LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 61
Chapter 61
Side: Alshade
“In that matter, Rio found out about it. He forgave me, but still…”
I told Jenilov as I looked out of the window in my office.
“Well, that’s why I advised you to inform Rios-dono about the truth as soon as possible and apologize.”
Jenilov’s logical words stung.
“…Yeah, I know, but I didn’t know how to apologize. At least until I achieved some results, I felt awkward bringing it up.”
“You may appear mature, but there are still some childlike aspects to you. However, getting caught before achieving any results renders the effort meaningless.”
“Ugh.”
I could hear Jenilov sighing behind me.
I knew I had been stubborn. It was just hard to admit.
“Well, at least he forgave you. Are you reflecting on your actions?”
“Of course, I am. At that time, instead of hiding it from Rio, I should have explained it verbally and entrusted it to you. It might have been a decent move as the next head, but as a person, it was a failure.”
I had acted so recklessly when I saw the family crest on that paper… I might have been able to maintain my composure on the surface, but my actions were a mess.
Considering the current situation, I realized it would be tough to get involved in that family’s internal dispute and protect Rios to the end. That’s why I hid the fact that there was a piece of paper inside the box.
“That’s fine, then. You’re still just ten years old, Alshade-sama. Making mistakes at this age is only natural. Although you might have forgotten that fact yourself.”
“I haven’t forgotten, but is it wrong for me to strive for perfection as the next head?”
I had always felt uncomfortable around older retainers.
While they were concerned that I might be overexerting myself in my efforts to be a suitable heir, I couldn’t argue back
I knew they had my best interests at heart, but their ability to provide reasons I couldn’t refute was frustrating.
Since I had started using my rest days as an opportunity to escape under the pretext of inspecting the commoners, those gentle admonitions and advice had decreased significantly.
However it seemed like I was about to receive them again after a long time.
“It’s not wrong, but wouldn’t it be better to do your best within your limits? In the end, Alshade-sama’s imminent appointment as the heir has eliminated any opposition. As I mentioned the other day, you should relax a little more in private, even if it’s not a public matter.”
“…I see, I’ll consider it.”
I might have said that, but my expression probably revealed my bitterness.
Whether it was because of his seniority or something else, I couldn’t argue against these admonitions. Moreover, they were well-intentioned, so I couldn’t dismiss them outright.
Still, I had pledged to myself that I would be a master Rios could be proud of for a lifetime, so I had no intention of giving up my efforts now.
Besides, fundamentally, I only trusted Rios. I couldn’t let my guard down completely unless it was just the two of us.
“Or do you not trust us?”
“That’s not it.”
Jenilov hit a nerve with his question, and my immediate response felt shallow even to me.
Orto was the same, but I wondered why the elderly always seemed to see through me. I had some confidence in my acting abilities.
“You may already know it yourself, Alshade-sama, but one day you’ll reach your limit. If you’re close to someone, unless they’re completely oblivious, they’ll understand that you haven’t truly forgiven them. From an outsider’s perspective, it can be seen as a weakness.”
Jenilov completely disregarded my denial and continued to offer his constructive criticism in a calm manner.
“I’m not saying you should blindly trust or rely on anyone. In fact, if a ruler blindly trusts their vassals, it can be a cause of corruption within the organization. Instead, I just want you to show a minimum level of trust. Not letting your guard down even within the mansion can be seen as a sign of insecurity.”
“…It stings. I wonder how I got caught?”
I resisted the urge to sigh, turned to Jenilov, and asked him that question.
He chuckled and then replied,
“I could say it’s due to my years of experience, but it’s more about knowing the Alshade-sama from before the incident. There’s still a slight difference in your demeanor. Many people believe that the shock of the incident hasn’t completely faded, but someone a bit more perceptive might notice that you’re starting to lose trust in people.”
“So, is that why you stopped keeping an eye on me and decided to give me your advice?”
“Yes.”
He nodded without any hint of guilt, as if acknowledging my point.
I see, this is what they call the difference in life experience. At least for now, I didn’t feel like I could win.
In this situation, I have to give in… no, I need to grow.
“Fine, I get it. Jenilov, I trust you.”
“I’m honored.”
Jenilov bowed respectfully, but in the end, it was my defeat.
Even though he might have years of experience, it was still frustrating.
While I was lost in these thoughts, Jenilov raised his head.
“Now that the admonishment is over, I have something to report.”
“What’s it about?”
Upon hearing the word “report,” I immediately refocused my attention.
Whenever Jenilov reported something, it was usually related to new information from interrogating prisoners, issues arising in government affairs, or developments in matters I had personally requested.
All of these were important matters, so I couldn’t afford to be distracted by other thoughts.
“It’s about Rios dono’s mother.”
“What?! Have you found something?”
After learning that Rios was the son of the assassinated head of the Belford Marquis family, I had also ordered an investigation into his mother. It bothered me that her death had coincided with the Marquis’s assassination a year ago.
Well, considering that Rios was alive and well, that line of inquiry seemed unlikely…
“It appears that there’s no doubt about Rios dono’s mother’s natural death. After conducting a thorough investigation, it’s clear that she passed away about a month before the Marquis’s unfortunate accident. Furthermore, she had started experiencing health issues about a year prior, and even if we assume foul play, it’s unlikely anyone would take so long to target someone who was essentially a commoner.”
“Good, at least that’s a relief.”
I was relieved that there wasn’t any foul play involved in Rios’s mother’s death. If she had been assassinated, I had planned to identify the person responsible and possibly intervene in the Marquisate’s internal affairs, which could have been risky.
“So, have you found any other information?”
“No, that’s all for the new information. We haven’t found any other significant information about Rios dono’s mother. We’re still investigating her background, but so far, there haven’t been any promising leads. If she was living in hiding to avoid getting caught up in the family dispute, she was likely from a lower-ranking noble family at best…”
Even as he spoke, Jenilov wore a bitter expression.
While it sounded nice to say that the Marquiswas loved by many, in reality, he was a man who fell in love easily and had no fidelity whatsoever.
While it was common for nobles to practice polygamy, Marquis Belford’s promiscuity was notorious. His numerous affairs and wives were a source of contempt.
Honestly, even though he was Rios’s father, I couldn’t help but despise him.
Although Rios didn’t seem to inherit those traits, it was still a good idea to be cautious.
…I have to firmly hold the reins, just in case.