Chapter 9

In the Kingdom of Elshaid, there exist four ducal families that support the royal family, manage the core of politics, and are entrusted with the administration of vast territories.

The Gilbert family, of which Philippe is the heir, is one of these, and although they are originally a marquess family like mine, they are not in a position to bow to us. However, it is believed that the Duke of Gilbert apologized out of fear of losing his position due to Eric's displeasure.

After all, a staggering 70% of the officials Eric has been ousting are connected to the four major noble families...

So far, none of the officials involved are related to the Duke of Gilbert, and given that Philippe is a friend of Eric, he was probably feeling quite secure about the recent engagement cancellation scandal.

However, Eric shows no mercy to those who commit wrongdoings and does not forgive those who act dishonorably.

This mercilessness has created many enemies, but from the fact that the Duke of Gilbert quickly came to apologize, it seems that there has been some purifying effect.

It is unclear what the other three ducal families are thinking... The officials who were punished for hiring assassins make up the remaining 30%—those who seem to have no connection to the four major noble families.

What is truly terrifying is that the mastermind behind the attempts on Eric's life does not reveal themselves even when the assassins are captured. Although it is certain that one of the four major noble families is behind it...

Prince Dale, the second prince, has been promoted by the other three families, and I learned from the palace that he has recently stopped trying to hide this.

As the crown prince, Eric is deemed unsuitable. The trend is to promote Dale as the next king, thereby giving legitimacy to the assassination attempts.

Still, it is concerning that the king, despite his heir being repeatedly targeted for assassination, has not taken any particular action.

I subtly asked Eric about this point.

"Well, it's not just Father who is indifferent. The existence of the four major noble families is a Pandora's box for the kingdom, a breeding ground for corruption and wrongdoing. If you wish for the kingdom's temporary peace, it's better not to open it... If you do open it, you must be prepared to risk your life."

"Does that mean His Majesty has decided not to open it for the sake of temporary peace?"

"It could be said that way, but it might not be. If Father truly wished to leave the Pandora's box untouched, I would have long since lost my position as crown prince."

Perhaps it's because we are alone in the office that Eric can say such things so calmly. No, this is Eric. He would probably say such things even in public. I have come to wish that he would become a bit more cunning.

"By not making Dale the crown prince, does His Majesty secretly wish for Eric to change the current situation? But is he maintaining silence to avoid national chaos?"

"His true intentions will never be revealed, but I want to believe that. The reason I am still the crown prince is because of the 'silent proposition' Father has given me."

Eric used the phrase "silent proposition." In reality, His Majesty has not said anything, but by remaining silent, he is pushing Eric forward—this is what Eric wants to believe. In truth, he must desperately want help, and a life where his life is constantly targeted is far from something to be welcomed—yet Eric's eyes were incredibly clear.

"Did you go back to your family yesterday? Did you hear about Philippe?"

After a while of silently organizing documents, Eric had tea brought in and sat down in front of me. It seems that, as expected, the Duke of Gilbert has already told him about Philippe.

"Yes, I heard. I didn't expect him to reconcile with Gil."

"I didn't mean to lecture you about morals... but the Duke of Gilbert was desperate, and I intend to give him some face. If you're okay with it."

Eric was more angry about Philippe than I was, but he seems to have accepted the Duke of Gilbert's apology. He seems to be considerate of me...

"I don't mind. I was a bit put off by the whole engagement incident."

"Really? That's a shame. With your seat next to you empty, I was hoping to volunteer."

"Well, it seems that even His Highness Eric can make jokes."

"It's not a joke..."

When I said I was put off by the engagement, he said he was disappointed, so I thought it was a joke, but he denied it. I wanted to ask Eric, "What do you mean by that?" but I didn't.

—Because an assassin tried to enter through the window again tonight...

It really doesn't deter them... I am starting to feel a sense of indignation. I am even beginning to want to challenge the "silent proposition" that Eric has been given.