Chapter 445
If I were to describe the impression of the character Iris Edelgard in "FBO," it would be exactly that of a villainess.
That single word sums it up.
In the past, she lost her beloved sister, lost her mother, and her father, having lost his family, became a cold-hearted person, worsening the home environment.
As a result, even though she had just recovered from a life-threatening illness, she was constantly pressured to fulfill her position as a noble in that harsh family environment.
What emerged from this was a meritocratic and rational noble lady.
Even if deep in her heart she longed for someone's help, she was in a position where she had to be strict with both herself and others.
This eroded her heart, caused people to distance themselves from her, and further chilled her spirit.
"She's strong-willed." "She doesn't understand others' feelings."
She was continuously bombarded with such words and brushed them all aside.
Therefore, people praised her status, her ability, and her beauty, as cold as ice.
"Iris, it's no exaggeration to say that the future of the House of Edelgard rests on the mission I am giving you this time."
However, that is a story of "a future that might have been."
In this world where Liberta changed history, her older sister Esmeralda is alive, her mother is also well, and the Edelgard family is more prosperous than in the world of "FBO."
And that's only natural, as they are the primary beneficiaries of Liberta, who is said to be an apostle of the gods.
Among the other three great dukedoms that were balanced in power, Duke Bordrinde fell, and the northern territory temporarily became royal demesne directly under the king's control.
This made it possible to break the cooperative structure between the eastern and western ducal houses that remained as opposing forces to the royal family—the House of Marchias in the east and the House of Marduk in the west.
The House of Edelgard, which had cooperated with the royal faction, is the primary beneficiary of this.
Now, they spend their busy days deepening exchanges with subordinate noble houses to further solidify their foundation while also working to win over nobles near the eastern and western borders.
Guldo Edelgard, the head of the House of Edelgard, devised a measure to further strengthen the most important connection—his relationship with Liberta.
"Yes, I understand, Father."
That measure was entrusting the role of diplomat to be sent to the independent territory in the northern frontier, which Liberta governs, to his other daughter, Iris.
While he couldn't send just anyone, he believed his beloved daughter would fulfill this important task, and he also secretly hoped she might become Liberta's lover.
In the original "FBO," she favored crimson dresses and had an aggressive impression with revealing outfits that bared her shoulders.
But what about her now?
A calm blue dress, minimal skin exposure. A soft atmosphere, yet with a bearing that suggests not fragility but a strong core.
A pure and dignified woman.
The complete opposite of Iris in "FBO" stands here.
"It's no exaggeration to say that the future trend of this continent will be influenced by Liberta's movements. Whenever I attend social gatherings, the questions I receive, directly or indirectly, are always about Liberta."
"...I can relate to that. My school friends ask me to introduce them, but I've been refusing them all in a way that avoids causing offense."
"That's good. Don't do anything that might rashly provoke Liberta. The royal family has also asked me to act as an intermediary, but we need to be extremely cautious."
She can read emotions and show compassion.
She has the peace of mind to offer such consideration.
However, that doesn't mean she has become a fool who shows kindness to everything.
She has consideration as a noble and a firmly established personal policy.
"Liberta is a disaster. He understands people's hearts, empathizes with them, and can be considerate. But when he moves, the resulting change and upheaval are extraordinary."
Unlike the future in "FBO," having peace of mind along with her father means she has no need to adopt an arrogant and haughty attitude.
It could also be said that thanks to Liberta's disaster-like existence, many common senses have been blown away.
"In fact, our family's current military strength can be said to surpass that of any other feudal lord. The same goes for our civil officials. Their administrative processing ability is on a completely different level. Consequently, there's an endless stream of people trying to poach our personnel."
There's no doubt that the House of Edelgard is the primary beneficiary.
At the same time, it's also true that the House of Edelgard bears the most hardship.
Standing out means incurring envy.
Everyone wishes they could lead such a blessed life, so they want to take it from those who have it.
"It was tough when rumors spread that we could send people to the town Liberta is building."
"The source of that leak is still unknown, isn't it?"
"Yes."
And those who see an opportunity want to seize it.
"I also heard that marriage proposals for me have increased dramatically since it was decided I would become the ambassador."
"Yes, they've increased both from within and outside the country."
The methods used are varied and seem to come from all directions, almost as if they're throwing caution to the wind.
Marriage proposals are a standard and common tactic for nobles.
But when it's this blatantly about building connections, even with noble common sense, it's off-putting.
"Really, where on earth did that information leak from?"
"Exactly."
Iris, remarking that it's a good thing she took a leave of absence from the academy, sighs and rests her cheek on her hand.
"Right now, you're safer at Liberta's place than staying in the mansion. You'll probably learn a lot there too."
"Yes."
Because they come at her without regard for appearances, assassination and kidnapping attempts are commonplace, and they desperately approach her trying to get even the slightest commitment. Gifts arrive endlessly, even when there's no celebration.
"Father, please be careful with mistresses so Mother doesn't get angry."
"I never thought I'd live to see the day I'd be worried about that at my age."
And these marriage proposals aren't just for Iris.
Esmeralda, who is rumored to have married Liberta (a rumor started by others), is said to cause huge problems if Liberta gets angry, so there's absolutely no activity on that front.
However, as a curveball, many people approach Duke Edelgard suggesting, "How about a concubine or mistress?"
Duke Edelgard is devoted to his wife.
He has neither mistresses nor concubines. But as a noble, having only two children is admittedly few. Exploiting this, there were occasionally offers of concubines or mistresses in his younger days.
Now, Esmeralda and Iris have grown considerably, and the Duke himself has aged accordingly.
"Could it be that such talk arises because you've steadily raised your level and regained your health, Father?"
"That's the very definition of unnecessary meddling."
But it's not like he's lacking in that department.
Thanks to Liberta worrying about the Duke, who has many enemies, and secretly dispatching Entertainers to help him level up, the Duke himself is now in the upper Class 5 range.
He's become significantly stronger compared to past dukes.
"If Mother were to become pregnant with a younger brother or sister now, that would silence everyone around, I think."
"Iris, that's not something for you to worry about."
Forgive me."
So, his vigor in that area has also returned.
Considering the possibility, the Duchess has also been leveling up with the help of the Entertainers, so the same applies to her.
While it's not something a daughter should worry about, it's also true that this presents an effective angle for those trying to build relationships through such means.
"Ahem, well then."
But a daughter worrying about this is unwarranted, so the Duke deliberately clears his throat and changes the subject.
"For the embassy's operations, I've decided to send several civil officials. You'll also have the position of an exchange student at Liberta's academy. Think of them as support for that."
"Yes."
The Duke takes a bundle of papers from his desk and hands them to Iris.
"I see some veterans among them. Will the house be okay?"
"No problem. I can leave Lotus here. But I can't very well send Lotus to Liberta's side. So I have no choice but to take experienced civil officials with you."
The document is the roster of personnel to be dispatched to the embassy this time.
It's the final draft, personally handled and repeatedly and carefully checked by the Duke himself.
"Transport will be via Liberta's teleportation magic item. It won't take time, and there's no worry of being attacked on the way."
"Indeed, that's true."
Dispatching personnel to an important facility like an embassy, to a相手 with whom they absolutely must not破坏 friendly relations.
For such a posting, the Duke himself selected, interviewed, tested the abilities, and carefully checked the candidates.
It's no exaggeration to say this is the strictest screening process since he assumed the position of family head.
"Now, regarding the students who will accompany me..."
Iris flips through the pages. Every single person is a veteran who has served and supported the House of Edelgard for a long time.
These are personnel involved in the House of Edelgard's operations, who have earned trust—a level of talent where, from the Duke's perspective, if these people can't do it, no one can. He has decided to dispatch them.
Understanding the weight of this resolve, Iris nods, satisfied with the embassy's operational staff.
Then comes the biggest headache: the exchange students.
"Ah, Liberta kindly offered to accept students, but..."
Compared to the trusted civil officials, Duke Edelgard couldn't shake his anxiety about dispatching students, who have less proven track record of trust and reliability.
Ten students, led by Iris.
A small group, but they represent this country and are being sent to Liberta.
Normally, you'd think people wouldn't flock to be sent to an undeveloped frontier, but in this case, it's the opposite—too many people want to go.
Liberta's fame among the powerful in this country is incredible.
Needless to say, there's an endless stream of self-recommending candidates.
"In the end, we selected six from the noble houses under my command, and three from the royal family."
There were also candidates from noble houses belonging to the factions of the eastern and western dukes. The Duke will never forget the sharp pain in his stomach when he heard about that.
Officially, they maintain friendly relations as nobles supporting the country, but there's no doubt they dislike each other internally.
So, noble houses connected to the east and west were excluded, and they settled on selecting a few from the cooperative royal family.
"Is that okay?"
"...I confirmed with Liberta just to be sure. I clearly conveyed what kind of people they are. He said that as long as they agree to the contract at the temple, there's no problem in teaching them."
If they only sent people under the House of Edelgard's command, there would be fewer seeds of worry, but with the royal family involved, Iris worries it might create unnecessary friction.
"As long as Liberta doesn't try to seize hegemony on this continent, this country will continue. To build friendly relations with neighboring countries, it would be bad form not to accept personnel from the royal family. Liberta understands that."
The Duke himself would have preferred to fill the first batch with his own subordinates if possible.
He has created enough leverage to force it through without issue.
But this is the result of Liberta's consideration, ensuring that doing so wouldn't leave lingering resentment.
"But this is..."
"Yes, the fifth princess's candidacy likely has that intention."
There are various people within the royal family.
His Majesty, the Queen, and the Crown Prince.
If asked whether there are no other blood relatives, the reality of royal families is that there are.
Having multiple individuals with the right of succession who can take over as king in an emergency is necessary, or the country could falter in a crisis.
Therefore, the king of this country has three concubines in addition to the official queen, the Empress.
A unique aspect of this family is that aside from the Crown Prince, all other children are princesses, which is a limiting factor, but nonetheless, there are many children.
And among them, of course, are princesses intended as pawns for political marriages.
The fact that this intention is hinted at in the dispatch from the royal family is likely what it means, and Duke Edelgard suppresses a sigh he wants to let out.