When my father heard that I'd gone to break up a fight, but instead, I'd started one, he called me into his makeshift office. He was sitting on the sofa, his head throbbing, his hand on his forehead.
“Why on earth is that happening?”
“I’m angry.”
"You are my daughter, but you are also the Grand Duchess of Duchzan. You must also consider His Highness's reputation."
“His Highness the Grand Duke doesn’t get angry about this.”
Father touched his forehead again.
“I wonder how someone as flexible as your mother ended up with such a brash child.”
I burst out laughing at the lament that only family members would make.
“My mother also said she didn’t know how a calm person like my father could have a daughter like me.”
At my brazen answer, my father groaned again and leaned back against the sofa. But a gentle smile hung on his lips.
“I’ll forgive you this time. I feel relieved, too.”
“Right?”
I laughed along with my father. As I sat down next to him, he shook his head helplessly. His face, which had been joking with me, fell again.
"They say the imperial army was extremely safe, positioned in the rear. They were supposed to be at the very front lines."
“If the royal army is caught drinking alcohol, it won’t end well.”
"... Yes."
My father seemed quite disappointed with the behavior of the imperial army. He was a man who risked his life for honor, and he considered loyalty to an ideal monarch to be a true honor.
I gently held my father's hand.
"His Majesty the Emperor trusts my father. You're doing well. However..."
My father stared blankly at my hand, which covered the back of his own. A deep sigh escaped his lips.
My father looked around once, made sure there was no one in the room, and then whispered to me.
“You want to choose the right Emperor.”
I was surprised, not knowing my father would ask such a direct question. I stared at him intently, then rolled my eyes in space.
But there seemed to be no way to avoid the question. I licked my dry, nervous lips and answered in a measured voice.
"Yes."
"You said that Princess Abigail was aiming for the throne. So, in your opinion, the right Emperor is the Crown Prince?"
This question required careful consideration. I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. Fortunately, my father was patient enough to wait for my response.
"He may not be the most suitable person in the world to be Emperor. However, the Crown Prince is a legitimate heir, born to the Empress, and because of that, he can ascend to the throne with minimal conflict. Fighting for the throne only starves the people. Furthermore, the Crown Prince I've seen is someone who considers the public's opinion and knows how to negotiate. I can't trust him to be entirely good, but I believe he upholds a minimum of morality. I believe the Crown Prince is the best option available at the moment."
“Why do you think it won’t work, Princess Abigail?”
"Princess Abigail is certainly clever. But her qualities are those of a strategist, not an Emperor. While the Emperor stands before all, she dislikes responsibility and prefers to operate in the shadows. She even possesses a wickedness that would sacrifice her own brother for that very purpose."
I added with a playful smile.
“She might have done well if she had become a chess player.”
My father chuckled as if he couldn't stop me.
Prince Cain never even came up in our conversation. Even a runny-nosed child knew he wasn't fit to be Emperor.
I stared blankly at my father, wondering what he would say. Unlike him, I lacked patience, and perhaps that's why a hint of impatience crossed my face.
My father smiled, reached out his index finger, and gently pushed my forehead.
“Wait. Aren’t you still thinking about it?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“It’s written all over your face.”
I pouted. My father leaned forward, as if deep in thought, and I leaned back against the back of the sofa, trying to build up some patience.
"Father."
“Why are you doing that?”
“I thought about this for a long time, whether I should say it or not.”
My father looked back at me and smiled warmly.
“What are you talking about that makes you worry so much?”
I bit my lip and then finally opened it.
"If Princess Abigail becomes Emperor, she'll surely come up with some excuse to kill us. She knows she can't earn our loyalty. But the Crown Prince wants the loyalty of the Count of Winsley. He'll likely never betray us if we remain loyal, even for the rest of his life. I hope Father will also consider the safety of the Count of Winsley."
My father's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but I didn't stop talking.
"In the future, I believe Count Winsley will be led well by Ruin, and Adam will stand strong and support them. The honor of Count Winsley will be protected by those children. Just this once, please show a little selfishness."
My father's pupils fluttered slightly at my words. I realized it would be difficult to get an answer right away. I stood up to give him some peace of mind.
“Then I’ll wait for your answer, Father.”
“...Rest.”
My father didn't stop me from leaving either. I left the room with my head bowed.
The sudden battle, the subsequent memorial service, and the conversation with my father left me physically and mentally exhausted.
'But I can't rest. I must meet Count Merlin tomorrow.'
Regardless of my father's answer, I could no longer allow the soldiers of the Count of Winsley to be discriminated against.
That would be good for the treason accusation that Princess Abigail is planning, and it would also be good for the morale of our soldiers.
The promise I made last night as I left my father's room was soon shattered. I did go out and see Count Merlin myself. First, I went to the castle and told the guards that I had come to see Count Merlin.
Then the guard answered as if it was obvious.
"His Excellency the Count is not here. He has lent this place to the Imperial Army and is staying with his family in a small annex to the south."
“I see. I see.”
Having said that, I turned and headed towards the annex to the south. However, upon arriving at the annex, the butler politely and courteously stopped me.
“The Count’s daughter is inside.”
“Where is the Count?”
“Because there were many deaths in the south, he went to offer condolences.”
“Yes.”
I turned back and headed towards the southern building where Marquis Eriant's army and Count Sasha's army were staying.
But even there..
“His Excellency Count Merlin stayed for a while and then returned to his castle.”
“You went back? I just got back from there.”
When I asked somewhat annoyedly, the guard hesitated and answered like an idiot.
“But he really is gone...”
"Ha."
If Count Merlin had truly come here for comfort, he couldn't have left so quickly. Especially since this wasn't a separate building, but the main castle.
It was clear that Count Merlin had heard that I was coming and was avoiding me.
“Yes. Then I’ll go to the main castle.”
After answering, I headed toward the annex to avoid being seen. Instead of standing in front of the annex door, I stood diagonally in the shadow of the building.
Then, not long after, Count Merlin, with his beard, was seen trudging towards me in the distance, looking irritated.
"How long is that woman going to keep chasing me? Has she ever said she's giving up?"
“...Not yet. They said she was heading to the main castle, so she might come here soon.”
“We should just go out of the castle or something...”
I overheard Count Merlin grumbling and appeared just before he reached the door.
“Eek!”
Count Merlin backed away, making a strange noise. His expression was as if he had seen a ghost.
It was understandable that he would be startled when he himself appeared while he was gossiping about the Grand Duchess. Count Merlin quickly closed his eyes and chuckled.
“Oh my, Your Highness, the Grand Duchess. What has happened here?”
He seemed to want to just let my gossip slide. I wanted to punch him in the nose and demand an apology, but there were more pressing matters at hand. I smiled as I faced Count Merlin.
“I have come to offer a proposal to Count Merlin.”
“Ha, haha. What are you talking about?”
“The building on the north side is too remote and old to live in.”
“Huh? Is that so?”
Count Merlin opened his eyes wide and asked again, as if he had no idea. Surely he could have known. I continued, still smiling.
"It's a shame we lost so many soldiers in the second expedition. But shouldn't the living live in a better environment?"
Count Merlin shrugged his shoulders with a rat-like expression. His expression clearly showed his annoyance. He couldn't have assumed I wasn't aware of what he had done. It was a shameless greeting.
“I don’t really understand what you’re saying...”
“Please allow the Count of Winsley's forces to remain in the south. Even some of them will do.”
At my words, Count Merlin looked around furtively, then began to fuss.
"That can't be happening. Isn't that an unfortunate building where so many people have died? How could I allow a proud member of the Earldom of Winsley to reside in such a place? I simply cannot. And while Your Royal Highness may think the building is old and out of place, it was actually the first building built under the name of our Earldom of Merlin. It has its own history."
I was so dumbfounded that I added right away.
“Just because there is history doesn’t mean soldiers can live comfortably, right?”
“Why on earth is that happening?”
“I’m angry.”
"You are my daughter, but you are also the Grand Duchess of Duchzan. You must also consider His Highness's reputation."
“His Highness the Grand Duke doesn’t get angry about this.”
Father touched his forehead again.
“I wonder how someone as flexible as your mother ended up with such a brash child.”
I burst out laughing at the lament that only family members would make.
“My mother also said she didn’t know how a calm person like my father could have a daughter like me.”
At my brazen answer, my father groaned again and leaned back against the sofa. But a gentle smile hung on his lips.
“I’ll forgive you this time. I feel relieved, too.”
“Right?”
I laughed along with my father. As I sat down next to him, he shook his head helplessly. His face, which had been joking with me, fell again.
"They say the imperial army was extremely safe, positioned in the rear. They were supposed to be at the very front lines."
“If the royal army is caught drinking alcohol, it won’t end well.”
"... Yes."
My father seemed quite disappointed with the behavior of the imperial army. He was a man who risked his life for honor, and he considered loyalty to an ideal monarch to be a true honor.
I gently held my father's hand.
"His Majesty the Emperor trusts my father. You're doing well. However..."
My father stared blankly at my hand, which covered the back of his own. A deep sigh escaped his lips.
My father looked around once, made sure there was no one in the room, and then whispered to me.
“You want to choose the right Emperor.”
I was surprised, not knowing my father would ask such a direct question. I stared at him intently, then rolled my eyes in space.
But there seemed to be no way to avoid the question. I licked my dry, nervous lips and answered in a measured voice.
"Yes."
"You said that Princess Abigail was aiming for the throne. So, in your opinion, the right Emperor is the Crown Prince?"
This question required careful consideration. I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. Fortunately, my father was patient enough to wait for my response.
"He may not be the most suitable person in the world to be Emperor. However, the Crown Prince is a legitimate heir, born to the Empress, and because of that, he can ascend to the throne with minimal conflict. Fighting for the throne only starves the people. Furthermore, the Crown Prince I've seen is someone who considers the public's opinion and knows how to negotiate. I can't trust him to be entirely good, but I believe he upholds a minimum of morality. I believe the Crown Prince is the best option available at the moment."
“Why do you think it won’t work, Princess Abigail?”
"Princess Abigail is certainly clever. But her qualities are those of a strategist, not an Emperor. While the Emperor stands before all, she dislikes responsibility and prefers to operate in the shadows. She even possesses a wickedness that would sacrifice her own brother for that very purpose."
I added with a playful smile.
“She might have done well if she had become a chess player.”
My father chuckled as if he couldn't stop me.
Prince Cain never even came up in our conversation. Even a runny-nosed child knew he wasn't fit to be Emperor.
I stared blankly at my father, wondering what he would say. Unlike him, I lacked patience, and perhaps that's why a hint of impatience crossed my face.
My father smiled, reached out his index finger, and gently pushed my forehead.
“Wait. Aren’t you still thinking about it?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“It’s written all over your face.”
I pouted. My father leaned forward, as if deep in thought, and I leaned back against the back of the sofa, trying to build up some patience.
"Father."
“Why are you doing that?”
“I thought about this for a long time, whether I should say it or not.”
My father looked back at me and smiled warmly.
“What are you talking about that makes you worry so much?”
I bit my lip and then finally opened it.
"If Princess Abigail becomes Emperor, she'll surely come up with some excuse to kill us. She knows she can't earn our loyalty. But the Crown Prince wants the loyalty of the Count of Winsley. He'll likely never betray us if we remain loyal, even for the rest of his life. I hope Father will also consider the safety of the Count of Winsley."
My father's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but I didn't stop talking.
"In the future, I believe Count Winsley will be led well by Ruin, and Adam will stand strong and support them. The honor of Count Winsley will be protected by those children. Just this once, please show a little selfishness."
My father's pupils fluttered slightly at my words. I realized it would be difficult to get an answer right away. I stood up to give him some peace of mind.
“Then I’ll wait for your answer, Father.”
“...Rest.”
My father didn't stop me from leaving either. I left the room with my head bowed.
The sudden battle, the subsequent memorial service, and the conversation with my father left me physically and mentally exhausted.
'But I can't rest. I must meet Count Merlin tomorrow.'
Regardless of my father's answer, I could no longer allow the soldiers of the Count of Winsley to be discriminated against.
That would be good for the treason accusation that Princess Abigail is planning, and it would also be good for the morale of our soldiers.
***
The promise I made last night as I left my father's room was soon shattered. I did go out and see Count Merlin myself. First, I went to the castle and told the guards that I had come to see Count Merlin.
Then the guard answered as if it was obvious.
"His Excellency the Count is not here. He has lent this place to the Imperial Army and is staying with his family in a small annex to the south."
“I see. I see.”
Having said that, I turned and headed towards the annex to the south. However, upon arriving at the annex, the butler politely and courteously stopped me.
“The Count’s daughter is inside.”
“Where is the Count?”
“Because there were many deaths in the south, he went to offer condolences.”
“Yes.”
I turned back and headed towards the southern building where Marquis Eriant's army and Count Sasha's army were staying.
But even there..
“His Excellency Count Merlin stayed for a while and then returned to his castle.”
“You went back? I just got back from there.”
When I asked somewhat annoyedly, the guard hesitated and answered like an idiot.
“But he really is gone...”
"Ha."
If Count Merlin had truly come here for comfort, he couldn't have left so quickly. Especially since this wasn't a separate building, but the main castle.
It was clear that Count Merlin had heard that I was coming and was avoiding me.
“Yes. Then I’ll go to the main castle.”
After answering, I headed toward the annex to avoid being seen. Instead of standing in front of the annex door, I stood diagonally in the shadow of the building.
Then, not long after, Count Merlin, with his beard, was seen trudging towards me in the distance, looking irritated.
"How long is that woman going to keep chasing me? Has she ever said she's giving up?"
“...Not yet. They said she was heading to the main castle, so she might come here soon.”
“We should just go out of the castle or something...”
I overheard Count Merlin grumbling and appeared just before he reached the door.
“Eek!”
Count Merlin backed away, making a strange noise. His expression was as if he had seen a ghost.
It was understandable that he would be startled when he himself appeared while he was gossiping about the Grand Duchess. Count Merlin quickly closed his eyes and chuckled.
“Oh my, Your Highness, the Grand Duchess. What has happened here?”
He seemed to want to just let my gossip slide. I wanted to punch him in the nose and demand an apology, but there were more pressing matters at hand. I smiled as I faced Count Merlin.
“I have come to offer a proposal to Count Merlin.”
“Ha, haha. What are you talking about?”
“The building on the north side is too remote and old to live in.”
“Huh? Is that so?”
Count Merlin opened his eyes wide and asked again, as if he had no idea. Surely he could have known. I continued, still smiling.
"It's a shame we lost so many soldiers in the second expedition. But shouldn't the living live in a better environment?"
Count Merlin shrugged his shoulders with a rat-like expression. His expression clearly showed his annoyance. He couldn't have assumed I wasn't aware of what he had done. It was a shameless greeting.
“I don’t really understand what you’re saying...”
“Please allow the Count of Winsley's forces to remain in the south. Even some of them will do.”
At my words, Count Merlin looked around furtively, then began to fuss.
"That can't be happening. Isn't that an unfortunate building where so many people have died? How could I allow a proud member of the Earldom of Winsley to reside in such a place? I simply cannot. And while Your Royal Highness may think the building is old and out of place, it was actually the first building built under the name of our Earldom of Merlin. It has its own history."
I was so dumbfounded that I added right away.
“Just because there is history doesn’t mean soldiers can live comfortably, right?”
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