After that, everything went smoothly.

Counselor Joseph’s advice from seeing the future in advance definitely made things go without a hitch.

Convincing the two tutors to completely take my side wasn’t difficult either, to the point where it wasn’t even tense.

The papers from last year and this year by Viscount Baden that I read in the Imperial Library were indeed Mr. Gepet’s.

Upon confirming the truth, Mr. Gepet’s face twisted with a sense of betrayal.

But perhaps because he remembered the grace he received from the previous Margrave Baden, he didn’t burn with a desire for revenge.

However, he did show determination to get his papers back for sure.

So I had Mr. Gepet lead the way in accusing Viscount Baden.

If I had been the accuser, the officials would have mumbled about conducting an investigation.

But the words of a scholar called a sage from the Tower of Honor definitely carried more weight.

The accusation didn’t take long to reach the Emperor. Of course, the process was a bit complicated.

‘In the process, most of the central officials did learn about Viscount Baden’s plagiarism of the papers.’

The Chairman of the Privy Council, who was once doubted for his abilities, seemed to put an end to the corruption controversy by publishing a series of astonishing academic papers…… but it was revealed that all the papers were plagiarized!

Let me say this in advance, I absolutely did not intend for this to spread.

‘Anyway, Viscount Baden’s downfall is now only a matter of time.’

The Imperial Guards sent by the Emperor left to arrest Viscount Baden.

Having confirmed that much, my work for today is done.

‘I should head home soon and give my lovely children a hug.’

By now, he must be realizing that he has no choice but to terminate the unfair contract with Tutor Ernestine.

Viscount Baden, who has lost his wealth, lost his position, lost his title, and lost his honor.

Now, all that remains for him is his status as a noble of the Daiern branch family. Of course, I have no intention of leaving even that alone.

Under the pretext that he has disgraced the Daiern branch family, I plan to issue a 3-year ban on his participation in social circles.

This was possible because I am the acting Duke of Daiern and the Regent.

‘And in 3 years, when Viscount Baden’s ban is lifted, Kardiel will have become the Duke.’

Then, Viscount Baden will no longer be able to harbor those dark ambitions towards Daiern.

Ah, now I feel a bit more at ease.

With a sense of pride, I smiled at Mr. Gepet to express that he had done well.

“Now that everything is resolved, you can rest assured. It will be proven without a doubt that all the academic papers are yours. The one who plagiarized couldn’t possibly fully understand the depth of research you’ve poured your heart into.”

“I suppose that will be the case.”

“When that happens, you will be able to return to the Tower of Honor as you wished. Congratulations.”

But I don’t understand why Mr. Gepet’s face looks so gloomy.

However, before I could point that out, Mr. Gepet spoke first.

“Actually, I’m a bit worried, Duchess. Once I return to the Tower of Honor, who will teach the young Duke, the young Lady, and the young Lord……”

“Pardon?”

“Well…… I’m not trying to shamelessly say that I’ve grown attached to the three of them. But in any case, didn’t I come to Daiern as their tutor? It seems improper to just return to the Tower right away, having achieved my goal.”

He continued.

“Above all, I am deeply indebted to you, Duchess. Even though I came with impure intentions, I never thought you would help me like this and forgive me…… I really don’t know how to express my gratitude. So at the very least, I think it’s right for me to take responsibility for the education of your children until the end.”

In other words, he wants to return to the Tower of Honor right away, but he feels indebted to me and my children.

It didn’t feel shameless. Rather, I fully agree with his thoughts and decision.

No, beyond that, I developed much more favorable feelings towards Mr. Gepet.

I like good people, I like people who know gratitude, and I like people whose goodness is clear enough not to miss important things due to personal feelings.

I believe that people who know how to uphold their own values are the best people to have by your side.

“Indeed, my children have a lot to learn from Mr. Gepet.”

I spoke firmly while lifting the corners of my mouth.

“But don’t be complacent, Mr. Gepet. There are already two more excellent tutors in Daiern to teach my children.”

“Ha.”

Even though he knew it was a joke, he seemed quite hurt by my words.

“Not two. I have no choice but to acknowledge Tutor Rosière, but honestly, it’s disappointing to compare me to Count Alperon. I am, after all, a current scholar of the Tower of Honor.”

“You may be current, but you haven’t been able to conduct research at the Tower for several years, right?”

“Duchess, you seem to be unaware of the Tower Precept of the Tower of Honor. ‘The knowledge found in the tower of letters accumulated over time is already dead, so if you wish to find living truth, breathe with the moving world of the present.’ It means that a scholar on sabbatical is the closest to the truth pursued by the Tower of Honor.”

“I’ve never heard of the Tower Precept before. Then, Mr. Gepet’s knowledge must have developed more outside the Tower…… It couldn’t be compared to Counselor Joseph.”

“Oh my. That hurts my pride.”

As the conversation between Mr. Gepet and I continued with a mix of jokes.

A dreamlike voice, like a butterfly descending upon the ear, intervened in our conversation.

I could tell who the owner of that mysterious voice was without turning my head.

“Counselor Joseph. When did you arrive?”

“Just now.”

As expected, when I turned around, I saw Counselor Joseph standing leisurely at a slight distance.

“Mother!”

“Mommy!”

And next to him were my cute second and youngest children. Both of them ran over and clung to me.

“Euphemina, Chersion. How did you get here?”

Mr. Gepet and I were in the lobby of the Imperial Library connected to the Imperial Palace.

I was just about to tell another attendant who came with me to bring the carriage, thinking it was time to go back.

“The young Lady and young Lord wanted to come greet the Duchess, so I brought them along. The young Duke said he was doing evening training.”

“It must have been hard for Counselor Joseph to take care of the children all day today.”

“Not at all. It was quite enjoyable.”

I heard Chersion asking Mr. Gepet if he was alright.

When Euphemina’s eyes met mine, she clutched my clothing and smiled brightly.

Taking a breather, it was quite a peaceful scene.

“But Duchess. Do you really think that?”

“Pardon?”

“Just now, didn’t you say that my knowledge would be inferior to Mr. Gepet’s?”

At Joseph’s question, my gaze drifted aimlessly towards him.

It was a familiar smile, but his face looked strangely unpleasant.

“……I didn’t say that, but I did end up unintentionally comparing you two. I admit my attitude was wrong. I’ll apologize, so please let go of your anger.”

“Let go of my anger? I was never angry.”

What do you mean never.

I raised my finger and firmly pressed Joseph’s temple.

“There’s a vein popping out here right now.”

At that, Joseph’s red eyes instantly widened.

“……?”

I didn’t know why I did that.

Startled, I immediately removed my finger and stepped back. Joseph’s eyes seemed to flash dangerously.

For some reason, I got goosebumps.

“Then…….”

Joseph’s lips curved into an arc.

“How about I formally engage in a scholarly competition with Mr. Gepet?”

But when I looked up at Joseph’s eyes again, they only felt as gentle and kind as usual.

As if my earlier feeling was just an illusion.

“……Stop with the childish talk, we should head back home now.”

When we returned home, darkness had already fallen upon the world.

The mansion with its black roof looked like a shadow mansion.

As soon as I got off the carriage, I noticed light leaking from the 4th floor. It seemed Viscountess Baden had returned.

I had anticipated her return.

Viscount Baden would be dragged away to be investigated for plagiarism charges, and access to the mansion would be prohibited for a search.

“…….”

Of course, I know there’s another reason for her return. Counselor Joseph had already informed me about that as well.

I quietly exchanged glances with Counselor Joseph.

As if he had already taken measures, he smiled with his eyes, indicating not to worry.

Thus, I entered the house, greeted by the butler.

“Madam. You’ve returned.”

“Was there any trouble while I was gone?”

“Viscountess Baden returned earlier than scheduled.”

“I thought that would be the case. Where is Kardiel?”