I turned on the communication device and headed towards the Duke’s backyard. It wasn’t densely planted like a garden, but I had recently created a small burial mound there. My party members were gathered in front of it.

“We came because you called, Lady Kitten,” said Ashton, the White Wood Duke, representing the party members. Although it was standing in front of the ‘small sun,’ he appeared fully armed, as if going into battle against zombies, unlike when seeking conquest.

His splendid silver armor caught everyone’s attention. Ashton’s chilly red eyes were directed at the communication device I was holding—or more precisely, at the image of the regional lords that had risen above it.

“I heard about the situation from the maid, but to demand evidence so persistently because you don’t trust Lady Kitten’s words. Quite unpleasant.”

When he cast a cold gaze as if dealing with something insignificant, the regional lords in the midst of communication blushed as if greatly insulted.

Our suspicions were valid!

Who are you to lift your head proudly in front of us?

Lady Kitten, is that evidence you promised to show us?

‘Ugh, it’s not Lady Kitten.’

Using the title Lady persistently, I felt the urge to grab the heads of those small-minded individuals who refused to acknowledge me as Lady Kitten, even though many of them were older than me.

「He says you’re a kitten.」

In response to Zero’s whispered words, I retorted in my mind, ‘The kitten has died.’

I didn’t want to grovel even to those who didn’t treat me properly.

‘I only need the help of others now because I need it, not because I want to be pitied.’

Despite the initial failure, preventing zombies from crossing the city walls was crucial.

For that, the cooperation of the regional lords was essential—setting up defenses against zombies in real-time communication, cooperating in reclaiming the capital, and not appearing in a disadvantaged position.

Suppressing my annoyance, I answered, “No.”

‘What I wanted to show them is that small tomb.’

With mixed emotions, as I approached my party members, Ashton raised his head inside the communication device, addressing the crowded regional lords.

“My name is Ashton Cliter, the owner of the White Wood territory and the only Duke in this country.”

Ashton’s words puzzled the expressions of the regional lords.

Ashton Cliter?

A Duke? Did he just say Duke now?

That means he has royal blood… But we’ve never heard of the Duke before.
‘Ah, you’re speaking in social etiquette.’

The words of the regional lords were mocking Ashton, questioning whether he was a fraud. Given that Ashton’s existence had been buried by the Emperor and Crown Prince, such a reaction was expected, but it was more callous than anticipated.

‘He was socially buried.’

Otherwise, even as a mere local noble, from the moment he could speak and walk, humans who memorized the lineage of nobles and the imperial family could not be unaware of him.

Unless it was an aged non-noble.

Despite the mocking response, Ashton continued his statement without paying much attention.

“My castle before the deprivation was Hainsworth, and I was once the Second Prince of this country.”

At Ashton’s bombshell declaration, the regional lords were finally shaken.

Second, Second Prince?

Ridiculous. Currently, isn’t there only Prince Louis as the son of His Majesty the Emperor?

What is this all of a sudden…

But now that I hear it, he resembles Her Majesty the Empress a lot. Unlike Prince Louis, His Majesty the Emperor’s appearance is entirely different, but…

Moreover, even in this situation, impersonating the imperial family was not a matter that could be easily overlooked.

People who had underestimated Ashton started to lower their tails and look around cautiously.

Still, we cannot accept this situation based solely on your existence, Second Prince.

“Who said that? And now, I’m not in the position of the Second Prince, so get rid of such titles.”

Yes…

“Treat Lady Kitten with respect. She is not just a Lady but a legitimate Duchess. Although she couldn’t formally inherit the title as the previous Duchess was killed by zombies, there is no one who would dispute that she is Duchess Kitten.”

‘… Huh.’

Ashton, who had shown a storm of cold glances to the regional lords like a blizzard, sent me a warm look as if to say, ‘When did this happen?’

Even the frozen gaze seemed to melt under his warm eyes.

‘… I haven’t done anything wrong. Why is he doing this?’

In a moment of confusion.

“I am the cold Duke of the Northern territories. However, I will be warm only to the Duchess I like… respect.”

‘Shut your mouth, Zero.’

Thanks to Zero babbling beside me, I snapped back to reality as if I had been splashed with cold water.

I walked confidently towards the small burial mound with the communication device in hand.

“What Duke White Wood said is correct. The evidence I wanted to show you is right here in this grave.”