No one opposed sending Father to the outskirts.
After all, there was a place for those who were originally eliminated from Taylor, so he would probably be sent somewhere in the east.
The decision regarding him was made quickly, and the office was soon vacated.
So, the office where I was currently sitting was originally intended for Father.
I had always been in the position of listening to Father, but now I was sitting here as the Duke.
If I said I felt no particular emotions about it, that would be a lie.
To be honest, I still couldn’t believe that I had become the Head of the Family.
This was not the first time I had attempted to become the Head of the Family, after all.
If you ask me whether I was happy, I would say I’m not quite sure.
It’s not so much happiness about becoming the Head of the Family, but rather a heavy feeling thinking about what’s to come.
I was still busy, and there were still people to take care of.
Moreover, fundamentally, the Crown Prince was still around.
The reason I had initially wanted to become the Head of the Family was for the future.
The bare minimum condition to approach Kaitel. I had gathered everything, so now it was time to be a little nervous.
I instructed Arwen to increase her compensation and actively investigate Kaitel’s movements.
I knew it was undoubtedly a dangerous task, but Arwen and I seemed to share a strange common purpose.
Preventing Kaitel from trying to use the Dead Dragon.
In the worst-case scenario, the Dead Dragon could be resurrected, so it seemed that Arwen wanted to stop that at all costs.
I still hadn’t quite grasped the situation regarding the Dead Dragon.
I had sensed that there was something about the relic, but whether it posed a great threat…
Well, maybe I was worrying too far ahead. That was what I was concerned about.
More than Kaitel attempting to use the Dead Dragon, I was wondering what those wearing masks were scheming.
Wasn’t it certain that they were directly under Kaitel? Kaitel knew I was aware of them.
What did it mean that they hadn’t said anything so far?
When I saw those wearing masks in the past, I should have made sure to investigate more thoroughly.
If only Adele hadn’t died at that time, I could have finished the investigation.
So this time, I was planning to focus on that.
Now that I had become the Head of the Family, I should make the most of the authority I could use.
“Busy again today?”
Had it not been for Adrian visiting today, I would have been moving around busily.
Adrian’s presence was the most significant reason why Taylor was gradually stabilizing.
When a Saint frequented a place that had been unstable for a while, it was only natural to think it had improved quite a bit.
Even the previous Head of the Family had had a bad relationship with the Order, so there was a perception that this new Head was different.
I can’t say it was a bad thing, but I didn’t understand why Adrian came so often.
…If you were to ask me if I really didn’t know, I would probably say no.
When discovering something new among animals, they sometimes mark it with their scent to make it their own.
It would be easier to say that this is something I want to secure in advance so that others can’t lay their hands on it.
Of course, it’s not like Adrian is an animal or anything.
“Seems like you’ve been visiting quite often lately.”
“Well, it’s because I’ve been worried. You know, the change of Head of House Taylor.”
I can’t deny that her frequent visits might hint at some personal motives.
I smile back at her easygoing laugh. It’s not that I resent it.
My worries grow as her expressions deepen, but she maintains a clear boundary.
It was probably hard for others to realize how precarious this relationship might appear.
Normally, I’d be grateful for the affection of a saint, but I’m not just receiving affection from one person, am I?
Lately, I’ve come to find that I’ve become quite a ridiculous person.
Caring about the affections of not just one, but three women?
I’ve never been in such a position in my life, so I’m feeling pretty confused about this whole situation.
It’s not like I did this on purpose, but still, doesn’t that bring a sense of responsibility?
I’ve been mulling over these sorts of things a lot. Polygamy? It’s not impossible.
It is permitted, but whether I’d even consider marriage when the time comes is questionable.
“Thank you for your concern, but I must say, I have a busy day today.”
“Busy? I heard your schedule was clear today.”
When Adrian comes, I usually engage in conversation with her, but today I had my own things to take care of.
Upon hearing my words, Adrian tilted her head in confusion.
After becoming the head of the family, I’ve had a lot of planned activities, but this was a sudden addition and she might not have been aware of it.
“I received an invitation from Miragen before. I need to head to the Imperial Family today, so I should get going first.”
“…Oh, I see.”
I bitterly smile at the somewhat cold tone of her voice. The person I’m meeting is Miragen, after all.
I thought about how I’m quite the terrible guy. But what can I do?
Just a few days ago, I got scolded for not showing up, so I had to go this time.
And after summer passes, I’ll head back north.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave first.”
I had a lot to do. Many people to meet.
So, let’s move a bit busily.
#
Always checking in at the Imperial Family under the name of Robert Taylor, the “Prince,” but now being a Duke, I couldn’t move as freely.
Even if I tried to act in a secretive manner, word would eventually spread.
What would the nobles think if the Duke accepted an invitation from a princess?
Being active in such a gathering was quite different from before.
When I was just a prince, anyone saw me entering the Imperial Family as a matter of course, but now, I had the title of Duke.
Even the slightest move would stir up a buzz among the nobles.
It wasn’t just the nobles, either. As I began meeting Adrian more frequently, Berod started sending me neatly written letters.
I also sent it.
Shall I say it’s a very polite warning letter?
On the surface, it was a congratulatory message about me becoming the head of the household, but knowing him well, I quickly realized what it really meant.
In short, it was telling me to refrain from meeting Adrian.
It’s not like I’m the one meeting him, so why bother stopping him from coming?
“Did you arrive?”
Since it was a somewhat discreet visit to the imperial palace, Miragen still didn’t know that I was here.
Eventually, most of the imperial family would know, but that gap was important.
How would anyone move if everyone knew every time they made a move?
Once the family stabilizes to a certain extent, I thought I should start being a little mindful of my movements from now on.
As I walked in with the soldiers, I quietly smiled at the unchanged scenery.
I was also curious about what kind of reaction Miragen would have.
She was always the one waiting for me, so I thought it wouldn’t be too bad this time if I was the one waiting for her.
“By the way, is it alright if you don’t inform Her Highness the Princess?”
“It’s enough just to let her know. Please tell her I’ve arrived. I’ll be waiting in the garden.”
Upon saying that, the maid serving Miragen carefully nodded.
Perhaps it was because I was the head of House Taylor that everyone was being so cautious.
It was understandable since the heads of House Taylor were always known for their fierce temperaments.
The steps toward the garden felt awkward.
In fact, I knew the structure of the palace better than those who worked here.
Having been here dozens of times already, I found myself lost in strange contemplation as I gazed at the garden that finally came into view.
“Then I’ll wait here. I will fetch Her Highness the Princess’s response.”
“Understood.”
Well, knowing Miragen’s personality, I figured she’d likely come on her own two feet.
Taking a sip of the tea brought by the maids, I quietly stared at the now silent garden.
The winter chill had completely faded, and the garden was now filled with the fragrance of spring, with flowers slowly blooming anew.
The garden, once merely a desolate brown, was once again graced by lush greenery,
As butterflies drifted through the warm breeze and softly settled on the flowers.
This garden was familiar to me.
It must have been the same for Miragen, as it was the place where I first confessed to her.
I first developed feelings for Miragen when I realized that Teresia had approached me with a false heart.
Wanting to escape home, I lived recklessly and deliberately lured Miragen when we first met in the imperial palace.
She became my escape from the thought of dying.
Eventually, what started as mere temptation transformed into genuine feelings, and this place became the site of my confession as I apologized for my past behavior.
Thinking back, was this my first time being here in this life?
I had only briefly seen Miragen on my way back after meeting Kaitel.
It was just a brief encounter we had,
so I never really got to talk with Miragen here. I felt a little sorry about that.
Miragen must surely know that I was in the North or the South.
Yet, she hadn’t complained about it at all.
– When exactly are you coming? I know you’ve become the Head of the Family, but coming to the Imperial Palace is probably too much, right?
When I heard that, I intentionally replied that it would be hard for a while.
I hoped Miragen would be a bit surprised when I eventually visited her.
I had envisioned a somewhat dramatic reunion, but I wasn’t sure it would go as I imagined.
The feelings I had for Adrian or Adele were entirely different.
Maybe it was because we had been lovers multiple times, but even that same meeting left a special mark in my memory.
When the wind blows, I think about the wind we felt together, and when I’m in this garden, memories of our time together come rushing back.
“I wonder if she’ll come now.”
It was a very new relationship, quite different from what I knew,
but the woman named Miragen always remained the same. Sometimes foolish, and sometimes the most trustworthy person.
The feelings I held for her also never changed.
It was just that it felt a bit too much for me, so I kept it hidden.
After sitting on the chair and waiting for a while, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps coming from afar.
A familiar woman was approaching me.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of the decoration dangling precariously from her chest, as if she hadn’t finished fixing herself up.
While watching Miragen like that, I quietly stood up.
“You’ve come.”
“Um… didn’t you say it would be hard to come? You’re stopping by to meet me because of work at the Imperial Palace, right?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Did Kaitel call for you? So you’re free and decided to call me?”
“Not that either.”
“Then why…?”
Miragen seemed quite confused, staring at me while rambling.
Gently, I brushed back her messy hair from running, tidying it up, and reattaching the decoration on her chest as my lips moved.
“I came to see Miragen.”
Is it okay to call her by her name now?
It was a decision made in an instant, but I couldn’t help but chuckle at her slightly flushed cheeks.
Becoming the Head of the Family had slightly changed my mindset.
Just like with Adrian and Adele.
I didn’t want to be too stiff with Miragen anymore, either.
“Do you dislike it?”
When I asked with a gentle smile, Miragen slowly shook her head.
Sometimes, teasing like this isn’t so bad.
Today, I thought I would just try to relax a little.
After all, it was a day with Miragen.
Just like the old times. Just the two of us.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
