The Age Of Arrogance

“You…?”

 

Carlyle barely held back a sigh that was about to escape.

 

When he received Duke Dupret’s letter, recalling that they were coveting the position of Crown Princess, for a moment he had suspected that maybe the evidence the Duke was to send was brought by Cecilia. Not knowing that the evidence itself would be Cecilia.

 

However, what good could this noble lady, raised only in luxury, do here?

 

“It’s a bit regrettable to say this to someone who made the difficult journey here, but how can you possibly help me?”

 

Carlyle expected an idealistic answer full of a naive noble lady’s ideals, but Cecilia’s response was different.

 

“Do you know of the Dupret family’s ‘Dovetail’?”

 

“I’ve heard rumors. That it’s the Empire’s largest messenger pigeon training facility…”

 

“Before it’s a messenger pigeon training facility, it’s the fastest means to spread news to each region and gather news from each region.”

 

Despite saying he’d only heard rumors, the truth was Carlyle knew well about Duke Dupret’s ‘Dovetail’.

 

That was one reason Carlyle considered the Duprets in a marriage alliance.

 

“And there aren’t many people who can manage those messenger pigeons.”

 

He knew that too.

 

Dovetail’s pigeons understand human speech well, have strong stamina, and a high survival rate when moving.

 

It’s all thanks to the training methods secretly passed down within the Dupret house, where the conditions to learn those methods are incredibly strict.

 

And it’s also famous that in exchange for an enormous salary, you must work for life at the Dupret house and cannot transfer to another family.

 

“So?”

 

“I am one of the Dupret family’s most capable Dovetail managers.”

 

For the first time, Carlyle faltered.

 

It was unbelievable that a Duke’s young lady would personally raise pigeons, but if true, Cecilia would truly be a big help.

 

She whispered an irresistible story with an enchanting smile.

 

“The only place His Highness could build power avoiding Her Majesty the Empress’ interference was the extraterritorial Pervez. But the disadvantage of staying in Pervez is that you can’t immediately know the situation in the capital.”

 

“And you’re saying… you can fill that?”

 

“Dupret always wants to be His Highness Carlyle’s strongest support.”

 

Cecilia, emphasizing the Duprets’ loyalty, bowed once more.

 

It was then that Giles, with a displeased expression since Cecilia appeared, found fault.

 

“Even so, I don’t understand. There must be other Dovetail managers, why send the Dupret young lady to this dangerous place?”

 

It was a reasonable question. But the reason was something both Carlyle and Giles knew, making it more sarcasm than a real question.

 

Likely sensing this, rather than embarrassment, Cecilia straightened her back proudly.

 

“Of course, the Dovetail managers of the Dupret family are trustworthy. But there is always the possibility that they could be bought off or killed by the Empress.”

 

“Then, are you okay with it?”

 

1. “Don’t you know? The reason I came here, and the reason I can’t betray Your Highness.”

 

Cecilia revealed all of her cards.

 

“I want the highest power that a woman can have. And I want to achieve it with my own hands.”

 

“That’s quite reassuring.”

 

Carlyle laughed softly.

 

He preferred people who were this straightforward. In this situation, there was no time to worry about the good and evil of humanity.

 

In fact, there was no reason to. If they were helpful to him, that was enough.

 

What was there to be reluctant about when they were clearly saying that they wanted to be the next Crown Princess and that they would give him the best help they could?

 

“Welcome, Lady Dupret.”

 

He stood up and offered his hand to Cecilia.

 

Cecilia smiled back and took his hand in the handshake that was usually exchanged between men.

 

“I am touched by the unwavering loyalty of the Dupret family. However, Pervaz is a very difficult place for someone who grew up in the capital to live… Will you be okay?”

 

“I and the Dupret family have put our fate in Your Highness’s hands. We have no intention of complaining about the inconvenience of sleeping, the roughness of the food, or the lack of a glamorous social life.”

 

“Thank you for saying that. I will also do my best to make you as comfortable as possible.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Carlyle ordered that Cecilia be given a nice room on the second floor in order to catch this “windfall.”

 

“Oh, and I will call Countessess Pervaz so you can say hello. After all, the master of this castle is not me, but Countessess Pervaz.”

 

“It is an honor.”

 

Cecilia nodded with a deep smile.

 

This was the first time she had met Asha Pervaz in person.

 

‘I need to suppress her from the start.’

 

In any fight, it is always advantageous to strike first.

 

While Cecilia was determined, Carlyle had a servant call Asha.

 

***

 

“Did you call for me?”

 

“Ah, Countess Pervaz. Come in.”

 

Asha, who had been living in the makeshift workshop all day after the battle with the Igram, came with sweat still on her forehead.

 

Cecilia deliberately sat next to Carlyle and looked at Asha like a stranger. Of course, she didn’t forget to smile kindly.

 

“I’m sorry to call you when you’re busy. But I thought I should introduce you to our new family member.”

 

Only then did Asha’s gaze turn to Cecilia. Cecilia also stood up and greeted her gracefully.

 

“I attended your wedding ceremony, but it’s my first time meeting you in person. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Countess Pervaz. I am Cecilia Dupret of the Dupret duchy.”

 

“Ah……. I see. It’s nice to meet you.”

 

Asha recalled the urgent request for gate opening she received about 30 minutes ago.

 

It was a carriage from the Dupret duchy of the capital, and they asked to meet Carlyle. Carlyle also accepted the request and asked me to open the gate.

 

‘I didn’t know it would be a noblewoman…….’

 

Moreover, she didn’t expect her to be such a beautiful and young woman.

 

“I’m sure you had a hard time coming here. The roads in the Pervaz territory are still under construction…….”

 

“I came with a firm determination, but my maid, who didn’t know anything, had a hard time. The carriage was so bumpy that she couldn’t do anything.”

 

Cecilia said as if it was nothing.

 

“I’m sure you did. But have you thought about what you will do with the accommodation of the Dupret lady?”

 

“I’ve decided to give her one of the guest rooms on the second floor. And I’ll make sure that the Dupret family’s messenger will be able to come and go, so don’t mistake her for hunter.”

 

“I understand for now. I’ll need a more detailed explanation later, but I’ll hear it later.”

 

Cecilia’s lips twitched slightly as Asha listened to the words ‘Your territory’s roads are terrible’ and calmly conversed with Carlyle.

 

‘What is this? Are you going to ignore me?’

 

However, she had no intention of backing down here.

 

“Your room is on the first floor, Countess Pervaz, but I’m sorry to be using a room on the same floor as His Highness Carlyle. I hope you don’t misunderstand.”

 

“Since you are His Highness Carlyle’s guest, it is right for His Highness to decide where you will stay. The room on the first floor is not suitable for the young lady to stay in either.”

 

Just then, Carlyle interjected.

 

“Are you still living in that dingy room?”

 

“Are you referring to my room as ‘that dingy room’?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Carlyle thought of the room with only a bed, a table with drawers, and a sofa, and he shook his head involuntarily.

 

I think I asked five times if this was really your room when I went to see the lord’s room.

 

“I have never considered it to be that gloomy. It’s luxurious enough for a person to live in.”

 

“…I will send some of the furniture I brought soon, so tell the head maid and decorate the room nicely.”

 

“May I ask why I have to do that?”

 

Carlyle, who received the question with the omitted ‘Why do I have to bother?’, exaggeratedly sighed and shrugged.

 

“Think of it as being for the maintenance of the Crown Princess’s dignity. If the room of Miss Dupret, who came as my guest, is nicer than your room, unnecessary rumors will come out amongst the servants again.”

 

Asha was quite bothered, but she reluctantly nodded her head since she didn’t want the situation to repeat where the people of Pervaz are treated with contempt due to her being looked down upon.

 

“I understand. Is there anything else I need to be aware of right now?”

 

“Hmm… For now, doesn’t this seem like enough?”

 

“Then may I leave now? I have urgent matters to attend to…”

 

“Okay, go. Ah! Let’s make sure to have dinner together.”

 

Asha curtly nodded her head and left the room.

 

Cecilia was bewildered by the appearance of Asha, who didn’t seem to care about her and Carlyle in the slightest.

 

‘Even if it’s a marriage of necessity… is it really alright?’

 

While Asha was staying in the capital, she would have heard that she was a candidate for Carlyle’s wife, if she had ears.

 

And not just an ordinary candidate, a very strong candidate!

 

‘In the end, is it herself who ended up married? But she’ll be divorced after 3 years, no?’

 

No, before that…

 

‘How can she be so indifferent in front of this man?’

 

Cecilia didn’t love Carlyle either.

 

But even so, she couldn’t remain perfectly composed in front of Carlyle’s attractive appearance and charisma.

 

Even she, who is known as the greatest beauty in social circles, has blushed in front of Carlyle more than once or twice. But Asha seemed to view Carlyle as a bothersome burden.

 

****

 

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