Chapter 36

"…So, that was the outcome, was it?"

I was recounting the events of the party the other day to Alfred, who stood before me. Still, it had been a long time since I attended a party, so I was quite exhausted.

"If only Elria and her family had shown up, it would have been more interesting. Elria was so engrossed in greeting the nobles… I mean, recruiting them to her faction, that she didn't notice, and the Marquis family was the same."

Alfred nodded in satisfaction.

"It's not good to be too greedy. We can't show our country's internal strife in front of other nations. Still, by weakening the Second Prince's faction… and putting pressure on the neutral parties, it was quite skillful, Grandmother."

"I didn't do anything. If I must say, it was Edward's self-destruction, I suppose. Still, was he really that short-sighted?"

"Hmm… He was always strong-willed. If I had to describe his current state, it would be 'having lost his brakes and running wild.'"

I nodded in agreement with Alfred's words. He hit the nail on the head.

"Was it the baron's daughter who removed those brakes? I'm sure you investigated her, didn't you?"

"Yes, of course. …Rudy."

"Hmm."

Rudy, who had been standing by Alfred, stepped forward.

"Upon investigation, the young lady turned out to be the illegitimate daughter of the current head of the Noier baron family. Her mother was a maid who served in the royal castle. She left her job and joined the Noier family, and when she became pregnant with Yurie, she left the Noier baron family. The Noier baron had been searching for her for over a decade but couldn't find her. He finally found her and took her in just before she entered the academy."

So, she lived in the city until she was found? Still, the fact that he searched for her for over a decade suggests she was very important to the baron…

"Is there any other information?"

"I'm sorry, there is no other information at the moment."

"Understood. Please continue the investigation."

"As you wish."

"…Still, it was convenient for you that the brakes were off, wasn't it?"

"…What do you mean by that?"

When I asked, Alfred feigned ignorance. Truly, he never reveals his hand.

"Among the Second Prince's faction, some people were indeed discouraged by this incident, but others must have rejoiced, thinking, 'The more short-sighted the leader, the easier to manipulate.' The more Edward shows such behavior, the better it is to expose such people. So, it's convenient for you, isn't it?"

"…I can't deny that I think he's good bait."

Alfred said this with a wry smile, but I agreed wholeheartedly. Families that hold the old pride of nobility, leading and protecting the people… there are almost none left. Rather, they focus on how much they can prosper their own families, boasting of their status for their own satisfaction, and repeatedly fighting over rights and power for their own selfish desires. Even the royal family is a target for such people. …In that sense, there is no better lord than Edward. After all, as long as he is propped up, anything can be done behind the scenes.

In the future, there will surely be those who ally with the second faction to use him. …Especially since Alfred is not in the public eye. After all, Alfred hasn't been on the public stage for over a decade. He even attended the academy under a pseudonym, hiding his royal name. How many remember him as a child? The second prince, who can be used, is more appealing than the first prince, whose name is not even mentioned. That's what they must think.

However, it's also an opportunity to eliminate such people. The more Edward behaves as he did at the party, the better.

"…So, what about it? Do you have a plan for the future?"

"…"

I asked, but as expected, he remained silent, just smiling. Truly, even as my grandson, his thoughts and emotions are unreadable.

"Well, it's fine. No matter what your plan is, I'm going along with it. I'll play the fool no matter what the outcome."

As long as Yurie is around, I can't expect much from Edward. That much was clear from the last party. I even considered putting him in a position to give me real power for a moment, but the obstacles and risks were too great. If I can't understand what he's thinking… the only person I can entrust the future of this country to is Alfred in front of me. Even if Alfred disappoints me, he's better than that child.

"…By the way, I invited Iris to the party this time. She has grown so beautifully."

When I said this, he showed a slight reaction. …But he quickly returned to his unreadable smile.

"Grandmother, why did you invite her specifically?"

The slight edge in his voice made me happy. It shows he cares about her.

"Oh, I love hardworking girls. It's only natural to want to meet her, isn't it?"

Thinking back, I couldn't help but smile. Her face resembles Mary, and her aura suggests the blood of the Duke of Armenia. Hmmm… If Mary is a full-blown rose, Iris is a lily, with a dignified and pure beauty. Though different in style, she is to my taste.

"Besides, it's a plus for Iris too. Mary said she's been receiving invitations from all over."

"…Those with keen eyes won't stay away from her. Her background, achievements, appearance, and lineage… all are attractive. Don't you think so, Alfred?"

"Yes, I do."

Alfred answered calmly. Oh, come on. I wish he would show more emotion. As I observed him, he noticed my gaze and smiled more deeply, looking a bit troubled.

"Is there something you want to say?"

"No, not really."

There's no point in trying to shake him any further. Well, I'm satisfied to have seen a bit of his unease.

"By the way, Alfred, what do you think of the Duke of Armenia's family?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean their governance and system. …I have no ulterior motives."

"In a word, interesting… perhaps. They are implementing various policies. One thing that caught my attention is their growth and military strength. I wouldn't be surprised if, in a hundred years, the Duke of Armenia's family is more prosperous than the entire country."

"Indeed, that's what I thought. It's not good for a single family to have too much power. …However, the development of each region is essential for the country's growth. Balancing this is always a challenge."

"Still, given your nature, I doubt you would interfere with that family. The fact that you leave the highly trained guards of the Duke of Armenia, comparable to the royal guard, alone is a good example."

"Well, that's true. Considering that the current and past heads of the family have served as prime ministers, supporting the entire country, and that they are more like true nobles who contribute to the country compared to other nobles… I don't feel the need to do anything at the moment."

Not only does the Duke of Armenia do a good job as a prime minister, but the family also contributes significantly to the royal family. It's better to have a trustworthy family with power than to weaken them and let it go to others.

After that, we discussed a few practical matters. Alfred has already been quietly filling the gaps left by the king's absence and Edward's misdeeds, working with the prime minister. I've also been stepping back from retirement to handle things recently. Old habits die hard, you know.

"…Well, Grandmother, I'll take my leave now."

When the conversation was over, Alfred bowed and left.