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'Information broker.'
It was about how to use this information broker according to Railey's plan, a way to launder the source of the information.
'And, when I think about the other story the fairy told me…'
There was one more matter that had to be resolved through the broker.
It was directly connected to the reason Aidelica couldn't run away right away.
'Twisting the original storyline is really no easy task.'
Railey wasn't some extraordinary strategist or politician, she was just a child.
She couldn't guarantee everything would go smoothly.
But if Aidelica could remain safe and become a true Grand Duke in her own right, not just a puppet…
That shift would certainly be a powerful force in preventing the downfall of House Elestine in the future.
Even if difficult, it was worth attempting.
***
"Your Ladyship, a message has arrived from the Grand Duchess. She requests that you join her for dinner."
"…Very well."
Aidelica let out an unseen sigh and moved toward the south wing.
Today, Jennifer was strangely quiet.
Normally, Aidelica would expect her to pry into every detail about her conversation with Railey, so this unusually subdued demeanor was puzzling.
After all, Jennifer was practically a spy sent by the Grand Duchess.
Her silence made things easier for Aidelica, but it also felt like the calm before a storm…
Receiving her mother's summons only made the foreboding feeling stronger, dragging her mood down.
Still, Aidelica hid those thoughts as she stepped into the Grand Duchess's quarters.
Instead of the banquet hall, the servant led her to the reception room.
The Grand Duchess had chosen this place, saying she wished for "a cozy moment between mother and daughter."
She usually liked to hold such informal meals in the reception room in a simpler fashion.
For Aidelica, however, such times felt suffocating.
When she entered, all the servants withdrew.
Sitting on the sofa, the Grand Duchess Sophia greeted her daughter with a smile as bright as a flower.
"Welcome, Aidelica! You must be quite hungry. Let's eat."
"…Yes, Mother."
The table was already fully set with dinner.
Normally, the courses would be served one by one, but Sophia had likely dismissed even the serving staff so she could speak to Aidelica alone.
It was nothing new, the same thing always happened.
'After all… I have something to say to Mother as well.'
Forcing down the food that refused to go down easily, Aidelica made small, formal talk about her mother's health and other trivial matters.
"Anyway, you know what? The Countess of Laom recommended a new type of flower. I'm thinking of planting it next time."
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea."
"Hehe."
Her mother truly seemed like a young girl.
Not only did she look as though she were in her twenties, but her demeanor matched as well. Even now, the way she was speaking to Aidelica didn't befit a noblewoman of high rank.
Of course, Sophia didn't behave this way in public. In front of others, she maintained just enough decorum and dignity to avoid suspicion.
But her true nature couldn't be hidden. And so, when she didn't need to worry about appearances, she relaxed to an almost extreme degree, as if in reaction to all the restraint.
In contrast to Aidelica, who was sitting properly and eating neatly, Sophia lounged casually, smiling lazily.
"Next time, I'll make you a flower crown, Aidelica."
"…"
"It will look so good on you! Oh, maybe I should invite an artist to paint your portrait while you wear it."
"…Mother."
Aidelica cut her off and went straight to the point.
"What is the reason you called for me?"
"Hmm? Does a mother need a reason to have dinner with her daughter?"
"I see. Then, may I speak my mind?"
"…"
At those words, the Grand Duchess's face turned slightly sullen.
"You're going to say something unpleasant again, aren't you?"
"It's not something unpleasant. Mother, I have no intention of marrying the Duke of Thosses. Please withdraw that proposal."
"See? It is unpleasant… How could we call it off now? Don't be childish, Aidelica. High-ranking nobles never marry for their own personal wishes."
"…"
As before, her mother dismissed her request as nothing more than a child's tantrum.
When her mother took that stance, Aidelica had never been able to persuade her further.
Because she knew that behind her stood the Countess of Laom.
Sophia was deeply dependent by nature and had grown weary of the role of Grand Duchess, which didn't suit her temperament. She regarded the Countess of Laom, who relieved her stress and accepted her true self, as more than just a friend.
Thus, she often pressured Aidelica according to the Countess's wishes and governed the household according to her advice.
But now, Aidelica could no longer remain silent.
If this persuasion failed, she would truly seek Paulton's help to leave the grand ducal residence.
"No, Mother. I'm not asking to break off this engagement simply because I don't feel like getting married, like some spoiled child."
"…Then?"
"The Duke of Thosses… will use this marriage as a means to swallow up the Grand Duchy. I want to stop that ambition."
Sophia's face twisted.
"What kind of nonsense is that!"
"It's not nonsense. If you look at the internal situation and political climate of the Kingdom of Donovan…"
"What do you even know? Do you realize how well the Donovan people treat me? That troublesome trade issue recently, they went out of their way to help us, saving me a great deal of trouble!"
Aidelica wanted to tell her that even that was likely bait, but one look at her mother's face told her it would be pointless.
"You have no idea how hard things are for me! People from the domain keep demanding this and that, saying the budget isn't enough, they need resources, why haven't I looked at this proposal yet, could I prioritize that other one first, they're constantly hounding me!"
"…"
"I want to scream and run away, but I grit my teeth and keep working! All for you, because you're still too young!"
"…"
"Why… why do I have to go through all this suffering? I hate it! I hate it all!"
Her lament, closer to a whine, was now mixed with tears.
"My health is weak… I don't want to do this… but I'm doing it for you…"
"…Yes."
"My health got worse because I gave birth to you… and you still say such hurtful things to your mother?"
"I'm not blaming you. I'm asking you to reconsider…"
"Stop whining! If I can endure and work through this, then you can accept it too!"
Sophia's voice rose into a shout, and finally, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer, sobbing loudly.
For a moment, Aidelica sat frozen, then she stood and embraced her weeping mother.
"…I'm sorry."
"H-huhuh… uwaaaaaah!"
As she stroked Sophia's back, Aidelica was overwhelmed with a crushing sense of guilt.
Her mother bore no malice.
There are simply people in this world who are dependent by nature. That tendency itself is not a fault.
Such people can live well when supported and guided firmly by someone else. In truth, when the Grand Duke had been healthy, there had been no major problems.
But then her father had fallen ill.
Even so, her mother had managed to keep up appearances and endure somehow, though, admittedly, in a distorted way by leaning heavily on the Countess of Laom.
At that moment, Sophia sniffled and lifted her head.
"Aidelica…"
"Yes, Mother."
"Calling off the engagement… you can't. If you do… something terrible will happen."
"…What do you mean, terrible?"
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1 Comments
OHhhh
ReplyDeleteSo the mother isn't entirely bad... she's just crushed under expectations