Chapter 53
“Moren’s mania manifests at fifteen.”
There was less than a year left.
To hide my mixed feelings, I stroked Moren’s head once more.
Moren glanced at me and smiled faintly.
I mirrored his smile.
“I hope Moren’s world is vast.”
My own world was narrow.
Mother, the spirits, Brilint.
The fewer things you value, the more advantageous it is in the palace—so I had never found this uncomfortable.
But…
“I don’t want you to live like me.”
Strange, isn’t it?
Moren also chose a difficult path, full of enemies, so having few weaknesses would be advantageous for him as well.
Why then did I want him to have a colorful and wide world?
“I am full of contradictions.”
Yet this contradiction was what drove me forward.
I naturally turned my gaze back to the window.
“So I won’t let Moren be swayed by mere mania.”
For now, my only method was to draw a line.
But I had no intention of quietly watching the situation unfold.
“The future in which only I exist in Moren’s world will never come.”
Fortunately, I had always planned to create medicine that could minimize the symptoms of mania.
Moreover, Hebaro’s development of new medicine aligned with my goals, making it easier to gain his help.
“Yes, then we must move quickly.”
For now, I would focus on the present and return later to accelerate the research.
As I slowly collected my thoughts, the carriage stopped.
Soon, the door opened.
“We have arrived at the Telum Ducal House.”
Moren’s servant opened the door and reported politely.
Moren got down first, and I followed. We saw the duke and duchess waiting at the castle gate to greet us.
“Welcome, children.”
My aunt greeted us with a kind smile.
“Long time no see, Princess Neroli. Prince Moren.”
The Duke of Telum stood beside her.
I smiled brightly at them.
“Thank you for welcoming us!”
For the coming week, I needed to firmly draw them to our side.
The Telum Ducal House, just north of the capital, possessed vast grainlands, earning it the nickname “the empire’s granary.”
It was one of the wealthiest estates among many.
“No wonder the Emperor coveted this land so much.”
Even if the Telum house suffered the Emperor’s oppression, its lineage and wealth remained intact.
The title of a “neutral noble” was just a facade, a courtesy extended to past Emperors.
In reality, all neutral nobles were loyal vassals of the Telum house.
“If the Telum estate were just a little farther from the capital, the Emperor wouldn’t pressure it so harshly.”
They could play their last card: declaring independence if relations soured.
Just like Bobonshire to the south or Helta to the east.
“Did the first Emperor consider this when granting this land directly to his bloodline?”
Lost in frivolous thoughts, I snapped back at my aunt’s voice.
“You and your family are precious guests who remember our estate. But… seeing just the two of you together is still unusual. Especially you, Moren.”
Sitting Moren beside her, my aunt patted his hand.
“You must miss your mother dearly. I heard you didn’t leave your room for a while, but are you alright now?”
Moren lowered his eyes slightly and replied briefly.
“I’m fine now, Aunt.”
“Good. If you need anything, always tell me. Though I now reside in Telum, not Loronod Castle, I’ll help as much as I can.”
Moren nodded once or twice, a polite acknowledgment without overburdening his aunt.
She continued patting his hand, ignoring his slight awkwardness.
The Duke of Telum, seated at the head, spoke next.
“Wife, holding his hand like that, you can’t even drink the tea I brought.”
“Oh, right. Drink comfortably, Moren.”
“Thank you, Duke. Aunt.”
Moren sipped the tea nervously.
I subtly observed the dining hall’s atmosphere and smiled warmly.
“Tonight’s dinner you prepared for us was wonderful! Mother would have truly enjoyed it if she were here!”
At my casual mention of Mother, Moren’s eyes widened, staring at me.
The Duke and Duchess also seemed a bit surprised.
“Really?”
“Of course! And I hope you won’t treat talking about Mother as something too delicate! Though it still pains me that I cannot see her…”
I paused in sadness, then gently smiled.
“I don’t want to just bury Mother’s memory. I want to talk about her freely with others, anytime.”
“You are very mature, Princess.”
The Duke admired my words.
My aunt, touched, spoke with a trembling voice.
“Yes. Our Neroli is more thoughtful than I am.”
She looked down at her teacup.
“This cup was a gift from Tilia on my birthday last year. If she saw us here in our estate this year… would she have been happy?”
“Of course! Nothing is more satisfying than seeing someone use your gift well! And Mother always looked forward to visiting Telum!”
“Really? Tilia is shy, so I didn’t know.”
Moren awkwardly spoke up this time.
“She’s right. Mother found palace life stifling.”
“This duchy was Mother’s only escape! She always appreciated your warm welcome, Aunt and Duke!”
“I see… I wish I had taken better care of her when she was alive.”
“Hehe, Aunt, you cherished us enough.”
As we talked about Mother, the dinner atmosphere softened.
Especially when Moren relaxed and spoke, my aunt was delighted.
The Duke looked on fondly at his wife.
[Master! We’re here!]
[Did you wait long~?]
At that moment, Marin and Modway appeared, whispering something in my ear.
I sighed softly.
After enjoying the Duke and Duchess’ hospitality, the next morning, I dressed simply and left the guest room.
Having visited this castle every year, I needed no guidance.
“At this hour, surely…”
The Duke and Duchess kept strict routines.
So I walked confidently.
With only two maids, I headed to the garden and saw someone having tea.
I smiled and approached.
“The weather is wonderful!”
“Oh.”
The tea drinker turned.
“Did you sleep well, Princess?”
“I had a pleasant night thanks to the Duke’s consideration!”
“Good to hear.”
The Duke of Telum raised his teacup leisurely.
As I approached, a servant quickly pulled out the opposite chair.
I sat down, looking around.
“Don’t you usually enjoy tea with my aunt?”
“Alas, if you were looking for her, Princess, you’re a step late.”
The Duke smiled faintly.
“Moren suggested taking a walk in the garden together.”
“Ah, I see!”
“Your aunt wanted to show you the new outdoor sculptures, so it might take a while.”
I felt slightly guilty, but I already knew.
After all, Moren had taken my aunt at my request last night.
“I asked him to buy time for my business with the Duke.”
Moren already knew why I came to this duchy and what I planned, so he nodded without questioning.
Rather…
My sister is more reliable than me! I’ll help her as much as I can!
“Moren is acting just as I told him.”
Then I must not disappoint my younger brother.
I smiled as the Duke’s servant poured my tea.
“Hmmm, Duke, there’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Will you accompany me?”
“In this duchy? You’ve probably seen everything worth seeing.”
“I’ve visited many places Mother wanted, but I haven’t been to the places I want yet!”
I deliberately looked at the Duke with sparkling eyes.
“So, if you’re not busy, I’d love it if you came with me!”
I knew the Duke wasn’t busy at this time, so there was no reason to refuse.
He lightly nodded.
“If it’s not far, I’ll accompany you.”
