny spark of jealousy that had just ignited quickly dissipated under the Dragon Emperor's reassurance.