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Though Aleksei and Ekaterina held the highest status in the domain, at official events like the celebration for the succession to the title, the order in which they addressed guests or received greetings had to follow a certain hierarchy—one dictated by their entourage and the domain’s leading figures.
Those surrounding the pair, hoping to be addressed, generally knew who came next and quickly made way. Some were likely stationed here to gauge the power dynamics within the domain during Aleksei’s reign.
Such was the murmuring crowd surrounding them.

“Step back! This is no place for someone like you!”

A shrill female voice rang out, causing Ekaterina to glance instinctively in that direction.
The woman shouting was unfamiliar. Yet there was something vaguely recognizable about her vivid green hair. Or rather, the way her hair was pulled up and styled into vertical rolls hanging down at the back…

“If Her Highness Aleksandra were here, you would be whipped and thrown out! As her maid, serving Her Highness Aleksandra closest, I will not permit such lowly creatures to come and go, tarnishing the dignity of Jurnova Castle!”

Yikes.
I see… So she’s that old hag’s maid…. And seeing that she’s clearly that *her* mother, meaning she’s *his* wife, Countess Novadin.
Are all of that rotten old bag’s maid like this…? I’d rather die than work with people like that. Then again, their boss was that old hag, so that’s a massive red flag already.

Ekaterina looked utterly disheartened, but to onlookers, it seemed Aleksei was protecting his sister. He placed a hand on her slender shoulder and quietly addressed the commotion.

“Old Forli.”

Ignoring the clamoring Countess, one of Aleksei’s close aides, Forestry and Agriculture Minister Balthazar Forli, stepped forward.
His sun-darkened skin and sturdy, rough hands stood in stark contrast to the pale faces and beautiful white hands of the upper-class people gathered here. Yet his face, deeply etched with wrinkles, radiated dignity. Even in old age, his upright posture carried the imposing presence of an ancient warrior.

And placing her hand upon his was a tall woman.
Like Forli, she was advanced in years, yet her dignified bearing still hinted at youthful beauty. Her skin, tanned nearly brown like her husband’s, was close to his shade. Her slender frame appeared toned and powerful. Her long white hair was simply adorned with a pin, left loose and unbound. Her unusual attire was strikingly colorful, its shape loose and empire-waisted… or rather, it had an exotic feel, reminiscent of a kaftan dress, the traditional clothing of peoples near Morocco.

This woman is Mrs. Forli. The leader of the Forest People!
The Forest Folk are a minority tribe dwelling in the duke’s forest. They live nomadically within the woods, rarely interacting with others, and are shrouded in various legends. Because of this, they are sometimes feared or discriminated against. Forli, the third son of a distinguished marquis family, apparently had ties severed with his family after marrying her.
…So that’s why Madam Drill-Hair is making such a fuss. Because they exist outside the Empire’s social hierarchy.

“Young… no, Your Grace, my lady. It is an immense honor.”

Forli bowed alongside his wife, and Aleksei smiled.

“Young Master is fine. Since you were my grandfather’s close friend, I’ll allow it.”
“Tonight, I shall address you as Your Grace. Moreover, lately, you seem to have grown even more dependable, so perhaps I should no longer call you Young Master.”

Forli’s words seemed unexpected, and Aleksei widened his neon-blue eyes. He spoke gently.

“I used to think I couldn’t possibly deny you, Old Forli. But now that you said you won’t call me Young Master, I feel lonely. How odd.”

Forli’s deeply wrinkled face broke into a smile.

“You seem very composed. The tension that held you has eased, and you’ve grown stronger.”
“…I don’t feel it myself. But if that’s how I appear, it must be thanks to the blessing of the Goddess”

Saying this, Aleksei glanced at his sister beside him and smiled.
Eyes wide, Ekaterina returned her brother’s smile.

I feel a bit guilty about letting everyone in the domain witness Onii-sama’s sister complex. And I’m flattered that Forli interpreted it so kindly.
Still, I’m glad he feels the tension has eased. I’m still far from being able to truly help Onii-sama. But if I’m helping him feel more at ease, that makes me very happy.

“My lady, allow me to introduce my wife, Aurora.”

At Forli’s words, Ekaterina’s face lit up. Yay, I’ve been wanting to talk to you!

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

But just as Ekaterina began to speak, a voice called out.

“Please wait!”

Pushing through the crowd appeared none other than Madam Drill-Hair

—Who told you to make a “wait a minute” call? What makes you a referee?
For someone who was only in her late-twenties in her past life, Ekaterina’s thinking was rather old-fashioned.

Unaware of Ekaterina’s inner thoughts, the lady with the vertical curls performed a truly splendid kneeling bow to Aleksei.

“Your Grace! As a member of the head branch of the Novadin family, I offer this earnest counsel, staking my very life upon it!”