Chapter 143
“Go ahead.”
“Earlier, you said you would replace all the maids for my safety, correct?”
“Yes. Since perjury came from your palace during the previous meeting. It surely means someone there has been touched by House Futurum’s influence.”
I wasn’t the only one who had that thought. What I had considered before came straight from Evgenia’s mouth.
I carefully spoke up.
“If I had a way to identify the culprit, would you reconsider replacing all the maids?”
“Can you identify the culprit?”
“I’m not certain, but I’d like to try.”
Evgenia seemed a bit surprised at first, then made a thoughtful “hmm” sound while resting her chin on her hand.
“I don’t understand. Why would you go to such trouble?”
“I want to value my people. If we drive everyone out because of one person’s wrongdoing, I feel like no one will want to be loyal to me.”
The drawbacks of collective punishment. After all, who would want to work hard and be devoted if everyone suffers when one person makes a mistake?
But after saying it, I felt I might have been a bit presumptuous and watched for her reaction. Fortunately, Evgenia seemed to rather like my answer. She smiled slightly.
“I can’t give you much time. At most about three days—would that be alright?”
“I’m grateful just for the opportunity.”
“Very well. Then give it a try.”
Ding!
[<System> New Quest Arrived!]
[<Quest> Identify the maid touched by House Futurum’s influence!
You, feeling sorry for the maids who would all be dismissed, made a request to Evgenia.
Evgenia, understanding your circumstances, is willing to give you some time. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.
―Success Reward: Reputation increases, Evgenia’s affection increases.
―Time Limit: 3 days.]
Seeing as there was no failure penalty, this was a quest I could take or leave.
Thanks to that, I could comfortably express my gratitude to Evgenia. I had tried speaking up earlier because she seemed sympathetic to my words, and I’m glad I did.
Evgenia spoke with apparent pleasure.
“By the way, Nepheli, have you been eyeing anyone as your new guardian?”
“Ah……. I-I’m still thinking about it.”
“I hear you’ve only been frequenting the library these past few days? While it’s good to accumulate knowledge, since you’ve announced you’ll choose a new guardian, shouldn’t you give them a chance too?”
“A chance?”
“I’ve already informed the Knight Commander, so do visit the training grounds sometime. That way, opportunities will be distributed more fairly.”
To think she could phrase “Stop holding up and go look for a guardian.” so elegantly…….
I smiled awkwardly and agreed. Come to think of it, there wasn’t much time left to choose a new guardian. It was supposed to be for my birthday banquet.
Though the sudden conversation seemed to lighten the mood somewhat, it only gave me more to worry about.
While eating the sherbet served for dessert, I carefully asked.
“Um, Your Highness. Is it true that magicians cannot become guardians?”
“That’s right.”
So it was true after all.
The answer wasn’t much different from what I expected, which was a bit disappointing. I had hoped there might be exceptions.
Not knowing my thoughts, Evgenia asked somewhat teasingly.
“From your question, it seems you’ve taken a liking to one of the royal magicians.”
“I asked because there are more noteworthy ones than before. They often visit the library.”
“I’ve heard such reports. Well, if they caught your eye, you must have judged them favorably. Though it’s cunning, it wouldn’t be bad to keep someone cute who tries hard by your side.”
“Keep them by my side?”
“Love and sharing mana aren’t the only definitions of relationships.”
“……?”
What did keeping a royal magician close have to do with love?
‘Ah.’
After tilting my head in confusion for a moment, I finally understood her implied meaning and was shocked.
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