Lino Tandor.
　He is the eldest son of the current Count of Tandor, and the brother of his side wife Sophia. Although not as old as the older counts, the Tandors are uncommonly innovative for a count family with such a long history. Both Count Tandor and his successor, Rhyno, proudly assert that positive relations with foreign countries will be the key to the future development of the kingdom, even when dealing with old conservative nobles.
　If this were just talk, they would be laughed at. However, as they said, by being involved in trade with foreign countries as a count family, they became a dependable presence for domestic traders and strengthened their influence in the royal court. The fact that the Counts of Tandor currently hold important positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in recognition of their achievements.

　However, Keith personally did not want to get involved with Ryno voluntarily. This is not because of any personality issues.

He said, "The Kingdom of Ergeland should interact more actively with other countries. The country should be more eager to absorb new and better technology and knowledge. It is folly to be trapped in old traditions forever and miss the opportunity to grow. Isn't the way for us to go is to abandon the old culture and heritage, and to be reborn as a whole country by adopting the new style of foreign countries? ....... This is the ultimate in polemics, isn't it?
"Assistant, what are you reading? ...... Ah, the statement of Lino Tandor?

　A few days ago, I received a call from Diana in the Inner Palace through Mia. It seems that Sophia's brother, Rhino, is behind the outburst of the Red Rose extremists in the Inner Palace.
　Since the incident with the former headmistress, Saara Maris, the Outer Court has been somehow cooperating with Diana and the Cresters. This is partly because of the fact that they have always worked with the Cresters, but more importantly because Mia, the sister of Claude, a newcomer to the Outer Court, has joined Diana's side as a lady in the Red Rose Room. Mia is in a convenient position where she can quickly leave the palace with a simple application, and it doesn't seem unnatural for her to go in and out of the outer court where her relatives work. The inner court, which until now had been interrupted by the Cresters, became much closer to them with Mia's presence. Inevitably, the girls see something they can't touch, and they say, "If you want, I can help you. If you want, I can help.
　As Deanna and the others are basically confined to the inner palace, it's difficult to find out what's going on inside the palace, but it's difficult to find out who's outside the palace. Until now, the Cresters have been responsible for this lack, but if it's just a matter of investigating the people who work in the palace on a daily basis, they can do it themselves. The Outer Palace Office, which is an auxiliary organization of the three ministries, gathers all kinds of information within the Outer Palace. --And of course, about Rhino.

　What Keith is reading now, while taking a break, is one of the "information" that has arrived at the Outer Court Office. It is the "Statement of Opinion on National Policy" submitted by Lino Tandor to the Ministry of the Interior.
　Cassio, a veteran of the outer court, peeked at the paper in Keith's hand from behind, read the contents diagonally, and smiled.

It's a good thing Orion's not here. If he's an art idiot and reads the part about 'throwing away old things', he'll go wild.
"It doesn't have to be Orion to be amusing. I'm not sure I'd be amused if it weren't for Orion.
"Well, I can understand some of what you're saying, but... Some of what you're saying is understandable, but some of it seems a little too extreme.

　Although an official in the royal court, Cassio was born a commoner. His relatives are wealthy people who made their fortune trading with foreign countries, so he is in a position to feel the new winds blowing in the kingdom.
　With his slender fingers dexterously playing with the cup, Casio speaks in a steady voice.

It is true that exchange with other countries can bring many benefits to a country. The kingdom's economic and technological power has grown dramatically in the last half century.
Yes, it has. That's for sure.
But that doesn't mean that all new things are good and all old things are bad. There are many traditions, cultures, and customs that are unique to the Kingdom of Ergeland that we should cherish. There are many traditions, cultures, and customs that are unique to the Kingdom of Ergeland that we should cherish. In the first place, it is not an event that should be compared with new things. --That's what you're saying, isn't it, assistant?

　Cassio, who had known Keith for a long time, could sense that Keith was secretly uncomfortable behind his calm expression. He asked with a mischievous look in his eyes, which made him chuckle.

The fact that he doesn't think so is probably the reason why Lino Tandor is able to write so confidently.
"People who are devoted to the new somehow look down on the old, don't they? Not only do they look down on them, but they also hate them, and sometimes even hate them. It's a mental structure I don't understand.
"I don't know what those people are thinking. I don't know what those people think. My family has been knighted in recognition of our achievements in interacting with foreign nations.
It's one thing to have superior technology and knowledge from another country, but it's quite another to have a kingdom whose traditions and culture have been built up over a long period of time and can sometimes be harmful.

　--Yeah. This was the reason why Keith didn't like Ryno and didn't get deeply involved with him, even if he occasionally saw him in the social circle of innovators. I don't think I can get along with a rhino who is so fascinated by the superior aspects of other countries that he disregards even the history of his own country.
　As an official, Keith fully understands that the world changes with the times, and that it is important to change the system of the country to fit the changing world. It is indeed foolish to be trapped in old customs and traditions and to stubbornly reject them when the need for change arises.
　But. But why does that mean that everything old is bad? They condemn even ancient architecture and works of art as "outdated" just because they are old. They don't even think about how precious those things are that tell the history of the past.

　Keith had sunk into the depths of thought, but Cassio's murmur brought him back to the surface, "And yet.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. What does he want with his sister attacking his favorite princess?
If I had to guess, I'd say he's trying to strengthen the power of his family, the Tandors, by making Sophia his wife's personal sword, so that he can push forward with his own aggressive diplomacy.

　As he said this, however, Keith's intuition told him something was not quite right. --Something doesn't add up.
　Cassio seemed to be the same, twisting his head dexterously as he sipped his tea.
　And then there was a light clattering sound, and Claude, the youngest chambermaid, came out from between the imposts.

I'm sorry, Mr. Keith, but there's a document on ....... Oh, you have it, Mr. Keith?
"Oh, you mean this 'statement'?

　"Oh, you mean this 'statement'?" Keith wondered, holding it up. The room clerks must not have known about the existence of the statement, because they only took out the ones that seemed to be related to Rhino from the bundle of papers that had been delivered first thing this morning. He had not communicated it to them, as it was not something they needed.
　How did Claude know about the existence of a document he hadn't even seen? Keith's question seems to have been conveyed to Claude, who, despite his young age, has good intuition, and he laughs a little.

He laughed a little. "That 'statement' belongs to Lino Tandor, doesn't it?　He writes it once a month, without fail, and submits it to the Ministry of the Interior.


"Huh?

It is a statement of opinion on the affairs of state, which we simply call a statement because it is so long, and it can be submitted to the state under the pretext that any nobleman can make an opinion on the government. The Ministry of the Interior is the general contact point for internal affairs, so naturally the Ministry of the Interior is the place to submit the statement.
　The reason why the "statement," which was supposed to be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, is being circulated to the Foreign Ministry's office? As usual, it is because the "Anyone can do it" series of chores, which is to summarize and record the contents of the statement in an easy-to-understand manner, has come down to the Outer Palace Office. --In other words, the "statement" is just a name, and the higher-ups don't look at the contents.

　Apparently Claude had somehow become a statement writer, and the way he looked at the document in Keith's hand was full of pity.

I was wondering if I could consult with you just in case I couldn't find the statement from Mr. Rhyno, who always comes down on this day of the month. I was wondering if you could help me.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you. ...... But you don't miss it every month, do you?
Yes. Every month, without fail, I'll be writing an article that says, "Throw away the old culture, adopt the new technology of the foreign country, and the kingdom will be reborn! That's what it says.
"That's ......, and this month is no different.
I'll summarize it then.

　Claude was about to return to his seat when he paused and twisted his head.

But for someone who hates the old stuff, you're a very disciplined guy, aren't you?
"Yes?
"By discipline, do you mean Lino Tandor?

　Claude nodded his head in agreement to Cassio's question.

I've been compiling the contents of the statement since I joined the outer court. The fact that there has never been an inquiry about the record means that the "statement" is not read by the higher-ups and the system itself is a skeleton, right?　But in history class, I learned that when the kingdom wasn't that big, the opinions of the nobles were sent directly to the king, and the written statement was a remnant of that time.
Yes, that's right.
"If you don't like old culture, you don't like written statements, which are remnants of the past. If you don't like the old culture, you don't like the old tradition of 'statements. I think you have to have a disciplined personality to do this.

I think you have to be a disciplined person to do this." Claude smiled annoyedly as he added, "You seem to have a fixed date for submitting your statement.

I'm not sure what to make of this," he said, "but I'm pretty sure that Lord Lino is involved in the commotion in the palace. To be honest, I'm more uncomfortable with it. I don't know him directly, but from what I've read in his statement, he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would come up with such a devious scheme.
"Assistant .......
"--Yes.

　Claude's discomfort was something that Cassio and Keith also had. The three members of the outer court felt uncomfortable, as if to say that they should suspect the other side.

There is no doubt that Rhino is involved. But it's not like him.
It's possible that Rhyno himself is being inspired by someone else .......
"A law-abiding man with a radical ideology may not be able to come up with a devious plan on his own, but if he is verbally encouraged to do something evil, he will do it before he can question it. As a perpetrator, the probability of being spotted by the mastermind seems high.
So the next thing to do is .......
"Then the next thing to do is to stick to the basics and find out about Lino Tandor's friendships.

　The three of them were so focused that they didn't notice the presence behind them and were surprised when they were suddenly approached. Claude, for example, literally jumped out of his skin.
　When they turned around, they saw a large man who looked like a bear.　He was the head of the office.
　He was smiling like a child who had pulled off a prank.

"d*mn, I thought you were taking a rare break. Why don't you take a break?
You're not working, you're taking a break.
"That's a meeting disguised as a chat. It's more like a meeting that should be shared with the whole office.
...... I'm not so sure that will happen.

　In the beginning, Keith was just mumbling to himself, but when the three of us got together, it certainly didn't feel like a break.
　He took up the statement that Keith was holding and scratched his head.

He scratched his head and said, "Whoa, whoa. It's as if he was born to be a pawn, Lino Tandor.
Do you think so, too?
Well, he's so simple, so pure.
Pure?
I can't believe in one idea, even if it's wrong. You have to be pure to do that.

　But you know," he continued, a light tone of voice and heavy concern in his eyes.

"Whether you're a conservative or a reformer, it's dangerous to blindly believe in one side of an idea. They are easily manipulated because they are simple, and they do not hesitate because they are pure. If you need to give up your life, you can do it without thinking about self-preservation.
"According to you, Deanna, my sister seems to have a similar vibe.
Yeah, that sounds like it. Well, Count Tandor himself is a man who rarely changes his mind once he believes in something. In his case, it's the people's trust in him.

　A pure heart is not always a bad thing. Keith knows how comfortable an unadulterated mind can be.
　I don't think I'll ever like Ryno, because of our differences in principles. But he also knows that he's not a bad person at heart.

I hope Ryno stops before he does something irreversible.
To stop him, we have to expose him.
Director, Assistant Director. I've extracted the work that Lino Tandor is doing at the Outer Palace.
You work fast, Cassio!
If you're gonna compliment me, compliment Claude. He's been keeping a close eye on Rhino's movements and remembering them, just because he feels sorry for the unrequited statement.



　Claude's cheeks reddened as he held the bundle of papers, praised by Cassio. The promising newcomer was humble and did not pretend to be excellent, and all of us in the outer court secretly thanked Mia for raising such a valuable person.
　The manager, Keith, and Cassio looked over the mountain of documents Claude had brought with him.
　--The first person to notice was Cassio.

"Manager. Rhyno doesn't have a position in the royal court yet, does he?
"No. He's the heir of the Count of Tandor. He's the heir to the throne of Tandor, so there's no need for him to take on another job now when he'll eventually take over his father's position.
I've heard that the eldest son who plans to take over his father's position is supposed to work alongside his father as an assistant and learn the job little by little. So it's no surprise that documents related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been coming down in Rhino's name. ......

　What Cassio had in his hand was a document stamped with the Ministry of Interior's crest. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

That's odd, isn't it?
"Hmm?　But I don't see Rhino's name on any of these documents. What makes you think it's Rhino-related?

　When Keith asked, Claude pointed to a portion of the document. --The words at the end of the line, at the end of the sentence, are stretched long and bouncy.

You can see from the statement that Mr. Rhino has a habit of stretching and jumping the last letter of a paragraph like this. It is a habit that is rarely seen elsewhere, and it is so distinctive that even without his name, we can tell that this was written by him. Perhaps he was helping a friend or relative of his who works for the Ministry of the Interior.

　As soon as Claude finished, the head of the office stood up.

"Keith. Who is the author of the documents in the Ministry of the Interior?
Many of them are unmarked, but the most prominent one is Oleg Magentis.
Magentis, ......, the Countess, I believe?
Yeah. A stable, neutral family. It's a stable, neutral house. ......, but you don't hear the name Oleg very often.
Count Magentis had two sons, I believe. So I guess he's the second son.

　A society of aristocrats is a frightening place, where a single name can reveal so much personal information. It is as if there is no such thing as privacy.
　Claude's eyes were black and white as the mood of the seniors suddenly changed.

What's going on?
Claude, who hadn't been with the company for very long, was understandably unaware. It is a rule that all documents prepared at the Outer Palace, no matter which ministry they come from, must contain the names of all the people involved.
What?
The assistant is right. If it's a document that shows Ryno's habits, then of course it should have been written by Ryno, right?　It doesn't matter how much help you are, a document that only has the name of the person in charge without the name of the person who wrote it is clearly fraudulent.
"Yes, but there are many such cases.　There are many such cases, such as ...... where the handwriting is clearly different between the signature and the text inside.
Oh. Most of the time, it's done by idiots who want to push the work to the right people and take all the credit. --In short, Oleg is that kind of ambitious guy.
Second son, ambitious. ...... I doubt that.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you need to do to get it. I can understand the argument that it is unfair for the eldest son to take everything away from the eldest son just because he was born first.
　But maybe Keith is not the only one who wants to say, "If you want to get rid of your cunning brother, be fair and square.

Let's check out ....... Let's check out the connection between Oleg and Rhino.
My hunch is that it's worth looking into.
I'd like to know what they're up to in society. Do you think the Cresta family could help us?
No. I'll write them a letter.
I'll write a letter to all the chamberlains telling them to keep an eye on Rhyno and Oleg. I'm sure that'll be enough to investigate the palace.

　Once that was decided, it was time to move on. Everyone stood up immediately and began to move.
　The outer court room is filled with the strength of those who have found what they are aiming for. --The door was opened without warning.

I'm sorry to bother you.
"Alford?

　The one who entered was Alford, Commander of the King's Kingsguard. Alford, the leader of the King's Kingsguard, who was known for his ability to read the atmosphere, noticed the liveliness in the room at first glance and tilted his head.
　He called out to Keith, who happened to be nearby.

What's going on?　It doesn't sound so bad.
Yes, I've got a very important lead. Alford, what's going on?

　Alford, currently the only member of the king's entourage, serves the king morning, noon, and night, in private and in public. He rarely goes to the outer court by himself.
　At Keith's question, Alford laughed lightly.

"I'll have my orders shortly, but it's His Majesty's wish. He wants the outer court to know about it as soon as possible.
"...... What is it?

　From the way Alford phrased it, I could tell that something was about to happen. The people in the room seem to be paying attention to the conversation between the two without stopping their work.


　Without waiting, the words fell from Alford's mouth.

"His Majesty wishes to hold a 'star-gazing feast' in the garden of his palace around the middle of the starry month, to comfort the boredom of his entourage and to express his gratitude. In response to His Majesty's words, the Chief Magistrate Magnom has already made plans for the event, but since we want to keep it informal and private, we would like the Outer Palace to help us with the various procedures that need to be completed. --In short, His Majesty and his entourage are going to have dinner in the garden to close out the year.

　The words didn't come out immediately. I reflexively looked at the head of the office and saw that he was also surprised, his mouth hanging open. Keith was secretly relieved that he wasn't the only one.

...... What is your change of heart?
I've figured it out. I'm not going to know, I'm not going to know, I'm going to know. --I've sacrificed a lot of grief.

　Alford's abstract words, however, took on a concrete form and reached Keith's and the others' hearts.

　--I see. Did the king notice?
　The palace that had been set up for him, abandoned by him, had become a hellhole.
　That the girl who became the Red Rose, who knew nothing and could not resist the waves of the world, became the hope for those who suffered in the depths of hell. That she reached out her hand to those who were suffering, and in so doing, protected not only the palace, but also the peace of the kingdom.
　And all the things he himself had done to that girl. --Did he know all that?

　Keith knows because he's talked to Juke. Right now, Juke is probably going through the most difficult time of his life. It must be hard to breathe knowing that he is guilty of ignorance and that there is a past that cannot be atoned for.
　...... Still, Juke decided. He decided not to run away from the pain. He decided to face his sins.

　An unmistakable smile appeared on Keith's lips. Slowly, he closed his eyes.

"If you realize what you don't know... You have to start by knowing.
"Can you help me with ......?
"Well. We're busy people.

　"Well, we're busy people," he said, turning to the room staff. "What do you want? What do you want us to do?" he asked with a look.
　His question was met with a wry smile from the head of the office.

"Keith. Don't torment the Lord Commander.
"Yes, Assistant. He's got a bad temper.

　Cassio continued to chide him. Behind his glasses, Keith's eyes softened.

"It's ......, isn't it?
Thank you, I owe you.
Please tell His Majesty. --"Tell His Majesty that we welcome the King who knew ignorance to be a sin and stepped beyond it.

　A king in the depths of darkness and suffering. The king is in a deep, dark and painful place. It would not be wrong if one of us affirmed him and watched over him.
　When Alford heard Keith's words, his eyes welled up and he simply bowed his head deeply. As he quietly left the room, Keith looked back at the room staff.

"Well, it looks like we're going to be busy. In addition to investigating Rhyno and Oleg, we're also going to be helping with the Star Gazing Banquet.

　Everyone in the room sensed that the time that had stopped was starting to move.