Everyone gathered around the table with Conrad, who had taken a break from training.
Therese relayed to her son what she had just told Jared, and needless to say, he was overjoyed.
However, it wouldn’t be that easy. Conrad was reminded that it was merely his mother Therese’s opinion, not the decision of Harald, the head of the Alway Ducal Family. And since Rosa’s feelings were still unclear, he was warned not to rush things, which brought him back to his senses.
Still, he must have been happy that his mother didn’t object.
Jared informed Conrad that his magic training was clearly leading to growth and expressed his wish for him to continue his efforts, including swordsmanship. At the same time, he invited Conrad to train together, not just individually, but as often as possible, even if it was only once a week.
Of course, Conrad was delighted. He had been training diligently as instructed, but he was still only fourteen. Repeating the same thing endlessly must have been painful. However, being recognized for his growth and being able to advance to the next stage, he had every reason to be happy.
“…Excuse me, Olivier, Jared, I have something I’d like to discuss with you two.”
As Jared and Conrad were discussing magic, Harald quietly interjected.
It wasn’t his imagination; there was a hint of anxiety in his expression.
“Is it alright?”
“Father, what is it?”
“I believe it will be a rather complicated discussion, so let’s talk in my study.”
Perhaps it was about Rosa. The Duke had never said much about his son’s love interest. He hadn’t opposed it, but he hadn’t supported it either. However, now that he suddenly declared he only had something to say to Jared and Olivier, Conrad looked uneasy.
“Don’t worry too much, Conrad. It’s not about you or your love interest,” Harald said, noticing his son’s change in expression. Conrad visibly relaxed.
Harald rose, and Jared and the others followed. As they entered the mansion from the back, the Duke suddenly stopped, even though he had said they were heading to his study. When asked what was wrong, he put on a clearly bewildered expression and said,
“Something troubling has come up.”
“Father, what is the trouble? Is it about Rosa?”
To his daughter’s question, he gave a small nod.
“Haa,” Olivier sighed as if exasperated. “If you don’t like it, you should just say so. It’s cruel to Conrad to say things that give him false hope.”
“That’s not it.”
“Then what is it? You may not like Rosa, but since Conrad has stated his intention not to become the head of the family, voices from other families wanting her will only grow louder. Conrad is the only one in the Ducal Family with magic power and the talent to become a magician.”
There should be more voices wanting Conrad than his other siblings.
“I understand what you want to say.”
“Really? If you’re going to marry him off in a political marriage to someone who desires his magic power, you might as well consider it a good match for incorporating excellent blood into the family. Surprisingly—no, fortunately—Rosa seemed quite receptive, and I don’t think it’s a bad proposition.”
While Olivier defended her brother, Jared couldn’t wholeheartedly agree. Of course, it would be best if Conrad’s feelings were fulfilled. However, the major problem was that Rosa was the daughter and one of the heirs of Waalthe, the leader of Waalthe.
Presumably, if the Duke was concerned about Rosa, it would be for similar reasons.
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then, what is the problem?”
“Since this is a matter between the two of you, I’ll tell you, but I ask that you keep it confidential. Alright?”
With his serious tone, they both nodded.
“I have been vague about my successor until now, but in reality, it has been decided.”
“—Could it be?”
“My successor is—Conrad.”
“—!”
It wasn’t just Olivier. Jared was also speechless.
Until now, the Duke had publicly stated that he would choose his successor from among his sons. Therefore, the consorts, including Cornelia, were desperately trying to secure the succession for their own children. But who would have thought that Harald had already chosen his successor?
“F-Father… has it already been decided that Conrad is the successor?”
“It has been decided in my heart. Olivier, I am sorry. Because I did not make it clear, I have entangled you, Hanne, Trane, and Jared in an ugly succession dispute. I do not expect forgiveness, but I am truly sorry.”
“You have a reason, don’t you?”
“Of course. As you know, it is now clear that Cornelia Alway was the one trying to harm Hanne and you, but it was not always so. If I had told anyone that Conrad was my successor, he would undoubtedly have been targeted. That’s why I couldn’t say anything.”
Whether Olivier could accept her father’s words or not, Jared understood the Duke’s reasoning. It must have been a difficult decision. If he had revealed Conrad, Cornelia Alway would undoubtedly have gone after his life. Even without knowing he was the successor, Conrad, who had publicly stated he would not become the successor, had been targeted by the Dolf Ein faction simply because he was favored by his father.
Perhaps if Conrad’s status had been made public, Olivier’s troubles might have ended, but now it was just speculation. However, considering Cornelia’s madness, Hannelore would not have been spared. After all, Olivier was the only child Hannelore had, and as a female, she was destined not to be the successor. In either case, she would have continued to be targeted for the position of Main wife.
“At least until he reaches adulthood, I wanted to protect Conrad by not naming a successor.”
Olivier was left speechless by her father’s confession.
