Chapter 35

Irene Hillroze → Eleanora Hillroze, I will change my name.

I am the daughter of a duke, the one who speaks in ladylike language.

Since my appearances will increase, I want to avoid overlapping with Alicia...

I changed it casually about a month ago, so those who started reading recently shouldn't worry.

We stayed in the Ashbaton March for three days.

Most of the time was spent with my stepmother. She is a normal person as long as we don't touch on the landmine that is the Kingdom of Remarest. When the word "restaurant" came up in casual conversation, I was momentarily frightened.

Yumiera's theory on level-up was very well received. Although Patrick advised me not to say too much, since my stepmother was happy, there was nothing I could do. I didn't think about what she would do with her level-up.

The people who worked at the lord's mansion welcomed me warmly. I've never been pampered like this before. Maybe I should become a part of this family?

Before I knew it, three days had passed, and we were about to bid farewell to the March. Unfortunately, it seems that my stepfather won't be back for a while.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Come anytime, Yumiera. Patrick doesn't need to come next time."

"Hehe, thank you. Ryu, shall we go?"

Ryu, with us on his back, spread his wings and took off into the sky.

Patrick's mother waved until we were out of sight.

I met Patrick's parents, and we officially became engaged, so I think I've done everything I needed to...

"Hmm? I didn't meet Patrick's older brother. Was he away?"

"He was at home."

We talked in loud voices to be heard over the wind. It's strange that we didn't meet even once after being in the same house for three days. Was I being avoided? Surely not.

"Hey, was I being avoided?"

"Yes, you were."

Well, I was avoided. I'm used to it from school, but this time it really got to me.

When I emitted a negative aura, Patrick hurriedly said,

"No, my brother is just not good with women. I'll introduce you to him next time, so don't worry."

So, he has a fear of women. Come to think of it, I am a woman. People who are not good with women often have trouble with women of the same age, especially when they recognize them as the opposite sex.

I see, he's embarrassed to meet the beautiful girl his brother brought home. Hmm, beauty is a sin. As I indulged in this thought, he continued,

"My brother, in particular, is not good with strong or temperamental women. I think it's because of my mother..."

"Am I that rough?"

There was no beautiful girl to begin with. I wish all the people who call themselves beautiful girls would disappear from this world.

"I think Yumiera's temperament is gentle, but... if you ask if she's not rough..."

From tomorrow, I'll try to live like a Buddha. That's what I thought.

◆ ◆ ◆

We landed in the courtyard of the Dorkness residence in the capital. We didn't go straight to the Dorkness territory but stopped in the capital to verify the truth behind the rumors of the conflict between the Crown Prince faction and the Second Prince faction.

We still have a residence in the capital, but honestly, I want to sell it as soon as possible.

"How much do you think this mansion would sell for?"

"Are you selling it? That would be a waste. We also have a residence in the capital, but it's much smaller."

"That's why I want to sell it. I understand the need for a residence in the capital, but wouldn't a smaller one be fine?"

"We're not short of funds at the moment."

By the way, my parents still live in this mansion. I inherited the earldom by force, so I don't have an obligation to support them.

I offer them some financial assistance and suggest they live a quiet life in the countryside, but they refuse to leave the capital.

Even though they can't return to the world of nobility... I still don't understand what's so good about the capital.

When I announced my visit, I was immediately shown to a room by a servant. The servants here, like those in the territory, are somewhat distant.

After being shown to the room, I sighed once the servant left.

"Ah, Patrick's family is so nice. Everyone is so warm."

"Yumiera's expression is stiff, so she's easily misunderstood. It will take time to bridge the gap."

"I did force the previous earl to hand over the title. I can understand why they might not accept me."

"Remember the maid who followed you at the academy? Ah, Rita, right? She might be able to subtly clear up misunderstandings about Yumiera."

Rita works here in the mansion, not in the territory. I thought about the deeper reasons for this when the sound of someone running down the corridor reached my ears.

The door to the room was flung open. Speak of the devil, and she shall appear. Rita burst into the room.

"Welcome back, Lady Yumiera. Please, give me any orders you may have."

"No, I don't have any particular business..."

"Did the servants in the territory do anything wrong? If there were any inconveniences, I will—"

"It's fine, really."

Rita, who once tried to poison my tea to save her sister, who was being held hostage, now has an extreme sense of loyalty.

Seeing Rita on one knee, looking up at me, Patrick was clearly taken aback.

"Ah, how is your sister?"

"To care about my sister... I am grateful for Lady Yumiera's compassion. My sister is striving to become Lady Yumiera's servant."

"Umm, yeah. I'll talk to her next time."

Sara is in danger. I can't let this get out of hand. I need to rescue her before she falls into her sister's clutches.

Rita remained on one knee, looking at me with a rapt expression. She wouldn't move unless I gave her a task.

"Ah, I want to drink Rita's tea again."

"As you wish, I will prepare it immediately."

What does "as you wish" mean? Am I an emperor or something?

Rita stood up gracefully, bowed, and left the room.

After a few seconds, once she was far enough away, I said,

"We can't bring her back, right?"

"You're right, it would only cause misunderstandings."

It will be a long time before I can get along with the servants. Patrick and I sighed in unison.

Why can't we just have a normal person?

Rita soon returned to the room, but she didn't have any tea-making equipment. When I looked at her in confusion, she said, slightly annoyed,

"I apologize, the tea will be a bit late. The Second Prince has just arrived. I have shown him to the parlor, but should I send him away?"

"No, we can't send away Prince Edwin."

"If you order it, Lady Yumiera, I will chase him away with a broom. Even if I am executed, I will be satisfied as long as it is the result of following your orders."

Scary, scary, scary. Rita says terrifying things with a straight face. While chasing away a prince might be fine, the fact that she's serious is scary. Patrick's face was also tense.

"Ah, Rita? I'll meet with the prince, so could you bring the tea there? I love Rita's tea."

"Yes, immediately."

Rita's expression brightened. She wasn't this bad when we were at the academy.

Anyway, now it's about Prince Edwin. We came to the capital to learn more about the Second Prince faction. I didn't expect the central figure to appear in person.

In the parlor, Prince Edwin was alone, without any guards. He might not need them, being one of the strongest in the country.

Patrick and I sat on the sofa opposite him.

After some polite exchanges, Prince Edwin took a sip of tea and began to speak.

"I'm sorry to drop in so suddenly, Miss Yumiera, but I thought I should explain what's happening in the capital."

"I came to hear about the Second Prince faction."

"Ah, that. I'm also troubled by it. I rushed here to prevent any inconvenience to you."

"Still, isn't it a bit too quick?"

We had only arrived in the capital less than an hour ago. How did he notice our presence so quickly?

Patrick, who was sitting next to me, answered the question.

"Everyone in the capital knows we're here. Ryu is quite noticeable."

"Right, Patrick is correct. I saw the dragon and rushed over. I was also nearby at the time."

"It's been a few months since we graduated and left the capital. What has happened in that time?"

"To put it simply, I've been supported by the ducal faction. I have no intention of opposing my brother."

"That's what I thought... troublesome."

Patrick muttered under his breath.

Another radical faction. The ducal faction, also known as the anti-establishment faction, is a group of nobles dissatisfied with the current situation. They are dangerous people who advocate for military invasions of other countries to gain power and profit.

They are not necessarily war-loving nobles but rather a group of ambitious people who want key positions in the government. If the king appoints them as ministers, they will likely switch to a more moderate stance.

Prince Edwin, who has been targeted by these ambitious people, might be a bit pitiful.

However, if he declares that he has no intention of becoming king, shouldn't that be the end of it? When I asked, he explained the details.

"Their argument is that I, who defeated the Demon King, am the most suitable next king. Since the Holy Maiden is dead, they want to make Eleanora the queen to increase the power of the Duke of Hillroze and his faction.

This movement has been ongoing since my time at the academy, but it has intensified since I graduated."

So, defeating the Demon King leads to this. Good thing I didn't go to the Demon King's castle alone; I would have been dragged into this mess.

Officially, it is said that Prince Edwin defeated the Demon King. I also played a significant role, and Alicia and the others fought valiantly but died in battle, according to the official story.

At least, it's a relief that the Second Prince is not seriously opposing the Crown Prince.

The idea of Prince Edwin marrying Eleanora seems highly unlikely.

"Eleanora is quite persistent, isn't she?"

"That's the most troublesome part. She keeps showing up uninvited..."

Eleanora, the daughter of the Duke of Hillroze, is infatuated with Prince Edwin.

Unfortunately, I am also very popular with her. When I told her that Prince Edwin would definitely marry her, thinking it would please her, I was frequently invited to tea parties and other events during my time at the academy.

Even though I kept declining her invitations, she didn't give up, and I sometimes gave in. After graduating, I managed to avoid her for a while.

"She's probably being influenced by others. She's too pure, you know..."

"That's true. Since she has no ill intentions, it's hard to be harsh with her."

Prince Edwin said this with a pained expression.

What can be done? If I get involved, the situation might worsen, so there's not much I can do.

"Maybe you should disappear for a while. It's hard to support a Second Prince who doesn't exist."

"I've already tried that. I was absent for a few weeks, but they continued to oppose the Crown Prince in my absence."

It seems that no matter what Prince Edwin says, it won't help. The only options are to decisively deal with the radical nobles or wait for the fever to cool down.

For a while, Prince Edwin will have to endure Eleanora's relentless pursuit. ...It sounds tough.

"Eleanora is really persistent. I had a hard time with her during my time at the academy."

"Yes, you were popular with her. She might come to this mansion too."

Prince Edwin said something ominous. Stop setting up flags. If Eleanora comes here, you'll be the one in trouble.

Just as I was about to scold the prince, the corridor became noisy. Someone was running, and Rita burst into the room without knocking.

"The daughter of the Hillroze family, Lady Eleanora, has arrived. The servants are trying to hold her back, but she will be here soon."

Isn't that a quick flag recovery?