Chapter 72

While walking and talking, we arrived at the destination, the study. When I am in the detached palace, I spend almost all my time in this room except when sleeping. ...However, recently, I have been traveling to various places and sneaking into the royal palace to work, so I am not often at the detached palace.

The walls are lined with books, and I think it's quite a collection, but after seeing the collection of the House of Armenia, it seems small, which is strange. ...Or rather, that amount is not for personal ownership.

I sat in the chair facing the desk, which is located at the far end of the room.

This wooden desk and chair set, apparently placed by a royal from a few generations ago, is not particularly luxurious but is quite comfortable to use, so I quite like it.

"Shall I have some tea brought in?"

I nodded at Rudy's words and closed my eyes for a moment.

There was a faint sound of the door closing. Rudy must have called out to a servant outside the room.

This palace has only the minimum necessary servants. Originally, it was meant for the dowager queen to retire, but the main reason is that Letizia and I, who have been targeted, live here.

"Master Alfred, I have brought it."

Rudy served me like a butler. This man, who is skilled at most things, is also quite good at making tea.

"Ah... and this is..."

"It's a popular herbal tea from the Azuta Trading Company. It's good for when you're tired."

"I know. ...I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"You're welcome."

The yellow liquid had a slightly unique aroma but tasted good.

"It seems the trading company there is recovering smoothly."

"Yes. She is quite remarkable. As soon as her innocence was confirmed, she seized the opportunity and launched new products one after another. All of them are completely new."

"...It seems my younger brother is also being quite hard-pressed."

I chuckled.

The reason was rather trivial, but the timing was quite good for my younger brother to make his offer.

The personnel he managed to recruit, such as the head of the kitchen at the royal capital store, were worth evaluating.

However, the personnel he recruited were too biased.

If someone has already received a certain level of evaluation... for example, the head of the kitchen mentioned earlier... indeed, their contribution to the store is high. But that's all. I think... the greatest treasure of the Azuta Trading Company is its innovative new products and management methods.

If he were to recruit, he should have targeted the product development team and those in charge of finance... that's what I think.

"Also, I have a report from Priest Lafsimons. First, from the Pope. Due to embezzlement of funds, false accusations against the Duchess of Armenia, and intentional fabrication of evidence, the Pope has been stripped of his position. As you saw earlier, he is currently under arrest. Additionally, two cardinals and three priests have been punished. The report is here."

Two of the seven cardinals were involved... it was fortunate that we could take action before the church fully acted as a pawn for Edward... the House of Maralia.

The church will likely take some time to recover, and will not be able to participate in the factional struggles within the royal palace.

"By the way, have you seen Mylo?"

"No, I haven't seen him in particular... I thought he hadn't returned yet."

"Hmm..."

"Called and rushed out, Jajaja!!"

In the middle of my conversation with Rudy, a bright voice echoed, disrupting it.

The owner of the voice was a man who had not shown his form until just now. He had light brown hair, and his face was unusually cute, almost like a woman.

"...As always, your sudden appearance."

He appeared without any presence or sound, like a woman. His name is Mylo. He is my protégé and excels in intelligence activities.

"Of course, I'm 'the shadow.' So? Do you need something?"

"You're the one who needs something. Report quickly."