Chapter 4

"Come in."

My father's low voice reached my ears, and at the same moment, I entered the room.

"Excuse me."

In the heavy atmosphere, I sat in the seat opposite him. With his sharp gaze and the rigid air he always exuded, he looked even more intimidating than usual, making me feel extremely uneasy.

"Today, I apologize for taking up your time."

"Hmm. Do you understand the gravity of what you have done?"

"No."

I felt a vein in my father's face twitch... It was scary.

"I don't think I have caused any trouble for you as the Prime Minister or as the Duke. I believe I should apologize to you as my father."

"Hmm...? Why is that?"

"Firstly, what I did was just spreading rumors and minor pranks. There's only circumstantial evidence, so it's not a case that would require the Prime Minister's involvement. ...Moreover, the other side has already disrespected the ducal family and unilaterally broken the engagement, so they can't take a strong stance. In the academy, I've made it clear that there are considerable mitigating circumstances on my side, so they can't make this a big issue. No matter how much Lord Edward complains, it will probably just result in a severe warning."

"…I have already heard about the interactions at the academy."

"Of course. As for my apology to you as the Duke... didn't you oppose my engagement to Lord Edward in the first place?"

"Why do you think so?"

"My lineage, if married to the royal family, could potentially disrupt the power balance of the royal family. After all, I am the daughter of the head of the ducal family and the Prime Minister, and my mother is the daughter of a marquis who holds the position of general. If I were to marry the first prince, it might be acceptable, but if I were to marry the second prince, it could eventually divide the country."

At my words, my father's expression changed for the first time. However, it was a malicious smile, as if a sound effect of "Nyar" had appeared... Although he probably didn't intend it that way... Still, it was scary.

"Even so, why do you think I allowed your engagement to Lord Edward?"

I had thought about this a lot before coming here. Given the situation, I would definitely choose the former.

"…Perhaps either way was fine?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"If I were engaged to the first prince, I would make my brother serve the first prince to solidify his position. If my fiancé were the second prince, I would expect my brother to join the first prince's camp and for me to keep an eye on the second prince's movements. ...However, the former would be simpler and less troublesome, so I assume you preferred that."

In this story, which is a game, the first prince doesn't get much spotlight. Rather, it's depicted that the second prince will likely become the next king... The first prince is the child of the late queen, while the second prince is the child of the current only empress, who is a concubine. Although it's generally assumed that the first prince will be the next king, it's not that simple.

The concubine is the daughter of a marquis family that is currently gaining power, while the late queen's family is a count's family, so in terms of rank, the concubine is superior. The king's exceptional love for the late queen led to her being made empress despite opposition, resulting in this delicate balance.

The noble society, which is built on this delicate balance, is bound to be shaken from here on out.

In the game, such intricate details are not depicted, and it's simply stated that the first prince is studying abroad. I didn't think much of it, but reality is harsh.

My father, who serves the country rather than the royal family, maintains a neutral stance as the Prime Minister in the royal family's internal conflicts. His support for the first prince's camp this time is based on the law, and if the first prince were a foolish person, he would immediately be dismissed for the sake of the country. ...If there were a conflict within the royal family, the administration would come to a halt until it was resolved, so his response is correct.

"Nevertheless, my brother is completely aligned with the second prince. Therefore, you must have aimed to break my engagement with the second prince. ...It's a good thing, Father."

Even with my incident, you could have made me the second princess, given your power. But you didn't, because you didn't wish it.

"Hahaha."

My father laughed joyfully. But his laugh still looked like that of a villain. If a third party saw it, they would definitely shrink back in fear.

"You're right. Indeed, I wished for the annulment of your engagement to Lord Edward. I had repeatedly told Lord Edward to keep his distance from you... but he has forgotten his role and is now completely part of the second prince's entourage. ...But, Airis, is that fine with you? Weren't you in love with Lord Edward?"

"Love is like an illness. Once it cools, it's over. ...I think it's for the best that it happened this way."

If it's like that, even a hundred-year love can cool.

"…Hmm. However, Airis, this incident is a public failure on your part. Therefore, you must take responsibility."

"…! Is that so…?"

For a moment, everything went dark before my eyes.

Did I lose this big bet with my life...?

I thought I couldn't avoid being stripped of my status, disowned, and confined to a church. Tanya might follow, but I need to persuade her to stay.

"You will return to your territory and be placed under house arrest. Of course, since it's a distant place from the capital, I won't be responsible for whatever you do there."

"…Eh?"

Does that mean I can do whatever I want? No confinement?

"Also, it would be a waste for you to just be there. I will give you the position of acting lord, so govern the territory well."