CH 6

Thump, Viscount Baden even struck the table, creating a threatening atmosphere.

Kardiel frowned at the violent behavior, but the viscount did not care. Rather, he thought that raising an ignorant child like this was enough for an act that an adult could do.

It’s better to be a little intimidated to persuade. He also thought that he was going to soothe him gently from now on.

‘Hmm, now that I’ve done this, shall I give him some carrots?’

Viscount Baden’s voice became rapidly amiable shortly thereafter.

“So, Nephew, from now on, we must work together to protect Dieren. So that you can also inherit the dukedom without any problems in three years.”

“…”

“Who will protect you and your siblings until the end unless they are related to you in the same bloodline as I am?”

But Kardiel did not immediately respond to his words. He only stared at Viscount Barden for a long time with an expressionless face.

“Are you listening to me?”

Eventually, Kardiel opened his mouth only after the impatient Viscount Baden urged an answer.

“Yes, I heard you well.”

“Okay. Then you and I will be allies from now on. The future duke should only trust this First Uncle.”

“I see.”

“Yes, yes. The contact is to infiltrate the Dieren mansion sooner or later. Uwahahaha… ahem, ahem.”

Hearing the affirmative answer, Viscount Baden was in a good mood and almost burst into laughter.

Recognizing the place quickly, he coughed in vain, but couldn’t stop calling for joy inside. As expected, children are easy to handle.

‘Especially if it’s the son of that stupid duke.’

In the eyes of Viscount Baden, Kardiel looked remarkably similar to the childhood version of the dead duke.

The smooth face, the pretty eyes, and the long platinum hair.

Indeed, on average, Dieren’s lineage tends to be born with a decent appearance. But is there any value in that good-looking shell… Hm?

And among that bloodline, the one who was particularly stupid was the deceased Duke of Dieren. Viscount Baden himself, who had enjoyed the power of the immediate family by pleasing them in moderation, knew this fact best.

‘So if you please this immature one in moderation…’

You may be able to get your hands on something bigger.

Greed shimmered in Viscount Baden’s eyes.

However, there was something that Viscount Baden overlooked, that Kardiel was a more cool-headed and mature child than his peers.

Above all, there was a fact that Viscount Baden, who had never come to see the children, would not know.

It was the solid bond that had been formed over a decade between Kardiel and Lizelotte.

The bond between victims.

“I will remember the words of Viscount Baden.”

“Well, you should. That’s the way it should be.”

Kardiel did not bother to say that his words would become a fatal weakness for Viscount Baden.

After the conversation with me, my brother hurried back after paying his respects.

Kardiel, who had been informed that my brother had left, soon returned with Viscount Baden to the room where my husband’s coffin was.

But Viscount Baden’s expression was quite interesting.

‘It’s a face that achieved what you wanted.’

It is clear that wiggling the corners of your mouth would have already burst into laughter had it not been for the restriction of the funeral.

“Uh-hmm. Uh-hmm. Has Baron Randgritz gone back yet?”

“He just left. When Viscount Baden finishes his condolences, we will also wrap up the funeral and prepare for the landing.”

“Goodness me. It’s already that time.”

It was the time when the sun had set completely.

It meant to be quick, but Viscount Baden, however, did not seem to have any intention of leaving quickly. Instead of calling a servant to get his coat, he told me.

“I have something to tell the Duchess before I go today.”

“It must be very urgent. If you have something to say before the funeral is over.”

“It’s not necessarily like that, but it can’t be delayed because it’s related to the future of the dukedom and the succession classes of the little duke.”

Oh my god.

I got a little goosebumps here.

‘It’s really exactly what Sir Yuzef told me.’

It was just a little strange until two bad mourners came and the purpose of my brother’s visit was met. Maybe it wasn’t realistic until then.

However, knowing exactly what Viscount Baden was going to say last felt different.

Indeed, it was now beginning to materialize that Sir Yuzef really knew the future. I don’t know how that was possible though.

I felt dazed, but I didn’t hesitate to spit out what I had prepared right away.

“I was thinking about how to educate the little duke, the successor. In fact, there is already a great scholar who works as a teacher in Dieren, but unfortunately, it is time to consider retirement…”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Viscount Baden, who thought he could communicate, went on, plopping down on the chair where my brother had just sat.

“I think we need more specialized educators, especially teachers dedicated to the duke’s children, in order to educate the duke’s children who are the future of Dieren.”

I honestly agree with that statement.

Of course, although the current teacher is a person with reliable skills, it is undeniable that it will be difficult to manage the studies of three children at the same time.

Above all, wouldn’t it be a mother’s heart to provide the highest quality education possible to her children?

In fact, it has been difficult to increase the number of private teachers because of my husband. Damn it… No, it’s already ruined, right?

“You are right. And yet I was thinking the same thing. So, after the funeral, I tried to find out if there were any decent people. And…”

“Ah, if that’s the case…”

Viscount Baden interrupted me. I finished what I was going to say before him.

No, I was going to end it.

“I’d like to ask the most trustworthy person.”

“W-what?”

Oh, he’s cutting me off again.

“Do you mean you’ve already found a teacher? Who? Could it be that this was the secret conversation you had with Baron Randgritz?”

It is so important to listen to what others have to say until the end.

Otherwise, you won’t be able to overcome your temper and stutter nonsense.

I don’t know why the shame is on me.

“No. I haven’t found one yet. That’s why I’m asking Viscount Baden to find one. No matter what anyone says, the one who thinks of Dieren the most is Viscount Baden…”

“In other words! Isn’t the madam asking me to find a teacher now! The teacher who educates Dieren’s successor and the duke’s children! How dare I! I don’t think that…”

After saying that, Viscount Baden could not finish his speech, as if he had noticed something was amiss.

I was disappointed inside. I wanted to hear that arrogant Viscount Baden belittling himself until the end.

“Oh dear. Do you really think so, Viscount Baden?”

“Uh-hmm! That, I, I mean…….”

“I didn’t know Viscount Baden was so burdened. I’m sorry for thinking too far ahead. I understand, I’ll pretend it never happened…”

“N-no, who said no!”

Good heavens, my ears.

“O-of course! I’m lacking… a lot. However, as the chairman of the Privy Council, I am the one who serves His Majesty at a close distance, and above all, I am closer than anyone else to the Duke. Who else can get a teacher if it’s not me!”

I was going to leave it to him anyway. Still, Viscount Baden, who was sweating hard to make up for his slip of the tongue, was quite an interesting spectacle.

Today’s lesson, let’s listen to what people have to say until the end.

“I’m glad if you really think so.”

“Hmm, that’s obvious.”

“And Viscount Baden, no matter how low a viscount’s title is compared to that of a duke’s…”

“Hm?”

“…I absolutely do not think that the Viscount is so ‘insignificant and slow-witted’ as to call himself ‘impudent.’”

“…?”

Don’t bother to say that you didn’t say that. I know.

“Then, I understand that the viscount is looking for the dukedom’s private teacher. I am glad that you are so willing to help me.”

So the conversation seemed to end well, as Sir Yuzef advised.

To be honest, I didn’t like this very much. However, the foresight engraved in my head in Sir Yuzef’s determined voice made me quite concerned.

‘What will happen cannot be avoided or prevented no matter what.’ It’s already happened over and over again.

Sir Yuzef said that if I insist on not accepting this until the end, Viscount Baden will use his power as chairman of the Privy Council to receive the emperor’s edict. It was an abuse of power beyond imagination.

I wondered if he would really do such a senseless act, but on second thought, it was well worth doing. What can’t be done when the dukedom is hanging?

And if that really happened, it would be entirely me who would be in trouble. Because it completely takes away the right to be involved in or control the children’s education.

‘Then you open your eyes and have Dieren stolen.’

I can’t have that happen.

In this case, there is one way. Making things happen in the most favorable circumstances for me.

By the way, aren’t my brother and Viscount Baden really amusing people?

It’s like they’re opening their mouths on both sides, wanting to devour Dieren. As long as I hold out, the ducal title will go to the rightful heir.

Suddenly, I felt a gaze pierce the side of my face. When I turned, Kardiel was staring at me with burning eyes.

I smiled secretively at my eldest son, who still had no expression and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

‘Don’t worry, Kar. I won’t let that person lay a finger on you and your younger siblings.’