Sir Gareth pondered deeply. No matter how impressive the Gareth Duchy might be, he lacked the confidence to fight and prevail against the entire aristocracy and the imperial family of the Uranus Empire.

“This isn’t a matter of loyalty but one of odds. Sir Enceladus must be grappling with the same issue. Allies will be hard to come by. If Enceladus alone is the sacrificial target, no one will want to stand by his side. The question is, what about the soldiers?”

Gunther continued his report.

“There is no information yet indicating that the Priest Methone has arrived in Titania. By the timeline, he should already be here, but we have heard no reports of him appearing before the soldiers.”

The Marquis inquired, “Could it be that his conflicts with Sir Enceladus are so severe that he’s deliberately staying out of sight?”

Gunther nodded. “That is also our speculation. If that’s the case, it could work to Uranus’ advantage.”

Sophia interjected, “Given Sir Dione’s jest and Sir Enceladus’ provocations, it’s becoming clearer why they’ve incited so much hostility against Uranus. Shouldn’t we consider aiding Sir Enceladus?”

Gunther turned to Sophia. “We are already closely monitoring Enceladus’ situation. Many in the capital have grown pessimistic about the war’s outcome and seem largely in agreement with using Enceladus as a scapegoat.”

Alex remarked, “Sir Enceladus holds the position of commander of the Titan Knights despite his young age, even with the Marquis of Enceladus still alive and well. It’s said the Marquis himself was the one who established most of Titan’s renown, isn’t it?”

The Marquis added, “In my youth, everyone admired him. It’s no easy feat for a single territory’s knightly order to make its name known across the continent. The fact that their reputation has endured for over thirty years speaks volumes about Sir Enceladus’ competence, likely matching his father’s.”

Alex shook his head and sighed. “That’s probably why the King of Saturn covets Titan so much. But even with such exceptional knights, could the King of Saturn truly replace someone as acknowledged as Sir Enceladus?”

Sir Gareth chimed in, “I agree with Marquis Ariel. A knightly order like the Titans isn’t just about power; it’s built on personal strength and camaraderie. The bonds among them are tight. Especially for an order as renowned as Titan, every knight likely has immense pride. Their loyalty will lie first with their commander and lord, not easily bending to a king.”

Alex speculated, “Could the King of Saturn’s ultimate goal be to disband the Titan Knights and establish a new royal order? Over time, Titan would fade into history along with the Enceladus lineage, and the new knights would belong to the royal house. Time changes everything, after all.”

Sir Gareth responded, “To take another’s knightly order, that would indeed be the approach. But in the end, the Titan Knights would vanish, and the royal order wouldn’t surpass the former Titan. Those who dismantle others’ knightly orders out of greed rarely possess the ability to lead a truly remarkable order. Knights with pride would never follow such a person.”

Everyone regarded Sir Gareth with respect. He basked in their admiration, relishing the moment.

“Being around these people makes showing off so satisfying. Unlike with my father or his peers and subordinates, where I always felt like a performing child. I like this—Ariel!”

As Sir Gareth reveled in the attention, Sophia chuckled inwardly.

“Sometimes, he seems even younger than Sol.”

***

Sophia received news from the capital through a letter from Helen. Interest in the northern war, initially high, had begun to wane due to the lack of significant battles.

In Ariel and Umbriel, only occasional skirmishes between scouting parties had occurred, or there had been incidents like landslides.

Ariel had never claimed responsibility for the landslides, merely declaring that the goddess Titania was protecting Ariel and that they, in turn, would protect Titania.

Sophia reflected, “If the truth can’t be told, it’s better to lift morale and enhance the reputation of Titania and Ariel. Later, we could even market salt as a gift from the goddess or victory salt and sell it at a premium.”

Hearing Sophia’s future plans, Sir Gareth shook his head.

“Lady Sophia, you’re absolutely relentless.”

John burst out laughing. He held Sophia in high esteem, believing that her presence made everything run smoothly.

Despite the wartime circumstances, Ariel not only continued to trade salt but also managed media responses and actively exchanged intelligence with Umbriel.

Even a fledgling organization resembling an administrative office was functioning effectively. Thanks to Lady Sophia, Ariel was profiting and thriving despite the war.

John gazed at Sophia with pride. Even the strategic assets of Sir Gareth and Gunther had come to Ariel due to their connection with her.

The name “Sophia of Ariel” truly fit her.

Alex quipped to John, “She really does have us all dancing to her tune, doesn’t she?”

“What admirable words did I say to make me appear so lovely in your eyes?”

Sophia asked with a smile.

“It was about Jack’s future. He mentioned he’s considering the Academy, and I believe that’s why,” Alex replied.

“Jack will do well at the Academy. He has a good attitude, reads situations well, and is responsible for his age. I’m excited about his future. He’s been a tremendous help,” Alex added.

When the topic suddenly shifted back to his son, Administrator John waved his hands in protest.

“Please, don’t say things like that in front of Jack. He’s just now settling down and pulling his weight. If he hears this, he’ll start thinking he’s truly exceptional and get full of himself.”

Jack abruptly entered the office and said, “Everyone’s praising me, but why are you the one cutting me down, Father? Sir Gareth, the horse merchant has arrived. Please take a look.”

Sir Gareth stood up.

“I think I know what this is about. Let me know if any decisions are made later.”

He grabbed a few more snacks from the tray, handed one to Jack, and stuffed the rest into his mouth as he left.

Once the two were gone, Administrator John shook his head.

“See? He still has a long way to go.”

Marquis Ariel beamed.

“Still, aren’t the children dependable?”

Administrator John nodded in agreement. Sophia, Alex, and even Jack gave hope for Ariel’s future. Despite the wartime situation, Ariel’s atmosphere remained optimistic.

Gunther spoke up.

“There’s a suggestion to contact Sir Enceladus in Umbriel. Since they’ve sent an envoy, there’s an opinion that it wouldn’t hurt for us to reciprocate. Furthermore, if a Priest Methone is indeed there, it’s worth verifying personally.”

Marquis Ariel frowned.

“Does that mean Prince Robert plans to cross into Saturn himself? Absolutely not. If he becomes a hostage, the war’s outcome is uncertain. It’s enemy territory, no matter what. If anyone should go, it’s better for the inspector or myself. I have a trustworthy successor, so there’s no need to worry about the future even if I were taken hostage.”

Sophia shook her head.

“Isn’t Prince Robert overextending himself? If it succeeds, it’ll be a significant achievement, but if it fails, he’ll bear all the blame—and his life isn’t guaranteed. Considering they’ve already collaborated with Cressida to ambush Umbriel, there’s no guarantee they won’t target his life again.”

Marquis Ariel and Alex nodded in agreement. Making eye contact with them, Sophia continued.

“From Saturn’s perspective, if Frederick, a less formidable candidate, seems like a better choice for Uranus’ emperor, they’ll actively target Prince Robert’s life this time.”

Gunther nodded and said to Sophia, “That’s why no decisions have been made yet. For now, we’ve only agreed to make contact with Sir Enceladus. Everyone agrees it’s too dangerous.”

Sophia said, “With no real battles, there will certainly be people nitpicking and others fueling the flames. Times like these call for cautious moves.”

Everyone understood who Sophia’s admonishment was directed toward. Gunther nodded as well. Administrator John considered relaying Sophia’s exact words and glanced at Gunther, who also nodded.

It seemed Sophia was best suited to persuade Prince Robert.

Meanwhile, Jack had gone out with Sir Gareth, who had also summoned Alex. They weren’t just negotiating horse prices; they were also determining whether additional types of horses were needed.

Sir Gareth had been an immense help, practically like family, taking the initiative in all matters of Ariel.

Marquis Ariel remarked, “Despite being the heir to a duchy, he’s so humble—even taking care of horses. We truly owe him a lot. I should send a thank-you letter to Duke Gareth.”

Administrator John cautiously said, “But we don’t have any tangible results yet, do we?”

“Even so, Ariel has greatly benefited from Gareth’s support. Not only his subordinates but also his soldiers have been mobilized. Moreover, hearing that his child is doing well is a comfort.”

Sophia chimed in, “It’s a good idea to send a letter. I’ll write to Parma Gareth and ask her to deliver it to the duke, making it seem like a private letter. After all, you’ll be writing as someone hosting the duke’s son.”

Marquis Ariel nodded. “Very well.”

Sophia’s handling of matters was becoming increasingly adept. Administrator John and Marquis Ariel exchanged a smile.

***

A few days later, Parma received Sophia’s letter and passed it along to Duke Gareth.

Duke Gareth assumed the letter was an attempt by Marquis Ariel to gain his favor and began reading it with a stern expression.

The fact that it was sent via Parma suggested that contrary to rumors, their tactics were clever. However, as he read, Duke Gareth’s lips began twitching.

Parma smiled and said, “There are compliments about my brother, which is why your lips are twitching, Father.”

Clearing his throat, Duke Gareth said, “He hasn’t commanded in any battles yet. Still, it says he’s been helpful in Ariel, not just with war preparations but also by training knights, purchasing horses, and overseeing soldier training.”

Duke Gareth couldn’t take his eyes off the letter as he continued speaking.

“They’re praising your brother’s attitude. Despite being the son of a ducal family, he attentively looks after the people under him and lives modestly. Even though life in Ariel isn’t luxurious, instead of complaining, he lives just like the other soldiers.”

A look of satisfaction spread across Duke Gareth’s face as he spoke.

Parma commented, “At first, you clearly didn’t like it, thinking it was a flattering letter. But now that you’ve read the praise, your expression has completely changed.”

“No, this isn’t mere flattery. It cites specific examples, commending his attitude and expressing gratitude. They’re going out of their way to ensure your brother is well taken care of. It seems Ariel’s Marquis isn’t a foolish man. It’s not about trying to gain favor or ask for something, but about reassuring me instead.”

“Oh, I agree! Ariel is certainly much better than Wiscombe.”

“They say he’s on terrible terms with Wiscombe despite being relatives. If he has any sense, it’s only natural not to get along with someone like Wiscombe.”

Parma nodded in agreement with her father’s remark.

Getting along with someone like Wiscombe would indeed be strange.