Edith returned to the castle, where Duke Karl was waiting for her in the hall.

"You only stayed in Nevernight City for three days? If I understand correctly, this mission needs time to develop and doesn't require you to rush back immediately. Why not stay longer?"

She frowned. "Father, did you send someone to eavesdrop on my conversation?"

"If I asked you directly, would you tell me everything?" The Duke glared, puffing out his beard. "I learned this trick from you—rather than waiting for an answer, it's better to explore it yourself."

"Pfft," the Pearl of the North couldn't help but laugh. "Congratulations, you've finally made some progress. This way, I can save myself the trouble of worrying about you in Neverwinter."

The Duke said unhappily, "You still haven't answered my question. It's one thing for you to leave, but you even want to take Lance with you—is that Wimbledon really so attractive to you? He'd rather marry a witch than form an alliance with the Kant family. I really don't understand why you're bringing up Goron's child!"

"It seems you're quite resentful that I can't ascend to the throne," Edith said askew. "Or are you only concerned about whether my unborn child can inherit the crown? I haven't forgotten what you said to me when Tifiko came to the Northern Lands. And don't think I don't know what suggestions you made to His Majesty."

Karl's momentum immediately weakened. "I...I was just thinking of you. Don't you think it's upsetting to let that wild woman's offspring take the spotlight..."

Edith sighed inwardly. She couldn't say her father was lying; at least some of his concern for her was genuine, but in the end, it wasn't a good plan. Karl Kant might be a good father, but as a lord governing a territory, his shortcomings were quite obvious.

Fortunately, the nobles of the Northern Lands weren't very impressive in this generation, or rather, most nobles were quite incompetent. No wonder His Majesty didn't want the nobility system to continue. If she were king, she probably wouldn't tolerate a bunch of *baichi* squandering her property either.

Because everyone was at the same level, she should have comforted her father nicely, but Edith couldn't bring herself to do it. She preferred to turn words into sharp blades, especially if they could bring pain and torment—whether to others or to herself.

"Wild woman? No, you're wrong, Father. It's not by chance that she was favored by Goron Wimbledon." As Edith spoke, she felt a hint of pleasure. "That woman only lacked an identity. If she had been born into a noble family in the Northern Lands, she might have been much more outstanding than you. As for my two younger brothers, they're even more insignificant. In fact, you should be most grateful to the Kant family ancestors. Without the title of Earl, you wouldn't have been able to climb to your current position, you might not even be an ordinary merchant on the street."

As she expected, her father's expression turned ugly.

"Despite her initial reluctance, once she made up her mind, she immediately gave up those who could pose a threat to her. In this regard, that woman is quite decisive. Suppose Goron's child inherits power in the future, do you think she'll take revenge on me, who once forced her? I think the chances are quite high," Edith said with a light smile. "As for the means, of course, she'll do whatever brings the most satisfaction. After all, the one who understands women best is another woman, isn't it?"

"Enough...I know I was wrong," Karl finally couldn't bear it and surrendered. "Can you please stop talking?"

"Phew," Edith let out a long sigh of satisfaction. "So he will definitely not inherit the throne. Even if His Majesty doesn't intend to, I won't allow it." She tossed her long hair and walked to her father's side. "Let's get back to business. The reason I'm returning so soon is that I don't want to fall behind too much—Neverwinter City is changing rapidly. Going back and forth for half a month is already a long time away from the center of power. If it weren't for His Majesty's instructions, I wouldn't want to make this trip at all. As for my third brother...I seemed to have written in the letter that I would send him to Neverwinter City after he came of age, but your memory is really too bad."

"But if even Lance is sent away, the Northern Lands will have no—"

"No heir?" Edith interrupted. "The title of nobility is now purely an honorary title. If the descendants are stupid and incompetent, do you think they can really stand firm in the City Hall? I'm taking him away precisely for the future of the Kant family—there are too many new things to learn there. If you don't want to be eliminated, the only way is to integrate into it."

The Duke was still hesitant. "Didn't His Majesty Roland say that there are extremely terrifying enemies in the desolate lands? Have you not considered what would happen if Neverwinter City were captured?"

"It's simple. At that time, even if you have a dozen heirs, it won't matter," she said, spreading her hands easily. "And we should also thank the devils."

"Wh...what?" Karl asked in surprise.

"I have a vague feeling that if it weren't for the devils, His Majesty would have turned the four kingdoms upside down long ago..." the Pearl of the North pouted. "The current stability is only for the sake of fighting against the devils, but the day of drastic change will come sooner or later. So, when all is said and done, it's no exaggeration to say that the devils have bought us time. Such an opportunity only comes once. You should know what to do, right?"

The Duke was silent for a long time before sighing. "Give preferential treatment to the teachers sent by Neverwinter City, set up more primary education classes, continue to send people to the Western Region to study, and listen more to the suggestions of City Hall officials...You've mentioned it many times in your letters, my memory isn't that bad."

"Good that you remember," Edith patted her father's shoulder and then walked towards the stairs. "I'm going to catch up on some sleep first. I still have important things to do tonight."

"Wait..." Karl turned around and stopped her. "The question that wild wo...Livfia asked at the end, I'm also very curious about. How did you answer it at the time?"

"Rather than waiting for an answer, it's better to explore it yourself—" Edith smiled slightly. "You've already made some progress just now. Please continue to maintain it."

"Hey, I was just saying that casually. Wait...did you deliberately not make a sound?" The Duke opened his mouth wide, as if realizing something. "Deliberately leading me to say that, in order to shut me up? Alright, alright, I won't send anyone to eavesdrop anymore. Now you can tell me, right? My good daughter!"

"Don't worry too much about it, Father, because it's not important at all." She paused. "I wish that were true, but unfortunately..."

"Unfortunately what?" Karl pressed.

However, the Pearl of the North did not answer, but simply waved her hand and disappeared at the end of the stairs.