Of course, the letter was delivered to Count and Countess Weinstein as well, and a few days later,
a war-like atmosphere enveloped the Count’s House.
It was only natural, as the arrival of the Duchess Lagrind would turn the Count’s House upside down, but now the Princess of the Kingdom…
Especially with the fact that the Princess, who would sit on the throne after the current King, was coming, was like a natural disaster for the Count’s House.
“Everyone, give your all to the cleaning. It’s the Princess’s visit!”
“Yes!!”
At the words of Janice, the newly appointed Head Maid, the maids began to move in perfect harmony.
The maids were meticulously cleaning even the places that would normally go unnoticed.
As is customary with high-ranking visitors, the Count’s mansion was bustling to the point that “turning it upside down” would be an understatement.
“Hmm…
Meanwhile, low groaning sounds escaped Rudell’s mouth as he watched the scene through the window.
Why on earth is the Princess visiting at this time?
No matter how much he strained his mind, Rudell couldn’t come up with a plausible reason.
“Isn’t it strange? The Princess’s visit at this point…”
“I think so too. What on earth could she be thinking…”
In the first place, the Weinstein Count family was far removed from political struggles.
This was not surprising, considering their location was somewhat distant from the center, and Karl’s inclination was more towards being a scholar than a politician or businessman.
Of course, with the backing of the Duke Lagrind, they were known publicly as royalist nobles, but anyone who knew even a little about the Weinstein Count family would easily understand they maintained a neutral stance without siding with either side.
“Could it be that they want to completely draw the Count into the royalist faction?”
“Well, that seems like the most plausible reason at the moment.”
Due to the incident during the final exams, the royalist faction’s position within the palace had somewhat diminished.
In that situation, it might be her intention to fully bring the Count family, rising as a new noble in the kingdom, to her side, to regain her lost status.
“Is there still no news?”
“Yes, there’s been no significant contact from the border checkpoint yet.”
To enter or exit the Count’s Domain, one inevitably had to pass through the checkpoint.
Since there was no news from the checkpoint, they likely still had some time to spare.
“Then shall we do some patrols around the area in the meantime?”
At Kyle’s response, Rudell nodded and was about to step away when—
“Y-young Master!!”
Someone knocked on his door, and a maid rushed in with a pale face.
She seemed quite frantic, as beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
“What’s going on? You’re in quite a hurry.”
“Th-that’s…!! Th-the Princess…!! H-has arrived!!”
“Huh…?”
And at her shout, an incredulous voice slipped out of Rudell’s mouth.
*
Hastily arriving at the reception room, what met Rudell’s eyes were Count and Countess Weinstein, sitting with cold sweat.
And beside them was a mysterious figure draped in a robe, with Duchess Leje standing next to her.
“It is Count Weinstein’s heir, Rudellheit Weinstein, here to meet the Princess.”
Though cloaked, it was obvious Rudell recognized her as Jade.
Kneeling, he uttered these words, and Jade pulled back her hood, revealing her lavender hair.
“Please rise, Count Weinstein.”
“As you wish.”
At Jade’s words, laced with a gentle smile, Rudell got to his feet.
She then turned her gaze to Carlos, continuing her words.
“By the way, I apologize for the sudden visit. Normally, I should have formally contacted you beforehand…”
“Don’t mention it. Anywhere in this kingdom, no one would dare say anything about your presence, Princess.”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
With a light smile, Jade picked up the teacup in front of her.
“You may have guessed from my appearance, but this visit is of utmost secrecy.”
“Utmost secrecy… you say?”
“Yes, on paper, I was scheduled to hold a meeting with royalist nobles in the royal capital. That’s why Paris isn’t accompanying me.”
“Come to think of it…”
Only then did Rudell realize that her bodyguard, Paris, was nowhere to be found, releasing a low sigh.
Anyone would realize something was off if Paris, who was always by her side, was missing.
In other words, Leje’s accompaniment was solely for her protection.
As silence filled the reception room, Jade set down her teacup before speaking again.
“The reason I’ve come secretly to the Count’s Domain is to entrust a certain task to Count Weinstein.”
“A t-task, you say?”
The expressions of Carlos and Maria darkened as if they could guess what followed.
As if anticipating their reactions, Jade kept a calm demeanor as she looked at Rudell.
“Could it be related to the Church?”
“That’s correct.”
To Rudell’s inquiry, Jade nodded without attempting to hide anything.
The moment he realized she had business with him, Rudell could surmise its content.
If it had nothing to do with the Church, there would be no reason for her to come all the way to the distant Weinstein Count’s Domain for Rudell.
But then, at that moment—
“I’m sorry, but I would appreciate it if you could withdraw that request.”
“Father?”
“As he said. I ask you to please withdraw that request.”
“Mother?”
Carlos and Maria, who had risen from their seats, bowed their heads towards Jade.
Rudell was taken aback by the sight of them.
What on earth is happening?
With that thought in mind, Rudell looked at the two.
“This child is the only heir of the Count family. And at the same time, he is my only son. Are you saying, Princess, that you wish to send my son into a potentially dangerous situation?”
“…”
“I know my son is exceptional. But before all else, I am a parent. I do not wish to send my child into a situation where he could lose his life.”
“Father…”
“I sincerely request that you reconsider that decision.”
“…”
Rudell was left speechless at Carlos’s bowed figure.
And Jade felt the same silence.
Though it was common for noble families to adopt children as contingencies, what parent would willingly send their own child into danger?
Silence lingered momentarily in the reception room.
“I understand the Count’s concerns.”
“If that’s the case…”
“However, I cannot grant that request.”
“…!!”
At Jade’s firm tone, Carlos and Maria took a short breath.
Considering the circumstances, it was somewhat unavoidable.
The Holy War had already been declared by the various churches, and the atmosphere of preparation for war was thickening within the kingdom.
Thanks to being located farther from the royal capital, the Weinstein Count’s Domain had faced less impact, but rumors about the kingdom joining the Holy War in the coming years were widely circulated.
In such a situation, the Weinstein Count’s family could not receive special treatment.
And most importantly, there was no one more suitable for dealing with the Church than Rudell and his party.
“However, I promise you one thing under the name of the royal family. No matter what happens, I will not abandon them.”
“…”
A promise made under the royal family’s name.
The weight of that promise was certainly not light.
“The Count’s heir, Rudellhet Weinstein, and his party will receive all possible support from the kingdom. I will ensure their survival under any circumstances.”
“…”
“And though I didn’t mention it intentionally, the Duke Lagrind has also agreed to send a noblewoman for this mission.”
“If you say that much…”
If even the Duke’s household accepted this mission, Carlos had no ground left to retreat.
Reluctantly nodding, Carlos arose and sat down with a weary motion.
“Then… it seems we have reached a conclusion on this matter, so let’s get to the main topic.”
While watching Carlos, Jade spoke with a serious expression, and after a brief pause, she turned her head towards Rudell.
And then…
“Duchess Lagrind, and Count Weinstein’s heir. I ask that you and your party head towards the Empire.”
With a voice full of authority, she said these words.
