“I’ve received permission from Your Majesty to temporarily replace the guards, Empress Dowager.”

In place of Serben, Rian remained in charge of the palace guards.

“Is there a reason for that?”

“Yes, a little.”

While answering, Rian glanced at Esellion.

According to Serben, he seemed unfit to be his opponent. The individuals guarding Prince Esellion also seemed to him like they hadn’t fully revealed their abilities yet.

Although Empress Dowager seemed to trust the prince of Delarta, it didn’t mean that the duty of vigilance disappeared.

Since Serben claimed that he was insufficient, Rian was left behind.

And Rian was in a very excited state.

‘Ah, I’d be so grateful if she started a quarrel over there first.’

In that case, he would be able to draw his sword with great joy.

The clever empress could sense the reason why Rian was not saying such things through the atmosphere.

“Sigress seems worried. However, His Excellency Esellion of Delarta is my guest, so I hope you treat him with courtesy.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I have no intention of being rude.”

“Beep!”

Pippi, perched on Lyselia’s shoulder, flapped its wings.

It seemed to have said that if he didn’t know manners, he should be taught immediately. Of course, Lyselia did not convey that message.

“Then, I will check the security status of the Duke’s mansion and take a look around. There will be Imperial Guards nearby, so you don’t have to worry.”

“I trust you. Do what you need to do.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

Rian bowed with one arm and left the study of the Duke’s mansion.

It was the beginning of a long night.

“Is that person just now an Imperial Shadow Knight?”

“That’s correct.”

Lyselia was still dealing with the tasks assigned by the housekeeper.

At first, it was only awkward, but as time passed, it caught her eye.

The income from the Duke’s estate was enormous. The expenses were also significant, but they did not compare to the income.

Especially, the property had greatly increased over the past four years. It must have been since Cartahena Pheleon became the Empress.

They needed to choose a successor for the Duke’s estate soon. Since the small duke’s son was wanted within the empire, he was unsuitable as a successor.

It seemed that she would have to be involved in the affairs of the Duke’s estate for a while.

And there was one more decision Lyselia had to make.

To support Prince Esellion with the Duke’s estate.

“I’ve heard his name even in Delarta.”

“Yes. I heard he’s the best knight in the empire. Saying he’s the best in the empire is no different from saying he’s the best on the continent.”

Esellion, who had been silent for a moment, spoke.

“I didn’t quite feel that way.”

“…I see. Is that because you’ve faced other Shadow Knights and dueled with swords?”

“Was he also a Shadow Knight?”
Esellion asked as if he didn’t know at all.

But that was an unreasonable thing. The fact that the Shadow Knights of the Imperial Guard were twins had been well-known, and Serben and Rian had identical faces that anyone could recognize as twins.

“That’s correct.”

“…In that case, I, as a prince, should be concerned about Lady Lyselia’s security. Both of them seemed inadequate to guard Lady Lyselia.”

“If it seemed that way, I apologize. There shouldn’t be any suspicion among the Imperial Shadow Knights within the empire.”

Esellion didn’t know well, but there seemed to be something among the knights that reevaluated their sword skills.

As Lyselia, it was more surprising that Prince Esellion was such a skilled knight that Rian couldn’t compete.

“Do you like the empire, Lady Lyselia?”

“Even as a companion of the demon… is it acceptable? It was a very sudden event, so maybe…”

At that remark, Pippi, who had been dozing off near Lyselia’s hand, woke up abruptly.

“Pee! Beep!”

It seemed to be saying, “Where are you muttering such nonsense?”

“Pippi, don’t be so rude.”

When Lyselia stroked its head, Pippi wagged its tail vigorously and stared at Esellion with its small eyes.

“Is that bird… perhaps a phoenix?”

“Yes. It has the name Meneskulen, but it doesn’t like being called by names. …And to answer Your Highness’s question, it’s okay.”

“Beep.”

In response to Lyselia’s answer, Pippi made a cute sound.

Esellion’s face darkened.

“Why… is that so? A companion of the demon. Lady Lyselia, you probably didn’t want such a thing.”

“The life of a prophet isn’t something I wished for either. I accepted that life because I believed I was a prophet.”

“That’s… It must have been a harsh life, different from what I had imagined.”

Esellion made an agonized expression.

Lyselia considered that he felt guilty about the treatment the prophet had received as a member of the royal family.

“Don’t feel sorry for me, Your Highness. The treatment I received as a prophet is not the fault of the Delarta royal family. It is related to my birth.”

“If I become king, such a thing will never happen.”

Esellion clenched his fist.