My date with Lisa is over.
All I did was shop and enjoy tea at the cafe, but the fact that I was on a date was thrilling Isaac's heart.
If there's a problem, it's that it wasn't a date between us.
There's no way Isaac, the Duke, and Lisa can walk the whole city together.
It was a date while the escort watched me smile.
As a result of scheduling, it was Wednesday to meet with Elias.
What I made one weekday at school would have been that I couldn't wait until the weekend or that my plans were already filled.
Isaac was anxious because he didn't remember doing anything to be summoned in a hurry.
But the anxiety was quickly dispelled.
When we got to the reception room, Elias was waiting for us first.
When Isaac arrives, he rises from his seat and greets himself.
I'm in a good mood, so it doesn't seem like a bad story.
(No, it's too early to get distracted. He might smile and say, "That's what you used to get that face out of." Don't be alarmed)
I don't think Elias himself will come to imitate just as deceitfully, but I've never been more vigilant.
Isaac is guided to his seat by a well-groomed Elias.
I was smiling and responding, but inside I was feeling creepy.
When I got to my seat, I cut the story out of Elias.
"Lord Enfield, you've come a long way. You saved me this time."
"Did you help? What's going on?
"Humph, can you still get away with it? Sounds like it."
Isaac hasn't stopped because he hasn't been asked what to do.
But to Elias' eyes, he seemed stuck.
When the maid prepares Isaac's tea, she leaves the room.
We're not even gonna put an escort on it. We're in a state of two.
"I was helped by that this time. I was sick that they hated me so much that they wanted the right to refuse orders... After all, there is no question about your loyalty. I thank you for being born in this day and age. Thanks."
Elias takes Isaac's right hand and bows his head deeply.
It was something I felt more deeply grateful for than I had ever felt before.
(well, did you pay for this because you didn't want anyone to see you)
Isaac thought so.
It is only natural that we do not want our underage young opponents to see adults bow their heads.
A symbol of a nation called the King would be even worse.
Even when I apologized to Morgan and the others, I just apologized mildly in public.
I guess I paid for a worthy head by then, because none of us could lower it to say it was in front of the Kingsguard.
But that wasn't all Isaac thought about.
(No, that's not all. I want to prove that you trust me by leaving no one behind.)
This was not Isaac's idea out of complacency.
To the extent that Loretta and the others want me to seriously consider getting married, I am confident about my track record.
I publicly proclaimed that I wanted to "refuse orders" in front of a large crowd.
To be told that by a meritorious subordinate was an event that left a great scar on the face of his superiors, even in the general company as opposed to the king.
And I also wanted to avoid being turned that way by my available men as my boss.
Instead of being prestigious and temporarily feeling better, you should get in a good mood and keep working.
Elias showed Isaac that he trusted him until he turned away the Kingsguard knight.
Believe me, Isaac would understand that feeling.
It's not like the king does very much.
But the fact that the King himself is ready to act in danger impresses Isaac not least.
(Seriously! I thought you trusted me because you made me duke enough, but you trusted me that much!
Isaac's self-assessment is still low.
Being so emergent that it was unthinkable in previous life, self- and public appreciation was a distraction.
Isaac was impressed with what Elias had done so far because of his low self-esteem.
But I can't watch it forever.
"Your Majesty, I have. Keep your head up."
I don't even know why they appreciate it.
You shouldn't let Elias keep his head down forever.
Now is the time to tell him to raise his head.
Just now Isaac acts.
In response to Isaac's words, Elias raised his head.
But the expression remained mysterious.
"I'm also a parent of people. Jason is cute. He followed up on the mistakes my son made. I really appreciate that. It's not a waste of time."
(Jason?... Oh, that thing?)
There was confusion in the social world because Jason said something about sheltering Damien.
Rather than Viscount Wellington, there has been widespread ill speech targeting the Marquis Wallick behind it.
This was mainly spread by "those who are likely to be stripped of their posts by the Marquis Wallick in the future".
I can't hold a central position for territorial management right now, but I should one day.
Naturally, we need to prepare a post worthy of the Marquis.
That reduces one good position seat.
By lowering the reputation of the Marquis Wallick, he probably tried to extend the period until he held office for a little longer.
All sorts of rumors broke out, no matter what.
It was nobody else who was in a hurry for this flow.
- It is Elias.
Originally, Marquis Wallick is dissatisfied with the Royal Family (Elias).
Both the death of the predecessor Marquis Wallick and the confusion of the Marquis Wallick territory were due to the unscrupulous tax cuts ordered to Elias.
For the time being, it was even a "no problem" situation.
Now that the economy is being restored by a deal with Dwarf, Marquis Wallick is keeping his act in mind.
But that was a story if nothing happened.
Jason's words to Damien were another enough trigger for Marquis Wallick to start dissatisfying.
So I guess Elias was on guard, too.
With Janet about to get engaged to Matt, Viscount Wellington and Marquis Wallick should be able to stand it.
Somehow the opponent is the head of the Duke of Enfield Knights and the hero who took over Marshal Ford.
Other than his age, he is a far superior opponent to Damien.
They thought it was something that lowered my drinking.
I know that too, Isaac.
I assumed Elias was grateful for it.
"I guess Baron Kirby's fiancée couldn't decide because he was securing it for a time like this? As the predecessor Marquis Welrod once decided not to be Viscount Saunders' fiancée"
"It's all for the Reid Kingdom. Until he did what he deserved as a nobleman."
It was really an act to pay Katherine back her debts, but I don't need to be stupid and honest about it.
In the meantime, I decided to get on with Elias' story.
"It wouldn't have been strange to hesitate to use precious pawns like Baron Kirby. You've made a good decision."
"It is more embarrassing not to use it when it should be used, but to miss the opportunity. Besides, you can't keep Baron Kirby single forever. I'm just saying that Janet was just the right guy."
Isaac replies that he just found Matt's opponent, but Elias shakes his neck left and right.
"If we settle this while Lord Wallick is in the king's capital, he'll say, 'You've found a good match, so will you be satisfied?' And they receive it in the wind that they did it. If it were too late, they would receive 'I reluctantly offered Baron Kirby to solve the problem'. It was such a brilliant time."
"That was a coincidence."
"No, no, you don't have to be modest. That impressed me as Lord Enfield."
Elias looks up.
He had a full smile on his face.
"Have a seat. We still need to talk."
Come on, come on, and Elias recommends a seat to Isaac.
Isaac was happy at first, but when he was dealt with so far in a good mood, he felt uncomfortable because it was not something he had done for him.
But I can't run away now, so I sit as I'm told.
Elias also sat in front of Isaac.
"There's nothing else I called you today. It's about Jason. I used to tell you that there was no problem, but now I don't think so. How's it going at the academy? Is there anything strange about that?
As for Isaac, he shook a topic I didn't want you to hear.
But I'm sure Elias cares more than anything.
It was an absolutely inevitable topic.
(I can't answer this question... Nicole, if you take care of it, you're in trouble.)
Elias is king of the kingdom of Reed.
He even has the power to push the Marquis opponent for an unscrupulous order to cut taxes.
If it's about the Baron's house, it can be easily crushed.
Already Nicole also had problems with the high nobility of the Earls of Adams and Brander.
He has also become a nose knob in the social world.
The opposite of crushing would be the face of Isaac and the Gomens.
It's easy to tell the truth.
But Isaac is in trouble if Jason gets his sanity back.
I almost had trouble responding.
After seeing Isaac like that, Elias opens his mouth.
"I appreciate you taking care of your friendship with Jason and making sure you don't say anything unnecessary. But that's what it is as a father. As a king, you must keep abreast of the situation of Prince Wang. Tell me."
"Isaac is holding his mouth out of friendship with Jason," Elias thought, apparently.
Actually, it's a big difference, but Isaac decides to take advantage of that misunderstanding.
"Damian is Fred's best friend. He was accompanied in various places, so there should have been many opportunities to deal with His Highness. Words His Highness addressed to Damien. That would also be due to friendship. I think there's been a word of shelter."
"But that was a far-fetched move."
Elias makes a difficult face.
To move for friendship, the aftermath is too great.
I had to scold him.
Having read his thoughts, Isaac acts to shelter Jason.
"So what did you think of your behavior at graduation?
"You, too, will be due to the thickness of your emotions. There must have never been such a problem around His Highness before. I think he acted on it because of surprises and the desire to protect weak women. Thick in love may be a drawback as a king prince. But that doesn't mean it's just a flaw. Some people see the thickness of their emotions as a beauty. And they will try to support His Highness."
"Like that?
"Yeah, you're right."
I'm not willing to support Jason on Isaac, but this is where I should keep my loyalty.
I answered with a firm attitude.
But that's not all.
"Besides, it was His Majesty who cracked into his relationship with the Marquis Wallick family. It would be better not to inflict unilateral punishment, such as scolding Your Highness. His Royal Highness should have been careful, however. Even at dinner, you might want to be kept down to the point where we talk about taking care of each other lightly."
"Don't be harsh.... but you're right. If I hadn't ordered the Wallick Marquis to cut taxes, I wouldn't be in a relationship like this right now. Even if Jason had said something about sheltering Damien, he would have just felt a little uncomfortable. You're right, let's not imitate Jason alone as harshly blamed."
It was a word to shelter Jason, but Elias had received it as a allegiance to himself.
The reason for this was that the previous Marquis Wallick was ordered to cut taxes.
If he had still lived, he would have overcome the difficulty, but he was outraged to death on the spot, which unfortunately was ordered.
Because of the economic turmoil that accompanied generations, the Wallick Marquis' resentment has become profound.
Without that one incident, Jason's rudeness wouldn't have been a big problem.
I reaffirmed my responsibilities and was shredded to blame Jason.
He never thought that the man in front of him was the mastermind of that commotion.
Because I don't think Isaac, who had little interaction, has any reason to confuse the Marquis Wallick family.
"He's been doing really well. I'd like to thank you, but do you have anything you'd like for a reward?
I guess not, but Elias asks Isaac.
But this time, Isaac also had something he wanted.
"There are two."
"Do you have one!
Elias is surprised that Isaac answered "Yes" because he always answers "No".
Because if Isaac answered yes, he felt like a less than good request to himself.
Apparently, it's the trauma that got exposed between the sights.
"For one thing, I'd like you not to tell me that I let Baron Kirby and Janet get engaged. That's because Viscount Fosbury chose Baron Kirby to hang up the pageant."
"Oh, yeah. That's what you looked like. Okay, let's be careful."
"This is the same place," reassures me, as the first request was to consider Viscount Fosbury's position.
But keep him alert, there's a chance he'll stab you from behind.
Until I hear the second demand, I can't be alarmed yet.
"The second is to wave a sword that His Majesty loves to use."
"Sword?
It's understandable that you want things to be rewarded.
What I don't understand is that Isaac wants a sword.
Elias didn't have a bad pin.
"Oh, that Orihalcon sword from that Dwarf?
Therefore, I think of something of value.
That sword is what everyone wants.
Elias thinks that if Isaac wants, he can give him something very sparingly.
But what Isaac wanted was something different.
"No, that sword was given as a sign of friendship to the Reid kingdom. It should be a national treasure and should not be given to subordinates. What I want is a sword like His Majesty usually uses. It would be nice if everyone could see that His Majesty was using it."
"... well, I get it. The fact that you were given a sword by me, not a sword, is important, isn't it?
"Yes, you're right. If you can, it would be helpful if you could join me in saying," Consider the one who hates the Kingdom of Reed. "
"Damn, who said that..."
Elias smiles delightfully, though frightened.
Isaac asked for it.
"I want to take over those who have no enemies of the Reid kingdom. I want to keep my sword as a sign of trust from Elias for that."
- Because it was something.
I don't want a sword, I want a proof that I was trusted by Elias.
If we receive the sword, we will handle the traitor in Elias' name according to the circumstances.
Originally, it would have been hesitant to give that much authority unconditionally.
But the opponent is Isaac.
I wondered if I could give it to a young man with no greed and unwavering loyalty to the royal family.
But the timing of bringing up the story was a problem.
"I'll tell you something first, the Marquis Wallick family is a necessary presence in the Reid kingdom. Even though it shows disturbing movements, it is difficult to be easily punished. As I said, I'm responsible too."
After the earlier conversation.
"The Marquis Wallick family is on track, so I'm going to put in the bake," Elias said, sounding just like Isaac was saying.
So I'll stab the nail just in case.
"I'm not trying to do anything to the Marquis Wallick family. The reign of His Majesty, known as King Xian, has led to a period of peace. But it is also true that there are those who have been peacefully bogged down because of the continuing times of peace. The likes of Charles, Michael and Damien are. There are people out there who underestimate how important connections between houses are. We want those people to be able to act quickly if necessary. We have to assume when we don't even have time to ask His Majesty how to respond."
I'm not really going to do anything to the Marquis Wallick family, so I'll firmly deny it there.
And by naming those to be really vigilant, tell them what they are vigilant about.
"I see...... All right, I'll give you the sword."
Elias nearly got lost, too, but his trust in Isaac prevailed.
His decision had reasons other than trust.
"The predecessor Marquis Welrod also eliminated the enemies of the kingdom. But it was voluntary action. It's not the reverence that many work for the kingdom, it's what I felt only fear. By bestowing a sword on him, he would think it was my order to act. That's the only thing that's cheap if the fear around you eases. Instead, you should have suggested it from me. I'm sorry."
- That's what it does for Isaac, too.
Oral orders alone make those around me feel terrified for Isaac.
If you let them have something that is easy to understand as representing the king, a sword, they won't think you're acting selfish around them.
There is also no reason to reject Isaac's offer to be a royal sword (...).
Then Elias thought we should work together to make it easier to move.
"But wouldn't that still be a reward?
"For me, that's the reward. It's painful to hope for your favorite sword..."
"Never mind, never mind. I've already got my best sword."
Elias looks at Isaac smiling.
Isaac is the best sword and shield.
It was much more valuable than just a chunk of iron.
Isaac thought "The sword made by Orihalcon was amazing".
I'm not interested in the sword, Isaac. But I said, "Can I just try it out?" A substitute that makes me want to ask.
With that sword, I didn't even think it was necessary to think I didn't need another sword.
"So, what's the nuisance, but could you also reward people like ministers and generals with things around you? If I'm the only one who gets rewarded, they'll assume it's about Janet. To keep Viscount Fosbury in the face, we want to avoid that."
"Okay. Think about that, too. They can have cloaks and belts."
This request was meant to be made when Isaac had the opportunity to be rewarded.
If Elias only rewards the truly ministerial ranks, the useless Marquises of Wallick and Wilmente will be dissatisfied.
Accumulating a little dissatisfaction can be a big one.
And I thought it was the perfect time to demand it on this occasion.
If Isaac came back from Neuizen...
"Lord Enfield cautioned me, so I rushed to start getting in the mood with the civilians"
- It would have been thought.
Though I smiled bitterly in my chest, I should have received it thankfully.
But not now.
It has not solved a major problem, so it is unnatural as the time to reward it.
If you know the fact that "Isaac gave you the sword," you should be dissatisfied with "Oh, it's unnatural to reward Lord Enfield alone, so besides, you gave it to me".
- The reward ceases to be a reward and becomes a mass of dissatisfaction.
I know the nobles are unhappy with Elias.
Isaac was trying to sow the seeds of discord under the pretext of reward.
"I and Jason have nowhere to go. I want you to keep telling me what you've noticed."
"I did... I just want to say that a young man like me will speak out..."
"I don't mind, I don't mind. The Golden Word is worth listening to. Don't hesitate to say it."
Elias laughed in a good mood.
Laugh at him.
Even with the same grin, there was an uninterrupted great separation between the two.