Drinking poison usually kills people.
　Juke's mind went blank as he thought that this "normal" applied to Diana as well.

　A girl who had devoted herself to her country and her courtesans, no matter how much she was misunderstood and unrewarded, and who deserved the highest praise in this country.
　That precious being died without receiving any thanks from anyone, giving even her life to the country.
　--What is that?

　Juke knew that Deanna's devotion was the same as sacrifice the moment she took the poisoned flesh into her mouth.
　Juke hadn't been saved by Deanna. Juke, the King, has been sacrificing Diana, the noble-hearted girl who became the Red Rose.
　He sacrificed only one person, satisfied with a mere pretense of peace. --What part of this is "king"?

　I can't let her die. I can't let him die. - So I went to her room.

"What kind of a fool are you?

　Rita, Diana's personal maid, who had no restraint in her words, dealt me a painful blow.
　I'm not sure what to make of that. Because of this, her anger towards Juke is deep.
　For those who are close to Deanna, Juke will be nothing but an object of hatred and anger. I knew that, so I didn't plan to argue with him from the beginning.

　And yet. I was going to accept every word.
　Rita's words, even in this situation, were not just to blame Juke.
　She pointed out Juke's inadequacies and told him to think.

He was always reckless, always thinking more about others than himself, and no matter how much trouble he went through, he would always just say, "Because I want to see everyone smile. I'm not sure how many people are worried about her, concerned about her, and want her to be happy more than anyone else.

　His words were full of compassion for Deanna.

"Is it compassionate to worry, to fuss, to arrange for a doctor?　Is it compassionate to worry and fuss and arrange for a doctor?　You still don't understand that it took me this long to realize the truth about Diana-sama because you only see things one way!

　He was wise enough to not only gouge the foolish juke, but also to gouge him.
　--He was impressed with the wise woman who had not only gutted the foolish Juke, but had not only gutted him.

　As he made his way back to the palace, taking the long way around to avoid being seen, Juke felt his head moving more than ever before, and felt the wind blowing into the hazy area. In an instant, he went back in his memory to the spring of this year, when he ascended the throne, to the death of his father, to his days as the Dauphin.

(Yes. (Yes. ...... has never happened since I was born.

　Isn't that strange? If the rumors about "them" are true.
　Why isn't it on the agenda? Why isn't anyone complaining?

　I've had a vague feeling. If Deanna's "bad girl" is just a rumor, then maybe...
　Their faces were too evil to be completely sure, though. If you think about it, Juke has never spoken directly to any of the clans other than Deanna. ...... He did meet the head of the family at a recent New Year's Eve party, but that was hardly a conversation.
　I've never even spoken to the head of the family in person.
　It's no different from the time when I didn't even realize how stupid I was.

　It was almost like a revelation.
　The next thing he knew, Juke couldn't help but want to find out the truth.

You're tired. Why don't you take the rest of the day off?
"As much as I'd like to, ......

　Back in the familiar confines of his room, alone with his trusted aide.
　After some thought, Juke decided it was now or never. --It was now or never.
　It was now or never, if what Juke wanted to be sure of became public. If word got out to the nobles that Juke was trying to find out... I can see the trouble it'll cause.
　Alford was the only one he could rely on.

"I need you to get me a room where no one can disturb me. "Get me one room where no one will bother me, and get me something to take to that room.
Easy does it. What do you need?
I'll give you detailed instructions later. ...... And this is the most important thing I want you to do.

　You look at Alford with determination.

No matter what happens. No matter what happens, no one is to know about the room until I say it's okay. If you need me, you come to me.
"......, man. Are you trying to disappear?
I'm not really missing because you know where I am. I just don't want to be disturbed.

　I'm aware that I'm asking an absurd thing. I'm aware that I'm asking for something crazy, but I don't know if Alford, no matter how close he is to me, is going to listen to this kind of selfish request.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.

"Yes, Your Majesty--

　He thanked his aide for accepting him. Alford moved quickly and secured a room in a secluded part of the palace, borrowing the name of the outer court room.

Isn't that a problem for Keith and the others?
He said it wouldn't be a problem. He said he didn't mind. Even if you use my personal name or the name of the Kingsguard, they'll find you out pretty quickly. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.
"There's so much work going on in the outer court that they're running out of room. ......



　In fact, Juke hadn't known much about the existence of the Outer Court Office, which assisted the three ministries from a comprehensive perspective, until the incident with the former High Priestess Maris. It was a relatively recent organization, but the most important reason was that they had no authority to advise the king and had no direct involvement with it. I can't help but be amazed at how they were able to conduct political affairs when they didn't even have a proper grasp of the organizational chart of the royal palace.

(No, you don't have ......, do you?)

　I'm sure you're not the only one. It's been about two years since he ascended to the throne, and that's the kind of "work" Juke has been doing so far. What does what is written on the paper in front of him mean, and how will the country work by giving him permission? I thought I understood it just by listening to the words of the person who came to explain it to me, and I have been missing the process of taking it into my head and thinking it over. This can hardly be called "government affairs.

(That's why I have to...) I have to think.

　With renewed determination, I walked over to the large, old desk that sat alone in the room. The chair is not the most comfortable, but Juke doesn't have the luxury of sitting on it.

"So, Juke. What do you want me to bring into this room?

　He stared at Alford, who asked him a simple question.
　He quietly says what he wants.

I'd like all the documents related to the Cresters that are kept in the palace.

　Alford's eyes widened in silence. Juke secretly feared that he would be rebuffed.
　But... After a short pause, Juke's reply was not what he expected.

What part of the house do you want?　That's the old house, the one that's been there for three hundred years. The estate management reports stored in the house alone would fill half this room.
Is that so?
I'm sure there are a few families nowadays that keep a detailed report on the management of their estates for each region and submit it to the royal court. The Cresters are one of the first, and they have a lot of reports to submit. Unless there is a serious incident, the reports from each house are kept for thirty-five years. ......

　This room will be filled with reports on the administration of territories for each region every year for a total of 35 years.

The only documents submitted under the name of "Crestor" are reports on the territory, since the house has little to do with the center. The name appears frequently in the records of the Bureau of Conciliation, and you can find plenty of documents in the Department of Land Management of the Ministry of the Interior. That family actually has the second largest land area after the royal family and the Dukes of Mondria.
That's more than the Marquesses!
You can find out about it by doing some research, but it's not like any of the territories were coveted by the Cresters, you know?　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've seen it. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

　It was the first time he had ever heard such a story, and something inside Juke was already shaken.
　And before the anecdotes of the Cresta family.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　I'm not sure I'd be able to do that.

I'm better with a sword, so I became a knight. I'm a knight because I'm better with a sword, but since I was born into Swoon's family, I know more about history than most people.
Oh, ......, I see. Speaking of Soo-won, his family has been producing leading experts in historical research for generations.
I'm a knight in that family. I'm a heretic. --I'm a Soo-won man myself, though. I can teach you a bit of history.
Thank you, that would be great.

　Juke nodded and thought for a moment.

　Juke knew that the nobles sent annual reports to the royal court on the management of their estates. However, after the Ministry of the Interior gathered the reports and checked the contents, if there were no problems, only the figures were extracted and only the summary reports were sent to the king. They did not know, nor did they try to know, the details of which nobleman governed which land and with what ingenuity, and how the reports were written.
　In the first place. In the first place, he didn't know how this vast land of the Kingdom of Elgrand was distributed among the nobles. Juke realizes that it's all a bit vague from that point on.

(......)

　Let's not get too depressed about our pathetic selves. Juke raises his head.

"Alford. What is the most recent grant of the Earldom of Crester?
I believe it was ...... the Zehra region. About thirty years ago.
I'd like to know more about the Zehra region and how it came to be granted to the Crester family.
Okay. I'll go and gather the relevant documents.
I'd also like to read through as many of the records related to the Crester family in the Mediation Bureau as possible. As far as I know, there has never been a case where the Crester family was sued by the Mediation Bureau. ......

　There are several roles of the Mediation Bureau, but the main one is to mediate disputes between nobles. It is also in charge of deciding the crimes and punishments of noblemen, unless there is something too serious. The most obvious example of a case that is beyond the discretion of the Mediation Bureau is the scandal of the former High Priestess Maris.
　It is incongruous to think that such a notorious family has never been under the care of the Mediation Bureau. --If the rumors are true.
　Alford nodded with a serious face.

Alford nodded seriously, "There have been surprisingly few cases in history of anyone from the Cresters or their family being sued. However, in the research conducted by the arbitration bureau, there are a lot of testimonies about the Crester family recorded. Do you want to see it all?
The priority, of course, is the case against the Cresta family and their ilk. ...... I didn't know that was going on.
The most recent one on official record is one hundred and fifty-four years ago.
I wouldn't call that new!



　I can't blame myself for not knowing this much. What happened more than 150 years ago is clearly in the world of modern history. You may have learned about it in history class, but to look into the records of that era is just being a curious person who is beyond eager to learn.

Incidentally, there must have been two cases, one about seventy years ago and the other about thirty years ago, where a lawsuit was filed but did not go to full-scale mediation and did not remain in the records. Do you want to see those too?
Still, only three times. ......
Well, if you include the testimonies, the file swells tenfold.
Take it as far as you can.
All right. Is there anything else you want?
I'd like the genealogical records of the Crester family, as recorded by the Ministry of the Interior. I'd like a general idea of the Crester holdings outside of Zephra.
Okay. That's about it for now. If anything else comes up that you want to know, just let me know.

　Alford nodded readily and was ready to cooperate. I'm grateful, but also curious.

How did you know about the Cresta family all of a sudden?　You're not going to ask me that?
Well, it's not hard to see why Master Red Rose's true feelings would make you question not only her, but the house itself.
"Aren't you mad at me for leaving my work to do all this private research?　Aren't you going to get angry?
It's not like you're going to be missing out on anything, but ...... you don't have a lot on your plate right now. It's not the same for a vassal to interfere with what the king has decided is necessary.

　He meant what he said, but not all of it. To the extent that he could sense that, Juke had been in close contact with Alford. Juke watches Alford leave the room to look for materials, and closes his eyes quietly.

(Perhaps Alford knows about this.)

　He knows that Juke has been thinking, researching, and trying to be sure. Perhaps Alford - the heir to Swoon - has known all along.
Learning, researching, compiling, and weaving history" - the Swoon family, who were granted nobility at the birth of the Kingdom of Elgrand, are descendants of an ancient family that has been doing this since before the kingdom had a name.
　Soo-won is the ancient word for "poetry".

Father, ...... I'm really stupid. I haven't been able to put any of your teachings into practice.

　The House of Elgrand is also an ancient family that has been in existence since before the kingdom had a name. The Old Family has its own oral tradition. It is never written down on paper, but passed down from parent to child, child to grandchild, without interruption.

　The ancient words and their meanings.

　This is what my father had been trying to tell Juke in his busy schedule, even stealing the attention of the "educators" and putting off family time. This is our little secret. This is our secret, and you can't tell anyone else about it," he had reminded her over and over again. ...... It couldn't be just words, though.
　It wasn't until Alford mentioned Soo-Won's name again that I realized how simple it was.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Juke. The sun's coming up and it's going to be a problem, so I've scraped the Ministry of the Interior for now.
I'll bring you the records from the Mediation Bureau now.
Thank you, Alford. Thanks, Alford, but don't take too long.
What? A knight's got to be strong. This is nothing to worry about.

　Juke didn't understand that his aide was doing all this for him. In fact, he should have made an effort to communicate with him and understand him when he was by his side.
　With immense gratitude for Alford and bitter regret in his heart, Juke put his hand on the document.

　There are so many things that I should have known, but didn't know.
　Now, finally. Juke was on the verge of grasping something.


　　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　While I was absorbed in my research, I realized that time was flying by.
　Just as the sun was beginning to shine outside the window, Alford, who had been going around and getting all the materials together, came in empty-handed and with a grim look on his face.

"Juke. Calm down and listen to me.

　From the look on his face and the sound of his voice. From the look on his face and the sound of his voice, I could sense that something unusual had happened.
　Juke closed his booklet and made eye contact with Alford.

"What's wrong?
"Master Shayla has been escorted out of the palace by someone. Sheila has been taken out of the palace by someone, and since the handmaiden who helped her mentioned the Red Rose's name, the Royal Court Knights have decided to capture her.

　For a moment, I couldn't get my head around the outrageous situation.
　Juke was about to stand up and shout at him, but he looked at Alford in front of him and came to his senses.

　Alford's expression was calm as he gave his report.
　But... But if you look closely...

"Alford. Don't clench your fists so tightly. It might make it difficult to hold the sword in case of an emergency.

　The hand of the Commander of the King's Kingsguard, whom I trust... The hand of the Commander of the King's Kingsguard was clenched so tightly that it had lost its color, and if you looked closely, you could see it trembling. When Juke pointed it out, his hand relaxed as if he had just realized it. The change in his expression was dramatic.
　His forest-blue eyes, always gentle and warm, flashed with a fierce lightning bolt.

"Who the hell are you to do such a cowardly thing ......!


Shayla's kidnapped and the Red Rose is the mastermind behind it.
You don't believe that, do you?
No way.

　The only thing that calmed him down was the fact that Alford was visibly emotional, but Juke was still very upset.
　Still, no matter how shocking the news was...

"The Red Rose is going to kidnap Shayla?　I'm not sure what to make of that.　--It's impossible, even if the earth and sky were upside down.

　First of all," Juke said, bitterness rising in his expression.

I'm sure the Red Rose slept through the night after yesterday's poisoning.　You can't be planning to kidnap Shayla.
I'm really glad you know that.

　Alford's complexion was worse than he had ever seen it. Of course, Juke understands that this is a very serious situation.
　Especially...

(Shayla. Are you alright?

　I saw Shayla at the party. Even from a distance, there was something different about her.
Even when she was surrounded by the Red Roses' ladies and forced to eat the food. There was no sign of fear or anxiety, and she even had the strength not to back down against them.

　The encounter seemed to be a common one. A youngest aide living quietly in a corner of the palace and the king who happened to pass by. In the clear morning light, Juke was instantly captivated by the girl playing with the birds and smiling gently at him.
　The way she looked at him, straight in the eyes. The way she looked him straight in the eye and tried to communicate with him even though she knew he was the King.
　She was drawn to him, and the fall was swift.
　Shayla never flirted with Juke. She doesn't even think about taking advantage of the King's favor. Rather, she's reserved and modest.
　I wanted to be soothed by such an atmosphere, so I went to her room every day after I met her.

　As I got to know her, Shayla began to change little by little. She gradually began to express her own opinions, instead of just accepting Juke with confusion at first. More than once, I was surprised by her modest but intelligent appearance.
　Juke was happy to see Shayla, but at the same time, he was uncomfortable with her insecurity and lack of confidence, which was more apparent now that she was expressing her feelings.
　Juke thought that Shayla should have more confidence in herself now that she had become more self-aware. Not to be modest or anything, but Shayla was probably smarter than Juke. No one is better than the king" was another common saying of the educators, but Juke now knew that this was just an assumption. The superiority or inferiority of a person does not depend on his position, but on his own qualities and efforts.
　I can assure you that Juke would not be averse to Shayla improving her own qualities and rising to a higher level. I've heard that some men cannot help but look down on women and feel secure in the fact that they are inferior to them. This is a psychology that Juke cannot understand. As it turned out, if women had been inferior to Jukes, the palace would have been in ruins and the end of the country would have been at hand. It was only because of the support of superior women, unknown to Juke, that the country still managed to keep its shape.
　No matter how Shayla changed, Juke's feelings would deepen, but they would never leave him. This is the first time Juke has ever fallen in love, and that's why he knows that love is not a logical thing. To be honest, the mere fact that Shayla's eyes reflect his own and they share the same time fills his heart with happiness. It's a cliché, but I think that Shayla's presence in his life would be enough to make Juke happy.

　--That's what I was thinking. Last night at the feast, he had seen Shayla filled with a strength he had never seen before, and it had made him feel more relieved than worried, and even more in love.

(Is it possible to be lost so easily, ......?)

　Feeling too weak, Juke tried his best to shake it off.
　It's too early to give up. We don't know anything yet, we haven't done anything yet.

　With strong eyes, Juke. He looked at Alford in front of him.

"Not enough information. Let me get the details first.
What do you want to know?
First, the maid who helped kidnap Shayla. Who is she?
I think I have a pretty good idea. ......
"Belle, the personal maid of the Tandors, right?

　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. This is a twofold and threefold structure: Rhino is also being manipulated by Oleg Magentis, and Oleg is also being incited by Normard Ortier.
　Alford, with lightning in his eyes, nodded his head deeply.

Belle, after helping to take Master Shayla out of the palace, was discovered by a palace knight acting suspiciously and interrogated, and confessed to kidnapping Master Shayla. As for the collaborators outside the palace, it seems that Ryno Tandor and Oleg Magentis have already been captured by the palace knights.
"What about Nomaad?
"So far, the royal knights have captured Belle, Rhino and Oleg.

　Juke is getting tired of his own stupidity lately, but he is still basically competent. He understands things quickly, and he's not bad at it. Once he learns to think, he can make logical deductions from situations.
　His ice blue eyes shone with a stern light.

"A conservative conspiracy?
"Why do you think so?
Why do you think so? "According to the Red Rose, Normard is connected to Peony, isn't he?　So if we capture him, we risk exposing his connection to Peony. In addition to Bell, the two other captives, Rhyno and Oleg, have always been clear on their principles, and anyone can see that they are innovators. The fact that these two were captured and Nomaad was overlooked suggests that this was a trap set by the conservatives to target the Red Rose and the innovators.

　After listening to Juke's words to the end, Alford nodded his head.



I'm with you. The man who brought the news to me is a conservative at home, but he's fed up with 'pride' and 'bloodline' that don't add up to money or belly. But he doesn't dare to show it to the public and is secretly trying to find out what the conservatives in the Order are doing. --I also suspect the conservatives of acting out, in that they were the first to hear about it.
You think the Conservatives are behind Shayla's abduction?
Of course. Normally, when there is a report of a kidnapping of a concubine, the first thing to do is to call the military and request a search party.　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to get a lot more.
I'm not sure what to make of that.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to make of that.
So the conservatives are the ones who captured the Red Rose?
Apparently, the conservative faction of the Order is led by a notoriously incompetent fool who can only do as he's told.
It's not for me to say, but ...... how could such a fool be in a position to lead a group?
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

　Alford's words are relentless. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Shayla was kidnapped, and her safety was unknown. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I wonder what the conservatives are going to do with the ...... Red Rose now that they have it.
That's what's bothering me the most too.
They made up some bullshit charges and took him into custody. I don't do things by halves. Either banish him to the palace or get rid of the whole family. ......

　Alford's complexion instantly turned blue. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

Alford, I want to hear one thing from you.
What is it?
Do you think the Cresta family will move?

　At Juke's words, Alford closed his eyes quietly.
　He put his hand on his forehead and nodded.
　A weak voice leaked out.

I'm sure ...... it will work.
"Well, .......

　Alford could only imagine how far their anger would go. Alford seems to have an idea, but Juke is not sure yet. If - even if - they do bring the hammer down on the King, it's a shame to say it, but I think he'll get what he deserves.

(Still, ......)

　Juke can't go back to the time when he believed in an unquestioning King. There is no need for a foolish king, and that thought is still smoldering in Juke's heart.
　And yet, Juke is the king now. He has the seal that only he can stamp. There are decisions that only a king can make.
　With the power of the king in my hands. There are things we can save and things we can protect, we just have to believe that and move on.

(It would be arrogant to wish for the destruction of everything.)

　The things that Deanna has protected. What Shayla has always wanted.
　And surely, what all the people who have helped them are aiming for.
　--Throwing them away was unforgivable.

　Juke stood up, quietly.

"Alford. Contact Commander Gracie of the Inner Palace Guard. I want you to split up, one of you to search for Shayla in secret.
You want me to move the Kingsguard?
I'll need a few of the King's bodyguards to move. If it comes to light that we have moved the guards, the palace guards, who are in charge of protecting the entourage, will not be blamed for knowing about Shayla's abduction and searching for her.
But then we'd have no manpower .......
That's right. That's why I want the king's bodyguards to go on regular duty to search the palace and look for clues to Shayla's whereabouts from within. Of course, not only Shayla's whereabouts, but also find out as many people as possible who are involved in this matter, widely scattered throughout the palace. --Can you do that?

　Alford's face becomes that of the commander of the King's Kingsguard. He fell to his knees, noiselessly but forcefully.

We serve you, we are your swords and shields. We will surely be of service to you.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but please be careful. I'm not going to sit on the throne any longer at the expense of anyone else.

　It was a roundabout way of telling him not to die if he wanted to keep Juke as king. Alford, a genuine nobleman, was not so dull as to be unable to grasp the truth. He bows his head in silence.

"Yes, sir.
As for my whereabouts, please don't tell anyone.

　I'm sure Alford knows, without needing to be reminded. He nodded quietly.
　As he stood up, Juke couldn't help but ask him a simple question.

Alford. Will I still be able to make it to ......?

　I'm not going to keep trying until the end. I'm going to keep trying. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.


　But... I've only just learned to think for myself.

I'm not sure.
"Juke ......
I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing. After all, no matter how far I go, I'm only thinking about Shayla, aren't I? Maybe I'm just trying to reason outside of it to make myself feel better.

　If Shayla dies, the conservative conspiracy will be complete. Because of this, I concluded that saving Shayla was the first priority, that it should be the priority.
　But is that really the right thing to do? Even if it is the right thing to do, is this method of exploration by the palace guard and the king's guard really the best way? --What if we don't get there in time?

　My worries are endless. If I'm not careful, I'll imagine all kinds of bad things.
　You shake your head to get rid of the bad luck that's rising in you.

"Am I blazing the right trail?

　Juke's trusted aide simply looked at him with a calm gaze.

"If someone tells you you're wrong... Will you stop if someone tells you you're wrong?
It's .......

　When you are told, you think.
　For example, if you are advised that Deanna is the priority in this situation. There is a certain truth to that. Shayla and Deanna are in different positions. --They have different agendas.
　You abandoned Shayla and protected Deanna from the conservatives. --Protecting Deanna will appease the Cresters.
　The demon that whispers that this is the right thing to do certainly exists in Juke.

　But that's not the case. Diana's sacrifice will be transferred to Shayla in a different form.
　Objectively speaking. The person whose life is most threatened by this situation right now is definitely Shayla.
　Then--

"Still-- even if I'm wrong about this. I don't want to go back to being a king who tramples and sacrifices others because of his own ignorance.

　So. This is Juke's true and honest feeling.
　If we need a king now... If this world needs a king.
　What Juke wants is...

Not a king who stands above the people and inflicts pain. I want a king who supports and protects the lives, livelihoods, and happiness of all the people. That's the kind of king I want.

　I'm not sure I can be that king. Every time I realize how stupid and inadequate I am, I think I'm far from it.
　But I want to be. People can only live if they support each other. The more he got involved with the courtesans in the palace, the more he realized that he was supported by them.
　He wanted to be the kind of "foundation" that could support everyone.
　I know that I'm on the brink right now. I know this is not the time to dream, but still...

"I want to be the king I aim to be. --I don't want to give up.

　Slowly, taking in Juke's words. Alford opens his mouth.

"Juke. I don't know where the road you're on leads. I'm sure that no one living today really knows.
Yeah. ...... Yeah, I guess.
But...

　That's when Juke saw it. But then Juke saw the strange smile on Alford's face.
　--The gleam of a man who is prepared to trust another.

I... I'd like to see the country you'll create, as a citizen of this country, as a vassal of King Juke, as your friend .......

　I can't hold it in. My vision--it's distorted.
　As Juke looked down unbearably, he heard the gentle voice of Alford.

I'm going to be out of this room for a while. I'm going to be out of this room for a while. I'm going to move some guards around, get some information together quickly, and then I'll be back.
Yeah, ......, please.

　I heard the door close.
　He chalked up the hot drops on his cheeks to unseasonal rain and returned to his desk.

　--He'll act like a man after it's all over.