Once again, Eciel flipped through the pages. Then she hesitated for a moment.

Just seeing her lips slightly protruding like a bird’s beak when she was concentrating made me nervous for no reason.

‘Please understand… I wrote this because I suddenly remembered, I can’t write six more at this pace.’

What should I do when I want something from someone?

Should I ask while giving them something they like?

I glanced briefly at the untouched table, snacks and  teacups laid out by the maids sparkled beautifully.

Eciel’s share of plates and forks were also there.

‘There doesn’t seem to be any indication of crossing over.’

I wrapped the plates, forks, knives, and  teacups with the wind.

Since Eciel definitely liked the snacks here.

Maybe if she ate something delicious and felt better, she might compromise.

Eciel still received the chilled  teacup with ice clinking and  drank it down refreshingly.

Then she spoke firmly.

“Claire was right. It seems difficult for Claire.”

Thank goodness. I felt genuinely relieved.

“I’ll leave this here indefinitely. I won’t bother to check.”

“And then?”

“Just keep it. Instead, write down what you like whenever something comes up and be sure to let me know.”

“Whenever something comes up?”

My sister immediately nodded.

“Anytime. At first, I suggested we go out together, but I hope you come to find what you like, Claire.”

Warm words flowed from lips that had just swallowed something cold. Crossing the empty space, it touched my heart.

‘You were probably my blessing.’

The courage to navigate the unknown, the patience to endure hardships, unwavering faith.

Since everything a person prayed for came from Eciel.

My sister neatly folded the paper and handed it back to me. Knock, just then, the maids knocked on the door again.

“May we come in, Misses?”

To act according to norms, either Eciel or I should have moved to the opposite side.

But I didn’t bother to move. Nor did I suggest Eciel move over.

“Come in!”

Eciel answered in my place.

The maids entered one by one. Silently, I gave a slight nod to Eciel’s maid.

‘Don’t tell Countess Rocard about this.’

Since receiving the signet ring of the heir, my words here were law. She obediently nodded her head.

“Wow, this is really delicious.”

Eciel exclaimed just in time. She had just taken a bite of jelly filled with peach pulp set into a transparent gel.

She seemed completely unaware.

‘You don’t need to know yet.’

I poured  tea into Eciel’s cup myself.

Compared to what Eciel did for me, it was a trivial repayment.

 

—

 

“I mentioned the northern noble families and their approximate relationships last time.”

The Countess began to explain in a gentle voice.

Our lessons with Countess Rocard now extended beyond the east and west to the north.

These days we were learning about the noble families and major businesses to memorize in the north, among other various specialties.

“The north, being rugged and cold, doesn’t have as diverse noble families and businesses as the east or west.”

I nodded.

I could memorize it, and I hadn’t forgotten summarizing as a sign of concentration.

The conversation flowed like water until it abruptly stopped. Perplexed, I raised my head.

“…instead, there are heretics who deny the existence of Astariol and refuse to believe in Gods.”

In the Countess’s tone, there was distinct disdain and a touch of disgust.

“… heretics?”

But more than her tone, I was struck by the content, bewilderingly.

Even a person like my mother didn’t deny the existence of Gods.

A world with divine authority, priests coming even to smallest villages.

How could someone deny the Gods?

The Countess whispered softly.

“I don’t know much either, but their doctrine says that for a true human world to come, Astariol must disappear entirely. It started with mages accused as devil’s children.”

Ah. I uncomfortably lowered my gaze.

The reason why Astariol, known as the <Piece of God>, was not affiliated with the Temple but with the Rom nobility.

The reason why the divine trial still held a notorious reputation among the common people.

The reason why magic was referred to as the <power of devils>.

It was all because the Temple used the holy trial to execute magicians as the devils’ servants.

Contrary to the original intention of the holy trial.

The initial purpose of the holy trial was solely to condemn those collaborating with demons.

‘But things like this have always been abused.’

Magicians, the parents and siblings of magicians, the birthplace of magicians. Everything related to magic was exterminated under the sanctified name of the holy trial.

Until then, it was not difficult for the Temple, led by Astariol, to do so.

More powerful than humans, ignorant of human hearts, and possessing authority.

Who wouldn’t use it?

However, after the massacre, it became evident to all that magicians were human and human magic was clearly different from what demons use.

And the Temple shook from its roots.

“Astariol also returned to serve the imperial family.”

However, the conflict between the Temple and the magicians had not yet been reconciled.

Conservative priests still rejected magic, and extremist magicians hated the Temple.

‘And they don’t trust the Astariols who led the massacre.’

Countess Rocard, noticing my silence, asked tentatively,

“Do you already know the history of the holy trial?”

“Wouldn’t that be something I should know best?”

I was born between Astariol and a magician, and Countess Rocard, unaware of it, had even gone to trial just like the holy trial.

“It’s funny to think Astariol at the holy trial….”

A bitter smile crossed my lips.

Then I realized.

Countess Rocard’s complexion was frozen in shock.

The amazement of hearing something completely unexpected at a completely unexpected time, all expressed in her face.

Even her voice trembled as it slipped away.

“Could it be… Charlotte…”

It was the first time since seeing her that she had such an expression.

But, in true Countess Rocard fashion, she quickly regained her composure.

“No, no. It’s nothing. I misspoke.”

There was a moment of silence. Countess Rocard’s complexion also quickly returned calm.

But inwardly, she must have regretted the hasty words.

I carefully asked as I chose my words in my mind. It was not out of genuine curiosity, but rather an attempt to change the subject.

“You mentioned Astariol’s opponents became more prominent after that time?”

“Mostly. When Astariol went to the Temple, those who had once taken what was theirs.”

People didn’t easily let go of the benefits they had tasted. It was human nature.

When Astariol returned under the imperial banner, the Emperor of the time cheered, but the assassination attempts against Astariol were the most intense since the founding of Rom.

‘But even though there are no longer those who openly seek gains… the resentment and disputes from that time still remain.’

There was an implicit boundary between Astariol and the other nobles.

<We> and <them> were perceived differently.

They bowed faithfully in front, but plotted assassination attempts and schemes behind. They might not be numerous, but they were not few either.

Then I suddenly realized.

‘If I ask the right questions, I might find out how far Dad goes when he’s really hostile, right?’

That was all I wanted to know.

Whether Dad was the kind of person who didn’t care if things got messy around him once he was made up his mind.

In the end, I succumbed to curiosity.

“How does Dad deal with those people?”

Countess Rocard smiled faintly. It was not an attempt to cover up or a courtesy, but a smile with genuine sincerity.

“It seems His Excellency truly cherishes Claire.”

There was a hint of laughter even in the gentlest tone of her voice.

“But what could he do? Everyone freezes when they see him.”

‘… right. That’s just like Dad.’

I sighed inwardly… seeing people at the banquet hall unable to say anything to Dad.

It was a meaningless question.

But unexpectedly, Countess Rocard continued.

“Of course, there are also those who stand against him. Whether they truly have different principles, strong characters, or just pretend to get attention.”

“… pretend to get attention?”

“It happens sometimes. Are you curious how His Excellency Duke Chelsiers handles such people?”

I nodded subtly, not wanting to appear too eager. Countess Rocard seemed to ponder for a moment, recalling.

“Well… from the cases I know for sure, he mostly ignores them.”

Yes, that sounded like him.

Though it wasn’t entirely unexpected, I still had to hide my expression behind the teacup.

How could Dad, of all people, be so…?

“But there have been some really irritating people. Probably more than Claire would think. Those who directly refute him, demand more than cooperation.”

And then Countess Rocard added quietly.

“Or just outright call him crazy.”

I frowned. I wasn’t offended, but I doubted it.

To Dad? How? Who?

“When His Excellency said he would marry Charlotte, almost everyone did that.”