The subordinate approached and began speaking in a low voice.
"The rumors about a monster appearing in 'Blue Atrium.'"
"..."
"It's just gossip among the farmers, so I couldn't report it formally, but…"
"Wait a moment."
Tristan, though arrogant, was far from stupid. The scant information struck his mind like lightning.
He opened the recently received budget and expenditure report for 'Blue Atrium', piecing the clues together in his mind.
"…Dismissing it as mere rumor seems imprudent."
"What?"
"At the end of last year, significant costs were incurred reclaiming the lord's forest. That's common when starving residents encroach during a famine, but there's no record here of crop failures or boar infestations."
The missing details in the expenditure report for reclaiming the lord's forest, followed by records of recruiting additional soldiers and funeral expenses for casualties, supported ominous suspicions.
"Do we have any physical evidence to confirm the monster's presence?"
"No, sir. All we have are accounts from a few herbalists."
"I see."
For now, all he could do was consider the worst-case scenario.
'My father might hand over Blue Atrium to Arthur Albion.'
A domain infested with monsters is not one just anyone can govern. Its lord must demonstrate the ability to lead soldiers against such threats in times of crisis.
'Well, I could prove my swordsmanship, but—'
Blue Atrium borders the northern duchy of Frost Hill. The king would likely hand it over to the northern duke rather than risk monsters ravaging valuable land.
His subordinate, seeing the documents on Arthur Albion strewn across the floor, likely came to the same realization. He gazed at Tristan with loyal eyes, awaiting further orders.
Tristan waved him away.
"Give me some time to organize my thoughts. You may leave."
"Excuse me?"
"Why do you look so surprised?"
"There's still one document left that I was specifically instructed to deliver directly to you."
"...Oh."
The subordinate carefully retrieved a document from his coat, reluctant to carry it openly. It detailed which parties Maria had recently attended and which she was likely to be invited to. He handed it over and left quickly after wishing Tristan a peaceful day.
But Tristan didn't even glance at the "confidential document." A few days ago, he would have been consumed by curiosity about Maria's movements, but now his mind was filled with different questions.
'Arthur Albion. What is your relationship with my fiancée?'
Frankly, even if Blue Atrium were taken, it wouldn't matter. To be precise, he had resigned himself the moment he heard about the monsters.
'Father doesn't trust me.'
Land where monsters roam is also a prime location for discovering magic stones. The king wouldn't risk entrusting such valuable territory to his youngest son.
'It's fine… I'm fine.'
Father would find another suitable domain. That would be enough.
A domain where Tristan and his wife could live in prosperity without envy of others…
But that thought hit a snag, tangled in one troubling notion:
'If Arthur Albion takes it from me.'
Losing something that had always been his—something as natural as air—to that man.
'What if it doesn't stop at Blue Atrium?'
Revulsion surged through him, a gut-churning wave.
Tristan shot up from his seat and pulled the bell rope. Moments later, the subordinate reentered, startled.
"Your Highness, you called for me?"
"I have a request. Investigate Arthur Albion's party invitations."
"Understood!"
The subordinate smiled, gauging the ambition of his master, though he failed to discern its true, unexpected direction.
***
Meanwhile, the Count and Countess of Redfield were brimming with excitement from early morning.
Of course, not over actual kimchi—it's just a saying.
(T/N: Was a funny phrase – 김칫국을 끓여 먹고 계신다 meaning drinking kimchi soup; as in counting their chickens before they hatch-)
"Natalie, you look stunning today! Even Arthur Albion, no matter how high his nose is, will fall head over heels for a beauty like you!"
Already, they were imagining the prospective northern duke as their son-in-law.
Natalie answered flatly.
"That's hardly news. I'm always beautiful."
"Of course! But beauty shines brightest when someone recognizes its value. If you win over the young duke, you'll be truly perfect."
"But the young duke is only twenty-one. Boys that age always prefer ladies who are as pure as first snow and as delicate as lilies."
"That might be true. When I was young—"
The count made a wistful expression, which clearly hinted at a specific memory. I silently chewed on imaginary popcorn at his uncharacteristic expression, but the count hastily reverted to his usual demeanor upon noticing his wife's annoyed look.
"Ahem. A boy who's only wielded a sword in the snowy north can't know much about love. Spend a few dates with him, and he'll be putty in your hands."
The countess, stepping back after spritzing Natalie with perfume, said,
"Perfect. When Her Majesty the Queen sees you today, she'll regret not making you her daughter-in-law."
Today was the Queen's May Ball—a gathering to encourage the year's debutantes. Households without eligible debutantes received only one invitation, but hearing that Arthur Albion would attend, the Redfields decided Natalie should go.
Safe travels.
'Meanwhile, Maria and Tristan will probably dance there, and the rumors will spread.'
This first wager at the Sacred Salon would be a sure win!
The thought made me smile. I'd raise my nose high this weekend, collect my winnings, enjoy the treats, and maybe even see the man in the skull mask—
Wait! Snap out of it, Dory! You'll end up on the same level as Tristan!
Natalie looked at me with a serious expression.
"Dory, why were you smiling to yourself and then startled?"
"Oh, it's nothing, sister. I'm fine."
The countess clicked her tongue.
"Dory, make sure not to cause any trouble for your sister. Natalie, just focus on yourself. Do you need anything else? Should we add feathers to your hairpiece?"
"Shouldn't you ask something more important than that?"
"Hm? Like what?"
"Whether I even want the young duke."
At that moment, the count and countess froze mid-motion. The count's front tooth clicked against his empty tobacco pipe, drawing all attention as he slowly opened his mouth.
"Does that even matter?"
"Doesn't it?"
"The most important thing is that the House of Redfield wants the young duke. As the second daughter of the Redfield family, it's your duty to fulfill that obligation."
Wow, how infuriating.
Now that I think about it, in the original story, Natalie didn't seem to truly like Asher. She treated him more like a prize she had to win.
Was that attitude cultivated by her parents?
'Natalie doesn't look pleased…'
If an argument starts, I'll take Natalie's side.
Children aren't pawns for their parents' ambitions!
But what came out of Natalie's mouth was completely unexpected.
"Of course, I'll fulfill my duty as the second daughter of the Redfield family and love my family."
…Not just unexpected—those words made me question my hearing.
Family? Love?
Did Natalie just say those words? Did she hit her head recently?
Apparently, my ears weren't deceiving me, because the countess was equally shocked.
"N-Natalie? Why the sudden change?"
"Fulfilling one's duty as a member of the Redfield family ultimately means fulfilling one's duty as family. And the foremost value of family is love."
"Th-that's, uh, yes, true."
"Thank you for helping me prepare. I'll make sure to do well with Aunt at the event later."
Natalie bowed gracefully to the count and countess. It seemed like they had a lot more nagging to unleash, but her sudden affection attack had left them stammering as they retreated down the hallway.
Once the two of them were gone, Natalie muttered under her breath with a scornful tone.
"Unbelievable."
Phew, it was nonsense after all!
As I let out a relieved smile, Natalie shot me a sharp look.
"Why do you look so at ease?"
"Because it feels like you're back to your usual self."
"And you've been acting quite out of character these past few months."
"You like me better now, don't you?"
"Hah!"
Her wry laugh was accompanied by a lopsided smirk. Her crescent-moon-shaped eyes crinkled as she smiled, making her seem genuinely happy.
"Dory, there's still time before the banquet. Want to go to a teahouse with me?"
"All of a sudden?"
"There's a teahouse that makes wonderfully crispy waffles. It's too much for me to finish alone. What do you say?"
"…'
"Great, go get dressed nicely and let's go."
"I haven't even said yes yet!"
"You answered with your expression."
No, I didn't!
…Maybe I did!
What would waffles in this world taste like? Every other flour-based snack had been delicious so far, so the waffles were bound to be good, right? Would they top them with ice cream? At the very least, they'd drizzle maple syrup, wouldn't they?
Ugh, I was already getting hungry.
As I was getting ready, the maid helping me dress asked,
"Miss Dory, did you miss lunch? You look like you're starving. Should I fetch my snack for you?"
"No, it's fine! …Just loosen the corset a bit, please."
"Understood. Enjoy your meal!"
I chose my own dress instead of Natalie's. I decided to save the fancy outfits for the Sacred Salon.
When we got into the carriage, Natalie frowned at me.
"That's an ugly outfit again."
"Your dresses are too cold."
"If you don't wear them this summer, you'll regret it."
The carriage started rolling down the main road.
Natalie and I didn't have much to talk about, so the conversation quickly died, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable.
Is this what sisters are like?
They argue, exchange harsh words, and yet somehow still take care of each other in their own way.
It didn't feel so bad…
Wait.
"Um, Natalie."
"Yes?"
"This carriage is headed to the teahouse, right?"
Someone outside just shouted, "The Redfield family has arrived!" The scenery outside the window was no longer urban streets but a completely different environment.
Surely not…
"We're going to the royal palace. You're attending the banquet in my place. I'll send Aunt in shortly as well."
"What? W-Why me?"
"Apparently, Asher Albion will be at the banquet. Weren't you interested in him?"
Oh no.
The memory of the botanical garden came rushing back. Is she still holding onto that misunderstanding?
"I'm not interested! I-I think you're mistaken—"
"So what?"
Natalie shrugged.
"Whether I'm mistaken or not, that's my prerogative."
"…"
"Anyway, try to come back with an interesting story. At the very least, step on your fiancé's foot or something."
So, is this what being a sister means? Taking care of you in their own way but still being unreasonably self-centered?
The carriage came to a stop, and Natalie placed her feathered hairpiece onto my head.