I’m The Only Granddaughter Of The Strongest Duke [Novel] Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Syeobold looked up at the Emperor, his face pale with obvious agitation. The
Emperor nodded as if he understood the Duke’s turmoil.

“I’ve heard that the master of this Ego Sword is an eight-year-old child,” the
Emperor said slowly, leaning his head back against the golden throne with a
weary expression. “And I also know that said eight-year-old happens to be your
one and only granddaughter.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“That is why I couldn't simply offer it to the Heroes. I have my own dignity to
consider; I cannot very well snatch away a sword a child plays with and hand it
over, can I?”

“You are absolutely right.”

“That is why I commissioned the steel blades from Neal Royce, to appease them. Do
you understand now why I cannot grant your request, Syeobold?”

Syeobold was forced to concede.

Under the circumstances, commissioning Neal was likely the Emperor's best move.
He couldn't rob an eight-year-old girl, but he also couldn't ignore the Heroes
who had performed a great service for the Empire.

Syeobold recalled the face of his granddaughter, who had shed fat tears while
begging her father not to take the commission. Every time he pictured her
crying, a corner of his heart felt like it was being torn apart.

He didn’t want to see her cry, and he certainly didn’t want to see her
disappointed. But in this situation, even Syeobold couldn't push the matter any
further.

Moreover…

“So, please try to understand. I’ve been nursing a headache over this issue
myself lately. What on earth is so special about this Ego Sword that everyone is
making such a fuss?”

When the Emperor pleaded like this, Syeobold, as his knight, his subject, and his
friend, could not refuse.

Syeobold closed his eyes for a moment, coming to a difficult decision.

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

He chose to withdraw from the audience chamber. Though the image of Eve’s
sobbing face haunted him when he closed his eyes, his hands were tied.

“And that’s why I hate the idea of Dad making those swords. You agree, don't
you, Instructor?”

“Ye-yes… and you can just call me Idis! if it’s more comfortable for you…!”

Idis replied, her face flushing a deep crimson as usual. Ever since I first met
her, she had consistently been so shy she didn't know what to do with herself
whenever she spoke to me.

But when I observed her closely, that didn't seem to be the case. She wasn't nearly
this bashful when speaking to anyone else. So why was she like this only with
me?

I glanced around the vicinity. There was no one else near us.

I beckoned her closer.

“Idis, lean in. I want to whisper something.”

“Pardon?”

I leaned toward her ear and spoke softly.

“About that day. The day I first arrived at the duchy.”

“Ah, yes…!”

“Why were you watching me from back there? I wanted to ask, but you disappeared
so fast I never got a chance.”

“Oh! Ah…!”

In an instant, Idis’s face burned bright red, just like it had back then. She
fanned her carrot-colored face with her hands and laughed awkwardly.

“T-that day… actually, I had heard the news in advance. That Lady Astrit’s
daughter was coming to the mansion.”

“And?”

“And… I was so curious. Because Lady Astrit was my, my…”

Idis squeezed her eyes shut.

“She was my benefactor…! She was everything to me! I wanted to see how much her
daughter resembled her. That’s why I took the liberty of hiding… but that was
the first time I’ve ever been caught while using my concealment skills…”

Idis stammered out her explanation, clearly embarrassed.

“Did Mom save you?”

“Yes, yes. Actually, when I was young, I grew up in a tiny village… a place
people usually call the slums.”
Idis offered a bright smile.

“I hated that neighborhood with a passion, and the person who plucked me out of
there and brought me to Ferdinand was none other than Lady Astrit!”

After saying that, Idis looked up at the sky for a moment before dusting herself
off and standing up. The sun was already beginning to dip toward the horizon.

“Hoo! My Lady, you’ve rested enough, haven't you? It’s time to head back.”

I stood up, holding her hand, looking a bit bedraggled and covered in dirt. I
had run twenty-seven laps today. Even though it was two more than the last time, it
didn’t feel nearly as exhausting.

“Should I come to the training grounds tomorrow, too?”

“Of course, you must come every day. Oh, and… you’ll be attending lessons with
Prince Lemartes from now on.”

“…Prince Lemartes?”

“Yes. The Second Prince will be running with you, Lady Eve.”

I nodded, looking somewhat skeptical.

“Ugh… fine…”

“Having a friend around can be motivating. It will be a very healthy stimulus
for you, My Lady.”

I suppose so. He is the Second Prince, after all.

Failing to hide my true feelings, I stared at the fading evening glow.

My life is truly a series of unfortunate events.

Grandfather’s expression wasn't great when he returned from the palace.

That evening, at the dinner table, he ordered the servants to bring out dessert
as soon as the meal was finished. Since it was rare for him to specifically
order a formal dessert spread, Dad and I stayed in our seats, waiting quietly.

Maybe something bad happened at the palace.

[Or maybe the Guardian failed to stop your dad from making those swords.]

Soon, the maids entered carrying trays of beautifully prepared desserts. Soft
custard pudding, strawberry shortcake that melted in your mouth, assorted
cookies, and two types of juice were placed in front of me.

Grandfather and Dad, naturally, were served coffee.

I gripped the glass of juice the maid poured for me with both hands and took a
long gulp.

I didn't know what he was going to say, but the atmosphere was so heavy my
throat felt bone-dry. Dad seemed to be feeling the same way. He had already
finished his first cup of coffee and was moving on to his second.

Since this was the first time Grandfather had summoned both of us for a serious
talk, we were both incredibly tense.

Finally, after wetting his throat with a sip of coffee, Grandfather spoke.

“I spoke to His Majesty about the sword commission. I stated firmly that
Ferdinand will not assist in the dragon subjugation in any capacity.”

“I see.”

“In the first place, I have always been against this subjugation. The failure of
the protection barrier might not be the dragon’s fault; it could be something
else entirely. However, His Majesty has made up his mind to proceed with the
hunt.”

I nodded, listening intently to his words.

The dragon subjugation was a pivotal event for the growth of the "Heroes," the
protagonists of the original story. No matter how much we opposed it, the dragon
would likely fall.