Common Sense of a Duke's Daughter

Duke Daughter 73: Report x Secret Maneuver 2

"The report… All I can say is, that girl is scary. I'm seriously shaking in my boots here." (Milo)

I sighed at Milo's words and thought little of them.

"What makes you think that?" (Dean)

"Well, you know that the son of the Pope hasn't been charged with anything yet, right? He's still in the line of succession to become the next Pope." (Milo)

"That may change in light of this incident. Those in line to become the Pope are required to enter the academy, study the world, and gain allies among the nobles and royalty of this country. After graduation, they enter the Church and train diligently to become the future Pope. But, now, since the head of the house has been forcibly removed from his position in the midst of the successor's training, there has been some concern over the possibility that leaving the position vacant for too long may be detrimental to this country and the Church. In response, they have been pushing for a new person to take the over the Pope's position and that the individual should be from a different house, given the degree of shame the current one has amassed." (Ludy)

Milo nodded his head at the information Ludy presented.

In essence, Ludy was saying that the possibility of Van becoming the next Pope was very low.

"Exactly. Exactly. So, when that son went to her like he usually does, she responded with, 'Do you need something?' as if she didn't even know him. I know she has been going in and out of many fiefs, but I never thought she would abandon the Pope's family as soon as they became useless." (Milo)Although he said it with a smile, I felt faint hostility in his voice.

"Even though it is too early to know whether or not he'll become the pope, she cut him off as soon as she felt he was useless. Well, I guess this is the appropriate attitude to have if you are aiming for the top…" (Milo)

"What's that now? Do not tell me you have fallen for that Baron's daughter." (Dean)

"Come on. She isn't that appealing. Also, I already have a master. I'm not the type of guy to cheat on others." (Milo)

"So, are you done with your report, or is there something else you'd like to add?" (Dean)

When I posed this question, Milo's expression suddenly turned stern.

"They have surrounded that girl with rats. What do you want me to do?" (Milo)

"Are they guards? Or…?" (Ludy)

"I think they may be both; some for defending her and others who are acting suspiciously…" (Milo)

"Have the people around her changed or said anything of note?" (Dean)

"No. None of her entourage have said anything of concern. They also have yet to notice her tendency of abandoning things she deems useless. Though, the Duke's and knight captain's sons have both started to distance themselves from her." (Milo)

"Hmm… Even Dorsen?" (Dean)

"Yeah. It is a good thing. I mean, if he continued to remain by her side like that, we would have had to eliminate him too." (Milo)

"Well, getting rid of one knight would not necessarily impact the country, so there would be no problems whether or not he stays or leaves." (Ludy)

Ludy's words were pointed. As expected of a person with a military general for his grandfather. He thinks along those lines, huh? An opinion based solely on merit and results.

"Ludy, you're pretty scary too." (Milo)

"Really. I would think it to be the natural conclusion." (Ludy)

At his retort, Milo simply smiled as he normally did.

"Oh. Also, that maid from the daughter of the Duke is snooping around as usual." (Milo)

"You mean, Tanya?" (Dean)

"Yes. I think that person is an excellent spy. I would like for her to work with us if possible." (Milo)

If Milo says it, that means her ability is real. I would also like for her to join our cause…

"It would be impossible for her to leave Iris and join us instead. I think it would require moving heaven and earth in order for her to ever leave Iris." (Ludy)

Regrettably, I have to agree with that.

"If I had met her before you, I would probably also be helping Iris." (Milo)

"The only reason you were ever able to see Tanya was because her master is Iris. She would have otherwise never stepped into your line of work." (Ludy)

"True. How sad. Truly sad." (Milo)

"So, is there anything else I should know concerning the Baron girl's actions?" (Dean)

"She has met with the merchant named Divian about two or three times a month. The contents of their meetings were nothing worth noting; they were usually something to the effect of, "How is life?" or "How are things going with the Prince?". They were basically trivial conversations concerning daily life." (Milo)

"Her relationship with the Prince is definitely an important concern for them. If Divian keeps asking these questions, then it's likely they want to use the daughter to capture the second prince and make him do their bidding." (Ludy)

"Well, I am pretty sure they are wary of you, Master… Or, maybe, they're treating her as a pawn they can discard as it becomes convenient?" (Milo)

Milo tried to respond do Ludy's thoughts. Ludy, however, did not seem convinced and knit his eyebrows.

"A piece they can discard… Well, I am fairly certain that is the case. Also, they have gotten a taste of how they can control the course of events over the past few months." (Dean)

"A taste, huh?" (Ludy)

"Also, even if my little brother were to ascend to the throne as they planned, they will still have one major enemy to deal with: Louis Lana Armelia, the prime minister of this kingdom. He has a solid foundation in politics, a wealthy fief, and holds power equal to that of the King. Thus, even if they do happen to use my stupid brother, they will be unable to do anything flashy, else they get sniffed out and hanged by him. It is better to use nobles and rob the kingdom of its strength before striking." (Dean)

"Hmm… I guess they do not wish to rule, but instead aim to gain territory in this country… But why?" (Milo)

"This kingdom's fertile land is highly desirable. We have received reports from Irene that their harvests have been poor in recent years." (Ludy)

Irene is a shadow like Milo. She is currently with Baron Mabaras Messi at the country border and acts as a liaison between me and him. She is also a spy for us in the country of Towair.

She has said that Towair has been in poor condition, and, apparently, this year has been especially bad. The country experiences a near-perpetual winter, making the land dry and infertile. Also, since they lost the war against us, they had many resources taken from them. Basically, they are desperate enough to strike at a much more powerful country, such as ours.

For them to be so impatient must mean that they think us vulnerable enough to succumb to their efforts.

"Well, please don't worry. I will investigate more; it is my job… But I think I will rest a bit first." (Milo)

"Is your report finished?" (Ludy)

"Yes. I do have a few other minor things that I will bring to your attention later." (Milo)

"I understand. I will be counting on you in the future." (Dean)

"Understood." (Milo)

He answered with a serious face and left in the same fashion in which he came: without a sound.