Askal’s father, Horte Artenbach, was a duke who defeated an enemy commander in a local war against the Eastern Empire. In recognition of his achievement, he was granted the Modesto territory near the border and obtained the title of Margrave.

Despite living a profligate life, he was not stripped of his title because he was an outstanding knight who earned the emperor’s trust and a skilled businessman, even before being a spendthrift.

Although he was such a scoundrel that he left Askal with trauma, he maintained proper conduct in all matters except for taking care of his family.

However, Aron was different. He grew up wealthy and disliked studying and training. He took after Horte in his love for women from a young age.

Even though his father was aware of Aron’s delinquency, he did not bother to correct it. No, it would be more accurate to say that he had no interest.

‘If that fellow Aron becomes the lord of Modesto territory, the people there will not be able to live normal lives.’

After sending Schmidt away, Askal, left alone in the government office, wiped his throbbing forehead with his hand. He thought Aron had come to his senses after being beaten up, but that was not the case.

‘I should have sent him out of the empire altogether.’

Askal regretted not doing so.

He pressed a button on the office wall to summon Rimon. It wasn’t long before the diligent secretary came to the office.

“Did you call for me?”

As soon as Askal saw the lieutenant, he began speaking of the matter he had been thinking about.

“Search the house of the courtesans where Aron stayed. Check if he committed any illegal acts and what his relationships were like, everything. And investigate anything that seems to diminish the dignity of a nobleman.”

“Yes, I will look into it right away.”

Rimon bowed faithfully. Askal stared at the back of his head and continued speaking.

“Compare the records from before I managed Modesto to the current records and write a report. Make it usable for the trial.”

“Yes.”

“Aron might also mention Rublion, so find the records showing that he took high doses of stimulants.”

“……Yes.”

“And the imperial family will surely be aware of this matter. Find out how public opinion is being formed in the capital as well.”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

The loyal and capable secretary, Baron Tirel, felt dizzy from the onslaught of tasks. But he intended to do his best to gather the evidence.

It was to ensure that his future superior would not have a bleak childhood, and also for the sake of his dear friend Askal.

The collection of evidence for the trial was steadily progressing. I was a bit disappointed that there was no way for me to help, but just then, Murteng, who prided himself on being second to none in revelry, cautiously reported something.

“It was last year or the year before, I can’t quite remember. Wasn’t there an incident where two courtesans got into a knife fight and both died?”

I had read an article like that before. The reason was not specifically mentioned in the article, so I just took note that such an incident had occurred and moved on.

“That was because of His Lordship Artenbach. Anyone who frequents the underground knows this.”

Murteng said that the two courtesans fought over claiming to be Aron’s wife.

The situation got out of hand due to their ambition for social advancement, but Aron, who was the cause, showed an attitude of indifference.

“Anyway, the underground was quite noisy at that time.”

“Can we find evidence that this incident is related to Aron?”

Murteng pondered for a moment before answering.

“That’s a bit…… But there are quite a few people who know about this incident.”

“I see. Thank you.”

It was a tip worth investigating. I gave Murteng a small reward. He asked, his eyes sparkling.

“By the way, is Anna really not coming to the Black Swan?”

“Yes, we decided on that.”

“Ah, having Anna here made coming to this place worthwhile…… With only dark-faced men around, oh dear.”

The dark-faced men Murteng referred to were the guards I hired. As the Black Swan grew larger, thieves would occasionally break in, so I had no choice but to station them.

‘First, I need to investigate the underground that Murteng mentioned.’

If I say I’ll go myself, they will surely object. I was also worried if Askal could handle such a place if I asked him to go.

‘The baron is a capable person, so he will take care of it well.’

I decided to inform Baron Tirel about this tip. I wanted to go to the underground myself, but I had a feeling that I might get involved in unnecessary and tiring matters if I went there on a whim.

Staying safe would also be helpful to Askal.

“I want to go to Modesto too.”

It was Rublion’s explosive declaration upon finding out that Askal was going to Modesto to gather evidence for the noble’s trial.

“That is not something I can decide, young master. And it will be very cold there with scarce supplies, making it difficult for you to stay.”

Butler Gaven was sweating profusely, looking troubled. Even though he had instructed to keep it secret, the maids must have overheard and talked about it.

“I know. That’s why I looked into it beforehand.”

Rublion took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. Then, as if making a presentation, he began to read.

“The weather is practically winter all year round. There are two villages with a population of about 100 people each. Father has been steadily providing food and supplies. On the surface, the lord is Duke Artenbach, but in reality, a professional manager governs the territory.”

“As expected, you are admirable, young master.”

The butler applauded Rublion, who was huffing and puffing. Putting aside the issue of whether to accompany him to Modesto for a moment, he was simply impressed by the young master’s diligent study.

“Anyway! I’m not saying I want to go out of curiosity. As the future lord, I have judged that observing the lives of the people and seeing the land they live on with my own eyes would be a proper way to study.”

“Yes, everything you said is correct, young master.”

Honey dripped from the butler’s eyes. He was already in a state of agreeing with whatever Rublion said.

“It won’t be easy.”

“Father!”

Turning around at the familiar voice, Rublion discovered Askal leaning against a pillar in the corridor and ran towards him.

“I happened to overhear everything. Do you want to go to Modesto that badly?”

“Yes. I really want to go and see it.”

Rublion held out the paper he had diligently written to Askal.

“You did a thorough investigation, but there is one thing that is incorrect.”

“Oh, what is it?”

“Even just five years ago, the total population of Modesto barely exceeded 200, but in last year’s census, it surpassed 600.”

“That’s why I need to go and see it for myself.”

The child’s eyes sparkled.

“And while we’re at it, it would be really, really great if Mother could come with us.”

This time, Askal’s eyes sparkled. In his mind, an image formed of Schmidt brightly smiling, wearing a white dress and fur cloak against a pure white snowy field.

“But your mother is quite busy with the art gallery and the Black Swan.”

“Mother will definitely go.”

Rublion continued with a grin.

“If we tell her there is a snow leopard sculpture made of snow at the entrance of Modesto territory, she will drop everything and go, right?”

It was a plausible statement, so Askal unknowingly nodded.

“When we go to Modesto, Mother and I will have a lot of fun, so Father, you can work.”

“I suddenly don’t want to take you.”

“Ah? Come to think of it, I think there was a cloak made of the fur I gifted Mother in her wardrobe……”

Gently stroking Rublion’s slightly taller head, Askal said.

“Make good memories with your mother. I will watch over you.”

I don’t like the cold, but I wanted to see the snow leopard sculpture made of snow. These days, my body has been feeling unusually heavy, so I hesitated about going, but I was persuaded by Rublion and eventually decided to go to Modesto territory together.

“Mother, Mother! Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

I didn’t eat much for dinner and went to bed, but my stomach felt bloated. I didn’t want to take a single step out of bed.

Still, I slowly got up and held Rublion’s hand, heading to the bathroom. I washed myself in the refreshing water and called a maid to change my clothes.

The maid, who was applying powder to my face, asked if I was feeling unwell after seeing my condition. I brushed it off with the excuse that it was because my stomach was empty in the morning and my menstrual period was about to start.

Of course, my body was strangely out of sorts to a degree that seemed a bit excessive, but there are days like this after days like that.

When I finished preparing to leave and went to the mansion lobby, Rublion and Askal were already there. The child was excited just by the fact of leaving the mansion and going somewhere.

“Madam, you don’t look well.”

He examined me and asked in a concerned voice.

“I’ll feel better after eating something. My stomach feels a bit empty because it’s morning.”

Upon hearing my words, Askal looked at me with apologetic eyes and said.

“I will have them prepare something to eat.”

“There’s no need for that. You said we would stop by a famous restaurant on the way. I want to eat deliciously there.”

“……Will you be all right?”

“Of course.”

I said with a wide smile.

Soon, we got in the carriage and headed to Modesto. Strangely, as soon as I got in the carriage, my stomach felt at ease. It wasn’t like this before.

“Madam, we will arrive at the restaurant soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too!”

Rublion, who had been constantly looking out the window, joined the conversation. I rubbed the child’s hand and said.

“What do you want to do first when we get to Modesto?”

“Hmm…… First, dress Mother in the winter dress I brought?”

“What else?”

Rublion thought for a moment and said.

“I want to make a big snowman. Three of them resembling our family!”

“That’s a good idea. Let’s make them together.”

“Of course!”

Seeing the child happily kicking his legs, I couldn’t help but smile too.

Although the tingling pain in my lower abdomen had been bothering me since morning, I took the painkillers the maid had prepared, so I thought I would be fine by the time we arrived in Modesto.

Askal made a remark, asking if it was that great to see me and Rublion affectionately embracing each other. I chuckled, sensing a hint of petty jealousy.