Chapter 4. As His Aide, I Can See His Circumstances

A strange tension filled the conference room.

Elena carefully observed the two people sitting across from each other at the conference table.

Count Ephraim was a count who owned territory bordering another country.

His territory wasn’t far from the border region where war was currently raging. The effects of war could reach there at any time.

He must have rushed to the imperial capital considering the spreading war might affect his territory.

Otherwise, it was extremely rare for a lord of the border region to leave their territory.

‘Is it for military support?’

Elena jotted down Count Ephraim’s name in her notebook while assessing his situation. As an aide, it was basic to understand and consider more about the person seeking consultation than one’s superior.

It remained to be seen whether the hidden meaning behind Count Ephraim’s dark expression was military support, or seeking help to abandon his territory and establish himself anew in the capital.

“Meeting Your Highness in person makes me realize anew what an extraordinary person you are.”

Those were Count Ephraim’s first words after exchanging greetings.

Grand Duke Rudfelix was a famous figure. There were widespread rumors that he was the most suitable person for that position, and now facing his overwhelming presence directly brought forth fresh admiration.

Though the table had no designated head seat, due to Rudfelix’s aura alone, the hierarchy naturally became apparent.

‘Such an overwhelming presence, he’s truly remarkable.’

Elena agreed with Count Ephraim’s words. The aura emanating from one person in the conference room was truly tremendous.

Wherever he sat became the head seat, and just facing him was considered an honor. That was the atmosphere Rudfelix carried and the influence he had on people.

‘But the Count is also impressive for sitting across from the Grand Duke without being intimidated.’

Just as Elena turned her head to look at Count Ephraim, Rudfelix looked at her.

Though Elena maintained a businesslike expression while observing Count Ephraim, she couldn’t hide the curiosity in her eyes.

She was only focused on what she wanted to see, unaware of the gaze upon her from between Quiet and the Count’s aide.

‘I don’t like it.’

She stood confidently even among men. While that should be natural, it somehow bothered him.

“How interesting to see a female aide.”

Noticing where Rudfelix was looking, Count Ephraim smiled slightly. Seeing someone who appeared barely old enough for her coming-of-age ceremony as an aide, he gave Elena an approving look.

“She seems quite capable and good at her job.”

When their eyes met and Elena bowed slightly, Count Ephraim lowered his voice so only Rudfelix could hear.

It was a consideration to avoid sounding like he was evaluating him despite praising his aide.

“How can you tell?”

“Her posture is unwavering and she holds her pen ready to write at any moment. She maintains her position while showing eagerness to help her superior – that makes for a good aide.”

A gentle smile appeared on his lips, seemingly impressed with Elena.

“Let’s get to why you wanted to see me.”

Grand Duke Rudfelix cut off the Count’s conversation. Count Ephraim nodded slightly at his tone indicating he didn’t wish to continue that discussion.

Elena, who couldn’t hear the conversation between the two men who had suddenly lowered their voices, glanced at Quiet.

“At times like this, you shouldn’t try to listen.”

It was her senior’s advice that she shouldn’t be too curious about words meant for no one else to hear.

“I understand.”

Thinking she had learned another lesson, Elena looked back at Count Ephraim.

Compared to Rudfelix’s sturdy build, the relatively slender Count appeared calm. He seemed more like someone who preferred books to swords, and as she was looking at his hands, she felt movement beside her.

“He was an imperial scholar.”

Quiet quietly shared information he had gathered separately in Elena’s ear.

“They say he stayed in the palace for several years as the Crown Prince’s teacher.”

Elena nodded slightly to indicate she heard. While writing her senior’s kind explanation in her notebook, she looked at Count Ephraim.

‘The Crown Prince’s teacher in the past… Ah!’

She finally remembered where she had heard the name before. Count Ephraim had been the Crown Prince’s advisor. He had played a significant role in why Rudfelix couldn’t defeat the Crown Prince.

‘Yet here he is facing the Grand Duke.’

Elena put her pen between the pages of her notebook and lowered her hands. She hoped that depending on what conversation passed between them today, their relationship might be somewhat resolved.

“I understand you’ve come regarding your territory.”

Rudfelix naturally led the situation. Though he wasn’t particularly trying to take control, he opened a channel for dialogue that Count Ephraim could follow.

“Yes. I came to make a request to His Majesty.”

Count Ephraim lowered his eyes.

“I asked His Majesty for help to save my territory’s people. Though I govern them, they are ultimately His Majesty’s citizens, so I came hoping for protection, but it didn’t go well.”

He seemed as disappointed as he had been hopeful of the Emperor. He raised his head strongly toward Rudfelix as if grasping at a final lifeline.

“Are you aware of the situation in Ephraim territory?”

“It’s not far from where the war is taking place.”

“Yes. We’re in an anxious situation where soldiers could invade at any time. The number of people emigrating grows by the day.”

Count Ephraim was more concerned about his people who would bleed amid the fighting than which side would win the war.

“I worry whether the people who leave will settle properly, and those who remain are also a problem.”

Elena observed Count Ephraim’s changing expression from the moment he mentioned his territory.

Desperation.

“Are you asking for separate forces to protect your territory?”

Rudfelix asked, trying to get to why he had requested to meet.

“That’s not it.”

Elena noticed Count Ephraim’s fists clenching under the table and found herself unconsciously empathizing with him.

“Even if you send troops, there can’t be zero casualties. I was looking for a place to entrust my people.”

Elena quietly marveled.

She had thought he would ask for new land or protection for his territory.

But he was boldly willing to give up his territory to save his people.

Her favorable impression of Count Ephraim rose sharply, seeing his ability to think outside the box and his genuine care for his territory.

However, that didn’t mean the situation was entirely good.

“Do you think all your people can be moved to the Grand Ducal territory?”

It would be fortunate if they didn’t die from the war in the meantime.

Despite Rudfelix’s somewhat rigid question, Count Ephraim tried to continue the conversation without giving up.

“I’ll handle that myself. I just need you to provide a corner of your territory where my people can be accepted.”

Speaking as if he didn’t even dare hope for more than that, he acted as though this was truly his last chance.

“Have you considered looking at surrounding territories?”

“That…”

Count Ephraim fidgeted with his cup.

“No one would accept us.”

His face turned pale as he explained how he came to the palace after being rejected by neighboring territories.

His past worries seemed to have affected his body, making him look gaunt and older.

“I’m not asking without offering anything in return.”

After saying he wasn’t asking for land without compensation, the Count pulled out a document.

“Your governance period for the territory is almost over, isn’t it?”

Rudfelix’s eyebrow twitched as if pricked by an invisible thorn. As the previously relaxed atmosphere became tense, Elena stiffened her shoulders.

‘Governance period?’

This was the first Elena had heard of it. It wasn’t in the novel.

‘There was a set period for governing the Grand Duke’s territory?’

Elena hurriedly opened her notebook and scribbled forcefully. She felt she had heard something that shouldn’t be missed.

‘Was this the reason for the Grand Duke’s rebellion?’

Elena’s lips pressed into a line as her brow furrowed.

“When the 28th Emperor ascends, the Emperor becomes the ruler of the Grand Duke’s territory.”

Rudfelix leaned back in his chair at the Count’s unexpectedly pointed words. Since he deliberately brought it up, it meant there was something else, so he postponed his intention to stand.

“To continue governing the duchy as it is now…”

The Count deliberately closed his mouth. Even mentioning that he needed to become Emperor could be charged as treason.

“There is another way, which is why I brought this. When the territory was granted to the Grand Duke and the governance period was set, my ancestor was present.”

The Count’s family had handled all the procedures for drafting and notarizing the documents.

“I have the original copy of the agreement from then.”

The copies in the palace and Grand Duke’s residence were duplicates.

“I will give you the original.”

Count Ephraim offered the best card his family could give for him.

“I’ll think about it.”

Rudfelix stood up. He had heard everything including what was being offered. Since he wasn’t obligated to answer immediately about the rest, he left the conference room.

Quiet and Elena followed behind him.

Learning that his ownership of the Grand Duke’s territory was temporary, Elena received quite a shock.