“Teacher…”

It was then that Rishe took a step forward towards Michel.

“What are you doing, Rovine?”

“!!”

A voice echoed. Rishe looked over her shoulder and felt as if shot. The air in the place abruptly became tense, and the knights all knelt down at once.

At the entrance to the garden was an unheralded figure.

His Highness Arnold…?

Arnold appeared with a dozen or more knight guards trailing behind him.

One of the knights was the knight guard who left the garden when the first firework exploded. Perhaps he informed Arnold of this place.

“Michel!!”

Kyle came charging forward.

Arnold, who seemed to have brought Kyle along, never once looked at Rishe, but trained his cold gaze to his vassal.

“I asked you. What are you doing here?”

“I beg your pardon, Your Highness Arnold.”

Rovine bowed lower and lower at Arnold’s domineering voice.

“Someone made an unwarranted threat, and we needed to monitor him. I apologize for the delay in reporting this.”

“Michel Evan?”

His blue eyes slowly looked towards Michel.

Rishe stood on guard. She was unsure of the details, but the look on Arnold’s face showed that he had a rough grasp of the situation.

“What are you going to do, sister-in-law?”

Theodore, who was standing beside her, whispered.

“Your Big Brother’s knight guard seemed to have been following Kyle’s side. Maybe your brother is trying to take Michel Evan’s master, Kyle, into custody…”Rishe observed Kyle, standing by Michel’s side in alarm.

And yet, Prince Kyle is acting strangely.

Meanwhile, Rovine continued his report to Arnold.

“Michel Evan announced that there will be a major incident in the castle grounds today at eighteen o’clock.”

“…How?”

“The imperial capital is under the protection of His Majesty, and as a loyal vassal of the royal family, I was on the lookout.”

“I see. I get what you’re saying.”

Rishe stood ready after Anold’s reply.

Calm down. I’m prepared to “negotiate” with His Highness Arnold. There’s still room to fight for the alliance with Koyor and for Teacher Michel’s treatment.

She was about to step in front of Arnold when he did.

“…Although…”

Arnold took his first glance at Rishe.

“My fiancée must have declared that she would clear up the misunderstanding with Michel Evan?”

“!”

Her eyes widened when the spearhead pointed at her without warning.

“She’s right. The phenomenon that just occurred was merely the result of Michel Evan’s disclosure of Koyor’s technological capabilities.”

What does he mean…?! He might have heard what I said from the knight…

Against all odds, Arnold seemed to be adding up his story to Rishe’s plan.

Rovine looked up, a deep crease etched between his brows.

“Your Highness, Arnold, what exactly are you talking about?”

“If you’ve been disrespectful to our Koyor guests, that would be a serious matter. I’m not sure what to make of it, but I’m sure it’s a good idea. While Kyle is preoccupied, dismiss the knights this instant.”Rishe wasn’t mistaken. She was confused inwardly, but she was certain that her earlier conjuncture was correct.

Looking closely at Prince Kyle, he didn’t seem nervous at all. In other words, His Highness Arnold didn’t come here for any reason that would be detrimental to Prince Kyle…

“Then let me ask you. Why are Koyor’s scholars showing off their technological capabilities in here?”

Arnold cast his eyes down at Rovine’s question.

By any chance, no way…

Her heart skipped.

Arnold uttered the words that Rishe had been wishing for in a plain yet clear voice.

“Our country will start a technological liaison with Koyor soon.

“――!!”

Overwhelming surprise and joy filled her heart in an instant.

I hurriedly looked at Kyle, and he nodded broadly with a proud expression. Evidently, they exchanged terms in the conference room afterward.

He understood, didn’t he?

Her heart started to beat faster and faster.

Military power isn’t the only power that a country has. The technology that Koyor possesses is monumental, and it may one day lead to wonderful inventions.

Above all.

Garkhain can foster relationships with other countries other than invasion…

Right now, they’ve only taken one step forward.

Nevertheless, she was irresistibly delighted and looked at Arnold.

His blue eyes narrowed into slits, and then he slowly averted his gaze from Rishe.