62.

Alas, Young Duke. If you attended Gracivan, you wouldve been an alumnus.

I think its a shame, too.

Ercella looked pleased with Vicente, who was talking to a boy of his age. However, she was worried that Adora could not mix with the group.

Its a pity that only now I got the chance to talk to Lady Zardea. I believe weve met at parties before.

Ah indeed.

A lot of people were talking to Adora, who had become Ercellas lady-in-waiting, but Adora did not seem to be pleased with the attention she was getting. She seemed to be struggling to adapt to their sudden change in behavior after not being able to get along with people. However, this was a gateway that Adora herself had to pass through and Ercella could not help her. It was then.

Its been a while, Ella.

A shadow fell over her head. The man in his early sixties with a pleasant smile was a person Ercella knew well.

Uncle!

Placing her hand on her chest, Ercella curtsied.

Nice to meet you, Duchess Bernhardt, Viscount Royden jokingly answered and pointed over her shoulder. Ercella, is that fine gentleman your son?

He is. Ill intro

Ercella smiled softly and tried to call Vicente. But Viscount Royden waved his hand.

No need. If an old man like me joins them, itll ruin the mood. Its better to talk to people my age.

Youre still young, though.

Thank you, even if theyre empty words. Anyway, I was amazed! Hes the spitting image of His Excellency, just as Ive heard. Oh, but of course, his eyes resemble those of my lovely niece.

Viscount Roydens lips formed into a grin. It was a compliment that she heard often, so Ercella chuckled, not minding it.

If he grows up taking after your husband, hell turn out a fine man.

As Viscount Royden said, Vicente seemed to increasingly resemble Harsen as he grew up, perhaps not surprisingly, since they share the same blood.

Did Harsen look like that when he was young?

Ercella imagined what it would have been like if she had returned to about 20 years ago, not 3 years. Even then, he was away from high society, so she could not have met him

Ah, right. Have you made up your mind?

Her thoughts stopped. Although Viscount Royden did not denote anything, Ercella knew he was referring to Vicente.

Certainly, it was still uncomfortable, so she could not manage her expressions well. She could only barely answer until after she loosened the awkwardly stiffened muscles of her mouth.

Oh I have.

Satisfied by the answer, Viscount Royden gave Ercella an appeased smile.

Youve made a good decision. I understand it was hard to decide, but its not good to be too fastidious. After all, youre his mother.

Countless words flashed through her mind at Viscount Roydens words.

Youre a mother

Because youre his mother

Yes Whats so hard about it?

Its your baby! I! You have no idea! No idea how much I!

A sharp sound, like that of glass breaking, awakened her mind. The image of the woman looming over her mind faded like a fog.

I believe Her Late Majesty would be proud of you, as well.

Remnants of the past revived at those words. A tearful cry that rips not the ears, but the heart apart, seemed to reverberate in her head.

Really?

Of course. You should steel your heart and live well to honor Eshahilde.

My sister

Ercella could not get an answer even if she asked her. She erased the memories of her sister. She could not afford to stretch out her thoughts there. Ercella had decided that the mourning period was over for her in the last life. Her sister would understand if Ercella did not feel sad anymore.

I guess His Excellency didnt come.

Searching for Harsen, Viscount Royden looked everywhere. The sight of his absence suddenly made her guts twist. Ercella snapped bitterly at Viscount Royden, He hasnt changed at all.

He doesnt like going to this sort of thing.

It was a subtly discontented tone, but Viscount Royden calmly accepted her words, as if he had not noticed.

Well, I imagine hed get tired going back and forth. He isnt even the type that enjoys flattery.

Whats so bad about flattery?

Youre right. She sounded rather dubious.

A warm smile flashed across his lips, These days, hes been busy with the matters of the Knights Order.

The Knights Order? Ercella asked back. She knew Harsen was busy, but the words these days caught her attention.

Yes, although this time its because of your brother. Caron has petitioned His Majesty to increase the number of troops.

Increasing the number of troops..?

Ah, but dont misunderstand. Im not talking about active soldiers, but the royal guards. A horrific incident that plagued the rural areas has recently also happened in the capital, so no wonder hes worried.

Viscount Royden seemed to have misunderstood what Ercella was concerned about.

So my brotherdid that.

Ercella thought of Caron. As promised, Caron had asked the king for reinforcements. And it must have been to prepare for the conflict with Conrad, not to convict countryside criminals.

Some criticized him for being excessive, butmilitary power can be used in many ways, so I dont think its a terrible idea.

From her uncles words, she could see that people did not look at Carons intentions thoroughly. Uncle Royden, as well.

There was no way a mere criminal could shake the foundation of a country in the first place. The king and aristocrats who grew up privileged due to their noble roots would not feel threatened by such people.

Using this as an opportunity, the king would be able to recruit knights from the feudal lords to increase his military strength and monitor their territories in the name of protection.

The one who provided the excuse for it was Caron. However, Ercella had one thing to wonder about. How did he get the approval with that poor excuse?

Truly, I have no intention of questioning the boys logic. Its completely beyond my hands, anyway. Plus, Im sure Caron did it because hes worried about you. Everyone knows how much Caron cherishes you.

What are you talking about?

I heard you nearly became a victim of the disappearances around the capital.

She tilted her head at her uncles strange remark. When did I?

Next time, dont go to the commoners to shoot arrows. See! Something always happens at such places.

Commoners? Shoot arrows?

Ercella was bewildered. Listening to Uncle Royden, she realized he was referring to the time she went to the archery field with Vicente. But disappearances? Is he implying that the criminals acting in the capital lately had a connection to the archery field?

That cant be

Really? Realizing that, she got goosebumps on her arms. But how did her uncle know something even she did not know?

One of the captured men confessed. They were aiming for you from the start.

Ercellas brows furrowed. That cant be, right? She went there of her own accord, yet nothing happened to her in the end. It was only later that she heard of the human trafficking ring.

In addition, the names of many other targeted nobles were also revealed. Quite a few, I hear.

No way.

At Ercellas firm answer, Viscount Royden fiddled with his beard as he murmured to himself, I said so, too.

Were they tortured?

Is there a chance of fabrication?

Torturing a sinner is justified. However, the confession of a sinner is not always reliable. Regardless, whats important was that he mentioned your name, and a witness claimed to see you at that place, so His Majesty was unable to ignore it. After all, youre Eshahildes younger sister and the noblest woman in the country, Viscount Royden said in a round-about way, perhaps trying to save his breath.

Ercella laughed bitterly.

Caron used her.

She wondered what he used to push for that poor excuse, yet it was herself. It must be a coincidence, it had to be. She talked with Caron after going to the archery field. Perhaps it was a coincidence and Caron used it timely. Even if he did use her, it was strange to blame him since she was not harmed.

I see. Ercella was quietly convinced. Caron was a politician before he was her brother. He was right in using whatever was available. Even if he used Ercella for this matter, the fact that Caron cared for her would remain the same. He wouldnt have done it, had it harmed her.

All that happened, yet its been so quiet. This is even the first time Im hearing this story.

Well thats because the report mentioned not just you but Lapaine, Mayance, Dartner, Lydia, Garten, and Pantetz.

Does that make sense?

Viscount Royden grunted, It doesnt matter. Once this is disclosed, its the nobles that will suffer a blow, not the king. Anyone would want to cover this up quickly unless they dont want to send more men to the king under this excuse.

What about His Majesty?

Hell cover it up. He used your name to suppress them, but its only a temporary measure anyway. Who doesnt know that your brother had a hand in this? Though, it would be nice to reach a compromise. There are still some doubts about it but thats just how politics works. I take it as I like and interpret it how I want it. You should ask your brother for the details since he happens to be at the party today. Hed know better than I do.

Ercella was stunned, My brother?

Yes, somehow.

I was never told before. Brother never informed me.

She didnt even think he would come. Why would Caron come to the Coming-of-Age party of Lady Garten? Everyone knew what the relationship between Marquis Visaride and Duke Garten was like.

The invitation must have been sent formally, but Caron could have refused and sent a vassal using one excuse or another. Certainly so in the past. Above all

Did he not go to the palace?

The king must have summoned him upon Duke Gartens return. Unless compulsory, he could refuse Yet, the place he chose was such a terrible choice that she could not help but utter why?

We just had a conversation. Hes the same as ever.

That would mean that he was still sly and easy-going. Somehow, she could easily imagine Caron in Garten, casually enjoying the party.

Uncle, do you know where my brother is?

Um lets see Oh, there he is.

Viscount Royden pointed to the left side of the hall.

Next to himis perhaps Marchioness Dartner? My eyes have gone bad these days, so I cant tell.

Ercella squinted her eyes. There were many people far away, so his silhouette was not clear but she easily spotted his characteristic platinum blonde hair. He was indeed her brother, yet he stood out everywhere. Discontent surged inside her.

Harsen couldnt even come to the party because of his busy schedule, yet hes enjoying himself here?

To be exact, it wasnt that he could not come, but did not, and if you look at it, she was the main culprit behind this, but Ercella was so upset at Caron that she decided to exclude such trivial details.

I see him very, very well.

Viscount Royden chuckled, After all, you have good eyes since youre young.

* * *

Meanwhile, Caron was being harassed by Marchioness Dartner. Dartner was one of the families that aligned with Visaride, and above all, their daughter was Eshahildess lady-in-waiting.

Since they were intertwined with Dartner in many ways, it was better to be polite to the Marchioness even if she was long-winded with her story.

I didnt expect His Excellency to choose Garten. I suspect he wouldnt have made that decision if he had met Lady Garten in person.

Why do you say that? Many have praised her beauty.

His Excellency has the Duchess as his wife, how beautiful could she look to him? I feel sorry for the Young Duke.

Perhaps, youve yet to meet her yourself.

Goodness, Marquis. I know everything.

Marchioness Dartner looked around furtively. Confirming that there was no eye on them, she asked Caron in a subtle tone, Did Bernhardt have any reason to covet Garten?

It was a blatant question as if there was no time to devote to this kind of thing.

I dont know, Caron looked away nonchalantly.

Dont do that. Just indulge me a little bit. Youre no different from the rest of us.

Right. Caron thought.

When was the last time Dartners blood was mixed in Visaride? It was so long ago that now the blood was so diluted that there was no trace of it left.

Even the Marchioness would not know about it. It was nothing more than a figure of speech at this point.

Ive always been honest, Madam.

The Marchioness smiled only with her lips. Her eyes remained in place.

Caron shrugged, finding her annoying, The Duke has never been one to casually give details to me.

Thats right, but

Carons words were not wrong, so the Marchioness could not deny it.

Hes a mysterious man. I thought he would marry Princess Hermia Erm, would this be rude as the Duchesss brother?

If you felt that way, Im sure you already know my answer.

Oh my. Because the winner is the Duchess after all. No worries.

The winner I wonder.

At Carons vague answer the Marchioness snorted inwardly. Who was it that coaxed the king into marrying Princess Hermia to Ludelsias royal family? It was this man. I havent a clue why a country with that obsolete ideology welcomed her as their princess, but who knew that the sole direct descent of the royal family would be sold off as a symbol of peace between the two countries.

If the Marquis thinks so, so be it. Nevertheless, unobtrusively, she moved on to a new topic of discussion like a flowing stream. Since her real purpose behind it was this.

More than that, Im very worried about His Highness Alexis.

When the name of the prince, who was growing quietly in the palace, was mentioned, fatigue brushed over Carons face.

It is bold of someone such as me to presume His Majestys intentions Still, the prince is His Majestys sole heir, but to appoint a commoner as His Highnesss nanny? Ive been sending appeals for months, but they have yet to be answered Marchioness Dartner threw up a tirade.

Sure enough, the king designating the prince a nanny, and a commoner one at that had been a controversial topic for a long time.

I couldnt refute His Majestys decision. After all, Visaride will always follow His Majestys will.

I dont disagree with the Marquiss thoughts, but thats not my point. His Highness is the only prince birthed by Queen Eshahilde.

A princes nanny was usually an aristocrat, so the Marchioness had a point. Furthermore, Prince Alexis lost his mother at birth. Even if she could not be of equal standing as his mother, the proper way would have been to appoint a woman as a nanny who would not hamper him.

Yet, the king chose a maid from the queens bedroom. The position of nanny possesses the greatest influence on the little prince as she rears him in his childhood. Such a position, to a mere maid?

Im sure there were better options Shame.

While the Marchioness lowered her gaze to wipe her tearful eyes wet with sorrow, Carons face was stained with boredom.

She wanted him to protest against the king over the nanny. But Caron also knew that the king would not appoint a woman selected by him as the nanny. The Marchioness wanted a chance to elevate her eldest daughter, Eshahildes lady-in-waiting, as the princes nanny.

However, theres nothing I can do about it.

Dartner was not bad of an option, but he didnt want to be used, so Caron pulled away. Besides, now he did not want the conversation to drag for long. That made the Marchioness nervous.

Surely, she knew that a lot could be done if this guy wanted to. Yet, he wont budge.

The Marchioness nervously folded her fan. She could not express her anger to the Marquis, so angry sparks bounced off to the wrong place.

Its all because of that woman. I heard His Majesty recently has been sleeping in her chamber again, she mustve incited

The frightening air shut the Marchionesss mouth.

Ah.

She looked at the green eyes that had cooled off in an instant and realized that she had made a mistake.

I dont know what you mean. At Carons dismissal, the corners of the Marchionesss lips curled up with great difficulty.

Im saying weird things since Im tired. Ive been worrying a lot these days, so I unconsciously do this sometimes.

Caron smiled quietly. It was a very gentle smile, but she felt an eerie sense of detachment from it. She aimed for her exit when a young-looking boy approached them.

Father, there you are!

The boy resembled Marquis Visaride, but had a more docile air to him. It was Racellion, the eldest son of Visaride.

Racellion flawlessly greeted Marchioness Dartner, Oh, Father was talking to someone important. Greetings, Marchioness Dartner. Forgive my rudeness for interrupting your pleasant time.

You didnt interrupt us at all, Young Lord. Rather, I apologize for holding on to someone busy. Would the Marquis consider it just an old ladys chatter?

As a gentleman, how could I not listen to a lady? It was a pleasant time for me, Madam, Caron replied like a gentleman. Racellion noticed the strained air between the two but remained silent.

But whats the matter?

Oh, Aunt Ercella is here.

Shes late.

Didnt we come too early?

Anyway, youre happy since you get to see Lady Heritt, arent you?

Thats true, but

Then its all right.

Racellion scratched the back of his head in shyness. Caron patted Racellion on the head. It was a rough touch, but Racellions cheeks reddened by the occasional expressions of affection. F-father, are you going to see Aunt?

I should, Caron affirmed and looked back at the Marchioness, Im afraid Ill have to go now, Marchioness.

Marchioness Dartner sent him off with a warm voice.

I guess, you still maintain good relations with the Duchess. Its nice to see that.

Because were family. Like a habit, his answer flowed without hesitation.

Caron turned his back.

* * *

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