CH 207

Royal Mausoleum

Translated by Raizu

[…so this is the first time Wilk-dono left Quordenze territory. From there to the capital was a pretty long journey, wasn’t it?]

[Yes. But, it felt a lot closer than I thought.]

[That’s good to hear.]

After finishing our meal, Prince Dunkel and I left the dining room, walking down the corridor and chatting.

My father plans to hold a meeting with King Levios until Archduke Milendorva ascends to the palace. I think they’re holding a meeting in advance to talk about how to best drop the matter.

By then, I should be still in the middle of sightseeing. Thankfully.

[Why don’t we leave the difficult talkings to our fathers and take a break in the afternoon? I’m not used to guiding people around the palace interior either, so there might be some rudeness here and there.]

Should I loosen up a bit after that tense conversation earlier today? None of us here were the family heads, and it’s not an official meeting, just a tour around the palace. Maybe I could relax a little…

I decided to agree with Prince Dunkel’s proposal, which was really good timing.

[Thank you. I was looking forward to it too, so I’m afraid I’ll be rude and excited.]

I called the name of the Quordenze civil officer who is working as a secretary, and gestured with one hand. The Prince who saw it also made a similar move to match me.

It’s like a convention to write down even if there is a somewhat broken statement and not to rattle it later.

Only a Noble who can’t read the mood would continue squabbling all the time. Communication between Nobles could only be achieved by squeezing things that can be tightened, and loosening things that can be loosened.

Oh, the conversation up until then had been recorded, so the gesture just now is nothing more than a mutual confirmation ritual.

When Prince Dunkel turned his gaze to me, he asked with a grin and a disgusting smile like a boy playing a prank.

[So, the journey to the capital really took a while, wasn’t it?]

[It was so far that I wanted to go home halfway.]

Thereupon, the Prince and I laughed together.

It was interesting to hear the same thing again, and it was interesting to see the thread of tension being torn apart by the exchange of honest answers.

Well, it’s a hard question to answer when it comes to the distance between Quordenze and Levios. One could’ve implied psychological distance rather than actual distance after all.

[Come to think of it, Wilk-dono said that this is the first time he has gone outside Quordenze territory, but is that really the case?]

I wonder what’s going on.

While I was thinking about my answer, the Prince said,

[Didn’t you just “visit” the Spierzeig territory some time ago?]

It’s a joke. It was written all over his face.

Of course. I’ve been to Reisleaf Castle in Spierzeig territory. Though it’s now part of Quordenze territory.

[Well, I don’t know whether I should count that one. It was indeed outside of the territory when I went there, but it’s now part of the territory when I returned home.]

[Whoa, I hope this trip doesn’t end like that.]

[Hahaha, no worries. The trip is supposed to be a peaceful one this time.]

[Thank goodness. Although, some disturbance did still happen.]

The way he shrugged his shoulders while he said all that, as if it was also his trouble, reminded me of how Americans usually talk.

As he said, today’s visit to the castle was made possible because of the unsettled assault. The so-called peaceful trip has already ended.

[This is a problem for both of us.]

My and the Prince’s laughter resounded in the hallway.

…But, still.

Even though it was a casual chat time, it was quite courageous to use the sensitive topics like Reisleaf Castle capture and Orshian’s raid as jokes. He must have a lot of confidence in his speaking skills.

Actually, the atmosphere here isn’t bad at all. Rather, there is even an air of openness. I feel that it is much more skillful to close the distance than the Quordenze and Royal Nobles I met in Callahanasso city.

These Nobles who I met for the first time were less wary about talking to a Highlord… No, it’s more accurate to say that they’re used to it. Being a resident of the Royal Capital, there should be many opportunities for communication with the Highlords.

I wonder if there are many Nobles who are close to such a friendly Prince.

However, I am the eldest son of the Marquis Quordenze, a Noble family of the Kingdom, so there should be a part to be careful about. I can’t judge whether there is the same comfort for all Nobles.

Unexpectedly, behind the scenes, he may be kicking a weak Nobleman.

It seems that Levios Palace was built on the base of a small hill that existed in the center of the basin.

It seems that the area of ​​the site is quite large because the top has been shaved off to make it flat. Is it about the size that one large stadium on Earth can accommodate?

As for the breakdown of the building, 30% is the main body of Levios Palace, 30% is various annexes and facilities made for different purposes, and the remaining 40% is the garden.

In order to move from the Royal Palace zone to the facility zone where the Royal Mausoleum is located, it seems that it’s necessary to walk across the garden area. There was a well maintained roofed corridor so that it would not be a problem even on rainy days.

The Prince and I walked slowly while enjoying the garden’s plants from the corridor.

[Oh, is that…?]

[Yes. the Royal Mausoleum.]

At the corner of the corridor, Prince Dunkel pointed at the building in front of him.

There is a brightly shining white building illuminated by the sunlight.

[It’s beautiful.]

The appearance of the mausoleum is designed as if a hemisphere is attached to the top of a cylinder.

I didn’t notice it when I was looking at it from a distance, but as I got closer, I noticed that it was a building with no exterior walls; only pillars.

If those thick pillars were made thinner, it would surely look like a giant, antique birdcage.

As expected, all the stone materials used seem to be marble. However, it looked like they were using stones that were clearly of better quality than those used in Levios Palace itself.

Upon closer inspection, I finally realized that the marble pattern, which is characteristic of marble, is almost non-existent. Unprocessed, white marble stone with few patterns is a luxury item on the Eruo continent.

Since it’s just one small building, did they decide to splurge by using only the finest materials?

However, I had a very dark image of a leader spending a huge amount of money on his own grave. The first King Levios is surprisingly small….. Ah, it might be the second generation who built it. The second generation has the worst reputation for being an idiot King who caused an internal conflict with the Milendorva family, so he’d probably have no qualms in pouring money into building the mausoleum. Rather, it is an action that fulfills the role of the “evil lord”.

I regretted that I didn’t do more research about the Royal Mausoleum before coming here.

Actually, I was planning to rent various books from the Levios family library before the social gathering started, but I didn’t expect that I would have to visit the castle so early.

At what appeared to be the entrance to the Royal Mausoleum, the members of the Levios family were lined up in an orderly fashion.

I felt the need to note that they’re all serfs.

[Welcome to the Mausoleum.]

The old lady who stepped forward gave a short greeting and explained that she would be the curator, which I accepted.

As a servant who has spent most of her life in Levios Palace, she seems to be the perfect person for this tour around the palace.

Guided by the old lady, the Prince and I entered the Royal Mausoleum.

The space, which was created by stacking heavy stones, was enveloped in an indescribable silence. It’s comfortable to hear footsteps resounding then melt into the silence.

Perhaps because it was a sacred place where the souls of the dead were enshrined, there was a mysterious atmosphere that seemed to separate them from the outside world, even though the building was not physically closed.

The center of the Royal Mausoleum had no pillars. The black shadow of the pillar projected on the white floor, this contrast is beautiful.

In the center was a large pedestal that was as tall as my chest, and on top of that was a stone slab about the size of a tatami mat that was illuminated by the sun.

A pedestal and a stone slab were placed in the luxurious Royal Mausoleum. This must be it.

The name of the first King of Levios, Delvos Levios, and a picture of flowers are engraved on the stone slab. When I looked up to the ceiling, there’s no roof there, and I could see the blue sky and the sun.

The culture of Eruo continent is majorly based on the Zeth Holy High Society.

The dead become ashes and scatter across the world, and the souls released from their bodies are eventually taken into a larger existence. This is the rough view of life and death of the Zeth religion, and thus the view of life and death of the Eruo continent.

It seems that even the Levios family, who advocated breaking away from the priesthood, could not break away from their underlying values.

The people of Eruo continent don’t usually make statues of real person.

The reason for this is simple: there is a belief that if a statue that looks like it is left behind, the soul that should have been liberated will dwell there, and will not be able to be successfully integrated into the greater existence.

If it was the first King Levios, I think it would have been more interesting if he said, [I don’t know about the conventions of the Zeth Holy High Society!].

By the way, if it can be interpreted that the soul has been liberated or transformed, there is no problem with using a statue to commemorate the person. As Cynthia said, it seems that there are many statues of spirits made in the Holy City.

Also, since it is not particularly avoided to turn non-existent people or animals into statues, there are dolls that girls play with, and the skills of artists who make a living as sculptures are quite high.

For that reason, the people of the Eruo continent are more or less reluctant to have their statues made.

Strangely enough, portraits are allowed. Perhaps, but I think that people don’t like the fact that the human form exists in three dimensions.

And perhaps because of that, the portraits on the Eruo continent are very flat. There is no three-dimensional effect in the picture, and the expression of shadows is poor. It may have been thought that if the paintings were elaborate and realistic, it would have a soul.

With the stone slab in front of me, I took a stance of honoring the deceased, as I was vaguely thinking about all sorts of things.

[Wilk-dono, may I ask you to register?]

[Register?]

Next to Prince Dunkel was an old lady who was acting as the curator, holding something like a sketchbook. Since she mentioned the register, is it something like an entry record?

The old lady unrolled the record book on the pedestal and opened a blank page.

[They always ask this to the visitors of this mausoleum.]

It seems that two double-page spreads have been prepared as my writing space.

[May I have a look at the other pages?]

[Yes, of course.]

It would be a problem if someone suddenly opened a blank page and said, [Yes, please register here].

Should I write on the right page or the left page? How big should the letters be? What else should I write besides my name? It is a matter of concern.

[Haha. Please wait.]

At the Prince’s instruction, the old lady moved back one page in the record book with a slow motion. Then, there was a very peculiar handwriting signature written there

The left page has the date, and the right page has the family name and surname. The date is only the month and day, so it’s hard to tell, but if you think about it normally, it’s probably from this year.

The date was easy to read, but the name was really hard to understand. The signature, which must have been born as a result of the vigorous dance of the brush, is already like a cipher.

[This signature belongs to…]

[Duchess Crowne Adellahan…]

At my interruption, the old lady who opened the page showed a slightly surprised face. However, she immediately erased that expression, apologized for overlapping remarks, and replied that I guessed correctly.

It was a lucky guess, to tell the truth.

After all, the presence of Crowne Adellahan, who had retired and disappeared from the public stage, was the topic of conversation at the Royal Capital’s social gathering. It was profitable that I was able to show my knowledge in an unexpected place.

Since there are too many Nobles to remember all of their signatures, I kept quiet and acted as if I knew.

[The day after Marquis Adellahan entered the Royal Capital, Duchess Crowne came to pay her respects. It seems that the Duchess always shows up here at least once when she visits the Royal Capital.]

While saying that, the Prince gave some instructions with the gesture of his finger.

Then, a Levios civil officer who was standing behind me, slowly moved forward with an old book, placed it on the pedestal, and opened the page.

[This is the first record book created after the Royal Mausoleum was constructed…]

On the first page of the old record book, there was a date and the signature of “Crowne Adellahan, Head of the Adellahan family“, written in a slightly more graceful brushstroke than the signature we saw earlier. This is also just the month and day without the year written, but since the title is the head of the Adellahan family, this must be a fairly old record book.

Even so, there is a sense of incongruity that the Adellahan family is the first to enter the Royal tomb. I wonder if the relatives of the Levios family don’t even register themselves in the record book.

Perhaps already foreseeing my question, the Prince spoke in a flowing manner.

[All the building materials for the Royal tomb were provided by the Adellahan family and Duchess Crowne.]

I have heard that the Adellahan region is known for their high quality stone materials. Does that mean that all these surprisingly high quality marble stones came from Adellahan?

[That’s new to me. It’s a place that she has a deep attachment to, isn’t it?]

The Levios Castle was completed about 90 years ago, and of course, construction began earlier than that. Depending on the time, it may be before or immediately after the unification of the Adellahan region.

At that time, the Adellahan family was greatly shaken by diplomacy with Levios. With the older brother Oshimnia advocating a hostile route, and the younger sister Crowne aiming for a cooperative route, the Adellahan region, which had been unified with much effort, was on the verge of splitting again.

Under such circumstances, it would be difficult for even the First King to obtain stones from Adellahan. I don’t know when the Royal Mausoleum was built, but at least it should be after the founding of the country. In that case, the Adellahan family would already be under Crowne’s rule, so it would be easy to provide stone materials.

There is a clear difference in stone quality between the Royal Palace and the Royal Mausoleum, but it would be premature to simply think that they’re just being stingy.

[Hmm. That’s why the first to visit this place was the people of the Adellahan family.]

To match the Prince’s lines, the civil officer slid forward one page. Along with the date, there was a signature with the title “Next Head of the Adellahan Family” written on it.

I can’t read this one either because the brush is dancing round and round, but it’s probably the name of the second family head of the Adellahan family. Judging from the date, it seems that she visited the shrine together with Duchess Crowne.

When I think about how these two members of Adellahan family had long since retired, with very little known about whether they’re still alive or already dead, I started feeling the weight of history.

As I watched, the civil officer slowly advanced the page.

It’s amazing to see so many Nobles cooperating with the Kingdom… I feel like I’m being told that, or rather, I think I’m saying it.

The bookkeeping system itself must be part of the process of creating authority for the Royal family.

I feel like the First King was the one who thought of this. I don’t think it’s an old-fashioned attempt to use even his own death for the Levios Kingdom. At least it’s not to the credit of the idiot Second King.

[Wilk-dono, please add a page to the Kingdom’s history.]

You say nice things. I picked up the brush and faced the record book to make a note.

Looking at how other people write, it doesn’t seem to have a fixed format. Some even wrote poetry.

The left page will be “Commemorating the first visit to the shrine on May 12“, and the right page will be “Wilk Quordenze, the next Head of the Marquis Quordenze family“. I was a little worried about whether I should be the next head of the Quordenze family or the next head of the Marquis Quordenze family. Well, this time I came for the Royal Capital social event as the Noble of the Kingdom, so it’s better to write down the Marquis title.

Even so, I feel a strange sense of pressure when it comes to things that are written by so many people.

I slid my brush while thinking that it would be the worst if the ink smeared and ruined the bottom page. ……I think it was written beautifully. I hope it doesn’t leave a stain on the next page.

[Come to think of it, where is the stone slate for the successive Kings?]

[The next one should be in Cobovia. Here only lies the stone slate for the First King.]

I guess the dignity would be halved if both of them are placed next to each other.

I asked the Prince and the old lady about the mausoleum, and asked them to explain the parts that caught my attention.

Then, just a little while later, it happened.

A Levios civil officer entered the mausoleum and whispered to Prince Dunkel.

[Oh, this is troublesome.]

The Prince’s response audibly sounded troubled.

Not really sure what to make of it, I decided to ask.

[What’s wrong?]

[It seems that a member of the family has just come here to visit the mausoleum… I have shown you something rude. Maybe I shouldn’t have jinxed it.]

I felt that this was too deliberate to be a coincidence.

I almost let out a sigh, but I have no choice but to go along with this farce.

[No, don’t worry about it.]

After expressing his gratitude to me, the Prince gave instructions to the civil officer with a sharp expression. It’s a pose that tells you to send it back.

Of course, there’s no need for me to yield.

The No. 2 members of the Levios family and the Quordenze family are here. If there is someone we should give in to, it is only when the head of another family comes. Even so, I am now visiting with permission from King Levios, so I can refuse to leave or enter on that basis.

If there is an exception, I wonder if the Levios family who inadvertently batted suggests that they would like to visit the mausoleum together…..that is the case, isn’t it?

The Levios civil officer, who returned from the outdoors again, whispered once more to the Prince. The Prince who accepted it with a troubled face looked at me.

[Wilk-dono.]

As I thought.

[It seems that my sister has come to visit the shrine, so I told her to go back to her room… but she insisted on taking this opportunity to say hello.]

I see, so it’s his little sister.

I won’t say I don’t want to see her. Refusal here will only make it worse with the Levios family, and it will not benefit the Quordenze family. And the eldest son of a prestigious family must be able to handle greetings safely.

Besides, she’s a Princess. Fortunately, I at least got to know a Princess from Levios brand.

[I don’t mind at all.]

A little while after I gave permission, a woman came in with several servants.

After saying a few words of gratitude to the Prince, she gracefully stretched her bright blue dress as she looked at me.

[Please excuse my sudden greeting. My name is Alina Levios, the daughter of Lugain Levios. Pleased to make your acquaintance.]

The self-introduction was done in a simple style, probably appealing that it was an informal meeting.

[My name is Wilk Quordenze… It’s important to have respect for your ancestors, and I don’t think it’s disrespectful.]

Speaking of Alina Levios, she’s Prince Dunkel’s half sister. She’s the daughter born from the King’s legal wife.

As his lawful wife came from a proper Noble family, she has the best lineage among the Princesses owned by the Levios family. A Princess with a pedigree.

It’s just that…

[That is very kind of you. I’m very happy to meet the person who will be the next head of the Marquis Quordenze family.]

She must have been around 16 or 17 years old.

Her demeanor is graceful, and she is perfect as a Princess of the Levios family. Her self-confident demeanor gives the impression of being slightly domineering, but it’s at an acceptable level.

It’s just that…

[I am also very lucky to have the opportunity to meet the proud Princess of the Levios Royal family.]

[Ufufu. Thank you.]

It’s just that…

It’s just that I don’t like her appearance.

At first glance, she looks like a beautiful woman, but if you look at her calmly, you’ll realize that her face is actually quite disappointing. Or rather, the material is not good enough, so it feels like she’s creating an ideal appearance with clothes, accessories, and makeup.

And that ideal is the ideal from a female point of view, not from a male point of view. There are probably some men who say this is their type. However, if anything, I think it’s a type that is more acceptable to the same sex than the opposite sex. Is it like the difference between idols that men like and models that women like?

I think Princess Alina, who puts a lot of effort into her makeup, is in a sense able to do a good self-analysis. If you’re well-groomed, you’ll have a fairly visible face unless you’re really that bad. In fact, if it’s just the atmosphere, she looks beautiful.

In a way, it’s like soy sauce.

No matter how bad the food is, you can eat it by pouring soy sauce over it. It only tastes like soy sauce though.

[Grateful for the encounter with the beautiful butterfly of Levios.]

[Oh my.]

If you’re a girl, even if you’re ugly when you’re young, you’ll grow up to be a beautiful woman when you grow up. However, Princess Alina is already at this age. There won’t be any course corrections in the future. It’s a face without a future.

[ I thought I’m going to only talk with men today. I’m so happy I don’t know what to say.]

[You are such a charmer. Fufufu.]

I continued to chat while observing Princess Alina, who was laughing cutely.

Perhaps King Levios has a strong hair gene, since Princess Alina also has silver hair. Her long hair, which reached her waist, reflected the light and shone brilliantly.

The blue of the dress is the blue of the sky. Her silver hair is adorned with pearl hair ornaments, which is probably likened to a pure white color. In other words, it is an image of the theme color of the Levios family.

The coordination was too emphasized.

This is probably the diplomatic outfit that will be used the most here. It is rather awe-inspiring to be able to claim that you came to visit the shrine by chance.

[…I’m relieved that you are such a gentleman, much more than I heard in rumors. Showing off the dignity on par with a historical Noble.]

Who are you comparing myself to?

[That’s the same for me. I felt the dignity of the Royal family in Princess Alina’s graceful demeanor. As expected of a Princess that the Levios family is proud of.]

The history of the Levios family cannot be compared to the Quordenze family, but it is still quite long. It’s about one step away from the Sylopea family.

It’s no mistake to see that Princess Alina went out of her way to tell me that I know my history, expecting to be praised like this. From what I felt while exchanging words, she seems to have a lot of pride. Fine, I can read the atmosphere. I’ll make sure to cheer you up.

Princess Alina had a satisfied smile.

If we get along well here, she might introduce me to other Princesses in social gatherings tomorrow. If possible, I would like her to go around saying, [Wilk Quordenze was a very wonderful gentleman!]. I will be able to start from the beginning with a positive correction to their favorability.

[It’s very interesting to talk with someone who knows what Nobles are like. Truth be told, even though they’re all Great Nobles, there’s a big difference between East and West.]

[Alina.]

Princess Alina gave a small laugh as if to parry the Prince’s reprimanding words.

It seems that she doesn’t like the Milendorva family very much.

Well, it’s not like I don’t understand that feeling. From her point of view, the Milendorva family is only recognized as a detachment of the Levios family. It is not unreasonable to think that the upstart doesn’t look big. All the more so if you know Orshian’s flair.

Maybe because of that, Princess Alina was kind to me. I feel that the other side has selfish sympathy, saying that Great Nobles with a long history can understand each other.

If I had been a commoner reincarnated as a blessed child and a Nobleman who started a family on my own…the Princess would surely have hated me. [That’s why upstarts are troublesome. Do you think you in your humble background have become equal to this one who inherits the legitimate blood of Levios? How shallow and arrogant!], she’ll probably say that while making a mocking wink to the surrounding female Nobles. It was so perfect for the villain that even the first person image of Princess Alina in my brain changed on its own.

With this, if she was a beautiful woman to my liking, it would have been a straight line erection for a high-handed Princess, but… things don’t go so well in reality.

…..But, she has a beautiful atmosphere, and her body has a voluptuous feeling that is unique to 16, 17-year-olds. I really felt that being young is a great weapon.

[…Alina. Wilk-dono has plans after this. Don’t be a nuisance by delaying him forever.]

[Ah, pardon me, Onii-sama.]

Princess Alina then gave me a look then said goodbye. As expected, she’s teemed with a feeling of “I can keep up with you”. Not to mention, she has tastes as a lady.

[Wilk-dono, thank you for spending your precious time.]

[No, it was fun talking to you. If you have a chance to socialize after tomorrow, by all means.]

[Yes, I’m looking forward to it.]

With her dress fluttering gently, the Princess gracefully left the scene.

Even though she said she came with the intention of paying respect to the mausoleum, she left without doing that at all.

However, I had a good impression of her since she always had a favorable attitude towards me during our chat. All except for her face.

Even after the Princess left, I stayed around the Royal Mausoleum for a little longer.

There didn’t seem to be anything to see, and there was surprisingly a lot to see. The story told by the old lady was also interesting.

After that, we went to the Levios family’s proud art collection room and toured the museum that collected historical materials related to the founding of the Kingdom.

The Royal Palace library, which we visited on the way, had a large collection of books, and there were many books that could not be obtained in the Quordenze territory, so I even made a reservation to borrow some of them.

As expected, there aren’t many people who can borrow it, so they’ll have it delivered to the Quordenze residence tomorrow.

From reservation to immediate lending, this is truly a wonderful library. Talking about my previous life, when I became a member of society and went to a municipal library in a big city for the first time, I was surprised by the abnormal number of reservations. I remember being at a loss for words when I casually tried to make a reservation, and found out that a book already had 300 on its waiting lists. What surprised me was that there was actually someone making a reservation when there were already 299 other reservations. Since one reservation is for two weeks, the book will only be back after ten years. It’s a big reservation plan. I remember going home in shock.

Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing inside the castle.

The old lady seemed to be in charge of not only the Royal Mausoleum but also this entire part of the castle, and she followed us wherever we went.

After walking around, we came to the gazebo in the garden as a place to take a break.

It was a different kind of garden from the one at Newnelly Castle, and it was interesting to look at. There are many unfamiliar plants and flowers, but I wonder if they are common in the eastern part of the continent.

After confirming that the servant of the Levios family brewed tea, Prince Dunkel spoke up.

[How was it? And we haven’t gotten around to everything yet.]

It’s mainly because I stayed for quite some time at each facility. A lot of things were going on, and the progress of the tour inside the castle, which was probably originally envisioned, was not going well.

However, I think it’s better to fully enjoy the place rather than going around like a stamp rally.

[I wanted to tour the inside of the castle in the morning. Well, it’s a pity that the fun times go by so quickly.]

[I hope you enjoyed it.]

The Prince, Levios’ civil officer standing around him, and the old lady all smiled.

Seeing the next head of the Quordenze family enjoying the sights of the palace to his heart’s content, it must have been a relief even from their side.

For a while, the Prince and I talked about the places we visited today, about the garden and the flowers, and enjoyed tea.

Just as we finally ran out of topic, Prince Dunkel whispered.

[It should be around this time, when Archduke Milendorva enter the palace.]

[Is it about this time?]

[Yes, it’s about now.]

I already heard that they would be visiting the castle in the afternoon, but even then it’s too late. However, from the way the Prince speaks, it can be seen that this delay in visiting the palace is as planned.

After the Prince and I finished our dinner, it took quite a while until we started sightseeing and took a break here. It’s too long for a preliminary meeting about the end of the Orshian disturbance.

In other words, my father and King Levios may have had some kind of important meeting.

[As you can imagine, my father has requested a meeting with the Marquis Quordenze separately from this matter.]

[Both of our fathers are certainly really busy.]

Well, my father would handle it well.

[You trust Marquis Quordenze can handle this on his own?]

[Yes, as a son, I am allowed to take it easy.]

My dad is dependable. On the contrary, I feel that the degree of danger will increase if I am present.

[That’s enviable. The fact that Wilk-dono and Marquis Quordenze are able to have a good time means that Wilk-dono and Marquis Quordenze have a heart-to-heart relationship. I don’t get along that well with my father.]

[Hou.]

I can’t say I know, but saying I didn’t know would seem like it’s intentional.

The Prince seemed to be having a hard time.

[Would you mind listening to my worries for a moment? This conversation will remain here.]

While saying that, the Prince raised his right arm just above the elbow. Then, the Levios civil officer made a step back.

It’s a signal to let the attendant down so that us two can have a private conversation.

I thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to take it easy, but it seems difficult to come up with a reason to refuse here.

Given the circumstances, the conversation was probably about a secret meeting between King Levios and my father. I’m a bit concerned by it.

[Yes. I don’t really mind.]

I also gestured with my fingertip so that the Quordenze civil officer also backed off.

The civil officer took a step back as ordered. The Levios civil officer stepped back further after seeing that, followed by the Quordenze civil officer.

Once they’re far enough, Prince Dunkel said in a low voice.

[I’m sorry about Alina. Since Wilk-dono acted the way you did in Callahanasso, my father got the idea to introduce her to you for once. It’s really a problem.]

Prince, you’re being too frank.

I think he’s luring me to say things that I shouldn’t have said. It may be that kind of strategy, so let’s tread carefully.

[Well, I thought that was the case….. At the end of the lunch, King Levios said something like that, but is that the password?]

[I’m sorry. But please keep it a secret, because my father can be noisy at times.]

Hahaha, the Prince was laughing lightly. I feel like I’m going through it just fine without angering him.

[Apart from this matter, isn’t it a bit too obvious? Since the Levios family has an unmarried Alina, I wondered if they would try to form a relationship with the Quordenze family.]

If that’s the case, it would be strange not to expect it. I don’t think it’s a story that I dare to hide.

The Prince nodded when I honestly told him that I had already expected it.

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[However, you should have seen the possibility of realization as low. If you just send Alina, the child of the legal wife, to the Quordenze family as a bride, it will give the impression that the Levios family has yielded. In other words, It might look like the Levios family, whose prestige has declined, used their daughter to sell flattery.]

Although I did not reply, my father had already considered Prince Dunkel’s concerns.

The Prince must have taken my silence as an affirmation.

[However, the mutual engagement is difficult. Wasn’t Princess Fanny of the Quordenze family 10 years old? The age difference between me and her is close to a decade, so I can’t say it’s a good match. Not to mention that as of now, I’m also the only son of the current King, Lugain Levios.]

It is said that it is easier for Nobles to have good relationships between men and women when they are close in age. A five or six year age gap isn’t that uncommon, but there’s a certain amount of risk if there’s a 10-year gap between them and they’re not close friends since childhood. That, of course, is the most dangerous risk for Nobles to avoid, being unable to have children with their legal wife.

Though if it’s me, I would just take that risk and get married.

[…..However, just in case something happens, it might be better to finish the meeting between Alina and Wilk-dono.]

For example, if the Levios family loses more prestige than it does now, and they cling to the Quordenze family. In order to quickly send Princess Alina to become my wife, it’s easier to talk about it if we meet in advance.

However, when we left Newnelly, my father thought that the Levios family would not expect such a negative development. For that reason, we thought that I won’t be meeting Princess Alina personally, and just need to offer some greetings lightly at social occasions.

But given that I was able to repel Orshian, it may be natural for the King to reconsider letting me meet Princess Alina for insurance purposes.

My father also said that the Princess might come to the luncheon when we left this morning. Though she instead came out at the Royal Mausoleum.

[…and, in general, I think he was thinking about something like this.]

The Prince spoke eloquently, but is this the thinking of King Levios? Or is it just an imagining of my father’s thoughts?

Anyway, there is no need or obligation for me to speak openly about my father’s thoughts here and now. For the time being, let me just say my impressions.

[…I feel pity for your little sister. Being tossed about like that.]

And more than anything else, I feel the most pitiful for being the fiancée without permission.

[Pity?]

At that point, Prince Dunkel showed a bewildered look. I think it was a straightforward performance without acting, where the surprise came out as it was.

[About what?]

[No… I thought Wilk-dono is kind to his little sister.]

Saying that, Prince Dunkel put the cup of tea to his mouth to hide his expression. It seems that he is gathering some thoughts, and he does not take his mouth off easily.

I wonder what he’s thinking, as I shouldn’t have said anything strange…

Since I had no other choice, I followed after the Prince to drink the tea. It’s a fragrant tea.

[Are you on good terms with Princess Fanny?]

[Yes. She’s a cute little sister.]

When comparing me and the Prince, the biggest difference in superiority may not be my magical power, but my sister’s power.

She’s cute as a little sister, and cute as a girl. I’m sure she’ll still look cute when she’s panting in ecstasy.

I’ll make Fanny happy, that’s my duty as a brother. My father has already given his consent. Even if the demon beast Yersinia were to appear, I will never give up.

Just thinking about what happened after returning to Newnelly made my face smile and my crotch stiffened. Unexpectedly, it seems that the magic power will be mixed with nasty emotions and jump out.

If I do that now, people might misunderstand that I’m in love with Prince Dunkel. Even though it’s just that I’ve been in trouble lately because of Eve’s petting. I’m in trouble, I absolutely must not leak it.

[Is that so….]

Then, Prince Dunkel put the cup on the saucer. He had emptied the content.

Even so, what does the Prince want to do? I can’t see where this conversation might lead to. I don’t think he’s exposing it just because he’s against his father, and it’s a mystery.

[Regarding the intention behind letting Alina meet you, I might’ve made the wrong conclusion.]

Is this the main point?

By changing the tone of his voice to something more solemn, it can be seen that he tried to switch his consciousness.

Insurance in case of emergency, how can this conclusion be incorrect? Both my father and I predicted that it would happen, and I thought it was the most likely.

[Even if we come to the same conclusion, it can’t be helped. We don’t have the two pieces of information required to make a decision.]

[Two pieces?]

[Yes, one of them must have been told to Marquis Quordenze by my father while we were touring the castle. To put it simply, it is the future policy of the Kingdom, the political conception. … Ah, what I said was my father’s political thought, so it’s different from mine. Please keep that in mind when speaking with Marquis Quordenze tonight.]

Are you going to assert that the policies of the current generation and the next generation will be different?

I wonder if this conflict in political view is the root cause of their strained father-son relationship. There have been no reports from the Worm Hands either.

[Got it. I recognize that King Levios’ plan was spoken.]

I don’t think it’s a story about simple political thought. If that’s the extent of it, my father should have taken it into consideration.

Is it related to the rumors of the invasion of St. Navenpos, or is it a national policy that looks further ahead?

If you think about the future of the Kingdom from a long-term perspective, the diplomatic element of marriage, which connects Nobles with one another, will be very relevant. Certainly, if this judgment material is lacking, it may be natural for the conclusion to change completely.

[And one more thing… I’m sorry, but I can’t say this from my own mouth. If it is done poorly, Marquis Quordenze may protest.]

[…..You mean I need to confirm it with my father?]

[Well, I wonder about that? I haven’t heard of what my father talked about directly to Marquis Quordenze though.]

I haven’t heard, I don’t want to. The tone of his voice was so full of hatred that I could hear such thoughts.

The Prince’s magical power is swaying extremely subtly. The magic within was trembling with intense emotions. I don’t know what kind of emotion it is specifically with my magic sense, but judging from the tone, it’s definitely an emotion of anger.

Ah, this made me realize once more that their parent-child relationships are really bad. And this second story is the root of the feud.

But, why did he go out of his way to tell me about it? That’s the most important part for me.

Could it be that within the Levios family, there are the current Lugain faction and the next generation Dunkel faction, and they want me to join the Dunkel faction? …..Hmmm, I don’t know.

Honestly, seeing a frustrated person doesn’t make a good impression. Rather, it makes me feel sick to be shown an angry appearance without permission.

[However, I think the Marquis will understand immediately.]

[I see.]

I wonder if the reason why he reacted so bluntly was because I paid too much attention to the wavering of his hatred and sympathized with him.

Let’s try not read into the Prince with too much sense of magic. I’m kind of annoyed.

[So, how does having those two pieces of information change your conclusion?]

In order to calm myself down, I dared to speak from myself.

But, that was a bad move.

[My father is thinking of arranging a mutual engagement between the Levios family and the Quordenze family.]

Ha?

[Wilk-dono will take Alina as his legal wife…]

Ha?

[I will take Princess Fanny as my legal wife…]

Ha?

[Father must’ve prepared a proposal that will satisfy Marquis Quordenze…]

It’s leaking.

My feelings of wrath, riding on magical power, slowly began to flow.

[W, Wilk-dono…!?]

Prince Dunkel vigorously stood up from his chair.

The sound of an empty cup falling to the ground and breaking could be heard in the distance.