My Friend's Love Story and My Position

“Lord Wilfried, you seem to be in quite a good mood. Did something happen to you during your lesson?”

On the way back to the dormitory after class, my retainer Ignaz asked me that, so I hurried to compose my expression. Apparently, I had been smiling a bit too much.

“No, nothing happened to me. I just learned that a friend of mine has feelings for someone.”

…However, if anyone witnessed what I had, they would also feel a sense of warmth, wouldn’t they?

During a lesson for the archduke candidate course, which requires using a significant amount of mana, we were allowed to take breaks and drink rejuvenation potions to restore our energy. Since we could talk so long as we didn’t disturb others, it was common for the archduke candidates to exchange information during these breaks.

Today, while Ortwin and I were taking a break, Lady Hannelore joined us. It was then that Ortwin suddenly proposed to her. I never imagined that something akin to a scene from a story beloved by women would unfold right in front of me. The fact that Ortwin proposed in front of a third party like myself was a consideration to prevent any strange rumors about Lady Hannelore… but in reality, I couldn’t help feeling a bit uncomfortable.

…Still, I never expected Ortwin to be so passionate.

Confessing his feelings despite knowing that Lady Hannelore already has a potential fiancé is not something just anyone could do. Isn’t he perhaps a bit too devoted? Ortwin’s straightforward declaration of his feelings appeared extremely admirable to me.

Ortwin was an archduke candidate of the greater duchy of Drewanchel. If it weren’t for Rozemyne, his grades would be good enough to be chosen as first in class. Setting aside the will of their Aubs, I thought that he and Lady Hannelore, an archduke candidate for the number one ranked duchy of Dunkelfelger, made a perfect match.

…Even if it’s an unrequited love, as his friend, I alone will support you, Ortwin!

Although I want to support Ortwin’s love, it’s not easy for archduke candidates, who are always surrounded by their retainers, to have a conversation alone.

Especially since Lady Hannelore has fiancé candidates. It wouldn’t be surprising if Ortwin, who expressed his feelings, was treated with caution. As I was pondering if there might be a good way to help, Lady Hannelore approached me for advice. Apparently, a noble from Dunkelfelger wishes to arrange a marriage with a noble from Ehrenfest, and they want to know the duchy’s stance on the matter before the socializing season begins.

…This is it! If I invite Ortwin as well, wouldn’t it be possible to create a situation where the two of them can talk?

If we’re discussing the marriage between nobles and the related inter-duchy policies, it wouldn’t be strange at all for an archduke candidate from Drewanchel to join us.

“This discussion about inter-duchy marriages seems a bit complicated, so could I ask you to spare some time after the lesson?”

“I don’t mind, but…”

Since I received Lady Hannelore’s consent, I immediately began formulating a plan in my mind. Since we have the chance, how about going to a gazebo? I remember someone mentioning that you can see the schmelumes flowers from the gazebo right now. It’s a flower that began blooming after the Zent obtained the Grutrissheit, and it’s very rare, making it rather popular among lovers at that year’s Royal Academy.

If I were to leave a little earlier, they might get a chance to experience a bit of a romantic atmosphere. Even if that’s difficult, by using an anti-eavesdropping magic tool to create some time for just the two of them to talk, Lady Hannelore would surely come to realize Ortwin’s good qualities. Although she has a potential fiancé, it’s not a formal engagement yet. If the two of them fall in love, it might be possible to persuade their respective Aubs.

…Alright! After class, we’re heading to the gazebo.

All the retainers objected to going to the gazebo after the lesson, but I insisted, saying, “I want to see the rare flowers,” and pushed through. However, I couldn’t refuse when Lady Hannelore’s fiancé candidate also insisted on accompanying us. To make matters worse, this potential fiancé, despite being an archnoble, tried to take control of the situation at the gazebo, meaning Ortwin was seated in the place farthest from Lady Hannelore.

…Damn, what a nuisance.

Just as I was thinking that, for some reason, Lady Hannelore suddenly pushed me down and proposed to me.

…What?! What just happened!? Why is Lady Hannelore’s fiancé candidate cooperating?! And why isn’t Ortwin bothered that the woman he loves is proposing to me!?

As I was bewildered, it was explained to me that this was a marriage proposal from a woman, a practice carried out in Dunkelfelger. They assumed I knew about it because Rozemyne’s retainer had done the same and it had been accepted. Ortwin mentioned that since I was engaged at the time, I should have investigated if another duchy’s citizens became involved with my fiancé’s retainers. Apparently, everyone present couldn’t imagine that I hadn’t obtained this information.

…Again.

I frowned, realizing just how much I had neglected to pay attention to my surroundings and how careless I had once again been in gathering information…

◆

Spring in Ehrenfest was tumultuous. We had to defend against an invasion led by Lady Georgine and fought a defensive battle over the foundation. After the conflict in the Sovereignty, we were called upon to deal with the aftermath. Due to the need to complete everything before the Archduke Conference, the Grutrissheit Transference Ceremony and the engagement ceremony between Rozemyne and my uncle were held. After a short preparation period, we plunged into the Archduke Conference. Three new duchies were established, the rankings of the duchies underwent significant changes, borders were redrawn, and the curriculum at the Royal Academy was reviewed. It seemed to have been quite an intense conference.

However, as a minor, I was not allowed to attend the Archduke Conference, so, as usual, I stayed behind in our duchy. While the adults working in the castle were bustling about, the Northern Wing, where the Archduke’s children lived, remained unchanged from previous years. Being distanced from the position of the future Aub, I was not called to the main building for anything other than supplying mana, so I spent my days leisurely in peace with my retainers.

This peaceful routine however was disrupted after the report meeting following the Archduke Conference. Just like last year, when my parents dismissed the retainers and left only Rozemyne and me, this year, I was the only one left behind. I had been told to consider my future path during the year leading up to the public announcement of our engagement’s dissolution, so I assumed this discussion would be about that and was fairly relaxed.

However, it was different. As soon as the retainers were dismissed, my parents looked at me with pained expressions. It was the same expression they had when I unknowingly entered the White Tower, and they had to impose severe punishment upon me. A sense of dread made my spine tingle, and my heartbeat quickened.

“Wilfried, while the outcome of this discussion may change slightly depending on the circumstances, we can no longer continue to treat you as a member of the archducal family.”

Last year, I was told that our engagement would be quietly dissolved because Rozemyne was to be adopted as the king’s daughter, and this year, when I thought I would be considering my future, I was instead told that my status as a member of the archducal family would be revoked. It was so sudden that I couldn’t comprehend it at all.

“Father, what do you mean!?”

The dissolution of my engagement last year and the cancellation of my appointment as the next Archduke were things I had originally desired. It was extremely frustrating to be dismissed when I had requested it, only to be swept along by the needs of the duchy and Rozemyne, but in the end, I accepted it.

However, the revocation of my status as a member of the archducal family is different. I couldn’t believe that my father, who had said, “Once the engagement is dissolved and you’re free, you can live however you want,” would so easily retract his words. There must have been some form of pressure during the Archduke Conference that even my father, as the Aub, could not resist.

“It must be because of something Rozemyne did again!”

Whenever something significant changes around me, Rozemyne is usually involved. That’s what my experience has taught me. As I lashed out, my father furrowed his brow deeply and shook his head.

“Rozemyne has nothing to do with this. It is your own failure to fulfill your responsibilities as a member of the archducal family that is to blame.”

”…What? My failure?”

“A year ago, I told you that as long as you didn’t forget your responsibilities as a member of the archducal family, you wouldn’t need to bear any unnecessary burdens. However, you neglected your duties.”

Even though he said that, I couldn’t understand it at all. I was sure I had done what needed to be done. What did I neglect?

“You neglected the warnings from those around you. Specifically, the biggest issue was that you ignored Barthold.”

“Barthold…?”

He mentioned the name of Barthold, a medscholar of the former Veronica faction who had sworn his name to me, but I still didn’t understand. As I furrowed my brows in confusion, my mother spoke up.

“Wilfried, what do you think Barthold is to you?”

“Well, he is a loyal retainer who swore loyalty to me by offering his name and has supported me by my side.”

When I answered, my mother averted her eyes sadly.

“That was not an act of loyalty; it was a name offering made to avoid execution due to being implicated in crimes. That is precisely why their actions needed to be closely monitored. When I explained this as I gathered those who had offered their names in one room of the castle during the emergency, didn’t you, Wilfried, oppose it?”

During the defense of Ehrenfest, there were three people confined within a room in the castle. Barthold, his sister, and an apprentice scholar who had dedicated her name to Rozemyne. For Barthold, who said, “It’s impossible that we are in league with the enemy. Please believe us,” I, as their lord, repeatedly pleaded with my mother to “trust them and release them.”

“What is wrong with trusting your retainers? I, as their lord, know best how well Barthold serves me on a daily basis!”

Even when I felt lonely after Oswald and the others were dismissed or when I was disheartened by the cold reception during my visit to the Leisegangs, it was Barthold who most closely understood my feelings.

“Barthold maintained a connection with dismissed retainers through letters. Why didn’t you reprimand him when he brought you a letter from Oswald? Not only that, but you even replied?”

I simply wrote about trivial everyday matters, assuring them not to worry, as they were concerned about my life after losing some of my retainers. I saw no reason to reprimand Barthold for acting as an intermediary between us.

“Why must I cut off all communication with Oswald and the others?! Am I not even allowed to reassure those who have served me faithfully for so long?!”

“Of course not. As I explained before, I forced them to resign because their educational approach was deemed harmful to your future. I, as your mother, had to make that decision. We dismissed them to eliminate their influence, so it’s obvious that you shouldn’t be in contact with them.”

Feeling a sense of discomfort at her words, I furrowed my brow.

“Oswald and the others claimed it was due to educational differences, but in reality, wasn’t it because of factional differences? Didn’t you force them to resign to protect me from any repercussions?”

Both my mother and father pressed their foreheads as if to ward off a headache.

“They were dismissed because they twisted the truth and conveyed it to you in a way that suited their own interests.”

Typically, a mother would only advise on the selection of a child’s retainers at the Royal Academy, leaving the final decision to the child. However, my mother felt compelled to intervene because their educational methods were heavily influenced by my grandmother’s era.

“Wilfried, your honesty and kindness are admirable qualities. However, when those qualities manifest as flaws, they result in shallow thinking and gullibility. Did you realize that Barthold used the letters you wrote to Oswald and the others to establish contact with nobles from Georgine’s faction?”

I gasped sharply. I could feel the world I thought I knew twisting and warping. I let out a small, incredulous whisper, “No way…”

…Barthold betrayed me?

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?! If I had known…”

“The fact that the nobles Barthold contacted were part of Lady Georgine’s faction only became clear when they died during the defense of the Noble’s Quarter, their deaths linked to Georgine’s fall,” my father explained.

I had been informed that several nobles who had secretly sworn their names to Georgine died around that time. Until then, their actions had merely seemed suspicious, and without definitive proof, all my father could do was caution me through my guards, advising me to be careful because their behavior was suspicious.

“Wilfried, we thought we had conveyed our concerns about Barthold being a potential danger and the reasons for Oswald and the others’ dismissal. But didn’t you simply choose to trust Oswald and Barthold over us and ignore our warnings?”

“It wasn’t just us,” my father added. “Your guard knights, Lamprecht and Alexis, must have warned you multiple times. Why did you trust Barthold’s words and give him such favor instead of trusting those who had served you so faithfully for so many years?”

As my father pointed this out, I recalled how Lamprecht and Alexis had repeatedly told me, “Barthold is from the former Veronica faction. Don’t trust him too much,” “He’s been acting suspiciously. He needs more monitoring,” “You shouldn’t keep him too close,” and “There’s no need to respond to Oswald’s letters.”

…And how did I respond to them?

My own voice echoed in my mind, one memory after another:

“How can you doubt someone who has sworn loyalty by offering their name?”

“No matter how much you may be from the Leisegang faction and Barthold from the former Veronica faction, how could you doubt a fellow retainer…?”

“Wouldn’t it be rude not to reply to a letter that was sent?”

“You’re being too cold to your fellow retainers who are simply concerned,” I had dismissed their warnings as bothersome and pushed them aside.

“You failed to manage your own retainers, misjudged the information given to you by those around you, and didn’t grasp the reality of your situation. That is why you can no longer be kept in your position as a member of the archducal family,” my father declared.

I was aware that after the purge of the former Veronica faction, more Leisegang nobles had taken positions in the castle. I also knew that because I had been raised under my grandmother’s care and received my baptism under her, I was still seen by many nobles as associated with the former Veronica faction.

But knowing was not the same as understanding.

In that situation, during the defense of the city, I had insisted on releasing Barthold, who everyone else had deemed suspicious and had to be isolated. My desire to free him led to suspicions that I might be aligned with the enemy, resulting in my own isolation in the Northern Building. Despite that, I had ignored orders to stay put and expressed a desire to go to the battlefield.

That series of actions had led to this moment, where the consequences of my decisions were laid bare before me.

As it was explained to me how each of my actions was perceived by those around me, I could only bow my head, realizing just how much I had been engaging in behaviors that were seen as dangerous.

“Wilfried, if you understand the situation you’re in, then you must execute Barthold yourself.”

“With my own hands…?”

“If you cannot do that, you won’t be able to silence the claims that you secretly conspired with the nobles of Lady Georgine’s faction by ordering Barthold.”

”…Wait, are you saying it will be seen as if I gave the orders? Even though I did nothing?”

Despite leading the knights in battle during the defensive war as a member of the archducal family, would people now believe that I had conspired with the enemy? I hadn’t done anything wrong, how could I possibly accept being executed as a traitor, accused of colluding with enemy nobles because of Barthold’s betrayal?

“As I said from the beginning, this situation exists precisely because you did nothing. As the one who received Barthold’s name, the responsibility lies with you. Just as those who offer their names must be prepared for the consequences, those who accept those names must also be prepared to bear the lives of others.”

…Prepared to bear the weight of someone else’s life.

Suddenly, an image of Rozemyne hesitating to accept Roderick’s name flashed through my mind. Did she know that situations like this could arise?

“If you don’t make it clear to the nobles that you, Wilfried, recognized Barthold’s betrayal and dealt with him yourself, the suspicion that you secretly conspired with the enemy could spread to all of your retainers. The responsibility for failing to monitor Barthold falls on you, and if you cannot handle this, I, as the Aub, may have no choice but to execute both you and your retainers.”

I gasped. Involving the other retainers would be unacceptable. Lamprecht and Alexis had warned me repeatedly. I couldn’t allow them to be executed for something they had tried to prevent.

”…Barthold claimed he offered his loyalty to me, to the archducal family, in exchange for being spared from execution through association. If that was a lie, then he is not someone I must protect. He is not my retainer but an enemy.”

If Barthold had indeed conspired with Lady Georgine, an enemy of our duchy, then as my father said, execution was appropriate. My father had executed many enemies during the purges and the defensive battle, not out of desire but as a duty of the Archduke. I too must take responsibility and deal with Barthold. I have my pride as a member of the archducal family. I cannot be deceived by an enemy and lose my retainers because of it.

“I fought as a member of the archducal family, leading knights to protect our duchy, cutting down enemies, and capturing Grausam. To now be suspected of colluding with the duchy’s enemies is intolerable. I will treat Barthold not as an retainer but as an enemy and execute him as is my responsibility as part of the archducal family. In return, I ask that my other retainers not be blamed.”

When I said this, my father let out a sigh of relief, saying, “I’m relieved that I won’t have to execute my own son with my own hands.” Then, his expression grew serious again.

“If you carry out Barthold’s execution yourself, you will be treated as an archduke candidate until you come of age. Afterward, you will be appointed as Giebe Gerlach and recognized as an archnoble.”

…So that is the punishment decided for me.

When I nodded, my mother smiled gently at me.

“Wilfried, I do not think it’s a bad thing for you to become a Giebe. By becoming a Giebe, you can distance yourself from the castle, where there is an abundance of malice directed toward you, especially from the Leisegang faction.”

My mother explained the significant difference in the mental states of Muriella, who had been away from the castle, and Barthold and the others, who had been exposed to the hostility within it. Indeed, it was much more peaceful to be assisting with religious ceremonies in rural areas than to remain in the castle, surrounded by malicious glares and constant gossip.

“Additionally, by appointing you as a Giebe, we can naturally dissolve your current retainers without tarnishing their future prospects. Of course, if any of your retainers wish to accompany you to Gerlach, they may do so.”

…I see. By becoming a Giebe, I can protect my retainers.

A Giebe is someone who governs a land on behalf of the Aub. Scholars and knights serve the Giebe in their respective lands. Knowing that I could prepare a place for my retainers to work even after disbanding my current entourage, I felt a sense of relief.

“If we were to make you an archnoble immediately, it would necessitate a course change in your fifth year at the Royal Academy, which could interfere with your graduation and make your time there uncomfortable. Additionally, if rumors, both true and false, were to spread to other duchies, it would not only affect your personal friendships but also the social standing of our duchy as a whole.”

I nodded at my mother’s words. Changing my course in the Royal Academy at such an awkward time would jeopardize my graduation and force me to attend the academy outside the usual winter season.

“Lastly, let me say this: until we formally announce this upon your coming of age, we have no intention of informing anyone else about it. You will be able to maintain the appearance of your current status until then. However, since your retainers will be disbanded, you must consider their future roles. As their lord, you should inform them at the appropriate time and prepare for their future after your coming of age.”

My mother slowly continued to explain the finer details and what lies ahead.

I could clearly sense that she was doing everything she could to save me, even until the very last moment.

“If, Wilfried, you still strongly wish to remain a member of the archducal family, there is a way.”

“And what is that method?”

“You could bring in a Leisegang noble as your tutor from among my attendants, make them your personal attendant, and during the period until your coming of age, learn from their perspective about the relationship between Leisegang nobles and Lady Veronica. You would need to relearn how to gather, analyze, and evaluate information, and if you can deepen your relationship with the Leisegangs, while hiding your own feelings and memories behind a smile, while mastering the art of reading between the lines in conversations, it would be possible for you to remain part of the archducal family after you come of age.”

My mother’s proposal was essentially asking whether I could accept having Leisegang nobles, who might harbor malice toward me, not just in the castle but even within my personal chambers. It also meant accepting insults toward my grandmother, suppressing my negative feelings toward the Leisegang faction, and even forbidding myself from nostalgically recalling my past.

I instantly felt that it was impossible.

Since I was a child, I had disliked and been unable to accept being separated from those important to me due to changing circumstances. I couldn’t simply distance myself from important people based on the situation, nor could I forget about them.

“If being a member of the archducal family means I must cut off important people because of changing circumstances and continue living with a smile amidst malice, then I am not suited to be part of the archducal family. Besides, if I become a Giebe, I can still protect my retainers. In that case, I have no objections. I will take this as a lesson, execute Barthold as an retainer whom acted against his lord’s intentions, and after graduating from the Royal Academy, I will assume the role of a Giebe.”

◆

“There’s no point in dwelling on what wasn’t known until now. The important thing is what happens next. What will you do in response to Lady Hannelore’s proposal?”

Ortwin’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I looked at him. His light brown eyes, usually calm, seemed somewhat unsettled as he waited for my answer. It made sense, given that my response was of great importance to him. But there was no need for him to worry.

With that thought in mind, I turned my gaze to Lady Hannelore. Her red eyes were fixed on me, trembling slightly as she awaited my response.

”…Lady Hannelore, is it true that your actions are meant as a proposal to me?”

“There is no mistake. Please give me the conditions.”

It was an entirely unexpected situation, being proposed to by Lady Hannelore in front of Ortwin, who had just proposed to her, and being pinned down by a woman who then asked me for a task as part of her proposal. However, the expression on Lady Hannelore’s face, as she earnestly conveyed her feelings, was incredibly endearing.

…Now that I think about it, I once thought, during my engagement to Rozemyne, how wonderful it would have been to have someone like Lady Hannelore as my fiancée. It feels like such a long time ago.

If only I were in a position where I could accept Lady Hannelore’s feelings without hesitation.

…But I am no longer in a position to marry Lady Hannelore.

There are still many who think of me as the future Aub of Ehrenfest, but once I come of age, I will become a Giebe and assume the status of an archnoble. I am not in a position to marry an archduke candidate of a greater duchy. Whether Charlotte serves as a temporary aub or Melchior becomes the next Archduke, I can only marry an archduke candidate or archnoble from a duchy lower in rank than theirs. If my spouse’s backing is too powerful, it could lead to unnecessary discord and complications. As an archduke candidate of the first-ranked Dunkelfelger and someone who supports me as the future aub, Lady Hannelore is not an option.

…Even if I am to become an archnoble, I am still part of the archducal family. I do not wish to be the cause of strife within the duchy.

Still, if I had known of Lady Hannelore’s feelings a year ago, if I had learned that someone cared for me before that fateful conversation, I might have accepted a Leisegang noble as my attendant, given my utmost effort, and aimed to become the next Archduke.

…But it’s too late for that now.

I am genuinely happy that Lady Hannelore has feelings for someone like me. I truly want her to find happiness. That much is certain.

With a desire to help her in any way I could, I refused Lady Hannelore’s proposal.