Feeling as though he was blinding himself to his true intentions, Silvio seemed to genuinely prioritise the success of the ceasefire negotiations over revenge on the Leveaux family. After spending two weeks with him, Idyllia began to sense this. True to his word, he actively sought to build relationships with members of the Leveaux family, who currently held significant power in the court. There was no visible conflict regarding the events from five years ago. Perhaps it was a facade maintained by his unbreakable rationality, but at least on the surface, he appeared to compartmentalise the feud between the families and the post-war settlements. In his commitment to peacefully build a future for both countries—even if it meant temporarily setting aside his grievances from five years ago—Idyllia found herself writing letters to her relatives, including the head of the Leveaux family, her father’s cousin. She explained Silvio’s efforts to separate the past from the present and logically argued how cooperation with him could benefit the Leveaux family amidst the current tense situation with the neighbouring country. She urged them to make a slight concession and meet halfway. However, the responses were disappointing. Instead of heeding her suggestions, they not only evaded her appeals but also expressed their discomfort at receiving such letters from her, fearing the shame of being associated with a concubine of an enemy general.

“…”

Idyllia ground her teeth in frustration at her powerlessness, but she didn’t intend to give up.

(If I get discouraged by this, no one will listen to me.)

Determined, she mustered the courage to approach her relatives whenever she encountered them at court, attempting the same persuasion she had written in the letters. Yet, she faced failure repeatedly. Most fled before she could even start a conversation, and the few who stayed brushed her off coldly. Their emotional responses rather than rational considerations frustrated her.

(Or is it because I’m the one saying it?)

As Idyllia sighed heavily on an empty terrace, her cousin called out to her.

“It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

Her cousin, Marianna, three years older, smiled warmly as she spoke.

“Marianna. It really has been a while. How have you been?”

“I’ve been married for three years now.”

“I didn’t know. Congratulations, even if it’s late…”

As they shared a light embrace, Marianna chuckled softly.

“I used to help you and Silvio meet in secret. You often pretended to visit me when you went to see him, and I always covered for you.”

Bringing up these memories, Marianna mentioned she had a favour to ask.

“I’m trying to get my husband sent as a diplomatic envoy to a foreign court for a while, but many others are requesting the same, and I haven’t received a positive response. Even appealing to Beatrice hasn’t helped at all.”

Her husband, a member of the Leveaux family and a high-ranking official in the country, wished to spend some time abroad until things settled down, as the political atmosphere was becoming increasingly turbulent.

“So, could you ask Beatrice to speak to the King and request that my husband be given priority?”

“My sister wouldn’t listen to me…”

“She will. Just tell her you’ll step down from hosting Silvio. She’ll definitely yield.”

Though inwardly sceptical, Idyllia nodded.

“…Alright. I’ll try my best.”

“Wonderful!”

“In return, I have a favour to ask…”

Marianna seemed a bit wary. Idyllia explained that she had been urging their relatives through letters to support Silvio for the future of the Leveaux family and asked Marianna to help persuade the others.

“Me?”

“Yes, they might listen to you.”

“I’m not so sure…”

“But this is a rare opportunity. The Leveaux family will eventually have to take responsibility for the tragedy five years ago. To prepare for that, we should unite and support him now.”

Despite her passionate plea, Marianna’s response was lukewarm. Out of obligation, she said, “I’ll think about it,” before quickly leaving to avoid being seen. Sighing, Idyllia turned to return to Silvio, only to hear him speak.

“Who was that?”

Startled, she turned to see him emerging from behind the curtain covering the window to the terrace. Feeling awkward, Idyllia responded.

“…Did you overhear?”

“I heard it all.”

Silvio stepped onto the terrace, fixing his gaze on her.

“I’ve heard you’ve been writing letters to the Leveaux family members, asking them to support me.”

“I believe helping you would benefit the Leveaux family… And I think we should actively search for and protect the surviving members of the Fontana family.”

“Protect?”