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Liselotte’s group traveled by carriage to the villa owned by the Althea family in the royal capital. When Duke Althea served as Prime Minister, requiring daily presence at the royal castle, this villa served as their residence. Located a bit far from the castle, surrounded by no other houses, it provided a serene and quiet retreat.

On the tranquil path through the woods leading to their villa—

Inside the carriage, Liselotte recounted to her father, Duke Althea, and Ryza the events of the Prima battle, the preceding incidents at Alucard, and the various adventures she shared with her friends.

“I see… You’ve gone through quite a lot, but I am relieved that you’ve made steadfast friends. Such friendships are rare treasures.”
“Yes. I am truly grateful for my time at the Knight Academy!”

Liselotte beamed, and Ryza returned the smile. Duke Althea, however, wasn’t smiling.

“…Indeed, you’ve grown stronger and found camaraderie. But I still believe it was too much for a student. The mere thought unsettles me…”

He spoke, his voice tinged with a father’s concern, the sweat on his brow betraying his anxiety.

“Fufu… We had the endorsement of Special Envoy Theodore, Prince Wayne, and His Majesty the King. There’s no need for concern.”
“Good heavens, His Majesty sometimes causes more worry than reassurance… Nonetheless, I am proud of your contributions to the battle against Prisma. You have served this kingdom admirably.”
“Everyone in the Shealot Order was elated by your accomplishments, Young Lady. As your martial instructor, I am immensely proud of you.”

Liselotte felt a surge of happiness as both her father and his Commander expressed their pride.

“Thank you very much. I will continue to strive for excellence.”

She replied with a gracious smile. Ryza, however, looked concerned.

“Yet, the situation with Venefique troubles me. Should relations deteriorate leading to conflict, I fear the Prime Minister might conscript you into his punitive force…”
“That indeed would be troubling, which is why I am so grateful to Father for tempering the Prime Minister and the eastern lords in their fervor. Thank you, Father.”
“Anything for you, my dear. I too hope to avert war. Focus on your own path, and leave the rest to me.”
“I will, Father.”

“Still, milord, if you confront him too fiercely, might the Prime Minister not seek retribution? I worry he may bear a grudge. Perhaps it would have been wiser to let Marquis Wilford face the initial backlash…”
“Do not fret. Prime Minister Rigriff and I have long had our differences. I was in office when we moved the Prisma eastward; he likely harbors resentment for my not opposing the decision. Marquis Wilford is an honorable man; it would be unseemly to embroil him in such political squabbles. Moreover…”
“Moreover?”

“You’ve observed that neither His Majesty the King nor His Highness Prince Wayne are eager for war, correct? Yet as monarchs, they cannot disregard the Prime Minister or the majority of the lords. In such times, it is our duty, as ducal houses and kin to the crown, to enact their true intentions. We must act as the royal family’s shield and operate from the shadows. Take this to heart, Liselotte.”
“Yes, Father.”

“However, I may have been overzealous. Caught up in the unity between His Majesty the King and His Highness Prince Wayne, I momentarily overstepped. Their views on Highland policy have long been at odds; I hope this marks a turn towards a more harmonious relationship…”

Duke Althea offered a reflective, faint smile. However, his words seemed to cast a shadow over Ryza’s expression.

“However, Milord, with all due respect… Are we, the people of Shealot, even rewarded for such strong devotion? According to the information that our very own Lady Liselotte received from the Ironblood Chain Brigade, the royal family agreed to offer Arlman and Shealot to the Highland in exchange for a Hyrule Menace who will replace Lady Ripple… While it ultimately didn’t come to pass, the mere intention still came as a shock…”

“Ryza…”

“The source of that information is probably within the Prime Minister’s close circle. He certainly seems to intend to banish us. As I mentioned, he has a grudge against me, and he fears losing his position to me. It was a good opportunity for him to get rid of me. His Majesty planned to offer Arlman and Nova, as they were both directly under the royal family’s jurisdiction, which would make sense. Although, I’m not suggesting it would have been better for them to be taken by the Highland rather than us. Rigriff must have changed Nova to Shealot behind His Majesty’s back.”

“I see… I now understand. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Milord.”
“But, thank you for bringing it up. It has been gnawing at me—”

Before Liselotte could finish, a voice from outside interrupted.

“UWAAAHHH!!”
“What’s happening?!”
“Raid! Commander, we’re being raided!”

The dry clang of blade against blade rang out from outside.

“…! They’re ambushing us…?!”

Ryza’s expression hardened with determination.