As the conversation progressed, Dylan subtly lead it into a new direction.

“The origin of the leaves for this tea, the Griney Mountains, is said to possess vast underground resources. Has the Kingdom of Claughton considered making use of them?”

“You are asking about that?”

The question seemed to have been an expected, yet Listeard didn’t seem upset by it.

If this is the case, then perhaps we can be more direct.

Just as Avril was considering such, Emilia, who had quietly been sipping tea, continued. “Even if my brother were considering such, the influential figures of this kingdom would never allow it.”

“Stop talking.”

“Oh my, why not let them hear? Surely those lurking in this courtyard, they who disapprove of you, are listening closely. If they were to hear your thoughts, the situation might change… cough! cough!”

Perhaps due to her excitement, Emilia began to cough again.

Emilia…

Their conversation showed just how much the siblings struggled in their country. According to the information gathered before their visit, Listeard had ascended to the throne about two years ago. His coronation had come after he ended the reign of his tyrannical father.

His father’s reign had only lasted five years. Despite the frequent change of monarchs, the Kingdom of Claughton has maintained its structure as a nation without any significant turmoil. In particular, the state of this country seems to have stabled quite well with His Majesty Listeard ascension.

A few reasons could be attributed to the country’s stability. One factor was that the kingdom refrained from aggressive diplomacy. Another likely laid with the competence of their civil servants. At last, the atmosphere in the audience hall on the day of their arrival made sense to Avril.

Listard was gently rubbing Emilia’s back, comforting her as she coughed. Avril had stood up to do the same, but Listeard had been faster.

Listeard wasn’t wary of Avril, yet his swift movement, as though driven by a determination not to let anyone touch his sister, was enough to make her eyes widen in surprise.

His Majesty Listeard supposedly took his father’s life, but from the way he interacts with Lady Emilia, he isn’t frightening in the slightest... He just looks like a kind older brother.

While Avril had such thoughts, Listeard confirmed that Emilia’s cough had subsided. He then awkwardly cleared his throat before returning to his seat and turning back to Dylan.

“—What Emilia just said is true. It’s been two years since I ascended the throne, and as I am, I’m essentially a puppet. However, I believe I’ll soon have secured my footing. Accepting the envoy from the Kingdom of Branwill was meant to be a declaration of that intent.”

“You’re planning to implement some major reforms soon, is that what you intent to say?”

“From now on, this country’s politics, which has been lead by its civil servants, shall be restored to its rightful form. The entire reason the throne has changed so often in this country is because the royal family has failed to exert control. We are prepared to meet resistance.”

Dylan wasn’t frightened by Listeard’s testing gaze.

“Our actions are all under the direct orders of our kingdom’s crown prince, His Highness Lawrence. Your Majesty should be acquainted with him. Simply stated, we’d seek to proceed with the redevelopment of the mine and have a portion of the mining rights leased to our kingdom.”

“That’s not possible. Even if granting leases were an option, persuading the opposition within the country would not be easy, and if I were to attempt such an effort, I would prioritize other reforms… You’ll have to find a way to manage this on your own.”

Avril simply watched and listened to the exchange, their words laced with deeper meaning. The king’s sister who stood on equal footing with them, however, acted differently.

“Come now, Brother. Is that what you are going to say?”

Emilia cut into the conversation with a chuckle.

“Diplomacy with the Kingdom of Branwill is indispensable for our kingdom’s future. Isn’t that why you made the noble woman secretly visiting our country for recuperation from the Kingdom of Branwill my tutor?”

“Emilia.”

“Yes, I’m sorrrry, Brother.”

Emilia pouted and went silent at Listeard’s glare. Meanwhile, Avril and Dylan exchanged glances at having overheard an extremely important piece of information.

As expected, His Majesty Listeard does wish to strengthen ties with the Kingdom of Branwill. It’s to the extent that he invited a private tutor from there despite the opposition it would provoke. This just proves the importance he places on this matter.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Listeard exhaled deeply, trying to regain his composure. Then, a smirk twisted his expression.

“By your own words, you are here to negotiate for the underground resources sleeping in the Griney Mountains. I have already given Crown Prince Lawrence a firm rejection. Regardless of how much you negotiate, it is a futile endeavor under the current circumstances. You might as well enjoy a vacation in our country before returning home.”

“Brother! How could you say such a thing to Lady Avril and the others?!”

“…No, this comment was for the envoy.”

“It’s the same! Marquis Sherrard is Lady Avril’s third lover, after all!”

“““!?!?”””

Wait, what!?

What had been a serious discussion was suddenly derailed by Emilia’s outrageous statement, leaving everyone except her completely frozen in shock.

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