Feeling the pleasant pain, after breakfast Reina and I arrived at Father’s office.
But Father was glaring at an invitation on the table; the room was thick with suffocating air.
From Father’s investigation, only one noble hadn’t lost his memory.
His name: Marquess Juke Andrews.
The Andrews family has financially supported Rondism Kingdom since ancient times, but lately had been the subject of shady rumors.
Though not a duke, his power matches the four ducal houses, and he’s the central figure in the noble corruption Father has been investigating.
The difference between the Andrews family and the four ducal houses is whether they earned merit in past great wars; in current financial contribution, they rival each other.
Among that old-line Andrews family’s current head — Juke alone — held firm memory of Floné.
And he initiated contact with me through Father — no doubt about it.
”…… A trap, probably. They’re waiting open-mouthed for us to stick our heads in.”
A party hosted by him in a week, with my attendance specifically requested.
I have rumors of zero magical aptitude, so I’ve never been invited to parties.
Even as a ducal son, the [Reject] wasn’t worth currying favor with.
Many nobles know I was involved in the [Floné the Lightning Strike] matter. But long-built evaluation doesn’t shift easily.
And the King’s award is known only to a few.
Despite that, Andrews invited me. Clearly suspicious.
“This timing…… could be foreseeing your future career and forming ties…… but without question, it’s about Floné.”
“Absolutely should not go. Too dangerous.”
”…… I agree.”
Diving in with no understanding of dark-element magic — fool’s errand.
I wouldn’t offer my own life to such an obvious trap.
“And the Andrews family……”
“Right. Alice…… the noble who had her expelled from the Holy Knights.”
I recall their name on the report Alice submitted as a noble faction breaking law and running human trafficking.
“All the more reason I can’t go.”
We need to keep this from reaching her ears too…… I see. That’s why Alice was excluded from this meeting.
“But Father, are you all right? Will my refusal affect your infiltration?”
I wanted to avoid cracks between Father — playing the corrupt lord — and Juke.
Don’t want to lose the position built over a decade plus.
His life’s effort would foam to nothing.
Above all, Andrews’s territory is adjacent to Veret’s.
I want to avoid relations between the houses souring.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll act as if my recently-prominent son and I are estranged.”
Father laughed boldly and joked.
A doting father naturally wouldn’t mean it; I laughed along.
My concerns resolved, the answer was not going.
“But to create this obvious a situation…… what is Floné scheming……?”
”…… She’s an arrogant person, so she may be looking down on us.”
“Hope so. But optimism is bad. Let’s keep surveillance on Juke. Notify me of anything either of you notice.”
"""Understood."""
So the Andrews discussion ended.
Next — what I’d been awaiting. Guidance to the Forbidden Library.
“As promised, let’s go to the Forbidden Library.”
“Right, let me prepare for the trip.”
“Hahaha. Not needed, you two. The Forbidden Library is here.”
"""…… What?"""
Our deflated voices overlapped.
Father smirked with satisfaction at the successful prank.
“The Forbidden Library is — beneath this manor.”