“What on earth is going on with that vixen woman?”
Caroline thought back to the Karina she had met in the garden.
Karina had always been the type to accept anything she brought up when Caroline brought up the topic of Jeremiah.
“The One Who Couldn’t Even Squeak!”
Karina, who was easily swayed by her, was trying to escape her grasp, and Caroline was extremely annoyed.
Caroline glared fiercely.
“Didn’t you like Jeremiah? Or maybe... you’ve already lost interest?”
Caroline thought, snorting and denying her thoughts.
“No way.”
Caroline knew that Karina had deep feelings for Jeremiah.
“That woman wouldn’t give up so easily.”
However, she was maddened by the fact that Karina was acting like a thorn in her side instead of doing what she wanted.
Caroline sneered, her cold anger seething inside her.
“You married Jeremiah, and now you think you’re a real noble?”
Caroline laughed bitterly.
“You stupid bunch of people who got caught doing dirty work and ended up as Marquises!”
Karina’s maternal family, the Marquis Millainer, were originally nobles who came from another country.
Nevertheless, they were recognized for their great contributions to establishing the empire were accepted as citizens of the empire, and became a founding family. They were even given the title of Duke and were greatly respected as one of the honorable founding families in the early days of the empire.
However, as time passed and the family changed, they gradually became corrupted.
The head of the Millainer family indulged in luxury and debauchery, leading a filthy and debaucherous life.
Eventually, it was discovered that they had contacts with a group that was doing dirty work in the underworld. When the Emperor learned of this, he was greatly enraged by the fact that the head of the family, who was supposed to be a role model for the people of the empire, was behaving in such a way.
Due to that incident, the Milliner family was demoted from a Duke to a Marquis, under the pretext of threatening the safety of the people of the empire and causing chaos.
“Are you still deluded that you are a Duke? Even a Marquis is too much. It is a position that was barely maintained by flattering and bowing to the Emperor.”
The fact that the Milliner family was a major supporter of the Emperor played a large role in not being demoted to a Marquis.
If it weren’t for the political situation at the time, the Milliner family would have been demoted to a commoner.
And even if they were originally nobles of a foreign country, the fact that they were immigrants from outside the empire did not change.
The red hair that occasionally appeared in the Milliner family’s descendants was indelible evidence that they were immigrants.
This was the reason why Caroline fundamentally hated and detested Carina.
“No matter how hard you try, you can’t hide the dirty blood flowing inside of you.”
To Caroline, Karina Milliner was a dirty and vulgar being.
She thought she was clinging to the Emperor like a leech and enjoying the luxury of being his backer.
And yet, she was a disgusting woman who dared to take Jeremiah in her heart and take the position of the Grand duchess, full of greed and avarice.
“And you look down on me? Do you feel sorry for me? You must have said something like that!”
Caroline couldn’t control her anger and threw the glass jewelry box on the table to the floor.
Crash!
The jewelry box shattered and glass shards flew everywhere on the floor.
The jewels and accessories inside were also mixed with the glass shards and scattered in a mess.
“Ha, this really annoys me.”
Caroline threw her head back over her shoulder nervously.
Even though Karina was creepy and disgusting, she held back because she listened to her so well. The irritation that surged up every time she saw her relieved a little when she saw Karina struggling in pain.
However, it was a different story if Karina tried to escape her grasp.
“Huh.”
Caroline, who seemed to have calmed down a bit, slumped down on the chair.
“Clean up quickly.”
She gestured to the maids.
At her word, the maids moved in unison.
The room that had been a mess was quickly cleaned up.
In the tidy room, Caroline was attended to by the maids as usual.
After some time had passed since her hair and nails were done, Caroline opened her mouth calmly.
“I really hate arrogant and impudent people.”
Caroline muttered vaguely, not knowing who she was talking to.
She stared down at her hand, which the maid was diligently massaging, with cold eyes.
Even so, the maids did not answer or ask Caroline any questions.
They just held their breath quietly and carried out their tasks like dolls.
“But you know, sometimes it’s okay,”
Caroline continued as if it didn’t matter.
“If you break their will and crush their hopes, they’ll crawl in front of me like dogs, begging for their lives.”
Caroline recalled memories from a long time ago.
“Seeing that kind of meanness gives me a thrill and a thrill. It’s something I enjoy sometimes.”
A creepy smile appeared on her lips.
“It would be really fun to see Karina like that.”
Only her laughter echoed hollowly in Caroline’s room.
On the way to the dining hall for Mikhail’s meal.
“Oh! Over there.”
“The Grand Duchess’s escort knight!”
The soldiers leading a few horses for training pretended to know.
“I’m not a knight, I’m a wizard.”
“Oh, right, you said so. The escort wizard!”
The brown-haired soldier who had called Mikhail a knight scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
“Where are you going?”
“I'm going to the restaurant to eat.”
“Are you going to eat now? You’re a little late?”
“Yes. I’m hungry, so I’m going to eat quickly.”
“Oh, that won’t work.”
“Huh?”
The brown-haired soldier handed Mikhail an apple from the bag hanging on the back of his horse.
“Eat this.”
“I’m going to eat now?”
The soldiers answered Mikhail, who asked in confusion.
“The restaurant menu today is a little lacking.”
“That’s right. It’s just watery soup, a piece of grass, a slice of cheese, and a piece of hard bread.”
“It’s so hard that I thought my teeth would break while chewing it.”
“Anyway, I delivered the message. See you at the Tower.”
Max, who had finished his work, spread his wings to return.
“Make sure to tell him that I’m not going back either.”
Mikhail, who had made up his mind right away, said lightly.
“Huh? You’re not coming back? Why... Argh!”
Max, startled by Mikhail's words, lost his balance and fell forward.
"Have you forgotten? I said I was here to protect the Grand Duchess. I think I should keep an eye on her."
“But now is not the time for that.”
Max flapped his wings and sat up quickly.
“Or have you figured out something?”
“Not yet.”
“Then why? Is the Grand Duchess worth it?”
Mikhail smiled softly, without saying anything.
Max tilted his head as if he still didn’t understand.
“Anyway, I plan to stay here a little longer, so you should explain it to the Master.”
Max let out a deep sigh as if he had expected him to say that.
“Then goodbye.”
Mikhail waved at Max and turned around.
As Mikhail was about to leave, Max said as if a memory had suddenly occurred to him.
“Come to think of it, didn’t the maid come earlier and say that the Princess was calling?”
“Ah.”
It was only after hearing Max’s words that he remembered.
“Hmm… If it’s urgent, she’ll call again. Right now, the Grand Duchess is more important.”
Mikhail shrugged.
Mikhail, who sent Max away, headed straight to Karina’s room.
Knock knock.
“Your Highness, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
When he opened the door and went in, Karina greeted him with a bright smile.
“I was going to call you anyway. You’re welcome.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I have something I want to give you.”
“Your Highness, to me? What is it?”
Mikhail, delighted by Karina’s words, asked with a bright expression.
“This is it. Open it.”
Karina tapped a large wooden box on the table.
Caroline thought back to the Karina she had met in the garden.
Karina had always been the type to accept anything she brought up when Caroline brought up the topic of Jeremiah.
“The One Who Couldn’t Even Squeak!”
Karina, who was easily swayed by her, was trying to escape her grasp, and Caroline was extremely annoyed.
Caroline glared fiercely.
“Didn’t you like Jeremiah? Or maybe... you’ve already lost interest?”
Caroline thought, snorting and denying her thoughts.
“No way.”
Caroline knew that Karina had deep feelings for Jeremiah.
“That woman wouldn’t give up so easily.”
However, she was maddened by the fact that Karina was acting like a thorn in her side instead of doing what she wanted.
Caroline sneered, her cold anger seething inside her.
“You married Jeremiah, and now you think you’re a real noble?”
Caroline laughed bitterly.
“You stupid bunch of people who got caught doing dirty work and ended up as Marquises!”
Karina’s maternal family, the Marquis Millainer, were originally nobles who came from another country.
Nevertheless, they were recognized for their great contributions to establishing the empire were accepted as citizens of the empire, and became a founding family. They were even given the title of Duke and were greatly respected as one of the honorable founding families in the early days of the empire.
However, as time passed and the family changed, they gradually became corrupted.
The head of the Millainer family indulged in luxury and debauchery, leading a filthy and debaucherous life.
Eventually, it was discovered that they had contacts with a group that was doing dirty work in the underworld. When the Emperor learned of this, he was greatly enraged by the fact that the head of the family, who was supposed to be a role model for the people of the empire, was behaving in such a way.
Due to that incident, the Milliner family was demoted from a Duke to a Marquis, under the pretext of threatening the safety of the people of the empire and causing chaos.
“Are you still deluded that you are a Duke? Even a Marquis is too much. It is a position that was barely maintained by flattering and bowing to the Emperor.”
The fact that the Milliner family was a major supporter of the Emperor played a large role in not being demoted to a Marquis.
If it weren’t for the political situation at the time, the Milliner family would have been demoted to a commoner.
And even if they were originally nobles of a foreign country, the fact that they were immigrants from outside the empire did not change.
The red hair that occasionally appeared in the Milliner family’s descendants was indelible evidence that they were immigrants.
This was the reason why Caroline fundamentally hated and detested Carina.
“No matter how hard you try, you can’t hide the dirty blood flowing inside of you.”
To Caroline, Karina Milliner was a dirty and vulgar being.
She thought she was clinging to the Emperor like a leech and enjoying the luxury of being his backer.
And yet, she was a disgusting woman who dared to take Jeremiah in her heart and take the position of the Grand duchess, full of greed and avarice.
“And you look down on me? Do you feel sorry for me? You must have said something like that!”
Caroline couldn’t control her anger and threw the glass jewelry box on the table to the floor.
Crash!
The jewelry box shattered and glass shards flew everywhere on the floor.
The jewels and accessories inside were also mixed with the glass shards and scattered in a mess.
“Ha, this really annoys me.”
Caroline threw her head back over her shoulder nervously.
Even though Karina was creepy and disgusting, she held back because she listened to her so well. The irritation that surged up every time she saw her relieved a little when she saw Karina struggling in pain.
However, it was a different story if Karina tried to escape her grasp.
“Huh.”
Caroline, who seemed to have calmed down a bit, slumped down on the chair.
“Clean up quickly.”
She gestured to the maids.
At her word, the maids moved in unison.
The room that had been a mess was quickly cleaned up.
In the tidy room, Caroline was attended to by the maids as usual.
After some time had passed since her hair and nails were done, Caroline opened her mouth calmly.
“I really hate arrogant and impudent people.”
Caroline muttered vaguely, not knowing who she was talking to.
She stared down at her hand, which the maid was diligently massaging, with cold eyes.
Even so, the maids did not answer or ask Caroline any questions.
They just held their breath quietly and carried out their tasks like dolls.
“But you know, sometimes it’s okay,”
Caroline continued as if it didn’t matter.
“If you break their will and crush their hopes, they’ll crawl in front of me like dogs, begging for their lives.”
Caroline recalled memories from a long time ago.
“Seeing that kind of meanness gives me a thrill and a thrill. It’s something I enjoy sometimes.”
A creepy smile appeared on her lips.
“It would be really fun to see Karina like that.”
Only her laughter echoed hollowly in Caroline’s room.
***
On the way to the dining hall for Mikhail’s meal.
“Oh! Over there.”
“The Grand Duchess’s escort knight!”
The soldiers leading a few horses for training pretended to know.
“I’m not a knight, I’m a wizard.”
“Oh, right, you said so. The escort wizard!”
The brown-haired soldier who had called Mikhail a knight scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
“Where are you going?”
“I'm going to the restaurant to eat.”
“Are you going to eat now? You’re a little late?”
“Yes. I’m hungry, so I’m going to eat quickly.”
“Oh, that won’t work.”
“Huh?”
The brown-haired soldier handed Mikhail an apple from the bag hanging on the back of his horse.
“Eat this.”
“I’m going to eat now?”
The soldiers answered Mikhail, who asked in confusion.
“The restaurant menu today is a little lacking.”
“That’s right. It’s just watery soup, a piece of grass, a slice of cheese, and a piece of hard bread.”
“It’s so hard that I thought my teeth would break while chewing it.”
“As soon as you receive the bread, wizard, dip it in the soup.”
The soldiers complained about the restaurant menu for a while.
“Oh, by the way.”
The brown-haired soldier looked around and said in a small voice.
“Wizard. Take care. I heard that some knights are waiting for you.”
“They're making a fuss?”
Mikhail asked back with a puzzled expression at the sudden statement.
“Well, there was that time when Mr. Guilford fought the wizard in public and lost.”
“Why?”
“There was a lot of talk within the training camp because of that. They didn’t like the fact that a knight lost to a wizard.”
“But Mr. Guilford himself hasn’t said anything.”
“Be especially careful of the Herbison group. It seemed like they were trying to pick a fight for no reason.”
“That’s right. That group is famous among the soldiers for being dirty.”
Mikhail laughed to himself at the soldiers’ words.
‘It would be fun if they attacked all at once.’
Mikhail, hiding his feelings, replied with a smile.
“Thank you for telling me. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The soldiers sighed and lamented upon seeing Mikhail smiling brightly.
“Ugh. If the wizard had been the escort of the Princess instead of the Grand Duchess, those guys probably wouldn’t have even thought of touching yiu...”
“That’s right.”
They carefully opened their mouths as they continued their conversation, nodding to each other’s words.
“Since we’re on the subject, though.”
“...?”
“How about you say the Princess’s escort?”
“...The Princess?”
“When you say the Princess, are you talking about the woman we saw in the garden?”
Mikhail’s one eyebrow rose diagonally.
“Anyone who’s quick-witted knows that the Princess is the real power behind the Grand Duke’s household.”
“You have to be good at playing the ropes if you want to stay in the Grand Duke’s household for a long time.”
The others nodded as if they agreed with that statement.
“That may have been the case until now, but now that we have the Grand Duchess, isn’t that not the case?”
The soldiers shook their heads at Mikhail’s rebuttal as if they didn’t know what he was talking about.
“Don’t be ridiculous. The Grand Duchess has moved into the Grand Duke’s residence, but the Princess still hasn’t handed over her authority over the household. She’s saying she’s absolutely not leaving.”
“And this is something I overheard the laundry maids talking about yesterday. They say the Princess is really upset these days.”
“I heard something happened with the Princess in the garden, things in her room were broken, and the Princess’s mood is no joke.”
“Ah.”
Mikhail made a knowing expression.
“I heard there’s going to be another uproar soon.”
“In times like this, it’s best to hide and avoid being seen as much as possible.”
“If you don’t think so now when the Princess seems to be in a good mood, try to bring it up...”
“I appreciate the advice, but I’ll decline.”
Mikhail cut off the soldiers’ conversation.
He felt that he didn’t need to hear anymore.
“I’m more than happy to protect the Grand Duchess.”
“Ah...”
“If the wizard says so...”
The soldiers scratched their chins awkwardly at Mikhail’s gentle refusal.
“I’ll eat the apples. Thank you.”
Mikhail parted ways with them and headed back to the dining hall.
“This is a really funny situation.”
Mikhail sneered. He had already figured out the strange situation Karina was in.
In fact, it wasn’t that complicated.
He could see the context just by looking at what had happened in the garden yesterday.
“It’s an unreasonable rebellion by the Princess who doesn’t want to readjust power...”
What was unusual was Karina’s response.
Even in this situation where Caroline was being stubborn, Karina didn’t make any attempt to correct or gain authority.
That wasn’t all.
'The Grand Duchess doesn't have a maid?'
This would have been nonsense.
Mikhail thought of Karina's face, which had said with an indifferent expression that it would be better if she didn't have one. He was concerned about the way she acted as if nothing had happened to the cold treatment, neglect, and hostility directed at her.
'Why on earth are you being treated like that?'
Mikhail's eyes filled with discomfort for a moment and then disappeared.
"Whew."
He took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.
'Let's just watch a little longer.'
Mikhail resumed his steps.
"The Princess is calling."
An unfamiliar maid approached Mikhail, who was coming out of the restaurant and spoke to him.
Mikhail asked back with a bewildered expression.
"The Princess is calling me?"
"Yes. Go up right now."
The maid, who had always had a cold expression, finished what she wanted to say and disappeared without even listening to an answer.
'What?'
Mikhail had no idea why Caroline was calling him.
At that moment, something dark entered Mikhail’s sight.
‘Ah, I should take care of that before that.’
Mikhail, who was heading to Karina’s room, changed direction to the backyard of the Grand Duke’s residence.
After arriving at the deserted backyard, Mikhail turned around and asked,
“Are you free these days?”
“How could you be?”
A crow sitting on a nearby tree flew in front of him and landed.
Mikhail crossed his arms and looked down at the crow.
“What’s going on this time?”
“I brought you a message.”
“A message? Then why did you come all the way here when I couldn’t read the crow’s expression?"
“I came here myself because you didn’t answer.”
“Why would I listen to you when I’m sure I’ll just get nagged anyway?”
The crow’s eyes squinted at Mikhail’s snorting attitude.
“Because of you, I can’t even handle the piled-up work and am just acting like a pigeon.”
Mikhail ignored his criticism and asked the main point.
“...So? What’s the message?”
“You’re to return to the Tower.”
“Suddenly? Why?”
“I told you to come and learn the job and take over instead of going around causing trouble.”
“Our Master. Here we go again.”
Mikhail grumbled as if complaining.
“This time, things seem a little different. Those ‘guys’ are showing signs of making a move.”
Mikhail’s expression hardened.
“...Are you sure?”
“Since he’s sure, it’s almost certain.”
Max’s tone was serious as he answered.
“...”
The soldiers complained about the restaurant menu for a while.
“Oh, by the way.”
The brown-haired soldier looked around and said in a small voice.
“Wizard. Take care. I heard that some knights are waiting for you.”
“They're making a fuss?”
Mikhail asked back with a puzzled expression at the sudden statement.
“Well, there was that time when Mr. Guilford fought the wizard in public and lost.”
“Why?”
“There was a lot of talk within the training camp because of that. They didn’t like the fact that a knight lost to a wizard.”
“But Mr. Guilford himself hasn’t said anything.”
“Be especially careful of the Herbison group. It seemed like they were trying to pick a fight for no reason.”
“That’s right. That group is famous among the soldiers for being dirty.”
Mikhail laughed to himself at the soldiers’ words.
‘It would be fun if they attacked all at once.’
Mikhail, hiding his feelings, replied with a smile.
“Thank you for telling me. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The soldiers sighed and lamented upon seeing Mikhail smiling brightly.
“Ugh. If the wizard had been the escort of the Princess instead of the Grand Duchess, those guys probably wouldn’t have even thought of touching yiu...”
“That’s right.”
They carefully opened their mouths as they continued their conversation, nodding to each other’s words.
“Since we’re on the subject, though.”
“...?”
“How about you say the Princess’s escort?”
“...The Princess?”
“When you say the Princess, are you talking about the woman we saw in the garden?”
Mikhail’s one eyebrow rose diagonally.
“Anyone who’s quick-witted knows that the Princess is the real power behind the Grand Duke’s household.”
“You have to be good at playing the ropes if you want to stay in the Grand Duke’s household for a long time.”
The others nodded as if they agreed with that statement.
“That may have been the case until now, but now that we have the Grand Duchess, isn’t that not the case?”
The soldiers shook their heads at Mikhail’s rebuttal as if they didn’t know what he was talking about.
“Don’t be ridiculous. The Grand Duchess has moved into the Grand Duke’s residence, but the Princess still hasn’t handed over her authority over the household. She’s saying she’s absolutely not leaving.”
“And this is something I overheard the laundry maids talking about yesterday. They say the Princess is really upset these days.”
“I heard something happened with the Princess in the garden, things in her room were broken, and the Princess’s mood is no joke.”
“Ah.”
Mikhail made a knowing expression.
“I heard there’s going to be another uproar soon.”
“In times like this, it’s best to hide and avoid being seen as much as possible.”
“If you don’t think so now when the Princess seems to be in a good mood, try to bring it up...”
“I appreciate the advice, but I’ll decline.”
Mikhail cut off the soldiers’ conversation.
He felt that he didn’t need to hear anymore.
“I’m more than happy to protect the Grand Duchess.”
“Ah...”
“If the wizard says so...”
The soldiers scratched their chins awkwardly at Mikhail’s gentle refusal.
“I’ll eat the apples. Thank you.”
Mikhail parted ways with them and headed back to the dining hall.
“This is a really funny situation.”
Mikhail sneered. He had already figured out the strange situation Karina was in.
In fact, it wasn’t that complicated.
He could see the context just by looking at what had happened in the garden yesterday.
“It’s an unreasonable rebellion by the Princess who doesn’t want to readjust power...”
What was unusual was Karina’s response.
Even in this situation where Caroline was being stubborn, Karina didn’t make any attempt to correct or gain authority.
That wasn’t all.
'The Grand Duchess doesn't have a maid?'
This would have been nonsense.
Mikhail thought of Karina's face, which had said with an indifferent expression that it would be better if she didn't have one. He was concerned about the way she acted as if nothing had happened to the cold treatment, neglect, and hostility directed at her.
'Why on earth are you being treated like that?'
Mikhail's eyes filled with discomfort for a moment and then disappeared.
"Whew."
He took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.
'Let's just watch a little longer.'
Mikhail resumed his steps.
***
"The Princess is calling."
An unfamiliar maid approached Mikhail, who was coming out of the restaurant and spoke to him.
Mikhail asked back with a bewildered expression.
"The Princess is calling me?"
"Yes. Go up right now."
The maid, who had always had a cold expression, finished what she wanted to say and disappeared without even listening to an answer.
'What?'
Mikhail had no idea why Caroline was calling him.
At that moment, something dark entered Mikhail’s sight.
‘Ah, I should take care of that before that.’
Mikhail, who was heading to Karina’s room, changed direction to the backyard of the Grand Duke’s residence.
After arriving at the deserted backyard, Mikhail turned around and asked,
“Are you free these days?”
“How could you be?”
A crow sitting on a nearby tree flew in front of him and landed.
Mikhail crossed his arms and looked down at the crow.
“What’s going on this time?”
“I brought you a message.”
“A message? Then why did you come all the way here when I couldn’t read the crow’s expression?"
“I came here myself because you didn’t answer.”
“Why would I listen to you when I’m sure I’ll just get nagged anyway?”
The crow’s eyes squinted at Mikhail’s snorting attitude.
“Because of you, I can’t even handle the piled-up work and am just acting like a pigeon.”
Mikhail ignored his criticism and asked the main point.
“...So? What’s the message?”
“You’re to return to the Tower.”
“Suddenly? Why?”
“I told you to come and learn the job and take over instead of going around causing trouble.”
“Our Master. Here we go again.”
Mikhail grumbled as if complaining.
“This time, things seem a little different. Those ‘guys’ are showing signs of making a move.”
Mikhail’s expression hardened.
“...Are you sure?”
“Since he’s sure, it’s almost certain.”
Max’s tone was serious as he answered.
“...”
“Anyway, I delivered the message. See you at the Tower.”
Max, who had finished his work, spread his wings to return.
“Make sure to tell him that I’m not going back either.”
Mikhail, who had made up his mind right away, said lightly.
“Huh? You’re not coming back? Why... Argh!”
Max, startled by Mikhail's words, lost his balance and fell forward.
"Have you forgotten? I said I was here to protect the Grand Duchess. I think I should keep an eye on her."
“But now is not the time for that.”
Max flapped his wings and sat up quickly.
“Or have you figured out something?”
“Not yet.”
“Then why? Is the Grand Duchess worth it?”
Mikhail smiled softly, without saying anything.
Max tilted his head as if he still didn’t understand.
“Anyway, I plan to stay here a little longer, so you should explain it to the Master.”
Max let out a deep sigh as if he had expected him to say that.
“Then goodbye.”
Mikhail waved at Max and turned around.
As Mikhail was about to leave, Max said as if a memory had suddenly occurred to him.
“Come to think of it, didn’t the maid come earlier and say that the Princess was calling?”
“Ah.”
It was only after hearing Max’s words that he remembered.
“Hmm… If it’s urgent, she’ll call again. Right now, the Grand Duchess is more important.”
Mikhail shrugged.
Mikhail, who sent Max away, headed straight to Karina’s room.
Knock knock.
“Your Highness, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
When he opened the door and went in, Karina greeted him with a bright smile.
“I was going to call you anyway. You’re welcome.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I have something I want to give you.”
“Your Highness, to me? What is it?”
Mikhail, delighted by Karina’s words, asked with a bright expression.
“This is it. Open it.”
Karina tapped a large wooden box on the table.
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