Chapter 20

"……The appearance of the capital hasn't changed, has it? However, the situation inside the castle is a bit delicate."

"……What do you mean by 'delicate'?"

"It seems that woman has been acting strangely and doing all sorts of things lately… Probably because she's being swayed by that baron's daughter. The king has also become spineless since Shariya passed away, which isn't helping. …That's why Ilya and I opposed her marriage to that woman back then."

That woman refers to Lady Elria, the king's concubine. Mother has never liked Lady Elria. On the other hand, she seemed to get along well with Lady Shariya, the queen.

And Lady Ilya is the current king's mother, the Queen Dowager. She is one of the highest-ranking women in this world. She is now retired and resides in a detached palace, but her influence is still immense.

By the way, Mother has been very close to Lady Ilya for a very long time. Lady Ilya treats her as if she were her own daughter. Even now that Lady Ilya is retired, Mother occasionally visits the detached palace.

"……You said she's being swayed by the baron's daughter… I thought Lady Elria was against the engagement between Yuri and Ed…"

Considering the future, I thought Lady Elria would want to arrange a marriage between Ed and someone from a more prestigious family rather than the baron's daughter.

"What's the name of that baron's daughter?"

"Her name is Yuri Neuer."

"Oh, right. Yuri… She's very skilled at flattering people. She knows how to stroke their egos. So, it's no wonder that someone as vain as Lady Elria would fall for her."

"……Have you met Yuri, Mother?"

"Yes. She seems to be making appearances here and there, and we ran into each other by chance. She was being escorted by the second prince right after Iris disappeared."

"Is that so… How was it meeting her?"

"Well, I'm on Iris's side… But even if I weren't, I might not want to get too close to her. I don't like her tendency to ignore reality."

"Does that mean she's unrealistic?"

"Umm… I can't explain it well, but it's fine that Iris doesn't need to get close to her."

Mother doesn't seem willing to say more… It's intriguing. I haven't had much interaction with her, so I don't really know much about her personally. I know a lot about her through Ed, though.

"Then, Mother, what kind of person is the Crown Prince?"

"Oh, you haven't met him, Iris?"

"No…"

I have no memory of meeting him. If I had, I would remember, since he's royalty.

"Come to think of it, Alfred withdrew from the public eye quite early… and then went abroad to study soon after."

"Why so early?"

I thought he went abroad to study first, but I didn't know he had withdrawn from public life before that.

"After Shariya passed away, a lot happened… It wasn't his fault, though. He's a very nice person, just like Father."

"Like Father?"

"Yes. Oh, he doesn't look like him, but he has a similar aura. You might meet him someday since he's in the country."

"In the country… What?!"

Isn't he studying abroad?! And why does Mother know this?

"Oh, you didn't know…? Then, this is a secret, okay?"

No, no, no… This is not something that can be brushed off as a simple secret, Mother.

"Why isn't he showing himself…"

"Long time no see!! Merry, Iris!!"

In the middle of my sentence, the door burst open, and Grandfather appeared. …What?

"Grandfather! Why are you here…"

"I heard Merry was back. I thought it would be a good time to visit."

Gazel Daz Anderson, Mother's father and my grandfather, is the general of this country. The Anderson family is a marquess family, but Grandfather joined the military because he found the noble world too stifling. He showed great talent and quickly rose through the ranks. He was appointed as a general after leading his troops to a great victory in the Twail War, a conflict with the neighboring country of Twail, 30 years ago. He is still admired by those in the knightly and military ranks.

To explain the difference between the knightly order and the military: the knightly order is primarily responsible for guarding the royal family and the castle. Members are either nobles or have been recommended by nobles. Among them, the royal guard, known as the palace guard, is tasked with protecting the royal family in emergencies. They are the strongest members of the knightly order. Ryle and Dida were once approached to join the palace guard, but this was due to their strength, which Grandfather had trained them to achieve. They could have received recommendations from Father or Grandfather later, but they ultimately declined.

The military, on the other hand, is responsible for going to the front lines during wars. Members can join regardless of their social status. In peacetime, they serve as the security force for the capital and the entire kingdom, replacing the police force.

As the only son of a marquess family, Grandfather should have joined the knightly order, but he surprisingly chose the military.

…Indeed, looking at him now, with his unkempt gray hair and beard, and his sturdy build, he looks more like a warrior than the head of a marquess family.

By the way, Merry is Mother's nickname. Her real name is Merlis Reze Armenia.

"Iris, you've been through a lot… I'm sorry I didn't come to see you sooner."

"No! Grandfather must be very busy. I'm not upset."

"Haha, I've already passed the headship to my son, and the country isn't in any immediate danger of war. I have plenty of free time."

…But, Grandfather, I heard that people gather daily to receive your training…

"Still, Iris, you look more and more like Merry…"

Squinting his eyes, Grandfather looked at me.

"R-really…?"

It's not true that I look like Mother. …He must be saying it out of affection for his granddaughter.

I only resemble Mother in my platinum hair. My eyes are a deep blue and somewhat sharp, while Mother's are a soft aquamarine, reminiscent of a spring sky, and they exude a gentle aura.

"There's no need for you to force yourself to marry. Do what you love and stay here. If you ever have nowhere to go, you can come to me."

…That's true. It might be a good option. When my brother returns and inherits the dukedom, I'll have nowhere to go. Then, going to Grandfather's place could be a good choice… I can manage the Azuta Company from anywhere.

"Father, that's not a good thing to say. Iris will never be without a place to go. Rather, you should take in that foolish son of yours."

I'll gradually correct any typos or formatting issues.

Thank you for pointing them out.