“The Duke’s Mansion... is that what you’re talking about?”
When the butler in charge of Duke Leopold's residence in the capital asked me with a slightly embarrassed look, I nodded and added my explanation.
“Yes. As you know, the Duchy of Leopold is in a state of great turmoil due to a volcanic eruption that someone caused. Fortunately, thanks to the help of many people, things are finally stabilizing, but we still need a lot of help, so I would like you to go and help.”
The butler thought for a moment at the suggestion that was half lies and half-truth, then shook his head.
“However, it seems that not all the servants will be going to the dukedom. There must be someone who serves Your Highness, so some of us, including myself, will remain here.”
“That part is fine. I’ll be staying at the palace for the time being.”
Although I have not yet been permitted to stay in the palace, I believe I will be permitted to do so.
If they don't allow it, then I can just stay at a luxury hotel.
“So don’t worry and go to the Duke’s Office.”
The important thing was to send the people working under me to the Leopold duchy before 'it' came rushing in, so I pushed the somewhat bewildered butlers, servants, and even the knights guarding the ducal residence back.
This solved the problem for others.
Now I have to send Sir Aldor and Sir Eren back... What should I do?
Sir Eren, you listened to me carefully, so it wasn't difficult to send you back, but the problem was Sir Aldor.
Although he usually listened to me well, he became stubborn when a problem related to my safety arose, so it was extremely difficult to send him back to the Duchy of Leopold first.
How can I send Aldor away?
As I was leaving the Duke's residence and walking to the palace, I was thinking deeply when suddenly Leo's nonsense came to mind.
That question of whether or not my plan to keep him by my side for the rest of my life.
If it had been a normal day, I would have just dismissed it as a joke, but that day his voice was so serious that I couldn't do that.
Hearing similar words from Perdes made it feel even more sincere.
Still...I have to pretend I don’t know.
Even Perdes had a headache, so I didn't want to worry about Leo either.
And Sir Aldor..
Clang
Suddenly something flew in, broke the window, and entered the carriage.
This is... a stone.
It was a large boulder that was not commonly seen around here, but could only be found deep in the mountains.
It was clear that it wasn't thrown in a fit of anger, but was thrown intentionally.
As I was about to pick up the stone, the carriage door flew open, revealing Sir Aldor, looking very flustered.
“Are you alright, Your Highness?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Luckily, I didn’t get hit by a rock.”
At my words, Sir Aldor frowned and picked up the stone that had fallen on the floor.
"Sorry."
And he bowed deeply and apologized.
“I should have been more vigilant... I was careless. I’m truly sorry.”
"No."
In cases like this, the person would likely hide in the crowd, throw a rock, and then run away, so it was not a problem that could be solved by being wary of the surroundings.
“Did you catch the culprit?”
“We haven’t caught him yet... Sir Aaron is currently searching the area, so we should be able to catch him soon.”
As the economy became more unstable due to counterfeit gold coins, the discontent of the imperial people grew with each passing day as life became more difficult.
The discontent that had ballooned up like a balloon was expressed in many ways, one of which was throwing stones and waste at the mansions and carriages of nobles, as is the case today.
This incident will probably be the same.
“Yes. Just go.”
Then I didn't want to catch it.
Because I was the one who made them like that.
I was willing to turn a blind eye to them to some extent, as long as they didn't cross the line too far.
“Are you really going to move on?”
Sir Aldor, who had no way of knowing my feelings, asked me with a somewhat bewildered look.
“If we make a mistake, we’ll be late for the meeting. Let’s leave quickly, Sir Aldor.”
I answered that question differently.
“...”
Although it was impossible for him not to understand what I meant, Sir Aldor just stared at me without saying anything.
If other people had done this, it would have been annoying, but I felt no such feelings at all.
Because I know he's doing this because he's genuinely worried about me.
“Sir Aldor.”
Still, I wish they would start off slowly.
When I called out to him in a slightly lowered voice, Aldor nodded as if he finally felt like listening to me.
“...I’m leaving.”
Today's meeting was attended only by the imperialist nobles. It was a place where they could freely express their thoughts without worrying about what others thought.
Originally, the Leopold Duke family was an imperialist noble family, but that was when my father was a Duke.
Besides, I had fought with the imperialist nobles in Aletheia to inherit the ducal throne.
So I thought I wouldn't be invited to this event, but I got an invitation.
Surely you don't still think I'm on the same side as you?
What on earth are they thinking?
I attended because I was curious about their intentions and what they would be talking about.
“Seriously, those kids' useless chatter is costing me money I didn't need to spend.”
“That’s why. Why did they say something like that when they obviously knew it was like shooting themselves in the foot...”
“I knew it from the moment they started claiming to worship an invisible god.”
The meeting began with insults to the anti-imperial nobles.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, you are too much. We have tried so hard to help you, but you are taking their side...”
“Who is not? I am very disappointed in His Highness the Crown Prince in this matter.”
Furthermore, they also cursed the Crown Prince who did not take their side and sided with the anti-imperial nobles.
I attended because I thought I would hear some interesting stories, but it was boring because they just kept talking about useless stuff.
I came for nothing. If I had known this would happen, I would have just looked at the documents.
“His Majesty the Emperor, have you not yet received an answer about him?”
I was thinking that I should go back now, but an interesting story was about to come up.
I put away my thoughts of going out and pushed them into a corner, then pricked up my ears and listened to their conversation.
“Yes. He still leaves all external activities to His Highness the Crown Prince, and does not meet with nobles when they come to visit him.”
“Oh my, what the heck is going on? Are His Majesty feeling unwell or something?”
“Even so, the Imperial Palace did not say anything, and he attended all the imperial events, big and small, such as family dinners.”
“That means he's just keeping his hands off political matters... He's not planning to abdicate to His Highness the Crown Prince just like that, is he?”
The nobles were greatly shaken and murmured at the casual remark made by someone.
It was the same for me too.
Of course, in my repeated past lives, the Emperor never once abdicated in favor of the Crown Prince.
However, it could not be said for sure that he would not abdicate, as it is possible that the Crown Prince died in vain while attending a hunting competition during this period.
Moreover, the Emperor's recent actions could be seen as preparations for his abdication.
“If you decide to abdicate, I will risk my life to stop you.”
“That’s right. His Highness the Crown Prince is not ready to sit on the throne yet.”
“Go see His Majesty the Emperor right now...!”
Tang tang-
As the excited nobles made it seem as if they were going to see the Emperor at any moment, the Marquis of MacMill lightly tapped the table to attract their attention.
“Yes, I understand that you are all worried about His Majesty the Emperor, so calm down for now. Nothing will change if you get excited. It will only make the situation worse.”
“Ahem.”
Only then did the true nobles cough and shut their mouths.
At that time, a nobleman asked cautiously.
“Your Highness, aren’t you worried about the current situation?”
“Why wouldn’t I be worried? I am very worried, too, but His Majesty the Emperor has not given me any word yet, so I don’t think it would be good to act too hastily, so I am staying still.”
“So wouldn’t it be better to see His Majesty the Emperor and hear what he thinks?”
“I would like to do that too, but His Majesty will not meet me...”
Marquis Macmillan, who was stroking his chin as if he was in great distress, suddenly looked at me sitting across from him.
The moment I met the snake-like, slit eyes, an uneasy feeling welled up in me.
Surely... you’re not trying to pass it on to me, are you?
“Wouldn’t it be possible for Your Excellency the Duke to personally meet His Majesty the Emperor and ask him what he thinks?”
It was a moment when my ominous premonition came true. Before I could answer, the nobles clapped their hands and agreed to Marquis Macmill's proposal.
“That is a very good idea. Your Excellency the Duke will be a future member of the Imperial Family, so His Majesty will also meet you.”
“Besides, His Majesty loves you...”
The Emperor likes me.
It was a sound that would make even a passing dog laugh.
By the way, I was wondering why you called me to the meeting, and this was the purpose.
“Let’s do that.”
Although their stuffy insides were irritating, I didn't refuse because I was also curious about what the Emperor was thinking.
If there was a difference, they could have just passed it on to me and said they had asked me to do it.
“Then let’s end today’s meeting here...”
As soon as I accepted the offer, the Marquis of Macmillan ended the meeting as if he had been waiting for it.
Anyway, I'm telling you, I don't like this guy from start to finish.
I ignored their pleas for a favor and headed straight to the Emperor's palace.
When the butler in charge of Duke Leopold's residence in the capital asked me with a slightly embarrassed look, I nodded and added my explanation.
“Yes. As you know, the Duchy of Leopold is in a state of great turmoil due to a volcanic eruption that someone caused. Fortunately, thanks to the help of many people, things are finally stabilizing, but we still need a lot of help, so I would like you to go and help.”
The butler thought for a moment at the suggestion that was half lies and half-truth, then shook his head.
“However, it seems that not all the servants will be going to the dukedom. There must be someone who serves Your Highness, so some of us, including myself, will remain here.”
“That part is fine. I’ll be staying at the palace for the time being.”
Although I have not yet been permitted to stay in the palace, I believe I will be permitted to do so.
If they don't allow it, then I can just stay at a luxury hotel.
“So don’t worry and go to the Duke’s Office.”
The important thing was to send the people working under me to the Leopold duchy before 'it' came rushing in, so I pushed the somewhat bewildered butlers, servants, and even the knights guarding the ducal residence back.
This solved the problem for others.
Now I have to send Sir Aldor and Sir Eren back... What should I do?
Sir Eren, you listened to me carefully, so it wasn't difficult to send you back, but the problem was Sir Aldor.
Although he usually listened to me well, he became stubborn when a problem related to my safety arose, so it was extremely difficult to send him back to the Duchy of Leopold first.
How can I send Aldor away?
As I was leaving the Duke's residence and walking to the palace, I was thinking deeply when suddenly Leo's nonsense came to mind.
That question of whether or not my plan to keep him by my side for the rest of my life.
If it had been a normal day, I would have just dismissed it as a joke, but that day his voice was so serious that I couldn't do that.
Hearing similar words from Perdes made it feel even more sincere.
Still...I have to pretend I don’t know.
Even Perdes had a headache, so I didn't want to worry about Leo either.
And Sir Aldor..
Clang
Suddenly something flew in, broke the window, and entered the carriage.
This is... a stone.
It was a large boulder that was not commonly seen around here, but could only be found deep in the mountains.
It was clear that it wasn't thrown in a fit of anger, but was thrown intentionally.
As I was about to pick up the stone, the carriage door flew open, revealing Sir Aldor, looking very flustered.
“Are you alright, Your Highness?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Luckily, I didn’t get hit by a rock.”
At my words, Sir Aldor frowned and picked up the stone that had fallen on the floor.
"Sorry."
And he bowed deeply and apologized.
“I should have been more vigilant... I was careless. I’m truly sorry.”
"No."
In cases like this, the person would likely hide in the crowd, throw a rock, and then run away, so it was not a problem that could be solved by being wary of the surroundings.
“Did you catch the culprit?”
“We haven’t caught him yet... Sir Aaron is currently searching the area, so we should be able to catch him soon.”
As the economy became more unstable due to counterfeit gold coins, the discontent of the imperial people grew with each passing day as life became more difficult.
The discontent that had ballooned up like a balloon was expressed in many ways, one of which was throwing stones and waste at the mansions and carriages of nobles, as is the case today.
This incident will probably be the same.
“Yes. Just go.”
Then I didn't want to catch it.
Because I was the one who made them like that.
I was willing to turn a blind eye to them to some extent, as long as they didn't cross the line too far.
“Are you really going to move on?”
Sir Aldor, who had no way of knowing my feelings, asked me with a somewhat bewildered look.
“If we make a mistake, we’ll be late for the meeting. Let’s leave quickly, Sir Aldor.”
I answered that question differently.
“...”
Although it was impossible for him not to understand what I meant, Sir Aldor just stared at me without saying anything.
If other people had done this, it would have been annoying, but I felt no such feelings at all.
Because I know he's doing this because he's genuinely worried about me.
“Sir Aldor.”
Still, I wish they would start off slowly.
When I called out to him in a slightly lowered voice, Aldor nodded as if he finally felt like listening to me.
“...I’m leaving.”
***
Today's meeting was attended only by the imperialist nobles. It was a place where they could freely express their thoughts without worrying about what others thought.
Originally, the Leopold Duke family was an imperialist noble family, but that was when my father was a Duke.
Besides, I had fought with the imperialist nobles in Aletheia to inherit the ducal throne.
So I thought I wouldn't be invited to this event, but I got an invitation.
Surely you don't still think I'm on the same side as you?
What on earth are they thinking?
I attended because I was curious about their intentions and what they would be talking about.
“Seriously, those kids' useless chatter is costing me money I didn't need to spend.”
“That’s why. Why did they say something like that when they obviously knew it was like shooting themselves in the foot...”
“I knew it from the moment they started claiming to worship an invisible god.”
The meeting began with insults to the anti-imperial nobles.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, you are too much. We have tried so hard to help you, but you are taking their side...”
“Who is not? I am very disappointed in His Highness the Crown Prince in this matter.”
Furthermore, they also cursed the Crown Prince who did not take their side and sided with the anti-imperial nobles.
I attended because I thought I would hear some interesting stories, but it was boring because they just kept talking about useless stuff.
I came for nothing. If I had known this would happen, I would have just looked at the documents.
“His Majesty the Emperor, have you not yet received an answer about him?”
I was thinking that I should go back now, but an interesting story was about to come up.
I put away my thoughts of going out and pushed them into a corner, then pricked up my ears and listened to their conversation.
“Yes. He still leaves all external activities to His Highness the Crown Prince, and does not meet with nobles when they come to visit him.”
“Oh my, what the heck is going on? Are His Majesty feeling unwell or something?”
“Even so, the Imperial Palace did not say anything, and he attended all the imperial events, big and small, such as family dinners.”
“That means he's just keeping his hands off political matters... He's not planning to abdicate to His Highness the Crown Prince just like that, is he?”
The nobles were greatly shaken and murmured at the casual remark made by someone.
It was the same for me too.
Of course, in my repeated past lives, the Emperor never once abdicated in favor of the Crown Prince.
However, it could not be said for sure that he would not abdicate, as it is possible that the Crown Prince died in vain while attending a hunting competition during this period.
Moreover, the Emperor's recent actions could be seen as preparations for his abdication.
“If you decide to abdicate, I will risk my life to stop you.”
“That’s right. His Highness the Crown Prince is not ready to sit on the throne yet.”
“Go see His Majesty the Emperor right now...!”
Tang tang-
As the excited nobles made it seem as if they were going to see the Emperor at any moment, the Marquis of MacMill lightly tapped the table to attract their attention.
“Yes, I understand that you are all worried about His Majesty the Emperor, so calm down for now. Nothing will change if you get excited. It will only make the situation worse.”
“Ahem.”
Only then did the true nobles cough and shut their mouths.
At that time, a nobleman asked cautiously.
“Your Highness, aren’t you worried about the current situation?”
“Why wouldn’t I be worried? I am very worried, too, but His Majesty the Emperor has not given me any word yet, so I don’t think it would be good to act too hastily, so I am staying still.”
“So wouldn’t it be better to see His Majesty the Emperor and hear what he thinks?”
“I would like to do that too, but His Majesty will not meet me...”
Marquis Macmillan, who was stroking his chin as if he was in great distress, suddenly looked at me sitting across from him.
The moment I met the snake-like, slit eyes, an uneasy feeling welled up in me.
Surely... you’re not trying to pass it on to me, are you?
“Wouldn’t it be possible for Your Excellency the Duke to personally meet His Majesty the Emperor and ask him what he thinks?”
It was a moment when my ominous premonition came true. Before I could answer, the nobles clapped their hands and agreed to Marquis Macmill's proposal.
“That is a very good idea. Your Excellency the Duke will be a future member of the Imperial Family, so His Majesty will also meet you.”
“Besides, His Majesty loves you...”
The Emperor likes me.
It was a sound that would make even a passing dog laugh.
By the way, I was wondering why you called me to the meeting, and this was the purpose.
“Let’s do that.”
Although their stuffy insides were irritating, I didn't refuse because I was also curious about what the Emperor was thinking.
If there was a difference, they could have just passed it on to me and said they had asked me to do it.
“Then let’s end today’s meeting here...”
As soon as I accepted the offer, the Marquis of Macmillan ended the meeting as if he had been waiting for it.
Anyway, I'm telling you, I don't like this guy from start to finish.
I ignored their pleas for a favor and headed straight to the Emperor's palace.
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