Chapter 32
The alliance with the Marquis of Doiten would be a great help to Ian in the future.
The Doiten family owned lands rich with crops, which would become a stable food source for Vesperd—a cold northern region with poor farmland.
Especially if a conflict with the royal family ever happened, food support would be very important.
“They’re giving all that grain to the Hero of the Year?”
“Yes. His Highness the Young Duke requested it. I heard they’ll also send people to help distribute it.”
“….”
“Giving money is good too, but if bad rumors spread about the store, they might lose customers. His Highness thought it would be better to make the people like the store. He’s so wise—I learn so much just watching him.”
Amelia had already heard this, but hearing it again from Serry made her heart flutter with pride.
He’s only twelve, but so smart and kind.
How amazing will Ian become in the future?
She watched the wagons heading to the store, imagining the future.
Then—
“What are you staring at so hard?”
“Ah…”
“Sometimes, I wonder if you’re secretly the captain of the knights.”
The playful voice made her turn around with a big smile.
“Your Highness! When did you get here? You were just over there a moment ago!”
She wanted to hide how happy she was, so Ian wouldn’t feel pressured—
But her voice was already full of joy.
Serry politely stepped away to give them space.
“Just now. The others insisted they’d handle the rest themselves.”
“You mean the knights?”
“Yeah. Also… I could feel someone staring at me.”
Amelia let out a guilty laugh.
So he really had felt her gaze…
She quickly looked away and changed the subject.
“Maybe it’s because they’re worried about Your Highness getting tired.”
“Well, those rumors aren’t great. Everyone’s being careful. The rumor that the second son becoming heir is bad luck. It’s like the plague rumors all over again.”
“Do they bother you?”
She asked, watching his face closely.
She didn’t want Ian to get hurt by such cruel gossip.
Ian gave a light laugh and shrugged.
“No? Not at all.”
Amelia was about to smile in relief—
“But I’m going to become strong, so no one can ever speak badly of me again.”
His expression turned serious, full of determination.
Amelia couldn’t look away.
Her heart swelled with pride at his firm resolve.
Now we can truly build a new future together.
‘Finding the real mastermind is more important than just catching a culprit.’
Just like Ian said, the true enemies were still hiding.
No—I’m sure. Because I know the future.
Amelia couldn’t tell him yet—he might think she was crazy.
But she knew.
In the past, there were people who gathered around Joseph.
They were the evil force that brought down Vesperd in the end.
To stop another tragedy, they had to be found and stopped.
“They’re doing what they didn’t dare to do before. Probably because I’m the second son, not the rightful heir.”
Ian was blaming himself again. But Amelia could tell—
This was different from the regret he used to carry in the past.
“That’s why I won’t run away anymore.”
His calm smile and glowing red eyes looked stronger than ever.
Is this a dream?
Amelia quietly clenched her fist behind her back.
She had been secretly anxious ever since the fire during the Hero Festival.
Who’s behind Joseph?
She had no clues yet, and something bad had already happened.
She had been scared the past would repeat.
But now, looking at Ian—so determined and confident—her fears melted away.
She bowed her head to hide her face as her emotions bubbled up.
“Are you sick?”
His gentle voice made her quickly smile.
“No! I’m just happy!”
Ian smiled too, then whispered softly:
“…Thank you.”
That was the moment it truly hit her—
Everything had changed.
Then Ian suddenly remembered something and pulled out a paper.
“What’s this?”
“Homework.”
“…Homework?”
She stared at him, stunned.
It had been years since she even heard that word.
Ian laughed and handed her the paper.
“We’re going to start lessons soon—successor training. His Grace arranged for a teacher.”
“Wow!”
“These are things to practice before then. Read it over.”
Amelia looked at the paper with wide eyes.
In her past life, she had never even seen a lesson like this.
Who would the teacher be? What would she need to prepare?
Everything was new and exciting.
“This is amazing.”
She looked up at Ian with shining eyes.
Ian smiled warmly.
“Yeah, it is.”
Amelia smiled too, then carefully opened the paper—
But froze at the first sentence.
“W-What is this!?”
She looked at the paper again, then at Ian, over and over.
“From now on, we have to call each other by name during lessons?”
“That’s right.”
“Wait, but…!”
It wasn’t that she couldn’t read—
It was just shocking!
“But married couples have to follow formal manners!”
“Maybe the teacher has a reason?”
Ian couldn’t hide his smile at her flustered face.
“Nice to meet you, Amelia.”
He leaned in close—way too close.
She was speechless.
A direct face attack!
Groaning inside, she looked back at the paper.
Please let this be a dream…
But the words didn’t change.
[From now on, you must call each other by name when alone or in class.]
Amelia folded the paper and asked:
“By the way, who’s the teacher?”
“I don’t know. His Grace said we’ll meet them during the lesson.”
Who in the world gave us this crazy assignment?
She suddenly felt very curious.
“Wow… this is amazing.”
Amelia gasped as they entered the classroom prepared for their successor lessons.
She was being honest. She’d never had a lesson like this in her past life.
So of course, she didn’t know who the teacher was.
Did they come from the Academy? Or maybe His Grace and Her Grace picked them directly?
Either way—so exciting!
The room had a large couch for them, and a teacher’s podium across from it.
The couch was decorated with fancy fabric said to be rare even in the royal palace.
Delicious buttery sweets were laid out on the table like art pieces.
Beautiful, expensive-looking statues stood in every corner.
If not for the podium, this could be a royal reception room.
Amelia sipped the tea and looked around.
“Are you that excited?”
Ian smiled as he took a sip of tea too.
Amelia couldn’t hide her excitement and nodded quickly.
“You look like a happy little rabbit.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
Was he teasing me again?
She was about to pout when—
Creak
The door opened.
“Greetings, Your Highness the Young Duke and Your Highness the Young Duchess.”
A man with shoulder-length brown hair walked in.
He had soft-looking hair, round glasses, and a smart, gentle voice.
He was tall, but quite slim—not what she expected from a royal tutor.
“I’m Raul Pierce. You may call me Raul, if that’s easier.”
Amelia saw his face and almost dropped her teacup in shock.
