"It is about time for you, Young Lady, to start showing your true colors as an heir. Since you pay no attention to family affairs, I assumed you had no interest in the succession, but it seems I was wrong. That is a real relief."
The Empire's inheritance laws were different from those of other countries. Even women, or those who were not the eldest son, could inherit a family based on their abilities.
Since the property is divided equally even without inheriting the family, there were many young nobles who wanted to leave the troublesome family affairs behind and just inherit the money.
The Novellita family was no exception.
The three children who held the right of inheritance had no interest in family affairs.
The two sons were busy satisfying their own greed, and the youngest daughter, Erencia, was indifferent to everything unless it made her uncomfortable.
Duke Novellita was extremely worried.
The servants were also anxious because the succession to the family was uncertain.
Agnes was also worried that Elbers or Evan might inherit the Novellita family.
However, today, Erencia showed herself to be a worthy heir to the family!
Erencia was much better than people who groped women's bodies like dolls or those who went crazy at the sight of blood and beat people indiscriminately.
'The comparison itself is unpleasant.'
"No, Agnes."
Erencia's face turned pale at Agnes's absurd misunderstanding.
"Planning your entire day before even eating—what a diligent and conscientious master—that's just wonderful."
Erencia looked down at the paper she was writing on.
The paper had a list of today's bad things written on it.
For example, buying items you won't use and throwing them away without even opening the packaging, or mistreating incompetent employees to make them quit on their own accord.
But why is that turning into a sound plan?
Oh, come to think of it, I should probably think of a few things that might hold a grudge.
"Miss, the Master will really like it, too. You even pay attention to the servants."
It was difficult, and now Agnes even wiped away her tears with her sleeve.
All I did was pick a fight with the servants!
"You will soon be an adult, young lady. You do not need to hide your true feelings. Even twenty or thirty years ago, no noble ladies stepped forward to fight for the succession apart from Imperial law, but that is not the case now. There is no need to conceal your desires and ambitions."
Agnes's eyes were serious.
Erencia didn't dare to tell Agnes the truth. Not only did she have no idea where to begin, but above all, it was a hassle.
"Enough, stop it."
Erencia simply let Agnes's misunderstanding slide and just covered her mouth.
Agnes looked at Erencia with eyes full of affection. Unable to bear Agnes's gaze any longer, Erencia crumpled up the paper she was writing on and threw it into the trash can.
With her mind in turmoil, Erencia ordered a salad with thinly sliced beef and jumped into bed.
Up until then, Erencia thought that Agnes was the only one misinterpreting her actions.
That afternoon. It was only after meeting Duke Novellita that Erencia realized things had gone awry.
***
"Erencia, you want to take charge of the family? That is welcome news. How about you start your formal training as the family heir tomorrow?"
Duke Novellita spoke. Erencia froze, holding her teacup.
"If I had known you were interested, I would have..."
"No, Father, with my brothers around, perhaps you should reconsider..."
"Actually, Elbers and Evan contacted me this morning. They said they would gladly yield to you."
The family is doing really well.
Whether it is the servants who are happy without even realizing they are being scolded, or the older brothers who readily give up the position of successor because they find it bothersome.
Erencia hid her sigh by drinking tea.
Isn't the role of successor supposed to be entrusted to the person who brings prosperity to the family?
It didn't suit her.
"Father, I have no intention of becoming the successor."
"Erencia, don't feel burdened. It is simply adding a little more family-related work to what you currently enjoy."
Hmm?
Doing something related to family?
Handling the family business. Things can go well, or they can go wrong. What if I ruin the family's major business?
Erencia's head spun quickly.
'It’s not hard to go bankrupt quickly, is it?'
Good luck with the phone!
'Yeah, it’s actually for the best. If I cause trouble as the successor, I’ll be able to see it through sooner.'
Erencia is a person who is quick to make decisions and take action.
"Yes, I will take my father's successor lessons."
Thus, the next day, Erencia came to participate in the successor training attended by the ten major families of the Empire.
***
"Miss, are you saying you will go on horseback?"
The entrance of the Novellita mansion has been noisy since morning.
“Yeah, why?”
Erencia stroked the horse's mane with a nonchalant expression.
"Miss, do you not like the carriage? If you do not like the white carriage, shall I tell them to bring the new golden carriage we bought recently?"
Agnes was anxious about whether Erencia would really ride out on horseback.
"There is nothing wrong with the carriage. I just want to ride a horse."
"Miss!"
Agnes pleaded desperately with a face that looked as if she were about to cry.
What noble lady would strut through the city on horseback?
It was an unprecedented event in the history of the empire.
It was an empire where women were granted relatively diverse rights and freedom of occupation, but the aristocratic world was still old-fashioned.
But you're saying that Erencia, of all people—the daughter of Novellita's prestigious founding family—is riding around on a horse?
The city center will be bustling this afternoon.
Agnes did not want Erencia's story to be reduced to finger food on a marketplace tea table.
On the other hand, unlike Agnes, Erencia was in a good mood.
She could tell just by looking at the servants' expressions that she had been right to choose a horse instead of a carriage.
Aren't they all looking at her with eyes that say things like, "A spoiled brat," or "How undignified."
I finally succeeded!
Disgracing one's reputation was the cornerstone of ruin.
Because if you have a good reputation among those around you, it would be difficult to openly express a grudge against Novellita.
For everyone to join forces to bring down Novellita, we must ensure that no one can side with Novellita.
With the servants acting like this, the nobles will be even more surprised, won't they? And they will dislike it even more.
Erencia smiled and mounted the horse.
"Agnes, you can follow in the carriage. It doesn't matter if you don't come."
After finishing her words, Erencia kicked the horse's waist hard.
The horse sped off like an arrow.
Agnes was momentarily stunned, then quickly climbed onto the carriage and shouted.
"Chase that horse, right now!"
***
“Who’s coming?”
The slightly slanted eyes gleamed sharply.
"The heir to the Novellita family."
There's no way he didn't hear it.
Even though he knew that he had only asked back because it was so unexpected, Euclid's aide Frederick answered honestly.
"What kind of person is he?"
"He's a member of the Novellita family."
"That's not what I asked."
Euclid laughed at Frederick's answer.
Frederick got goosebumps all over his body because of the fierce gaze, which was in stark contrast to the gentle white mouth.
"Why don't you meet him in person and ask him what kind of guy he is? Oh! Just so you know, he's not a guy."
Frederick quickly opened the carriage door.
The Salon 'De Edu', located in the center of the city, was famous as a gathering place for prominent scholars.
And these days, it was being used as a tutoring place for the heirs of the ten imperial families.
It was called tutoring, but in reality, it was a gathering to build connections with celebrities and strengthen the bonds between members of the ten families.
As for the training of the successor, each family will take care of it on their own.
As Euclid got off, everyone passing by stopped and turned to look at him.
Euclid gently curved his eyes and greeted those whose eyes he met.
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, turned red.
'You're truly natural. From your face to your showmanship.'
Frederick praised his master's handsome appearance and perfect mask.
Euclid Gredelus.
Gredelus is a ducal family that has produced several Empresses.
They were not founding meritorious subjects; the Empress of Gredelus was always by the Emperor's side during the era of peace and prosperity.
Because of that, Gredelus had a good reputation among the people of the empire and the nobles.
A family that possesses both wealth and honor—that is Gredelus.
And the next head of the family to lead that household was none other than Euclid.
Tall, with a solid body honed by long training, an intelligent and strong-looking jawline, and red, full lips.
A prominent nose and a forehead like a low hill, long, slanted eyes with a refreshing look, and black pupils shining like jewels beneath thick, long eyelashes...
Looking at his pale skin alone, he seems like a scholar who sits and reads books, but the fact that he is a genius knight with not a single soft spot in his large palms made him even more attractive.
"Why is Novelita here?"
Euclid did not hide his displeasure.
Just then, a young girl with brown hair braided into two pigtails approached Euclid.
"It's the Prince. The Prince."
"Oh my, Sophia! You shouldn't do that."
A woman who appeared to be the child's mother tried to stop the child quickly, but as is typical of children, the child was faster than anyone when it came to causing trouble.
Sophia got close to Euclid in the blink of an eye.
"Prince, Prince."
Euclid gave a picturesque smile to the little girl who kept repeating the phrase 'prince, who does not exist in the empire,' as if she had seen it in a picture book.
A young girl's praise is pure praise without any hidden intentions.
Euclid liked the innocent and honest side of children.
Euclid felt better.
"If I were the Prince, where would the Princess be?"
Euclid bent over.
Frederick watched with satisfaction as Euclid treated the young girl kindly.
The way he treated others with respect, regardless of age or gender, was truly admirable.
Of course, sometimes that polite language makes them feel even worse, though.
"The Princess, um, the Princess..."
It was when the little girl was muttering and pondering, perhaps because Euclid's question was sudden.
"Move aside!"
A loud sound was heard.
A woman riding a horse and galloping like a storm, her dress train and blonde hair fluttering in the wind, filled Euclid's field of vision.
***
"Move aside, I said move aside!"
The sturdy horse ran accurately and quickly toward Euclid and the little girl.
The woman on horseback kept shouting that it was dangerous and to get out of the way.
Judging by the way she was gripping the reins tightly, it seemed she was trying to stop the horse, but the horse was agitated and was not listening to its master.
'A fool has brought out a horse.'
Euclid scowled intensely.
The horse came closer and closer.
There was no time to move the child to a safe place.
Euclid snatched the child up.
Euclid hesitated for a moment.
Should I use magic?
It was a secret that Euclid used magic.
He was receiving excessive attention solely for the title of "genius knight."
But what if it becomes known that he even uses magic?
He's kept it a secret because he thought it would cause a lot of complications, but it looks like he'll have to use magic to protect the child.
Revealing the magic that had been hidden like this was a bit funny, yet annoying.
However, he cannot hesitate any longer.
Euclid relaxed his body and chanted a magic spell.
“It’s dangerous!”
Just then, a loud shout was heard once again. Before the magic spell could even be completed, a horse leaped above his head in response.
Euclid followed the horse that had leaped over his head while holding the little girl in his arms.
Seeing the horse's belly was a fresh experience.
The horse stopped only after running far beyond Euclid.
Dust rose from where the horse landed, turning the surroundings into a mess.
Who on earth is the idiot who drove a horse they can't even properly control into the middle of the city?
Euclid's eyebrows shot up sharply.
“Are you okay?”
"Bring that idiot here."
Euclid gave Frederick an order in a stern voice, then looked down at the cute little lady in his arms.
The fierce expression was nowhere to be seen, and only a warm and cozy smile remained on his face.
"Are you alright, Miss?"
Whether it was because Euclid’s embrace was comfortable, or because she was being held by the Prince, the little lady had a joyful expression, with only her face flushed.
"Yes! But more importantly, the Princess..."
The little girl must have been thinking about the question Euclid asked.
Euclid lowered Sophia to the floor and stroked her head with his large hand.
The little lady was nothing but innocent, perhaps because she felt no fear while thinking of the Princess in such a perilous situation.
"I'm done being a Prince..."
"Are you okay?"
Euclid was interrupted, and a voice was heard.
A woman holding the reins was standing where he turned around.
The black mane and brown fur looked familiar.
"Is it you? That idiot from downtown is spouting such nonsense..."
"Yes, it's me! Oh! I'm sorry. That was really an accident just now."
The woman interrupted him for the second time.
Frederick was simply grateful to the 'idiot' who had come of her own accord. Because his work had decreased.
But to think the 'idiot' was a woman.
She couldn't control the horse, but her riding skills were top-notch.
Honestly, Frederick was impressed when he flew up above Euclid.
So naturally, he thought it would be a man with long hair.
"Little one, are you okay? I'll make sure to compensate you sufficiently."
The woman bent over, still holding the reins tightly.
"Oh? It's the Princess. The Princess flew here."
The child pointed at the woman and smiled brightly.
Perhaps because the child was excessively innocent for someone who had just narrowly avoided a serious accident, the woman let out a chuckle.
"Oh my! Look at her. I am pretty, but that's not important right now. Are you okay?"
"It's okay."
The woman carefully scanned Sophia to check the child's condition.
Just as Sophia said, she was not hurt, and her expression was bright.
"It's fine now, but there might be problems later. Right?"
The woman clung to Sophia's mother, whose face had turned pale.
Startled by the dizzying situation, the woman could not even bring herself to come to Sophia and remained slumped on the floor.
"Physical damage isn't the only form of damage. Claim compensation in Novellita's name."
The woman spoke to the child's mother, who had slumped down.
“Novellita?”
Euclid's gaze turned fierce. His dark eyes gleamed piercingly.
"Sorry for the late introduction. I am Erencia Novellita."
Covered in thick dust and with sweat dripping from her forehead, Erencia reached out her hand to Euclid.
Support Novellate!
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