The Reincarnated Young Girl Is Adored by the Spirits She Helped in Her Previous Life
Two days before the fully recovered Marion arrived at the lakeside villa—
An elderly man sat in a luxurious chair, reading a report while receiving another report.
His name was Gastone Olivinis Farnese.
He was the father of Graf, who was Luria’s father, and the king of the Olivinis Kingdom.
Though Gastone was in his mid-sixties, he remained muscular, youthful, and exuded an imposing presence.
His hair was white, and his face bore wrinkles, but his striking blue eyes and facial features closely resembled Graf’s.
However, a deep wrinkle was etched between his brows, making no effort to conceal his displeasure.
“…The Grand Duke of Narbatcha claims he is too ill to appear at court?”
Despite it being summer, the room was cool. Yet, the messenger was visibly intimidated, shrinking under the pressure and breaking into a sweat.
“And?”
Gastone did not even lift his gaze from the report, massaging his temple with his fingers.
Lately, he had been suffering from persistent headaches, which only worsened his foul mood.
“That is why, Father—”
“Hm?”
Gastone lifted his face and glared at the messenger.
The messenger was Crown Prince Gerald Olivinis Farnese, Luria’s uncle.
“Y-Your Majesty. I mean, that is why the Grand Duke is too ill to—”
Gerald quickly corrected himself from “Father” to “Your Majesty” before repeating the same explanation.
“And?”
“Well—”
“I ordered the Grand Duke to appear before me, did I not?”
The Grand Duke of Narbatcha was suspected of engaging in illegal trade with a neighboring country, smuggling contraband into the city.
For this reason, Gastone had commanded him to present himself at court and explain.
“Yes, but—”
“There are no ‘buts.’ If I command it, he should crawl here if necessary, should he not?”
Though his tone was mild, it carried an undeniable authority.
“But if he is truly ill and we force him to come, what if his condition worsens?”
“Then he should die.”
“W-What?”
“He should die following my command. That would be his honor, would it not?”
“P-Please wait! The Grand Duke is Your Majesty’s own uncle—”
The Grand Duke of Narbatcha was the illegitimate son of the previous king and held a high position in the line of succession.
He was older than the king and one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom, possessing vast lands.
Gastone had crushed and executed many rebellious nobles before.
However, dealing with an uncle of such status was an entirely different matter.
“Gerald.”
Gastone placed the report on his desk and gestured for Gerald to come closer.
“Your Majesty?”
Gerald thought he would receive confidential instructions, so he stepped forward—
“Guh—! Your Majesty, what are you—?!”
Gastone grabbed Gerald by the collar and pulled him in.
“You fool! The Grand Duke is mocking me!”
Gastone roared, his face so close that it nearly touched Gerald’s.
“He believes that because he is a great noble and my uncle, he is untouchable!”
“T-That is—”
“To insult me is to insult the very Kingdom of Olivinis!”
Gastone released Gerald’s collar.
“Mobilize the royal guards. Burn the Narbatcha estate to the ground and bring me the Grand Duke’s head.”
“P-Please wait! That will start a war!”
“That is what I intend.”
“Your Majesty! At least—at least grant me a month! I will convince the Grand Duke!”
Seeing Gerald’s desperate expression, Gastone let out a deep sigh.
“…One week. Resolve this in one week.”
“As you command.”
After watching Crown Prince Gerald leave, Gastone sighed once more.
He was beginning to regret entrusting the matter of the Grand Duke to Gerald so hastily.
Gerald was too soft.
In that regard, Graf was better. Graf understood what happened when one was underestimated.
In the world of royalty and nobility, once someone looked down on you, you would be devoured.
That was why Graf never hesitated to crush his enemies—whether they were the church or a group of sorcerers.
To protect his family, he would annihilate any threat.
Moreover, he regularly reported to Gastone to ensure he was not suspected of disloyalty.
Graf never underestimated the king.
Not underestimating meant he accurately assessed the difference in power between them.
Coldly, without letting his guard down, obediently, he pretended he had no claws or fangs.
“If anyone were to try and assassinate me in my sleep, it would be Graf.”
Since becoming king—no, since childhood—Gastone had trusted no one.
He had been targeted for assassination many times.
He had been betrayed countless times.
Among those who betrayed him were his own mother, siblings, loyal retainers, and even those he had considered friends.
…No one could be trusted.
Even so, his son was still better than his subordinates. That was why he had entrusted the matter to the Crown Prince.
“Pathetic. …But Graf cannot be ignored either.”
The Crown Prince was too soft, while Graf was too sharp.
Graf had sensed the king’s suspicion.
That was why he had renounced his royal status and distanced himself from the palace, signaling he had no ambitions.
“…Perhaps it is time I take action against Graf as well.”
People become accustomed to fear and eventually forget.
That was why a king must periodically remind them of his terrifying power.
As Gastone thought of Graf, he glanced at another report.
Gastone had deployed spies, known as “Shadows,” across the kingdom.
The only ones Gastone could trust were the Shadows.
No—even they could betray him at any time. That was how Gastone thought.
“Hm?”
The report detailed an incident at the lakeside villa the previous day.
A villager had made a direct appeal in Graf’s domain, and the matter had been resolved that same day.
Notably, a giant beast had appeared to be following Graf’s daughter, Luria.
“…Interesting.”
A young girl loved by animals.
In the time of the Holy Royal Family, this was said to be a trait of the legendary Saint.
“…This could be useful.”
It didn’t matter whether she was truly a Saint. What mattered was that she could be presented as one.
It would serve as a counter to the growing power of the church and suppress rebellious nobles.
“Investigate Graf’s daughter, Luria.”
Gastone muttered.
At that moment—
A presence vanished, soundlessly, from the room.
Shortly afterward, Gastone issued an imperial decree, summoning Graf and his youngest daughter to court.
