Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 137

Miesa entrusted him with the interrogation and execution of the three people in the secret chamber and returned to her study. Then, she called for Tilberg and issued an order.

“Tell those two from yesterday to either give up a finger or leave the capital. If they choose to leave, they won’t be allowed to return until the current head of the family passes away.”

Tilberg, relieved by the reasonable punishment, left the study. Meanwhile, Duke Salachez approached her with a curious expression.

“It seems the Margrave has successfully persuaded Your Majesty.”

Miesa looked at his face briefly before shifting her gaze to the desk. Neatly arranged letters and documents, along with materials she might have needed, were already prepared. Although Duke Salachez claimed to be poor at paperwork, he was as quick-witted as he was useful. Yet, something felt unsettling.

When Miesa raised her eyes again to stare at Duke Salachez, he grinned and rubbed his hands together. “If Your Majesty has something to say to me, shall I dismiss the others?”

Although it didn’t seem necessary, Miesa nodded, thinking that everything needed to be clear to feel at ease.

When Viscountess Manere, Cullen, and the others who had been standing by left, the study fell silent. Miesa gestured to a chair.

“Sit down.”

“Yes, thank you.” Salachez smiled broadly as he sat down.

Miesa observed him and asked, “Why did you think I had something to say to you?”

“Your Majesty’s complexion and the way you’ve been looking at me,” he replied immediately.

Miesa thought quietly for a moment before speaking. “The secret chamber behind the office will soon be closed. I’ll be moving my office there as well.”

“Understood.” Salachez raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, then quickly nodded. “I will follow your orders.”

“Ask if you have any questions,” Miesa said, but Salachez shook his head.

“I wouldn’t dare question Your Majesty’s decisions.”

“No, I’m asking because I’m curious about what you’re thinking.”

Salachez beamed with a wide smile. “Are you curious about my thoughts? Well, well.”

He looked genuinely delighted, his face even turning a bit red as he began to chatter excitedly. “Of course, it was quite a hardship for me, being caught between the two of you. But if we consider it properly, Your Majesty is the ruler of this country, so not just me, but even the Margrave should serve you. That’s why I sided with you.”

Had she been too wary? Miesa found it hard to believe, and Salachez quickly noticed her reaction.

“Your Majesty? Why do you seem disappointed?”

“I’m not disappointed.”

“Were you expecting me to have some grand ulterior motive?”

“Well, not exactly.”

As Miesa hesitated, Duke Salachez’s expression hardened. “Please, tell me. Did you think I would harbor other intentions?”

“Not to that extent.”

“It’s one thing for others to misunderstand, but Your Majesty should trust me, especially since I’ve even handed you my weaknesses.”

She didn’t understand why he was getting so worked up, but Salachez genuinely seemed to feel wronged.

“Is only the Margrave’s loyalty genuine, and if someone like me follows Your Majesty’s orders well, does that make me a sycophant? Even someone like me, who isn’t much by nature, can be sincere.”

“I understand.”

“Of course, I do admire power and strength. But who doesn’t? I haven’t colluded with any other factions, nor have I ever sought to gain special privileges.”

“I said I understand.”

“Of course, I’ve said some things that the Margrave didn’t like at times. But didn’t I also subtly suggest to Your Majesty to talk more with him, as a married couple should?”

Now she was curious. Miesa asked slyly, “How long have you known me to follow so well?”

“I was simply impressed by how Your Majesty overcame adversity and managed the affairs of the state so adeptly. But then again, you might just see that as flattery.”

Duke Salachez pouted as he stood up. “Well, time will tell. After all, there’s no one who trusts people like me from the start anyway. If we’re done talking, may I leave now?”

“Doid, your attitude has suddenly become quite bold.”

“I’m human too; I have feelings. I’ve been your hands and feet, doing what you wanted, but now you’re doubting my intentions. How could I not be upset?”

Even as he left the study, his red hair swaying, Duke Salachez didn’t forget to add, “Well, I’ll be sure to serve Your Majesty courteously at the meeting with the ministers later.”

But Duke Salachez hadn’t taken more than a few steps when he was summoned by the Margrave. Clearing his throat and hiding his dissatisfaction, Duke Salachez opened the door to the office that the Margrave used.

“You called for me?”

“I need to verify the list of the New Year’s festival delegation.”

“Understood. I’ll bring it right away.”

Eirik silently watched Salachez as he left to retrieve the list.

It bothered him that Miesa had shared things with Salachez that she hadn’t with him, but the duke had been diligent in catering to her whims.

In the end, whatever the case, it was all born out of loyalty to Miesa, so he didn’t plan to make an issue of it. It seemed that people didn’t change easily, after all. Even when he tried to live his life to the fullest, the scales in his heart remained firmly in place.

As Eirik smirked, Duke Salachez returned, handing over the list with a wide grin.

“I heard things went well with Her Majesty? When will the renovations for the office begin?”

“Tomorrow, after the interrogation is completed. There’s still much to learn from them.”

Despite the sharpness in Eirik’s words, Salachez continued to smile as if nothing was amiss. “Is that so? Well, I suppose it’s best that you’re taking charge.”

Eirik stared at Salachez for a moment before nodding. However, the duke’s expression darkened as he caught a fleeting look from Eirik.

“Wait, are you doubting me too?”

“Did Her Majesty say something to you?”

“Just now. So I came to push back a little.” Duke Salachez chuckled as he sat down opposite Eirik.

Eirik shrugged and answered, “I haven’t particularly doubted you or thought poorly of you.”

Of course, that didn’t mean he hadn’t done any background checks. However, based on Eirik’s investigations, Salachez hadn’t shown any signs of disloyalty. Moreover, even when alone in the office late at night with Miesa, Salachez had kept his distance, sitting on a sofa far from her.

As Eirik quickly scanned the list for the Principality of Sidate, Salachez kept chatting nonstop.

“Why? Her Majesty seems to have branded me a traitor. Wouldn’t that bother you more?”

“…I have a cousin who’s a bit like you. So I think I understand what’s going through your mind.”

“Oh, your ‘that’ cousin and I have similar personalities? What kind of people do you associate with?”

“Have you never met him? His name is Emmerich.”

“Oh, that attendant?”

This time, Salachez frowned. Eirik couldn’t help but chuckle. Emmerich detested Salachez, yet similar types often disliked each other.

“But that attendant, Emmerich, can’t resist women. Besides, he looks so different from you that I never imagined you two were related.”

Salachez had a reason for his disdain toward Emmerich. He had often seen Emmerich flirting here and there under the guise of gathering information.

“Well, that’s one difference between the two of you. But by the way, are you planning to leave the duchess’s seat vacant?” Since the conversation had drifted in that direction, Eirik casually inquired.

But Salachez’s response was surprisingly straightforward.”Well, my requirements are a bit complicated.”

“What are they?”

“A family with a long history but not as strong a standing as before would be ideal. The young lady should have a pleasant personality.”

His preferences were more specific than expected. Eirik felt the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding slowly ease. Meanwhile, Salachez continued with a self-deprecating smile.

“What could I possibly hide from you? I just don’t want to be treated like an illegitimate child, disregarded at home after being scorned outside all day.”

“I see.”

“I have enough wealth to live comfortably on my own. But I don’t have the capital to revive a fading family. I’m not interested in buying a wife with money either. Even if I did, she’d probably look down on me, thinking all I have is money.”

“You’re more grounded than I thought.”

“Anyway, I’d prefer a family with tradition. I’m not familiar with the ways of noble families. With these criteria, only a few families remain, but they don’t have any daughters of marriageable age.”

As Eirik considered even the local nobles, Salachez kept talking. “It’s a silly thought, but I’d like someone who genuinely likes me. I’ve lived as a commoner for so long that I can’t help but care about things like that.”

“I understand.”

“Really? It’s an honor that the Margrave understands me.” Salachez beamed and added, though it wasn’t necessary, “Honestly, I wish I could find someone with a personality like yours.”

“That’s quite unpleasant.”

“No, I mean just the personality. You treat me without prejudice, after all.”

“…Please, don’t go around talking about my favor.”

“I just meant your personality. Personality alone. By the way, is there no suitable person in the Cladnier family? Like a sister or cousin of yours?”

At the duke’s question, Eirik firmly shook his head. “I lost my sister when I was young, and there are no unmarried women among my cousins. Besides, the Cladnier family would politely decline any marriage alliance with a ducal family.”

“If there’s no possibility, there’s no need to draw such a clear line. It’s a bit disappointing.”

“Well, now that I know what you’re looking for, I’ll keep an eye out.”

Anyway, until Tilberg, Cullen, and Salachez all found partners, it seemed he wouldn’t be entirely at ease.