Huhut, it seems that instilling positive energy in Chersion is indeed the right answer.

Ernestine realized that her topic selection, building upon yesterday’s failure, had succeeded.

Now she couldn’t help but look forward to what topic this kind young master would choose.

Undoubtedly, something that would make even her, the observer, happy…

“I’ve decided!”

What, already?

No matter how enthusiastic, it’s okay not to decide this quickly.

Ernestine’s eyes widened, but she couldn’t help but be even more surprised by the words that followed.

“Mother! I’ll write about Mother!”

“What?”

Looking at Chersion smiling brightly with a truly happy expression, Ernestine couldn’t bring herself to tell him to think of another topic.

It was a strange thing. She had told him to write about what he liked most…

How could he make such an expression while thinking about that wicked stepmother?

Today marks the second day of the children’s lessons.

Yesterday, I was so worried about the new tutor’s lessons that I couldn’t settle down, but today I was finally able to focus on my work.

‘The children’s evaluations were better than expected.’

Kardiel was even recommended for early admission to the Academy, through a special recommendation process no less.

Chersion seemed to have become close enough with Teacher Ernestine and Teacher Jephet to call them by nicknames, and Euphemina didn’t cause any trouble by disliking etiquette lessons or following me around complaining about Lady Baden.

But it’s also true that it’s too early to let my guard down and feel at ease.

‘Although Lord Joseph said they were good people, I’m not the type to just believe those words and stop worrying.’

I needed to confirm with my own eyes if they were truly reliable enough to entrust my children to.

After all, it’s unlikely that a normal person would be employed by Baron Baden to monitor me and the children, right?

So, the results of the investigation I’ve been conducting for a week using servants and informants are now in front of me.

“Lord Joseph.”

“Yes, Duchess. Please speak.”

And Lord Joseph is also sitting in a corner of my office right now.

He came to give notice that he might have to go out soon.

Setting aside the reason for his outing, it was a welcome timing for me as I needed to talk to him.

“You recently acquired a theater, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then you must have already known about Teacher Ernestine.”

As I turned the investigated documents to a readable angle, his eyes curved prettily.

“I couldn’t know the details, but I was aware that there was an issue with the contract he made with Baron Baden several years ago.”

That’s as good as knowing everything.

I sighed and said.

“Then I’ll ask without beating around the bush. What did you intend to do about Teacher Ernestine’s problem? Do you know what will happen while he continues to be my children’s tutor?”

“Yes, I clearly remember what would have happened if I hadn’t intervened.”

Thinking the conversation would be long, Lord Joseph adjusted his sitting posture.

“Although he became a tutor and spy for the Daierns because of Baron Baden, as the Duchess had already discerned, Teacher Ernestine is a person of extremely good nature. He simply cannot do bad things.”

“…”

“Because of this, as time passes, he comes to care for the young masters and young lady even more.”

That was truly fortunate.

It’s also proof that my judgment of people is still accurate.

However, Lord Joseph’s words that followed described an event that could hardly be called fortunate.

“The problem is that this leads to an unfortunate event. Not long after, he decides to betray Baron Baden.”

“Betray?”

I was about to think that betrayal might actually be a good thing.

“To give you the conclusion first, he ends up facing death as the price for his betrayal. And Baron Baden uses his death to tarnish the Duchess’s reputation.”

What?

What did I just hear?

‘Baron Baden, you piece of trash?’

Curses that couldn’t quite form into words almost burst out of my throat before I managed to swallow them back.

But it seems I couldn’t control my deteriorating expression.

“I’ll explain the process in more detail later. Anyway, the important thing is that the reason I acquired the theater was to prepare for this very incident.”

Lord Joseph flipped over Ernestine’s investigation document on the desk. This caused the blank side of the paper to face up.

“So I’d like you to turn a blind eye to this matter for now. When the moment comes that requires the Duchess’s decision, I will duly make a request.”

“Huh.”

For now, I needed time to calm down while taking a deep breath.

I controlled my pale fingertips to prevent them from taking out my anger on the objects on my desk.

But after thinking for a moment, this situation made me feel displeased with Lord Joseph as well.

‘In short, he’s saying he’ll resolve it so don’t get involved?’

It’s a conveniently welcome proposal. However…

“No, from now on, I’d like you to consult with me about whatever you do, Lord Joseph.”

The problem was that my personality wasn’t so optimistic.

Think about it. If I step back just because it’s convenient, I’ll be in a position where I don’t know at all how things are progressing.

‘That would be giving up my agency.’

Of course, I made a trust agreement with Lord Joseph.

But that was a contract for safety.

It didn’t mean I would rely on him for every situation that I and my children could experience and lead directly.

After all, isn’t this about me and my children? It’s only natural that we should have the decision-making power.

“This case is the same. It’s fine not to know, but I don’t understand how you can ask me to stay still when I’ve learned about Teacher Ernestine’s unfortunate end. Moreover, if he has become, or will become, a special mentor pouring sincere affection on my children, that is even more unacceptable.”

“Hmm.”

“Let me ask this first. At the end of Lord Joseph’s plan, what happens to Teacher Ernestine?”

It seems my reaction was somewhat unexpected. Lord Joseph couldn’t answer right away.

Seeing him hesitate to answer with a troubled face, I became more certain that if I stayed quiet, Teacher Ernestine’s end might not be so happy.

“Never mind. I think I understand without you answering.”

“…”

I flipped the investigation report back to show the front side.

“Let me warn you. Don’t try to manipulate me, Lord Joseph. I am not a puppet that moves according to your will and lends my abilities when you need them.”

With my stern admonition, the air in the office instantly froze.

In the end, Lord Joseph had to lower his tail submissively. He sighed deeply, drooped his shoulders, and excused himself.

“…I didn’t think you would take it that way. Truly, I didn’t act with such intentions.”

“Yes, I think that’s how it was too. If not, Lord Joseph wouldn’t even be standing before me right now.”

Having wielded the whip, it was only natural to soothe with a carrot.

I spoke calmly, wearing a nonchalant smile.

“As you know, I’m quite accurate when it comes to judging people, aren’t I?”

“I can’t deny that.”

Lord Joseph seemed relieved by my atmosphere returning to normal.

“I understand. From now on, I will act with your words in mind, Duchess.”

It was fortunate that Lord Joseph was a person who understood implications.

As if rewarding his words, I smiled even more deeply.

“Then shall we hear about Lord Joseph’s plan now? Oh, before that, I believe you mentioned having plans to go out.”

“Ah, that outing was also part of the plan to resolve Teacher Ernestine’s issue. It seems I should talk about that together now.”

“What a good opportunity. Then, while we’re at it, let’s start discussing the project to establish trade routes with Alperon.”

“But before that, don’t you need to deal with those piled up marriage proposals and social invitations over there, Duchess?”

…Why do I have so much to do?

“So does that mean that adorable little Duke really has the level to advance to the Academy’s university course right away?”

It was late evening on the second day of classes.

Teacher Jephet was called by Lady Baden and headed to the fourth floor where her room was located.

How fortunate that the corridors of the mansion were still lit, as lunch had just ended.

“That is correct, Lady Baron.”

“My goodness…!”

Lady Baden had called only Jephet separately today to confirm the veracity of what she had heard at dinner yesterday.

And upon hearing the answer, she had to control her jaw that seemed unable to close.

In fact, until last night’s dinner, she hadn’t believed the words that came out of Kardiel’s mouth.