Hyer glanced at both of them before speaking again.

“I’ve seen the young talents you both showcased at the debutante ball. It seems you’re considering them as the heirs to your respective houses.”

“Yes. If the child wishes, that’s what I intend to do.”

This time, Estel replied. Edwin said nothing, seeming to agree. Hyer, who had posed the question, also seemed content with only one answer and quickly moved on.

“So, you need the sponsorship of the Duke’s house to cultivate these heirs?”

Finally, the reason why Hyer had summoned them became clear. Estel was the first to answer again.

“As I mentioned, I respect the child’s opinion. We accept the Duke’s sponsorship because the child wants it.”

“Oh? Why?”

“The Duke’s house has various mysterious devices handed down from our ancestors. The child wants to investigate them.”

It was a perfect fit for the device-loving Vincent. Edwin also spoke.

“I, too, follow the child’s wishes.”

“…”

“They enjoy gathering profitable information. Even if it’s in the middle of the Duke’s house, yes.”

After Edwin’s words, silence filled the room for a moment. Soon after, Hyer tilted his head.

“Right. That’s what you’re saying.”

“…”

“I know very well. One’s a Count who becomes diligent in the face of money, and the other’s a Duke who loves researching devices. So, the heirs you both are training will surely be like you.”

Hyer’s eyes sparkled.

“But children will be children. They may still be somewhat clumsy in their actions, so do guide them carefully.”

“We will keep it in mind.”

Although the emperor said “children,” it was essentially directed at both of them. Nevertheless, both Edwin and Estel bowed their heads quietly.

“Now that it’s brought up, I’d like to meet these young talents. The next Duke and Count, that is.”

“I fear they’re still inexperienced to meet Your Majesty’s expectations.”

“No. While we’re at it, let’s also meet the young talent mentioned as the Duke’s heir. Was his name Calyx?”

Noah and Vincent, and now Calyx. He wanted to meet all the children sponsored by the Duke’s house. Hyer’s words didn’t end there.

“By the way, do both the Duke and Count know the Floren family?”

“Of course. A few years ago, the heir and his wife of the Count family died in an accident. Now, the heir’s younger sibling is raising the children.”

Edwin pretended not to know in response to Hyer, but what would come next from Hyer was predetermined.
“Yes. Speaking of which, was her name Delina Floren? I heard she recently received sponsorship from the Duke’s family.”

One by one, the names of children whose identities had not been revealed were mentioned, following Noah and now Delina.

“Doesn’t the Duke only sponsor children with talents? It makes me wonder what sort of talent she has.”

The Duke, known for sponsoring only talented children, had decided to sponsor the utterly ordinary Delina. Therefore, Hyer became more interested in Delina. Edwin quietly thought of Bellion, realizing that even the Emperor had noticed Delina’s existence.

‘I’m sure they won’t just sit still on their end either.’

How Bellion would react to the summons to the Imperial Palace was the key. As if reading Edwin’s mind, Hyer continued.

“Since they’re the same age, it would be perfect if my grandson went to pick her up, wouldn’t it?”

It was a statement implying that sending a royal would be more effective than using ordinary knights to bring Delina from the Duke’s house. Edwin and Estel exchanged glances without saying a word.