Late awakening (8)
Oslo looked out the window.
A plain carriage with knights gathered around it. Preparations were in full swing to throw him into Tragos.
"Do you know why Father ordered us to leave for Tragos today?"
The Sanguiopadui just looked at Oslo without answering.
"When everyone's eyes are on my brother, the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces, someone like me is expected to quietly disappear. It's even more miserable."
The days of suffering discrimination against Kalit and swallowing his resentment are over.
Because his father will die today and be reborn.
Oslo smiled as he looked at his reflection in the window. It was worth choosing the most colorful clothes. He liked it.
"But do I really have to do it? I don't want to get bloody."
"Your Highness, only blood obtained by human hands can be transformed. I know it's annoying and you don't like it, but Your Highness, you must do it yourself."
The strangely strange way the monster spoke changed to that of a maid in just one day. Her smile was also very natural.
"I've requested an exclusive interview, so there won't be any knights. But the chief chamberlain is the problem. I'll somehow lure him out, so block the door. No one will know it's the devil's doing."
"You won't be able to use your strength for long in this state. You have to finish it quickly."
"Don't worry about it, just make your arms normal. People with disabilities can't work in the palace."
"Oh, is that so?"
The sleeve of the flailing monster slowly puffed up. The arm that had been cut off up to the elbow sprouted like a tree branch.
At the moment when Oslo was about to swear at the disgusting sight.
Footsteps were heard outside, and the door opened. It was the knights who were in charge of surveillance under the guise of guarding Tragos.
"Your Highness, it is time for you to leave."
"I get it."
Oslo looked around the bedroom before leaving.
Luxurious furniture, expensive wines, artisan glassware. Things he'll never see again.
Now he will be using the Emperor's bedroom.
"Then shall we go and say our final goodbyes to my Father?"
A silent smile appeared on his lips.
***
The Piazza Antica is the largest square in the empire.
When we arrived at the square, 70.000 soldiers were lined up for the event and were busy.
Shouts urging the soldiers on erupted from all sides.
lan stood at the center of it all. As usual, he was dressed in white and riding a white horse, standing out among the 70,000 people.
"Huh? There's Rahon over there."
"Where?"
"Excuse me, can't you see?"
"Ah... I see it now."
Rahon was right next to Ian. It was so ridiculous that 8 didn't notice him even though he was so close.
"As expected, he doesn't have the kind of appearance that would be buried when surrounded by 70,000 people."
"Yeah, that's right."
When the carriage stopped, Baba opened the door.
"Miss, please get off carefully."
Seeing Baba diligently doing his job as a coachman was a source of new admiration.
Who would have thought that this man's true identity was an assassin?
As I shook my head and got out of the carriage, a middle-aged nobleman with a gentle demeanor approached me.
"Lady Astro, welcome."
"Is this voice... Count Illui?"
"You remember me. It's been a while."
"I think this is the first time we've met since the summit. Did you happen to be in charge of the departure ceremony, Count?"
"I am sorry to say that His Majesty has entrusted me with an important mission."
The fact that the Emperor entrusted Count Illui with a state event like the inauguration ceremony meant that the Emperor trusted him.
"You did a great job at the summit. You deserve His Majesty's trust. Congratulations."
"I am grateful that the Young lady is so considerate. I will first guide you to the waiting room."
The place we were guided to was the history museum in the square.
The entire building was heavily guarded by knights, so there was no one around. As it was a building for the Emperor to use, all access was controlled for safety reasons.
After passing through the entrance, a long lobby appeared. We passed through the lobby with portraits of past Emperors and headed to the spacious exhibition hall.
"Then, please rest comfortably. I will inform you of the order of proceedings when His Majesty arrives."
"Could you tell me where His Highness the First Prince is?"
"He will be talking to the Duke of Eldern. Should I tell him that the young lady is looking for him?"
"Please."
After Count Illui left, I took a look around the museum again.
"Nadia, we used to come here often when we were kids. Do you remember?"
"Of course. You really liked this museum, didn't you, Miss?"
"You?"
"I'm... uh.. please sit down."
"You hated it?"
I chuckled and looked at the flower pot placed near the sofa. Was it there on purpose to create the atmosphere? I don't know what kind of plant it is, but the long leaves are elegant.
"It feels dreary because it's so big."
Nadia brought a blanket and covered my lap.
"Come here, let's cover together."
"How could I..."
"Hurry."
Nadia curled up and sat down next to me. She snuggled up against my side and stamped her feet, saying it was freezing.
It's not that cold.
I couldn't help but smile bitterly when I saw Nadia trying to appease me by acting cute, even though it didn't suit her personality.
"I'm okay, you don't have to push yourself."
"What, what am I..."
"I'll send you off with a smile. Don't worry."
"...Our young lady is really beautiful."
The moment Nadia smiled gently and took my hand.
"Millenia."
The sound of long, thumping footsteps echoed along with Kalit's voice.
Nadia quickly got up from the sofa.
"Your Highness has arrived. Please speak comfortably."
Nadia stood at the lobby entrance and bowed to Kalit. He returned the greeting with a smile and sat down next to me.
"They said you were looking for me desperately?"
"I'm not saying this because I'm sad..."
Before I could finish answering, Kalit held out his hand.
"I've been waiting anxiously. Give it to me quickly, handkerchief."
"How did you know?"
"Marquis Astrod and Rahon have handkerchiefs with amazing embroidery?"
"Exorbitant..."
"The Marquis hung it on his chest. and Rahon tied it to his wrist. As if he was showing it off. Anyone could tell that it was something he received from you. Then I thought I should have one too."
"What about Ian?"
"Did you give it to the little Duke too? I don't think I saw it."
Didn't you receive it? I should have checked it this morning...
I sighed and took a handkerchief out of my pouch.
"Oh, this is the famous Young Lady Astro's embroidery. Isn't it amazing? This is my first time seeing something like this."
"Would you like to give it back?"
Kalit quickly put the handkerchief in his bosom and patted his chest.
"From now on, this is my treasure number two. Thank you."
"What is treasure number one?"
When I asked with a smile, Kalit made a meaningful expression.
"Yes. It's called Soap Night."
"Soap night?"
"It's literally a knight carved out of soap. Someone gave it to me when I was a kid."
Isn't that the gift I gave to Kalit?
I asked back in surprise.
"Do you still have it?"
Kalit opened his eyes wide.
"...Do you remember?"
"That's treasure number one? At that time. Kalits expression was exactly like, 'This is a gift?'"
Kalit laughed out loud.
"That was the first time I saw it. It was so ugly and didn't even look like Knight. But I still treasured it."
"Why?"
"It warms my heart when I look at it."
He continued, saying that it was the only thing that gave him comfort during his desolate childhood.
"I thought you had completely forgotten. It was so long ago."
"I remember you teaching me chess."
"Really? But why did you act like it was the first time we met when we met again? I mean, the day you broke up with Oslo and I saw you at the palace."
"I really didn't know at the time. It was a memory that only came to me recently. But Lord Kalit treated me like it was the first time you saw me."
"Why would I pretend to know someone who doesn't even remember me? It's so petty."
"At that time, I was thinking of using you. A gift is a gift, and people are people."
At that time, the way Kalit looked at me was cold. I remember thinking it was strange because it was a completely different look from his affectionate tone.
Then, when did it start to flow from those cold silver-gray eyes?
"Do you have a wish, Kallit?"
"Of course there is."
"Are you going to become the successor to the throne?"
Kalit laughed.
"What do I wish for? It's something I have to do."
"Sure?"
"To marry you."
"Ha, stop joking. I'm serious now."
"Are you pretending not to know, or do you really not know?"
"Yes?"
Kalit tilted his head to the side.
"Didn't I tell you last time? I'm sincere to you."
I've heard similar things before, but honestly, I never took it seriously.
I was speechless in embarrassment. Kallit grabbed my hand as I sat there dumbfounded.
"So stop teasing me and accept me."
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