[TKOSINM] 192 - Evaluation

Soon the door closed behind their back, and Irene looked around the solemn meeting hall once.

“Duke Noel Kristen, Duchess Irene Kristen. It must have been difficult to fulfil the assigned task. But for the time being, please step into the centre of the round table.”

At the Grand Duke’s words, Irene and Noel moved to the centre of the round conference table. And there they were, in the same position they once stood. Irene and Noel still felt the gazes of the elders and vassals from all directions, and Irene again only looked up to the Grand Duke seated alone.

“Duke Noel Kristen. I have read the report you posted. It was written here that a monster came from a crack in the Snow Tree.”

“Yes, but since the gap has been closed with the magical power of Sir Mulliman from the Tower, there will be no more demonic creatures in that area.”

When the name Mulliman escaped Noel’s mouth, the surroundings stirred.

“Mulliman? Is he perhaps talking about the Mulliman?”

“Who else could have the name Mulliman plus from the Tower?”

“I wonder if the young Duke is on friendly terms with Mulliman of the Tower….”

She could not believe they were so worked up over the name Mulliman.

He is a much more brilliant person than I thought.

She thought that the creation of this ring itself was incredible enough, but Mulliman seemed to be a much greater person of respect and influence. Then, naturally, a question arose.

“How did you get to know Sir Mulliman?”

When she last saw them, it did not look like the ordinary kind of ‘relationship for business’ between the two.

Furthermore, he seemed to have a unique story associated with the Ram mercenaries.

I’m curious, but let’s not ask before he decides to tell me himself.

That small question may be a little touchy to his wounds.

“Sure enough, that must be the reasoning for it all.”

“You can send someone to confirm more clearly.”

When the Great Kristen agreed, Noel replied leisurely. Irene looked at Noel silently. And that was when she realised.

His not being nervous was not because it was his second time confronting the officials.

He was convinced. He was confident that he would succeed to the Great Duchy.

He is indeed so charming.

Irene thought as she rested her gaze on the figure of him standing upright and looking straight ahead. Into her sight came a man who had faith in his work and was shining brighter than ever. Noel was like that in Irene’s eyes.

But it was not just Irene’s feelings. Everyone in the hall could read Noel’s confidence and assurance, probably because he did his job so well. In addition to the primary requirements of subjugating the monster and solving the causes, among the enlisted soldiers, the image of Noel slaying the monster passed on his heroic saga.

Also, the head butler, Monkel, personally sent a letter to the Grand Duke from Kreisen Castle. It was written about how magnanimously he embraced the people of Kreisen Castle and led them wisely.

Everything was pointing to Noel’s deserving to become the heir to the Grand Duchy.

“There’s no need for that. I have received a report from Kreisen Castle that the Snow Tree has returned to its best condition. There are no monsters left. It would not have been easy. You have worked hard, Duke.”

“I just did what I had to.”

“And the Duchess has been through a tough time as well. She managed to get out of the crisis with excellent insight and helped appease the distraught head butler. The castle chef also said that he wanted to serve food to the Duchess again.”

Looking at Noel happily, Irene looked up at the Grand Duke in surprise when her story was mentioned out of nowhere. Perhaps it was because she did not expect the people of Kreisen Castle to talk about her or take notice of what she had done.

“You have shown the virtues of the Duchess who is trusted and followed by the servants. More than anyone else. For that, I am confident that you will be able to fulfil the role of Duchess.”

“...thank you.”

At the unwavering and firm words of the Great Kristen, Irene bowed her head to express her gratitude. She strived to keep her calm, but her mind was complicated. Irene never tried to show her virtues as the Madame, and Irene never intended to lead the servants in any way. She merely treated them as usual, as she always did. It was implausible for her to receive this kind of evaluation.

“Despite the solid fact that I have already recognised him, the young Duke accepted and successfully carried out this sudden mission. By any chance, is it still difficult to acknowledge the elite man himself? I want to know what the lords here think.”

“....”