However, no matter how reasonable that sounded, the mastermind could be the owner of the villain, or someone might have led Hecate to the village hall to observe. Considering all possibilities and moving cautiously like playing chess, we should postpone sending a surveillance unit.

Even if the opponent seemed formidable, moving the military might be within the expected range for the mastermind.

‘Heh, Hecate, saying that and leaving, he’ll probably be the first to go.’

In any case, before Hecate really makes a move, I have to stop him. What can he do with his injured hand? A guy who can’t even guard his own body!

Zoom !
“Mom! Don’t go to the west under any circumstances!”

I wondered if she planned to come back with both hands injured just to look good. Moreover, judging it as the perfect time to intervene, I forcefully opened the office door, shouting loudly.

“I heard you got injured during the inspection this time. Everyone outside heard it.”

Walking assertively while speaking firmly, Hecate, who seemed completely surprised that I could have heard it from outside, broke into a cold sweat and cleverly hid one hand under the desk. It seemed like that hand was the injured one.

“Oh, our daughter is here?”

Forced to smile, Hecate, who was acting so awkwardly that it was obvious, was in stark contrast to the very calm and composed Lillith, who quietly stepped aside to allow me to face Hecate directly.

“Mom didn’t get hurt much.”

If you say she’s not hurt when her hand is clearly wrapped in bandages, who would believe that? I couldn’t trust that statement, so I exchanged glances with Hecate, expressing my disbelief and pity.

“……. ”

“……. ”

How long did we stare at each other like that?

“Look at this!”

Since my reaction wasn’t satisfying, Hecate started shaking the injured hand vigorously up and down, apparently trying to prove that she was really okay. Why would she hide such a badly injured hand? This made me order all the subordinates to leave the room and listen closely to the conversation with Lillith at the door.

Even though she desperately tried to hide the injury to her wrist, it was impossible for her to spill the story about the western coastal area to me. Despite her unscrupulous actions, it was a good thing that I listened carefully to the conversation with Lillith while having my ear pressed against the door.

“Mom is fine even if it’s like this!”

Zoom !

And Hecate, using all her might to show off, ended up causing an accident. Clearly caught in a lie, she deliberately bumped the injured wrist against the desk to prove that she was fine.

The noise was loud, so it must have hurt quite a bit. To prove the pain, Hecate stopped abruptly, her eyes slightly widening, and her mouth hanging open. It was likely that she felt a strong pain, giving her the illusion that her bones were about to break.

‘Just a little hurt, she’ll recover soon.’

Whether she didn’t want to show weakness or just wanted to look perfect to me, I shook my head inwardly as I looked at the trembling Hecate with a deeply bowed head.

“Your Majesty!”

When Hecate unexpectedly suffered a lot from the pain in her wrist, Lillith approached and examined him closely, expressing concern. It was a moment when I could see a different side of Lillith, who usually exuded confidence or a flexible demeanor when we were alone. Honestly, it was natural for a subordinate to worry about their lord, but seeing Lillith’s usual self made the moment seem fresh. Well, it could be evidence that the bond between Hecate and Lillith was unexpectedly strong and firm.

‘Ah, what should I do with that fool.’
From here on, I decided to match the rhythm for a moment. Although Hecate is now grown up and probably won’t cry, I didn’t want to see her whining.

“All right, so don’t push yourself too hard.”

Suddenly, a headache hit me. I sighed and wiped my forehead with my right hand.

“Judging by the severe swelling in your wrist, it seems like the thug was up to no good.”

Since I had been standing outside the door, I continued speaking after sitting on the sofa.

“To think you suffered such injuries just because you were briefly detained.”

After pausing for a moment, I propped up my chin with one hand, pursed my lips, and continued.

“Why was someone strong enough to injure the Empire’s top warrior in the coastal village?.”

Once I indirectly conveyed that I had heard quite a bit of information, I laid out the thoughts I had been holding back while eavesdropping.

Now, I needed to logically address and prevent Hecate from pulling out the military and forming a surveillance unit. I had to stop it.

“The coastal village was annexed to the Empire under the condition that it would be managed by the Duchess.”

Meanwhile, Hecate and Lillith, who had suddenly adopted serious expressions, nodded along with my words.

“But looking at how things are unfolding, it doesn’t seem like the Duchess is the one managing it now.”

Ignoring the feeling of Pochi, who had reached my toes, I continued. Pochi, realizing I was ignoring it, obediently rolled away in another direction.

“Although it’s a good idea to investigate in detail, it seems better not to move recklessly.”

If faced with the appearance of the Emperor from my past life, I might have given a sharper piece of advice, but such a thing was impossible. I had to persuade from the position of the Princess.

Anyway, after discussing to this extent, it seemed that Hecate would understand. At that moment, Hecate left the desk and quickly walked toward the sofa where I was sitting.

“Oh, Your Highness.”

That was the moment.

“Even though you always seem to be asleep during class, it seems you remember quite well about the coastal village.”

With a mischievous expression, Lillith made a remark while flashing the teasing smile I disliked.