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nAmong them, a high-ranking wizard capable of fusing water was called on every day.

nThere is only one solution to this, so naturally, the war of nerves between each territory has intensified.

nThey set out to bring the wizard to each other first.

nBecause the lives of their people were at stake, the nobles faced the issue fiercely.

nOf course, it was a debate that could not be held for long.

nBecause more land could be saved with one day of fighting.

nThey made the priorities by arranging the area of

nfarmland and the size of the current damage.

n“So I brought the wizard to the Duchy’s estate.”

nDuke Mayer talked about the situation to Darrel, Noel and Rieta in a calm voice.

nThe three children nodded at the same time.

n“Of course, under these circumstances, it is no longer possible to leave the Duchy’s estate in the hands of officials.”

nThe story that followed was somewhat cautious.

nRieta realized that the Duke was keeping an eye on Noel.

n“So this time.”

nThe Duke let out a slightly tense breath.

n“I am going to accompany the wizard.”

nAt that moment, the family room became quiet.

nDarrel and the Duke’s eyes naturally turned toward Noel. Perhaps it was because they were thinking of some kind of wound that would remain in Noel’s heart.

n“That . . .”

nAfter a while, Noel answered with a firm expression.

n“Are you saying that Father will go directly to the Duchy’s estate?”

n“Yes.”

nAfter the Duke responded quickly, he added one more fact.

n“This time, not only me, but Darrell will go with me. It will take about . . . ten days.”

n“. . . ?!”

nSurprised, Noel glanced back at Darrel.

nHe met and chatted with his brother from time to time, but he had never said that he was planning to go there.

n“Now that Darrel knows, there is nothing to complain about, Noel.”

n“No, Father.”

nBut Darrel shook his head.

n“Actually, I was expecting it. It is only natural for the successor to accompany in the event of a disaster.”

n“I’m sorry, Noel,” he said, lowering his head slightly.

n“That, then.”

nNoel stuttered a few words as if in great bewilderment.

nThe Duke waited until Noel could speak calmly.

n“I . . . What about me . . . Where will I be . . .?”

n“The butler and servants will keep you safe. Since there is the Princess, the Emperor has promised to pay special attention.”

n“. . .”

n“Of course, your maternal grandfather, Sir Jenkins, will reside in the mansion from time to time.”

nDespite the calm answer, Noel seemed more anxious, unable to keep his hands still.

n“Bu, bu, . . .”

nNoel pondered for a moment, then remembered what the Duke had said a while ago.

nDidn’t he say that diseases were running rampant due to lack of water?

n“It’s a dangerous place. It’s very dangerous. Do you really need to go to such a place?!”

n“Noel.”

nThe Duke changed his posture and sat down.

nBending his back a little more, he made eye contact with Noel.

n“. . . Noel.”

nNoel bowed his head even deeper.

nIn fact, he knew at least that the Duchy’s estate should not be called a ‘dangerous place’.

nHe had learned it all, understood it, and felt it.

nBut, nevertheless . . .

n“I, I don’t like it . . .”

nAn unavoidable word came out.

nIt would be okay to be scolded for saying something that a noble child shouldn’t say.

nIt would be better than regretting for the rest of his life that he hadn’t said these words.

n“I will be back when the weather is warmer.”

nMother didn’t come back.

nFather and brother . . . What if they don’t come back?

nNoel, desperately trying to stop his father and brother from going, spilled out his words.

n“No, you said so. They’re getting sick. What if Father or Brother gets sick?”

n“. . .”

n“And you said that it’s the wizard’s job to fill the water. They will take good care of the Duchy’s estate as His Majesty wills it!”

nBut no matter what he said, the heavy atmosphere did not change.

nAs if the fact that the two of them had to leave was already set in stone.

n“Well then, at least take me. You know how well I ride, don’t you?”

n“I’m sorry.”

nThe Duke shook his head.

n“The situation is urgent, so we are going to move with magic. And as you know, what can move with the power of the Imperial wizard.”

n“. . . Only adults sixteen years of age or older.”

n“That’s right.”

nNoel clenched his fists.

nWith an intensity strong enough for his entire body to tremble.

nHe didn’t want to think badly about the Mayer estate that the Emperor had given them, but by this point, he wondered if the land was riddled with misfortune.

nIt took his mother.

nNow it’s going to take his father and brother too.

nNoel didn’t even deserve to share the magic they use.

nIt was somewhat unfair.

nIt was even . . . disgusting.

nHe doesn’t know why things were always like this, but Noel thought it was really too cruel.

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