Chapter 8

I will post the 8th chapter.

The grand mansion, the Duke of August's residence, is unparalleled even in the capital.

A debut party for the future pillars of the country is being held here today.

It's not just a simple debut.

It's undeniable that various schemes and intentions are flying around.

It has also become a regular occurrence for impromptu matchmaking gatherings to take place at debut parties.

For lower-ranking nobles, it's an opportunity to get on good terms with higher-ranking nobles.

...It's a common sight to see engagements used as a means for transactions.

"It's been a while, Lord Logas."

"Oh, it's been a while, Ricardo. I'm glad to see you've been promoted."

The Duke of August, while feeling a bit sorry for the children entangled in their parents' greedy schemes and intentions, does not reprimand them.

He knows it's pointless.

Despite this, he can't help but think that he would like to have a simple debut party from time to time, as he hasn't completely abandoned his human emotions.

"The one who came to talk is Ricardo... Ricardo Lance, Viscount. I heard that the Earl of Roundheart was taking care of him. It's good to see his disciple growing."

While listening to the two people talking nearby, the Duke of August drinks his wine.

Even at the age of over 60, the Duke of August's eyes are not only not dimming but are even stronger. However, he has one current worry.

It's about his beloved granddaughter, whom he loves so much that he would give her a whole town if it were for her.

She just turned nine, but it's not too early for a noble to start arranging engagements.

A bit earlier, the third prince of the Heim Kingdom, Tigr, hinted at wanting to propose to her.

When he told his granddaughter, Crown, she bluntly said she didn't like him.

Fortunately, it wasn't a formal proposal, so it didn't become a big issue, but the prince must have heard that she refused.

"Hmm, worries never end, no matter how old you get, old man."

"Hahaha, even a remarkable person like you, sir, is still human."

The butler called "old man," whose name is Alfred, stands by.

He is 10 years older than the Duke of August and continues to serve as the head butler even at his age.

The Duke of August trusts him the most among his subordinates, and Alfred knows even matters that the Duke doesn't tell his family.

"Look, Reivain, greet him. The person you will serve in the military is Lord Grint over there."

"Nice to meet you, Lord Grint! I'm Reivain!"

"I'm Grint, nice to meet you, Reivain."

"Oh, Ricardo's child... Yes, you're a lively and good child."

Watching the children greet each other always brings a smile, and he accepts the inevitable hierarchy among them.

"...Hmm?"

"What is it, sir?"

Suddenly, the Duke felt something was off, though it was too small to be called a sense of discomfort.

"Ah, I see. Alfred."

"What is it, sir?"

"I heard that the child Roundheart is bringing has brown hair."

"Yes, about that..."

"Excuse me, Duke of August, I have a matter to discuss with Alfred."

"...I'll excuse myself for a moment, Duke."

"Go ahead, talk here."

Seeing this unusual situation, the Duke of August thought he should listen in.

"Ha... Lady Olivia of the Roundheart family and her son, Ein, wish to visit the garden."

"What are you talking about? This is a party hosted by the Duke, and Lady Olivia said such a thing?"

"N-no, it was her son, Ein."

"...No, wait, that's strange. Ein is the eldest son, so why isn't he here? And why isn't Lady Olivia here... Alfred?"

"The Duke decided that only one child per family could attend, and the Roundheart family decided to bring the younger brother, who is the next head of the family."

"Hmm? Then why is Lady Olivia in the garden, and why is the eldest son not here?"

The Duke of August, with his sharp eyes, looked at Alfred, wondering if there was a mistake, a rudeness, or if the other party was being rude.

However, he knew that Lady Olivia, whom he knew, was not the type to be rude.

"I don't know... Can you continue explaining?"

"Ha!... It seems there was a mistake in the invitation, or rather, in the guidance department."

"Continue."

The Duke's gaze and presence became even more severe. The Duke of August, known as the strictest and most upright in the kingdom, is also very strict with himself.

However, he understands that he can't be too strict with his granddaughter, whom he doesn't want to be touched.

"...The invitation was sent, but the note stating that only one child could be brought to the debut was forgotten. Therefore, the Earl of Roundheart brought both of his children as planned."

"...Then why isn't the eldest son here?"

"Alfred, can I relay the conversation as it is?"

"That would be better. It's the Duke's order."

"Then I'll continue... When the Earl of Roundheart learned of this at the reception, he was troubled, but after hearing that the second wife's son, the next head, should be prioritized, he decided to let the second son, Grint, enter."

The Duke of August understood.

"As the mother of the eldest son... Lady Olivia must have refused to enter with him."

Lady Olivia, the first wife of the Roundheart family, is as gentle as an angel and is known as the saint of the port town, a natural role model for Crown.

"I see. So Lady Olivia asked to visit the Duke's garden?"

"If that had happened, of course, I would have allowed it. I need to punish the guide and convey a proper apology... I need to arrange a guide."

As the head butler of the Duke, Alfred can provide the perfect guide and avoid any rudeness.

The Duke decided to have Alfred guide them.

"No, that's not it... The eldest son of the Roundheart family, Ein, is quite remarkable."

"Hmm?"

The Duke became interested and wanted to hear what the eldest son, who had been replaced by his younger brother, had done.

"Ein said this:

'I would like to visit the Duke's garden. The garden is so beautiful, and I am very interested. Could I visit during the party hours? Is that okay?'

...That's what he said."

"Hahaha! I see."

"As a noble, no... as a person, the eldest son is not inferior at all."

"Is that so, Alfred?"

There was no sign of resentment, and while respecting the host, the Duke, he made a request in a humble manner.

The Duke appreciated his understanding of his position and his polite way of speaking.

"But the words he said afterward... I don't know how to put it... He was sensitive to people's feelings, or perhaps a womanizer."

"Continue."

"He continued:

'Mother is as beautiful as the flowers blooming there. I feel sorry... I want to see the flowers more than the debut. I know I'm a bad son, but I hope you won't be disappointed.'

When I heard this, I was amazed by Ein's broad-mindedness."

"Hahaha... A womanizer, indeed. Well said."

"Duke, I should go and guide such a gentleman."

"You're right, Alfred."

"A... Alfred, will you guide them?!"

"That's the proper thing to do. Alfred, the garden guide is—"

"Grandfather?"

A voice that the Duke could hear from anywhere sounded nearby.

She was Crown, the Duke's eldest granddaughter, with her beautiful light blue long hair flowing.

She had been greeting guests as a host and came over.

"I couldn't help but listen to the interesting conversation."

"You were listening, Crown?"

"Yes. Alfred?"

"Yes, what is it?"

Crown asked without any sign of guilt.

"I'll guide them. Is that okay?"

"Y-Young Lady!"

"Crown, you'll guide them?"

The Duke and Alfred were surprised by this unexpected situation.

This granddaughter, who had never shown interest in others, wanted to guide them? The Duke then remembered that Crown admired Lady Olivia.

"Do you really want to talk to Lady Olivia that much?"

"Yes, I do. Is there a problem?"

Crown remained assertive.

The Duke's weakness for his granddaughter showed, and he couldn't say no.

"Hey, you?"

"Y-Yes!"

Crown asked the knight who had reported about Ein and was serving as a guard at the reception.

"I can't keep them waiting. Go quickly and tell Lady Olivia that the garden visit is allowed and that a guide will be provided. Go now."

The knight looked at Alfred and the Duke for confirmation.

Alfred seemed to have already left it to the Duke, and the Duke had a resigned look, indicating it was fine.

"I'll go and tell them!"

"Hurry."

"We are the hosts, you know."

"I've been saying no from the beginning. Every time there's a party, people come up to me saying I'm beautiful or that my hair is beautiful... It's as if they think I'm a prostitute. It's disgusting."

"Hmm, I understand how you feel, Crown, but still—"

"...The rudeness to Lady Olivia is our responsibility, Grandfather. Sending a servant to guide them through the garden would be adding insult to injury, wouldn't it?"

"Hahaha, the Duke... Crown is getting stronger every day."

Alfred's words made the Duke's face turn sour, as he couldn't deny the facts and could only hold his head in his hands.

"Don't say that, Alfred, I understand... Be careful, Crown."

"Of course, thank you, Grandfather. I love you."

Hearing those words, the Duke's face softened.

In his heart, he thought, "Whatever, it's fine."

"...Duke?"

"What is it, Alfred?"

"Nothing. Young Master?"

"S-Sorry! But I understand."

"I understand your thoughts, Young Master, but this is fine. I won't take away your enjoyment in your old age."

"Sigh. I'm lucky to have such capable people."

Crown, excited, headed to Lady Olivia and the others.

Watching her, the Duke felt it was for the best.

He was troubled by his doting on his granddaughter but couldn't stop.

* * *

That night, after the party, when the family was surprised by the star crystal shown by his granddaughter, and seeing Crown with a love-struck face saying "Ein," the Duke felt an indescribable emotion.

However, the matter didn't end there... With Crown looking flustered, an urgent message arrived.

"Excuse me, urgently!... Lady Olivia, the first wife of the Roundheart family, has filed for divorce from Lord Logas! She has returned to her hometown without waiting for a response!"

At that moment, Alfred thought, "The Roundheart family will be in turmoil... I understand that much."

But a bigger shock would likely occur in our own Duke of August's family.

Because our beautiful princess, Crown, has fallen in love, and with her action and intelligence, she might do something unexpected.

That was his only worry.

"...Grandfather? Does that mean Ein is also leaving the country? Where are Ein and Lady Olivia going?!"

The situation would escalate quickly, he was sure.

Not only Crown, but also the country where Lady Olivia's family is from...

Good evening. I received advice yesterday and decided to write a bit longer and post one or two chapters a day.

If you have any advice on the volume or posting, I would be grateful to hear it.

Thank you for reading this time!

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