The atmosphere in the conference room was chaotic.
Count Raylon, who had provided the venue, looked at the second Prince, Lord Rhodnes, who was watching, regardless of whether the nobles were talking or not.
He got angry when he saw that arrogant and indifferent face.
Rhodnes looked at him coldly even when the story of his marriage to the Saintess was mentioned, so he had nothing to say other than the story of the Saintess's canonization.
“The canonization ceremony is in a few hours. Shouldn’t Your Highness, as a member of the royal family, be more proactive?”
“You have already prepared the position for His Majesty the Emperor, His Majesty the Empress, and me, so what more do you want me to do?”
“All kinds of people will flock to the capital. Wouldn’t it be better to do something with the Saintess at the event to put people at ease?”
“Are you telling me to hug and dance with my sister-in-law who is about to become a Saintess?”
The mouth of the person who spoke was tightly shut.
It was a series of demands and answers like this throughout the meeting.
The second Prince did not turn away the people who came to support him.
But there were times when he would stare at Count Raylon as if he could draw his sword and slit his throat at any moment.
The aura of the second Prince, who possessed both notoriety and fame, was amazing.
The nobles present tried hard to ignore such sentiments.
The Duke of Castagna, who had been keeping a close eye on the Empress and Ephero, fell.
Now, there was no basis or justification for sticking with the 9th Prince who had been abandoned.
The nobles who had believed Doris Castagna's words that 'if I become Crown Princess again, I will help transform all the Crown Prince's faction into the second Prince's faction' were upset.
If Doris, who promised unchanging glory, could not come true with Rhodnes, who would know whether she would be abandoned after helping him at best?
To control the second Prince who has always lived like a wolf separated from the pack, he had no choice but to put a leash on the 'Saintess' Doris, and his insides were burning with anger.
“Your Highness, I am sorry to ask you this, but do you truly intend to enter the race for the throne?”
“We have difficulty gauging Your Highness's will.”
“If His Majesty the Emperor listens more closely to public opinion, the position of Crown Prince may be given to His Highness the 9th Prince Ephero at any time...”
As some of those who had been suppressing their complaints began to grumble, Rhodnes turned his gaze in their direction.
The mouth that had been making a fuss was shut tight.
Count Raylon, who had been beating his chest inwardly at the sight, opened his mouth.
“Your Highness, we are on the same boat. If you want to properly use the people who gathered to support you, you must give them a reason. We are the people who have been proudly supporting His Highness Crown Prince Bardenaldo, the ‘Saint’ of Ronta and the virtuous monarch he will become.”
“That’s right. We also need a justification for not supporting His Highness the 9th Prince, the legitimate heir of the current government, and for making Your Highness the Crown Prince. The criminal investigation system. If you heard about the efforts that went into bringing back that old law, you would be so moved that you would shed tears.”
Count Siscometin added.
“I am so touched and tearful.”
Count Raylon shook his head as Rhodnes raised one corner of his mouth, seemingly not at all like that.
'I can't understand you at all!'
Count Raylon, who had been glaring at Lord Rhodnes for a while, sighed deeply and lowered his voice.
“I know you feel uncomfortable. Who would want to live with their sister-in-law as a married couple?”
Rhodnes raised an eyebrow at his remark.
Okay, okay! It looks like Doris Castagna is the problem.
Count Raylon rose from his seat and approached the head table, bowing low.
“Just use the image of the Saintess as a puppet Crown Princess, and later make her the Empress and take several Empresses. My daughter Kanna is the most beautiful woman in the capital...”
“You. Didn’t you try to give your daughter to Grand Duke Trovika before? Your Highness, my daughter Irene is the perfect fit. She has experience serving the Crown Princess at close range, so we will get along well.”
Count Siscometin did not back down and spoke.
With those words, the atmosphere in the conference room became heated again.
The voices of those who wanted to offer their daughters to the young and beautiful unmarried lord grew louder.
Among them, Rhodnes turned his gaze to Vincenzo, who was quietly writing the minutes.
“I would like to discuss what to do with my lover, Countess Acacia. She would also like to sit next to me.”
“The throne is right in front of you, and a widow who has lost her husband is not the right topic for this meeting.”
“It’s a good thing you were getting sick of it.”
A color came over Count Raylon's face. A nobleman from the west, far away, spoke sinisterly.
“There can be no bloodless journey to the throne. Shall I find out how?”
“Think about it.”
Rhodnes, who was still exchanging glances with Vincenzo, answered calmly.
But his languidly open eyes were shining brightly, so Vincenzo immediately understood his intentions.
'You are selecting those who pose a threat to Countess Acacia.'
He doesn't even care about the status of the husband of a Saintess that Doris gives him.
Thinking that this was truly like Rhodnes, he began to write down the names of those who were excitedly talking about how Vincenzo would dispose of Countess Acacia.
Unprecedented crowds flocked to the capital.
Ephero and I wore the white uniforms worn by priests, with hoods attached to our white cloaks.
Even on cold days, the squares and markets were full of people. Every time I passed an inn, there were signs saying “Full occupancy” posted in front of the doors.
There were huge, ornate, golden ornaments placed all over the street, despite the hastily put together appearance.
It was so magnificent that no one could steal it even if they tried.
According to Ephero, this is the first time in his life that he has seen so many people in the capital.
“The whole world is white. It would be more realistic if it snowed when the inauguration ceremony begins soon.”
Ephero, who was ahead, spoke while tapping the white curtains hanging in various places in the market and residential areas.
“Don't talk to me.”
“Wow, you still doubt me? I told you, that wasn’t me who told him. Do you really think that my brother didn’t leave anyone to watch over the mansion? Sometimes, you can be naive in strange ways.”
“I told you not to talk to me.”
“...I’m your friend, right? Not yet, right?”
I glared at Ephero, who seemed rather excited, as I had never been out of the palace very often.
I knew better than anyone that Ephero was a loose talker, but it was annoying that he kept pretending not to know.
“Be careful.”
Ephero sneakily glanced at me and pulled me away from the crowd.
“Prince Ephero. Prince Ephero, please cover your hair properly. It stands out too much.”
“Tell me about yourself? Blondes like that aren’t common even in Elacon.”
Most people had blonde hair with a hint of brown, but pure golden blonde was rare.
I fiddled with my neatly braided hair and pulled the hood of my robe closer up.
And then I immediately tapped Ephero on the back. It meant to tell him to stop talking and go forward.
“Do you think of the Prince of a country as some kind of servant? Or something... Just because you treat Madam like a servant doesn’t mean I should be the same?”
The place that Ephero and I, who had been grumbling the whole way, soon arrived at was a huge platform set up in the central square of the capital.
The streets around the square were also widened as street vendors were removed.
The High Priest Teln and the canonized Doris will soon stand on that platform, clearly visible to the people who have flocked to the capital.
The priests gathered behind the stage under a huge tent for the ceremony, which was scheduled to begin at exactly noon.
Ephero and I were going to wear priest costumes and infiltrate the place to participate in the ceremony.
“You didn’t tell my brother about your plans, did you? You didn’t tell me in detail, I understand because I’m a bit talkative. But shouldn’t you tell my brother?”
“I don’t think it’s dangerous at all, but he thinks it’s dangerous for me to be out in public at this time.”
“Isn’t it dangerous? Aren’t you being too carefree after receiving such poison from your master?”
“What good will it do if you just hide because it’s dangerous? Just as Roan has his own way, I have my own way of doing good. It’s not just for Roan, I’ve prepared things for myself and those around me.”
Ephero stared at me for a moment, seemingly speechless, then put his hand inside his hat and scratched his head.
“You know what? Ma’am, sometimes... you know, really cool stuff.”
I turned my head towards the crowd of people, avoiding Ephero's eyes that were staring at me with strange eyes.
Phew-.
The horn rang loud enough to shake the floor.
“...It’s the beginning.”
It was the sound of the beginning of the ceremony to crown the Saintess whose protagonist would change.
The ceremony to crown a Saintess was so grand that it rivaled the coronation ceremonies of Emperors in the past.
The people who filled the square cheered as they saw the Emperor and his wife sitting on the highest platform.
Because it was very rare to see the royal family outside the palace.
Sitting next to the imperial couple was the second Prince, Rhodnes, who was the center of the hottest rumors these days.
The mouths of the nobles gathered under the podium moved incessantly as they watched him, who, although sitting askew, boasted a dignified and elegant appearance.
“They say it’s not a sainthood ceremony, but an engagement ceremony.”
"Yes-?"
“There is a rumor that when the Crown Princess becomes a Saintess, His Majesty the Emperor will immediately announce the union between the Saintess and His Highness the Second Prince.”
“Even if the criminal investigation system is revived, will the Second Prince accept it?”
“He needs the Saintess help to dispel the rumors of the ominous red eyes. Who would refuse it when the throne is right in front of you? Even if he doesn’t want it, he can always take a woman he likes as his Empress later.”
“I hope it’s not the widowed Countess Acacia.”
“No way.”
The young ladies' gazes, slightly snickering, immediately turned to Rhodnes.
As the red eyes that seemed to be momentarily absorbed in the sight of the snow began to fall little by little turned towards them, the young ladies let out a low groan.
“I have seen him from afar, and seen his portrait in countless gossip magazines and newspapers...”
“Whether it’s ominous or not, there’s no doubt that he's someone I’d like to hold in his arms at least once.”
The second Prince, who might become the Crown Prince, was very beautiful.
The word dangerous actually appeals to young girls.
They turned their longing gazes to their parents, who were waiting for Doris's appearance.
Their gazes, equally filled with desire, were directed towards Rhodnes and the mouth of the high priest who was beginning his speech.
The weak royal lineage was actually good for the nobles.
Most of the nobles of the Crown Prince's faction had come too far to support Ephero.
If you support the second Prince by following Doris, who was the Crown Prince's wife, and spread the rumor of the 'ominous red eyes' whenever something bad happens, the imperial power will gradually weaken.
The corners of the lips of the Crown Prince's faction's senior members went up.
The Emperor who was watching Rhodnes's gaze was not visible in their eyes.
Of course, the trembling voices of Empress Grace, Canula Winster, and High Priest Teln, who were watching Adrienne, were not heard.
As soon as the High Priest Teln appeared on the stage, the surroundings became quiet.
And...
Doris, dressed all in white, prepared to ascend from under the platform.
Count Raylon, who had provided the venue, looked at the second Prince, Lord Rhodnes, who was watching, regardless of whether the nobles were talking or not.
He got angry when he saw that arrogant and indifferent face.
Rhodnes looked at him coldly even when the story of his marriage to the Saintess was mentioned, so he had nothing to say other than the story of the Saintess's canonization.
“The canonization ceremony is in a few hours. Shouldn’t Your Highness, as a member of the royal family, be more proactive?”
“You have already prepared the position for His Majesty the Emperor, His Majesty the Empress, and me, so what more do you want me to do?”
“All kinds of people will flock to the capital. Wouldn’t it be better to do something with the Saintess at the event to put people at ease?”
“Are you telling me to hug and dance with my sister-in-law who is about to become a Saintess?”
The mouth of the person who spoke was tightly shut.
It was a series of demands and answers like this throughout the meeting.
The second Prince did not turn away the people who came to support him.
But there were times when he would stare at Count Raylon as if he could draw his sword and slit his throat at any moment.
The aura of the second Prince, who possessed both notoriety and fame, was amazing.
The nobles present tried hard to ignore such sentiments.
The Duke of Castagna, who had been keeping a close eye on the Empress and Ephero, fell.
Now, there was no basis or justification for sticking with the 9th Prince who had been abandoned.
The nobles who had believed Doris Castagna's words that 'if I become Crown Princess again, I will help transform all the Crown Prince's faction into the second Prince's faction' were upset.
If Doris, who promised unchanging glory, could not come true with Rhodnes, who would know whether she would be abandoned after helping him at best?
To control the second Prince who has always lived like a wolf separated from the pack, he had no choice but to put a leash on the 'Saintess' Doris, and his insides were burning with anger.
“Your Highness, I am sorry to ask you this, but do you truly intend to enter the race for the throne?”
“We have difficulty gauging Your Highness's will.”
“If His Majesty the Emperor listens more closely to public opinion, the position of Crown Prince may be given to His Highness the 9th Prince Ephero at any time...”
As some of those who had been suppressing their complaints began to grumble, Rhodnes turned his gaze in their direction.
The mouth that had been making a fuss was shut tight.
Count Raylon, who had been beating his chest inwardly at the sight, opened his mouth.
“Your Highness, we are on the same boat. If you want to properly use the people who gathered to support you, you must give them a reason. We are the people who have been proudly supporting His Highness Crown Prince Bardenaldo, the ‘Saint’ of Ronta and the virtuous monarch he will become.”
“That’s right. We also need a justification for not supporting His Highness the 9th Prince, the legitimate heir of the current government, and for making Your Highness the Crown Prince. The criminal investigation system. If you heard about the efforts that went into bringing back that old law, you would be so moved that you would shed tears.”
Count Siscometin added.
“I am so touched and tearful.”
Count Raylon shook his head as Rhodnes raised one corner of his mouth, seemingly not at all like that.
'I can't understand you at all!'
Count Raylon, who had been glaring at Lord Rhodnes for a while, sighed deeply and lowered his voice.
“I know you feel uncomfortable. Who would want to live with their sister-in-law as a married couple?”
Rhodnes raised an eyebrow at his remark.
Okay, okay! It looks like Doris Castagna is the problem.
Count Raylon rose from his seat and approached the head table, bowing low.
“Just use the image of the Saintess as a puppet Crown Princess, and later make her the Empress and take several Empresses. My daughter Kanna is the most beautiful woman in the capital...”
“You. Didn’t you try to give your daughter to Grand Duke Trovika before? Your Highness, my daughter Irene is the perfect fit. She has experience serving the Crown Princess at close range, so we will get along well.”
Count Siscometin did not back down and spoke.
With those words, the atmosphere in the conference room became heated again.
The voices of those who wanted to offer their daughters to the young and beautiful unmarried lord grew louder.
Among them, Rhodnes turned his gaze to Vincenzo, who was quietly writing the minutes.
“I would like to discuss what to do with my lover, Countess Acacia. She would also like to sit next to me.”
“The throne is right in front of you, and a widow who has lost her husband is not the right topic for this meeting.”
“It’s a good thing you were getting sick of it.”
A color came over Count Raylon's face. A nobleman from the west, far away, spoke sinisterly.
“There can be no bloodless journey to the throne. Shall I find out how?”
“Think about it.”
Rhodnes, who was still exchanging glances with Vincenzo, answered calmly.
But his languidly open eyes were shining brightly, so Vincenzo immediately understood his intentions.
'You are selecting those who pose a threat to Countess Acacia.'
He doesn't even care about the status of the husband of a Saintess that Doris gives him.
Thinking that this was truly like Rhodnes, he began to write down the names of those who were excitedly talking about how Vincenzo would dispose of Countess Acacia.
***
Unprecedented crowds flocked to the capital.
Ephero and I wore the white uniforms worn by priests, with hoods attached to our white cloaks.
Even on cold days, the squares and markets were full of people. Every time I passed an inn, there were signs saying “Full occupancy” posted in front of the doors.
There were huge, ornate, golden ornaments placed all over the street, despite the hastily put together appearance.
It was so magnificent that no one could steal it even if they tried.
According to Ephero, this is the first time in his life that he has seen so many people in the capital.
“The whole world is white. It would be more realistic if it snowed when the inauguration ceremony begins soon.”
Ephero, who was ahead, spoke while tapping the white curtains hanging in various places in the market and residential areas.
“Don't talk to me.”
“Wow, you still doubt me? I told you, that wasn’t me who told him. Do you really think that my brother didn’t leave anyone to watch over the mansion? Sometimes, you can be naive in strange ways.”
“I told you not to talk to me.”
“...I’m your friend, right? Not yet, right?”
I glared at Ephero, who seemed rather excited, as I had never been out of the palace very often.
I knew better than anyone that Ephero was a loose talker, but it was annoying that he kept pretending not to know.
“Be careful.”
Ephero sneakily glanced at me and pulled me away from the crowd.
“Prince Ephero. Prince Ephero, please cover your hair properly. It stands out too much.”
“Tell me about yourself? Blondes like that aren’t common even in Elacon.”
Most people had blonde hair with a hint of brown, but pure golden blonde was rare.
I fiddled with my neatly braided hair and pulled the hood of my robe closer up.
And then I immediately tapped Ephero on the back. It meant to tell him to stop talking and go forward.
“Do you think of the Prince of a country as some kind of servant? Or something... Just because you treat Madam like a servant doesn’t mean I should be the same?”
The place that Ephero and I, who had been grumbling the whole way, soon arrived at was a huge platform set up in the central square of the capital.
The streets around the square were also widened as street vendors were removed.
The High Priest Teln and the canonized Doris will soon stand on that platform, clearly visible to the people who have flocked to the capital.
The priests gathered behind the stage under a huge tent for the ceremony, which was scheduled to begin at exactly noon.
Ephero and I were going to wear priest costumes and infiltrate the place to participate in the ceremony.
“You didn’t tell my brother about your plans, did you? You didn’t tell me in detail, I understand because I’m a bit talkative. But shouldn’t you tell my brother?”
“I don’t think it’s dangerous at all, but he thinks it’s dangerous for me to be out in public at this time.”
“Isn’t it dangerous? Aren’t you being too carefree after receiving such poison from your master?”
“What good will it do if you just hide because it’s dangerous? Just as Roan has his own way, I have my own way of doing good. It’s not just for Roan, I’ve prepared things for myself and those around me.”
Ephero stared at me for a moment, seemingly speechless, then put his hand inside his hat and scratched his head.
“You know what? Ma’am, sometimes... you know, really cool stuff.”
I turned my head towards the crowd of people, avoiding Ephero's eyes that were staring at me with strange eyes.
Phew-.
The horn rang loud enough to shake the floor.
“...It’s the beginning.”
It was the sound of the beginning of the ceremony to crown the Saintess whose protagonist would change.
***
The ceremony to crown a Saintess was so grand that it rivaled the coronation ceremonies of Emperors in the past.
The people who filled the square cheered as they saw the Emperor and his wife sitting on the highest platform.
Because it was very rare to see the royal family outside the palace.
Sitting next to the imperial couple was the second Prince, Rhodnes, who was the center of the hottest rumors these days.
The mouths of the nobles gathered under the podium moved incessantly as they watched him, who, although sitting askew, boasted a dignified and elegant appearance.
“They say it’s not a sainthood ceremony, but an engagement ceremony.”
"Yes-?"
“There is a rumor that when the Crown Princess becomes a Saintess, His Majesty the Emperor will immediately announce the union between the Saintess and His Highness the Second Prince.”
“Even if the criminal investigation system is revived, will the Second Prince accept it?”
“He needs the Saintess help to dispel the rumors of the ominous red eyes. Who would refuse it when the throne is right in front of you? Even if he doesn’t want it, he can always take a woman he likes as his Empress later.”
“I hope it’s not the widowed Countess Acacia.”
“No way.”
The young ladies' gazes, slightly snickering, immediately turned to Rhodnes.
As the red eyes that seemed to be momentarily absorbed in the sight of the snow began to fall little by little turned towards them, the young ladies let out a low groan.
“I have seen him from afar, and seen his portrait in countless gossip magazines and newspapers...”
“Whether it’s ominous or not, there’s no doubt that he's someone I’d like to hold in his arms at least once.”
The second Prince, who might become the Crown Prince, was very beautiful.
The word dangerous actually appeals to young girls.
They turned their longing gazes to their parents, who were waiting for Doris's appearance.
Their gazes, equally filled with desire, were directed towards Rhodnes and the mouth of the high priest who was beginning his speech.
The weak royal lineage was actually good for the nobles.
Most of the nobles of the Crown Prince's faction had come too far to support Ephero.
If you support the second Prince by following Doris, who was the Crown Prince's wife, and spread the rumor of the 'ominous red eyes' whenever something bad happens, the imperial power will gradually weaken.
The corners of the lips of the Crown Prince's faction's senior members went up.
The Emperor who was watching Rhodnes's gaze was not visible in their eyes.
Of course, the trembling voices of Empress Grace, Canula Winster, and High Priest Teln, who were watching Adrienne, were not heard.
As soon as the High Priest Teln appeared on the stage, the surroundings became quiet.
And...
Doris, dressed all in white, prepared to ascend from under the platform.
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment