“That’s fine. More importantly, you should be concerned about Ernesta Kaif.”
“I’m already aware of that. She’s the sister of Barnabas Kaif, the former Court Mage Candidate whom Jared defeated—no, killed.”
“That’s not all. She approached Jared herself. She must have some ulterior motive.”
Olivier had heard Ernesta’s inner feelings from Jared during their meeting. She understood that the incident with Barnabas was regrettable and that the bereaved family had suffered. She also had thoughts about Count Brauer, who had framed Barnabas for his selfish son’s sake.
However, Jared had no reason to be excessively concerned about the Kaif family.
“Originally, Adelina Bischof and Tres Brauer should be the ones concerned about her.”
“They are concerned, and they are indeed helping her. However, Ernesta herself wants to have as little to do with those involved in her brother’s downfall as possible.”
“I can understand her feelings, but then why doesn’t she feel the same towards Jared, who killed her brother?”
“Who knows? I’m not Ernesta, so I can’t say. But Jared didn’t intend to kill Barnabas. He merely stopped him. If Barnabas had continued his rampage, no one, not even his family, would have known what would happen. Even if they can’t be wholeheartedly grateful, they must feel some debt of gratitude.”
Lily also suspected that Ernesta had a reason for wanting to be a secretary officer. However, even with the ducal family’s information network, they couldn’t investigate people’s hearts.
“I was concerned about her myself, so I came with her today. She’s not a bad person. She’s a little melancholic, but that’s unavoidable after losing her brother.”
“If you say so, it might not be a problem, but I can’t easily trust her.”
“Given your circumstances, it’s understandable. Would you leave her matters to me?”
“Really?”
“Of course. As a colleague, I’d like to help if there’s anything I can do.”
“You’re as kind as ever.”
In the past, when Olivier shut everyone out and tried to protect her mother, Lily had offered her help. However, Olivier, unable to trust Lily, had rejected her. She occasionally received letters from Lily, who worried about her, but Olivier, consumed by suspicion, had replied only a few times. Today, Lily, whom she met unexpectedly, had changed not at all since they last saw each other.
“By the way… how long do you plan to impersonate Jared?”
“You don’t approve?”
“Of course not. Jared is already burdened with many troubles. The leading cause is my family, and I apologize for that, but precisely because of that, I don’t want to add to his burdens.”
“Olivier, you’re so kind. Your kindness makes you stubborn, and you have a habit of carrying burdens alone. Yes. That’s right, I want to interact with Jared a little longer as the mysterious person using the pseudonym Ari Fel. The title of a ducal daughter is a hindrance, and I want him to see me as I truly am.”
“…You want me to keep this a secret too?”
Olivier, with an displeased expression, was asked by Lily.
“Just for a little while. I’ll reveal everything before I officially start working as a Court Mage’s secretary officer. Can you keep it a secret until then?”
“He should already know that we’re acquaintances.”
“You were so obviously surprised earlier. You can just say that she’s your junior from the Royal Academy and your friend. I’ll apologize on your behalf later. Please!”
“Sigh. Alright. I really don’t want to, but I owe you, so I’ll stay silent for a while. However, if Jared shows even the slightest hint of worry or suspicion about you, I’ll tell him immediately.”
Lily accepted Olivier’s warning like a nail hammered in.
“Yes, that’s fine. I’m sorry, Olivier.”
“At times like these, it should be ‘thank you.'”
“—Thank you, Olivier.”
As her childhood friend smiled happily, Olivier’s cheeks naturally softened. Deceiving Jared felt wrong, but if Lily was serious about marriage, Olivier didn’t want to interfere.
No, she actually wanted to interfere. She didn’t like the idea of more women approaching Jared. But she also knew she had no right to make such a selfish demand. Olivier was surprised that she was already feeling jealous, despite having met her fiancé only about three months ago. Her original plan was to introduce Jared to a kind noble daughter and sever their ties, so life was truly unpredictable.
“I don’t know what conclusion you’ll come to regarding Jared. But if you do anything to him, I won’t forgive you—just in case I’m telling you.”
“Heh heh, I know. The troublemaker of the Alway Ducal Family has completely turned into a maiden in love.”
“Shut up! You’re a troublemaker from the Duke Rüdiger’s Family!”
Olivier raised her voice, but unfortunately, she was aware of being a troublemaker herself. However, she didn’t want to be told that by another troublemaker.
“Speaking of which, she doesn’t seem to be here today, but I’d like to greet the other lovely consort next time.”
“That’s fine, but don’t underestimate her, or you’ll get hurt—physically.”
“Oh, that sounds scary.”
Even if Lily practiced martial arts, it was uncertain if she could defeat a swordsman who was a natural genius from birth. Yeny had only had the minimum amount of training, but with that alone, she could contend with one of Waalthe’s successors, or even surpass them. Although her talent was being wasted because the young girl disliked fighting, she would undoubtedly unleash her genius against anyone who threatened Jared, whom she admired as an older brother. The same applied to Lily, who desired to be a consort. If she approached Jared with half-hearted feelings, the consequences would surely be terrifying.
“Really, be careful.”
—Yeny, and Lily, why do such peculiar individuals flock to Jared?
Olivier wrung her hands inwardly, though she herself was quite peculiar and seemed unaware of it. Later, Olivier, returning to her Ari Fel guise, took Lily and followed Jared and the others. She introduced Lily to her mother. Of course, Hannelore already knew of Lily, but sensing there was a reason, she graciously played along as if meeting her for the first time. She introduced them to Jared and the others as her junior from the academy and her friend, as promised. It wasn’t a lie, except for the falsified Duke Rüdiger’s Family affiliation, her real name, and her age. Trane, who was serving them, cast a suspicious glance, but Olivier desperately tried to ignore it. Thus, the introductions with the two secretary officers concluded without any major issues.
