Chapter 55

After returning to the domain, two weeks have passed.

The investigation of the bandits is ongoing, and the documents requiring my approval have been mostly dealt with. Whenever I had free time, I would recall Dean's last words, which left me in a poor mental state, but I managed to immerse myself in my work.

Today, I have finished a significant portion of my work, so I headed to the library to look into the information my father gave me.

The library is in a separate building within the estate. Upon entering, the room has a high ceiling with bookshelves reaching up to it, filled with books crammed into every available space.

"Oh? Miss, it's been a while since you've been here."

As I entered, Reame was there.

"Reame. You're here today."

"Yes. There are no classes today. So, Miss, what brings you here?"

"I'm doing some research. On the Rubens family."

"The Rubens Dukedom? It's a rare name to hear."

"Dukedom! Why didn't I recognize it...?"

"That's understandable. It's a house founded by a younger brother of a king from several generations ago. I believe they don't have any territory and have a mansion in the capital. The last time they were in the news was about 30 years ago, I think."

"30 years ago... the Twail Campaign, perhaps?"

"Yes, that's right. As a victorious nation, a princess from Twail was brought into the royal family. However, the king at the time was the queen, and the prince was too young, so their ages didn't match. Moreover, if the princess from Twail were to be welcomed into the royal family or a family too close to the royal family, it would complicate the line of succession. Therefore, the Rubens Dukedom was chosen. They have no main noble line that could claim the throne, but they do have royal blood."

...In other words, the Rubens Dukedom has Twail blood. And Yurie Neuer's mother became a lady-in-waiting at the palace through an introduction from the Rubens family.

It would be hard to turn down someone with a solid recommendation from a dukedom, especially when the country had accepted a princess from Twail by order. If they were to refuse, it would look bad for the dukedom. My father, being my father, might have even used this to his advantage by assigning a surveillance team.

Regardless... oh, it's starting to make sense. In a bad way.

In other words, there's a high possibility that Yurie Neuer's mother is related to Twail. And Yurie herself might have been influenced by her mother.

Thinking this far, I felt oddly convinced. As my father said, this isn't my domain. There's no room for a mere lord, let alone a regent, to interfere in the political games between nations. Especially during a time when I need to solidify my own position, getting involved in such matters would only undermine my efforts.

"...Is something wrong, Miss? You look very pale."

"...I was just thinking about a lot of things. But I'm fine."

Yes, I'm fine... right? My father must be gathering more information and formulating a strategy.

However... one thing that concerns me is her existence.

If she really is a spy from Twail.

In the end, she became the second prince's fiancée, but if she hadn't, what would Twail have done?

I don't think Twail would have relied on such a risky strategy. If they were going to make a move, they must have had other plans besides her.

And her behavior... if she were a spy, she would try to be less conspicuous.

Maybe I've just read too many spy novels in my past life. I feel like her role and behavior don't quite match.

As I was thinking this, I heard the sound of running footsteps. Then, the door was opened with a loud bang.

"Be quiet in the library!"

Reame scolded, but her expression soon turned to one of surprise.

Following her gaze, I looked to see...

"Miss!! There's a major issue!!"

Sebastian and Tanya, who rarely change their expressions, were there with desperate looks on their faces.