Chapter 20

Among the nobility, there are factions close to the royal authority and those of the noble faction.

The House of Pencillia has served as knights for generations, and without a doubt, they belong to the royal authority faction.

If the royal authority continues for a long time, eventually, a force that opposes and holds power will emerge.

That is what is known as the noble faction.

Still, until now, things have been managed reasonably well.

The balance was disrupted, perhaps after the previous war.

"The young people at the party have all been detained."

"That's... quite a severe measure, isn't it?"

After all, they are the children and daughters of the nobility. I thought they would just be put under house arrest.

The next evening,

Lias came to work even though it was his day off, finished the aftermath, and returned home. At dinner, he told me what happened after the party.

"Who were they?"

"Two heads of earl families, five children and daughters of earl families, and two daughters of viscount families."

"Oh. Quite a few..."

I didn't expect there to be heads of families.

"They inherited their titles at a young age, have plenty of money and power, but their noble upbringing and sense of responsibility have not caught up."

"Is that... common?"

If so, it's quite a social issue.

They make excuses like being too busy with parenting and not reading the newspapers.

In my previous life, if I turned on the TV while eating, I would at least get some basic information.

"There are quite a few. Especially young heads of families in the noble faction seem to gather regularly."

"That sounds... ominous."

"Yes. On the other hand, the royal authority faction is not as united..."

"Why is that?"

"It's..."

Lias was choosing his words when Eidan came in.

"Mommy!"

He clung tightly to me.

A faint floral scent wafted.

"Oh, Eidan. Did you go outside? You smell sweet."

"Candy?"

"No, this is... the scent of flowers."

"Candy, can I eat?"

He must have misunderstood that it was time for snacks, only picking up the word 'sweet.'

"First, we have dinner."

Eidan was led to his seat by the nanny and placed in his chair.

"Eidan, say 'Welcome home, Father.'"

"......"

"Eidan?"

"——Okay."

"Welcome home, Eidan."

He should be able to say it a bit better.

But if Lias says it's fine, then it's fine. Well, it's okay.

The family dinner began.

Eidan has reduced the amount of food he spills.

He still mostly eats with his hands, but as he approaches three years old, his fork skills are quite good.

Watching him eat, I can't help but want to pinch his chubby cheeks.

He's become more active, and his body has toned up, but these cheeks haven't changed.

"Such precious cheeks..."

"——What is it?"

Lias, who had missed it, put down his glass.

Oops. I said it out loud.

"Ah, nothing..."

Lias occasionally feeds Eidan.

For Cynthia, who was raised in the royal family, there are things she doesn't know about noble etiquette. But having the head of the family feed a child during a meal must be quite rare.

Seeing this, I feel happy.

Watching the two of them, who look so much alike, enjoy their meal is quite heartwarming.

"You've become quite skilled too. It's reassuring to watch."

"It's because Eidan eats so well. I've started to enjoy it."

I can understand that.

"Eidan, Father says you're doing a great job eating."

"......Good boy?"

"Yes, good boy, good boy."

Eidan smiles happily.

Ah, an angel.

"Actually, I wanted to consult with you, Lias."

Seeing this angel's face reminded me.

"What is it?"

"Eidan is almost three, and I want to go to the city."

"The city...?"

Lias's expression darkened.

"As I've said before... the city is dangerous."

"I've been told that too, and I've never been to the city until now. Is the capital really that unsafe?"

"The security... isn't particularly bad. But where people gather, there are both good and bad people."

"Can't we go even if you're with me?"

"Me and..."

Lias looked surprised.

"Yes. ——A family outing."

Lias thought for a moment.

After all, he is the kingdom's top knight. There can't be better protection.

"Then, let's go with the minimum number of people. It might be better that way."

Like going incognito.

"I will protect you with my life."

You're not a bodyguard.

I turned my smile into a smile to hide my wry smile.

"I'm looking forward to it. ——Lias, this will be my first time in the city. Even if I'm a target for light magic, spending the rest of my life in the mansion is lonely."

"......"

Lias's expression changed as if he had a realization.

"——Yes, you're right. I was mistaken. I assumed you didn't like going out..."

"Since I'm no longer part of the royal family, I'd be happy to have a bit more freedom than before."

"Yes. Let's go out more often."

Lias said that.

Since he's a man of his word, he might suggest going out more in the future.

I thought it would be nice to expand our range of activities as Eidan grows.

When Eidan turned 13, he went to the city, evading his mother's supervision. There, he met the heroine, the holy maiden, for the first time.

"The heroine said it's been 10 years since she last came to the capital."

The heroine lost her parents, who ran a restaurant in the capital, 10 years ago. I think the setting was that she resented the nobility for their tyranny.

At first, Eidan, hiding his noble status, became friends with her, and later, after they met again and she learned he was a noble, they went through twists and turns but eventually fell in love.

I don't know what will happen to Eidan and his child in the future, or when and where events will occur. But I wanted to see it once.

If there's even a small chance to help, I want to do so.

I also wonder if this is really a world of fiction.

The heroine, who lost her parents at age 5, was said to have moved from one orphanage to another.

After dinner, when Eidan left, I put down my cup.

To have the leisure to enjoy tea during a meal with a 2-year-old.

I am truly grateful. This is thanks to the many servants, including the nannies who smoothly take Eidan from dessert to bedtime.

Every day, I am thankful.

"——About the earlier conversation."

"The talk about the unity of the royal authority faction?"

The conversation that was interrupted when Eidan came in.

"Yes. Don't worry too much. If the strong bond between the leading royal authority family, the House of Pencillia, and the royal family is shown, the steps will naturally align."

"This party emphasized that. Titi was also enthusiastic. Until recently, the poor relationship between us was weakening the royal authority faction."

"Yes. After the war, there have been many generational changes in both the royal authority and noble factions. While the noble faction found new unity in the shadows, the royal authority faction was trying to build a foundation with our marriage."

The poor relationship between us directly affected the instability of the royal authority faction. The pressure from the ministers for Lias to have a child quickly might have been influenced by this.

Lias was also young when he took over.

So, combining the earlier conversation,

"The Duke of Pencillia, as the leader of the royal authority faction, if he firmly binds with the royal family and balances things, it will also help suppress the noble faction...?"

"Yes. But it's not just relying on Cynthia. I must also fulfill my role as the head of the ducal family more firmly."

Not relying on marriage is Lias's kindness. I can feel that he doesn't want to put pressure on me.

"Don't overwork yourself. You're already so busy."

Lias laughed as if it was nothing.

I realize that I now see his smile not as Eidan's, but as a reliable husband.

We have become a trusting couple without realizing it.

Then, I should also do better.

"I will also start to properly fulfill my duties as the duchess. I'm sorry for being so indulgent until now."

"No, not at all. Cynthia, don't overwork yourself. If you're not well, this mansion won't function."

That's not true.

In my previous life, when I was sick, I felt it deeply.

A mother must be healthy.

For the children to grow up freely and happily.

So, my priority remains health.

"Yes. I'll do my best without overworking myself."

When I smiled, Lias, with a slightly troubled look, gently took my hair and kissed it.