Duke Ernest considered this to be a very serious matter. This was like splashing filthy mud on the bloodlines of noble society. Moreover, from the beginning, he was a man who was ready to oppose anything Abel did. In fact, he had already argued Abel fiercely over the appointment of Sigren as an official prince.

“….”

In the bloody atmosphere, Fiona rolled her eyes. Because she had a rough idea of what Duke Ernest was thinking. If it went like this, she was sure it would be annoying in the future.

Of course, he would. Due to his personality, Duke Ernest tended to avoid open confrontation in public. He preferred to do a trick behind people’s backs. Because the evidence and eyewitness could be easily cleared up.

“I could fully understand why Duke Ernest is anxious.”

Fiona felt she had to convince Duke Ernest.

“For example, are you concerned that my ability is not good enough to support my family? As a member of the same noble society.”

Duke Ernest nodded. “That’s right, I see that you thought more than the Duke.”

“Then how could I prove my ability to reduce the Duke’s anxiety?”

“Oh. Uh hum.”

Duke Ernest coughed lightly. He who had been only thinking about nitpicking did not expect such a proposal.

“Prove? It doesn’t look like there’s anything a kid like you can do.”

“But i still ask you to suggest a way.”

Duke Ernest didn’t want to lose face. He was running around saying she had no skill, if he said he didn’t know how to prove her ability, that wouldn’t be good for him. So he petted his beard for a while, the opened his mouth.

“The Heilon is the shield of the empire. If you’re a lord of that region, you must be able to face the monsters skillfully.”

“Right.” Fiona quietly agreed. She smiled eagerly hearing what Duke Ernest said next.

“So, i think you could catch a monster in the hunting contest that would be held soon.”

Hunting competitions were held regularly in the capital during this period. Of course, the target was a ‘monster’. Perhaps because of that, not only the imperial families, almost all of nobles and promising knights attended.

“Of course, it would not be possible with bague skills. So if you were to win the hunting contest, i won’t meddle anymore either.” Duke Ernest said solemnly. In his eyes, Fiona was just a pretty face. She was a girl who looked like she had never done a dirty job. There was no sign in her that showed she was trained to hold a weapon. In other words, she was just a noble young girl, who would surely faint just by looking at a monster’s tail.

Duke Ernest suggested it without thinking much. He had never seriously considered the premise that “a noble girl knows how to fight against an evil monster”. He just thought Fiona would be frightened by his proposal.

However, Fiona replied calmly.

“Alright.”

Duke Ernest showed a slight agitation looking at the unexpected reaction.

Fiona pretended not to know his thought and continued to speak calmly. “Well then, I hope that the heads of other families here would be the witnesses of Duke Ernest’s proposal. Of course, as the noble duke, you would never say two words with one mouth.”

“That’s right, My Lady.” Arrendt answered coldly.

Duke Priscilla, who had been quietly watching the situation in the room, looked at Fiona with a concern. It was because Fiona reminded him of his own daughter, who was of similar age. However, in the end, Duke Priscilla nodded heavily. “Do that.”

“What do you see me as? Even if there is no witness, I would keep my words!”

Duke Ernest reacted in a somewhat agitated tone, seeing the situation. He was kind of unhappy with the unexpected situation, he just said so to save his face. He then asked suspiciously. Maybe she didn’t know what it was like hunting contest.

“You know what it means to catch a monster, right?”

“Of course I understand.”

“….”

Abel grinned while looking at Duke Ernest’s bewildered reaction.

“I would definitely take care of it.” Fiona responded with a cheerful smile as usual.

***

“So, Celine?”

Arrendt approached me after the meeting was over.

I was slightly embarrassed knowing what he meant.

“That was a lie.”

“It seemed so.”

Fortunately, Arrendt was not angry. Rather, he put on pleasant expression, “I think it would be better for you to forget my previous proposal. I can’t think of any place better than Heilon.”

Ah. He gave up more easily than I thought. To be honest, I thought he would dig a little more.

“I didn’t mean to deceive the marquis. I apologize.”

Inwardly, I withdrew my plan to assassinate Arrendt. It seemed like because I have the Heilon family on my back, which was unlike the original, he would not forcefully approach me. As long as he did not make me uncomfortable, it was fine. To be honest, as I thought more about ‘Arrendt Clovis Assassination’ plan, I became convinced that that plan was very unrealistic and unreasonable.

I smiled favorably. Yeah, he’d better stop hanging around and go to the female lead.

Attend looked at me curiously. “Aren’t you worried about Duke Ernest’ proposal?”

“It’s useless to think about it.”

Arrendt laughed briefly hearing my words. “You’re bold.”

Well, it was my specialty. so, I was not really worried about it.

“I have one question for you.”

“Yes?”

“The anonymous document declaring Green family’s dismissal.”

Ah, he remembered. I bit my mouth for a moment.

“Did Young Lady send it?”

As expected, he was the one who handled the case. No wonder it was fast. I think there was no particular reason to hide it now.

“That’s right.” I readily admitted.

Arrendt made s strange expression. “Thank you. It was a huge help. However, i wonder if young lady felt uncomfortable with me, since I contributed to the downfal of Young Lady’s family.”

Arrent must have guessed that there was a reason I send the document anonymously.

“Not at all.”

Arrendt laughed softly. “That’s a relief. I don’t want to have hostile relationship with House Heilon. I wish you all the best.”

He walked away very quietly. No, he might have escaped because of the distasteful staring Abel gave at him from behind.

Abel came closer then patted my head roughly. “This head is too small for how smart the brain in it.”

Abel seemed to have noticed that I had intended to make such an offer to Duke Ernest.

“That is the easiest way. Had I left it alone, it would have been much more annoying as we have to take care of His Majesty the Emperor. If my position in noble cricle narrows, my activities would be limited.”

“That’s right.” Abel Patted my head. “Certainly, I have an eye for people.”

Was he admiring himself? I grumbled reflexively.

“In this situation, you should compliment me Duke, not yourself.”

Abel ruffled up my hair while smiling.

Ah, it was messed up. My hair was definitely messed up.

“Yeah well done.”

I looked at him and smiled. It was nice hearing a compliment that I haven’t received for so long.

Abel made eye contact with me for a moment with an estranged expression on his face. Then he spoke again with a serious expression on his face.

“Then, call me father now.”

Wait. he hasn’t given up yet?

“No, I don’t want.”

“Dad is also fine.”

“I said i don’t want to.”

“Then when are you going to call me?”

“I dont think I’ll ever say it for you…?”

Abel, who normally would have smiled arrogantly as if it was part of his breathing at this point, showed no reaction. Rather, it felt like he seemed depressed.

“Okay.”

I rolled my eyes seeing the unexpected reaction. I’d rather he out his confident self as usual.

“Let’s go back home.”

Let’s just ignore it as usual! Don’t be discouraged this time!

But somehow I felt like there was something that stuck on my mind. So, despite feeling embarrassed, I subconsciously pondered when I should seriously put that title in my mouth.