Chapter 41

Although Conrad, who hadn't become close enough yet, thought it was against etiquette to interrupt her while she was studying, Lylis stood up with a smile still on her face.

Friedrich also pretended to be a regular teacher and bowed respectfully.

"Ah, I'm glad to see you're well. I heard that you were unwell at the tea party my mother hosted, and I was worried. I wanted to come immediately, but I thought it would be better to wait until Her Highness the Princess had recovered... But today, I felt I absolutely had to talk to you, so here I am."

"...I'm sorry for causing you concern. But I'm fine now."

"Yes, that's good. I'm relieved. My mother can be a bit forceful, so she might have pushed you too hard, didn't she?"

"No, the Duchess was very considerate, and I had a wonderful time. She even introduced me to other ladies, and I'm very grateful."

"Ah, that's good. I'll let my mother know. I'm sure she'll be pleased."

"...By the way, I should have introduced you earlier. This is Mr. Johann Friedrich, my teacher."

Startled by Conrad's sudden entrance and his lack of proper greeting, Lylis responded with a smile. She realized that he didn't seem to notice that he was as forceful as his mother.

As she had thought before, he only looked like Arnaud in appearance. If it were Arnaud, he would be more polite and considerate of others.

Feeling disappointed, Lylis still managed to introduce Friedrich. Conrad then gave Friedrich a haughty look.

"It's good to see that the Count of Bollno is in high spirits. I am Johann Friedrich."

"Johann Friedrich... I've never heard that name before. I thought the Kingdom of Freud was a treasure trove of new knowledge, but perhaps it's because of Her Highness's father, King Dreaume, who is a witty and wonderful person. I'd like to have a conversation with him someday."

Conrad didn't seem to notice the rudeness in Friedrich's greeting, which wasn't even a proper greeting for a senior. He quickly turned back to Lylis and said something that wasn't even a compliment with a bright smile.

(No good, this...)

Not only Lylis and Friedrich, but even Taina, who was preparing new tea, muttered this in her heart. Lylis even began to doubt Jesarde, who had suggested Conrad as the successor.

(Does he really have an eye for people?)

When she looked at Friedrich with this feeling, he returned a sly smile. Friedrich was undoubtedly enjoying the situation. Conrad, on the other hand, frowned when he saw the materials for Toisen spread out on the table.

"Right. The reason I came today is that I heard Her Highness is going to Toisen with Jese—His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Is that really okay? If you can't refuse, I can tell His Highness for you."

"...No, it's fine. Thank you for your concern."

"You don't need to be so reserved. Toisen isn't in the best condition right now. Taking Her Highness there is... What is His Highness thinking? If he's going to show you around the country, he should take you to more beautiful places that you would enjoy. If you'd like, I can show you around. His Highness is very busy, you know."

Lylis just smiled and shook her head at Conrad's suggestion. If she opened her mouth now, she might say what she really thought. So, she continued to listen to Conrad in silence with a smile. After talking to his heart's content, Conrad finally left.

"...Hey, Mr. Hu."

"Yes, what is it?"

"I said it before, but I really don't have an eye for people. So, just to be safe, what do you think of him?"

"Lylis-sama, your words are a bit too casual."

Taina, who was clearing the table, couldn't help but interject. Friedrich, who was asked, suddenly burst out laughing.

"Ah, I haven't seen something so amusing in a long time. It's rare to see a young master like that. I had a hard time holding back my laughter."

"You're right, aren't you? He's really amusing, isn't he? But if Conrad really inherits this country, wouldn't a civil war break out in a few years?"

"Now, now, Lylis-sama. You shouldn't say such dangerous things lightly. But as a puppet, he's a rare talent."

"Mr. Hu, you're terrible. But I understand now."

"Understand what?"

"Why the Emperor pushed this marriage so forcefully. Maybe the Emperor does have a good eye for people? I was so suspicious of His Highness."

"Even the most capable person can make a mistake in judgment. But perhaps everyone's true feelings lie elsewhere."

"True feelings?"

Lylis looked at Friedrich with surprise, as he spoke in a more serious tone than usual. But Friedrich quickly returned to his usual smile.

"Well, I should take my leave now. I've laughed so much that I'm hungry."

"That's right. It's almost time for dinner. Thank you, Mr. Hu."

"No, no, I'm the one who always learns from you. And today was especially fun because I got to see something amusing."

Saying this, Friedrich laughed again and left the room. Lylis watched him go, sighed deeply, and sat on the long chair by the window. She felt something was off when talking to Conrad. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she was sure he wasn't suitable as Jesarde's successor.

"Yeah, I should really focus on having children. I'll do my best tonight, oh!"

She clenched her fist tightly, raised it forcefully, and stood up. Taina and Rese arrived at that moment, but they didn't say anything about Lylis's pose and started preparing for dinner as usual. It seemed they no longer felt the need to comment. Feeling a bit dissatisfied with them, Lylis reflected that it was her own doing.