* * *
“The new year always hits the administration hard. It can’t be helped,” Karl added in understanding, only to be ignored by Charlian.
“I heard you’ve been putting a lot of effort into training the Imperial Knights lately, Your Grace. Is there a particular reason?”
Karl, unbothered by her coldness, turned his question to the Duke.
He knew it had something to do with the Crown Prince, but it was still unusual for someone who typically avoided bothersome affairs to take command of the entire knight order.
As the head of the First Imperial Knights, the Duke had never led training for all divisions before.
Aside from joint drills, he had always reviewed individual unit training through reports.
But now, he was personally running them hard.
“Hasn’t it been far too peaceful for too long? It doesn’t hurt to put them through the wringer every now and then.”
And the situation with neighboring countries wasn’t exactly calm.
The Naruman Kingdom’s independence forces were reportedly stirring up not just the Empire, but also nearby territories.
“I’ve heard troubling rumors about the Naruman rebels lately. Is everything under control?”
“Ah, yes. I’ve got a headache chasing down those little rats.”
The Duke replied with a thick smile at Charlian’s knowing question.
“So, there’s a chance war might break out again.”
Charlian carved her meat with an annoyed expression. She was still a child when it happened.
The Naruman Kingdom had declared itself the rightful hegemon of the continent and challenged the Empire—only to be utterly destroyed.
“The attempt to shift their internal conflict outward was admirable, I guess.”
“They must’ve all lost their minds, picking a fight with the Empire.”
Despite that, they insisted the Empire had forcibly invaded them and continued their independence movement.
The surviving nobles of Naruman incited the people.
Zeroth, who had gone to war at a young age, had beheaded every surviving member of the royal family himself.
“There are rumors that some imperial officials sold information to the rebels for money. Are they true?”
“Those lunatics.”
At Karl’s words, Charlian slammed her fork down harshly.
“Which sons of bitches are they?”
She couldn’t stand the idea that traitors might exist within the administration controlled by Nefer.
Watching her speak so bluntly in front of the Duke, Karl shook his head.
“The fact that the rumors have reached even you means it must be serious.”
“Our side’s been rattled too.”
No one knew where the funding was coming from, but the rebels, who should’ve faded into obscurity, kept rising from the grave.
“I’ll send you a list of suspicious individuals.”
“I didn’t expect you to take such an interest in this.”
“Of course. I’m still a noble of the Empire—I should cooperate.”
“I didn’t expect such loyalty from you, Lord Karl.”
Zeroth’ tone was overtly sarcastic, and Karl’s gaze narrowed.
“The Luster family is one of only two Marquisates in the Empire. It’s only right that we—”
“Oh, is that so? I thought perhaps you had other intentions.”
At Zeroth’ loaded remark, Karl froze.
“Hyung? Are you okay?”
Yaaawn.
Sylvian blinked at the gentle voice calling to him. He couldn’t fall asleep—not now.
“Ma…rti…”
“The maids will be here soon.”
“Mm… I need to go back to the dining room, hear what they’re saying…”
“You just need to listen and report back later.”
Nod.
Sylvian tried to push himself up, picturing the three who were probably still deep in important conversation—but drifted off again before he could move.
“Are you feeling alright?”
When he opened his eyes, it was bright.
Morning? No—afternoon?
“Nngh…”
“You did drink quite a lot of wine last night.”
Zeroth chuckled softly as he gently stroked Sylvian’s head.
“Ah—dinner!”
Oh no.
Realizing he hadn’t stayed until the end, Sylvian shot up, only to groan and collapse from the hangover.
Zeroth let out a laugh and caught him in his arms.
He’d been worried when he heard Sylvian hadn’t woken even by midday—but it was just a simple hangover.
“You need to get up and wash.”
“Can’t I sleep a little longer?”
“You’ll feel better after a meal and some training.”
He grimaced at Zeroth’ words, but building physical strength was important.
Yawning widely, Sylvian let himself be carried to the bathroom.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t stay till the end.”
“I saw you off well. But I’m glad—you can handle your liquor much better now.”
“It was tasty.”
Even after getting dressed, Sylvian couldn’t quite pull himself together.
But when Zeroth praised him, he straightened his shoulders.
His stamina had improved, and so had his Omega’s recovery—he could now drink a full extra glass compared to before.
“I’m now a duchess who can drink two glasses of wine!”
The staff around him tried hard not to laugh at how proudly he declared it, puffing out his chest.
As he stirred his hangover soup, he loudly announced that his next goal was three glasses.
“What about Martius?”
“He went to work.”
After Sylvian fell asleep, the four remaining at the dinner table drank as if they were set on finishing every last bottle of wine in the estate.
Martius had looked concerned at first, but when he realized the others didn’t care about his presence, he joined in comfortably.
‘You need to build up your body more. Passing out after just three days of training? You need more discipline.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘You fell asleep three days into the joint training.’
Zeroth admitted he’d been too casual with Martius and Lady Charlian the day before.
It wasn’t enough alcohol to justify his behavior, but he had to acknowledge he was excited about his first formal dinner with Sylvian.
“You’d best be more careful.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you’ve got something to hide, it’s only a matter of time before your tail gets caught.”
And so he’d ended up saying something to the Marquis that he probably shouldn’t have.
Zeroth sighed over his own misconduct, but he didn’t regret it.
It was something he’d have to say eventually anyway.
If the Marquis couldn’t read between the lines, then that was his fault.
“Is your brother alright?”
“He’s a knight. He’ll recover quickly once he shakes it off with his aura.”
Though for someone “recovering,” he did look like death warmed over when he got in the carriage that morning.
Zeroth conveniently left that part out.
“There’s the New Year’s banquet next week. Best to stay quietly at home this week.”
Sylvian nodded at Zeroth’s suggestion.
It was better to stay home and wait comfortably for Martius to finish his work.
He had also already sent letters to a few noblewomen, suggesting a small outing after the New Year’s party.
In the meantime, there’d be a minor “mishap”—the Duchess would accidentally lose sight of his companions.
“I hope my parents don’t attend the New Year’s banquet… but that’s probably too much to ask.”
Martius had mentioned their father and mother’s spending had gotten out of hand.
Whenever they crossed paths, they’d subtly probe for good news from the ducal family.
They were probably squandering the money he’d saved up again.
While he’d been at the duchy, they’d assumed the money would keep flowing and spent it as fast as it came in.
* * *
