Stepmothers Are Not Always Evil

“What?”

His Majesty the Emperor asked the sudden suggestion with a bewildered face.

“Who made the accusation? Isn’t that the Duke of Anthemion?”

“Ye-yes, but….”

The Emperor squinted at Helios, and blurred his words.

“Whoever is more fit for an investigation than the one who uncovered the case himself?”

Grand Duchess Crawford spoke in a loud voice.

“As long as Baron Rockefeller is gone, only the Duke of Anthemion can uncover the truth.”

“It’s true, but…”

The Emperor blurred his words and looked into the Empress’s eyes.

The Empress answered immediately.

“I understand the concerns of the Grand Duchess, but the Imperial investigation team is currently investigating the case, so it would be right to wait patiently.”

“Didn’t the Imperial investigation stop after Baron Rockefeller fell into a coma?”

“The investigation was temporarily halted due to the disappearance of an important reference person, but not withdrawn. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

“Well? Oh, that’s what the Empress said. Sister.”

His Majesty the Emperor sided with the Empress again, like a chick.

Grand Duchess Crawford, who looked at the Emperor with a displeased expression, spoke again.

“So that’s what I am saying. Duke Anthemion personally witnessed the scene, so can the investigation be conducted without a witness?”

Helios, who listened to the Grand Duchess, nodded lightly.

“Also, the roots of the case are deep, so those involved in this matter will try to put pressure on the imperial investigation team. Only Duke Anthemion can ignore that pressure.”

It was the right thing to say.

The money and power of the Duke of Anthemion was at a level that even His Majesty the Emperor could not take lightly.

This means that you can’t buy it with money or threaten with power.

Moreover, since Helios was the only person who could prove absolutely innocence in this matter, it was the theory that there was no one more qualified to undertake the investigation of this case than Helios.

“Didn’t Your Majesty not have this in mind and award the Duchess of Anthemion with a citation?”

His Majesty the Emperor’s neck moved greatly.

Looking at his busy gaze, it was evident that he was troubled between the Empress and Grand Duchess Crawford.

I opened my mouth cautiously, remembering Mary’s advice to be modest.

“Your Majesty, this is a rude statement, but I have heard that the main task of the Imperial Investigation Unit is to look after Your Majesty the two men and other matters related to the Imperial Family.”

“That’s right.”

“My humble opinion is that if the Imperial Investigation Unit focuses on the Baron Rockefeller case, it will neglect its original duties.”

“If you leave it to me, I will do my best to alleviate your worries, although my abilities are lacking.”

When Helios was asked, the eyes of the people gathered in the audience room were on the Emperor.

The Emperor, overwhelmed by the atmosphere, could not stand it any longer.

“… I see. Just do that.”

****

The award ceremony ended in an awkward atmosphere.

As the Empress left the hall, the nobles who attended the ceremony also left their seats one by one.

I’m also going out of the hall with Helios.

“Duke Anthemion, let’s talk for a moment.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor captured Helios.

He had something to say because of his investigative powers.

“I’ll be right there. You can wait in the carriage.”

“It’s okay, so take your time.”

I left Helios behind and left the hall with a certificate of commendation and gifts.

In the wide hallway, two or three nobles were gathering and talking.

Helios name was heard everywhere, seemingly intriguing that Helios took over the investigation of the Baron Rockefeller case.

Some of them wanted to talk to me, but they couldn’t talk to me first because Helios had noticed.

If it’s a prom or a salon, I’ll approach it first and try to expand my network.

From today onwards, rumors that Helios has taken on a heavy role will be spreading widely, so we must not act rashly.

I thought it would be better to go to the carriage than to get people’s attention, so I started walking, but I saw a great figure.

“Your Highness Grand Duchess.”

I approached Grand Duchess Crawford with pleasure.

The Grand Duchess, who had left the palace, attended by the Countess Walford, turned to see me.

“What’s going on?”

“Thank you for your help.”

“I have nothing to be thankful for.”

Grand Duchess Crawford shook her head bluntly.

“I did what I thought was right, and I did not ask Your Majesty to help anyone.”

“But very few people put their thoughts into action.”

“Those who have not yet read the book of Proverbs can speak plausible words.”

With a bitter smile, the Grand Duchess made a joke.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve spoken out loud in front of His Majesty. Just know that this is all because of you.”

“I’m honored, Your Majesty Grand Duchess.”

Naturally, I bowed my head, and the Countess of Walford, who was beside her, burst into laughter.

“Anyway, don’t be afraid.”

“You seem to resemble the Grand Duchess.”

The Countess Walford replied jokingly.

“Ugh..”

The Grand Duchess looked at the box in my hand and said,

“Read that book when you have time. Maybe someday you’ll get a chance to use it.”

“Yes.”

I greeted them politely.

“I’ll see you when I’m done.”

“No way. What are you going to do with the powerless old woman?”

Grand Duchess Crawford, who responded bluntly, took a step back.

Because you are a very consistent person.

I think it’s fortunate that such a person is on my side, but the Grand Duchess stopped and turned her head.

“Bring Escal with you later.”

“I will.”

****

After Grand Duchess Crawford returned, Helios showed no sign of coming out.

As I was contemplating whether I should go to the carriage, the servant who guided us earlier approached.

“Excuse me, madam.”

“What happened?”

“Your Majesty the Empress asks to see you for a while.”

“Your Majesty the Empress?”

It was an unwelcome request to meet, but there was no way I could refuse.

Even the servant who announced the news did not wait for my reply.

“Come this way.”

He took the citation and gift box from me and walked ahead.

I followed him relentlessly.

“You can go in.”

The place where the servants arrived was a splendid drawing room.

In the drawing room, the Empress, who had just changed clothes, was sitting on the sofa and drinking tea.

She didn’t even look at me when I came in.

You must be upset about what happened earlier.

I bowed my knees slightly and greeted her.

“Did you call me, Your Majesty?”

“Come here and sit down.”

At the advice of the Empress, I sat down on the sofa and the maid brought me tea.

“I thought it would take some time for Duke Anthemion to appear, so I called you to chat in the meantime.”

“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

“I am honored to meet the hero of the Empire.”

It feels like there’s a bone in her words.

Her younger brother was involved in this case, so I wouldn’t look pretty.

“Duke Anthemion has made a difficult decision.”

The Empress, taking a sip of tea, brought up the main topic.

“It will not be easy. The investigation process will be difficult, and there will be many enemies.”

“He and he are also prepared.”

“I know that the Knights of the Duke Anthemion are capable, but if they do, their lives may be at risk.”

“I think it is worth taking a little risk as it is to set up the Empire in line with His Majesty’s orders.”

The Empress raised the corners of her lips sullenly.

“I am so glad that Your Majesty has such a loyal servant as the Duke.”

“It’s overrated. As a Duke of the Empire, that’s what you should do.”

I responded without giving up.

It looks like she’s trying to trick me into covering up the Duke of Eaton’s crimes, but it doesn’t work.

After all, the person who regretted it was the Empress, so there was no need to bow down.

“All crimes are bad, but I don’t think we should ever forgive such heinous crimes against children, especially this one.”

“Sure. As a mother of three children, I also told His Majesty that he should not let this work go unnoticed.”

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am that your Majesty the Empress thinks so.”

I pretended not to notice.

“If there are any other people involved in this besides the Baron Rockefeller who caused the incident, Her Majesty, please help us find and punish all of them.”.”

“… It should be.”

The Empress reluctantly nodded her head.

I think this is enough, right?

At that moment when I was enjoying victory with a smile inside, the door swung open without knocking.

“Mommy!”