To the east and north of the dukedom were several noble families led by the most extensive one, Sediloy. Since Sediloy often stayed in the capital, their main residence was mostly empty.

But the village shifted to the south buzzed with activity all year round. They would commute via a bridge that crossed a small river.

Meiana had never been to the village herself, but many servants would spend their half-days or more there. Some even had families in the village.

“What’s in the village?”

“Your Highness, have you never been there?”

Meiana realized she had misspoken. Who would take Ariante to a village?

As expected, Ariante frowned.

“I’ve never been there. Marshal said he would take me once, but…”

“Let’s go today. It will be fun. But you must promise one thing. If you get off the carriage, you must hold my hand wherever you go. Understood? You also have to use the crutch the doctor gave you.”

Ariante tilted her little head.

“Why?”

“Because there are many people, and it’s chaotic. You could get lost. Losing your way in such a place would be a disaster; you might not find your way home.”

Unlikely, Meiana thought. Who in the village wouldn’t know where the Duke of Valterminster lived?

However, there were those who audaciously committed the unimaginable.

Those who would dare to harm Ariante even knowing who she was… Meiana had no intention of letting Ariante experience such a thing. It was absolutely out of the question.

“If you don’t promise to hold hands, I won’t take you.”
Ariante, with her lips pouting in displeasure, slapped the bed as she replied.

“Fine, I promise. We’ll walk hand in hand.”

Meiana grinned.

“Shall we get ready?”

“Where are you planning to take Ariante?”

Though she clearly heard, the intent of asking again was obvious. Meiana, seeing Sedilroi’s face more sullen than yesterday, repeated her words naturally.

“I’m thinking of taking Princess Ariante around the village. We’ll also take a look at the marketplace, see what the village has to offer.”

Thud. The sound was Sedilroi putting down his pen. The sleek ebony pen holder rolled along its curve and stopped shortly after.

“How’s Ariante’s ankle?”

“She’s better after taking medicine. Don’t you think it’s too much to keep a seven-year-old in bed all day?”

“If she’s hurt, she needs to rest.”

“I believe Princess Ariante needs not only rest but also some time outside. It won’t take long. She’ll mostly ride in a carriage.”

Sedilroi let out a short sigh. There was no reason to object, and hadn’t he employed Meiana for such tasks? Unlike other servants before, Meiana seemed to get along well with Ariante…

Yet, for some reason, he didn’t want to say “go ahead” this time. Although he didn’t know why, he felt like objecting. Especially now when Ariante had a sore ankle and couldn’t freely run around, taking her to the village seemed suspicious.

“…Fine. I’ll allow it. But only under the condition that I come along.”

Sedilroi’s words seemed to surprise Meiana more than anything else. Despite putting up with all kinds of mischief from Ariante, she looked genuinely surprised.

“Your Grace… you’ll accompany us?”

“Yes. There’s no reason not to.”

“What about your work?”

“You seem to have the luxury of worrying about my work. Impressive.”

Somehow? Meiana was momentarily lost in thought. In truth, there was another reason for taking Ariante to the village today.

A plan… to unmask Grete. For that, both she and Ariante needed to be out of the house.

But now that Sedilroi was coming along, she worried it might unnecessarily complicate things.