Side Story 5

Diane McKinnon was feeling down.

About half a year had passed since the new Emperor and Empress ascended to the throne, and society was fairly stable. Most of the former imperial family’s followers—few to begin with—either changed their minds if they were moderates, or were captured if they were hardliners. Local administration, which had faltered as nobles were removed, was slowly returning to its former state.

At the forefront of this stability were those close to the new imperial family: the McKinnon Ducal family and the McKinnon Trading Company, now aiming to become the best trading company in the Empire and even the continent; the Ganielo Grand Ducal family, standing at the center of the political world and guiding the nobles; the Morier Baronial family, boldly appointing talented commoners and continuing their unconventional path; and more.

Naturally, the praise for them was loud as well. Everyone wanted ties to them. They were important guests at any gathering. Logically, there was no reason for her to feel down.

So Edward Ganielo whispered to her in passing.

“Your lips are sticking out so far they’ll reach the Illopium Mountains. What’s wrong?”

“Eek.”

Diane, who had been gazing at the half-moon night sky with the glittering party behind her, gasped. She quickly covered her mouth, then turned around with narrowed eyes.

“What makes you think you can barge onto a lady’s balcony?”

“The party host’s pleading eyes, begging for rescue.”

“Ah.”

Today was a debut celebration for a certain count’s daughter. The guests invited to celebrate were ignoring the host and flocking to Diane, so she had slipped away in embarrassment—but from the host’s perspective, Diane being alone on the balcony was also a concern.

Still, why did they send Edward Ganielo of all people?

“Why did they tell you?”

“Well.”

Edward smiled seductively. His face still held traces of the delicate air he’d had when he was sickly.

“Do you really not know?”

“Ugh. It’s not working, so stop. What if people start spreading nonsense again?”

At Diane’s disgusted reaction, Edward burst into a bright, unbothered laugh. Diane glared at him once.

Diane and Edward were both direct descendants of prominent families in the Empire, and their ages were close enough—there was a gap, but not one that would raise eyebrows. Both were unmarried, and even though they bickered whenever they met, they spoke comfortably with each other.

Both knew that people who were thirsty for lighthearted stories after a brutal war were thinking, maybe, perhaps.

And both also knew they didn’t like those rumors.

‘Well, I don’t know what this guy is thinking.’

When Diane looked at him with a sulky expression, Edward’s laughter faded. He leaned his arms on the balcony railing and asked again, smoothly.

“So what’s really wrong?”

“None of your business.”

“Oh, I’m hurt. We’re in similar positions, aren’t we?”

Diane didn’t believe he was hurt. This man was a viper who’d kill you the instant he bit. If he was speaking so kindly despite disliking the gossip about them, it meant there was something in it for him.

Edward finally shrugged under her sharp stare.

“I’m just curious whether something’s going on with the McKinnon family, okay?”

“…I should say something before pointless misunderstandings spread. It’s not a family matter.”

“Then is it a man problem?”

“Were you asking even though you already knew?”

“I was just throwing it out there. Am I right?”

Diane stared at Edward a moment longer, then gave up with a sigh.

“You know, Duke. Talfrin and I are dating, right?”

(T/N: Oh damn!! So it’s official now!)

“Huh?”

Edward couldn’t figure out what to say for a moment.

Anyone close to Diane and Talfrin knew their relationship was… unusual. They were together whenever they had the chance. Considering Talfrin’s absurd disguise skills, they were probably together far more than people realized.

“Aren’t we?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know. Whether you’re dating or not is something you decide, so why should I know?”

“Because we’ve never explicitly said we’re dating. And…”

She pouted as if she didn’t want to admit it.

“There’s this subtle line. It feels like he pulls back right when the mood is good.”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t even held hands yet.”

“Not that.”

Diane snapped, wounded in her pride.

“He doesn’t propose. Even though we’ve had the right atmosphere several times.”

“Ah.”

No one looked down on the McKinnon family anymore. Diane McKinnon was an unmarried noble lady closest to imperial power and wealthy, so if you lined up all the people eager to marry her, the line could circle the continent.

And in that situation, he still hadn’t proposed, even after several perfect opportunities?

“So that’s what you’re worried about. That’s unexpected.”

“What is?”

“I thought you were a very decisive person.”

“Well, if any other man had acted like this, I would’ve dumped him on the spot.”

“But?”

“What can I do if I like him?”

Diane said it like she was annoyed, and Edward quietly revised his judgment. Diane was still decisive. How could someone who could say, with that much certainty, that she ‘liked’ a man who kept drawing a line with her not be decisive?

It would be foolish if Talfrin were treating her poorly and she was only devoted on her own—but Edward could see it plainly. Talfrin was head over heels for Diane. If he was avoiding a proposal despite that, he must have his own concerns.

But what did Edward care?

“May I offer advice as a knowing older brother?”

“Go ahead.”

“You have to say clearly whether you like it or not. Confusing someone precious is wrong. If you’re going to break up, that’s one thing—but if you intend to marry him, you should fix his mental state before that.”

Diane agreed. Anyone she asked would likely say the same. She had kept it to herself until now because she feared that if it reached Nerys’s ears, Nerys would send Talfrin into exile somewhere far away.

“I know. I think I need to talk to him properly… I guess I’ve been bottling up frustration.”

Edward glanced at her face and asked.

“Want me to help?”

“…How?”

It wasn’t like Edward could summon Talfrin and scold him—Talfrin held a significant position at court.

Reading Diane’s mind from her question—curious despite her attempt to sound indifferent—Edward smiled.

“There’s a ball at Hilbrin’s mansion the day after tomorrow, right? If you go with me as my partner, you’ll find out.”

It wasn’t clear how that would help. Diane stared at Edward’s face for a moment.

He wasn’t as handsome as the Emperor, but he still had a pleasant, gentle face. Eyes that looked as if they’d solve anyone’s troubles.

Edward was popular with noble women. If Diane was the most popular marriage prospect among noble ladies, Edward was the most popular prospect among noblemen. He hadn’t married before because of his poor health, but now he was quite healthy thanks to the Wedge Pouch.

For reference, his younger brother Colin seemed to have started living in silence the moment Edward recovered.

‘A man with many schemes.’

Diane liked cute people. She didn’t like coy people. Especially after what her cousin had tried to do to her.

And yet, even if he was a little twisted, Edward Ganielo didn’t feel unpleasant.

‘He’s not someone who would harm me.’

After thinking it over several times and still feeling no bad omen, Diane spoke with a sulky face.

“Just remember this. I don’t go to parties with men who pick me up late.”

❖ ❖ ❖

“Count Wirtam, you seem particularly distracted today.”

Talfrin snapped back to himself at the ridiculous tone of his respected Empress.

Right after the new Emperor’s inauguration, Talfrin received the title of Count Wirtam. He gained vast lands and considerable wealth, but nothing about him truly changed. He still preferred thinking of himself as the head of Shadows, and he still felt rewarded whenever he brought information useful to his lord and lady.

So criticism like this stung. Because he felt guilty, it sounded like an accusation: that he had ‘lost his original intentions after receiving a title.’ Talfrin immediately bowed and apologized. Thankfully, no one else was in the Empress’s office—otherwise he would’ve been humiliated.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. Did you call for me?”

“Yes. Here are the territories where this year’s harvest is lower than last year’s…”

A harvest that fell further after the war than during it meant either severe damage to the workforce, damage to the land itself, or hidden yields. So she ordered him to investigate which, and to support those in need thoroughly…

Talfrin tried to focus as he listened. But before he knew it, he was receiving another worried look.

“You’re doing it again. If you’re tired, go rest. We can talk later.”

“Ah, no. I heard everything.”

As he said that, Talfrin repeated the instructions he’d just been given, word for word. He was distracted, but his competence hadn’t vanished.

“Then that’s good. Still, go rest today. There’s a ball hosted by Hilbrin’s wife this evening, isn’t there? Di doesn’t go to parties with men who pick her up late.”

When she said her friend’s nickname, the Empress’s face finally became Nerys’s. The solemn, flawless mask of a noblewoman melted away, and the face of a young woman full of affection for her people bloomed like a wildflower.

Just saying Diane’s nickname softened her expression. Talfrin valued how dearly Nerys cherished Diane. It had always been like that.

But today, that care hurt.

Nerys lifted her eyebrows slightly at the shift in Talfrin’s expression. If she wasn’t mistaken, he looked… dejected.

‘Ah, I see.’

The reason this clever subordinate had been strange all day.

“Did you fight with Di?”

“I don’t know.”

“How do you not know?”

“As far as I know, we haven’t argued recently.”

“But?”

“Suddenly, she said she’d go to the ball alone today…”

“Hm.”

Nerys arrived at the most logical explanation.

“Did you say something mean and make her sulk? Di always makes it clear why she’s sulking. Can’t you think of anything?”

“No.”

“Then would she sulk for no reason? She even followed me when I lied and went up to Maindulante to ask what was going on.”

“Are you bragging?”

In his frustration, Talfrin finally committed an act of rudeness. Nerys didn’t get angry. She only chuckled.

To be honest, it was a bit of a boast.

“If you don’t think you fought, then there must be an unavoidable reason. Go and ask her. There’s nothing better than conversation to maintain and improve a relationship.”

That was true. But Talfrin hesitated. Watching his gloomy face, Nerys asked lightly.

“Come to think of it, how are you two doing? You’re dating well, right?”

“Yes… well…”

“That answer is ambiguous.”

Talfrin instantly sensed her gaze sharpening. He tensed instinctively. He’d crossed life and death countless times while following Cledwyn, but whenever Nerys looked at him like this, he couldn’t help feeling nervous.

“Even if we’re close friends, it’s not good to meddle in love affairs, so I’ll stay out of it. But I trust you’re not treating her unfairly.”

“What are you saying!”

This was truly unfair. When Talfrin jumped up, Nerys withdrew her suspicious gaze. Besides, Diane wasn’t the type to sit still if she was being treated unfairly.

After a pause, Talfrin let out a deep sigh.

“It’s just… well. Don’t you also wonder? Whether someone like me really suits Diane.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Well, you know. Diane is pretty, cute, kind, adorable, lovely, and even intelligent.”

It was true, but the exaggerated list felt strangely familiar. After thinking for a moment, Nerys realized Talfrin was using the exact same words the McKinnon family always used about Diane. He didn’t even seem aware of it.

‘He’s been brainwashed.’