In a peninsula jutting out from the northeast of the continent, where eternal snow blankets the land and even the sea freezes over lay a frigid, harsh region. Geographically, it was even further north than the Empire's northern grasslands.

The kingdom of Lucen, located there, was a peculiar place that neither invaded nor was invaded by any nation. It was puzzling why a country existed in such a harsh land, but no other nation desired the frozen terrain, so they let it be.

With the cold as its most formidable enemy, the Kingdom of Lucen craved warmth. Perhaps because of that, Lucen's alcohol was famously strong.

"Ahhh—!"

The vodka I was drinking now was one of Lucen's most renowned beverages and exports. The scent was intoxicating, and swallowing it left a hot trail of liquid inside the body.

"Your Highness, drinking that much is not good for you."

The Crown Princess spoke with concern, but I couldn't hear her. I wanted to get drunk and momentarily lose myself, enough to go to Enen’s side.

So, I reached for the bottle to pour myself another glass of vodka.

"Your Highness."

But that small desire was thwarted as the Crown Princess, squinting her eyes, grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry, Crown Princess."

Though her eyes were narrowed, they were filled with worry and concern. Seeing that, I couldn't bring myself to continue drinking.

The Crown Princess was usually tolerant of my drinking. For her to come all the way to my office meant that my drinking had reached a dangerous level.

Well, I did suddenly crave vodka, which I rarely touched. It was only natural that my aides would report this to the Crown Princess.

"You seem troubled."

The Crown Princess gently smiled as she took the bottle away.

Sadly, my head started throbbing again just as she said those words. Because of the alcohol? No, I wished it were just that.

"The Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager is indeed a fascinating person. He never shows up in social circles, and yet he’s always at the center of attention."

Sensing my mood, the Crown Princess chuckled. At that moment, I found her amusement a bit annoying.

I understood, though. I almost laughed myself when I first heard the news. If it were unrelated to me, I could have laughed all I wanted.

"...Indeed."

But it was. So, I couldn't feel at ease.

An incident occurred in the heart of the capital. Not in a secluded spot like before, but in a place where many could witness it; the main characters were the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager and the Mage Duchess, who were both already subjects of numerous rumors.

Bloody hell.

It wasn't just any incident; the Mage Duchess was reportedly searching for the Executive Manager in tears.

Such an incident would stir rumors even if it only involved commoners, but between a duke and the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager, it was bound to cause political waves.

The Mage Duchess was supposedly pursuing the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager relentlessly. It seemed that the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager rejected her, and the Mage Duchess was seen pleading in tears.

What a dreadful situation. It suggested that the Executive Manager had completely dominated the duke. It would be stranger if there was no political fallout.

At least it's quiet now.

Although I hated to say it, the rumors about the crying Mage Duchess had thankfully calmed down.

The reason was simple: a more sensational rumor had overshadowed it.

"Many people saw the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager walking with the Mage Duchess. Some even said they held hands."

This was the latest news brought by my butler. I first felt despair when I heard about the crying Mage Duchess, but this news brought a sigh of relief.

An incident witnessed by fewer people at night versus one seen by many in the morning—the latter would naturally draw more attention, especially if it was about a budding romance.

He planned this.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. The Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager wasn't the kind to act without thought. He must have anticipated the fallout from the rumors.

That was why he deliberately showcased a more positive image. If rumors were inevitable, then it was better to spread those about them showing mutual affection rather than the Mage Duchess’s wandering.

If so, then the news about the Mage Duchess spending the night at the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager's mansion would spread, but what could be done? Such a shock would ensure that the rumor spread far and wide.

"Both the Duke and the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager are pillars of the Empire. How wonderful would it be if these pillars intertwined and strengthened each other?"

"Haha, that’s true."

I tried to rationalize it positively. Yes, this was a good thing. It was something to be happy about.

— The Imperial family will remain silent on this matter.

I had no choice but to think that way. After all, my father, the Emperor, had decided on silence.

It seemed like he had received the news around the same time I did because he contacted me shortly after the butler brought me the latest updates.

— If the Imperial family gets involved in something that's already happened, it will only cause more chaos.

There was indeed no point in trying to control an event that had already occurred in the heart of the capital. The best course was to watch as the bigger piece of news overshadowed the current one.

— It is only a matter of time before the Krasius family and the Catoban family become connected. So, Crown Prince, do not get involved in this matter.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

To summarize what he said, 'The outcome will be favorable, so let's ignore the process.' It might seem irresponsible, but what could we do by interfering? The Imperial family can't turn back time.

However, it seemed that even he was overwhelmed by this bizarre incident.

— It's been a long time since I last saw the Executive Manager. Even while dispatched to the Academy, he has diligently hunted down many traitors.

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

— I wish to dine with him before the year ends. Prepare for this, Crown Prince.

"Yes, I will do so."

The Emperor, who had been refraining from attending public activities, wanted to meet the Executive Manager personally. He probably intended to find out exactly what the Executive Manager had been taking to cause such an incident.

— However, it is not proper to interfere with his duties. Choose an appropriate time considering his schedule.

I was also given permission to meet and question him before he met the Emperor.

This was the time sanctioned by the Emperor, a legitimate opportunity to tease and subtly reprimand the Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager.

An imperial decree.

This was not a personal vendetta. It was, after all, an imperial command.

Thinking that, I reached for the communication crystal.

***The Mage Duchess, stuttering as if broken, hurriedly fled to the Magic Tower.

Yet her ears stood tall, reaching for the sky. As expected, she seemed pleased. This was all meticulously calculated.

It went well.

I couldn't help but feel satisfied. I was able to manage the situation exceptionally well.

The Mage Duchess’s mood, which had hit rock bottom, was lifted again, and the unfortunate rumors that spread overnight were suppressed as much as possible.

People would likely believe the rumor of us holding hands over the unbelievable one of the duke wandering in tears. Besides, the best way to counter a rumor was with an even bigger one.

Fortunately, it happened at night.

If the Mage Duchess had wandered around the capital during the day, this method wouldn't have worked.

Sighing in relief, I took out the communication crystal. It was time to check in with the source of this entire mess.

— Wow, nephew! You contacted me first! What's the matter!?

After quite some time, I finally received a response from the Wise Duchess.

Her greeting was loud and boisterous as, but it didn’t grate on my nerves this time. After all, I had contacted her to express my gratitude.

"Thanks to Aunt, the results were good."

— Ohhh?

The Wise Duchess tilted her head, letting out a peculiar sound of admiration. I wondered for a moment if contacting her was a mistake, but I pressed on.

"You advised me to strike first."

At those words, the Wise Duchess blinked a few times before bursting into laughter.

— Hahaha! My nephew~ has grown into such a fineee~ man!

"...You're too kind."

From that one sentence, I could roughly imagine how my uncle was faring. It was clear that his life wasn't easy.

— Nephew? Did you get along well with the Mage Duchess thanks to this beautiful aunt of yours?

"Yes, well..."

— Then, tell me all about it!

She sounded like a drunk uncle who urged people to talk about their first love.

I was starting to regret making the call, but I nodded and began to speak. After all, the Wise Duchess had indeed been helpful.

I gave a brief account of what had happened at the Magic Tower yesterday, and—

— Nephew?

"Yes, Aunt."

— I just wanted you to give her a little nudge, not hit her in the chest with a battering ram.

The Wise Duchess, suddenly sounding much less inebriated, laughed awkwardly.

Damn it.

***I was the hero who had sobered up the Wise Duchess out of sheer shock. Yes, that was me.

It's not like I did it on purpose.

It was frustrating. The look the Wise Duchess gave me at the end—like she was wondering if her explanation was too complex for me—was clearly a misunderstanding. I had indeed intended to just give the Mage Duchess a light push.

The problem was the discovery of the unexpected secret of the potion. Because of that, I unintentionally shattered the Mage Duchess’s mental state.

Though my initial plan was mild, this whole situation escalated because of that.

...Not that anyone would believe me. Honestly, it sounded like an excuse even to me.

— But, nephew! At least you won’t have to worry about fighting with the Mage Duchess over romantic issues!

The Wise Duchess added that as some sort of consolation.

Yes, we probably wouldn’t fight. The Mage Duchess had already broken down and cried pathetically. From now on, she’d probably just look at me with sad eyes no matter what I did. It was truly a sad situation...

This isn’t the time to worry about others.

I sighed again while looking at my communication crystal. Right now, I should be worrying for myself instead of others’ futures.

I received a message during my conversation with the Wise Duchess. The letters were in a magnificent font and were even decorated with the purple border that symbolized the imperial family.

It is heartening to hear that the busy Prosecutors' Office's Executive Manager is in the capital. We have pressing matters to discuss, so come to the Crown Prince's palace immediately.

It contained a veiled reprimand for causing such a ruckus despite being so busy.

I somehow felt no rebellion against that beautifully worded message.

...At least I won’t be penalized, right?

The only comfort was the assurance that I wouldn't be given another disciplinary action.