Duke Daughter 72: Report X: Secret Maneuvers

  As we were talking, we made our way to my study. Whenever I am at the Dowager’s palace, I spend all my waking hours in this room. Though, recently, I have been going to the Royal Palace and outside the city to do work and to see her.

  The walls are lined with shelves teeming with books, making my study itself rather narrow. I had always been under the impression that this room houses the most books in the Kingdom until I visited the Armelia fief. When I saw that room, I felt that my study does not actually have that many books.

  I sat down at my desk, which was located at the end of the room.

  The desk and chair were things left by the previous king. When I first saw them, I thought they were not very grand, but I have grown to like them.

  “Shall I prepare some tea?” (Ludy)

  I nodded and closed my eyes for a moment.

  I heard the door close as Ludy called a servant outside the room.

  This castle actually has few servants. My grandmother said she does not need servants in her retirements, but, in reality, she did this to reduce the number of potential assassins who may be hired to kill me and Leticia.

  “Here is your tea, your Highness.” (Ludy)

  Ludy also serves as my butler. He is a very talented individual who is capable of most anything. He also makes an excellent cup of tea.

  “Oh…… This is……” (Dean)

  “This is the herbal tea made by the Azura conglomerate. I hear it is good for fatigue.” (Ludy)

  “I know. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.” (Dean)

  “Think nothing of it, your Highness.” (Ludy)

  The golden hue and unique scent were rather peculiar, but the tea itself was delicious.

  “The conglomerate seems to be recovering smoothly.” (Dean)

  “Yes. She is very capable. After her innocence was confirmed and the news disseminated throughout the kingdom, she began to release new products in rapid succession. She is great at seizing opportunity.” (Ludy)

  “I hear my little brother is in a bind over it.” (Dean)

  I chuckled.

  Although his actions are done for petty reasons, it was well-timed. He poached the employees that were a part of the production process instead of attempting to buy the store itself.

  However, he only gets 60 points for his plan.

  If you are going to try and recruit people from that company, you should not recruit kitchen staff. What makes a company unique is the innovative products and management methods it employs. The people he should have tried to recruit were the development staff and those in charge of finance…… at least, that is what I would have done.

  “The first report from the Church has arrived: The pope has been removed from his position and assets. All false charges made against the Armelia household’s daughter have been retracted. The pope has also been charged with falsifying evidence and is now being confined. Also, two other cardinals and three priests have been exiled from the Church.” (Ludy)

  Two of seven cardinals were deeply involved in this incident. What a pity. The Marquis Maeria has moved quickly to secure the Church’s cooperation.

  The Church will be out of the picture for a while, as they will be taking this time to rebuild and restructure.

  “Where is Milo?” (Dean)

  “I have not seen him today. I do not believe he has returned yet.” (Ludy)

  “Hmm……” (Dean)

  “Tada! Elegantly appearing from thin air: The inconspicuous Milo~!” (Milo)

  The man who abruptly appeared in the middle of my conversation with Ludy was Milo. His face surrounded delineated by soft brown hair was strangely adora— feminine.

  “As usual, you arrive without notifying anyone.” (Ludy)

  The name of the individual who looked like a woman and appeared out of nowhere is my shadow. He acts as my spy and is excellent at gathering intelligence.

  “Well, of course! I am a shadow, after all. So, what is it?” (Milo)

  “That is what I should be saying to you. Report on the information you have gathered.” (Ludy)