[SCR] 13 – Grand Duke of Noelheim

"Like this...?"

"It's terrible!"

　According to the explanation given by her reluctant sister, it went like this:　A temporary truce had been signed with the neighbouring country Mediolam regarding the border dispute that had been going on for the past few years. The reason was the country's financial difficulties, which meant that this time, their side had lost.　In the agreement, of course, they would be undermined by their financial difficulties and a disadvantageous treaty would have to be concluded.　They needed to show hospitality to the envoys who had come to negotiate the treaty and make them feel as comfortable as possible.　Silvio was the head of the neighbouring country's envoy who appeared in such a situation.

"He was apparently a soldier of Mediolam, of all things. He continued to take credit for the conflicts along the border, and he took the Noelheim region from our country. The king took a liking to him and gave him the grand dukedom. Now he is the Grand Duke of Noelheim."

　Noelheim faced the continental inland sea and was known for its amber and pearls, as well as being the centre of the mining industry in the area. Naturally, its rulers were rich and powerful and enjoyed a great deal of prestige. 'Even a man like me leads a country's envoy,’ he had said confidently. His words replayed in Idyllia’s mind.

"No way… that can’t be true."

"He said, ‘as the Grand Duke of Noelheim, that this is an important time for me. I have to show my talents to the King of Mediolam, so we'll let bygones be bygones…’ But I doubt it."

　Beatrice’s brows furrowed, murmuring cautiously.

"How can it be such a coincidence that a man who has risen in a neighbouring country just happens to come to the court plagued with his enemies, to finish off the war? Ironic isn’t it?"

"Yes..."

"They want revenge on us, no doubt about it. His Majesty is horrified. Five years ago, things turned out well for the Leveaux family, because His Majesty sided with the Leveaux family."

"─"

Idyllia’s voice blurred, and she bit her lip.　Idyllia remembered it well.　Five years ago, a conflict arose between the former King and the current King, who was still Crown Prince. While the Fontana family was in political strife with the former king and the Leveaux family with the Crown Prince, the murder of her uncle Mathis, who was popular with the citizens, occurred.　The Crown Prince sent soldiers to incite the citizens to side with the Leveaux family, which cried out for retribution against the Fontana family. This was said to have led to the tragedy.　

If this was the case, it was only natural that the current king, more than anyone else, feared reprisals from the Fontana family.

(They did such terrible things...)

If one thought of their regret – the despair of having their family members almost killed in a single day – there was nothing strange about it.　As Idyllia was wrapped deep in thought, Beatrice laughed.

"Don't look like it's someone else's problem. It's something that concerns you too."

"Me?　What do you mean?"

"Yesterday, that man made a proposal as soon as he met His Majesty."

　Beatrice folded her arms and sent her a bewitching smile.

"He wants the nun apprentice he met on the road to be his caretaker."

"...Eh?"

"If you ask me, it's not about you. You're so watery. I can't believe you knew he was coming and stayed put."

"No, we met... It just happened..."

　Oh, heavens. Had he really not given up on her?　In a voice echoing shock, Idyllia replied faintly.

"Surely... God must have brought us together. He wanted to give us a glimpse of each other, to see that we are safe."

　Her sister scoffed at the nun-like view.

"What a beautiful story!　Well, okay. Then you'll take care of it, won't you?"

"No... No..."

　Idyllia shook her head sharply.

"It is impossible for me to be a caretaker. I have decided to follow the path of serving God."

"He says he doesn't care, so you just have to settle back into your original sheath."

"Please don't take this lightly."

"You don't have a choice in the first place."

"What do you mean?"

　Idyllia asked back, and Beatrice’s calculating eyes flashed guardedly.

"His Majesty made a large donation to the convent this morning and asked for the return of a nun's apprentice to help overcome the hardships of the country. Of course, the abbess has graciously agreed to do so."

"No!　How can that be...?"

"I'm glad you were an apprentice before you took your vows, really."

“Sister!”

“I need an informant!”

Beatrice yelled back in strong protest and slammed the fan in her hand onto the armrest of the sofa.

"Look...　We need to find out what that man is planning to do to us. If you can do that, I'll send you back to the Garden of Dried Women in a heartbeat."

//Garden of Dried Women…I can’t omg.