I wonder how much time has passed, I’m so tense that I am afraid to move.
The duke was silent like the air before an eruption, gazing silently at the table. Then he finally moved.
Breaking his posture with his fingers crossed and elbows on his thighs, he speaks up with his cheeks stiff and eyes gazing down.
「 T-The engagement is broken? H-He’s looking down on me 」
His voice was heavy and dusky, different from how he usually speaks, making me feel uncomfortable.
I can’t help but react to his anger even though it’s not directed to me.
I looked up at him slightly nervous, and then our gazes met.
「 Kotori. Why? Why should the Carlitz house be subjected to such insults… 」
If this were a warring states Drama, his angry eyes would be the declaration of war.
It was so powerful that I swallowed my saliva.
「 The Royal…the Singran family has informed you that the engagement has been called off 」
「 Indeed. They one-sidedly destroyed it without having any discussions. Even if they’re the Sisgran house, this is arrogant of them 」
He puts his trembling fist on his forehead, and I see a glint in his eyes.
That must be quite humiliating.
I want to say something to comfort him, but I have no idea what to say.
My half-hearted words could just pour oil into the fire.
I look at the duke in the eyes, and his gaze lowered.
「 I know. I knew that the Carlitz house had fallen to just a noble in name, with only a fiefdom and our bloodline left from the old days. However, that’s why we shouldn’t be taken lightly. This insult isn’t just temporary, it’ll affect the next generation. Once they look down on us, their followers will appear… 」
It’s as if he’s talking to himself.
He might be having some personal feelings about the humiliation, but after confirming that this will end with the authoritarian world looking down on them.
But, that doesn’t mean that they can get back at him, knowing that it’s impossible because of the difference in power, all he can do is tremble in rage.
I can’t decide what to say.
But, there’s one thing I have to tell him.
I don’t want to touch it, but I want to be sincere with him, as we had shared many drinks and got close.
「 Duke, I don’t know what they wrote there, but the second prince’s new fiance has gained access to light magic. They likely used the skill orb I sold. Even though I didn’t know the situation, I’m still partly to blame 」
「 Don’t say that, Kotori. I don’t blame you. Given the relationship between Silka and the second Prince, this would’ve ended the same way even without Light Magic. However, it has become a building block for them. It’s an annoying magic… 」
Maybe the Duke doesn’t seem to think well about light magic due to the events.
No, if I recall the Duke’s great-grandfather has reached skill level 4.
If I recall, he was nicknamed the Black Blade, or something as scary.
The image seems to be a bit dark, so maybe the Carlits originally preferred Darkness over Light Magic?
When he was done talking, the Duke fell silent again.
I can’t stand this mood anymore so I’ll talk this time.
「 I thought that Silka-sama may have been pained to hear it, but fortunately, she didn’t seem discouraged. I think that’s a good point to look at 」
「 She was never happy to hear that she was engaged to the Second Prince who was considered to be the next head, although I didn’t tell Loic-dono about it 」
Loic is Marquis the Blaureite.
When we received the request to send Euphy to school and find out what was going on, the Duke deliberately didn’t say it.
I don’t want to poke that hornet’s nest.
「 That prince seems to have a difficult personality 」
「 If you’re the next head of the family, you’ll grow like that at his age. My daughter cannot accept that much level of commitment. She was born into the nobility and had enjoyed its benefits, so I hoped that she’d be willing to undergo the hardships for the house 」
Hmm, that’s harsh for Silka-chan.
But, you might call it kindness as he’s not forcing her.
The duke let out a loud sigh as if his strength had been drained from him, and his previously tensed expression softened a bit, and he laughed.
「 Talking to Kotori has distracted me. Sorry for showing you such a shameful side of me 」
「 Not at all, I’m just glad that I helped you out. If you need anything, just call me anytime 」
「 Indeed, I’ll do that without hesitation 」
He nodded then stood up and picked up the letter.
「 I will be contacting Marquis de Blaureite. You can rest for today 」
「 Certainly. If you’d excuse me 」
For now, he’s just contacting Marquis Blaureite.
I guess it’s natural since he’s much more involved with the engagement than the Duke.
Oh well, I’m really tired.
There’s nothing I can do as of now.
I guess things won’t make progress until they reply to the letter so I want to return to my room and get in bed.
The next day, Silka-chan moved from the school dorm to the mansion
The duke greets her at the entrance.
「 You don’t have to go to school for now. I’ll give you your instructions later. For now, stay in the mansion… 」
「 I understand. Father… 」
Hmm…
As usual, I don’t get it if these parents and children get along.
At first, I was surprised at the casual exchange, but upon closer inspection, the duke wasn’t disrespectful, nor was Silka-chan, she didn’t show any hate towards the Duke.
This is one of those parent-child relationships of nobles.
After that conversation, Silka-chan took a break from school and spent her time in this mansion.
If she goes to school, it’ll only be a bed of nails for her, so the duke thought of excusing her from school giving her that instruction yesterday.
Also, this might be a protest for them breaking off the engagement one-sidedly.
It’s rather counterproductive to do it to the prince, but I guess we’re gathering sympathy from people around her?
As for Euphy, she decided to take a break from school due to her physical condition.
Silka-chan’s not there, so there’s no point.
Well, I’m curious about what will happen in school, but I don’t think I can get any useful information as Ringlet-chan’s “Ohoho” is only getting louder.
I think that the Duke wants to raise his domain with Silka-chan.
But, he didn’t do that because he was waiting for the reply of Marquis Blaureite who said would contact him last night.
I’m also waiting until we get to talk.