Vol 1 Chapter 13.2: Interlude – 2 – Evil Schemes

“—So, what exactly is going on here?”

I saw a red-haired man enter through a heavy door, asking in a puzzled tone.

In one hand he carried a high-end leather briefcase. Did he perhaps bring a souvenir?

Smiling wryly, he raised a wine glass in greeting.

“It’s been a while—ah, must I speak politely? Duchess Linstar-sama.”

“Stop it, you’re giving me the creeps… I can only imagine there’s something hidden behind this.”

“Hehe, you haven’t changed, Ricardo. You look well, and that’s all that matters.”

“You too, Professor. …And what about Walter?”

I observed Duke Walter Howard silently downing red wine across the table.

There were already three empty bottles; the fourth was halfway empty.

—Well, today it can’t be helped.

I had Ricardo take a seat while I poured wine into an empty glass.

“You see, he was heartbroken after witnessing the moment his daughter began to leave the nest.”

“That sounds like an interesting story. Tell me more.”

“…Is it really interesting?”

Walter groaned.

Although he is renowned as a warrior throughout the kingdom, his current demeanor was that of a father whose beloved daughter had been torn from him.

Interesting—truly fascinating.

Ricardo stated matter-of-factly while sipping his wine.

“Delicious—one can tell without even asking. It must involve Allen, right?”

“Heh.”

“!?”

“…What you’re experiencing, I have already experienced myself.”

“!!”

“I still remember… when Lidya introduced him. That girl, who had no interest in dresses, went out of her way to… grr”

It seems Ricardo, too, bears old scars.

Once again, interesting—truly fascinating.

…There are likely more victims, so I’ll look into it next time.

“B-but still! No matter who you are, you haven’t actually seen your beloved daughter, k-kissing a man, have you?”

“…………”

“W-why are you silent? C-could it be…?”

“…The battlefield you are about to face will be harsher than any you’ve ever encountered, with no chance of victory. Expect there to be no supplies or reinforcements whatsoever.”

“What… did you say?”

Ricardo spoke gravely.

Walter was rendered speechless.

I smirked as I watched the two of them.

—It felt like a throwback to our school days. Quite enjoyable.

“—Now then, let’s get to the main topic. After all, we booked a room like this, didn’t we?”

“…It wasn’t you who booked it, but I did. A secret room at the most upscale hotel in the capital, no less.”

“Well, the nature of the matter warranted it.”

“That’s certainly true, but…”

“So, what was the outcome?”

“—His Majesty remarked, ‘That will serve as a good medicine for him. He’ll be a nuisance.’”

Tonight, we have gathered to discuss Allen’s fate.

Among the four great ducal families, he is deeply connected to two—and on top of that, he is an outstanding talent. Losing him now would be a great loss for the kingdom.

Moreover, I can’t imagine Miss Lidia remaining in the capital without him. Miss Tina and Miss Ellie, too, will probably leave when they graduate. And several others as well…

We cannot afford to lose those individuals—who will support the kingdom for decades—to the foolish (excuse my language) and idiotic actions (I was utterly astounded when I first heard about it).

They’re our precious students, after all. I’d gladly pull some strings using my old connections for them.

—The problem is

“However, it’s simply that he himself doesn’t crave success. I believe he took the royal mage exam out of concern for Miss Lidia.”

“As expected. My wife said the same.”

“—In short, it would be ideal if he stays in the capital. Since he’s going to be the tutor for the Howard family, there shouldn’t be any issues for the time being.”

“You really know nothing about the behavior of nobles… Aren’t they practically hibernating?”

“You, too, claim the title of duke. You should take an interest in these matters. …We’ll discuss the tutor position later—I haven’t heard it will be permanent.”

“Hmph. What’s wrong with that? I won’t back down on this. He owes me a great debt.”

—As usual, he’s all brawn over brains.

It worries me, but as long as Mr. Graham is still around, nothing will be shaken.

That simplicity is also one of his endearing qualities.

“Despite coming from commoner origins, he has crushed everything with overwhelming achievements. And now, his reputation has been tarnished in an unexpected way—this is huge.”

“Moreover, the other party is formidable. He can’t even expose the truth. Whatever he does, he’s at a disadvantage.”

“…So, what shall we do?”

I have a plan—but I’m sure he himself will oppose it.

Not that it matters.

Hahaha, I won’t make it easy for you, Allen-kun.

“—I’ve arranged an unofficial meeting with His Majesty, so perhaps we should start there.”

“Agreed.”

“The same.”

“Huh? You don’t have any objections?”

“It’s the best option.”

“…You, who incited such reckless behavior toward my beloved daughter. Negotiating with our gentle Majesty should be a breeze. For someone like you to have become the chief royal mage of the previous generation!”

“Hehe, you won’t get anything out of praising me, you know?”

“I’m not praising you!!”

Walter slammed his glass on the table. How rough.

For now, this will be our policy.

Now, let’s enjoy our drinks—huh?

Ricardo is taking something out of his bag. A jewel orb?

“…What’s that?”

“It’s something that was requested. In fact, this is today’s main topic. So, you’ve finally made up your mind?”

“…What are you talking about?”

“She’s your prospective bride. It wasn’t easy gathering her in such a short time.”

“Sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about――”

The thought that came to mind was the letter of grievances from Allen.