217 19 The 19-year-old is dingy! (1/2)

--Klingbloom residence.

...... This is going to be messy.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not.

In the event you're not a daredevil, but you usually eat everything you're served, Richter unusually left more than half of his dinner on the table.

A plate, a cup, and some papers.

As a ”nobleman,” Richter had always said that eating while working was outrageous.

Mion, who was already behind him, knew that something serious was going on.

However, you should eat as much as you are moving. If you want, I'll take care of the small stuff.

”I've already taken care of the really small stuff. I'll just have to look over the rest.

But ...... you're in trouble. Do you want me to mix you some sleeping pills?

At least say it when I'm not around, precriminal.

He sighs at the anxious look on his face as he looks over the scrolls and slurps his food.

The later it got, the fuller he felt, and the more his body was giving him, the more he was forcing himself to consume the nutrition he needed.

In fact, the accumulation of work was not the only reason for his anorexia, which was also the reason for Mion's anxiety.

”Step down from the position of Lord Treasurer, huh?

The words muttered. The worries he had.

This was the most depressing thing he could think of right now, as he finished putting the Lord Treasurer's signature on the scroll he had finished reading.

Foolishness. I'm not sure who else would be able to fill this position.

”Mion ......

”In the sense of being the princess's plaything.

Mion ......

I think it's time to fire this man.

Just pondering with a blatant sigh.

What this man is saying is not entirely wrong.

The princess, whom he had considered so dangerous and hostile. Richter is convinced that her fears have come true and that she is in fact a ”wicked man”.

But despite this, he was still playing right into her hands.

No.

Rather, it would be more appropriate to say that he was embraced by her because he considered her dangerous as a ”scoundrel”.

The internal split in the ”aristocracy” is causing Richter's power base to wobble.

”I am...

I put down my cutlery and opened my mouth as if to monologue.

I don't trust my men or my people. If you want to turn your back on them, that's fine. Whatever the reason. In fact, it's my fault that His Highness is filling in the outer moat like this.

I'm only taking care of you because you said you'd follow me.

That's Richter's way of being a ”nobleman.”

If you want to leave, that's fine.

It is the right of beings above animals to feel indebtedness.

If you want to leave it behind, that's fine. If you want to discard it, that's fine.

I know that.

So you can leave whenever you get tired of me.

That's impossible.

Oh, yeah. ......

Well, it's hard to imagine Mion leaving Richter's service now.

Don't worry about her.

The fact that a number of noblemen are now leaving Richter's service is not a concern or an unfounded fear, it is just a fact.

There are many reasons for this.

But the most important one is the existence of the terrorist.

More noblemen than the fingers of one hand were burned in their homes simply because they were Richter's relatives.

”The terrorists say it's a warning to anyone involved in Spectacula.

Their actions against Richter, who was working with Lilac on this project, certainly frightened the nobles around Richter.

It's no wonder. The next time, it might be your house.

There was only so much fire fighting an individual could do.

I'm told that the other side is using explosives in a spectacular way. I suppose it's not worth the effort.

Fortunately, the commoners only seem to know about it as a rumor, but it is now a common rumor in social circles.

The rumor is that...

”Dark forces working for the restoration of the Emperor.

And so on.

The truth is that much of His Majesty's real power has been lost over time. Most of them were the result of his own actions that backfired, so everyone naturally accepted them.

However, if we look back, we can see that His Majesty no longer has anything.

As a symbol, she stands at the top of the nation, but even that is more recognized than the lilac.

In such a situation, it is not surprising that there is a segment of the population that does not feel good about Lilac, who has completely established the economic foundation of ”Spectacula.

Even though his own father is in that situation, he is still prioritizing what he wants to do. It's working too well.

Richter was aware of the existence of royalty and aristocracy who said ”little girls” in addition to mere righteous indignation.

But still.

They are only talkers. No matter how much they complained, there was nothing they could do. Richter was pessimistic, thinking that Lilac would take care of them before he knew it.

Their presence could also be a countermeasure to the princess if used properly.

But what good would it do to antagonize the princess now?

It's a pure fact that Richter can't run Spectacula by himself.

”Mr. Gracial?

”...... Well, he's not one of my men. He's never been one of us. He's never been a comrade.

Do you believe him?

I don't know.

Rumor's source. At least, it is Gracile who is spreading the propaganda to get rid of the Lord Treasurer.

I don't want to talk about his feelings at this time, but I understand his aspirations.

We both saw the princess as a danger.

We can't have her expanding her power base any further than she already is, and that's where Lord Treasurer Richter L. Klingbloom comes in.

I don't know how they are going to install the next Lord Treasurer after Richter is gone, but I have a feeling that Gracial will be able to do it all with effort.

That's how much Richter liked Gracile.

He took a wrong turn.

Now that Richter is working with the princess, he can't go back to being an aristocrat.

We know he's not a man driven by emotion, because he's upset about it.

There is some kind of breakthrough, some kind of plan, and Gracial is now working to kick Richter down.

I don't know if he's simply taking advantage of terrorism, or if he's working behind the scenes. It's frustrating that they don't show their tails more often.

”I don't know much about the details of ......,” he said.

And. The voice.

When I looked up, there was another one. The guard was much quieter than usual. The girl was not begging for food or lounging around, but smiling gracefully as she proceeded to eat at a nearby table.

You don't know how to talk to him, do you?

I'll talk to him. I'll talk to him, and if I don't think he's good enough, then I don't care. But you don't know until you talk to him.

I'm talking about me. I'm not talking about her.

I tell myself that, and I answer.

”Yes.

She nods with a fragile smile, whether she understands or not.

She nods with a fragile smile. Will I be able to stand on my own again, no matter what form it takes? While Richter is thinking about this, she points to his plate and says.

And you have to eat properly.

That's none of your business.

Oh, that's not fair. I'm worried about you.

Even more so.

--Apparently, he had regained some of his strength.

He still didn't seem to have the will to hold the spear, but Hura had told me at lunch that he had saved one of his daughters, which made me almost laugh.

No matter what condition he was in, he would try to save others.

That's the only thing Richter ever admitted to me. I won't say it.

”...... Mr. Richter.

What's wrong?

As he continued to eat his meal, Mion, who was exchanging words with a chambermaid from outside the dining room, asked Richter a question.

It's not that I don't want Prim to hear about it, but I'll let the landlord hear about it first. It's standard procedure.

If only he hadn't said unnecessary things, he would have been a good subordinate, but inwardly I felt naïve when I heard that he had a visitor.

He told me he had a visitor. ”What? I just consulted with the ham hog the day before yesterday. Did Loosegood's guy come to complain about the low deposit?　Or is it... Did the guy who left me come by to say hello?　Or to ask me to step down as Lord Treasurer--

”No nobleman has the guts, sir.” No, but Izna Sienzan is here.

...... Why?

So?

Richter tilted his head.

Speaking of Izuna Sisiemczan, she had a memorable fight at Spectacular.

There is no direct connection to Richter.

At best, they are friends who might meet again in the arena.

However, Mion's eyebrows furrowed, and he continued in an unusually serious manner.

This time, Richter's expression twisted as he listened.

”You're looking for ...... Mirabelle G. Gringott?

--Castle King. Huta's private quarters.

The only sound in the room was the clapping of hands.

Viciedo looked at the sleeping girl and shook his head somberly.

I'm glad you're okay.

”Yeah. No, thank you. Did you know Corona?

Huta asked as Viciedo stood up, and he gave a relaxed affirmation.

When he looked down, there was a peaceful girl sleeping.

”Yes. I've been in the castle a few times. I've been treated like some kind of rare creature in the castle, if I do say so myself.

”Curious Creatures: ......

A maid with a strong habit of running around the king's castle with excellent skills.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

That's why I can't stand it.

We can only hope that he gets better.

”Well. You're a strong man, aren't you?

I'm sure you're very strong.” Huta cowered, and Viciedo raised the corners of his mouth with a wry expression.

You seem to be very depressed.

It's not unreasonable to think that if you have a connection with Corona, you might be right.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

”Will you be staying here for a while, Futa-dono?

”Well, this is my room... But yes. I'll keep an eye on Corona. Master Lilac is busy.

I'm sure he's at ....... I'm sure His Highness is always busy.

He nodded, ”Okay. He gave her the fruit basket, told her to do as she pleased, and turned away.

There was no particular reason for him to stay long.

And then...

”Oh, Lila?

”........................?