Ch.327327. Because there are so many criminals in this world.

“Pedericks.”

“Your command, sir.”

“Send word to the Imperial Palace immediately that Prince Leonis sent assassins to Lake Territory and that we have evidence.”

“Understood. When will you send the intruders to the Imperial Palace?”

“We’ll send them after we receive a reply.”

“Yes, I’ll send the letter right away.”

After confirming that Pedericks had bowed and left the reception room, I looked at Seri Familia.

“…I assume you’ve uncovered the identity behind the intruders?”

Seri Familia sat on the sofa across from me, leisurely holding a teacup as she spoke.

“Are you sure you can send a letter to the Imperial Palace without even hearing what I have to say?”

“The fact that you’ve come to see me is as good as confirming the culprit. Or would you prefer I withdraw the letter?”

Seri Familia brought the teacup to her lips and then smiled faintly.

“I suppose this means Lord Selden Alphonse trusts me that much?”

When I saw the condition of the intruders earlier, I was certain. No matter how highly trained these assassins were, they couldn’t withstand Seri Familia without revealing their employer.

“That’s correct.”

“As you suspected, Prince Leonis was indeed behind it. I even found out where he’s hiding.”

“He’s probably not there anymore.”

“…Pardon?”

“Given the time that has passed, he likely caught wind of this and relocated.”

“Hmm… did I take too long?”

I smiled gently at Seri Familia’s question.

“It’s fine. Now that we’ve identified Prince Leonis as the culprit, Emperor Malius will take action.”

“That’s a relief then. Ah! Unfortunately, I killed one of them. Or to be more honest, I murdered him. He was so noisy it gave me a headache. The other two are still alive though, is that acceptable?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Seri Familia shook her head slightly, as if disappointed.

“It’s a shame you forgive so easily, Lord Alphonse. With this kind of reaction, I could have killed another one…”

“I’m sure there will be other opportunities, won’t there?”

“Opportunities?”

“There are many criminals in this world, after all.”

At that, Seri Familia clapped her hands with a delighted expression.

“My, does that mean you’ll entrust me with torture again next time?”

“I don’t have anyone else to ask. However, you must keep our agreement.”

“Of course. I have family too, and I don’t want those relationships damaged.”

She then took out a white paper and placed it on the table. It was densely covered with black writing. As I looked up, she continued speaking.

“This contains all the information I extracted from the intruders.”

“That’s quite a lot.”

“They kept babbling on their own, afraid I might torture them. I wrote everything down. This is the final compilation after organizing everything.”

“I should review this and send an additional letter to the Imperial Palace.”

Seri Familia adjusted her posture and continued.

“By the way, what’s the relationship between Prince Leonis and you, Lord Alphonse?”

“Didn’t you already hear about it during the torture?”

“I only know that he was thwarted by you when he tried to attack Princess Joanna.”

“…Well, that’s probably all there is to it.”

“I heard you’re also acquainted with Emperor Callian?”

“We just got entangled somehow.”

At my words, Seri Familia’s eyes flashed as if something had occurred to her.

“Then perhaps you’ll be involved in the Western Continent war?”

Originally, I had no intention of getting involved. However, Prince Leonis might send assassins to Lake Territory again. Moreover, since I’m not yet married to the Princess, Emperor Malius has limited justification to act. I sighed deeply.

“I probably will have to get involved.”

“Then, could you take me with you?”

“You, Lady Familia?”

“Yes, I think you’ll need me there too. Information warfare is crucial during wartime, isn’t it?”

“Ah… so you want to torture captured rebels?”

“Exactly. Isn’t that precisely where I should be?”

Has she developed a taste for torture after dealing with these intruders? Well, I suppose it’s legal now, unlike her previous activities.

“What excuse will you give to your brother Leonard?”

“Of course, it will be a complete secret from my family.”

“Knowing your brother’s personality, he’ll likely follow you wherever you go.”

“It’s fine. Before departing for the Western Continent, I’ll make sure to drain his energy so he can’t move.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Since you’re not married yet, Lord Alphonse, you probably wouldn’t understand.”

Seri Familia smiled mischievously. I felt an inexplicable sense of guilt toward Leonard.

“…Very well. If I go to the Western Continent, I’ll send you a letter.”

Seri Familia stood up. With that same mischievous smile, she winked at me.

“Then I’ll be waiting expectantly at Alphonse Territory.”

*

“Father, have you been well?”

A few days after seeing off Seri Familia, Leonard, and Evander to Alphonse Territory, I smiled at Lucien who came to my study saying she had something to discuss.

“I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t paid much attention to you, Lucien. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’ve been having fun with my friends at the academy.”

“Oh, really? By the way, you seem to have grown a bit taller?”

“You gave me permission to grow my body slightly, as long as it wasn’t too noticeable.”

“Ah! So my eyes weren’t deceiving me after all?”

Although Lucien could already take human form as an adult, watching her grow little by little like this really gave me the feeling of raising a daughter. Especially after seeing Olivia and then looking at Lucien, I felt like I’d done a better job raising her.

I looked at Lucien with an expression of adoration.

“You said you had something to tell daddy?”

“Yes, the two princesses from the Eastern Continent visited the academy recently.”

“…That’s right?”

“Which one of them is going to be your marriage partner, Father?”

I gaped at Lucien’s words.

“W-what are you talking about…?”

“No need to be surprised. As a dragon, I have particularly sharp hearing. I’ve known for a long time that you were going to marry a princess.”

It seemed that despite all efforts to keep it quiet, the news had reached Lucien’s ears. But what was this feeling? It was like a divorced man whose only daughter had caught him with a new girlfriend.

Cold sweat naturally formed on my forehead.

“Well, I was planning to tell you about it soon, Lucien.”

“I thought it might be awkward for you to bring it up, Father. That’s why I came to you first.”

“…Did you see both princesses?”

“Yes, they were both incredibly beautiful!”

I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand and continued.

“Between the two of them, who would you prefer daddy to marry?”

“I think both of them seem like fine people, so I don’t mind either way. I was just curious.”

“…But the thing is, I haven’t decided which one I’ll marry yet.”

“Ah… isn’t marriage supposed to be with someone you love?”

I couldn’t exactly tell her that I got drunk and ended up in bed with both princesses, only to be caught by Emperor Malius, forcing me into marriage. I racked my brain for a more diplomatic explanation.

“Daddy has feelings for both princesses.”

“…Father, you’re quite greedy, aren’t you?”

“Y-yes, I suppose so…”

“That’s a shame. I was really curious about which princess you would marry…”

“I promise I’ll tell you first as soon as it’s decided.”

“Really?”

I continued speaking to Lucien, who was smiling brightly, clearly pleased.

“Did you really come just because you were curious about who I’m going to marry?”

“It was partly that, but I also wanted to let you know that I’m doing well at the academy so you wouldn’t worry.”

“Haha! I’ve been receiving regular updates that you’re adapting well to academy life.”

“Ah… really?”

“Still, it feels good to hear it directly from you.”

Lucien gently sat on my lap.

“I’ve become friends with a girl named Lucia, whose name is similar to mine. We’re planning to visit the Miracle Forest later.”

“You’ll need some pocket money then?”

“Uncle Jawil Wilson gave me plenty, so I have enough for now.”

Knock-knock!

Just then, Pedericks entered the study after knocking. He smiled gently at Lucien before turning his gaze to me.

“Young master, a letter has arrived from the Imperial Palace.”

“Oh?”

“They’ve ordered all intruders to be sent to the Imperial Palace.”

“I understand. Make sure the knights, mercenaries, and guardian unit members are properly organized to escort them to the Imperial Palace.”

Pedericks scratched his cheek and continued.

“Emperor Malius… has requested that you come along as well, young master.”