“What does that mean?”

“It means that someone with a straight mind doesn’t betray those who believe in them and are not swayed by any temptation.”

Understanding Ruela’s words, the Countess burst into laughter.

“Miss Rominen seems to be that kind of person, asking for trust.”

Ruela smiled with narrowed eyes.

“Countess is also like that.”

“Of course.”

It wasn’t typical.

She felt drawn into the conversation, but it wasn’t a bad feeling. So, the Countess decided to talk openly.

“As I mentioned earlier, there is a coalition forming against the royal family’s governance, mainly led by aristocrats, including my husband.”

“Can you tell me who they are?”

To Ruela’s question, the Countess nodded her head.

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell outsiders, as revealing the names could be dangerous. It’s for the safety of those outside the families involved.”

Understood.

She had just met her today; what could she believe and disclose?

“I have been against it. Even though I talk to Miss Rominen like this, my inclination is not to do so. Actually, I coveted Marquis Ferrimont. If I send my daughter to Elab, I can easily support my husband’s work with a light heart. Once that intention was twisted, I wanted to make connections with powerful families in the Kurain Kingdom.”

Ruela understood the Countess’s dilemma.

Opposing the royal family meant rebellion.

Since the opponents were the aristocrats of the assembly, Ruela didn’t know what their plans were, but facing ordinary people was not simple, and the possibility of failure was significant. The failure of a rebellion meant death.

Ruela contemplated how to respond and finally spoke.

She couldn’t openly say that they were trying to kill Count Kurain. So, she had to find a way to navigate the conversation.

“As you said before, you think Count Kurain might be a monster.”

“Yes.”

Suddenly, the Countess’s eyes twitched slightly as if she wondered why they were suddenly discussing the king.

“If the king looks like that, would it be okay with other aristocrats?”

In fact, it wasn’t certain whether Count Kurain had turned any aristocrats into monsters. However, to make the Countess side with them, they needed to instill a sense of anxiety.

And indeed, the Countess’s eyes widened.

“Well, could it be? Other aristocrats too?”

“It’s just a guess, but I think there’s a high possibility. The more aristocrats who can act as the king wishes, the more convenient it will be for him.”

Ruela observed the Countess’s expression and brought up the topic she had originally intended.

“In fact, the practical ruler of the kingdom is Count Kurain. Do you know that?”

The Countess nodded silently.

“Count Kurain raised a rebellion to turn his territory into a kingdom. But for some reason, he handed over the throne to his younger brother and disappeared. We think the reason is because of monsters.”

“Monsters?”

“Are you aware of the monsters surrounding the Kurain Kingdom?”
The Countess nodded.

“I don’t know what kind of deal Count Kurain made, but he must have gained the ability to control monsters. So, he easily escaped from Hellane with that power. What happened after that?”

The Countess, looking uncomfortable, coughed awkwardly and avoided eye contact.

Recalling the appearance of the Count from yesterday, Ruela continued.

“Dealing with monsters turned out to be more challenging than expected. For example, you have to keep an eye on them constantly without a moment’s distraction. That’s why, after making my brother king, he turned him into a monster. What do you think?”

“W-Why on earth?”

The Countess asked with a bewildered expression.

“Because it’s easy to control. He wanted to make the Kurain Kingdom a kingdom, even using monsters, but he became powerless. However, what if his younger brother gradually rebelled, wanting to enjoy the king’s power? Could he just stand by and watch that happen?”

“I- I see.”

“And because of such convenience, I think there’s a high possibility that nobles were also turned into monsters.”

Only then did the Countess realize the credibility of Ruela’s words, asking with a pale face.

“W-Who could it be? Do you have any guesses?”

Ruela shook her head.

“As I mentioned, it’s just a possibility, so we still don’t know. However, it’s better for you to stop looking for your daughter’s fiancé for the time being. What if the carefully chosen match turns out to be a monster?”

“All the people I have in mind are perfectly fine individuals.”

In response to the Countess’s protest, Ruela spoke with a bitter tone.

“The king probably wasn’t normal from the beginning. The appearance of monsters around the Kurain Kingdom began after the establishment of the Kurain Kingdom. So, aren’t the others the same?”

The Countess picked up the trembling teacup with her shaky hands. After drinking tea for a while as if organizing her thoughts, she looked at Ruela with a composed expression.