The subjugation team that had gone out to subdue beasts returned to Artenbach. The streets were in full festive spirit, and in front of the government office, it was crowded with merchants wanting to buy beast meat and spoils.

There was one person who was particularly happy at this time, and that was Baron Rimon Tirel.

As a vassal of the Artenbach ducal family and secretary to the lord, he was in charge of selling the spoils after beast subjugation, and this year he was grinning from ear to ear because many northern spiders had been caught.

“I’m here to report on the profits from the spoils.”

“I see everything has been sold.”

Askal, who had come straight to the office upon returning, clicked his tongue at the grinning secretary. It was clearly good news for him too, but somehow his close friend’s joy annoyed him.

“Yes, compared to last year, we’ve made nearly three times the profit. And we’ve set aside the best quality items to send to the imperial family.”

“Good work.”

“Your Excellency has worked even harder.”

Tirel’s eyes sparkled with banknotes. Askal shook his head and said,

“We leave for the capital tomorrow. I’ll go myself this year.”

“You’re going in that condition?”

Rimon pointed at Askal’s chest with the hand holding the banknotes.

“You still reek of medicinal herbs, Your Excellency.”

“I’ve recovered.”

“I’ll go instead. Your Excellency should rest for a while.”

Askal shook his head, saying it wasn’t possible.

“There’s something I need to do there. Something only I can do.”

Baron Tirel stopped counting money and looked at him. There was one thing he could guess.

“Is it because of Rumps?”

“Yes.”

Rimon took a deep breath and said,

“Are you trying to move the emperor?”

“It’s about time. Rumps has always been flesh that needed to be cut off eventually.”

“When will you be back?”

“When it’s finished.”

Rimon clicked his tongue.

“I’ll never become a lord. No rest, no honeymoon… I’m serious. I absolutely won’t do it.”

“Oh really? I’ll remember that.”

The loyal secretary clicked his tongue again. Then he immediately smiled happily while caressing the banknotes.

The Artenbach mansion was also hot with festive fervor. The servants naturally divided into groups and began to enjoy the festival, while Rietta and the twins went out under the supervision of Artenbach knights.

Askal had returned from beast subjugation, and the threat from Rumps had noticeably decreased. The measures taken to pressure their finances were starting to show effects.

“You’re going to the capital?”

That was the first thing Askal said when he returned from the government office.

“I’m going to present the beast spoils to the imperial family. I also have something to say to the emperor.”

Rublion asked with pouting lips,

“Don’t tell me you’re postponing the wedding again?”

I found myself nodding in agreement with the child’s words without realizing it.

“No. We’ll prepare it right away as scheduled. Very grandly at the Artenbach mansion, not in a cathedral. I’m thinking of sending invitations throughout the empire to invite many noble children your age.”

Thinking positively, the capital wasn’t that far, just half a day’s journey. I suppose he’d be away from the mansion for about two more days.

“It’s not dangerous, is it?”

To my question, he grinned and answered,

“It’s not dangerous. Rather, the imperial family should be worried.”

Hearing that made me feel reassured, but still, it was a bit bitter that he was leaving again right after coming back.

“How long will it take?”

“Just a day. It’s not something that needs to be dragged out.”

“I see. You’re leaving tomorrow, you said?”

“Yes.”

I noticed two small heads waiting for their friend outside the door and patted Rublion’s shoulder. The child asked if he could leave first, then scurried out without waiting for an answer.

An awkward atmosphere filled the study where only the two of us remained.

“How are your injuries?”

“They’ve healed.”

Only the sound of teacups clinking could be heard. To be honest, this silence made my heart race.

“My lady, may I sit next to you?”

Instead of answering his sudden question, I patted the seat beside me. He sat down close as if he had been waiting, smelling of the soap I had made.

We drank tea again without conversation. Then, at a perfect moment, we both put down our cups at the same time.

“My lady.”

His sweet voice sounded in my ear. I turned my head to look at him.

As I realized how close his face was, I carefully controlled my breath.

“I heard from Baron Tirel about the new product of Artenbach Bank.”

“Ah…”

It seems he wants to talk about my use of the family seal.

“Do you know what my first thought was when I heard that story?”

Sensing it wasn’t a question expecting an answer, I remained silent.

“I understood why Rublion said he needed a mother so badly.”

“Suddenly about Rublion?”

My use of the seal and Rublion wanting a mother were completely unrelated.

“I thought, even if Rublion grows up and leaves my side, you will remain by my side.”

“…”

“I felt that I finally had someone I could trust and live with.”

“Me too. I’ve already said many times that I trust you.”

His large hand caressed my cheek. He tucked my hair that had fallen forward behind my ear, then gently touched my lips.

“Have I ever told you that I like you?”

My face started to burn at the confession-like words that suddenly entered my ears. My lips felt dry and my mouth felt stuffy.

“This feeling is new to me, so my expression might be a bit awkward. But one thing is certain.”

His face slowly approached. Every time the wind blowing through the open window touched Askal’s hair, a familiar scent wafted gently.

“I want you.”

The hand supporting my chin slowly moved upward. In his eyes, I had quite a lovely face, and he suddenly fulfilled the promise he had snatched at the marriage declaration.

The head chamberlain, who was waiting for the tribute to come up from Artenbach, caught his breath when he saw the Duke of Artenbach getting out of the carriage. His jet-black hair and golden eyes that seemed ready to strangle someone at any moment exuded an aura that made one want to kneel involuntarily.

“Where is His Majesty?”

To his question, the head chamberlain carefully replied,

“He is currently discussing the railway connection between the Eastern Empire and House Tid with the person in charge.”

“So he’s with the government.”

Askal chuckled. Then, wiggling his fingers, he said to the head chamberlain,

“You have two options. First, I go find him myself. Second, I’ll wait in the audience chamber, so bring the emperor within thirty minutes.”

“I-I’ll go with the second option.”

He nodded his chin, signaling to hurry. The head chamberlain scurried off towards the garden.

After waiting alone for the emperor in the empty audience chamber for twenty minutes.

The emperor, who appeared with his hair hastily tidied up, frowned upon seeing Askal.

“I greet Your Imperial Majesty.”

It was a polite greeting, but there was no sincerity in it. This was due to the estrangement between Tid and the imperial family because of the scandal.

“What brings the duke, who should be in the north, all the way here? A lord who is often absent from his post wouldn’t be desirable as a ruler.”

Askal thought to himself that the emperor was a greedy viper. This was because he would gladly accept the tribute every year, but when asked for support when needed, he would completely brush it off.

“It’s to do what’s desirable as a ruler.”

He coldly replied to the emperor’s subtly mocking words.

“How long do you intend to just watch Duke Rumps’ actions?”

“…I don’t want to interfere in power struggles between great nobles and lend strength to just one side.”

“What a convenient excuse.”

“No matter if you’re the Duke of Artenbach, excessive remarks can be charged as lese-majesty!”

Askal turned his head to the side and snorted. Then, looking straight at the emperor, he said,

“I have evidence that Duke Rumps is plotting treason.”

“Treason!”

The emperor shouted, jumping to his feet.

“There was a promise made when founding the empire. Treason is impossible!”

“How long do you think that promise will last? It’s already been over three hundred years.”

Askal continued coldly.

“Your Majesty, if you truly wish for Tid to remain in the imperial family, you must cut off Rumps.”

“I’ve been watching that part for a while. So I’ll handle it myself.”

“Please incorporate Rumps’ territory into the imperial family and search the duke’s mansion. Evidence of rebellion will be found.”

“I said I’ll handle it.”

Askal didn’t bat an eye.

“I’m speaking using the authority given to the head of the family on the condition that Artenbach doesn’t become independent from the empire.”

The emperor’s fists trembled.

“Leave only past glory to Rumps and take away their current honor. That is truly what’s best for Tid.”

The already precarious throne became even more unstable at the mention of treason, and emotions surged. The emperor squeezed his eyes shut.

“I’ll be watching Your Majesty’s wise decision.”

Askal bowed politely. He had said all he needed to say, now it depended on how the emperor would move.

As he came out of the audience chamber, palace maids were lined up on both sides of the corridor. Thinking the government must have arrived, he was about to ignore them and pass by when someone blocked Askal’s path.

“It’s been a while, Duke.”

Askal raised his head to check who it was. There stood a woman with long, curly golden hair.

He tried to ignore her greeting and pass by. However.

“How is he doing? The child…”

The following question made him stop in his tracks.

“You have no right to ask me that, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

Askal coldly looked at her as she stood with moist eyes and clasped hands.

Hegelia Tid.

The current crown princess and Rublion’s birth mother.