Proofreader: somnium

Skyla and Lysia were waiting together in the temples parlor.

The temple prepared simple refreshments for the valuable guests. Lysia stood up and took the tray from the monks hands.

Ill do it.

Skyla glanced at Lysia. Lysia had a sweet smile.

She is Grand Duchess Evrons lady-in-waiting, right?

Her appearance was fresh, and her attitude was friendly and polite. It wasnt a popular type in the capitals social circles, but it was likable.

There must be something about her since Grand Duchess Evron made her the lady-in-waiting.

Skyla thought so.

Marchioness Camellia did not hide much from her future successor. She regularly talked openly to Skyla, especially when it comes to her information.

Therefore, Skyla knew about Artizea as much as Marchioness Camellia knew. And she knows how much she values Artizea.

Today she also talked about this.

[Im thinking of asking her to accept you as her lady-in-waiting.]

[Her lady-in-waiting?]

Skyla was startled and asked again.

[Grand Duchess Evron is not an ordinary person. There would be a lot to learn from her.]

[Does Aunt think its worth dealing with? If I do it wrong, it will look like youre trying to put your feet on both sides.]

[I will take care of that part. Since its about making one more string with the Evron Grand Duchy, the Grand Duke will think its not bad either.]

[If she accepted me, she wont be able to walk the tightrope in such a delicate position like she is now, but will Grand Duchess Evron do that?]

[Now its time for her to decide either way. Are you on a bad relationship with Grand Duchess Evron?]

[Its not like that.]

Skyla had no particular friendships or resentments with Artizea. Rather than getting along, the gap was so wide that there was no need to consciously ignore her.

And now its just the opposite.

Skyla resembles Marchioness Camellia. She wasnt without pride, but she wasnt a person who couldnt admit someone who had risen higher than herself. For her own interests, she would be willing to go under.

Anyway, if she becomes the lady-in-waiting, she stays with Lysia.

When she thinks of the difference in status, of course she was the superior person. However, the favor of the person whom she served was an important matter.

It was natural that she was bothered.

Is this your first time in the capital, Morten Heir Apparent?

Yes, I have never been out of Evron Grand Duchy before.

I heard that besides Morten Heir Apparent, there is one more maid of the Grand Duchess. She too?

Yes, Sister Hayley was also born and lived there.

Lysia smiled awkwardly.

Unlike me, she was a very smart and wise older sister. I was really worried when I became the lady-in-waiting of Her Grace, but Im relieved that Hayley will do my part well even if Im a little clumsy and ugly.

What are you worried about? Morten Heir Apparent will be good enough. When was your debut party decided?

I wont do it.

Youre both new to socializing in the capital.

Im not in a position to deserve that, besides the fight at the Thold Gate hasnt ended, and the party is a bit inappropriate.

Is the northern situation quite bad?

Skyla asked anxiously. Lysia replied softly.

Because there are casualties in any winning battles. There were quite a few before we started. Its a matter of mindset. The two of us made that decision, and the Grand Duchess understood our hearts.

I see.

Skyla had an anxious face. Lysia said the Northern War was not just the war itself, but many other things related to it. But she took Lysias words to heart.

She didnt say that Lysia was particularly dangerous, but she didnt even feel like she was really plain either. Skyla got her mind complicated. Was she talking ambiguously on purpose?

It was when she was telling such a story. After a short walk, Artizea and Marchioness Camellia entered.

Skyla and Lysia stood up from their seats.

Said Marchioness Camellia.

Lets go back, Skyla.

Mother.

Even if the secret story was over, Skyla was surprised because she thought she would get closer not separate.

Artizea said with an expressionless face.

Ill see you again soon.

Marchioness Camellia politely bowed to her and stepped out with Skyla.

Skyla looked puzzled at Marchioness Camellia. At first glance, she had a cool face, but in the eyes of her daughter, Skyla, she could see the Marchioness was shaking.

They left the temple and got into the carriage, then Skyla asked.

What happened?

..Grand Duchess Evron suggested the possibility that Evron would open the way.

To Karam?

Skyla asked in amazement.

Thats not possible. This Grand Duchess Evron.

Yes. It must have been a threat.

Isnt it too much to say just for support? Its stupid to do it with the idea of getting an upper hand in the West. Or, is the North really that dangerous?

At least, as we know, the war was unlikely to escalate. It is true that siege weapons were released, and there were several villages that were attacked by small troops that crossed the Thold Mountains, but no important areas suffered noticeable damage.

Yes, it would be reasonable for Evron Grand Duchy to respond carefully to the future, but it was concluded that the war wouldnt be prolonged right away. The Thold Gate wouldnt be pierced.

Yes. I think its just a threat.

Marchioness Camellia forgets that her rouge has been wiped off and bites her lower lip.

But what would His Majesty the Emperor say?

What?

Wouldnt it be a good cause? Because we are gathering supplies to support the North?

If Evron Grand Duchy was directly attacked by Karam, and was troubled by it..His Majestys position would have to provide at least a minimum of supplies. And he will requisition those supplies from the nobles. You can also reap wealth by adding armaments to Elia Wall and keep the nobility in check

As Skyla spoke, she was startled and looked at Marchioness Camellia.

Yes. If that happens, Roygar will put the responsibility on me.

Marchioness Camellia said so.

She was originally supposed to establish a partnership with Evron. They could have given up the West and, if necessary, provided supplies in the short term.

But if that was what the Emperor was doing, the situation was different. Rather than Roygar paying Evron something as a condition for a deal, it is being collected by the Emperor. So, there is no exchange relationship with Evron.

Is it not possible that Grand Duchess Evron was really just scared?

Maybe so. But will His Majesty the Emperor miss the opportunity?

Marchioness Camellia lamented.

She wouldnt worry about this if she had all the right to make decisions. She would just be willing to apply. Grand Duke Roygar will do the same. If they have to do it anyway, its better to consider a relationship with Evron Grand Duchy on a voluntary basis for the long run.

Apart from that, however, the responsibility falling to Marchioness Camellia does not disappear. It was a job advocated by her to embrace Artizea. And Grand Duke is a man who does not forget a loss.

Maybe she just said that to mother to give her time to cope. Unless shes really scared and overwhelmed with emotions.

Skyla said so.

If she was going to really put us in an awkward situation, she wouldnt be talking in the presence of mother and just the two of you, but she would have met with His Majesty the Emperor first or with His Grace Grand Duke Roygar in person.

I dont know. Todays meeting wasnt intended by Grand Duchess Evron.

Marchioness Camellia lamented. She made an outspoken visit and tried to get something from Artizea, but she felt like she was being beaten in return.

***

Artizea sat down on the fluffy sofa in an exhausted mood.

Lysia said.

Id like to ask for a new tea.

Yes.

She was feeling upset and uncomfortable. Artizea reached out to the simple tea ceremony placed on the table.

She originally had a lot of food that her body couldnt accept. Even with a little, she quickly became bloated.

In her childhood, Miraila said that a girl should be slim, and she was severely restricted in terms of meals by Miraila. As a result, her stomach became unhealthy, so even if she tried to eat, she couldnt eat much. There were also psychological reasons. That is why she was not particularly ill, but weak.

However, from a while ago, she felt rather uncomfortable to feel empty. She kept thinking of meat that she seldom thought of before. The kind of cheese that used to quickly make her bloated even if she ate a little was quickly digested.

Rye wasnt wrong when he said she had gained some weight.

Artizea thought maybe its been a while since she left Rosans mansion. She wasnt aware of it, but now perhaps she feels less stressed? There was nothing bad about her being able to eat.

Lysia asked.

The snack that Countess Martha has brought is in the carriage. Shall I bring some?

Yes, please.

Artisea said so, because the temples tea ceremony didnt seem to fill her stomach.

She met Lawrence after the Empress, and she unexpectedly encountered Marchioness Camellia; her energy was exhausted.

Its all right. I didnt make any mistakes.

Artizea closed her eyes and thought.

It was the Emperor who held the key to this problem anyway. The premise does not change, the conclusion cannot be changed. It didnt matter if she just met the Emperor first as planned.

Negotiations on an equal footing with Roygar? She didnt intend to do that from the beginning. This is because if she gets support from Grand Duke Roygar, it means that she will eventually join his faction.

Nevertheless, she threatened Marchioness Camellia in advance. It was to drive a wedge in between.

People fall into the illusion that if they get information in advance, they can change the outcome. Marchioness Camellia had already understood that the conclusion of this would not change. Still, she will not lose her hope.

I like wise people. Because they understand quickly.

And Grand Duke Roygar will notice it.

Grand Duke Roygar, Marquess Luden and Marchioness Camellia are on a boat, but theyre not a lump. Marchioness Camellia is dedicated to the Grand Duchess Roygar, but that devotion is, after all, for herself and for her children.

Its good if she can break the trust and open the cracks wider. But it doesnt matter if not. She only did it because Marchioness Camellia had secretly visited her with her daughter.

Thats it, and shes tired. The thought of talking to Brother Colton went out in steam.

It was when she let out a sigh without strength. A monk opened the door of the parlor and politely bowed.

Brother Colton told me to invite in the Grand Duchess.