Chapter 51

Instead of finding solace, the situation only grew more intricate, intensifying the unease in Elise’s gut. This sensation was foreign to her. 

Elise firmly pressed her hand against her chest and unfurled the emperor’s letter. 

“What does it say?”

The three influential figures of Rotiara leaned in, their faces etched with anxiety, awaiting Elise’s revelation. Calmly, she perused the meticulously crafted characters and distilled their essence into a single sentence. “It states that the tribute sent from Rotiara to the Van Yela Imperial Palace last autumn differs from previous years.”

“What? That can’t be true!” Sobeul, an aide to Rezette, exclaimed in disbelief, clutching his cheek. “We paid utmost attention last year!”

The backstory unfolded as follows:

The Rotiara domain, known as Van Yela’s granary, was a prolific producer of various commodities. Its fertile plains yielded bountiful wheat, the Grenthern Mountains provided an array of herbs and fruits, fertile fields bore ample vegetables, and extensive sheep farms produced valuable wool. Some of these goods found their way to the capital, Opel, every quarter, while others were dispatched to domains throughout Van Yela, fetching substantial prices.

Of particular significance was the tribute dispatched to Opel. Instead of conventional taxes and military conscription, Rotiara was required to send its distinctive products, with harvest quantities meticulously recorded and distributed each year. Rezette’s irritation was not to be trifled with in case of discrepancies; Alfred had once remarked that Rezette could be exceedingly vexing in such matters. Hence, Rotiara regarded the autumn harvest festival with paramount importance and grandeur.

The previous year’s harvest festival had coincided with the Duke’s absence from Rotiara due to the ongoing war. Alfred and Sobeul exchanged pallid expressions, for they bore the responsibility of managing the domain in Rezette’s absence.

“Could there be a possibility of a counting error, Sobeul?” Elise inquired.

“When His Grace departs the castle, he examines the accounts with an unprecedented level of scrutiny. Every detail is meticulously transcribed and reported,” Sobeul responded.

“I understand.” Even when residing in a remote mansion en route to Van Yela, Rezette would seize any opportunity to peruse documents scribed on parchment, most of which hailed from Rotiara. Could a man with such a keen sense, even after days without sleep, have negligently glossed over these documents?

“If the Duke himself confirmed this matter, there can be no doubt,” Elise conceded. “So, what could possibly explain the shortfall in tribute upon reaching the Imperial Palace?”

“Undoubtedly, someone intercepted the tribute while it was en route from Rotiara to Opel,” Alfred asserted, a conviction shared by Elise.

She concealed the emperor’s letter beneath her palm. “To thoroughly scrutinize all past documents and identify the culprit, we must launch a comprehensive investigation. Typically, such incidents originate from within.”

“All the administrators in Rotiara have verified identities, personally chosen by the Duke, and possess extensive experience in their roles. Hence, for now, we should commence our inquiry with the newcomers…”

“I’ve witnessed many turncoats in Argan, individuals who betrayed the Emperor’s trust,” Elise remarked softly. Alfred, Sobeul, and Lady Petisson fell into a contemplative silence. “The reason for Argan’s defeat in the full-scale war against Ugel is no mystery. It’s because someone from Argan’s inner circle leaked our tactics to Ugel. This is common knowledge.”

The traitor in question held a prominent position within Argan. He was the offspring of a man who had occupied a high-ranking post since the reign of the previous monarch and had been Andrei’s childhood friend. This individual had defected to Ugel, trading Argan’s military secrets for a share of the conquered territory.

“He’s gone into hiding. Most likely, he’s in the Ugel capital, anticipating the moment when Ugel carves up Argan’s territory like a piece of cake. What a foolish man,” Elise mused.

Could someone who had betrayed once be trusted not to do it again? Would Ugel truly spare a spy from an enemy nation with a history of treachery?

While the Ugel people were often considered barbarians, they were astute and calculating individuals who could instill fear in neighboring nations simply by branding themselves as such. After all, they had survived for centuries in a desolate desert without a homeland to call their own. They couldn’t afford to be foolish.

“In any case, the essence of my message is to not disregard the possibility of an internal traitor. Traitors are often closer than we think.”

“I will keep that in mind,” responded Alfred.

“It would be prudent to identify them as swiftly as possible. At present, it’s just wheat and herbs, but who knows what else from Rotiara they might attempt to divert, and where they might divert it to. We must seal this breach before it widens.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” agreed Alfred.

A determined gleam shone in Alfred’s eyes.

“So, could you please start by rechecking the reports submitted by Sobeul and me?”

“…Me?”

As Elise responded, he promptly nodded.

“Since the Duke isn’t here!”

“Well, that’s true, but… It’s not that I can’t do calculations, but I don’t know anything about managing a domain, Alfred. When I was in Argan, I only saw official documents over people’s shoulders a few times.”

“Perhaps these official documents you mention are budgets or policy proposals from the Argan royal palace… is that correct?”

“Yes…”

Andrei, whenever Elise wasn’t feeling well, would always bring work to her bedroom. He even taught his sister how to review financial statements when she was feeling restless.

Sobeul nodded eagerly with a hopeful expression.

“Then you should be able to review them sufficiently. After all, all the accounting ledgers from the northern region are based on the southern style!”

“I…”

Elise needed to practice her magic, and on top of that, reviewing Rotiara’s financial records? When she hesitated, Alfred intervened urgently.

A determined spark ignited in Alfred’s eyes.

“So, could you please start by reexamining the reports that Sobeul and I submitted?” Elise was taken aback by the request.

“Me?” She replied, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Elise hesitated for a moment, considering her capabilities. “Well, it’s true that I can handle calculations, but I don’t have any experience in managing a domain, Alfred. During my time in Argan, I only caught glimpses of official documents over people’s shoulders a few times.”

Alfred probed further, “Are these official documents you mentioned related to budgets or policy proposals from the Argan royal palace?”

Elise nodded, her thoughts drifting to Andrei. Whenever she wasn’t feeling well, her brother would bring work to her bedroom. He had even taken the time to teach her how to review financial statements when she felt restless.

Sobeul leaned in eagerly, hope lighting up his expression. “If you’re familiar with those documents, you should be more than capable of reviewing ours. After all, all the accounting ledgers from the northern region follow a similar format!”

Elise faced a dilemma. She needed to dedicate time to practice her magic, and on top of that, reviewing Rotiara’s financial records seemed like a daunting task. However, Alfred interjected urgently, trying to persuade her.

“Just give it a quick look, and if you can help prove our innocence early on, it will expedite the process of identifying the culprit.”

He appended a few words, apparently trying to nudge her toward accepting the role of hostess, but it remained uncertain if she had indeed agreed.

“And, naturally, we will also inform the Duke, but wouldn’t it be more prudent if Her Highness the Princess took the lead in handling this matter…? If His Grace were to learn of this independently, it might lead to unfavorable consequences.”

Sobeul, nearly at the point of tears, clung to her sleeve.

“Especially when he returns after his cycle, he tends to be exceptionally sensitive for about a week. During that period, his mood swings can be quite pronounced…”

“Mood swings?” Elise turned to him with a puzzled expression. She anticipated Lady Petisson to swiftly rebuke this comment, but curiously, she remained silent. In fact, her typically stern and resolute gaze appeared noticeably unsettled.

“What are you all talking about…” Elise muttered. “The matters within the castle should be resolved by the master. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to interfere in Rotiara’s affairs.”

She might have been defeated, but she was still the Princess of an enemy nation. Furthermore, Elise harbored no desire to assume the role of a duchess, especially considering her uncertain future in Rotiara come autumn.

Elise knew that she couldn’t avoid being connected to Rezette, but she had no intention of forming close bonds with others. Even if everything went smoothly and they managed to navigate through the autumn, Elise’s ultimate destination was Argan. So, there was little point in carving out a permanent place for herself here.

These people, who should have been aware…

“Well, you see…” Alfred hesitated and cast a quick glance at Lady Petisson. With an irritated click of her tongue, Lady Petisson stepped in to clarify on behalf of the three of them.

“The Duke has a tendency to favor rather drastic solutions,” she revealed.

“Drastic?” Elise cocked her head in confusion, the reason provided feeling unexpected and somewhat nebulous.

Is he someone who resorts to extreme measures? she wondered silently.

In Elise’s eyes, Rezette appeared sharp and stoic, akin to a finely honed blade. He exuded an aura of calm and sternness, akin to an unyielding frozen sea. At least, that was the impression Elise had formed.

However, it quickly became apparent that her observation carried significant implications. Alfred, Sobeul, and Lady Petisson fell into an uneasy silence all at once.

“Occasionally… he exhibits such traits,” Lady Petisson eventually responded with a voice tightly controlled after a prolonged pause.

“Of course, he wouldn’t reveal this side of himself unnecessarily in front of Her Highness the Princess. However, when he deems something amiss, he doesn’t hesitate to take drastic action. Even if someone has been with us for a long time, he doesn’t grant second chances. It’s certainly an effective and efficient approach, but it can sometimes result in unnecessary sacrifices…”

“That seems to be a reasonable approach,” replied Elise. “Why unnecessarily sow the seeds of turmoil?”

As she grappled with the conversation’s nuances, Lady Petisson regarded her with eyes that appeared weighed down by a burden.

“And, as you are aware, the current circumstances are quite tumultuous for His Grace. We cannot foresee how he might react if we were to report to him at this moment.”

“…During these times, he tends to become somewhat… I mean…”

Was it a shift in his demeanor? Yet, the notion of the consistently impassive man undergoing such a dramatic transformation was challenging for Elise to fathom.

Ah, she remembered feeling distinctly intimidated when he exhibited such a contrasting persona immediately after uncovering her deception at the Imperial Palace. But how could a person change so drastically?

Lady Petisson made a polite request, “Your Highness, please pen a brief letter.”

“What difference would it make if I write it instead?” Elise inquired.

“He will respond differently. Most certainly.”

Ultimately, Elise had little choice but to agree. It wouldn’t be overly taxing to briefly peruse the ledger and compose a single letter.

If I write the letter myself, perhaps it will hasten his return, Elise speculated as she contemplated the letter’s opening. Typically, the first line of a letter contained the recipient’s name. Rezette. Rezette… For some inexplicable reason, she found herself silently repeating his name in her mind, as though it had been stuck on her tongue for some time.

Although only two days had elapsed since his departure, it felt like an eternity since she had last spoken his name.