Chapter 50

"......Well, shall we go home now?"

With that resolve in my heart, I arrived in front of Father's room. I knocked on the door and entered.

"......I'm sorry to disturb you, Father."

Father, surrounded by many documents, looked at me intently. Even after being expelled from the academy, I had faced Father like this, but now it feels like a distant past.

"......Are you going back?"

"Yes. I will return to the domain tomorrow."

"I see..."

With a clatter, Father placed the pen he was holding on the desk and gestured for me to sit in the chair in front of the study desk.

"Excuse me."

I followed his gesture and sat down.

"There is one thing I want to warn you about."

At Father's stern tone, I naturally straightened my posture. I feel more tense than when I faced him before...

"What is it?"

"Be careful of Queen Elria and her family, the Marquis of Mareia."

"That... As the leader of the Second Prince's faction, I will naturally pay attention to their movements..."

"That's not what I mean. By demonstrating at the founding anniversary party that you have the support of the Queen Dowager both internally and externally..."

"Does that mean I will become a thorn in the side of Queen Elria and the Marquis of Mareia?"

I was jilted by the Second Prince. I should know that it's almost impossible to be embraced by my own faction. Not only is it a matter of my feelings, but it also damages my public image. Therefore, my existence is nothing but a thorn in the side of Queen Elria.

"No... It's not 'you,' but 'the Duke of Armenia' who is the problem."

"That's..."

"Originally, the Marquis of Mareia has always seen the Duke of Armenia as a thorn in their side. Despite producing a queen, I am the Chancellor, and Meri is a favorite of the Queen Dowager and has immense influence in society. Therefore, our family has been in a superior position. However, I have always claimed to be neutral, and Meri has also avoided the power struggles in the palace. That's why, even though our family has been a thorn in the side of the Marquis of Mareia, they have not taken the risk to attack us. But..."

"Since I, the daughter of the Duke of Armenia, who was jilted by the Second Prince, have gained strength..."

"Yes. You have revitalized the domain beyond my expectations and even established a chamber of commerce and raised funds. You have accomplished all this too quickly. Therefore, the Marquis of Mareia now sees our family as a threat that cannot be ignored."

"......I am very sorry...!"

...I feel so ashamed. Everything went smoothly, and I just enjoyed the good fortune without thinking. If I had thought about it a little, it would have been obvious. How much of a nuisance my existence is to the Duke of Armenia. I am only here because of Father's kindness. To cause trouble for the family again...

"...No, it is also my mistake for underestimating your abilities. You don't need to apologize."

"But..."

"Fortunately, nothing has happened yet. Therefore, Iris, be even more cautious in your governance of the domain."

"Yes...!"

Suddenly, Father rang the bell he was holding. Immediately, one of the maids entered the room.

"Bring some drinks."

"Understood."

Almost immediately, a teacup of tea was placed before me. To calm my nerves, I gratefully took a sip.

"......This is just a side note..."

Father spoke hesitantly.

"......Of course, you need to be cautious of the Marquis of Mareia, but you need to be even more careful with Queen Elria."

"That... You've been saying that all along, haven't you?"

"......Queen Elria has changed since entering the palace..."

Father spoke slowly, as if searching for the right words. Why is he so hesitant...?

"......There are even rumors that the death of the Empress was orchestrated by Queen Elria."

"Father... Why didn't you investigate such a serious matter?"

"......There was no physical evidence left. How could I interrogate a marquis's daughter who is a concubine?"

"......I spoke out of turn."

Thinking about it, in this world without forensic science, it's difficult to determine the truth. Moreover, given her power, it's impossible to take drastic measures.

It might be a rumor intentionally spread by the First Prince's faction, or it might be true. I don't know which, but it's better to be cautious about someone with such rumors.

"Anyway, there are such dark rumors. Be especially careful around you."

"Yes."

I felt a shiver run through my body. I don't want to make enemies, but they have definitely marked me as one.

"...I have already warned Tanya, Lyle, and Dida. You should also be careful."

"I will take your advice to heart."

I have come this far from almost being confined. I still don't want to die. Moreover... If I die now, I will let down the people of the domain. All the reforms and governance I am working on will be left unfinished.

"......By the way, I hear you are investigating Baron Yuri Neuer's daughter?"

"Oh... Father, you have quite the big ears."

"Well, yes. So, how far have you investigated?"

"I have found out that Baron Yuri's mother was a maid in the royal castle."

"I see. ...Incidentally, the Rubens family was responsible for her background check."

"...The Rubens family?"

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar name.

"This is all the information I can disclose on this matter."

With his firm tone, I gave up on asking Father for more information.

"You can deduce what is happening in the country from this information. But don't get too involved. You are already in a very difficult situation."

"......Then, why..."

"I don't want your subordinates wandering around the royal castle, causing unnecessary disturbances. If you want to investigate a family name, you can read books, can't you?"

"......Thank you for the information."

It means don't investigate further... I can't act on my own after what we just discussed. As expected, Father. There's no arguing with him.

"Thank you for your time. I will take my leave now."

"Ah. Be careful on your way back."

I heard him say "on your way back" as well. Yes, if they want to do something, the journey back would be the easiest place. I will listen carefully to Tanya, Lyle, and Dida on the way back.

...

We have reached 50 parts. Thank you all for your support. I couldn't have come this far without you.