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Chapter 11
2. It Really Wasn’t Intentional
『Dear Wendy.
I have secured the item you requested from the Argon ruins. As you instructed, I placed it near His Highness Alek, and the instances of him talking to himself have increased. Is it truly alright to leave him be?
Also, I have searched the imperial palace storerooms three times over, but I could not find the sword with the pitch-black blade. Instead, I found a bracelet engraved with a dragon motif on the inside. When I gave it to His Highness, he has been sleeping more comfortably as of late.
Furthermore, I believe I have found some useful information in the imperial library, so I am sending you a transcript. Please ensure it does not fall into other hands.
P.S. Recently, His Highness Alek has been making a fuss about wanting to visit the Grand Duchy. I am trying to dissuade him, but it is not easy, so perhaps you could write him a letter.
Sei』
『Dear Sei.
I received the report you sent this time. I was surprised to get a reply so quickly.
If there is no sword, then it cannot be helped. Instead, please take care to ensure His Highness Alek does not approach the storeroom as much as possible. As I explained last time, it is an extremely dangerous object.
The talking to himself is a natural phenomenon, so there is no need to worry. If anything, it would be helpful to His Highness—it will never be harmful. Though I am sure you have already verified this.
Now, I will enclose a paper with the next tasks to be done. As always, please dispose of it after reading.
I checked the transcript, and it is certainly interesting information. If you come to obtain more detailed information, please contact me.
As I have said before, I am a human who must not be entangled with His Highness. You know that it must not be discovered that you are interacting with me, correct? Do not forget the purpose for which we joined forces.
P.S. I am enclosing tea leaves good for insomnia. Boil the tea leaves, add honey, and drink before bed—you will be able to fall asleep feeling pleasant!
Wendy』
『Dear Wendy.
It seems His Highness Alek has made a new friend this time.
He is the second son of the Marquis Blace family, and since meeting him, His Highness has been burning with scholarly fervor. He said he would hold a magic demonstration soon—is it alright to just leave it be?
Also, I entrusted the seeds you sent to the gardener and planted them on the outskirts of the imperial castle, and they have already grown, extending their stems. They were already giving off a unique fragrance, and I heard even His Majesty the Emperor asked what they were, seemingly pleased.
And, I am making inquiries about the person you asked about last time, but there is still no news. I will contact you as soon as I learn of their whereabouts.
Sei』
『Dear Sei.
Could His Highness Alek’s new friend perhaps be Young Lord Serhi Blace? If it is that child, he will be a good friend to His Highness, so you need not worry too much.
You planted them carefully along the walls of the imperial palace, correct? They are plants that purify demonic energy, so they will be of help to His Highness in times of need.
That person, if it is them…… they visit Delsia once every three months, so if you station someone there, contact should come before long. If negotiations prove difficult, ask them if they have the medicine needed for the full moon.
And if His Highness Alek happens to walk the corridors at night, never wake him—simply follow the path His Highness walks. The things of the imperial castle cannot threaten His Highness.
Beneath the shadow of the great guardian dragon, may the vast sky always protect you.
Wendy』
『Dear Wendy.
I am enclosing a useful item. It is something I stole from a troublesome but useful fellow, and it certainly seemed like it would be of use between you and me. I have written down the instructions for use, so please refer to them.
I visited the Blue Ruins. Seeing the density of mana rippling like waves, I understand why this place is a seal.
Anyhow, fortunately, I found a large claw buried in the ruins. I plan to entrust it to a blacksmith to forge into a sword.
I am enclosing a report with detailed records.
Also, this time, word came that I successfully made contact with the person you asked about. I recited the words you instructed me to say and handed over the medicine bottle. I will let you know when contact comes again.
And, cease with the cringe-inducing flowery rhetoric. It gives me goosebumps. The etiquette of nobles is nothing but things that make one’s skin crawl, which is troublesome.
Sei』
『Dear Sei.
I received the magic tool you sent this time! A teleportation orb that can deliver items directly—now exchanging letters will be much more convenient. It is a shame it is limited to small items, though.
I was worried since there had been no news after you went to the ruins, but it seems you made it back safely. The mana density is so high that an ordinary person would find it hard to even breathe—as expected, I have an eye for people.
I am so glad you found that person! Please be sure to tell me when contact comes again. It is a matter I need to discuss face-to-face if possible.
You dislike flowery rhetoric—is that something a magician should say? Well, I suppose it does not matter since Sei is a mute magician.
Anyway, this works out well! I have a favor to ask—I would like you to visit the Grand Duchy as soon as possible. Without being discovered by anyone, as secretly as possible.
Wendy』
『What is the sudden matter?』
『There is something I want to entrust to you. It is very important, so you must come to retrieve it in person!』
Inside the study of Siegfried Grand Ducal Castle.
“As you know, the Grand Duchy of Siegfried is a vast territory stretching from the western border of the empire.”
Ollendo raised his staff and tapped the large blackboard with the empire’s map attached.
“His Highness the Grand Duke goes on inspection near the border twice a year, in spring and autumn. It takes roughly half a month to a month. During that time, the Madam must manage the Grand Duchy.”
The gaze he fixed on me as he said this was quite sharp. I was sitting at the desk, making notes in a book, and answered with a grin.
“Then that will be the time to prove my usefulness. As the mistress of the Grand Ducal Castle, that is.”
“Your wording is too polite.”
“As the mistress of the Grand Ducal Castle, I say.”
Only after I corrected my phrasing did Ollendo seem satisfied, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
After my conversation with Kaien in the imperial palace garden, I returned to the Grand Ducal Castle and, after discussions with Kaien, drew up a contract.
A contract marriage I had only seen in novels—I never thought I would be the party involved, but that is life, I suppose.
「Contract period: While Kaien de Siegfried Elision (hereinafter “Kaien”) and Wendy Remia Dermis (hereinafter “Wendy”) are joined in matrimony.」
「Wages shall be paid at the end of each month through the butler, Ollendo.」
「One day of leave may be taken per week.」
「Wendy may not use the Grand Duchy’s budget without Kaien’s permission. However, when Kaien is absent, budget execution is possible in consultation with the butler, Ollendo.」
Honestly, it looks more like an employment contract than a marriage contract.
Anyway, I carefully reviewed and decided on various clauses, and if I were to pick one of the most important points……
「If either Kaien or Wendy is confirmed dead or violates the agreed-upon terms, this contract loses effect and is voided. In the latter case, both parties shall pay double the amount of money exchanged under the contract to the other as a penalty.
However, if Wendy threatens Kaien’s safety or is involved in the cause of his death, summary judgment is possible under the approval of the butler Ollendo and the knight commander Renner.
※ Wendy may assert the right to defend herself, and that period is limited to one week, up to a maximum of one month.」
That is it.
At first glance it seems disadvantageous to me, but considering the core of my plan, there was no condition as certain as this. Kaien probably cannot even imagine it.
And once I decided to fulfill my duties as Grand Duchess instead of living as if dead, the first thing that changed was the attitude of the butler Ollendo.
‘Madam need not be polite to us. Aside from the master, there is no one in this castle higher than Madam.’
With that, he began instilling all sorts of etiquette, saying I must act like a proper Grand Duchess—and it felt three times stricter than when he had crammed lessons into me before departing for the imperial palace.
Honestly, when he started nitpicking even the angle of my wrist when cutting meat with a knife, I wanted to throw in the towel, but I endured it. I am an adult who must earn money for the future……!
“Since it is soon time to collect taxes throughout the Grand Duchy, you will be quite busy for a while.”
“You do not need to worry about that. I am confident with numbers.”
Ollendo, who had been looking at me with doubtful eyes as I responded cheerfully, continued.
“In late autumn, there is His Highness the Grand Duke’s birthday, so we must prepare a birthday banquet. It will likely be the first party Madam hosts.”
