Laying the Groundwork for Self-Preservation

“Lady Lungtase, a report has arrived from Kodohanz in the Royal Academy. Today and tomorrow, responding to this matter will be your main task. Please review it thoroughly.”

Delmira, my head attendant, handed me a wooden board.

As an underaged archduke candidate of Dunkelfelger, I won’t be entering the Royal Academy until next year. To be perfectly honest, I’ve found myself enjoying the newfound quiet in the children’s wing since my elder brother started attending this year.

My student retainers had departed for the Royal Academy just recently. They had been sending daily reports about what they’ve seen and heard there. That is part of their training—practicing how to gather information and draft formal reports. The adult retainers still in the castle review their work, pointing out what information is necessary and what to be mindful of.

As an archduke candidate, this also served as training for me as well—learning to use my apprentice retainers within the Royal Academy to gather intelligence on other duchies and to respond appropriately. After all, once I enroll, I’ll only be permitted to bring a single adult retainer—my head attendant. That’s why I had been instructed to study these procedures thoroughly beforehand.

“By ‘respond,’ do you mean something has happened? Today was the day my brother departed for the Academy, wasn’t it? Did something occur?”

I took the wooden board that Delmira offered and began to read through it. Since the students had only just moved from the castle to the dormitory and the Royal Academy’s classes had yet to begin, I hadn’t expected much of note in the report. Still, Delmira’s tone had piqued my curiosity—so when my eyes fell upon the contents, I was struck by such disbelief that I nearly felt faint.

The report read: “Lord Raufereg proposed to Lady Hannelore in the dining hall, in front of everyone. He claimed it was to make her the next aub—and to secure a ditter match. She rejected him immediately, but it is likely that this act incurred the displeasure of her fiancé candidates… and by extension, their master, Lord Lestilaut.”

My brother and I are the children of the second wife. Lord Lestilaut and Lady Hannelore’s younger half siblings—children of the first wife, Lady Sieglinde—belong to a different faction, and we have never been particularly close.

In fact, ever since a ditter match held at the Royal Academy two years ago resulted in a blemish on the reputation of the first wife’s children, the rift between our factions has only deepened. Some nobles began to murmur that the second wife’s children might be more fitting as next aub, and emboldened by such talk, our mother started acting with increased confidence. In such a climate, it’s unthinkable that my brother would propose marriage to Lady Hannelore.

“What in the world was my brother thinking…?”

It wasn’t just a matter of factional tension. Before entering the Royal Academy, my brother had once come dangerously close to being demoted to the rank of archnoble. Father had deemed him lacking in the qualities required of a successor. But Mother pleaded, “Just as Lady Sieglinde’s child was given the chance to redeem himself, please grant Raufereg the same opportunity.”

With fairness toward all candidates in mind, Father accepted her request. That is why my brother was permitted to attend the Royal Academy as an archduke candidate.

…There was no need for such fairness, Father.

It would have suited my brother far better to be adopted into an archnoble family and aim to become an apprentice knight. In fact, arranging such an adoption before he ever entered the Royal Academy would likely have been in his best interest.

Once someone is recognized as an archduke candidate by other duchies, being demoted to an archnoble afterward brings unbearable shame, not to mention the awkwardness it causes in how others must deal with him.

My brother, who was deemed so lacking in qualifications that he couldn’t even be taken to the transference ceremony, has nothing to gain from being given another chance. I fully expect he will be demoted to archnoble status by the time we begin choosing our specialization courses in the third year.

“He must have proposed in hopes of clinging to his place in the archducal family…”

My brother is far too shortsighted. If only Father had stuck to his decision and demoted him to archnoble status before he entered the Royal Academy, I wouldn’t be suffering this terrible headache now… I can’t help but resent Father a little for that.

Lady Hannelore has taken part in true ditter and redeemed her name; she’s now drawing attention as the friend of the avatar of the goddess. Though some claim her personality is too reserved for an archduke candidate from Dunkelfelger, and her value has somewhat declined due to being swayed by romantic feelings, she has always excelled in combat and maintained excellent grades. Of course she would pay no heed to someone like my brother—four years her junior and lacking the aptitude of a true archduke candidate.

Though Lady Hannelore seems to have rejected him immediately, if my brother refuses to accept her response and continues to pursue her, it will become a serious problem. This is no laughing matter, nor something that can be excused as a fleeting whim. Such behavior would be a direct defiance of Father’s will in selecting her fiancé, and it would certainly incur the displeasure of Lord Lestilaut, the designated successor who has already inherited the foundation.

…Are my brother’s retainers even capable of properly stopping him?

They seem, if anything, to have already given up on my brother. It’s far more likely they see this as a perfect opportunity to have him demoted to the status of an archnoble. I felt the blood drain from my face. Depending on just how far outside the bounds of reason my brother’s behavior goes, even Mother and I could suffer the consequences.

“Delmira, confirm at once whether Mother is aware of my brother’s foolish proposal.”

To put it bluntly, it turned out that Mother herself was the mastermind behind my brother’s foolish actions. The nobles who had benefited from being in her faction likely wished to prevent Lord Lestilaut from becoming the next archduke. They apparently argued that “Lady Hannelore, as the close friend of the avatar of the goddess, Lady Rozemyne, would make a better successor,” and encouraged the idea that she could be made the next archduchess if my brother married her.

When Delmira questioned her, Mother reportedly replied, “It’s to keep Raufereg in the position of archduke candidate. He’s not suited to ruling as an archduke himself, but if he becomes Lady Hannelore’s husband, he can still hold the title. She’s strong and capable in battle, and I’m sure she’ll find his boyish charm and mischief quite endearing.”

…Is that truly what she believes?

I truly cannot comprehend Mother’s way of thinking. Not once have I ever found my brother endearing. While I do genuinely wish he would refrain from foolish acts that might implicate me—like this latest proposal—I cannot find him even remotely “endearing.”

…Has the time finally come for me to make a decision?

Up until now, my brother and I have been told, “You must not pander to Lady Sieglinde, the first wife, or her children.” And because those words came from Mother, and because Lord Lestilaut and Lady Hannelore received blemishes upon their names shortly after my baptism, I’ve maintained the appearance of obedience—especially since many of my retainers were appointed under Mother’s direction.

Personally, I believe that forming closer ties with Lord Lestilaut, who is already set to become the next aub, or with Lady Hannelore, known as the best friend of the avatar of the Goddess, would be far more beneficial. And yet, out of deference to Mother, I’ve limited myself to only the most basic formalities—greetings and other obligatory exchanges.

…If I do not resolve myself here and now to sever ties with Mother and my brother, I may very well end up expelled from the archducal family alongside him.

Lifting my eyes from the wooden board, I slowly surveyed the retainers gathered around me. My head attendant, Delmira, had been appointed by Father. However, several of the adult attendants had been chosen by Mother and reported to her regularly. I couldn’t allow my decision to be exposed to them just yet.

I tapped the table lightly with the index finger of my right hand, prompting Delmira to focus her attention. Then, under the table, I formed a circle with my left thumb and index finger before clenching my fist tightly. Recognizing the signal, Delmira silently placed an eavesdropping prevention magic tool into my left hand.

“It is the height of foolishness to have my brother propose marriage for the sake of securing his place in the archducal family, and to use that as a pretense for backing Lady Hannelore as the next aub. Delmira, report to Father. Tell him—I am prepared to sever ties with my Mother and my brother.”

A few days later, I was summoned by Father.

“All retainers aside from the head attendant are to leave the room. Only the Knight Commander may remain as a guard.”

After dismissing the retainers under Mother’s influence, Father faced me directly and let out a quiet sigh.

“As for the report regarding Raufereg’s proposal—Hannelore has paid it no mind whatsoever. It will likely amount to nothing more than his empty flailing. I doubt anyone would take that proposal seriously.”

“I agree. I never imagined Lady Hannelore would take it seriously. However, if I took no action here, there’s no doubt that the consequences would fall upon me as well. I felt it was no longer a time when I could simply keep silent, brush things off, and remain a bystander.”

At my response, Father murmured, “I see,” as he slowly stroked his chin in thought.

“But if Raufereg alone is demoted to an archnoble, the situation can still be managed. There’s no need for you to completely sever ties with Reichleine. That’s a bit too extreme.”

It seemed Father had already decided to demote my brother, but the matter of Mother remained unresolved in his mind. He thought my decision was too hasty. However, I had no intention of simply stepping back and watching from the sidelines after everything. I gave him a polite, composed smile.

“You say ‘no need,’ Father, but there’s no way my brother’s thoughtless actions will end here. If we don’t take precautions in advance, it will be too late once something happens. So please, Father—promise me now that no matter what foolishness he causes, I will not be held responsible. Protect me.”

When I demanded such a guarantee, Father’s expression hardened into the stern gaze befitting an Aub of Dunkelfelger—one who always seeks information before acting.

”…Lungtase, for you to press so urgently—does that mean there’s already some sign of what’s to come?”

“No, not at the moment… But if it’s to keep my brother as an archduke candidate, Mother would do anything. She wouldn’t even consider for a second how her actions might bring harm to me.”

“I’d like to believe that Reichleine isn’t so foolish…” Father muttered, though his expression was clouded.

He is the kind of Aub who truly embodies what it means to lead. Precisely because of that, he may not be able to imagine the kind of self-serving behavior that disregards the welfare of the duchy—a behavior some among the archducal family are capable of.

But I know better. Even though Lord Lestilaut and Lady Hannelore cleared their names through their participation in the true ditter, my mother still refuses to let go of the ridiculous dream she once glimpsed during that time—no matter how unworthy it is.

“My decision may seem extreme to you, Father,” I continued, my tone calm but firm. “But I consider Mother disqualified from being part of the archducal family if she still schemes to keep my brother within it at this point. Above all, I refuse to be dragged down by blood ties should he suddenly do something incomprehensible at the Royal Academy. Please, as Aub, I ask that you promise not to let their failures tarnish me.”

Father slowly stroked his chin, letting out a thoughtful “hmm”. His eyes—keen and calculating—were glinting now with unmistakable amusement. He was entertained.

“Still, for you to have always gone along with everything Reichleine said, brushing it off with a ‘very well, if you insist’—and now to take such bold action… I’d heard as much from Lestilaut, but it is quite amusing indeed.”

He must have been referring to that moment—back when rumors had begun to spread that my brother or I should become the next Aub due to the blemish left by the debacle at the ditter match. I remembered well being stopped by Lord Lestilaut, who had been watching our training closely.

“Lungtase, do you intend to aim for the position of next Aub?”

I am not as skilled in combat as Lady Hannelore, and my brother simply enjoys moving his body—there is little calculation in how he trains. Lord Lestilaut once told us that neither of us had the qualities needed to become the Zent’s Sword.

…And yet, I would rather not hear that from him of all people.

It’s only because Mother, emboldened by the flattery of her faction’s nobles, had gotten carried away. I have no intention of aiming for the position of next Aub. I was dragged into this nonsense simply because Lord Lestilaut instigated a needless ditter and then lost. I’ve been dying to speak out. About how absurd this all is. About how frustrating it is—Mother getting ahead of herself, the nobles pinning their expectations on me, and Lord Lestilaut himself, who keeps showing up just to criticize under the pretense of observing. All of them are nothing but a nuisance.

”…If the next Aub proves unreliable, this is bound to happen.”

I smiled as I spoke—lacing my words with a not-so-subtle accusation that all this trouble stemmed from his lack of competence. Lord Lestilaut raised an eyebrow and gave a small, amused smile in return.

…He looked exactly like Father when he’s enjoying himself at someone else’s expense!

Unable to bear it, I turned my head away with a huff.

“I don’t know what Lord Lestilaut may have told you, Father, but self-preservation is my priority. Mother may protect my brother, but that doesn’t mean she’ll protect me.”

“I see. I can tell you’re aware of the danger—and prepared. I’ll speak to Sieglinde about it. Begin building connections with those in her faction in the children’s playroom. By winter’s end, make the necessary arrangements to have one of them summoned as your retainer. But be cautious—don’t let Reichleine or her supporters catch on.”

In other words, I am to keep a close eye on the retainers Mother placed around me and gradually replace them with nobles from Lady Sieglinde’s faction. I gave a solemn nod of acknowledgment.

“And if you truly believe Reichleine or Raufereg may try something, pay close attention to developments in the Royal Academy.”

“Understood.”

I wasn’t able to get Father to explicitly promise that I wouldn’t be held responsible for their actions—but he had at least granted me permission to distance myself from Mother’s influence. If the winter can pass without incident, with only my brother facing consequences and Mother quietly abandoning her foolish ambitions, that would be the best possible outcome.

One evening, Father arrived late for dinner. In Dunkelfelger, the poor relationship between the first and second wives meant the dining rooms were kept separate. Barring unusual circumstances, Father usually alternated between the two, taking his evening meal in each dining room in turn.

“Did something happen today?” I asked.

“Ah,” Father replied, and then told us that Lady Hannelore had been descended upon by the Goddess of Time herself.

I couldn’t quite grasp what had happened, but it was clear that Lady Rozemyne—the one called the avatar of the goddess—was somehow involved, and that ever since the goddess’s descent, Lady Hannelore had remained unconscious.

“Lady Hannelore still hasn’t woken up…?” I murmured in disbelief.

“You needn’t worry. I’ve already taken the necessary steps as instructed by Lady Rozemyne. All that remains is to wait.”

Father had been late to dinner because he had been handling those very matters. Lady Sieglinde had gone to the dormitory to hear the details from Lady Hannelore’s head attendant, and Lord Lestilaut’s jureve had been transported to the dormitory as well. It sounded like a great commotion. Father had likely stayed on-site until the teleportation chamber was sealed.

“Is Lady Sieglinde alright? If a goddess descended upon Lady Hannelore and she still hasn’t awakened, I imagine she must be terribly worried.”

“She’s holding up well enough, but… most likely not.”

“Would it be permissible for me to offer a get-well visit?”

As I said this, I glanced briefly toward Mother to gauge her reaction. Perhaps thinking I was seeking her opinion, she shook her head with a concerned expression.

“Oh, Lungtase. There’s no need to make such a fuss, is there? If Lady Rozemyne has provided a method of treatment, then Lady Hannelore’s recovery is assured. It would be improper to trouble them unnecessarily.”

I was hoping to use a get-well visit as an excuse to build rapport with Lady Sieglinde, but with Mother and her retainers watching so closely, even the smallest interaction seems out of reach.

”…Father, could you at least convey my well wishes to Lady Sieglinde on my behalf?”

“Very well. I shall tell her you were concerned.”

Since Father agreed to deliver the message, I quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If all went well, I might receive a response from Lady Sieglinde regarding my well wishes—and once Lady Hannelore awakens, I would have another chance to speak with her.

“Regarding Hannelore, we need only wait. However, movements from other duchies are a different matter. In the Royal Academy, Hannelore appears to be gaining a reputation as the Second Avatar of the Goddess. Going forward, many will likely begin making moves to establish connections with her.”

I turned my gaze toward Mother, who always seemed liable to cause unnecessary trouble at times like this, even while Lady Sieglinde and the others were already dealing with so much. Though her expression appeared concerned, her deep violet eyes looked brimming with delight. It was hard to see her as anything other than scheming.

“We must be even more vigilant from now on. Lungtase, do not neglect gathering information from the Royal Academy more than ever.”

It was clear he meant not only other duchies—but that I should also keep a close eye on Mother and my brother. I exchanged a glance with Father and gave a small nod.

…If they do anything strange now, it won’t just be my brother—Mother will be implicated as well and face consequences.

I gave Mother a silent warning in my heart, but did not speak it aloud. So long as she could behave as befits a member of Dunkelfelger’s archducal family, there would be no issue.

…Please, I beg you—conduct yourself as a proper part of the archduke’s family.

And then, several days later, a wooden board arrived from the Royal Academy.

It reported that my brother had formally declared his participation in the bride-stealing ditter.