I Decided To Abandon My Family In My Seventh Life (Dropped) - Chapter 02: The Spy

Chapter 02: The Spy

“Well then, we shall take our leave…”

As if their purpose was fulfilled, Molly and the other maids leave my room.

“Now, let’s have it!”

“Yes!”

I pick up the fork and knife, and begin eating the breakfast laid out on the table.

Haha… but, I wonder if I can improve the content of breakfast just like that.

“But, still… How did Molly-sama suddenly come to change her heart so much?”

Pouring water into the glass, Ellen timidly asks.

“Who knows? Well, for me, I appreciate that change.”

“Yes, indeed. My apologies…”

I shrug my shoulders and answer with a wry smile, causing Ellen to withdraw.

“But more importantly… Is there any way I can serve my father better?”

Looking down at the table, I mutter words that don’t truly reflect my thoughts.

“For the lord of the mansion, you mean…?”

“Yes… If possible, I would like to contribute in a way that benefits the Marquisate, by sacrificing myself. After all, not only for Louis, who will succeed Father and become the head of the household, but also for Anna…”

“Hugo-sama…”

As if deeply moved, Ellen’s eyes glisten.

It’s as if she’s impressed by my determination to serve this household.

“That’s right… For instance, what if I were to become a part of a noble family that would benefit the Marquisate’s interests? At the very least, a family of equal status, and ideally, even being adopted into a duke’s family or a foreign aristocracy?”

“T-That sounds like a good idea!”

Moving in closer, Ellen’s face brightens with a smile. It seems my proposal has garnered her approval as well.

“Yeah… If I win the tournament against the knights tomorrow, I’ll bring it up to Father. Haha… I’m glad I could discuss this with you, Ellen.”

“N-No way! If you think I can help, I’m here anytime!”

“That’s right… Among everyone in this mansion, you’re the only one I can trust… Well, I should eat quickly, or I’ll inconvenience you, Ellen.”

I chuckle once again, hurriedly finish my breakfast, and Ellen swiftly tidies up the dishes before leaving the room.

And then…

“Haha…”

I raise the corner of my mouth in a smirk. 

I’m well aware that Ellen, who is the only one who treats me kindly, is actually a spy sent by my father to watch over me.

It was during my third life. 

When I had lost my escape route due to the fire at this separate mansion, and I peered outside from the window, Ellen, hidden in the shadow of my stepmother, was grinning as she watched.

Well, though, Ellen, having heard my story, must be on her way to relay it to Father by now. 

And I’ll probably be presented with an opportunity soon.

To the only “Woodstock Ducal Family” within the Saunzankrein Empire.

This Woodstock Ducal Family, founded by Grand Duke “Cyril of Woodstock”, who is the uncle of the current Emperor “Edward fon Saunzankrein”, still thrives today, with the present Duke of Woodstock governing the northern regions of the empire.

And so, the Grand Duke lost his heir, his son, in the war, and the only successor left is his sole granddaughter.

However…

“…There are various rumors surrounding his granddaughter.”

According to rumors, she wields the power of the Woodstock Ducal Family to indulge her desires, abducting innocent subjects and engaging in sadistic tortures by night, reveling in blood baths while relishing the screams. 

According to rumors, her true identity is that of a demon, and anyone who discovers her secret is eradicated from this world.

Thus, the Grand Duke’s granddaughter is referred to as…

—”The Monster of the Grand Duke’s Family.”

The foremost reason for these rumors stems from the tale of her deceased father, who was rumored to have fallen in love with a demon. 

Moreover, little is known about her mother, even though she is supposedly the future Grand Duchess, as she has never appeared in society, casting doubt upon her very existence.

Furthermore, the official announcements regarding the death of the Grand Duke’s son were solely from the Grand Duke himself. 

The funeral and related ceremonies were also attended only by the Grand Duke, his granddaughter, and a handful of attendants, increasing the credibility of these rumors.

On the other hand, there are also rumors that the Grand Duke dotes on his granddaughter. 

Allegedly, he attempted to arrange marriages for her, offering wealth and power. 

In fact, meetings were held between the scions of noble families, second and third sons included, and the Grand Duke and his granddaughter.

…However, it seems that no one has seen the second or third sons of those noble families since.

With all these factors in mind, no member of the nobility dared to approach the Woodstock Ducal Family.

But…

“…That ambitious man. In his true intentions, he undoubtedly desires to obtain a position and wealth equivalent to the imperial family, along with everything else.”

Precisely because no one has come close to the Grand Duke’s family until now, it’s likely that I, as his close relative, could become a part of it… In other words, by forming a marital tie with the granddaughter, who is the heir, he might believe he can effectively control the Grand Duke’s family.

Fortunately, the Glenville family is one of the most influential noble families in this country, no matter how you look at it. The family’s status is impeccable. 

Even my stepmother should be relieved to have me out of the way.

Of course, amidst such rumors, there’s no guarantee of my safety. Well, this is a gamble.

It’s for my own survival and to enact revenge upon my life thus far.

Therefore…

“…It doesn’t matter what kind of person the Grand Duke’s granddaughter is. I will ingratiate myself with the Grand Duke and his granddaughter, acquire power beyond the reach of this household, and then…”

—Bring the Glenville family to a tragic downfall.