Chapter 221 (2/2)

“What if this incident is disclosed to the outside today? Do you think the vassals of your family will support you as the successor of your family at the risk of turning against the Dias family?”

“… Are you threatening me now?”

“No. I’m telling you what kind of situation you are in now. In that situation, I would support a talented relative of your family as the successor. If I could have him marry Lady Jena, called a sacred woman, that would be a much better option. Don’t you think so?”

“Oh my…” The man who had been staring at me for a long time, said with a dumbfounded expression, “… Good. Tell me what you want. What do you want from me? ”

“It’s nothing. Just give me that thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know already. I mean that thing.”

I smiled sweetly, looking at his astonished eyes. I felt so good for the first time in my life.

‘I will certainly get even with those who gave me pain. And this is just the beginning.’

A week before the official knight selection test, the butler came to me and handed mail to my father and me in the morning, as usual.

I picked up a light green envelope from the pile of letters. The name written under the crest of the two crossed keys was Duke Veritas.

When I opened the letter, his antique handwriting style caught my eye.

Finally, I’ve got it!

I uttered exclamations with joy unconsciously. Has the time come finally for me to draw the sword of revenge?

Looking at me not hiding my excitement and joy, my father asked, “Why are you so happy?”

“Oh, it was sent by Duke Verita, but I think you had better read it. Here you go.”

“Let me see.”

Glancing over it, he was also all smiles.

“You do think the time has finally come, right?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good. Based on the data you collected until now, I think you can remove more than one third of the noble faction. Great job, Tia.”

“Well, it would have been impossible without the active support of the pro-emperor faction including the two dukes.”

“I guess so. It would have been impossible if you had not decided to join hands with our faction. Anyway you can’t live alone without the help of our faction. I know it was not an easy decision, but you did great,” he said with a smile, putting down the letter.

Given his vibrant fingering, he had been waiting for this moment, too.

“One week later… It seems everybody is trying their best to keep it confidential. ”

“Pardon?”

“As you know, the knights selection test takes place one week from now. So, they are going to carry out the mission at the moment when everybody is focused on the test.”

“Ah, you’re right, Daddy. I really wanted to attend the meeting by all means this time…”

“Hmm, at least two captains of the knights have to supervise the exams on that day. If possible, let me try to attend the meeting, but even if I can’t, don’t worry too much. Duke Verita will take care of it well.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

I felt regrettable about it, but I had to follow it because they made that decision for confidentiality. As the agenda was to drastically reduce the noble faction’s power, it was essential to keep it secret. If the information was leaked out, it would certainly bring about their counterattack in one way or another, so I had to be as careful as possible.

“You just focus on the test. I think as you are competent, you can pass it easily.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I would like to reassure you that I will pass it.”

“Good. By the way, as I’m free today, won’t you check your fencing skills with me?”

“Really? Then I’ll get ready right away. ”

I stood up with a big smile. In order to improve my skills as much as possible during the short period of time, I had to make the most of every available moment.