Chapter 53: 54

Some say that Liddell has become softer than in the past. However, Idelf thought differently.

There were clear similarities between the her who used to show exemplary behavior with a serious expression, and the her who started to deviate from it.

A certain resolution, for instance, that prevented anyone from invading her space.

‘Well, she does feel a bit more relaxed than she used to.’

Soon, the direct descendants took their seats, and the person in charge of today’s proceedings began to discuss the agenda of the meeting.

“… Therefore, considering the current critical situation in the northern region, the burden on the royal family is also becoming overwhelming. Prior to receiving the country’s official request, I would like to discuss a plan to provide necessary supplies and troops to the north for support.”

Each of the five houses of Kleinin had implicit roles assigned to them. For instance, if the Levitea Ducal House was Kleinin’s spear, Catlan was the shield.

The shield of the royal family, and thus of the kingdom.

Of course, among the previous heads of the family, there were cases where loyalty to the royal family was not particularly high. However, generally, they regarded fulfilling that role as both a gesture of respect towards their ancestors and a natural duty.

And as the current Duke has the utmost loyalty to the royal family, and even more so to the king, it was only natural that he would present such an agenda.

At that moment, an uncomfortable coughing sound came from next to Idelf.

‘Argh, for goodness’ sake, Uncle, just stay still!’

Verrell Catlan, who could not hear his nephew’s silent dissuasion, opened his ill mouth again.

“Of course, I believe that loyalty to Kleinin is important, but our situation is not without its difficulties. Had Firenze, who has a foothold in the north, voiced their opinions of us at a time like this, what a regrettable thing it would have been.”

At this, the conference hall was momentarily enveloped in silence.

Several attendees, like Idelf, looked at the man with a ‘has he lost his mind?’ expression.

However, Baron Ornard, who stood by Verrell’s side by agreeing with him, along with others who were the same as them, took this opportunity to raise their voices.

“I understand that the situation in the northern region is difficult due to the invasion of monsters, but Catlan is already providing significant resources.”

“Isn’t Firenze practically the powerhouse in the north? If our engagement with Firenze hadn’t been broken, we could have mutually supported each other as in-laws and they could have represented our position…”

“And that’s not all. The business ventures we had in cooperation with Firenze have also stalled, causing severe losses. They would not want to support the family who had broken the engagement with the young Marquis out of convenience…”

Idelf and a few others glanced at the reactions of the direct descendants.

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have been a conducive atmosphere where they could raise their voices against the blood relatives of the head of the family, but due to the royal family’s increasingly insistent demands for support in the north, discontent had been accumulating.

The woman, who until just a moment ago had been smiling freely at them, began to stare at them with calm eyes.

No, Liddell might as well be smiling. The young Duke’s face had already frighteningly stiffened.

“Since it’s a marriage between families, we could have proceeded with the marriage as planned and let the man you like meet you privately….”

As the provocative remarks continued, the young Duke flinched first, but Liddell raised her hand to stop him.

She opened her mouth with a somewhat tender voice, her attitude still the same.

“It seems like everyone is very dissatisfied with the current situation. Since the discussion of the marriage with Firenze has come up, as the party involved, may I say a few words?”

The people who were grumbling in response to the voice that softly pointed out, ‘You guys were already insulting me anyway,’ immediately shut their mouths.

“To all of you, it may not be enough in your eyes, but I have always believed that the responsibility I carry is not light, and I have worked hard for the family until now. Even while I was ill, I have taken part in official duties.”

Turquoise eyes turned to Baron Ornard, who was enthusiastically stirring public opinion around him.

“… During my time as Marquis Ophius’ aide, I know that there were quite a few people here who benefited significantly.”

“Ahem.”

Marquis Ophius himself did not grant special privileges to his aide simply because she was Catlan’s princess. However, those around him would carefully observe her mood and often accommodate her out of convenience.

“…But counting these things one by one is something only narrow-minded people would do.”

Idelf glanced at his uncle sitting next to him, who could only be described as one of the narrow-minded.

Liddell sighed deeply and shook her head. It was an extremely dramatic gesture.

“Getting back to the main point, my territory recently concluded a significant deal with the merchant of Firenze. But contrary to what you all have mentioned, as the party involved in the broken engagement, they have treated me very fairly, and I truly thought they were a respectable family worthy of admiration.”

‘They’re suffering significant losses in their business? But when it came to dealing with me, there was no such thing?’

“Was it my misconception, I wonder? To raise your concerns like this. I suppose I need to reevaluate my personal assessment.”

‘So, what you’re saying is that you guys think Firenze are a bunch of small-minded people who are inflicting damages to your own businesses just because of the broken engagement?’

“Since you mentioned the losses you incurred that I supposedly caused due to the broken engagement, if you bring me clear documentation clearly outlining where and to what extent these losses occurred…”

“…….”

“Well, I’ll have a word with Firenze and see what they say.”

‘I can’t be bothered to argue with you, but if you bring me documents that I can understand and find convincing, I’ll consider it, whether I consult them or not. Anyway, I doubt such documents even exist.’

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… This was the result of Idelf interpreting and translating her words.

And his uncle sitting next to him, who could not possibly fail to understand the content delivered in an extremely aristocratic manner, raised his voice in anger.

“This is not just about money, Princess! Marriage is a transaction that relies on trust between families. We are now in a similar position as losing a representative from the northern region.”

“Firenze operates the largest merchant in the country. I don’t think those who prioritize their own interests will ‘trust’ us indefinitely just because of a matrimonial relationship.”

It was then that the young Duke, who had been listening in silence, spoke up, his tone soft but sharp.

“And everyone should be well aware that the circumstances leading to the broken engagement are clearly the fault of the other party. Instead of comforting my younger sister, who is the party involved, you are not only neglecting to console her but also criticizing her which I am not pleased with.”

“…….”

“It’s not like Catlan will be shaken by one or two such marriage engagements.”

The obviously upset tone in Lewis’s voice made Verrell immediately shut his mouth. However, Baron Ornard, who was oblivious to such subtleties, raised his voice instead.

“But what did you mean by saying that you would make efforts to mitigate the losses? What does that statement imply? What kind of power do you intend to use in the first place?”

This time, it was Liddell who responded to the Baron’s words instead of the young Duke.

“Oh, you didn’t know? I have actually been granted a large territory through this marriage. I have also been bestowed with a prestigious title.”

Liddell’s voice carried a biting tone, as if questioning whether everyone had been unaware of this well-known fact.

“So, as I mentioned earlier, if there are any issues with Firenze, I will represent all of you, and if there are any responsibilities that I must take on, I will certainly do so.”

Liddell Catlan was petite in stature. Even compared to other noblewomen, she was similar or slightly smaller in size. From just body size alone, there was a noticeable difference between her and the young Duke sitting right next to her.

When she leaned slightly forward, an indescribable aura captivated the audience. Even Baron Ornard himself soon fell silent, struck by her presence.

Charisma, one might say.

She soon continued, her turquoise eyes glinting.

“As a Lord responsible for one region.”

Her position was not merely limited to being the eldest daughter of House Catlan.

Liddell firmly concluded her words, emphasizing that she is a Lord on equal standing with them.

・❥・

Die.

Thud Thud

Die, die!

As I kicked the innocent stump, I heard a coughing sound from beside me.

The accompanying servant maids were likely taken aback. When I turned my head, Lewis was looking at me with a troubled expression.

“Brother…”

“You’ll hurt your foot.”

“… I’m sorry for showing such an unsightly appearance.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I averted my gaze, but he shook his head towards me.

“No, they crossed the line today. If Father had been present, he would have been furious… and I’m sure he would be too if he was briefed on what happened today.”

I understood that the man in front of me was also furious as if it were his own affair. However, I dare say there was no one in that room as furious as I was just moments ago.

“Appropriate measures will be taken soon.”

“No, this is not something you two need to handle.”

I honestly didn’t really care what my position in the family was. I didn’t believe that my worth was determined by how they evaluated or belittled me.

However, if they use my marriage as an excuse to publicly criticize me, then the situation changes.

Ah, my blood pressure is rising again.

“If they see me not as family, but as a tool or a bargaining chip, then I should treat them as such.”

It seemed necessary to reconsider the favors I’ve granted to various members of the family.

In response to the words I blurted out, Lewis looked at me with skepticism.

“… You’ve changed, Liddell.”

“Me?”

“The you from before… would have never shown such an emotional attitude even if you heard such things.”

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