“The rebellion was suppressed before it even began. Thanks to that, we were able to recover a vast amount of illegal funds secretly transferred by the Finance Minister back into the royal treasury.”
Despite the rocky start, the meeting proceeded unexpectedly smoothly.
“That amount is equivalent to ten years of the royal budget. Such a massive sum almost fell into the pockets of the rebel leaders. It’s no wonder that no matter how much we taxed, we couldn’t make ends meet. Now, we can finally lower the tax rates.”
Emil, who had been quietly listening to Evelyn’s explanation, chimed in. “Miona Draco, while you were playing with your skeletons, I was in the south cleaning up those restless barbarians. Mountains of corpses, rivers of blood, humans preying on humans! Can you even imagine it, huh?”
The meeting heatedly discussed the current state of the Noel Kingdom, the various ongoing events, and the measures needed to resolve these issues. Although Miona pretended to be uninterested and uncooperative on the surface, she was actually listening intently, occasionally raising her own questions.
“So… has that so-called Dawn Society been completely eradicated?”
“Yes, thanks to the efforts of Secretary Erica.”
“Hmph. Even if the commoners did nothing, such a child’s play organization would have collapsed on its own sooner or later… I heard the Dawn Society elected representatives through voting, is that right?”
Hearing Miona’s words, Erica nodded. “Yes, because it’s an organization dedicated to democratic decision-making.”
“Democratic decision-making? I really don’t understand why anyone would believe in that kind of classical, city-state-style conservatism.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“In that case, wouldn’t a completely incompetent person who only knows how to please the crowd with honeyed words become the leader of the masses?” This noble young lady’s understanding of democracy was too narrow and prejudiced, yet one couldn’t exactly scold her out loud.
Seeing that the girl didn’t respond, the noble daughter Miona added sharply, “In fact, the ancient city of Athena perished in the same way. The foolish bard Belle became the leader based on the popularity he had gained. And the result? The entire country was buried under the desert sands. This proves that democracy is already a failed political system.”
“Right, right, whatever you say…”
“Why do commoners always want to restore such an incomplete and ancient political form? The political structure of kings and nobles is the most refined. Erica, you are a commoner as well; tell us your opinion.”
At that moment, Emil cut in. “Stop talking about these boring topics! Miona Draco, answer me. You’ve been in Regataya for a long time, haven’t you? While we were sacrificing ourselves and shedding blood and sweat for the kingdom and its people, what were you doing?”
“I wasn’t exactly playing around, Lady Liones. I’ve also been busy in Regataya for the sake of ‘Noel’.”
*Swish.* Miona’s narrow eyes narrowed slightly, half-hidden behind her black feather fan.
Emil just yawned boredly and held out her hands to her. “What did you do? Sightseeing? You did nothing, yet you act so high and mighty toward commoners just because you were lucky enough to be born a noble? A noble should act like a noble!”
The big oaf’s attitude was quite sharp. Perhaps she was rebuking Miona on behalf of Erica, who was being belittled and looked down upon as a commoner.
**[Judge the situation calmly! You have gained experience points through the talent [Calm Thinking]. All Job XP + 5]**
‘I see. You big oaf…’
Erica’s long eyelashes fluttered, feeling a little touched.
However, Miona remained composed. “Noblesse oblige? Hearing that from the person who least resembles a noble is truly laughable… I’ve actually discovered *that* thing here in Regataya.”
“That thing? What thing?”
“Such naive ignorance of everything, Lady Liones. It must be nice to be so carefree.”
“What do you mean?”
Emil stood up, pushing her chair back. Evelyn, seemingly trying to prevent a conflict from breaking out, lightly raised her palm. “Continue, Lady Miona.”
Given the signal by Evelyn, Miona snapped her fan shut against her palm. Her expression was now completely different from her previous cynical exchange with the big oaf; she looked exceptionally serious.
“I, Miona Draco, finally discovered it last week… I found that thing right here in Regataya.”
“So what is it? Stop beating around the bush and just say it!”
“A Forbidden Legacy.”
Forbidden Legacy?!
The moment those words left Miona’s lips, the atmosphere in the meeting room shifted abruptly. Even Emil, who was full of hostility and dissatisfaction toward Miona, couldn’t help but quietly sink back into her seat.
Evelyn remained silent for a long time before speaking. “From now on, all maids are dismissed… Erica, you as well. Only the Inheritors of the four families may remain.”
“I have to leave too?”
“Yes, Erica. Go out. I won’t say it a second time.”
It wasn’t common for Evelyn to have things she couldn’t let her know.
But if it was about a Forbidden Legacy, then it wasn’t surprising… Right here in this city?
Erica lowered her crimson eyes and gently closed the door behind her.