Chapter 7: 7
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
“Princess, would you like a cup of tea?”
Sera carefully opened the door and came in.
Recently, after trying to recall and reject the terrible taste of poor quality tea, I changed my mind and nodded.
“Sera, let’s drink together.”
“Pardon? That’s—”
“I just need to ask you something.”
Because I couldn’t even get out of this room, Sera was the only person I could ask for anything.
“How is the Duke of Roziad?”
“How did you find out about the Duke of Roziad’s illness?”
“I was at the banquet when I heard it.”
I responded naturally. I only had a lie to fall back on.
“It’s not very good, to be honest. But because Young Master Ridan is so good, no one is concerned about the Duke of Roziad.”
Ridan was the Duke of Roziad’s only heir, a man who had only recently reached adulthood but was far more capable and clever than the Duke of Roziad.
The problem was that when he took over the Duke, he was already in debt due to the predecessor’s bad investment.
When the Duke of Roziad invests in the northern mine, Ridan suspects something is wrong, but he can’t stop his tough father.
The Duke of Roziad considered investing in northern mines to be the last thing he could do while still alive.
So, despite Ridan’s opposition, he didn’t back down.
“Of course, I’m concerned about the future of Young Master Ridan.”
“What about the future?”
“Yes, he still hasn’t found a fiancee. He appears to be a good person, and his family appears to be good as well.”
Sera sighed slightly as she sipped her tea.
“I’m not sure, but I think Young Master Ridan will end his family bloodline.”
“Why will he end his bloodline just because he doesn’t have a fiance? He’ll get married someday. And isn’t he still young?”
“That’s the difference between him and Prince Ixion, Princess.”
Sera answered with a twinkle in her eye.
“Prince Ixion will have no choice but to get married. He’s got a lot of credit and he’s even the Prince, so they won’t leave him alone.”
“Well, I guess so.”
“But Young Master Ridan is different. If the Duke dies, there is no one to pressure him to marry.”
“He might prefer to do it on his own.”
“No, Young Master is already married to study”
“Hm?”
This was left out of the original. It was because the incident destroyed the Duke Roziad and he no longer appeared.
“At the very least, he does the work of a Duke, and he is always focused on learning.”
“Oh, a scholar?”
“Yes, he’s so clever that the Duke may be doing well, but I don’t think he intends to start a family.”
I slowly nodded. Anyway, it didn’t matter to me whether or not Ridan married.
“The Duke of Roziad’s condition is not very good,” Sera said, and that was the only thing she said that helped me.
Then it meant that quite a lot of investment had already been made in time.
All Ridan needed was solid evidence that the investment was flawed, as he was already concerned that a large sum of money would be invested in the northern mine.
And the hard evidence was also unsustainable unless the truth was revealed.
“I have a request for you, Sera.”
“What exactly do you mean by a favor, Princess? You can just tell me.”
“If you go to the Royal Palace Library, you’ll find copies of various criminal trials. Can you bring me the latest one from 5 years ago?”
“Pardon? It’s open to anyone, but what are you going to do with that record?”
“Oh, I need to find something.”
“But that’s a lot from five years ago.”
“Hm, it doesn’t matter.”
There was still time for me to be trapped in the room anyway.
*****
Ixion was thinking about Elsia before the battle with Decan.
He recalled the first time he met Elsia.
“You can take my sister as a hostage.”
She appeared so intimidated that it was difficult to imagine her as a princess of a country.
Someone appeared to have slapped the swelling in the cheeks.
“I-I’m Elsia Artise.”
It was clear who could slap a royal daughter in the face.
He nodded indifferently, looking at Decan, who had silver hair and red eyes like Elsia.
Despite being a royal lady, she didn’t have much luggage. He looked at her, feeling a little pitiful, as she crouched in the corner of the carriage.
But, at the end of the day, he felt it was none of his business, so he was only concerned with the hostage’s extradition.
She must have been quite unhappy in the palace, but she seemed determined to be free.
“I’m going to kill your brother. As you wish.”
As he gazed at the enemy base, Ixion murmured.
“And—Of course, the marriage you want when everything is over.”
According to Aiden, what Elsia, who loves him, want is to marry him.
He thought he should do that much because she’s a lifesaver.
No matter how visible the victory was, the war was a war. Ixion’s failure to propose immediately in the capital was in case he died in war.
He truly meant to do whatever she wanted to do to save his life.
“Future—”
Aiden always told him to plan for the future.
He painted his future for the first time.
When he remembered the red eyes and the flowers stuck in her silver hair, he smiled.
Instead of a withering pink flower, he’ll give her a large blue jewel to wear at the wedding.
‘You dislike the palace, don’t you?’
He also thought it was beneficial because the palace was overloaded.
It would have been preferable to begin the honeymoon in a location other than the Imperial Palace.
He decided to find out as soon as the war was over.
For example, if Artise is completely swept away this time, other countries will have plenty of time to save themselves for the time being.
‘Children’s plans should be completely in accordance with Elsia’s opinion.’
He reasoned that now that he truly has a family, he shouldn’t take any risks on the battlefield for the last time.
*********
Ridan, the Duke of Roziad’s only Young Master, had to go to the imperial palace for a while before receiving a letter from a maid.
Ridan was taken aback when he discovered the sender was Elsia Artise.
He had no idea why the enemy’s Princess had suddenly sent him a letter.
The letter, which was opened out of curiosity in the carriage on its way to the Duke’s residence, described even more surprising content.
[Dear Ridan Roziad, Young Master.
I couldn’t look it up for various reasons, so I grabbed a pen like this. I believe you were taken aback by the sudden letter, but it was an urgent matter, and there was no other option.
Are you aware that the Duke of Roziad has made a great deal of investments in the northern mines?
Young Master must be keeping an eye on the fact that the investment continues to increase, not much at first.
Let me be blunt. Delhi Keynes, who is attracting all this investment, is not a wizard, but a fraudster.
Please find the following list of the Imperial Palace Library criminal records.
The characteristics of James Cadillac, a criminal charged with fraud, embezzlement, eluding capture, and impersonation, are described in the trial records. When you compare it to Delhi Keynes’, you’ll discover the truth.
Because it is a minor incident in a remote part of the country, the perpetrator is an unknown criminal in the capital.
With the information I provided, you can keep your family from going bankrupt; of course, you must repay me.
I will not ask the Duke of Roziad to do any harm, so please pay me a visit.
Then I’ll cut this short for now.
Elsia Artise]
“Turn the carriage.”
Reading all the correspondence, Ridan immediately ordered the horseman.
The Imperial Palace Library’s criminal records are open to the public.
It was unclear why Princess Elsia, who was being held hostage, contacted him, but it was critical to look up the records for the time being.
It is most likely true because she stated that it is information that gives him hope for a return.
Ridan returned to the palace and began searching the library for criminal records.
The total was quite large, as it included all of the crime cases in all of the provinces.
He read through the events in the correspondence among the cramped records.
Because there was no serious charge, such as murder, he was usually imprisoned for about six months before being released.
“This is—”
When Ridan saw the portrayal of James Cadillac, he swallowed dry saliva.
Even though brown hair and brown eyes are a common combination, it was noticeable that there were no two nodes on the right little finger.
Delhi Keynes had the same two little fingers. He claimed it was because he experienced side effects from using magic.
Surprisingly, the mole under the eyes, the middle-aged man, and the height and body shape described were all the same.
It all started when the Duke of Geoffrey introduced his father to Delhi Keynes, who claimed to be a wizard.
He claimed to have discovered a juge gold mine in the North by using magic.
The Duke of Geoffrey was already investing a large sum of money, and the Duke of Roziad began investing small sums under his patronage.
But as time passed and gold began to be delivered, his father’s greed grew.
The Duke of Geoffrey was rewarded with far more gold.
When he said there was more gold buried inside, the two Dukes started pouring money at each other.
His father was well aware that his time was running out.
So he wanted to get the results of this investment quickly somehow, so he decided to make a tertiary investment.
After confirming everything, Ridan hurried backnto the Duke’s house.
******
“Ridan, that’s enough! I don’t intend to stop investing.”
“Tertiary investment is a no-brainer: If the third round of investment goes wrong, we’re bankrupt.”
“The northern gold mine is a goose that lays golden eggs. Every time you invest, you get paid! And the Duke of Geoffrey guaranteed it, too.”
“There are too many doubtful points. I’m in danger of risking my fortune.”
Ridan was being stubborn against his father, the Duke of Roziad.
It has been a few days already, saying that investments in gold mines in the north should be stopped even now.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
“Princess, would you like a cup of tea?”
Sera carefully opened the door and came in.
Recently, after trying to recall and reject the terrible taste of poor quality tea, I changed my mind and nodded.
“Sera, let’s drink together.”
“Pardon? That’s—”
“I just need to ask you something.”
Because I couldn’t even get out of this room, Sera was the only person I could ask for anything.
“How is the Duke of Roziad?”
“How did you find out about the Duke of Roziad’s illness?”
“I was at the banquet when I heard it.”
I responded naturally. I only had a lie to fall back on.
“It’s not very good, to be honest. But because Young Master Ridan is so good, no one is concerned about the Duke of Roziad.”
Ridan was the Duke of Roziad’s only heir, a man who had only recently reached adulthood but was far more capable and clever than the Duke of Roziad.
The problem was that when he took over the Duke, he was already in debt due to the predecessor’s bad investment.
When the Duke of Roziad invests in the northern mine, Ridan suspects something is wrong, but he can’t stop his tough father.
The Duke of Roziad considered investing in northern mines to be the last thing he could do while still alive.
So, despite Ridan’s opposition, he didn’t back down.
“Of course, I’m concerned about the future of Young Master Ridan.”
“What about the future?”
“Yes, he still hasn’t found a fiancee. He appears to be a good person, and his family appears to be good as well.”
Sera sighed slightly as she sipped her tea.
“I’m not sure, but I think Young Master Ridan will end his family bloodline.”
“Why will he end his bloodline just because he doesn’t have a fiance? He’ll get married someday. And isn’t he still young?”
“That’s the difference between him and Prince Ixion, Princess.”
Sera answered with a twinkle in her eye.
“Prince Ixion will have no choice but to get married. He’s got a lot of credit and he’s even the Prince, so they won’t leave him alone.”
“Well, I guess so.”
“But Young Master Ridan is different. If the Duke dies, there is no one to pressure him to marry.”
“He might prefer to do it on his own.”
“No, Young Master is already married to study”
“Hm?”
This was left out of the original. It was because the incident destroyed the Duke Roziad and he no longer appeared.
“At the very least, he does the work of a Duke, and he is always focused on learning.”
“Oh, a scholar?”
“Yes, he’s so clever that the Duke may be doing well, but I don’t think he intends to start a family.”
I slowly nodded. Anyway, it didn’t matter to me whether or not Ridan married.
“The Duke of Roziad’s condition is not very good,” Sera said, and that was the only thing she said that helped me.
Then it meant that quite a lot of investment had already been made in time.
All Ridan needed was solid evidence that the investment was flawed, as he was already concerned that a large sum of money would be invested in the northern mine.
And the hard evidence was also unsustainable unless the truth was revealed.
“I have a request for you, Sera.”
“What exactly do you mean by a favor, Princess? You can just tell me.”
“If you go to the Royal Palace Library, you’ll find copies of various criminal trials. Can you bring me the latest one from 5 years ago?”
“Pardon? It’s open to anyone, but what are you going to do with that record?”
“Oh, I need to find something.”
“But that’s a lot from five years ago.”
“Hm, it doesn’t matter.”
There was still time for me to be trapped in the room anyway.
*****
Ixion was thinking about Elsia before the battle with Decan.
He recalled the first time he met Elsia.
“You can take my sister as a hostage.”
She appeared so intimidated that it was difficult to imagine her as a princess of a country.
Someone appeared to have slapped the swelling in the cheeks.
“I-I’m Elsia Artise.”
It was clear who could slap a royal daughter in the face.
He nodded indifferently, looking at Decan, who had silver hair and red eyes like Elsia.
Despite being a royal lady, she didn’t have much luggage. He looked at her, feeling a little pitiful, as she crouched in the corner of the carriage.
But, at the end of the day, he felt it was none of his business, so he was only concerned with the hostage’s extradition.
She must have been quite unhappy in the palace, but she seemed determined to be free.
“I’m going to kill your brother. As you wish.”
As he gazed at the enemy base, Ixion murmured.
“And—Of course, the marriage you want when everything is over.”
According to Aiden, what Elsia, who loves him, want is to marry him.
He thought he should do that much because she’s a lifesaver.
No matter how visible the victory was, the war was a war. Ixion’s failure to propose immediately in the capital was in case he died in war.
He truly meant to do whatever she wanted to do to save his life.
“Future—”
Aiden always told him to plan for the future.
He painted his future for the first time.
When he remembered the red eyes and the flowers stuck in her silver hair, he smiled.
Instead of a withering pink flower, he’ll give her a large blue jewel to wear at the wedding.
‘You dislike the palace, don’t you?’
He also thought it was beneficial because the palace was overloaded.
It would have been preferable to begin the honeymoon in a location other than the Imperial Palace.
He decided to find out as soon as the war was over.
For example, if Artise is completely swept away this time, other countries will have plenty of time to save themselves for the time being.
‘Children’s plans should be completely in accordance with Elsia’s opinion.’
He reasoned that now that he truly has a family, he shouldn’t take any risks on the battlefield for the last time.
*********
Ridan, the Duke of Roziad’s only Young Master, had to go to the imperial palace for a while before receiving a letter from a maid.
Ridan was taken aback when he discovered the sender was Elsia Artise.
He had no idea why the enemy’s Princess had suddenly sent him a letter.
The letter, which was opened out of curiosity in the carriage on its way to the Duke’s residence, described even more surprising content.
[Dear Ridan Roziad, Young Master.
I couldn’t look it up for various reasons, so I grabbed a pen like this. I believe you were taken aback by the sudden letter, but it was an urgent matter, and there was no other option.
Are you aware that the Duke of Roziad has made a great deal of investments in the northern mines?
Young Master must be keeping an eye on the fact that the investment continues to increase, not much at first.
Let me be blunt. Delhi Keynes, who is attracting all this investment, is not a wizard, but a fraudster.
Please find the following list of the Imperial Palace Library criminal records.
The characteristics of James Cadillac, a criminal charged with fraud, embezzlement, eluding capture, and impersonation, are described in the trial records. When you compare it to Delhi Keynes’, you’ll discover the truth.
Because it is a minor incident in a remote part of the country, the perpetrator is an unknown criminal in the capital.
With the information I provided, you can keep your family from going bankrupt; of course, you must repay me.
I will not ask the Duke of Roziad to do any harm, so please pay me a visit.
Then I’ll cut this short for now.
Elsia Artise]
“Turn the carriage.”
Reading all the correspondence, Ridan immediately ordered the horseman.
The Imperial Palace Library’s criminal records are open to the public.
It was unclear why Princess Elsia, who was being held hostage, contacted him, but it was critical to look up the records for the time being.
It is most likely true because she stated that it is information that gives him hope for a return.
Ridan returned to the palace and began searching the library for criminal records.
The total was quite large, as it included all of the crime cases in all of the provinces.
He read through the events in the correspondence among the cramped records.
Because there was no serious charge, such as murder, he was usually imprisoned for about six months before being released.
“This is—”
When Ridan saw the portrayal of James Cadillac, he swallowed dry saliva.
Even though brown hair and brown eyes are a common combination, it was noticeable that there were no two nodes on the right little finger.
Delhi Keynes had the same two little fingers. He claimed it was because he experienced side effects from using magic.
Surprisingly, the mole under the eyes, the middle-aged man, and the height and body shape described were all the same.
It all started when the Duke of Geoffrey introduced his father to Delhi Keynes, who claimed to be a wizard.
He claimed to have discovered a juge gold mine in the North by using magic.
The Duke of Geoffrey was already investing a large sum of money, and the Duke of Roziad began investing small sums under his patronage.
But as time passed and gold began to be delivered, his father’s greed grew.
The Duke of Geoffrey was rewarded with far more gold.
When he said there was more gold buried inside, the two Dukes started pouring money at each other.
His father was well aware that his time was running out.
So he wanted to get the results of this investment quickly somehow, so he decided to make a tertiary investment.
After confirming everything, Ridan hurried backnto the Duke’s house.
******
“Ridan, that’s enough! I don’t intend to stop investing.”
“Tertiary investment is a no-brainer: If the third round of investment goes wrong, we’re bankrupt.”
“The northern gold mine is a goose that lays golden eggs. Every time you invest, you get paid! And the Duke of Geoffrey guaranteed it, too.”
“There are too many doubtful points. I’m in danger of risking my fortune.”
Ridan was being stubborn against his father, the Duke of Roziad.
It has been a few days already, saying that investments in gold mines in the north should be stopped even now.
Princess, would you like a cup of tea?Sera carefully opened the door and came in.Recently, after trying to recall and reject the terrible taste of poor quality tea, I changed my mind and nodded.Sera, let's drink together.Pardon? That'sI just need to ask you something.Because I couldn't even get out of this room, Sera was the only person I could ask for anything.How is the Duke of Roziad?How did you find out about the Duke of Roziad's illness?I was at the banquet when I heard it.I responded naturally. I only had a lie to fall back on.It's not very good, to be honest. But because Young Master Ridan is so good, no one is concerned about the Duke of Roziad.Ridan was the Duke of Roziad's only heir, a man who had only recently reached adulthood but was far more capable and clever than the Duke of Roziad.The problem was that when he took over the Duke, he was already in debt due to the predecessor's bad investment.When the Duke of Roziad invests in the northern mine, Ridan suspects something is wrong, but he can't stop his tough father.The Duke of Roziad considered investing in northern mines to be the last thing he could do while still alive.So, despite Ridan's opposition, he didn't back down.Of course, I'm concerned about the future of Young Master Ridan.What about the future?Yes, he still hasn't found a fiancee. He appears to be a good person, and his family appears to be good as well.Sera sighed slightly as she sipped her tea.I'm not sure, but I think Young Master Ridan will end his family bloodline.Why will he end his bloodline just because he doesn't have a fiance? He'll get married someday. And isn't he still young?That's the difference between him and Prince Ixion, Princess.Sera answered with a twinkle in her eye.Prince Ixion will have no choice but to get married. He's got a lot of credit and he's even the Prince, so they won't leave him alone.Well, I guess so.But Young Master Ridan is different. If the Duke dies, there is no one to pressure him to marry.He might prefer to do it on his own.No, Young Master is already married to studyHm?This was left out of the original. It was because the incident destroyed the Duke Roziad and he no longer appeared.At the very least, he does the work of a Duke, and he is always focused on learning.Oh, a scholar?Yes, he's so clever that the Duke may be doing well, but I don't think he intends to start a family.I slowly nodded. Anyway, it didn't matter to me whether or not Ridan married.The Duke of Roziad's condition is not very good, Sera said, and that was the only thing she said that helped me.Then it meant that quite a lot of investment had already been made in time.All Ridan needed was solid evidence that the investment was flawed, as he was already concerned that a large sum of money would be invested in the northern mine.And the hard evidence was also unsustainable unless the truth was revealed.I have a request for you, Sera.What exactly do you mean by a favor, Princess? You can just tell me.If you go to the Royal Palace Library, you'll find copies of various criminal trials. Can you bring me the latest one from 5 years ago?Pardon? It's open to anyone, but what are you going to do with that record?Oh, I need to find something.But that's a lot from five years ago.Hm, it doesn't matter.There was still time for me to be trapped in the room anyway.*****Ixion was thinking about Elsia before the battle with Decan.He recalled the first time he met Elsia.You can take my sister as a hostage.She appeared so intimidated that it was difficult to imagine her as a princess of a country.Someone appeared to have slapped the swelling in the cheeks.I-I'm Elsia Artise.It was clear who could slap a royal daughter in the face.He nodded indifferently, looking at Decan, who had silver hair and red eyes like Elsia.Despite being a royal lady, she didn't have much luggage. He looked at her, feeling a little pitiful, as she crouched in the corner of the carriage.But, at the end of the day, he felt it was none of his business, so he was only concerned with the hostage's extradition.She must have been quite unhappy in the palace, but she seemed determined to be free.I'm going to kill your brother. As you wish.As he gazed at the enemy base, Ixion murmured.AndOf course, the marriage you want when everything is over.According to Aiden, what Elsia, who loves him, want is to marry him.He thought he should do that much because she's a lifesaver.No matter how visible the victory was, the war was a war. Ixion's failure to propose immediately in the capital was in case he died in war.He truly meant to do whatever she wanted to do to save his life.FutureAiden always told him to plan for the future.He painted his future for the first time.When he remembered the red eyes and the flowers stuck in her silver hair, he smiled.Instead of a withering pink flower, he'll give her a large blue jewel to wear at the wedding.You dislike the palace, don't you?'He also thought it was beneficial because the palace was overloaded.It would have been preferable to begin the honeymoon in a location other than the Imperial Palace.He decided to find out as soon as the war was over.For example, if Artise is completely swept away this time, other countries will have plenty of time to save themselves for the time being.Children's plans should be completely in accordance with Elsia's opinion.'He reasoned that now that he truly has a family, he shouldn't take any risks on the battlefield for the last time.*********Ridan, the Duke of Roziad's only Young Master, had to go to the imperial palace for a while before receiving a letter from a maid.Ridan was taken aback when he discovered the sender was Elsia Artise.He had no idea why the enemy's Princess had suddenly sent him a letter.The letter, which was opened out of curiosity in the carriage on its way to the Duke's residence, described even more surprising content.Dear Ridan Roziad, Young Master.I couldn't look it up for various reasons, so I grabbed a pen like this. I believe you were taken aback by the sudden letter, but it was an urgent matter, and there was no other option.Are you aware that the Duke of Roziad has made a great deal of investments in the northern mines?Young Master must be keeping an eye on the fact that the investment continues to increase, not much at first.Let me be blunt. Delhi Keynes, who is attracting all this investment, is not a wizard, but a fraudster.Please find the following list of the Imperial Palace Library criminal records.The characteristics of James Cadillac, a criminal charged with fraud, embezzlement, eluding capture, and impersonation, are described in the trial records. When you compare it to Delhi Keynes', you'll discover the truth.Because it is a minor incident in a remote part of the country, the perpetrator is an unknown criminal in the capital.With the information I provided, you can keep your family from going bankrupt; of course, you must repay me.I will not ask the Duke of Roziad to do any harm, so please pay me a visit.Then I'll cut this short for now.Elsia ArtiseTurn the carriage.Reading all the correspondence, Ridan immediately ordered the horseman.The Imperial Palace Library's criminal records are open to the public.It was unclear why Princess Elsia, who was being held hostage, contacted him, but it was critical to look up the records for the time being.It is most likely true because she stated that it is information that gives him hope for a return.Ridan returned to the palace and began searching the library for criminal records.The total was quite large, as it included all of the crime cases in all of the provinces.He read through the events in the correspondence among the cramped records.Because there was no serious charge, such as murder, he was usually imprisoned for about six months before being released.This isWhen Ridan saw the portrayal of James Cadillac, he swallowed dry saliva.Even though brown hair and brown eyes are a common combination, it was noticeable that there were no two nodes on the right little finger.Delhi Keynes had the same two little fingers. He claimed it was because he experienced side effects from using magic.Surprisingly, the mole under the eyes, the middle-aged man, and the height and body shape described were all the same.It all started when the Duke of Geoffrey introduced his father to Delhi Keynes, who claimed to be a wizard.He claimed to have discovered a juge gold mine in the North by using magic.The Duke of Geoffrey was already investing a large sum of money, and the Duke of Roziad began investing small sums under his patronage.But as time passed and gold began to be delivered, his father's greed grew.The Duke of Geoffrey was rewarded with far more gold.When he said there was more gold buried inside, the two Dukes started pouring money at each other.His father was well aware that his time was running out.So he wanted to get the results of this investment quickly somehow, so he decided to make a tertiary investment.After confirming everything, Ridan hurried backnto the Duke's house.******Ridan, that's enough! I don't intend to stop investing.Tertiary investment is a no-brainer: If the third round of investment goes wrong, we're bankrupt.The northern gold mine is a goose that lays golden eggs. Every time you invest, you get paid! And the Duke of Geoffrey guaranteed it, too.There are too many doubtful points. I'm in danger of risking my fortune.Ridan was being stubborn against his father, the Duke of Roziad.It has been a few days already, saying that investments in gold mines in the north should be stopped even now.
