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nChapter 52: Chapter 52

nI thought of telling him about my new assignment at the Imperial Palace, but I felt I might worry him, so I stared into his blue eyes for a moment before bringing up a different topic. I was afraid that he would feel lonely again when I mentioned it.

n“I can do it.”

n“Really?”

n“You made allowances for my situation when you lessened my practice, right? You were worried I might have a hard time. I’m fine, Daddy, soI want you to teach me a little more. ”

n“Yes, I got it,” he said calmly, nodding. “Okay, then. You may find it hard, but just think of it as a punishment for your dangerous actions. As you know, I am strict and fair when it comes to public matters. So, keep it in mind.”

n“… Yes, Dad. ”

nMy lips trembled, but I answered, smiling at him. Somehow, my spine felt chilled by his words.

nI thought of telling him about my new assignment at the Imperial Palace, but I felt I might worry him, so I stared into his blue eyes for a moment before bringing up a different topic. I was afraid that he would feel lonely again when I mentioned it.

n“I can do it.”

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n“Really?”

n“You made allowances for my situation when you lessened my practice, right? You were worried I might have a hard time. I’m fine, Daddy, soI want you to teach me a little more. ”

n“Yes, I got it,” he said calmly, nodding. “Okay, then. You may find it hard, but just think of it as a punishment for your dangerous actions. As you know, I am strict and fair when it comes to public matters. So, keep it in mind.”

n“… Yes, Dad. ”

nMy lips trembled, but I answered, smiling at him. Somehow, my spine felt chilled by his words.

n“Lady, take a break over tea.”

n“I don’t have time for tea. Just leave it there.”

nI screamed silently as I was frustrated with my heavy workload. When I used to function as the queen, I didn’t have this much work. At that time, I only had to deal with the affairs of the palace, but what I had to do now was at least double that workload.

nIt had been my responsibility to take care of the housekeeping for a long time, but now, as I am being trained as the successor of my family, I had to take care not only of the housekeeping, but also all kinds of other things in the family.

nTypically, an ordinary aristocrat had little work to do, but I am from the Monique family. As head of the family, my father took the role of the captain of the knights, in addition to the unique relationship with the imperial family that no other noble family has.

nI already knew most of the noble families in the empire and memorized their characteristics and learned how to cultivate a political relationship, but I had to cultivate the basic qualities of a knight to be the successor of my family famed for martial arts. I also had to master how to wield a sword, use a spear on horse, tactics of war, and commanding soldiers.

nI also needed to learn how to control and direct the knights and how to handle various administrative tasks related to the knights to become the captain of the knights division. Because of this, I was busy learning and mastering all the skills at once.

n“Take some rest, my lady. You’ve been working all morning. You look so tired. ”

n“But I have to finish all this before my father comes back.”

nWaving my hands, I browsed , which my father asked me to finish reading by today. I was writing down the gist of the contents, but the quill didn’t get wet even when I dipped it deep in the ink bottle. Had I used it up already? I opened it only a few days ago.

nAfter putting it down after a while, I opened the first drawer of the desk. Massaging my stiff shoulder, I looked for a new ink bottle, but suddenly I noticed a letter iron with colored stationery. At that moment, something flashed through my head. What a surprise!

n“Lina!”

n“Yes, my lady.”

n“Have you ever received anything for me? For example, a letter or somebody’s request to visit me.”

nWhy hadn’t Allendis contacted me until now? It’s already been more than 15 days since I returned to the capital. Maybe he was busy, but he sent a letter once a week when I was staying at the estate. I felt it strange that he didn’t send me a letter, let alone visiting me.

n“Letter? Uh, I haven’t received any, my lady. ”

nI knitted my eyebrows when she hesitated. I felt strange because she stuttered and didn’t make eye contact with me.

n“You must be hiding something from me. Tell me, Lina. ”

n“Well, that is…”

n“Ugh?”

n“In fact, there was a letter from Allendis…”

n“Really? Why didn’t I see it? ”

n“I was going to bring it to your office, but your father noticed me and told me not to convey it.”

nI tilted my head at her unexpected reply. What the heck is this? Why did my father do that?

n“Why?”

n“He told me you had to focus on your work for a while, and he said you also wanted to.”

n“Really? Did he say anything else? ”

n“Well, he told me not to convey the letter to you and he seemed to feel a bit displeased. That’s it. He didn’t say anything else. I’m sorry.”

n“Lina, it is me, not my father, that you serve. Even if my father told you so, you should have told me about it. ”

n“Yes, I know it. I’m so sorry, my lady. ” Lina bowed her head and apologized.

n“Let’s go.”

n“Ugh? Where are you going?”

n“Duke Verita’s mansion.”

n“But you haven’t even informed them of your visit… Got it, my lady. I will prepare as soon as possible. ”

nAfter checking my appearance, she quickly disappeared, saying she would be ready. It was impolite to visit another family without any advance notice. Hearing what Lina said, I guess that my father took a dim view of me making friends with Allendis, so I had no other choice.

nIf I formally informed them of my visit, my father would find out and stop me from going.

n“Oh, lady Monique!”

n“It’s been a long time, Madame. Please forgive me for coming here without any advance notice.”

n“No, that’s fine. I’m so glad you came here. You’re here to meet Allendis, right? ”

n“Yes, yes, but… ”

n“You will be escorted to him right away. Thank you very much.”

n“Yeah? Ah yes. Thank you, Duchess. ”

nI tilted my head a bit when she welcomed me so heartily. I thought she would be a bit displeased about my rude visit, but she was glad I came. I couldn’t understand why she thanked me, but I nodded at her casually. I felt a bit strange after the maid quickly disappeared after escorting me into Allendis’s room, but I just shrugged and knocked on the door lightly.

nAll kinds of books and documents were piled up on a spacious desk in the room with creamy wallpaper. It looked warm and cozy.

nThe boy with green hair said in a cold voice, which seemed so unfamiliar to me, “What the heck is this? I told you not to let anybody come come into my room.”

nSuddenly, I stopped at his strange voice. Instead of his usual warmth, I felt his voice and attitude were cold. I just blinked blankly.

nDid I hear wrong? Nope. There are only two in this room, Allendis and I.

n“Get out right away!”

n“… … . ”

n“Didn’t you hear me shouting at you…? Oh my… are you Tia? ”

nAllendis flinched while nervously raising his head. He made a bitter smile on his face that seemed a bit haggard.

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n“Again…”

n“… ”

n“I heard you’re back.”

n“… ”

n“But I haven’t heard from you. Tia, have you forgiven me yet? ”

n“…Allen. ”

nHe stiffened a bit then sprang to his feet. Documents piled up around him collapsed as he stood. Pushing a bunch of scattered paper on the floor, he came and reached out to me. His emerald eyes were trembling.

n“I can hear your voice now.”

nThe moment he touched my cheek, I stepped back unconsciously. I was surprised by his trembling eyes. When I noticed his hurt feelings on his face, I came to my senses. What did I do to him?

nI wrapped his stiffened hands. Feeling the warmth of his hands, I opened my mouth hesitantly.

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