The sewer construction is in full swing.

Now, about two weeks after the National Harmony Day, the capital has become much warmer and more peaceful than before. This is because the persistent epidemic that had plagued the Trivian Empire has finally come to an end.

It has been a week since the last case occurred in the capital.

After consulting with the deities, Henri decided to wait for just one more week before declaring the end of the epidemic. In the original work, the epidemic in the capital does not end until the end of the story. The character Ermeldilin, in the original, repeatedly unleashed the curse of the epidemic to afflict the capital whenever it seemed like it might end. However, the current Ermeldilin is a novice magician who neither knows how to cast large-scale curse magic nor has the intention to do so.

Thanks to weakened curses and Henri’s strong quarantine policy following Ermeldilin’s advice, the epidemic in Trivia could be eradicated relatively quickly.

Several small infections that had spread to the provinces have also been resolved after a few days.

In the air of Trivia, which is rushing towards the peak of spring, there was an excited atmosphere as if welcoming a long-awaited guest just before their arrival.

“This time, I decided to accompany Felio Gongja and Bellest Gongnyeo.”

Roonie, who had secretly anticipated Ermeldilin’s announcement, was thoroughly disappointed.

“The Emperor said that the magic circle installed at the Duke of Fransoir’s residence is well guarded by the guards, but just in case. So, it seems safer to go with the strongest magician and the strongest inspector of the Empire.”

It was already known that Felio was a renowned magician, but inquiries revealed that Bellest was also an excellent inspector who had won in swordsmanship competitions.

Although it was hard to imagine from her appearance in a corset and a gorgeous dress, it seemed true that she had made Felio cry in a sword duel when she was younger.

“Well thought! I will take good care of Empress!”

Bellest held Ermeldilin’s hand and expressed her joy by hopping around energetically.

On the other hand, Felio showed no reaction.

Wondering what was going on, Ermeldilin glanced at Felio and saw a glint of a clown’s makeup on his face.

‘If you like it, just say you like it.’

Ermeldilin, who considered making a sinister reaction, grabbed Bellest’s hand and hopped around together.

“The lady is so happy that it seems we should go without Felio Gongja!”

Whack!

As expected, Felio swiftly changed his posture like lightning.

“I’m happy too! I’m really happy!”

Not long ago, Felio had raised both arms, expressing his childish competitive spirit. Now, without grabbing Ermeldilin’s hand, he clenched both fists and began hopping energetically in place.

‘Ah, really not a child. When with peers, he certainly becomes a bit childish. Maybe he should show this side of him more often in front of me.’

Ermeldilin felt a slightly lonely heart, considering the fact that despite the three-year age difference, due to their statuses, she and Felio could never be completely at ease with each other.

‘Well, it’s not like we have that kind of relationship.’

Although Henri seemed to pout as Ermeldilin mentioned her visit to the Duke’s residence in Burnian, she couldn’t find a valid reason to oppose.

“All the belongings in the castle have probably been disposed of by now.”

“I’m not going to look for anything. I just want to visit a place that used to be my home at least once.”

Ermeldilin can now make quite convincing lies without a sense of guilt.

In reality, ever since she learned about her family’s rights, she had been wanting to go to the castle in hopes that there might be something left.

The seal of blood.
The diary, the grimoire, the underground storage where they are kept, and the pendant with a small portrait of Ferdand—all of these didn’t require the blood of the Fransoir Duchy, did they?

Certainly, Henri, with a deep history like the castle, could suspect that there might be secret spaces. However, after thoroughly searching the castle for several months, there was nothing particularly suspicious.

It was uncomfortable, but when the owner of the house says they will visit your house, there is nothing to oppose without any valid reason.

“With whom do you plan to accompany?”

“I plan to go with Lord Felio and Lady Bellest.”

‘Hmm. Balanced choices… Wait, come to think of it, he managed to include Batisian, the son of the Duke of Fransoir, a supporter of the Emperor’s faction, and Elenian, the daughter of the Elenian Duchy, a noble faction?’

Ermeldilin did not create such connections with such intentions, but for Henri, who had calculated all connections under thorough consideration, Ermeldilin’s actions seemed quite significant.

‘Still, those two don’t get along well, so they’ll probably balance each other out. They won’t agree or align with each other.’

Lounging deep in his office chair, Henri, with a languid gaze, looked up at Ermeldilin.