[In Key’s Office]

Currently, the office of Key has busy people. And by busy people, it’s only Chevalier Writhe Roldenrauf, and Key’s mother, Crystal Chardelier. Both of them are doing some discussions about the trade and deals that are made in Roldenrauf Firm. They’ve been discussing for almost 3 hours and are now nearly done.

“So, since we found a transport group that is cheaper than the current group, we’ll be spending 18 gold coins instead of 22 per month.”

“Then that’s good. What about the supply of [Zarga Marble]? I heard that there’s a lack of supply from the mines in the northern mountains because of the winter.”

“Ah yes, about that. The Duke himself stated that all mining activities shall be put on a temporary halt to prevent accidents. I was actually surprised when he gave that notice. I didn’t expect he would risk closing that down even temporarily. That mine was one of this dukedom’s sources of income.”

Upon hearing those words, Crystal suddenly grumbled in annoyance. This made Chevalier Roldenrauf curious. Then he remembered something very important because of that.

“Come to think of it, I heard some rumours about high ranking nobles are lending their assets to the Duke. That's why this dukedom isn't experiencing increase in tax.”

“Rumours huh… I guess my son is really the son of my husband. The ability to get the attention of other people without doing anything especially women, I guess he inherited that.”

“So you already knew about it. I guess you would. You’re his mother after all.”

"Using the Duke to arrange a marriage interview with my son, quite outrageous."

While saying so, Chevalier Roldenrauf looked at the side where unopened letters from obviously higher ranking nobles are piled. He can’t help but feel pity on Key who is about to meet a lot of problems when he returns.

Seeing that Crystal is very annoyed by the topic, he thought of another one to change the mood a bit.

“I’m quite curious ma’am. Why didn’t Chevalier Chardelier inherit his grandfather’s position as a baron?”

Upon hearing this, Crystal gave Chevalier Roldenrauf a smile which says “It can’t be helped.”

“You’re probably not aware of this line in the law book, but I’m going to say it as a reminder. When a noble’s peerage goes up, the harder it is for him to go down. Logical isn’t it? But that’s not the case when you only have one descendant, moreover, a girl. If you are not contributing anything to the King and cannot pass down your position to a male descendant, in 5 years, your peerage will be lowered. If it reaches 20 years, the household will be stripped off its credibility as a noble household. Key was lucky that he was in time to be called an aristocrat.”

“I see, now I understand. My family’s peerage was the same from the beginning so I’m not familiar with that part of the law of nobility.”

Then Crystal suddenly got intrigued by Chevalier Roldenrauf’s words.

“The same from the beginning? That’s absurd! Isn’t your household running a large firm? You should be inaugurated to be a Baronet by now.”

Chevalier Roldenrauf gave a dry laugh after listening to Crystal’s angry but pitying words.

“Well actually, my great-grandfather had a rough history with a member of the royal family. The King of that time didn’t give him a punishment that would attract public attention. Instead, he inaugurated my great-grandfather’s generation as permanent Chevaliers. That way, this household would not be in the Royal Family’s way ever again.”

“Quite a rough history--”

Then, Crystal pointed Chevalier Roldenrauf with the stamp created by Key while smiling whole heartedly.

“-but then again, time always change. Don’t lose hope because the rain will always stop at times.”

She sensed that Chevalier Roldenrauf was feeling down while giving a short story and this was her way in giving him a solid encouragement.

Then, Chevalier Roldenrauf saw Silver, the Ashen Wolf pup, being chased by Fina with about to cry face. Out of a sudden, Chevalier Roldenrauf saw her trip from nothing.

“May I ask the name of that lady, ma’am?”

Crystal noticed how Chevalier Roldenrauf looks at Fina outside.

“Why? Do you fancy her?”

“WHAT?!”

[In the Library]

For almost 5 hours now, Petal is teaching Key’s best friend Pauline, and his little sister Louise, the proper way in being a female noble. They’ve also been taught by Petal Marzenthurian language and literacy for four days now. This was the task given by Key and his mother to Petal in order to let them enter Half Moon Academy in two months.

“I’m tired. Can we please take a break?”

“Yeah, I could use some of big bro’s home-made chocolate now.”

“If you say so, then we will take a break. I’ll come back and get some refreshments for the two of you.”

Petal put some paper bookmarks on the books she used. After that, she properly bowed to the two ladies that are leaning their heads on the table before leaving.

And now, only Pauline and Louise are left inside the library. Their expressions can already tell that they’re already tired of listening to the lessons of Petal.

“How many characters have you memorized, P?”

“I don’t know. My head hurts just by trying to remember them.”

Then, both of them shoved their heads on the books they are leaning on.

“God I wish I was as smart as big bro!”

Louise yelled, but since her face is on the book, the voice didn’t echo inside the library.

“Yeah, that guy was really smart. To think he’ll memorize the Marzenthurian Alphabet and Language in just 2 days, that’s already at a genius level!”

While saying so, Pauline suddenly realized something and raised her head.

“If that guy was this genius, why did he almost flunk?”

“I think it was because of a girl. I don’t know much of the details but, she’s the reason why big bro’s grades are dropping at that time.”

“Ah… so he really did date that goldilocks chick? Bet he regretted that.”

“So it really was because of a girl.”

Then, while both are leaning on their arms this time, Pauline suddenly remembered Matilda.

“Come to think of it, that girl with green hair, what was her name again?”

“Big bro called her Matt, but I think her name was Matilda.”

“How’d you know?”

“We’re siblings, we think alike when it comes to giving people nicknames. Why do you ask?”

Before answering, Pauline looked around the room to see if there is someone else beside them in the library.

“When we first met, I felt a really scary chill from her.”

Puzzled, Louise tilted her head upon hearing her words.

“Why? She seemed like a nice girl. Moreover, her movements are really refined.”

“I wouldn’t fool me. She gave me a telepathic message saying, ‘who the hell are you?’, when we first met.”

“Are you serious? Maybe you’re just imagining things.”

“I wasn’t imagining! She probably used magic. After all, magic exists in this world.”

“Well, if you put it like that…”

Then out of a sudden, Petal came into the library while pushing a trolley with desserts and refreshments. Both Pauline and Louise stared blankly at her.

“It seems that you two are already done resting. Let’s continue the lessons after I return the trolley back to the kitchen.”

““NOOO!””

-End of Intermission-