The scenery of St. Berte gradually began to change.

Beyond St. Berte appeared a small town perfect for enjoying the countryside, and after driving much further, a vista of bridges large and small emerged alongside buildings boasting sharp spires that rose high into the sky.

“Is this Kedunshire?”

When I asked Carlo while looking out the window, he nodded.

We’ve already reached the capital. The thought struck me as I looked at him.

“What should I do when I go to Brüpelier?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, that sort of thing. I vaguely understand I need to be more careful since public opinion isn’t good, but I don’t know exactly what I should do.”

“Who told you that?”

“Um…”

Odin did.

I couldn’t answer that way—he’d think I was crazy for talking to a lion that couldn’t communicate. I silently looked at his face for a moment before giving an awkward smile.

“…Just a feeling?”

“……”

“But listen. That place is where the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and other important people live. I’m asking because I feel I should be more careful. What if I stain your reputation?”

“Stain…?”

Ah, they must not use that expression here.

“I mean… tarnish your honor?”

Carlo raised an eyebrow as he looked at me with increasing incomprehension.

“Actually… what I mean is. If the imperial family or Count Azanie already resent us—no, me—how closely must they be watching me? If they say something to me or do something, wouldn’t it be better for your honor if I just stay quiet there…”

“What do you really want to say?”

“I shouldn’t cause a commotion.”

“You can cause something far worse than that for all I care.”

What? His response was surprisingly reassuring, even if just empty words.

But I needed to face reality.

Odin told me not to lose my confidence, but in this situation, shouldn’t I keep my head down to avoid causing problems wherever I go?

Though Carlo’s arrival prevented me from hearing Odin’s full explanation, the tone alone made it clear that while my reputation might be positive in some circles, it was terrible in others.

If I fell for their schemes and got caught up in needless conflict, even the favorable public opinion might turn against me. Not only would I suffer, but that innocent man would be condemned alongside me. Better to err on the side of caution.

“I’m trying to say that you shouldn’t stand up for me. I don’t mind. I’ll recover quickly once I return to St. Berte and rest, so it’s fine if I hear harsh words or face difficulties there. If you intervene in such situations, you’ll be doing exactly what they want. So let’s not fall into their trap…”

“Ignore whatever happens.”

“Exactly.”

“Even if something happens to you.”

“That’s precisely it.”

“Why go to such lengths?”

I just explained this, and you’re asking again?

Feeling frustrated, I decided a more direct approach would be better and stared at him.

“Your Highness, let’s be realistic. How should I put it? The relativity of power? When measured by wealth or honor. No matter what, the imperial family is far superior to us. If they find fault with us there, it won’t be good for you…”

“Superior? Who?”

Sigh, look at this. I tried to speak indirectly to avoid hurting his pride…

I gave an awkward smile.

“His Majesty… the Emperor?”

“He’s been bedridden for a long time.”

“You shouldn’t talk about the Empire’s Emperor like that. And there’s also Her Majesty the Empress, and His Highness the Crown Prince…”

“No matter who’s there, you have no reason to be careful.”

Goodness! What if someone heard such irreverent words!

Especially when we’re about to meet people who are already after your fortune!

“Fine. You’re the most capable person.”

“Ha, you still don’t seem to understand…”

“I know, I know. In my eyes, you’re the most impressive person. Happy? But they’re the ones ruling this empire, aren’t they?”

In every way, they naturally have more money, honor, and power than any noble!

Even with good territory, many businesses, and leading some war victories, how could Carlo possibly have more than the Emperor?

I didn’t think he was the type to boast, but clearly I hadn’t figured him out completely.

“Wow, where is that?”

Looking outside to change the awkward atmosphere, I pointed to a collection of mansions decorated with various plants and trees.

He stared at me with an unwelcoming gaze before speaking.

“Townhouses. Nobles use them when staying in the capital.”

“Do they live there?”

“Some do, but most build them as secondary residences for staying in the capital, unlike their territories.”

“Oh, I see. Secondary residences. They’re really impressive.”

Nobles really are different.

As I muttered while captivated by the stone mansions surrounded by blooming wisteria and vines, a cynical chuckle suddenly came my way.

“You think those are impressive.”

“They are! So exotic.”

“They’re small.”

“It’s the capital, so the land must be more expensive, forcing smaller buildings. But they’re still pretty.”

Carlo, who had been watching me intently, smiled crookedly and grabbed my shoulder.

“Look there.”

He pointed to a spot far removed from the cluster of mansions.

There stood a particularly majestic and wide mansion, perfectly symmetrical and stretching far to both sides.

“What’s that place?”

“Where you’ll stay when the social season begins.”

“Me?”

“…Us.”

Surprised by his unexpected words, I stared blankly at the mansion that revealed more of its grandeur as our carriage approached.

The mansion, seemingly built alone in the middle of a massive park, was smaller than St. Berte Castle but equally astonishing in scale.

“So that belongs to Your Highness?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, and that park too?”

“Yes.”

“That’s amazing!”

With my mouth hanging open, I clung to the window, gazing at the vast grassy park and elegant mansion that flashed by.

“It’s not that impressive.”

“No, it really is amazing, wow!”

Under the brilliant sunlight, the classical mansion that resembled an art museum displayed its dignified appearance, surrounded by stern guards.

But perhaps for security reasons, as our carriage continued, tall trees increasingly blocked the view like guards, disappointingly hiding it from sight.

Hanging onto the window frame, I watched as we passed through the lengthy park, traversing stone-paved roads filled with carriages, while people walked arm in arm with their companions or under parasols, chatting. Then I spoke.

“But you know, Carlo. I still think St. Berte is much better than the capital. The building exteriors too.”

“St. Berte is thoroughly managed and supervised, unlike the capital.”

“Wow, really?”

“It’s nothing special.”

At his indifferent response, I was too busy sightseeing to notice any change in his mood and exclaimed excitedly.

“Is St. Berte larger than Kedunshire?”

“Twice as large.”

“And that bridge over the river seems smaller than St. Berte’s.”

“We do have the largest bridge in the empire.”

His prompt, precise responses left me momentarily speechless as I turned to look at him.

“Is St. Berte more developed?”

Carlo acknowledged with a calm face, as if it were nothing significant.

“Of course.”

“Wow, so it’s more developed than the capital!”

I gaped as I looked outside again.

A young Grand Duke with territory larger than the capital.

So this is why the imperial family coveted the Grand Duke’s St. Berte!

“Look there! A university. Wow, that’s a church? There’s a monastery. And that’s a museum!”

“All of those exist in St. Berte too.”

“Oh, right! I saw them before. The ones in St. Berte are much bigger and more magnificent!”

“Indeed.”

As I pressed my face against the window, he opened it for me.

The cool breeze from the lake refreshed my mood.

Then his hand gripped my shoulder again and turned me.

“Can you see that?”

“Ah! Langchester Bank!”

“And that.”

“Wow! Hedegen Maritime Insurance Center?”

“There too.”

“Kyah! Hedegen Trading Center!”

“That as well.”

“Kyak! That’s Hedegen Post Office!”

I stomped my feet in excitement at the familiar names amid the marvelous scenery.

“Carlo. This is incredible. Now that I’m here, I understand. You’re much more amazing than I imagined.”

“It’s not that impressive.”

“This is truly remarkable…”

I turned to the side while tidying my windblown hair.

And at that moment, I found myself face to face with Carlo, who had his hand wrapped around my shoulder.