Chapter 5

The neighboring country had been in turmoil for a long time. The current king ascended the throne by killing his father and brother. The reign that began in blood marked the beginning of a bloody era.

The border between this country and the neighboring one is long, and many nobles have territories that border each other. The higher the rank of the noble, the more likely they are to have blood ties with nobles of equal rank in the neighboring country. Not a few nobles from the neighboring country have sought asylum in this country, relying on their kin.

Furthermore, many nobles have been sending their young sons and daughters to study at this country's academy one after another. From those who attend the academy, we have heard stories about the reign of terror being carried out by the new king in the neighboring country.

At the academy, my best friend exchanges cheerful smiles with the daughters of high-ranking nobles and spends peaceful times with them. She does not seem to be concerned about the dire situation in the neighboring country.

When she returns to the mansion, my best friend, still in her dress, discards the mask of a lady.

The intentions of the Duke, which were only vaguely discernible from his conversations with his friends, were beginning to take a clear form. I, who was out of place, was always required to be present. This was to make it known that even the daughter of a poor earl was participating in such conversations. I, who had no connection to the politics of the neighboring country, was given the role of enjoying tea and pastries while embroidering with the Duchess.

The Duke was gradually advancing the situation. The opportunities for the Duke to meet with the nobles who had fled from the neighboring country increased. It was always a tea party. My best friend and I naturally participated and listened to their conversations.

To give legitimacy to the plans of the Duke and the exiled nobles, the presence of my best friend was necessary. As the talks became more realistic, the smile on my best friend's face gradually faded.