Chapter 51

Viscount Cotness provided me with information that the Duke was colluding with the neighboring country of Remrest. This is beyond our capabilities, so it should be reported to the appropriate person.

So I flew to the capital and came to the royal castle. Ryu, who brought me here, has already flown to Ashbation with Patrick. He judged that the information should also be conveyed to his family, which is located along the border with the neighboring country.

I never thought I would have to come to the royal castle myself. Although I told the secretary that I wanted to meet His Majesty the King, I didn’t expect to be able to meet him immediately.

Just as I was preparing to wait for a few days at the mansion in the capital, the secretary returned and said,

"Earl Dorkness, this way. His Majesty the King wishes to meet you immediately."

Wow, isn’t this too soon? Can you just meet the king so easily? Maybe I should try shouting "Your Majesty, I’m here" in front of the castle next time.

While fantasizing about something I would never actually do, I followed the secretary to the king’s office.

The office was filled with neatly arranged documents, and there was no trace of any decoration. It was a room dedicated to practical work, and he was alone, staring intently at the documents.

When he heard me enter, he looked up, his expression turning serious as he set the documents aside.

"Oh, I never thought you would come to see me, Yumiera. Should I be happy or sad... I suppose it’s a sad message, isn’t it?"

Of course, I wouldn’t come to the castle unless it was a serious and urgent matter. He clearly understood this.

"It’s been a while, Your Majesty. Today, I have come to report on the Duke of Hillroze’s plot."

I explained the plan I had heard from the viscount. The radicals were forming a group to eliminate the king’s supporters, and Remrest was involved.

I thought it was a very dangerous situation, but His Majesty didn’t even flinch. Hmm? Did he already know?

After I finished my explanation, he closed his eyes and remained silent for a while, as if remembering someone.

His Majesty sighed and slowly opened his eyes.

"Is it true that only the Duke of Hillroze knows how Remrest is involved?"

"The Viscount of Cotness said so. It’s unusual for the Duke to take action."

"...I see, then there should be no problem."

I think there are plenty of issues, but His Majesty, who didn’t seem to know the information in advance, showed no signs of being shaken. This is a matter that could cause a nationwide uproar, yet I couldn’t sense any tension.

Although I didn’t intend to interfere with His Majesty’s policies, I couldn’t help but voice my concerns.

"Is Ronald alright? You know he is the Duke’s son. He is currently one of your close aides, but there is a possibility he might side with the Duke in this turmoil..."

"There is no problem."

"Then why would the Duke do something that would make him abandon his own son..."

"For the sake of his son, for Ronald. He could see the future."

The Duke’s so-called future prediction came up again. Ronald had mentioned it, and so had the queen. I wish they would stop being vague and tell me.

Perhaps my dissatisfaction showed in my attitude, as His Majesty began to speak in a low voice.

"He, the Duke of Hillroze, was my close friend. He foresaw that even if the problem with the Demon King was resolved, the kingdom’s turmoil would not end."

"Is that the Duke’s future prediction? I don’t think it’s a reason to raise Ronald separately."

"...We took different paths. We can only oppose each other now. To protect him from being involved, he entrusted his son to me."

It seems the Duke is acting on the assumption that he will lose in the conflict with the king. Why would he deliberately choose a losing battle? If he involves another country, he will surely face execution.

His Majesty’s explanation ended there.

"I cannot say more. I am sorry, but I cannot break my promise to my close friend."

"What is the Duke thinking? What is his goal?"

"...The Duke of Hillroze is leading his faction and, with the help of another country, aims to seize control of the kingdom. That is all. I will absolutely prevent his plot."

The king, who spoke of the Duke of Hillroze as an enemy and a villain, looked pained. I couldn’t ask any more questions.

◆ ◆ ◆

While resting at the mansion in the capital, I was lost in thought.

After that, I was told that all the problems would be resolved while we stayed quietly in our territory, and I was sent back from the castle.

His Majesty doesn’t seem to be worried that the kingdom will be in danger due to the Duke’s plot. However, I don’t think his countermeasures against the Duke are sufficient. It seems he didn’t know about the involvement of the neighboring country until I told him.

As I was pondering, a noisy voice came from the entrance. Here we go again.

"Yumiera! I’m here!"

"...You’re early."

"You said you wouldn’t come to the capital for a while, so I was planning to come to you."

I wish she would stop showing up uninvited. But, well, she is a friend, so maybe it’s okay once in a while?

Elenora, who appeared as usual, was just in time. I might as well ask her about her father.

"I will invite you to the Dorkness territory soon, so please wait a little."

"Really!? Absolutely, absolutely!"

If I don’t invite her, she might show up unexpectedly. I subtly steered the conversation towards the Duke.

"Doesn’t the Duke say anything about you going out so much?"

"I’m often told that, my father is overprotective."

"He must really love you."

Elenora, who was clearly in a good mood, started to smile. She swayed happily as she said,

"Ah, but my father also loves this country very much."

"...The Kingdom of Balshain?"

"Yes, and he also loves cleaning. He says he likes to gather unnecessary things in one place and throw them away at the end."

The Duke’s hobby of decluttering is irrelevant.

However, it’s surprising that the Duke of Hillroze loves the kingdom. He might be lying to his daughter, but it still feels off.

From Elenora’s behavior, it seems she knows nothing about the coup. I guess I learned an unexpected side of the Duke when he is with his family.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Patrick’s voice was heard. He must have returned from the border territory, and he was quick.

"I’m back... Is Elenora here?"

"I’m intruding."

"You’re early."

"I hurried, so I’m a bit tired and will rest."

Patrick, who is afraid of heights, was walking a bit unsteadily. As he was about to leave the room, Elenora suddenly said in a loud voice,

"Oh! What about that? What happened to it?"

"What are you talking about?"

She grabbed my left hand and stared at it intently. What’s wrong with my hand?

Patrick turned around and looked at us with a troubled expression.

"Elenora, please don’t mention it yet, it’s not ready."

"It’s too late! Does Sir Patrick really intend to give it to me?"

"It’s been hard to find the right moment... I’m sorry."

"Ugh! Romantic places are nice, but being too picky is bad! It’s also nice to do it suddenly in everyday life!"

"...I’ll keep that in mind."

Patrick, looking embarrassed, and Elenora, clasping her hands and sparkling, left me out of their conversation.

After he left the room as if fleeing, I asked Elenora,

"What are you talking about?"

"I won’t tell you."

Elenora turned away with a huff.

She is stubborn in strange ways and won’t reveal anything, but she can be easily led with leading questions.

I tried to steer the conversation back to family topics, thinking it would be safe to talk about her father and brother, whom she loves.

"Then I won’t ask... But, what is Lady Elenora’s mother like?"

"My mother... My mother passed away when I was young due to illness."

Oh, I hit a nerve. Not knowing what to say, I was at a loss, but she continued bravely.

"But I am happy! I have a kind father, and a wonderful brother, even though we don’t live together, and I have Yumiera, so I’m not lonely!"

"...I see."

If the Duke of Hillroze really does stage a coup, what will happen to her? Unlike Ronald, Elenora is known to be a member of the Duke’s family.

The Duke’s face, asking me to take care of his daughter, flashed in my mind.

Is the Duke of Hillroze a patriot or a traitor?