Chapter 55: The Beginning of The Change (2)
Duke Ernest considered this a very serious matter. It was akin to splashing filthy mud on the bloodlines of noble society. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. Moreover, from the beginning, he was inclined to oppose anything Abel did. In fact, he had already argued fiercely with Abel over the appointment of Sigren as an official prince.
“….”
In the tense atmosphere, Fiona rolled her eyes. She had a rough idea of what Duke Ernest was thinking. If things continued like this, she was sure it would become annoying in the future.
Of course, he would. Due to his personality, Duke Ernest tended to avoid open confrontation in public. He preferred to work behind the scenes, where evidence and witnesses could be easily manipulated.
“I can understand why Duke Ernest is anxious,” Fiona said.
“For example, are you concerned that my abilities might not be sufficient to support my family, as a member of the same noble society?”
Duke Ernest nodded. “That’s right. I see that you understand more than the Duke.”
“Then how can I prove my abilities to alleviate the Duke’s concerns?”
“Oh. Uh hum.”
Duke Ernest coughed lightly. He had been focused on nitpicking and did not expect such a proposal. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Prove? It doesn’t seem like there’s anything a kid like you can do.”
“But I still ask you to suggest a way.”
Duke Ernest didn’t want to lose face. If he simply admitted he didn’t know how to prove her abilities, it would be embarrassing for him, especially after claiming she had no skill. After stroking his beard for a moment, he finally spoke.
“The Heilon family is the shield of the empire. As a lord of that region, you should be able to handle monsters skillfully.”
“Right.” Fiona quietly agreed, her smile growing as she listened to Duke Ernest’s next words.
“So, I think you could prove yourself by participating in the hunting contest that will be held soon.”
Hunting contests were held regularly in the capital during this period. The target was typically a ‘monster’. Because of this, not only the imperial families but nearly all nobles and promising knights attended. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Of course, you won’t succeed with vague skills. So, if you win the hunting contest, I won’t interfere anymore,” Duke Ernest said solemnly. To him, Fiona was merely a pretty face— a girl who seemed to have never done a tough job. There was no sign she had been trained to wield a weapon. In other words, she appeared to be just a noble young lady who would surely faint at the sight of a monster’s tail.
Duke Ernest suggested it without much thought. He had never seriously considered the idea that “a noble girl knows how to fight against an evil monster.” He just assumed Fiona would be frightened by his proposal.
However, Fiona replied calmly, “Alright.”
Duke Ernest showed slight agitation at her unexpected reaction. Fiona pretended not to notice his discomfort and continued to speak calmly. “Well then, I hope the heads of the other families here will serve as witnesses to Duke Ernest’s proposal. Of course, as a noble duke, you would never say two words with one mouth.”
“That’s right, My Lady.” Arrendt answered coldly.
“That’s right, My Lady,” Arrendt responded coldly.
Duke Priscilla, who had been quietly observing the situation, looked at Fiona with concern. She reminded him of his own daughter, who was of a similar age. In the end, Duke Priscilla nodded gravely. “Do that.”
“What do you take me for? Even without witnesses, I would keep my word!” Duke Ernest responded with a somewhat agitated tone, unhappy with the unexpected turn of events. He said this more to save face. Then, he asked suspiciously, perhaps wondering if Fiona understood what the hunting contest entailed. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You know what it means to catch a monster, right?”
“Of course I understand.”
“….”
Abel grinned at Duke Ernest’s bewildered reaction.
“I will definitely take care of it,” Fiona responded with her usual cheerful smile.
***
“So, Celine?”
Arrendt approached me after the meeting was over. I felt a bit embarrassed, knowing what he meant. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“That was a lie.”
“It seemed so.”
Fortunately, Arrendt was not angry. Rather, he wore a pleasant expression. “I think it would be better for you to forget my previous proposal. I can’t think of any place better than Heilon.”
Ah, he gave up more easily than I thought. To be honest, I expected him to press a bit more.
“I didn’t mean to deceive the marquis. I apologize.”
Inwardly, I retracted my plan to assassinate Arrendt. It seemed that having the Heilon family backing me made a difference; unlike before, he wouldn’t approach me forcefully. As long as he didn’t make me uncomfortable, it was fine. Honestly, the more I thought about the ‘Arrendt Clovis Assassination’ plan, the more convinced I became that it was unrealistic and unreasonable. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I smiled favorably. Yes, he’d better stop hanging around and go to the female lead.
Arrendt looked at me curiously. “Aren’t you worried about Duke Ernest’s proposal?”
“It’s useless to dwell on it.”
Arrendt laughed briefly at my words. “You’re bold.”
Well, it was my specialty, so I wasn’t really worried about it.
“I have one question for you.”
“Yes?”
“The anonymous document declaring the Green family’s dismissal.”
Ah, he remembered. I hesitated for a moment.
“Did the young lady send it?”
As expected, he was the one handling the case. No wonder it was resolved so quickly. I saw no particular reason to hide it now. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“That’s right,” I admitted readily.
Arrendt made a strange expression. “Thank you. It was a huge help. However, I wonder if the young lady felt uncomfortable with me, since I contributed to the downfall of her family.”
Arrendt must have guessed there was a reason I sent the document anonymously.
“Not at all.”
Arrendt laughed softly. “That’s a relief. I don’t want to have a hostile relationship with House Heilon. I wish you all the best.”
He walked away quietly. No, he might have left quickly because of the distasteful stare Abel was giving him from behind.
Abel came closer and patted my head roughly. “This head is too small for how smart the brain in it.”
Abel seemed to have realized that I had intended to make such an offer to Duke Ernest.
“That was the easiest way. If I had left it alone, it would have been much more annoying as we would have to deal with His Majesty the Emperor. If my position in the noble circle narrows, my activities would be limited.”
“That’s right.” Abel patted my head. “Certainly, I have an eye for people.”
Was he admiring himself? I grumbled reflexively. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“In this situation, you should compliment me, Duke, not yourself.”
Abel ruffled my hair while smiling.
Ah, it was messed up. My hair was definitely in disarray.
“Yeah, well done.”
I looked at him and smiled. It was nice hearing a compliment I hadn’t received for so long.
Abel made eye contact with me for a moment with a strange expression on his face. Then he spoke again with a serious expression.
“Then, call me ‘father’ now.”
Wait. He hasn’t given up yet?
“No, I don’t want to.”
“‘Dad’ is also fine.”
“I said I don’t want to.”
“Then when are you going to call me that?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever say it for you…”
Abel, who normally would have smiled arrogantly as if it were second nature to him, showed no reaction. Instead, he seemed a bit downcast.
“Okay.”
I rolled my eyes at the unexpected reaction. I’d rather he put on his usual confident self.
“Let’s go back home.”
Let’s just ignore it as usual! Don’t be discouraged this time!
But somehow, I felt like there was something sticking in my mind. So, despite feeling embarrassed, I subconsciously pondered when I should seriously consider using that title. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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