She wondered if they really wanted the title of Earl so badly that they would commit such a heinous act. Watching the two men walk away, Delina clenched her lips in anger.

“Ha, but! Without us, who will take care of the children!”

Niel, realizing that excuses wouldn’t solve the situation, now appealed to sympathy. He pointed to Gideon who was sitting nearby.

“We really, really are at fault for this incident. Yes, absolutely. Clearly, we lost our heads for a moment. But without us, there’s no guardian to take care of the child in the House of Count Floren!”

“…”

“So please, show mercy and forgive us just this once, for the sake of the children.”

As Niel made a rather pitiful face, the judge momentarily lost himself in thought. In truth, Niel was correct.
The current Count Floren, Luton, was too old and frail to manage his duties properly, and his successor, Gideon, was still too young. Moreover, there were no other relatives to look after Gideon.

“Don’t make me laugh!”

Then a furious shout rang out. The voice belonged to Gideon.

“How could you, how could you do such a thing to my grandfather…! And you think you can be my guardians? I don’t want that!”

‘Brother…’

Niel and Charlotte, whose true natures were known even to her, had shocked her into anger. Gideon was evidently even more so. Whether from rage or shock, it was unclear, but Gideon’s body was shaking. His stance, however, remained resolute.

“……!”

Just as Delina was about to rise from her seat, Bellion stopped her with one hand. Surprised, Delina looked up at Bellion, who responded by merely tilting his head to point in one direction.

“I might be able to offer some assistance in that matter.”

Someone was rising from the direction Bellion had pointed. Recognizing who it was, Delina’s eyes widened.

“……Duke Diomon?”

Like Delina, those who recognized Edwin began to stir. Edwin approached the tribunal with a serene face and gave a slight smile.

“If you’re looking for a guardian for the Floren heir, I would like to offer my services.”

“……?”

Everyone looked at Edwin with surprised faces. The judge, too, wore a dumbfounded expression. Amidst this, only Bellion maintained his composure.
“So, Duke Diomon is offering to be the guardian of the young heir of Floren until he comes of age, is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Words spoken before this court cannot be taken back.”

“Of course. If you wish, I can also provide written documentation.”

It was none other than the Duke of Diomon, Edwin. The judge, who had looked at him in wonder once again, seemed to regain his composure with a fake cough.

“……Well, that’s fine, but… if someone from another family wants to sponsor the child, a witness is required. You’re aware of this, right?”

“I would like to be that witness!”

The situation fell perfectly into place. As soon as the judge finished speaking, another person enthusiastically raised their hand and stepped forward. It was Estel.

“From the House of Duke Elpisha…?”

“Yes. I will be the witness. That should be acceptable, right?”

Following the Duke of Diomon, now the House of Duke Elpisha as well. The court buzzed as these influential families within the Empire offered to support the House of Count Floren.

The faces of Niel and Charlotte grew increasingly pale. The two were trembling so much that their teeth could almost chatter. Then Niel rushed toward Gideon.

“Gideon! Gideon! Your uncle has done wrong, okay? Can’t you forgive him just once? We’re still family, family… Gideon!”

However, Niel was blocked by the knights and struggled in vain, unable to reach Gideon.

“Remove him.”