“Duke Crisiona enjoys collecting porcelain.”
“Yes.”
“For the time being, we will block all imported porcelain from leaving the Customs Service.”
“I understand.”
Even if he’s a duke, he won’t be able to do anything if the goods were blocked at the port where ships come in. So where will he turn his head? Of course, to his personal plane.
“Give orders to the knights to raid all the planes of the Crisiona family to find out the circumstances of the porcelain smuggling.”
It had to be something very trivial that the emperor would feel it was unnecessary to help the Crisionas. At the same time, it had to be something the duke would be very upset about.
Lacius squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them. He then calmly gave his final order.
“The Viscount of Gloucester is famous for its fine teacups.”
“That’s right. Among the countless vassals of the Duke of Crisiona, he was said to be the most cherished.”
“That’s it. Investigate there.”
“How strong do you want it to be?”
“Enough to erase his name.”
“All right.”
They could have hurt his precious Shay, had he been a bit careless.
So, this is a warning.
It makes no sense to stand still when you’re being attacked.
“Sigh.”
After Theobalt was dismissed, Lacius returned his focus to the management reports. At the end of his gaze, was a document.
Something he had to show Shay, who seemed to be avoiding him. If she sees it, she’ll think that everything he said and did that day was the effect of an aphrodisiac, then she’ll return to normal.
‘But was it really because of the drug?’
He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to embrace her soft body and covet everything she has.
Was this beast-like thought really caused by an aphrodisiac? Wasn’t it simply his hidden desire getting revealed?
‘I’m going crazy.’
Lacius let out a deep sigh and wiped his face dry. He doesn’t want to frighten her, so he pretended as much as he could, but it was hard to deny his feelings anymore.
I want to see her.
Even now, he’s still thinking about Shay.
* * *
A few days later. There’s been a groundbreaking change in Schweiden Manor.
“We look forward to working here!”
People in all kinds of attire gathered together and greeted Lacius.
Cook, gardener, housekeeper, coachman, and stable keeper. As well as countless soldiers and some knights.
As the number of people residing increased rapidly, the usually quiet space became noisy.
“Return to your respective positions.”
“Yes, head butler!”
In addition, there was another major change, and that was the title of Theobalt. He’s no longer the butler, but the head butler. It means that more young butlers will come in the future.
“Lashin, are you really fine with this?”
I was very concerned because I knew why he had to fire all of the workers before. Isn’t this too big of a change to do so suddenly?
“It’s alright. We’re just getting back to normal.”
Lacius looked at me and spoke affectionately.
I nodded my head for the time being to his gentle tone as if telling me not to worry.
I guess he’s really fine with it.
In fact, it was natural for a mansion this size to have more than a hundred workers. Escort knights and soldiers must also reside here, and there must be separate butlers, maids, and servants for them. Three gardeners were also needed to take care of the trees and the flowers. Can the stablekeeper manage the horses alone? How many horses do they even have?
Had it not been for Lacius’ peculiar instance, this situation would have been natural from the beginning.
“Hello, Miss Nia.”
“Are you going to the dining room? I shall escort you.”
“You are dressed wonderfully today. Please let me know if you’re planning on going out.”
Since this afternoon, as soon as I step out of my bedroom, Knights of Rentus follow me one after another.
Although it was embarrassing, I didn’t particularly hate it.
It’s nice to talk to new faces.
“Are you saying that those who won by drawing will take turns escorting me for a week?”
“That’s right.”
“So Sir Wilhelm and Dame Catherine will be escorting me for a week?”
“Yes.”
My escort knights, Sir Wilhelm, and Dame Catherine were ranked 48 and 10 respectively in the Knights of Rentus. While there was a slight difference in rank, the Knights of Rentus gave priority to skills, so Sir Wilhelm was not at all weak.
It just means he’s relatively weaker than Dame Catherine.
“I will pay more attention to external security starting tomorrow, while Dame Catherine will take care of guarding you up close.”
Sir Wilhelm, who seemed to be in his forties, snorted and grinned. Dame Catherine was in her late thirties, just a little older than me. That means she’ll be the perfect person to ask when I have a problem.
Sitting in the family living room where no guest is permitted to, I intentionally sighed deeply while flipping through a magazine.
It was meant to be heard.
“Is there something troubling you?”
The sociable Dame Catherine asked right away. I fiddled with the magazine with a slightly sad face before answering.
“I want to give Lacius a present, but I’m not sure what would be a good gift.”
“Hmm, how about a cloak?”
“Cloak…”
Will Lacius be pleased with that? It doesn’t seem so.
Sir Wilhelm offered an alternative when he saw that my expression appeared unsatisfied.
“How about a ring?”
One problem, two answers. But I don’t like either very much. Dame Catherine gave Sir Wilhelm a pathetic glance.
“Ring? That’s what the captain should give the lady instead.”
“Uh, t-that’s right.”
Sir Wilhelm slumped his shoulders and shrank himself. It was pitiful to see him get bullied for something other than swordsmanship by a senior with better skills, so I quickly took care of it.
“It’s a good suggestion. There are different types of rings anyway! For example, the one Lacius wears on his thumb is for calling a plane.”
“My lady is right, cough.”
“Anyway, think of something else. I really need help.”
“Then how about a magic item?”
Dame Catherine’s proposal was so excellent that there was a moment of silence.
“A magic item!”
