Chapter 44

"Prince Alfred also highly regarded your skills. There are several measures being implemented in the Armenian territories that the country also wishes to undertake."

"Oh... Prince Alfred..."

"Are you not surprised?"

"I have already heard that he is in this country. Moreover, since there are factions here, it stands to reason that the top and the members are in close communication, doesn't it?"

Indeed, the people here are competent, but they seem to have distinct personalities. Gathering and managing such people... without a leader, it would be impossible. Especially in such a difficult situation, it would be hard to appoint a proxy.

"And if the people here support him... they must have also heard about my territory."

After all, with Sagittarius Earl, the Minister of Finance, leading many bureaucrats here, it's not hard to imagine that they are involved in the administration.

"It is a great honor to hear that he has evaluated the administration of my territory. However, whether it suits the country is uncertain..."

The reason I was able to push through reforms to such an extent is largely because I am the top. In this country, the authority of the lords is significant, so if reforms were to be implemented at a national level, it would require considerable time and effort to negotiate and adjust with each lord.

"Prince Alfred would accomplish it. He would change the existing system and truly make it one kingdom."

As if reading my intentions, Lord Sagittarius smiled and said. However, his last words made me feel uneasy. Changing the existing system to truly make it one kingdom... does that mean strengthening the royal power? Reducing the power of the lords and concentrating it in the royal family... it might make it easier to organize the kingdom, but the resistance would be significant. Is it really possible?

...Before that, why did Lord Sagittarius say such a thing to me now? I am here, but I haven't explicitly stated that I belong to the First Prince's faction.

Thinking about this, the conversation from earlier came to mind.

"Where are you ultimately aiming?"

Could it be related to the earlier conversation? If, hypothetically... even though the possibility is low, if that system were to be established. What would I do... that's what he wants to know. Would I rebel and seek independence... or follow the country? As a de facto lord, he wants to know my thoughts... and.

"...I have not had the opportunity to meet him, so I do not know what kind of person he is. Therefore, I cannot gauge it. However, if I were to meet him... if it benefits the people, there would be no greater joy for me."

Since I haven't met Prince Alfred, I can't say anything. This is my true feeling. So, I can't clearly say whether I support him or not right now.

"That's right. ...Oh my, how interesting. I would like to see you standing beside him someday."

"Oh... Please, don't joke. It would be too presumptuous for me to stand beside him."

"I apologize. I went too far."

After parting ways with Lord Sagittarius, I greeted a few more people and sat on one of the chairs placed to the side for a rest.

Looking around, the people here are truly remarkable. I was a bit too tense during the conversation with Lord Sagittarius and felt tired.

While thinking about this and sipping from my glass, Baron Messy, the host of today's event, came to my side.

"How is today's gathering?"

"I am enjoying it very much."

I smiled and responded. If I relax, my fatigue might show on my face.

"...By the way, Baron Messy, may I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Why do you return to your territory so quickly? Everyone here... except for those who serve as bureaucrats in the royal capital... said they would stay in the capital during the season. I thought everyone would have already returned..."

I thought I might be overstepping, but Baron Messy spoke.

"That's because of the mission I have been given."

"A mission?"

"Yes. Miss Iris, have you heard about the Twail Campaign from Lord Gazer?"

"Of course, I have. But my knowledge is not much different from what is written in books."

"That's enough. ...As you heard, I once fought under Lord Gazer in the Twail Campaign and was granted a title for my military achievements."

Baron Messy looked into the distance as he explained.

"However, I am still in the military. Even with the title, that hasn't changed. And since the ceasefire with Twail has not been signed... as the one responsible for the border, I cannot leave my territory for too long."

...That's true... I thought, but it still didn't sit well with me. While I understand that Lord Monroe, who also governs a border territory, is more cautious because of his military background, it still seems too early. After all, he arrived just before the official founding anniversary party and left immediately after it ended. It's hard not to think that war is imminent.

"I am still in a state of war, and I cannot tell you that everything is absolutely fine. So, I will just say, be cautious. I don't think they will start a war immediately, but that country is always targeting ours."

"Because of the abundant grain and resources..."

"Yes. And the hatred from the war 30 years ago still lingers."

...War, huh. The Armenian territory is on the opposite side of Twail, so it's quite far... but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down.

Once a war starts, various burdens will fall on the territory.

"Thank you for the warning."

"I apologize for bringing up such an unrefined topic at this party. I will take my leave now."

"Not at all. I found it very enlightening."