Chapter 86

My father called me to his temporary office after hearing that I had instigated the fight instead of stopping it. He was sitting on the sofa, pressing his forehead as if his head were throbbing.

“Why did you do that?”

“I was angry.“

“You’re my daughter but also the Grand Duchess of Zan’s territory. You need to think about the Grand Duke’s honor.”

“His Grace wouldn’t be upset over something like this.”

My father pressed his forehead again.

“I don’t know how a bold child like you came from your mother, who is such a flexible person.”

I burst into laughter at his lament, which only family would say.

“Mother also said she doesn’t know how a daughter like me could have come from someone as calm as you.”

At my cheeky response, my father let out a groan and leaned back deeply into the sofa. But a faint smile lingered on his lips.

“I’ll let it go this time. I have to admit, I felt some relief too.“

“Right?”

I laughed along with my father. When I sat beside him, he shook his head helplessly. His expression, which had been joking with me moments before, grew serious again.

“They say the imperial army was stationed at the rear, in a very safe position. Those who should be standing on the front lines.“

“If it’s revealed that the imperial army was drinking, it won’t end well.“

“…Indeed.”

My father seemed entirely disappointed with the imperial army’s behavior. He was a man who valued honor above all and believed that loyalty to an ideal ruler was a true honor.

I gently took my father’s hand.

“His Majesty the Emperor trusts you, father. You’re doing well. But…”

My father quietly looked at my hand, which was covering his. He let out a deep sigh.

After glancing around to ensure we were alone in the room, he whispered to me, almost cautiously.

“You want to choose the right emperor.”

I was startled by how directly my father asked the question. I stared at him, then shifted my gaze around the room, trying to find a way to avoid the question.

But there didn’t seem to be a way out. I licked my dry lips and answered in a cautious tone.

“Yes.“

“You said that Princess Abigail is aiming for the throne. So, do you believe the Crown Prince is the right choice for the emperor?”

I knew I had to answer this carefully. I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Fortunately, my father patiently waited for my reply.

“He may not be the most suitable person to be emperor in the world. However, the Crown Prince is the legitimate heir, born from the Empress, and because of that, he can ascend the throne with minimal conflict. A fight for the throne only leads to hunger for the people. Additionally, I’ve seen that the Crown Prince considers public opinion and knows how to negotiate. I can’t say he’s purely a good person, but I believe he’s someone who upholds basic decency. I think the Crown Prince is the best option available right now.“

“Why do you think Princess Abigail is not suitable?“

“Princess Abigail is certainly intelligent. But her qualities are those of a strategist, not an emperor. The emperor’s role is to stand at the forefront of the people, but she doesn’t want to take responsibility for anything and prefers to operate from the shadows. She’s even ruthless enough to sacrifice her brother to achieve that.”

With a playful smile, I added, “She might have done well as a chess player.“

My father chuckled at my remark as if he couldn’t help but laugh.

During our conversation, we didn’t even mention Prince Cain. Even a child could see that he wasn’t fit to be emperor.

I looked at my father, curious about what he would say. Unlike him, I lacked patience, and my face must have shown my nervousness.

Smiling, my father extended his finger and gently pushed my forehead.

“Be patient. I’m still thinking.“

“I didn’t say anything.“

“It’s written all over your face.”

I pouted my lips in response. My father lost in thought, leaned forward while I leaned back into the sofa, trying to cultivate a bit of patience.

“Father.“

“What is it?“

“I’ve been debating whether or not to say this for a long time.”

My father turned to me with a warm smile.

“What could have troubled you so much that you debated it for so long?”

I bit my lip before finally speaking.

“If Princess Abigail becomes emperor, she will undoubtedly find some pretext to kill us. She knows she won’t be able to secure our loyalty. But the Crown Prince wants the loyalty of the Winsley family. I don’t think he will ever betray us as long as we remain loyal. I want you to consider the safety of the Winsley family as well, father.”

My father’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, but I didn’t stop speaking.

“In the future, I believe Winsley County will be well led by Louis, with Adam standing strong to support him. Those children will uphold the honor of the Winsley family. Just this once, please, allow yourself some personal consideration.”

At my words, my father’s pupils trembled slightly. I realized that I wouldn’t get an answer from him right away. Wanting to give him space to think comfortably, I stood up.

“I’ll wait for your answer, father.“

“…Rest well.”

My father didn’t stop me as I left. With my head bowed, I quietly exited the room.

The sudden battle, the subsequent memorial service, and my conversation with my father had left me physically and emotionally exhausted.

‘But I can’t rest yet. Tomorrow, I must meet with Count Melin.’

Regardless of my father’s answer, I couldn’t allow the Winsley family’s soldiers to continue being mistreated.

It would help prevent the false treason charges that Princess Abigail was likely planning and boost the morale of our soldiers.

***

The resolve I made last night as I left my father’s room was quickly broken. I had set out to meet Count Melin personally. First, I went to the leading estate and told the guards I was there to see the count.

The guard responded as if it were obvious.

“The count is not here. He lent this estate to the imperial army and is staying with his family at a small villa in the south.“

“Is that so? Understood.”

With that, I turned and headed south towards the villa. However, when I arrived, the butler greeted me politely but blocked my way.

“The young lady of the count’s family is inside.“

“Where is the count?“

“He has gone to offer condolences to the many who died in the south.“

“I see.”

Once again, I turned and headed towards the southern building, where the armies of Marquis Eriant and Count Sasha were staying.

But even there…

“The count has briefly returned to the main estate.“

“Returned? I just came from there.”

When I asked, slightly irritated, the guard stammered awkwardly.

“But… he really did leave…“

“Sigh.”

If Count Melin had indeed visited to offer condolences, he wouldn’t have left so quickly, especially not to return to the central estate instead of the villa.

It was clear that Count Melin had heard that I was coming and was deliberately avoiding me.

“Very well. I’ll head to the main estate then.”

After responding, I quietly approached the villa, ensuring I did not draw attention. Instead of standing in front of the door, I positioned myself in the shadow of the building, leaning slightly.

Not long after, I saw Count Melin, sporting a beard, walking towards the villa with an annoyed expression.

“How long is that woman going to chase after me? Can’t she just give up?“

“…She hasn’t yet. She might come here soon since she’s headed for the main estate.“

“Maybe I should just leave the estate altogether…”

I overheard Count Melin grumbling as he approached the door. Just before he reached it, I stepped out from the shadows.

“Eek!”

Count Melin let out a strange sound and staggered backward. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

Considering he’d been bad-mouthing the Grand Duchess, it was no wonder he was startled when I appeared. He quickly forced a smile, his eyes crinkling.

“Oh, Your Grace the Grand Duchess! What brings you all the way here?”

It was clear he wanted to brush aside what he’d been saying. As much as I wanted to punch him in the nose and demand an apology, there was a more pressing matter. I smiled back at him, still facing him directly.

“I came because I have a proposal for you, Count Melin.“

“Haha… What might that be?“

“The northern building is too remote, and the building is too old to live in comfortably.“

“Is that so?”

Count Melin feigned ignorance, widening his eyes as if he hadn’t known. As if that were possible. Still smiling, I continued.

“Unfortunately, we lost so many soldiers in the second subjugation battle. But the living deserves to stay in a better environment, don’t you think?”

Count Melin’s expression shifted to unease, his shoulders hunched like a mouse’s. His face betrayed a guilty conscience, clearly showing that he knew exactly what he had done. He must not have thought I was unaware. He was shameless.

“I’m not sure what you mean…“

“Please allow the soldiers of the Winsley family to stay in the southern building, even if only some of them.”

Count Melin hesitated, glancing around nervously before bursting into exaggerated protest.

“That’s impossible! That building is cursed by death, with so many people who perished there. How could I possibly let the esteemed members of the Winsley family stay in such an ill-fated place? I can’t allow that. And while Your Grace may think the building is old and remote, it was the first building constructed under the Melin family name. It’s a building with history.”

I couldn’t help but respond immediately, incredulous.

“Having history doesn’t make it a comfortable place for the soldiers, does it?”

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.