Chapter 6

...Good morning.

Now, I, Iris, have moved to the Armenian territory on my father's orders, and today is my first day here. The morning sun is bright, illuminating the land.

What I'm doing so early in the morning is yoga. Morning exercise wakes me up and, above all, is good for my health. ...No, really. My body is a bit plump, you see. Well, as a duchess, I have a grand position where I can eat as much luxurious, high-calorie food as I like, so I do tend to gain weight. That's why I'm putting in extra effort in the morning for my diet as well.

"Miss, good morning. ...Ah!"

"...Oh, Tanya. Good morning."

What is Tanya surprised about? Ah, of course, Tanya also came with me to the Armenian territory. It wasn't a confinement, so it's fine.

"It's not just 'good morning.' Miss, what are you doing in such attire?"

"What do you mean by 'such attire'...?"

I look at myself. ...Just some simple work pants and a jacket I picked up. I think they're perfect for exercise, don't you?

"I was thinking of doing some morning exercise for my health. I chose clothes that are easy to move in, but is that not okay?"

"Miss, doing exercise?"

Tanya looks puzzled. Indeed, it's not common for a noble lady to do exercise.

"Yes. I read in a book that not moving your body is bad for your health. I plan to do this every morning, so please don't be surprised."

"I understand. ...I apologize."

"It's fine. ...I've worked up a sweat, so could you prepare a bath for me?"

"Of course."

After that, I take a bath prepared by Tanya and have breakfast. ...Since I exercised, I ate heartily this morning. Of course, I made sure to eat a balanced meal.

"...I want to discuss future plans with Sebastian. Could you arrange a meeting for me?"

"I understand."

The excellent Tanya quickly arranged the meeting, and it was set for early afternoon with Sebastian. Sebastian is the steward and butler of our household. He's not just a butler; he's a super butler who practically runs our territory.

When Sebastian entered, he had the same aura as Reime... In other words, he was impeccably dressed in a tailcoat, moved briskly without making anyone feel rushed, and had a neat, efficient presence... a white-haired man who perfectly embodies what a butler should be.

"...I'm sorry to have called you here on such short notice."

"No, it's my duty. I should have come to greet you first."

"Then, let's get straight to it. Could you bring me all the financial reports for the past three years and a report summarizing the current administrative system?"

"I understand. But what do you plan to do with them?"

"Of course, I will read them all. I have been entrusted with the role of acting lord by the current duke. However, I am ashamed to say that I do not know the details of how the territory is being managed or the current state of the common people. So, could you give me a month?"

"A month?"

"Yes. I need that much time to read all the documents and conduct inspections."

"I understand. However, inspections require various preparations, so it will take about a week."

"This time, I plan to conduct the inspections incognito to better understand the current situation. Therefore, I will bring only a minimal number of people. I will arrange the personnel myself, so I won't trouble you, Sebastian."

"I apologize for the impertinent question."

"No, it's fine. I will rely on you in the future as we manage this territory. Please feel free to share your opinions."

After Sebastian left, I called for Tanya.

"Tanya, could you bring Ryle, Dida, and Reime here?"

"I understand."

A few minutes later, Tanya and the three of them entered. These three have been with me since childhood... in other words, they are the three I picked up.

Ryle has beautiful golden hair and a princely appearance, but his build is as solid as any of the kingdom's knights, making him a formidable fighter. He is officially my bodyguard.

Dida, like Ryle, is also my bodyguard. He has a carefree and playful demeanor, but his skills are well-documented.

Reime is a girl with glasses who loves books and serves as the librarian of our household's library. The library of the duchess's house is on the scale of a middle school library from my previous life, so her role is very important.

"It's been a while, everyone."

The three of them stayed in this territory to work while I was away in the capital, even though I told them they were free to do as they pleased. I feel both happy and guilty that they are still here for me.

"It's been a while, our princess."

Dida was the first to respond, with his usual light-hearted tone and a cheerful expression.

"Dida, you're speaking to Lady Iris in that tone again..."

"It's fine, Ryle. To me, you are all like family. I'm happier when you speak to me as you used to, especially when we're alone."

"But, Lady Iris..."

"Please, Ryle."

"...Alright."

Ryle sighed heavily but agreed.

"As you all know, I was jilted by Lord Edward and have returned to this territory."

"I can't accept it. Why should Lady Iris be jilted and put under house arrest?"

Reime, like Tanya, looked regretful with tears in her eyes. Despite her appearance, she always speaks in a relaxed tone.

"Really. That boy has no eyes."

"Thank you. But this is a done deal. Honestly, I'm happy to be back here and to live with all of you again. ...Now, to the main point. As you know, I have been appointed as the acting lord of this territory. I plan to start by inspecting the various regions... and I would like you all to come with me."

"I accept."

"Guarding the princess. My arm itches."

Reime, however, looked a bit hesitant.

"I understand that the two of you are bodyguards, but why should I come along?"

"Of course, I want your knowledge."

"Huh?"

"You've read all the books in our duchess's house, haven't you? There are books on local history and geography. I want the knowledge you've gained from those books. It makes a big difference to have that background knowledge when I actually go to see things."

Our library is truly vast. It's not just because we are nobles; it's because we have had generations of prime ministers. The room is larger than any other in this mansion and is filled with books of all genres. From stories to the hobbies of past heads of the household, and various subjects like politics, geography, and law. I think Reime's knowledge, having read all of them, is truly remarkable.

"...If that's the case, I understand. I'll do my best to fulfill my duty."