T Y D O T S F

127

"I thought you were still monitoring the situation."

DL's eyes narrowed.

The answer was so quick that it almost seemed strange.

During this time, there was no chieftain's family in the East.

The glory of the past had long since faded from everyone's memory, and the Artban family was always relegated to second place.

There weren't many families that wanted to interact with the Artban family, given the unstable political situation in the East where it was uncertain when or how the situation would change.

However, with the positive contact from the Kiraas family, more families would soon be seeking contact.

Elvin frowned at the pungent scent wafting through the air.

Even though most of the surrounding area had already been cleared up, the smell of blood still lingered.

"What was the southern reaction?"

"It's quiet. For now, I sent a letter just like the other families, but..."

"Irene Astrophel is in the North."

"Yes, that's right. But it looks like we're headed back south again."

It wasn't certain, but it was likely something to consider.

Because I know that the Artvan family is after Irene Astrophel.

"But, my lord."

"tell."

"May I ask why you are after Irene Astrophel even now that you have conquered the entire East?"

"Otherwise, the Astrophels will come against my family."

All-out war was inevitable.

He was the one who started it first. The work he had been planning long before he ascended to the position of head of the household was still ongoing.

"Things went wrong, but in the end, Ella wasn't completely useless."

"......What do you mean?"

"You'll find out later. I guess we'll have to head north first."

To get things done, we had to go north.

"I wonder just how great of an ability he has."

"Are you saying you will move yourself?"

"I think that's okay, since there's a lot to gain. Just be careful not to let this information get out, Elvin."

DL smiled brightly.

If only I could get Irene Astrophel.

"The day when we will have the South under our feet is not far off."

* * *

If you don't know the reason, it's best to just keep a close eye on it.

I decided to observe Sage's surroundings and find out why.

At first, I went there under the pretense of getting a necklace.

When I went to his office to see him, Sage greeted me with a smile.

"Irene, you've come to the right place. I guess you know most of the inside of the castle now."

"Yeah. I'm used to it. Now I can find it with my eyes closed."

That may have been a bit of an exaggeration, though.

In fact, I took a wrong turn while looking for the office and had to go around the same place twice.