Magical amnesia and temporary amnesia.
And the work of going into business alone to cure it and trying to save Thiels.
My father, who had been listening to me, remained frozen like a statue for a long time before he began to stutter and speak.
"Yvonne, why... why didn't you ask me for help? Why! That little bit of money is nothing compared to all I've done for you!"
He was about to lose his temper, but then he suddenly stopped talking, stared at me, and squeezed his eyes shut.
'Ah.'
A heavy silence fell.
“I’m sorry, Yvonne.”
"Sorry."
“No... I feel more sorry. I feel unworthy of being a father, for not being able to give you faith.”
"Don't be like that. It's just that I'm so used to living in my own world. You know, that's how I grew up."
I shrugged and wiped away the tears that had gathered slightly.
"It felt awkward to ask my father for things and rely on him. I thought I was a self-sufficient adult who knew how to do everything, and I was incredibly capable."
“Yvonne.”
"But that wasn't the case. I'm still a frog in a well, and I have a lot to learn. I've been so foolish."
I felt stupid.
If it weren't for Rudnine, I would have risked my life alone, completely unaware of the nobles' plan to unite and defeat Empress Giselle, including my father.
I put strength into my voice.
"Father, please help me. Empress Giselle and the warlocks are not enemies I can defeat alone."
He looked at me for a while, then answered with a faint smile in a watery voice.
"Of course, Yvonne Argenthoz. Let's fight together. I, your father, will fight with all my might, just as you have spent your time struggling and fighting alone."
“Yes. Please rescue my brother quickly.”
I nodded.
But my father was still quite shocked by my confession, and there was still a loneliness in his eyes.
I never knew it would hurt so much that I had to hide this from you...
Actually, before I left for the capital, Rudnine persuaded me to confess the truth to my father and fight together.
After saying it, I feel relieved and a little regretful.
Honestly, it seemed like things between my father and me had become a little more awkward.
While I was thinking about this and that, my father broke the silence and spoke to me.
"By the way, the power of black magic is extraordinary. We need to discuss this with the wizards as much as possible before going into full-scale war."
"Oh, that's it! I'm currently reviewing the materials. Could you please wait until I'm done? I'll then make it public."
“Data, no way.”
"Please wait a moment. I have something to check with the warlock I captured, so I'll tell you all at once then."
My father narrowed his eyes and nodded in approval.
“Yes, I’ll go.”
"Understood. Come to me as soon as you're ready. We'll work this out together."
“Yes, Father.”
I closed the office door and came out, letting out a deep sigh as the tension eased.
"Ha."
As I walked down the hallway to my room, I tried to lighten my heavy heart.
I now realize that my actions hurt the people I love.
From now on, I need to be honest and reveal everything without hiding anything.
'Hmm. By the way, it's quite messy.'
On the way back to my room, I looked around the Argenthoz mansion, which was bustling with activity, unlike usual.
In our mansion, where people were constantly coming and going, my room was the quietest place.
I grumbled as I entered the room after a long time.
“Oh my, this is crazy. Is this a house or a market?”
“This is the Princess’s house.”
Liana, who came next to me, calmly answered when I arrived.
"Liana!"
I was happily calling Liana, but then I remembered what had happened with my father a moment ago, and my mood suddenly dropped, so I answered awkwardly.
“Well, I know... I was just grumbling.”
“The Princess dislikes noise, so I will tell the knights to be quiet.”
Liana bowed quietly, and her eyes flashed sharply.
Why is she like this?
I quickly stopped Liana.
"You've heard enough about how things have changed. Stay still, Liana."
“Yes, Princess.”
“You too.”
We are currently preparing for an all-out war with the warlocks gathered at the palace.
Moreover, it was bound to be complicated, as even the Demirant Guild members would have gathered at our mansion.
Thanks to Carol, I was fortunate enough to be able to recruit Demirant, the best information guild.
I wanted to bring Carol to the capital right away, but the warlock shuttle had its limitations, so I couldn't help it.
'I'm working hard to descend to the capital with the elite knights of Iels, including Ant Rudican, so I should arrive within two days.'
The time to fight is near.
We'll have to rescue Barden somehow.
When I got home and saw my father's worried and angry face, I thought of Barden, who was being held captive, and it made me even more upset.
“Have you heard any news about my brother?”
“Yes, not yet.”
When Liana nodded, her expression slightly hardened, and I also became depressed.
But then, before I could even feel sad, Eudela ran towards me.
“Princess! I missed you so, so much!”
“Hey, Eudela. Yeah, how have you been?”
Eudela, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, hugged me tightly and then checked me noisily, checking for any injuries. I was completely out of my mind.
"Oh my? Princess. You brought a new pet besides Pembe? These guys are quite cute too...?"
Liana, who was next to me, looked at Jan and Gorten, who had followed me, with interest and began to seriously fill out the pet addition form.
'It's not a pet.'
I barely managed to get rid of Eudela, who kept clinging to me so earnestly.
"Oh my. Why are you like this? I'm really fine. I didn't hurt a single fingertip!"
But Eudela's eyes widened, she put her hands on her hips, and got angry.
"How can I not be worried? Princess, I heard you've been fighting a warlock all this time. Rumors are spreading throughout the capital!"
“Oh, um. That’s it, that’s it.”
“Those gathered in this mansion are also trying to fight Her Majesty the Empress and the vassals of Duke Cardin’s family, that is, the warlocks.”
"Yes..."
Why am I looking at Eudela?
"And the Fountain of the Sun! You said that was all the work of the warlocks, too? My sister said so. I think so. The injuries you sustained at the birthday banquet last time were also caused by the warlocks..."
As Eudela finished speaking and started to cry, I patted the weak-hearted maid on the shoulder and apologized.
Oh, why am I doing this?
Liana sighed softly, then came over to me and stopped Eudela.
"Eudela, stop it. The Princess said she hid it for us on purpose."
"I know, that's why I'm even more upset. Why are you so kind? You could have just told me..."
Eudela wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and hugged me tightly again.
“I love you, Princess.”
“Ugh. I’m not being detailed. I just didn’t want to bother explaining.”
I grumbled and tried to get Eudela off, but the cute girl just wouldn't let go.
Liana opened her mouth with a serious expression.
“Princess, is it right for us to stay here?”
“What does that mean?”
"I've heard that the Duke of Cardin's family, my aunt, and Arthur Rognier are all warlocks. He's also imprisoned in the Argenthoz dungeon."
I was even more worried because Liana's face, which was telling me this indifferently, was no different from usual.
I looked at her quietly and asked her a question.
“How is Madame Rognier?”
"She's surprised by this turn of events, but she's doing well. With the salary you gave me, I hired a maid to care for my mother, and she's doing much better than before."
“Really?”
"Of course. Don't worry, Mom is strong. When I explained the situation to her, she was furious."
Liana continued to speak, forcibly pulling away from Eudela, who was still hugging her.
"I had no idea a warlock would be hiding in the heart of the capital. And that the Cardin family would be at the center of it all... Even when we were his vassals."
I now understand what Liana meant when she first asked the question.
So I firmly drew the line with them.
"Just because Arthur Rognier has been captured as a warlock, you Rognier sisters don't need to worry. You're now members of the Argenthoz family. You haven't forgotten your employment contract, have you? Don't even think about running away now."
As I grabbed the shoulders of the discouraged Liana and Eudela and emphasized my point, a bright light came back to the sisters' eyes.
“Understood, Princess. I will do my best to assist you.”
Liana's eyes behind her glasses became more determined, and Eudela tried to hug me tightly again.
“My Ladyship! I am so touched!”
'Uh?'
But someone grabbed my waist and pulled me, and I fell to the floor.
“Stop it, Eudela Rognier.”
“Duke of Iels... You are going too far.”
Eudela, who got up from her seat and rubbed her knees, grumbled with a resentful look in her eyes.
I looked up and saw Rudnine hugging my waist from behind and looking at Eudela coldly.
When did you come into my room without making a sound?
The door was open because I was carrying the unconscious warlock to my living room.
I asked with a bashful smile.
“When did you come?”
“Just now. I missed you.”
I looked up at him, who was smiling brightly at me, and tilted my head, looking away from his gaze that had been glaring at Eudela.
When I left my father's office, he said he was going straight to a meeting with Prince Felix and other key executives, including Rudnine...
'What are you doing here?'
“Your Excellency, surely not.”
But before I could ask, Eudela struck the player.
“You still don’t misunderstand me as the Princess lover, do you?”
'Ugh, such embarrassing words!'
I opened my eyes wide and glared at Eudela, but Rudnine went even further.
“I am Yvonne’s lover.”
He tightened his grip on my waist and held me close.
What kind of nonsense is this?
“Right, Yvonne?”
But he asked with such sparkling eyes and such anticipation that I could only nod in agreement.
“...Yes, that’s right. My lover is you, Rudnine Iels.”
“Haa. What should I do? I want to keep listening.”
My heart flutters because of the sweet voice whispering in my ear.
This man's smile is innocent and pretty, as he laughs brightly and happily.
“Yes, you heard.”
Rudnine gave a solemn warning to Eudela, who had her mouth wide open with a proud smile on her face.
"Your affection for Yvonne is excessive. I'll always keep an eye on you, because there's always a chance you'll cross the line."
“You are going too far, Your Excellency.”
“Never too much.”
“I’ve given you so much dating advice over the years, Princess!”
"Advice?"
“This will be difficult... I am just a subordinate who admires her, Your Excellency, so please let me hold her hand just once...”
Eudela, her lips pursed, stretched out her arms like a zombie and tried to grab my hand.
“It’s happening again.”
Rudnine quickly turned around to avoid Eudela's touch, then lowered his head and muttered softly in my ear.
"Yvonne. Do you really need to keep Eudela Rognier as your maid? If she needs work, I'll send her to Iel's Townhouse. We're short on manpower even at our mansion."
"Eudela is a bit of a brat, but she's cute. And I promised to hire her."
I tried to comfort Rudnine by bursting out in laughter, but he opened his mouth as if he was embarrassed.
Then he touched his chin and thought about it.
"Yvonne, you like cute types, don't you? Is that why you're collecting cute familiars by your side?"
Collecting? I'm not a collector of familiars.
In disbelief, I lightly slapped Rudnine's hand that was wrapped around my waist.
"Are you kidding? Not because they're cute, though. Well, Pembe, Jan, and Gorten are all cute."
As soon as I admitted it, his expression became more serious.
"I know the magic and abilities of the familiar Yvonne has are truly remarkable, but you love it too much. That's upsetting."
He lowered his head and rubbed his head against my cheek in a grumpy manner.
"So, if you find another decent familiar, will you continue to collect them? Will you bring them back again?"
And the work of going into business alone to cure it and trying to save Thiels.
My father, who had been listening to me, remained frozen like a statue for a long time before he began to stutter and speak.
"Yvonne, why... why didn't you ask me for help? Why! That little bit of money is nothing compared to all I've done for you!"
He was about to lose his temper, but then he suddenly stopped talking, stared at me, and squeezed his eyes shut.
'Ah.'
A heavy silence fell.
“I’m sorry, Yvonne.”
"Sorry."
“No... I feel more sorry. I feel unworthy of being a father, for not being able to give you faith.”
"Don't be like that. It's just that I'm so used to living in my own world. You know, that's how I grew up."
I shrugged and wiped away the tears that had gathered slightly.
"It felt awkward to ask my father for things and rely on him. I thought I was a self-sufficient adult who knew how to do everything, and I was incredibly capable."
“Yvonne.”
"But that wasn't the case. I'm still a frog in a well, and I have a lot to learn. I've been so foolish."
I felt stupid.
If it weren't for Rudnine, I would have risked my life alone, completely unaware of the nobles' plan to unite and defeat Empress Giselle, including my father.
I put strength into my voice.
"Father, please help me. Empress Giselle and the warlocks are not enemies I can defeat alone."
He looked at me for a while, then answered with a faint smile in a watery voice.
"Of course, Yvonne Argenthoz. Let's fight together. I, your father, will fight with all my might, just as you have spent your time struggling and fighting alone."
“Yes. Please rescue my brother quickly.”
I nodded.
But my father was still quite shocked by my confession, and there was still a loneliness in his eyes.
I never knew it would hurt so much that I had to hide this from you...
Actually, before I left for the capital, Rudnine persuaded me to confess the truth to my father and fight together.
After saying it, I feel relieved and a little regretful.
Honestly, it seemed like things between my father and me had become a little more awkward.
While I was thinking about this and that, my father broke the silence and spoke to me.
"By the way, the power of black magic is extraordinary. We need to discuss this with the wizards as much as possible before going into full-scale war."
"Oh, that's it! I'm currently reviewing the materials. Could you please wait until I'm done? I'll then make it public."
“Data, no way.”
"Please wait a moment. I have something to check with the warlock I captured, so I'll tell you all at once then."
My father narrowed his eyes and nodded in approval.
“Yes, I’ll go.”
"Understood. Come to me as soon as you're ready. We'll work this out together."
“Yes, Father.”
I closed the office door and came out, letting out a deep sigh as the tension eased.
"Ha."
As I walked down the hallway to my room, I tried to lighten my heavy heart.
I now realize that my actions hurt the people I love.
From now on, I need to be honest and reveal everything without hiding anything.
'Hmm. By the way, it's quite messy.'
On the way back to my room, I looked around the Argenthoz mansion, which was bustling with activity, unlike usual.
In our mansion, where people were constantly coming and going, my room was the quietest place.
I grumbled as I entered the room after a long time.
“Oh my, this is crazy. Is this a house or a market?”
“This is the Princess’s house.”
Liana, who came next to me, calmly answered when I arrived.
"Liana!"
I was happily calling Liana, but then I remembered what had happened with my father a moment ago, and my mood suddenly dropped, so I answered awkwardly.
“Well, I know... I was just grumbling.”
“The Princess dislikes noise, so I will tell the knights to be quiet.”
Liana bowed quietly, and her eyes flashed sharply.
Why is she like this?
I quickly stopped Liana.
"You've heard enough about how things have changed. Stay still, Liana."
“Yes, Princess.”
“You too.”
We are currently preparing for an all-out war with the warlocks gathered at the palace.
Moreover, it was bound to be complicated, as even the Demirant Guild members would have gathered at our mansion.
Thanks to Carol, I was fortunate enough to be able to recruit Demirant, the best information guild.
I wanted to bring Carol to the capital right away, but the warlock shuttle had its limitations, so I couldn't help it.
'I'm working hard to descend to the capital with the elite knights of Iels, including Ant Rudican, so I should arrive within two days.'
The time to fight is near.
We'll have to rescue Barden somehow.
When I got home and saw my father's worried and angry face, I thought of Barden, who was being held captive, and it made me even more upset.
“Have you heard any news about my brother?”
“Yes, not yet.”
When Liana nodded, her expression slightly hardened, and I also became depressed.
But then, before I could even feel sad, Eudela ran towards me.
“Princess! I missed you so, so much!”
“Hey, Eudela. Yeah, how have you been?”
Eudela, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, hugged me tightly and then checked me noisily, checking for any injuries. I was completely out of my mind.
"Oh my? Princess. You brought a new pet besides Pembe? These guys are quite cute too...?"
Liana, who was next to me, looked at Jan and Gorten, who had followed me, with interest and began to seriously fill out the pet addition form.
'It's not a pet.'
I barely managed to get rid of Eudela, who kept clinging to me so earnestly.
"Oh my. Why are you like this? I'm really fine. I didn't hurt a single fingertip!"
But Eudela's eyes widened, she put her hands on her hips, and got angry.
"How can I not be worried? Princess, I heard you've been fighting a warlock all this time. Rumors are spreading throughout the capital!"
“Oh, um. That’s it, that’s it.”
“Those gathered in this mansion are also trying to fight Her Majesty the Empress and the vassals of Duke Cardin’s family, that is, the warlocks.”
"Yes..."
Why am I looking at Eudela?
"And the Fountain of the Sun! You said that was all the work of the warlocks, too? My sister said so. I think so. The injuries you sustained at the birthday banquet last time were also caused by the warlocks..."
As Eudela finished speaking and started to cry, I patted the weak-hearted maid on the shoulder and apologized.
Oh, why am I doing this?
Liana sighed softly, then came over to me and stopped Eudela.
"Eudela, stop it. The Princess said she hid it for us on purpose."
"I know, that's why I'm even more upset. Why are you so kind? You could have just told me..."
Eudela wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and hugged me tightly again.
“I love you, Princess.”
“Ugh. I’m not being detailed. I just didn’t want to bother explaining.”
I grumbled and tried to get Eudela off, but the cute girl just wouldn't let go.
Liana opened her mouth with a serious expression.
“Princess, is it right for us to stay here?”
“What does that mean?”
"I've heard that the Duke of Cardin's family, my aunt, and Arthur Rognier are all warlocks. He's also imprisoned in the Argenthoz dungeon."
I was even more worried because Liana's face, which was telling me this indifferently, was no different from usual.
I looked at her quietly and asked her a question.
“How is Madame Rognier?”
"She's surprised by this turn of events, but she's doing well. With the salary you gave me, I hired a maid to care for my mother, and she's doing much better than before."
“Really?”
"Of course. Don't worry, Mom is strong. When I explained the situation to her, she was furious."
Liana continued to speak, forcibly pulling away from Eudela, who was still hugging her.
"I had no idea a warlock would be hiding in the heart of the capital. And that the Cardin family would be at the center of it all... Even when we were his vassals."
I now understand what Liana meant when she first asked the question.
So I firmly drew the line with them.
"Just because Arthur Rognier has been captured as a warlock, you Rognier sisters don't need to worry. You're now members of the Argenthoz family. You haven't forgotten your employment contract, have you? Don't even think about running away now."
As I grabbed the shoulders of the discouraged Liana and Eudela and emphasized my point, a bright light came back to the sisters' eyes.
“Understood, Princess. I will do my best to assist you.”
Liana's eyes behind her glasses became more determined, and Eudela tried to hug me tightly again.
“My Ladyship! I am so touched!”
'Uh?'
But someone grabbed my waist and pulled me, and I fell to the floor.
“Stop it, Eudela Rognier.”
“Duke of Iels... You are going too far.”
Eudela, who got up from her seat and rubbed her knees, grumbled with a resentful look in her eyes.
I looked up and saw Rudnine hugging my waist from behind and looking at Eudela coldly.
When did you come into my room without making a sound?
The door was open because I was carrying the unconscious warlock to my living room.
I asked with a bashful smile.
“When did you come?”
“Just now. I missed you.”
I looked up at him, who was smiling brightly at me, and tilted my head, looking away from his gaze that had been glaring at Eudela.
When I left my father's office, he said he was going straight to a meeting with Prince Felix and other key executives, including Rudnine...
'What are you doing here?'
“Your Excellency, surely not.”
But before I could ask, Eudela struck the player.
“You still don’t misunderstand me as the Princess lover, do you?”
'Ugh, such embarrassing words!'
I opened my eyes wide and glared at Eudela, but Rudnine went even further.
“I am Yvonne’s lover.”
He tightened his grip on my waist and held me close.
What kind of nonsense is this?
“Right, Yvonne?”
But he asked with such sparkling eyes and such anticipation that I could only nod in agreement.
“...Yes, that’s right. My lover is you, Rudnine Iels.”
“Haa. What should I do? I want to keep listening.”
My heart flutters because of the sweet voice whispering in my ear.
This man's smile is innocent and pretty, as he laughs brightly and happily.
“Yes, you heard.”
Rudnine gave a solemn warning to Eudela, who had her mouth wide open with a proud smile on her face.
"Your affection for Yvonne is excessive. I'll always keep an eye on you, because there's always a chance you'll cross the line."
“You are going too far, Your Excellency.”
“Never too much.”
“I’ve given you so much dating advice over the years, Princess!”
"Advice?"
“This will be difficult... I am just a subordinate who admires her, Your Excellency, so please let me hold her hand just once...”
Eudela, her lips pursed, stretched out her arms like a zombie and tried to grab my hand.
“It’s happening again.”
Rudnine quickly turned around to avoid Eudela's touch, then lowered his head and muttered softly in my ear.
"Yvonne. Do you really need to keep Eudela Rognier as your maid? If she needs work, I'll send her to Iel's Townhouse. We're short on manpower even at our mansion."
"Eudela is a bit of a brat, but she's cute. And I promised to hire her."
I tried to comfort Rudnine by bursting out in laughter, but he opened his mouth as if he was embarrassed.
Then he touched his chin and thought about it.
"Yvonne, you like cute types, don't you? Is that why you're collecting cute familiars by your side?"
Collecting? I'm not a collector of familiars.
In disbelief, I lightly slapped Rudnine's hand that was wrapped around my waist.
"Are you kidding? Not because they're cute, though. Well, Pembe, Jan, and Gorten are all cute."
As soon as I admitted it, his expression became more serious.
"I know the magic and abilities of the familiar Yvonne has are truly remarkable, but you love it too much. That's upsetting."
He lowered his head and rubbed his head against my cheek in a grumpy manner.
"So, if you find another decent familiar, will you continue to collect them? Will you bring them back again?"
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