“What are you saying…? What does that mean!?”
Cornelia Alway spat in anger at what Dolf Ein had told her.
“As I said, because Waalthe—Rosa Roen and Pfeil—contacted Jared Murphy, it has been relayed that you hired us,” Dolf explained.
“I heard you perfectly fine! But that’s a problem, isn’t it!”
If Jared Murphy were to learn that Cornelia had once again targeted Hannelore’s life, the information would naturally reach her husband as well. If that happened, Cornelia would be finished. Even now, when she was already at her wit’s end, another blunder would undoubtedly cause her husband to abandon her. He was a kind man, and she had been drawn to that side of him, but she also knew that Harald Alway was merciless when he was angry. Though he was said to be gentle usually, Cornelia, his childhood friend, knew his frightening side all too well.
“What are you going to do about it?!”
“According to our investigation, while Duke Alway dotes on his youngest son, Conrad Alway, quite a bit,” Dolf said.
“What does that have to do with me—”
“We heard he is apprenticing under Jared Murphy. The Duke even personally escorts and attends the training of his son, who has been chosen to become a Court Mage. By the way, was your son doted on to that extent?”
Cornelia gasped. *No, it can’t be*, a terrible premonition made her heart pound loudly.
“Conrad-sama seems to be a truly obedient and good child. Even when bullied by his other siblings, he never loses his smile, and his forward demeanor on the battlefield seems to leave a good impression on the household staff. While it is only natural for a person, he possesses a warmth that nobles often seem to forget. He not only helps the household staff with their work but also remembers their names and never fails to greet them.”
That’s right. She knew Conrad wasn’t a bad child. Though they hadn’t had much contact, she had thought she needed to crush him since he was their only child blessed with magic, so she had used a mage under her influence to tell him he lacked talent. Yet, that was all she had done. Moreover, other consorts were doing similar things, so she wasn’t solely to blame.
“So what if that’s the case?!”
“I am curious. Why has the Duke not designated an heir? Normally, one would expect your son, as the eldest son, to inherit the Ducal Family, but the Duke has not made it clear. Therefore, there is a succession dispute. However, judging by the Duke’s actions, it is undeniable that Conrad-sama is doted upon more than anyone else.”
Cornelia inwardly agreed with Dolf’s point. Her husband had always paid attention to Conrad. She had assumed it was because he was the youngest son and because his mother was her close friend’s sister, so it was understandable he would care, but perhaps it was more than that. However, Cornelia knew that Conrad himself had no intention of inheriting the Ducal Family. That was precisely why she had stopped scheming against Conrad and his mother, Therese. It was the other consorts who were actively harassing them. She had lost interest and hadn’t interfered, but Conrad was also her husband’s child. He was perfectly qualified to inherit the succession.
“Are you saying you think Conrad will be the heir? That child doesn’t study land management and only swings a sword?”
“However, even that swordsmanship is sometimes personally taught by the Duke himself, isn’t it?”
“That, well, yes. Perhaps it was because none of the other children showed any interest in the sword, so he was happy. He knows that to inherit the Ducal Family, one must learn things other than the sword, so my son, and the children of the other consorts, all—”
“Duke Harald Alway was once a member of the Knights and displayed his bravery on the battlefield. He remained a knight until he inherited the Ducal Family. You are his childhood friend, Cornelia-sama, but since when did the Duke study land management?”
“…After it was decided he would inherit the family,” Cornelia replied.
Before that, her husband had held pride as a knight and had only focused on swordsmanship. She remembered, vaguely, how she had loved that earnestness.
“I surmise that Conrad-sama will be the designated heir.”
“So what of it? Just because you speculate doesn’t mean Conrad will actually become the heir.”
“However, please consider the possibility of a miscarriage.”
“A miscarriage?”
As Cornelia looked at him with a perplexed expression, unable to grasp his meaning, Dolf spoke with what seemed like profound regret.
“Even if you were to eliminate Jared Murphy as you wished, and even if Hannelore Alway and Olivier Alway were to meet their demise, if Conrad-sama becomes the heir, all of it will be in vain. No, perhaps it might ease your mind slightly, but that would be all.”
Cornelia remained silent. However, she seemed to be contemplating something.
“I find it difficult to proceed if your son does not become the heir. No matter how many people you eliminate whom you perceive as obstacles, it will mean nothing. However, you are a strong-willed person who can abandon your own daughter. I, Dolf Ein, believe that you, Cornelia-sama, can make the best choice.”
“In other words, you’re telling me to kill Conrad, aren’t you?”
“If Cornelia-sama so commands, we will gladly assist you. Of course, in return for our assistance, we desire a reward. For that purpose, we believe it is essential for your son to become the heir.”
“That’s right. I also believe that no one but my son is suited to be the heir.”
“Then, please give your command.”
Cornelia Alway was cornered. It was too simple for her, who had already crossed a line she should not have.
“Kill Conrad Alway. And if necessary, kill all the other children too. Eliminate all obstacles so that my son can become the next Duke!”
To Cornelia’s shouted command,
“Understood.”
Dolf bowed his head respectfully, and as he did, he curled his lips upwards where she couldn’t see him.
