Chapter 85

Ratitché's siblings, each with their own thoughts in their hearts.

Kishutaria, who has completely moved on, and Albertina, who still cannot escape her grief.

Despite her efforts to explain the current situation and warn her, Albertina, exhausted from crying, fell asleep again in Kishutaria's arms, as if she had fainted.

Now that Grail is gone, the royal family and the council of elders will surely want to bring Albertina into the fold as soon as possible. Albertina, dressed up and standing there, has a magnetic presence. She is the daughter of the country's hero, a pitiful princess who has faced various tragedies. She is pitiful, beautiful, and a princess like a doll.

However, at least for now, they cannot openly do anything that would make it a celebration.

Not only Grail died that day, and allowing the bandits to invade has tarnished the prestige of the royal family and the knights.

Furthermore, the damage from the stampede before that was severe, and there is much to be done in its aftermath.

Given these circumstances, even if they want to act quickly, they cannot.

But for Albertina, who has just woken up, this is a good thing. She needs time to think, to worry, and to mourn.

The nobles of Sandis, the higher their status, the more they follow formal mourning rituals. This allows them to focus on establishing a new system and to form various alliances behind the scenes.

However, the council of elders will likely move quickly to take advantage of this.

Albertina, already exhausted and depressed by Grail's death, might not be able to handle any more information.

"Announce Albertina as the Crown Princess and, along with that, push for an engagement... or perhaps even a marriage announcement."

"Probably, the country wants to do it grandly and inform the people about it in six months to a year."

"Then, they will likely demand a dowry from the Ratitché family, claiming it as a favor for granting her royal status and elevating her to Crown Princess. It's easy to imagine."

"Earl Hildegar has already made contact with Marquis Tolkin, one of the council of elders."

"Kevin's place. That guy has always been my enemy. He's as shallow as ever. If he's going to target someone, he should have aimed for the Faustla family, the chair of the council, which would have given him a better chance."

"What should we do?"

"Let him float for now. That pampered brat Kevin can be taken down easily. He has bad drinking and womanizing habits. It's easy to catch him by the tail, and considering his past, it wouldn't be surprising if he has a few illegitimate children. If not, we can find someone who looks like one and use it to start a succession dispute in the Hildegar family. We'll expose it when it's likely to cause trouble."

"Understood. And, the Duchess Mueller seems a bit suspicious. She's making moves towards Lady Latine."

"Her son, I believe, is thirteen this year."

"Even if it's not possible now, in two or three years, it will be fine."

Kishutaria feels bitter that his memory was not mistaken. Even if immediate marriage is not possible, setting an engagement period is entirely feasible. Albertina is seventeen this year. This age difference is trivial. Being from a marquis family is not a problem.

"Absolutely, don't let her get close. Albert is weak for younger boys. Very weak. A hormonally charged kid is absolutely not acceptable. It's too late if something happens."

Kishutaria knows this from experience. He has felt it with Gibril and Raven. Albertina is soft on younger boys.

It's easy to imagine her being charmed by someone who pretends to be affectionate. Even with Anna keeping a close eye, it's better to be cautious.

If they take drastic action, it will be necessary to use a magical barrier to physically exclude them. Julius seems to understand this and nods.

"May I ask you something, Kishutaria-sama?"

"About Albert?"

"Yes, is Lady Albertina... alright?"

Kishutaria's expression turns bitter.

Julius has not yet seen Albertina. He was not allowed to accompany her when she first woke up.

Kishutaria understands the true meaning of Julius's words. "Alright" does not refer to her physical condition but her mental state.

Grail was absolute to Albertina. Seeing her beloved father's head fall and his body taken over by a monster, witnessing it all, the shock must have left deep scars on that delicate girl's heart.

Albertina, who had always been protected from harm, could easily have her heart broken or closed off by this incident. Julius is likely worried about this.

Albertina's situation is probably known through Julius's network. However, the difference in how Albertina treats people she trusts and those she doesn't is significant.

That's why he asked Kishutaria, who was allowed to see her first, for more detailed information. It might be an overstep for a servant, but Kishutaria is not offended. Despite the difference in status, there is a long-standing relationship between Kishutaria and Julius, one of comrades, brothers, and rivals.

"Her physical condition seems better than expected. But, she is severely exhausted."

Of course. Julius, nodding, shows a hint of concern beneath his servant's mask.

Only Albertina can shake his cold, unyielding exterior.

"When we talked, she was quite shaken but still sane. At least, there are no signs of her being mentally unstable. She can hold a conversation... though she shows reluctance to accept reality, she understands it."

"I see."

"Just, the number of unfamiliar maids has increased, which makes her quite anxious. To avoid further mental strain, we have increased the number of Ratitché servants... but, we can't thin out the household too much. Even if Mother says it's fine, it would be problematic if something happened. The title 'Duchess Ratitché' is not just for show."

"Yes, the Blue Rose of Ratitché, the flower of society. Lady Latine, who has influenced many trends among the ladies, has a wide following."

And the Red Rose of Demitrius, her counterpart, is also actively working. She is likely seething with rage while smiling sweetly, denigrating Kishutaria and spreading rumors about Albertina. So far, I haven't heard any rumors about her slapping someone with a glove, spilling wine, or hitting someone.

Gibril, if she wants to, can act as a perfectly polite and beautiful young lady.

"Still, you were able to see Lady Albertina quite early."

"When she woke up, I was given priority. As a stepbrother, and knowing that Albert trusts me, it made sense. Also, if we left, Albert might have been even more frightened."

"Good to know."

Sharp. This is Julius. Kishutaria feels oddly reassured.

He is a rude but well-mannered man who knows when and where to speak. Despite his risky comments, he always manages to slip through without reprimand. He is resourceful and has strong luck.

---

A figure sits on the long-haired carpet, wearing a negligee and a cocoa-beige cape, holding Chappy on her lap, looking dazed. She blinks occasionally, her deep green eyes devoid of energy.

"Princess, it's not good for your health."

"---!"

"Anna, please. The princess is still..."

"No, I apologize. Lady Bella... I believe she will gradually get used to it."

Her shyness is more out of surprise than fear. When Anna holds her hand, she feels the cold fingers tremble.

She guides her to the bed, tucking her in with a blanket and quilt. As Chappy tries to slide in next to her, Anna grabs his tail and puts him back in the pet cage.

She is always on guard. A moment later, she thinks she sees green in her peripheral vision. She thinks Chappy teleported but he wasn't there. It must have been her imagination.

"Was it just my imagination?"

"What is it, Anna?"

"No, nothing. Good night, my lady."

"---Yes, good night."

Anna is relieved to hear a response.

Albertina might resist sleeping and could fall ill again if she wakes up.

Albertina seems to be trying to do something but can't focus on anything, and her expression suggests it's not a good thing.

(I hope the lady has a better tomorrow.)

She sincerely wished, hoping her precious mistress would not be hurt any further.

---

The sound of Chappy's chirping and the creaking of the door closing.

Looking up at the canopy, she sees a familiar scene—instead of the naked angels that once reminded her of a museum, there are now cute rabbits. Their brown, fluffy fur and round black eyes, with white bellies, make it seem as if she can hear their breathing.

It might be a bit childish, but she likes it more.

Her father is gone. She can't fully accept it yet, but she knows Kishutaria wouldn't lie to her so cruelly.

Suddenly, a shadow looms.

"Yow!"

Peering down is a small green monster.

Trying to sit, it doesn't work. It steps on her chest. Sorry, it seems to be a bit lumpy there.

"Chappy...? No, it's not."

"Yip!"

But it's the same kind. It seems to have a sharper face than Chappy.

It stares at her with large eyes. She stares back.

A feeling of familiarity and comfort leaks out, perhaps because it's not human, or because of its adorable appearance.

"Peep!"

Trying to dive onto the bed, it's Chappy this time.

How did he escape from Anna? He's such a mysterious one.

But, not having enough height, he gets stuck and falls down. The carpet is soft, so he won't be hurt. He quickly gets up, jumps, and manages to cling to the sheets.

But, Chappy's friend, with a glance, kicks him back to the floor with a thud.

"Peep!"

It feels like contempt or mockery.

Why? This one, similar in size and shape to Chappy, seems to have a stronger personality.

"Don't be too mean. Be nice to Chappy."

"Peep?"

"I am Albertina. Albertina von Ratitché. Are you Chappy's friend?"

"Peep?"

"Hehe, nice to meet you. By the way, do you like sweet things?"

Tilting her head, she reaches for the chest by the bed.

Chappy loves sweets. She keeps cookies, biscuits, chocolates, and candies in small jars.

She finds a honey-flavored candy and offers it on her palm. It looks at it suspiciously for a moment, then pokes it. Sniffing it, it cautiously reaches out and picks it up.

It seems more cautious than Chappy, who swallows without hesitation and often chokes. When that happens, Anna kicks Chappy's jaw, and it's all over... Is that a treatment or a medical procedure?

Sniffing it again, it gently bites it.

Suddenly, it convulses and chews and swallows it quickly.

Realizing there are more candies in the drawer, it points and chirps.

"Do you like it? Chappy likes this candy too. I do too."

Taking more candies and offering them, it takes them without hesitation.

But, it wants more. Its cute behavior makes her give it all the remaining candies.

"Let's call you Honey. I love honey too."

"Peep!"

It raises its hand as if to say, "I understand!" and is cute. She can't help but hug it, and it doesn't run away.

"This candy was prepared for me by Father because I love honey."

A tear falls. An endless stream of tears, falling at the slightest provocation.

"I was happy. Father told me I could do what I wanted, but it's not common for a noble lady to start a business.

Even though I mostly left it to the servants, I did many things on a whim.

Hehe, being young and ignorant is scary. Was I being reckless or foolish...

Sometimes, I wondered if Father said I could do what I wanted because he didn't care. I was spoiled, and it was impolite to say."

Please, be happy.

The voice was filled with more love than any words, like a curse that could never be fulfilled.

My happiness was in Ratitché.

It was complete in Father's little world.

"Father made candy for me, even though he didn't like sweets.

I was so happy. I'm silly, I didn't realize it until Sebastian told me. I thought it was one of the chefs or pastry chefs.

To be able to carry my favorite honey with me. It's nourishing... I felt reassured that Father was really paying attention to me. I was so happy."

I started to love honey more