Chapter 54

While it is a request that relies on others, the Duke of Einhorn’s offer is the quickest way to resolve the reputation damage.

The Duke said that he would fully back and assist me when I host a tea party in the future, but I politely declined that offer.

After all, if that were to happen, people might think that the Duke’s daughter and I are engaged.

This whole situation feels like they are laying the groundwork for something. It seems like they are trying to push for an engagement between the Duke’s daughter and me, leading to a public condemnation or a ‘serves you right’ scenario.

Anyway, the next tea party I will host will be co-hosted with Ignatz, and I believe the Queen will arrange it. At that time, I laughed it off, but the Queen won’t let it go that easily.

Grandfather, in his heart, must be thinking, ‘Why do I have to use me to calm things down when it was due to their incompetence?’ However, he understands that if this reputation damage is to be quickly resolved, there should be no hard feelings. In fact, showing a friendly relationship is a good move.

“I have a question for the Duke of Einhorn.”

At Grandfather’s voice, the Duke of Einhorn straightened his back.

“I, too, have only one daughter. I understand the temptation to be lenient and indulgent. However, Duke, aren’t you being too irresponsible regarding the Princess’s education?”

Oh dear, he said it.

“No, that’s not true!”

“Then why didn’t you tell the Princess about the incident four years ago?”

“She was too young at the time…”

“Despite being intelligent and rational, and respected by her peers even then?”

To be honest, it’s because she regained her memories from her previous life, making her more mature than her peers.

“Excuse me for interrupting, but may I say something?”

I interjected into their conversation.

“What is it?”

“Grandfather’s words reminded me. I heard that the Duke of Einhorn said not to forget that the Prince and Princess have succession rights.”

“A, ah, yes, that’s right.”

“Yet, you didn’t reprimand the Princess for avoiding topics about me at tea parties. I don’t think the Duke of Einhorn failed to consider that the Princess’s actions, given her influence, would damage my reputation. There were attendants present at the tea parties. Didn’t you receive any reports from them?”

The Duke of Einhorn seemed to have some idea, showing an awkward expression.

“I did receive reports.”

“You ignored them?”

“No, that’s not it. I’m sorry, but… my daughter… at home, she didn’t seem to think highly of Prince Albert. I thought that if my usually sensible and well-behaved daughter was so averse to him, there must be a reason.”

Hmm, this is a strange story.

“The Princess avoided contact and topics about me because she believed the rumors spread by the former aides. She didn’t want to be associated with someone with a bad reputation. She didn’t know that the former aides were lying. Did you not tell her that?”

The Duke looked surprised, as if saying, ‘Oh, is that so?’

“No… I wonder… I thought my daughter and Prince Albert had met before, so…”

“I haven’t socialized with peers of my age. The tea party for the announcement of my mother’s remarriage was my first, and so far, it’s the only one. I had never met anyone my age before that.”

The Duke of Einhorn looked even more confused.

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand why I had that misconception.”

“Also, why didn’t you tell the Princess about the former aides spreading rumors about me?”

“I thought I had told the children.”

Hmm, from this, it doesn’t seem like the Duke of Einhorn had any ulterior motives and deliberately left the rumors uncorrected.

Still, something feels off. It’s like they are setting the stage for a ‘serves you right’ scenario.

Each issue is minor and can be addressed, but something remains. If left unchecked, it could grow, and I feel like it will set up a ‘serves you right’ flag for me.

It’s a fine line between being paranoid and something turning into a serious issue.

Well, there’s no point in worrying too much.

“I accept the invitation to the tea party.”

At my response, Grandfather looked like he wanted to say, ‘Are you sure?’ but I nodded and continued.

“However, I would like you to invite my friend Nebel Klevtige and Brunhild of the Württemberg family to the tea party.”

“Oh! Of course! Is there anyone else you’d like to invite? If so, I’ll invite them too.”

Well, is that okay? They are from the opposing faction. But if it’s okay to invite them, I’ll have them invited.

“Then, please invite Hedwig of the Hunt-Erfolk family.”

As soon as I mentioned Hedwig’s name, the Duke of Einhorn’s face darkened.

I understand, right? After all, Hedwig is the only one the Duke’s daughter can be on familiar terms with, and they are rival young ladies. For the Duke, this isn’t amusing at all.

But I don’t care about the atmosphere, so I won’t retract my request.

I believe that to break the ‘serves you right’ flag related to the Princess, Hedwig will be a good trickster in a positive sense.

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