Before Roen could even narrow his eyes, Rajaden took the lead.

Come to think of it, I heard that you officially became the Dukes heir. I didnt know that youd suddenly be interested in succeeding the duchyis there any special reason?

Did you plant a spy inside my familys residence?

How can there be a place in this empire that I cant reach?

As the crown prince very proudly admitted that he had planted a spy, Roens expression soured right away.

The thought crossed his mind that his disposition right now would mirror that of Violet. Of course, the Everetts had also planted spies within the imperial familys fence, but he felt wronged for no reason at all.

Right. You were born a man, so its only natural that you stand high and mighty at the peak at least once. Ah, but dont aim for the throne, yes? I dont wish to be faced with the sight of detestable treason during my reign.

In our current era, women also often inherit titles, but I understand that what Your Highness said just now was a mere slip of the tongue. And I will assume that last part was just a joke.

Haha. My friend is truly strict. Well, its not like the blood of the imperial family runs in your familys veins. Except for the case of the maternal side, of course.

Its been a long time since that lineage has been blurred. I dont even consider myself to be related to you, Your Highness.

Tsk. Youre really no fun.

Though with the predilection of uttering frightening comments in the tone of a joke, Rajaden just clicked his tongue again.

Roen desperately wanted to hit that hateful face.

But really, whats gotten into you? Didnt you reject the position of finance minister because you didnt want anything to do with a position of power? Itll only give you more work, you said. Ah, right. Since youre already the duchys successor anyway, what do you say about taking up the position of finance minister? Theres no talent in this countrynone at all.

I refuse. The empire is filled with human resources available to you, so please lean into your eye for people even more.

Tsk. No fun at all, you.

Repeating the same thing to Roen, the crown prince took a sip of his tea.

And Roen only sighed as he watched Rajaden pleasantly drinking the unpleasant beverage.

So then, whats the reason?

Since Your Highness has already planted a spy in my home, you should already know the reason. I dont understand your reason for calling me here just to ask.

I only know about it roughly. Wouldnt things be different if I heard about it directly from my dear friend?

Its simple. It was decided that Mikhail, the eldest son, is not suitable to be the next duke. The decision wasnt only for the sake of the ducal estate, but the entire country as well.

How forthright of you to say that. Sir Mikhail is quite the maverick, yes.

Finally broaching the main topic, Rajaden propped his chin on one hand and laughed. It was against court etiquette, but Roen didnt point it out.

Rajaden was, by nature, an arrogant person, mentioning things like the law or etiquette would clearly not apply to him.

Now that Roen thought of it, Violet also deemed him to be arrogant.

Even worse than Roen, Rajaden was an arrogant man who presented the appearance of both a tyrant and a wise ruler.

Wouldnt it be good for a tyrant to hear complaints from his subjects?

Briefly thinking about what attributes a monarch must have to be called a wise ruler, Roen set down his teacup. It still tasted terrible.

Still, Sir Mikhail was a capable man, only that he tended to speak harshly, the crown prince continued. His personality wasnt that bad, and he gave off quite an affable impression. What a shame. He was the perfect candidate for the position of knight commander.

Once again, its a family matter. And besides, if a man who had raised his hand against a woman could be called a knight, then numerous knights all across the country would only weep.

While Roen spoke calmly, Rahaden smiled satisfactorily as he took a piece of dessert into his mouth. Right then, Roen flinched very slightly as he caught his own mistake, but it was too late.

See? As expected, hearing directly from the person involved yields different results. He raised his hand against a woman, you say. But you know, when it comes to criminals, they dont need to be identified as man or woman. Since it would be considered as rightful punishment for an offense, isnt it that it shouldnt matter?

The fact that raised his hand was only because the other person is a criminal is that what Your Highness is saying?

Well, correct me if Im wrong.

Mikhail truly wasnt fit to become the next duke. Not only was he always swayed by his own personal feelings, but hes also much too immersed in his own beliefs.

So you think that youre not?

As long as I am human, I cant say that Im perfect. Your Highness, what is it that you want to say?

I just want to have an in-depth conversation with my close friend, is that so wrong? Haha, goodness. I didnt understand before, but Father once told me how entertaining he finds it to tease Duke Everett. The members of your family are fun to tease, really.

Faced with the reality of an unlucky relationship being passed down two generations, Roen sighed deeply. Rajaden just chuckled as he munched on more snacks.

So.

It all started with the ducal lady, so its making me wonder what kind of person she is. You came to the capital with her, right? Your younger sister.

Roen choked on his tea.

Cough, huck Cough, cough!

At Rajadens subsequent words, Roen coughed as though his throat had gotten blocked.

The crown prince handed over a handkerchief.