Side Story 12

“It won’t be easy to gain recognition for her abilities.”

Simply being the head of the Liwonoc family has its limits in terms of respect.

If Ellia doesn’t perform outstandingly, she will only bask in the afterglow of Dyffrin’s achievements.

For a noblewoman to be fully recognized for her abilities, she would have to start from the bottom like Oakley.

Being the head of the family is not just about managing the estate well; it also involves checking other noble forces and maintaining the family’s prestige, which might require even more effort than what Oakley had to put in.

“The easiest way is to go through an important position in the royal court.”

Evelyn nodded.

As he said, the best way to build achievements and networks is to go through a central position in the state.

“But…”

“So far, there hasn’t been a woman in any important position.”

Given that no woman held a high-ranking noble title, it was somewhat expected.

“Why is this country so unfair? It’s full of discrimination.”

Evelyn crossed her arms and complained, then looked at Dyffrin.

“Is there no way?”

“Ellia is still ten years old. It’s too early to discuss positions.”

“You started working at the royal palace when you were eighteen. You became a minister in your early twenties.”

When Evelyn argued, Dyffrin couldn’t respond.

“High-ranking positions are mostly inherited or entered through recommendations, making it impossible without connections. Even entering through recommendations requires the endorsement of high-ranking nobles or royalty. Rykal was exceptionally promoted because there was no suitable candidate for the position of the Minister of the Interior at that time.”

“Did you enter through a recommendation?”

“It was a recommendation from Nosellerton.”

Although Nosellerton is now dethroned, he was a prince at that time, meaning it would have been impossible without such strong backing. Since Dyffrin is a direct descendant, it’s naturally difficult for him to recommend…

So, as of now, it’s impossible for Ellia to enter a high-ranking position in the royal court.

On the contrary, Fenris’s faction is occupying central positions, keeping the Duke of Liwonoc in check.

Evelyn uncrossed her arms and sighed.

“There are things even diamonds can’t do.”

“There is a way to start a rebellion with diamonds.”

“Dyffrin.”

Dyffrin replied with a blank face as he looked at Evelyn, who frowned.

“Just kidding.”

“Don’t make such chilling jokes.”

Evelyn shook her head.

“Is it so important for Ellia to secure a position? I thought you just wanted the children to be happy.”

“Yes, that’s right. But I don’t want her to give up on things others can easily enjoy just because she’s a girl. I’ll help if I can.”

“Alright, but don’t stress yourself too much. You’re not that strong.”

Dyffrin said as he sat down next to Evelyn.

“I want to, but I can’t help worrying. It’s about Ellia.”

Instead of replying, Dyffrin gently massaged Evelyn’s shoulders.

As his large hands applied just the right amount of pressure to her muscles, her tense mood gradually softened.

“Sometimes, I want to hire you as my personal masseur.”

“Aren’t I already your personal masseur? I’ve never thought of massaging anyone else’s shoulders.”

It was indeed hard to imagine Dyffrin massaging someone else’s shoulders.

Evelyn found it so amusing that she laughed lightly.

Seeing Evelyn laugh, Dyffrin spoke.

“Though joking about starting a rebellion with diamonds, buying Maluid Island might be possible. Then we could establish a kingdom there and make Ellia the queen.”

“It sounds like something out of a fairy tale Woody would write.”

“It’s not impossible.”

“You seem to be trying hard to comfort me today. Is there something you want?”

As Evelyn subtly pulled on his shirt collar, Dyffrin leaned in compliantly.

“Looks like you caught my signal.”

“After living with you for years.”

“No, you still don’t know me well.”

Dyffrin said as he captured Evelyn’s lips. When his hot flesh swept through every corner of her mouth, her toes curled involuntarily.

As Evelyn finally pulled away, gasping for breath, she frowned.

“You say I don’t know you well?”

“If you knew me well, you wouldn’t make that face. Every time you frown like that, it turns me on.”

Dyffrin said as he bit Evelyn’s neck. The burning sensation spread like fire, and Evelyn suppressed a moan.

“You really never change.”

Evelyn looked down at Dyffrin, barely opening her eyes against the sensual sensations.

“What I express is just a part. I constantly lust after you.”

Evelyn’s neck turned red at the obscene words spoken by his impeccable features.

“You never get tired of it.”

“Does anyone get tired of breathing?”

“I should stop talking.”

“Wise choice.”

That night, their bedroom was again filled with passionate breaths as they explored each other.

It was no surprise that Evelyn had to stay in bed all morning the next day after being tormented all night.

* * *

“Dad must have bothered Mom again last night.”

Woody, rarely showing anger, placed his small hands on his waist.

Ellia looked perplexed.

“…You’re such a fool. Dad wouldn’t bother Mom.”

“Then why is Mom having such a hard time?”

Ellia had a rough idea of what was happening but couldn’t explain it clearly to Woody.

In fact, she could explain it, but she was too embarrassed.

“Dad and Mom are just very… close.”

“You’re a blockhead. If they were close, they wouldn’t bother each other.”

“You’re too young to understand.”

“There’s nothing I can’t understand.”

When Woody stubbornly insisted, Ellia hardened her expression and spoke.

“Anyway, don’t mention it to Mom. That would bother her more.”

“Hmph.”

Woody pretended to be sulky but, being a good listener, suppressed his anger.

“Fine, I’ll hold back because your birthday is coming up.”

Ellia chuckled and ruffled her cute brother’s hair.

Just then, Evelyn came out of the bathroom after her bath.

“Ellia, Woody.”

Woody quickly ran like a squirrel and hugged Evelyn’s leg.

Evelyn smiled, momentarily forgetting her discomfort.

Seeing Woody greet her so warmly every day made him look like an angel.

“Kids, today we’re going to make invitations for Ellia’s birthday party.”

“Even though you’re not feeling well today…?”

“…I can manage this much.”

Evelyn replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.

The mention of a birthday party quickly captured the children’s attention. Their twitching lips showed their excitement.

Woody, even though it wasn’t his birthday, got excited just hearing the word “party.”

“That day is special. We’ll be holding a very important and solemn event together. So, we must put effort into making the invitations.”

Evelyn and Dyffrin had decided last night to combine Ellia’s birthday party with the heir appointment ceremony.

That’s why Dyffrin went to meet the vassals today. He would first talk with Isaac and then summon the other vassals to finalize the heir.

“Mom will write the invitations, Ellia will melt the wax, and Woody will stamp the seal, okay?”

“Yes!”

“Okay.”

Woody and Ellia responded in turn.

Evelyn wrote the invitations sincerely to each guest. Being part of Liwonoc meant people naturally followed, so this was the first time she put effort into inviting people. But she believed these small efforts would lay the foundation for Ellia’s future growth, so it wasn’t troublesome at all.

Watching Ellia and Woody’s little hands move diligently was quite enjoyable too.

“It’s done!”

Woody exclaimed energetically once all the invitations were finished. Evelyn gathered the completed invitations and handed them to Merrilyn.

In less than a week, Dyffrin returned home with good news. The vassals had agreed to Ellia becoming the heir.

The vassals had always kept an eye on Ellia, knowing her intelligence well, and with Isaac’s strong push, they had no choice.

Moreover, Dyffrin must have pressured them, leaving no other options.

“Good job.”

Evelyn greeted Dyffrin with a kiss on the cheek.

“Now the empire will likely become noisy.”

As he predicted, newspapers filled their front pages with stories about the heir of the Duke of Liwonoc.

People were puzzled by the choice of the eldest daughter over the eldest son and clicked their tongues, calling it a reckless decision.

Many nobles were displeased with Liwonoc’s bold choice.

“No matter how powerful Liwonoc is, it’s an arrogant decision to place a woman in such an important position as a duke.”

“How unfit must the eldest son be for them to make such a choice.”

Dyffrin didn’t let such noble opinions slide.

“It seems it’s time to tighten the reins on the nobles for the first time in a while.”

Though Dyffrin was no longer in office, his exclusive contract with Oakley allowed him to extend his influence over ports and commerce, giving him potentially more power than when he was the Minister of the Interior.

Trade was the center of funds, and controlling the flow of money was enough to pressure the nobles.

So Dyffrin chose to monopolize imports that Oakley exclusively brought in and not release them to the market.

Dyffrin targeted the nobles’ luxury goods. Those who couldn’t go a day without tea or coffee would feel the squeeze if controlled for a while.

Going deeper, estates that couldn’t be self-sufficient imported grains and salt, so a warning now would make them wary.

Wealth translated to power for these reasons.

Evelyn considered stopping Dyffrin but didn’t, feeling indignant about the gossip concerning their children.