She didn’t know what might happen if there was a conflict between countries later on, but for now, he wasn’t someone who would hurt Latil.

“Well, I see someone who betrayed once as someone who could betray in any way at any time.”

However, Lean, still upset that Hyacinth had left Latil and married another woman, grumbled unusually coldly.

At this unexpected harshness, Latil laughed and playfully nudged Lean’s foot with her own.

“I thought you always said nice things, brother. What’s going on?”

“How can I look kindly at someone who hurt you?”

“You told me to forgive Tilla, who tried to kill me.”

“…It’s not forgiveness, Latil. It’s just that there’s no need to kill her.”

Latil laughed silently. She couldn’t agree with her brother’s words, but it felt good to know that someone was genuinely worried about her.

Even though the head servant, the nanny, and others also treated her preciously, Lean was family. He was a brother who would never abandon her, even when others betrayed her for various reasons.

“I wish I could live with Mom and you at times like this.”

Hearing Latil’s murmured wish born from the recent feeling of familial affection, Lean looked surprised for a moment, then reached out and tightly grabbed his sister’s hand.

“Later. Let’s suggest to Mother to live together here when she’s feeling better.”

As Latil nodded, Lean comforted the back of her hand several times before letting go. He then pondered for a long while before asking.

“Going to Karisen, it’s not because of Hyacinth or any diplomatic issues, is it?”

“Uhhuh.”

“Is it going to take a long time?”

Latil recalled the translated map and shook her head.

“No.”

While the process of finding and interpreting the map took a long time, it didn’t seem difficult to find the item marked on it. At least according to what was written on the map.

Latil tilted her head.

“But why? Do you need to return quickly, too?”

If that was the case, it would be too selfish to ask her brother to help the Marquis of Sable and manage the state affairs for a few days. Feeling a bit regretful, Latil asked cautiously.

“You don’t have to help if you’re busy. You’re just worried that something might happen while I’m gone, right? It doesn’t necessarily have to be you here.”

The ‘matter’ Latil referred to was the internal problem related to black magic, which sporadically exploded here and there when they were just about to forget it.

It wasn’t like she was going to be away for a long time as she had said to Lean, but she called her brother who had received longterm education as a crown prince because there might be things that are difficult to handle from the position of the Count of Sable. However, it wasn’t really necessary for Lean to be here.

“I’m not asking because it’s hard to spare time.”

“Really?”

“Yes. In fact, hmm. If it’s not something that takes a long time, I thought it might be a good idea for you to come and go secretly.”

However, what Lean said was completely unexpected. Latil was surprised and her eyes widened.

“Secretly?”

Like how Hyacinth is here right now?

‘No, it wouldn’t be exactly the same. Hyacinth came disguised as a delegation.’

Still, she hadn’t thought of that…

“Isn’t that a bit much?”

When Latil asked hesitantly, Lean mumbled with a serious face.

“In my opinion, it looks like the Emperor, who has just ascended the throne, is personally mixed up with the delegation and going to a foreign country. It’s not like there’s anything special.”

“Ah…”

“Besides, do you need to publicly announce to the remnants of Thera’s power and such people that you are leaving your position?”

“That’s why I called you, brother.”

“Of course, I will help you, but I still think it would be better to keep your absence a secret. If you can come back in a few days, go ahead and pretend to be ill.”