Published: September 6, 2025
“…No, I will not call Wilfried.”
My Foster Father shook his head slightly after thinking over my proposal.
“Why not? Isn’t this a major issue for Brother Wilfried as well?”
“Ah, that’s true. But what would change if we called Wilfried? No matter how he feels or what he thinks, if the king orders it, there’s no resisting. Wilfried would only end up causing a fuss carelessly at the Noble Academy.”
Whether Ehrenfest can let go of Rosemine or not is something the lord family fully understands. It is enough for Lord and Lady Aub to insist that she cannot be released from Ehrenfest to Zent. Besides, since there has not yet been any formal discussion from the royal family, the fact that “Rosemine is a candidate for the next Zent” should not be spread around freely. My Foster Father said it would be troublesome if Wilfried expressed dissatisfaction or if information leaked to the close aides.
“If your engagement is broken off, Wilfried’s chances of becoming the next Aub will be almost impossible. It’s obvious that things will get chaotic, but at this critical moment, there’s no time to attend to Wilfried. It’s far more important to decide Ehrenfest’s policy, prepare negotiation strategies, and consider conditions before facing the royal family. Wilfried is still a minor, cannot attend the lords' council, and hasn’t been invited by the royal family. I do not see the necessity of calling him here.”
Although it would be after-the-fact approval, since it is the parents who decide the marriage partner, there is no particular problem, my Foster Father said with a very reluctant face and furrowed brows. I thought his usual manner and expression didn’t quite match, and as I watched, he directed that reluctant expression right at me.
“The same goes for you.”
“Huh?”
“You are not invited to the discussion with the royal family either. And I am Aub Ehrenfest. I will negotiate as much as possible, but Ehrenfest is by no means a strong party. The result may not be to your liking. Be prepared for that.”
Although Lord and Lady Aub have been invited, since I haven’t, all negotiations must be left to my Foster Father and Foster Mother.
“You saved my precious family and my life, Foster Father. While the results often turn out unexpectedly, as an adopted daughter, I have done my duties as told. Therefore, as long as you protect my family, everyone at the temple, and Gutenberg, I will obey the decisions you make as Aub Ehrenfest.”
I could feel my Foster Father gritting his teeth. Feeling the love behind his frustrated expression, I handed a magic tool for eavesdropping prevention to my Foster Mother.
“If Lord and Lady Aub have been invited, I can’t keep this from Foster Mother. Foster Father, please explain.”
“Me?”
“Please tell it in a way that minimizes the shock.”
My Foster Father pondered before speaking. Foster Mother smiled and encouraged him, saying, “Judging by your expression, it’s not time that you are short of, is it?” After hearing that I was a candidate for the next Zent, Foster Mother remained smiling but became still for a moment, sighing, “I thought I had gotten used to it a bit after the winter report…”
“The royal family will likely want to avoid unnecessary confusion, so please keep the fact that I am a candidate only in the hearts of you, Foster Mother, and Father.”
“I understand. I don’t even know what kind of situation the royal family desires.”
I had heard from Eglantine that the royal family wishes to maintain the status quo. They want to avoid conflict between great territories and support Siegiswald as the next Zent… Thinking this far, I suddenly realized that this was Eglantine’s wish, and Anastasius said he wanted to dispel Eglantine’s worries, so it might be just their desire alone. I had never heard from Zent or Siegiswald that “they want me to take Gultrishite and be Siegiswald’s third wife.” Given the information gaps within the royal family, it might be dangerous to make such assumptions.