#2 – Doubt
Count Orlando’s house.
The air was heavy in the conversation lounge.
Three days had passed since Ms. Aize’s disappearance.
Even though it was summer vacation, she had been training towards the finals in autumn.
And we knew the reason.
Because Ms. Sherry had received a phone call.
“Ms. Aize’s younger sister is going to be married…”
“Normally, it would be a good thing.”
But it was clearly a strategic move. So it was little wonder that Ms. Aize did not approve of it.
“She thinks that her sister is sacrificing herself for her sake… And so she decided to return to the house once.”
“Such marriages happen all of the time. Good or bad, it is none of your business.”
Ms. Iria’s words were met with exasperation.
Stelia Rosenberg. While she looked young, she was the oldest one there.
And her words cut at the root of the problem.
In this world, no, in this country, there was absolutely nothing strange about nobles marrying for political reasons.
The only reason it was a problem with Ms. Aize, was because the man had too many flaws to be ignored.
“However, this time, there is no fault in the partner. At least, from what we know.”
After all, the man who was to marry Mimi Lilieth was not even a noble, but a businessman.
Mihail Fravolt.
“There is no reason for you to interfere. If you get involved with such things every time, you are the one who will pay the price.”
It was true.
At this point, there was nothing to be done but wait and see.
“…But there is one thing that bothers me.”
Said Ms. Sherry, who had been sitting silently up until now. She was holding her phone tightly.
She had not heard from Ms. Aize in three days now. The communications network in this world was not perfect, and so we could not connect to Ms. Aize’s homeland.
Also, Ms. Aize had acted completely differently from before.
Like she was at her wits end.
And could barely even talk.
“Ms. Aize’s sister is only fourteen years old. But this isn’t just an engagement. They are trying to rush the ceremony.”
“He is trying to marry a child?”
“Likely, for the title.”
At this, Ms. Stelia snorted.
“Buying your way into nobility. So typical.”
“Yes.”
Ms. Sherry nodded and continued.
“But it is strange…to choose the Lilieth family.”
“…Indeed. If you could buy a title, then surely you would choose someone else…”
“There must have been other options. Other nobles who have fallen into financial difficulties after the purge.”
“The purge?”
Apparently—it was around fifty years ago. During the age of the bloody emperor. A shocking purging of the noble class had been conducted.
The start of it was a serious economic panic.
As standards of living fell among the nobles, corruption became rampant, and the emperor at the time decided to deal with them harshly.
The emperor had been known for being righteous, and was perhaps similar to a traditional soldier.
And so there was a power struggle between the emperor and nobles. And the result was a great purge. Ironically, this created an opening within the governing structure. There was chaos, and the empire was weakened.
Even though the emperor was a talented soldier, he had no gift for ruling. It had to be said.
Furthermore, even the nobles who weren’t purged, did not come out unscathed.
The financial difficulties caused land owners to go bankrupt. Many nobles let go of their lands and chose to live off of pensions from the imperial family, but…they never did get paid the full amount that they were promised.
This was referred to as the issue of the title pensions, where it was said that even financially distressed nobles resorted to emigrating abroad.
“Ultimately…this became a trigger. And the crown prince, in other words, the previous emperor, had his father assassinated. Ending that age.”
“Had the previous emperor not repaired the financial situation, the empire would have fallen by now. Well, that is enough history lessons for now. So, continue?”
“Yes. The Lilieth family is a typical fallen house. Saying they have no future is an understatement.”
Though they had lands, which was rare these days.
That being said, it was just a small village. And their income was incredibly low.
“In the end, they will have little choice but to let go of that land.”
“And then they will receive a pension…”
“Yes, but he is only a baron. It will only be enough for them to live modestly.”
Apparently, they were given a lot less money than I imagined. Even if you were a noble, it did not mean a life of luxury.
“Many nobles don’t even accept it. After all, it is supposed to be a noble’s duty to contribute to their country.”
“Most see the accepting of the money, and relying on it as a sign of weakness. So very few of the nobles do it.”
It was really just a remnant of those dark ages, long passed.
Even though it had led to the assassination of the emperor, that money was no longer even seen as important now.
“Why would a businessman want to marry into such a family… It is indeed strange.”
“Yes. But he’s rushing to marry someone so young. Either something is causing him to panic, or there is some other reason…”
“Reason…”
A reason for a businessman to marry a noble with no future.
…How would it be if this was on earth?
Wealthy man, nobles…land owner…
(…Could it be?)
A thought suddenly appeared in the corner of my mind. And my hand came up to touch my mouth.
“Teacher?”
“…This is…just a guess, but…”
Their eyes then widened at my words.