Chapter 454: The Upper Echelons’ Intentions

Marquis Donaisun, the leader of the Luwan Kingdom’s side alongside the ‘Saintess’ and her entourage, was troubled by the recent rumors.

At first, Marquis Donaisson had dismissed the rumors suggesting a relationship between the Kingdom of Sart’s prince and their ‘Saint’ Matilda as being completely baseless. However, upon further investigation, he discovered that the rumors had originated from the entourage close to the ‘Saint.’ So, he called together the young nobles of the Luwan Kingdom’s entourage and scolded them, saying, “What are you doing by spreading such unfounded rumors!”

“But, this is something that came from the mouth of the ‘Saint’ herself…”

“She was angry because she believed a marquis’s daughter, whom she thought of as a friend, had fallen for Prince Fleue, even though she claimed to have a close relationship with him…” 

“It was the ‘Saint’ who ordered us to spread the word that she is right.” 

The young nobles offered excuses to Marquis Donaisson, speaking one after another.

“You fools! At this time, what are you trying to do by spreading scandalous rumors about the ‘Saint’ and lowering her dignity? You are also representatives of the Kingdom of Luwan! You should not be complicit in such things, but rather admonish her!”

Marquis Donaisson regretted having formed a delegation comprised solely of young nobles who idolized the ‘Saint.’

That said, since it was also the will of the Luwan royal family, there was little Donaissun, who was to act as their representative, could do.

“In any case, you must encourage the ‘Saintess’ to exercise restraint and diligently fulfill her duties. The individuals involved are from this country’s royal family and a powerful noble house in this house. Even though they are our allies, don’t act foolishly in the Sart Kingdom!” 

After another scolding, Marquis Donaisun let out a deep sigh.

The Luwan royal family, eager to use the ‘Saintess’ as a diplomatic trump card, and the Count family that had hastily taken her in for reputation and financial gain, had also played a part in fostering her arrogance. But, of course, he couldn’t voice such concerns to his liege, the Royal Family. …Perhaps he should just scold the Saint himself, he thought…

With an upset stomach, Marquis Donaisson contemplated the future of diplomacy.

“In just a few days, the tour with the ‘Saintess’ will begin, but the rumors just won’t stop spreading…”

Before heading to the provinces, Tauro had been trying his best to put a stop to the love triangle rumors by steadily denying the existence of one, but the accurate information from Tauro and his friends couldn’t compete with the gossipy allure that excited the onlookers.

Right now, rumors were spreading in the royal capital that a battle between the Saint and Marquis Vandyne’s daughter for the Fifth Prince’s favor was taking place, and some were even placing bets on the outcome.

“How come, when it comes to looks, the Saint, whom I guess has gotten quite a bit of attention is even at odds with Aeris, a prestigious Marquisse. There’s even a betting ratio of three to seven?”

Ankh questioned as to why Aeris was at a disadvantage, looking at a betting flyer he had obtained from somewhere.

“It’s because Prince Fleue is believed to be in love with the ‘Saintess.’ But in terms of looks, talent, and personality, Aeris is clearly superior!” 

Ragune gave her review in favor of her best friend.

“I think so too. Aeris-san is much prettier!” 

Zion chimed in to praise Aeris.

“Hey everyone, the outcome of the bets doesn’t really matter. I mean, we aren’t actually competing at all. Just to clarify, we’ve asked Prince Fleue to have us removed from the ‘Saintess’s’ entourage, right, Tauro?” 

“Yeah. Since the person in charge on our side is His Highness the Crown Prince, we can’t predict how things will turn out, but with such rumors circulating, I think we’ll be removed from the group.” 

Though Tauro could only speculate, he felt that with such a glaring scandal, it would be natural for them to be removed from the ‘Saintess’s’ entourage.

However, the person in charge on their side, the Crown Prince, made no declaration to remove Aeris and the others from the entourage.

The same goes for the Kingdom of Luwan, and it seems that both countries had determined that acknowledging the rumors by removing them from the entourage was not an option.

“… A messenger came to my house from His Highness the Crown Prince just now, and adviced me to stay away from the ‘Saint’.”

Aeris grumbled with a exasperated look on her face as she arrived at Count Graundewald’s mansion where Tauro was.

　

“It seems the Kingdom of Luwan gave a similar response. They agreed to let you accompany them, but they asked that you keep your distance so as not to interfere with the Saint’s activities. A messenger also came to our house.” 

Tauro winced in sympathy for Aeris.

“But it’s strange. Normally, wouldn’t you think they would avoid further trouble and not bring us along, just like the leader predicted?”

Ankh voiced what seemed a reasonable thought.

“I think so too. There doesn’t seem to be any benefit,” 

Ragune agreed with Ankh.

“Are they truly that concerned about the rumors?” 

Zion tilted her head, questioning both kingdoms’ judgments.

“That’s the key point. For the Kingdom of Luwan, it would only be a matter of the honor of one “Saint”, but for us, it would tarnish the honor of His Highness Prince Fleue of the royal family, and the esteemed noble house of Marquis Vandyne family. If His Highness the Crown Prince were to take that into consideration, I thought there was a good chance that we would be removed from the entourage…”

 Tauro expressed his doubts, then continued.

“Could it be that the Crown Prince wants to tarnish either Prince Fleue’s honor or the Vandyne House’s honor… or maybe even both?” 

Tauro put forward a bold hypothesis.

“hey, hey, hey, leader, that’s quite a troubling theory, you know?!” 

Ankh remarked, surprised at Tauro’s suggestion.

“…I hear that Prince Fleue has been gaining good acclaim in the capital recently. After his performance in Reversi, he’s also been showing talent on the political stage and is gaining recognition among the nobility.”

Aeris mentioned some important news.

“So what you’re saying is that the Crown Prince is intentionally allowing Aeris to accompany the ‘Saint’ out of jealousy, thinking it will discredit Prince Fleue’s reputation by not putting a stop to these rumors?” 

Ragune pointed out, realizing what Aeris was trying to say.

　

“…And the Crown Prince’s supporting faction is Marquis Haragura’s faction, right?” 

Tauro revealed the most unsettling information.

“Is that so? –That’s bad news…” 

Ankh reacted with concern.

“Yes, recently it has been pointed out that the neutral Marquis Vandyne and Count Graundewald families have become quite friendly with the Prime Minister’s faction. It may be that they want to tarnish the name of the Marquis Vandyne family as a sort of check…”

Tauro reached his worst-case scenario.

“It doesn’t change the fact that Papa is neutral… but this is what nobles are like…!”

Despite being a member of that very nobility, Aeris sighed with exasperation.

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