“Speak, Your Majesty.”
The High Priest granted him the floor again.
“Please deliver the results of the trial as soon as possible.”
His voice was filled with the power of authority.
“Yes, I don’t know what the verdict will be yet, but I will expedite the court’s ruling on this case without delay.”
The High Priest, who had been listening to the Emperor, answered with a deliberate expression.
“Ahhhh! No, this can’t be happening!”
Prince Tesla, pinned flat on the ground, cried out in a fit of convulsions.
“I am Prince Tesla of the Kingdom of Shattonil! I am soon to be King! Do you think you can bring me down?!”
I watched Prince Tesla’s final struggle.
A chorus of tongue-clicking echoed through the courtroom.
“I am the Emperor of the Lapion Empire. I am already Emperor. Do you think I cannot bring you down when you have not even ascended to the throne?”
Linel's displeased voice was laced with intense contempt.
"Your Majesty, please retract your opinion! For the sake of our close relationship, you can't do this to me! Yes? Your Majesty!!"
Prince Tesla shifted his stance, clapped his hands above his head, and pleaded fervently.
His slurred speech, tears streaming down his face, and his sudden descent into pleading made me feel like I was watching a clown's performance.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I've only ever had close relationships with one person in my life."
He retorted to Prince Tesla, turning his gaze towards me and slightly raising his lips.
I smiled secretly at him, but my face flushed as I met the High Priest's eyes.
The High Priest glanced back and forth between him and me, cleared his throat, and ordered his knights to drag Prince Tesla away.
Prince Tesla writhed and fell to the ground.
Four knights clung to him, grabbing his limbs one by one, but the Prince resisted formidably.
When Prince Tesla's resistance seemed to have subsided, Commander Macrom approached the dock a moment later.
Seeing Commander Macrom, Prince Tesla drew his legs together, and his turbulent movements slowed significantly.
Is this why they say "fist is better than law"?
After the trial, the spectators had all left and silence descended once again on the Grand Hall.
Princess Resilia hid behind a pillar in the Grand Hall lobby, waiting for Prince Norton, who had yet to emerge from the courtroom.
She had been waiting for a chance to speak with Prince Norton since before the trial began, but because he was with Rosie, she simply hovered around, keeping an eye on him.
After several minutes of waiting behind the pillar, she finally saw Prince Norton emerging from the courtroom.
Princess Resilia took a step toward him and then hid behind the pillar again.
Prince Norton wasn't alone.
"Why is that pumpkin and that blind thing clinging to Norton?"
Rosie and Melanie appeared.
Besides them, a string of other people she disliked was following her.
The timing wasn't good.
If only Rosie and Melanie were there, she could have pushed them away somehow and talked to Norton, but leaving Zelda and the Emperor behind was a bit much.
'It'd be better to go to the room myself,'
Princess Resilia thought, glaring at Rosie, who was clinging closely to Prince Norton.
She leaned against the pillar, waiting for them to quickly disappear from the Great Hall.
"Your Majesty, I have something to tell you."
Princess Resilia perked up at Prince Norton's voice.
"Go ahead."
"Now that Prince Tesla has lost his powers, I think it would be a good idea to bring Rams."
Princess Resilia's eyes widened at Prince Norton's words.
"Oh, right. I'll tell Raphael. I'll also tell the Chamberlain to make sure you and Rams can stay here comfortably until you depart for the Pasha Empire."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
“When Rams returns to the palace, can I take care of him? It’ll be a burden for Your Highness to look after him, and the servants will be unfamiliar to you.”
Rosie said excitedly.
“That would be good. Since Rosie has been watching over Rams all along, I think Rams will be more comfortable with her.”
Zelda supported Rosie’s opinion.
“Will you be okay? It must be difficult.”
Prince Norton looked at Rosie’s suggestion, his eyes moved.
“It’s difficult, but it’s nice to see Rams again after such a long time.”
“It’s nice to have a rehearsal. Rams might actually think of Her Highness Rosie as his mother.”
Melanie teased Rosie, nudging her from behind a pillar.
Princess Resilia, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation from behind a pillar, clutched the hem of her dress tightly with both hands, furious.
"What does that skewer know to incite me?"
Rams is my son!
Princess Resilia couldn't let Rosie take her last hope away.
She had already informed Princess Jasper in a letter that she and Norton had a son, but it was useless if Rams wasn't in her arms. Moreover, if Rams started walking and became attached to Rosie, following her like a mother, even her own mother might not be able to do anything. She had to embrace Rams and raise him as soon as possible, making him her only ally.
"That's how I survive."
Therefore, she had to embrace Rams as soon as possible.
Having already fallen out of favor with Prince Norton, all that was left was to rely on Prince Calvain of the Pasha Empire and Princess Jasper.
"We'll take Rams and go to the Pasha Empire first."
It would be possible if we could just find out where Rams was.
Then, she could have someone sneak Rams out and head to the Pasha Empire together.
Rams and her were firmly established in the Pasha Imperial Court, so he couldn't just ignore them and force them to marry.
Even if Rosie remained by Norton's side, the Crown Princess position was still Resilia's, hers.
As Linel began walking toward the lobby, everyone followed the Emperor.
He looked around the grand hall lobby, making sure no one was around, then spoke to Prince Norton.
"I heard that Raphael's sister is caring for Rams like her own son."
"Yes, I am truly grateful."
Princess Resilia, who had been hiding behind a pillar eavesdropping on their conversation, held her breath and concentrated.
"I'm trying to figure out how to thank your sister."
Prince Norton said to Raphael, who was following behind, with sincere gratitude.
“As I told you before, my sister specializes in giving birth and raising children. Lord Rams is so gentle that he said it wasn’t difficult at all.”
Raphael waved his hand and laughed heartily.
“You left our Rams in the care of that secretary’s sister?”
Princess Resilia nearly burst out laughing at the unexpected information.
She quickly covered her gaping mouth with both hands and laughed silently.
Now that she knew where Rams was, she needed someone to escort him out of the house.
“The guild is perfect for that. Hiring them would cost money.”
Besides, guiding them to the Pasha Empire for safety would cost a considerable sum.
Princess Resilia tried to think of someone who could help her.
It would take too long to go to the Kingdom of Shattonil to ask for help. She needed to think of someone here in the Lapion Empire who could help her.
The thought didn’t last long.
“There’s someone!”
Princess Resilia breathed a sigh of relief.
After leaving the main hall, I returned to the main palace office in a carriage with Linel.
I said I had something to discuss with Grand Duke Martins regarding Prince Tesla.
When I entered the office with him, Grand Duke Martins was already there.
“You’re early.”
“Yes, you came right after the trial ended.”
“The Grand Duke contributed greatly to this matter.”
I expressed my sincere gratitude to Grand Duke Martins.
“No. I’m glad I could help.”
Grand Duke Martins simply replied humbly.
“No. If you hadn’t told Prince Tesla about the Incarnation Sword, things wouldn’t have been so easy. Let’s sit down and talk.”
Linel offered him a seat.
“The key ministers with the right to participate in the trial will likely reach a unanimous agreement on depriving Prince Tesla of his right to ascend to the throne. The court will likely accept my opinion as well.”
“Yes, thank goodness.”
“As you know, Pecilini is pregnant with Prince Tesla’s baby. Although she is the Prince’s only blood relative, the child will be raised within the Lapion Imperial Family, whether he is a Prince or Princess.”
Grand Duke Martins’s expression became complicated at his words.
I thought I knew why the Grand Duke was making that expression.
“Then... the lineage of the Kingdom of Shattonil will be cut off..."
When I asked while looking at Linel, he continued with a meaningful expression.
“Prince Tesla will not be able to reveal that the child born to Pecilini is his.”
If that happens, he will be punished for insulting the Lapion Imperial Family.
“Then what will become of our kingdom from now on...?”
“Shouldn’t you, Grand Duke Martins, be the new leader of the Kingdom of Shattonil?”
“W-what do you mean, Your Majesty...!”
Grand Duke Martins’s eyes widened.
“You are also Prince Tesla’s cousin, so you are of royal blood. If Prince Tesla doesn’t have a child, the chance will be yours.”
“...Your Majesty. Is that why you accepted Her Highness Pecilini and the baby as members of the Lapion royal family?”
Grand Duke Martins asked him, somewhat surprised.
He shrugged slightly and asked him a question.
“You also have a desire for the throne, don’t you?”
Grand Duke Martins didn’t bother to hide his true feelings and honestly confessed his feelings to him.
“In fact, there were many things I found disappointing while watching Prince Tesla run the country. Moreover, whenever I saw him being excessively greedy, that thought would sometimes cross my mind.”
“Then it’s time to create your own world.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty!”
Grand Duke Martins clasped his hands together, his expression filled with emotion.
“Not just words.”
While the throne of Shattonil wouldn’t change with a single word from Linel, it was clear that he was laying the groundwork.
‘Grand Duke Martins... is he the one who will become King?’
I thought, staring intently at the Grand Duke.
He would undoubtedly be a better leader of the Kingdom of Shattonil than Prince Tesla.
“Since Prince Tesla has tarnished the Kingdom of Shattonil’s image, the opposition from thr ministers won’t be that strong.”
“Yes, and there are quite a few ministers who harbor antipathy toward Prince Tesla. However, there are still quite a few who support Prince Tesla.”
“Try to persuade Princess Resilia. Wouldn’t things be easier if she were on your side?”
“You’re right. But would you give me power now that your brother has been stripped of his title?”
Grand Duke Martins replied with a skeptical expression.
“So, I’m saying you should think about it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
There was a brief pause, a silence.
To me, it felt like a silence Linel was deliberately creating.
“Your Majesty, please tell me what you want from me.”
Grand Duke Martins, ever so perceptive, asked him calmly.
Linel clearly had something to ask of the Grand Duke in return for helping Grand Duke Martins ascend to the throne.
“Did it seem that way?”
“Yes. I should also give something in return, so the math would be right, wouldn’t it?”
“Hahaha, you’re sharp because you run a trading company. If you become King, the Kingdom of Shattonil will prosper even more.”
“You flatter me. Your Majesty, do you want me to... eliminate Prince Tesla with my own hands?”
Grand Duke Martins leaned forward slightly and asked with a serious expression.
Linel’s blue eyes sparkled.
It was as if the Grand Duke had precisely identified an itch and scratched it.
“That bastard who tried to kill Zelda. Do you think I’ll be satisfied with just kicking him out of his princely position?”
I could feel a chill rising around him.
“It’s hard to properly punish him for his crimes in a foreign country because he’s a royal, but if he’s stripped of his princely title and becomes a noble, then punishment will be much easier.”
“Is that why Your Majesty requested that Prince Tesla be stripped of his title?”
I asked, taking his hand. He winked.
He looked at Grand Duke Martins, who seemed to be curious about his wink, and said with a serious, regretful expression,
“I was supposed to behead him myself, but circumstances have arisen. So, you should take care of it instead.”
Linel added in a languid voice, patting his stomach.
“For the time being, I need to eat only good things and see only good things.”
“...Huh?”
The High Priest granted him the floor again.
“Please deliver the results of the trial as soon as possible.”
His voice was filled with the power of authority.
“Yes, I don’t know what the verdict will be yet, but I will expedite the court’s ruling on this case without delay.”
The High Priest, who had been listening to the Emperor, answered with a deliberate expression.
“Ahhhh! No, this can’t be happening!”
Prince Tesla, pinned flat on the ground, cried out in a fit of convulsions.
“I am Prince Tesla of the Kingdom of Shattonil! I am soon to be King! Do you think you can bring me down?!”
I watched Prince Tesla’s final struggle.
A chorus of tongue-clicking echoed through the courtroom.
“I am the Emperor of the Lapion Empire. I am already Emperor. Do you think I cannot bring you down when you have not even ascended to the throne?”
Linel's displeased voice was laced with intense contempt.
"Your Majesty, please retract your opinion! For the sake of our close relationship, you can't do this to me! Yes? Your Majesty!!"
Prince Tesla shifted his stance, clapped his hands above his head, and pleaded fervently.
His slurred speech, tears streaming down his face, and his sudden descent into pleading made me feel like I was watching a clown's performance.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I've only ever had close relationships with one person in my life."
He retorted to Prince Tesla, turning his gaze towards me and slightly raising his lips.
I smiled secretly at him, but my face flushed as I met the High Priest's eyes.
The High Priest glanced back and forth between him and me, cleared his throat, and ordered his knights to drag Prince Tesla away.
Prince Tesla writhed and fell to the ground.
Four knights clung to him, grabbing his limbs one by one, but the Prince resisted formidably.
When Prince Tesla's resistance seemed to have subsided, Commander Macrom approached the dock a moment later.
Seeing Commander Macrom, Prince Tesla drew his legs together, and his turbulent movements slowed significantly.
Is this why they say "fist is better than law"?
***
After the trial, the spectators had all left and silence descended once again on the Grand Hall.
Princess Resilia hid behind a pillar in the Grand Hall lobby, waiting for Prince Norton, who had yet to emerge from the courtroom.
She had been waiting for a chance to speak with Prince Norton since before the trial began, but because he was with Rosie, she simply hovered around, keeping an eye on him.
After several minutes of waiting behind the pillar, she finally saw Prince Norton emerging from the courtroom.
Princess Resilia took a step toward him and then hid behind the pillar again.
Prince Norton wasn't alone.
"Why is that pumpkin and that blind thing clinging to Norton?"
Rosie and Melanie appeared.
Besides them, a string of other people she disliked was following her.
The timing wasn't good.
If only Rosie and Melanie were there, she could have pushed them away somehow and talked to Norton, but leaving Zelda and the Emperor behind was a bit much.
'It'd be better to go to the room myself,'
Princess Resilia thought, glaring at Rosie, who was clinging closely to Prince Norton.
She leaned against the pillar, waiting for them to quickly disappear from the Great Hall.
"Your Majesty, I have something to tell you."
Princess Resilia perked up at Prince Norton's voice.
"Go ahead."
"Now that Prince Tesla has lost his powers, I think it would be a good idea to bring Rams."
Princess Resilia's eyes widened at Prince Norton's words.
"Oh, right. I'll tell Raphael. I'll also tell the Chamberlain to make sure you and Rams can stay here comfortably until you depart for the Pasha Empire."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
“When Rams returns to the palace, can I take care of him? It’ll be a burden for Your Highness to look after him, and the servants will be unfamiliar to you.”
Rosie said excitedly.
“That would be good. Since Rosie has been watching over Rams all along, I think Rams will be more comfortable with her.”
Zelda supported Rosie’s opinion.
“Will you be okay? It must be difficult.”
Prince Norton looked at Rosie’s suggestion, his eyes moved.
“It’s difficult, but it’s nice to see Rams again after such a long time.”
“It’s nice to have a rehearsal. Rams might actually think of Her Highness Rosie as his mother.”
Melanie teased Rosie, nudging her from behind a pillar.
Princess Resilia, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation from behind a pillar, clutched the hem of her dress tightly with both hands, furious.
"What does that skewer know to incite me?"
Rams is my son!
Princess Resilia couldn't let Rosie take her last hope away.
She had already informed Princess Jasper in a letter that she and Norton had a son, but it was useless if Rams wasn't in her arms. Moreover, if Rams started walking and became attached to Rosie, following her like a mother, even her own mother might not be able to do anything. She had to embrace Rams and raise him as soon as possible, making him her only ally.
"That's how I survive."
Therefore, she had to embrace Rams as soon as possible.
Having already fallen out of favor with Prince Norton, all that was left was to rely on Prince Calvain of the Pasha Empire and Princess Jasper.
"We'll take Rams and go to the Pasha Empire first."
It would be possible if we could just find out where Rams was.
Then, she could have someone sneak Rams out and head to the Pasha Empire together.
Rams and her were firmly established in the Pasha Imperial Court, so he couldn't just ignore them and force them to marry.
Even if Rosie remained by Norton's side, the Crown Princess position was still Resilia's, hers.
As Linel began walking toward the lobby, everyone followed the Emperor.
He looked around the grand hall lobby, making sure no one was around, then spoke to Prince Norton.
"I heard that Raphael's sister is caring for Rams like her own son."
"Yes, I am truly grateful."
Princess Resilia, who had been hiding behind a pillar eavesdropping on their conversation, held her breath and concentrated.
"I'm trying to figure out how to thank your sister."
Prince Norton said to Raphael, who was following behind, with sincere gratitude.
“As I told you before, my sister specializes in giving birth and raising children. Lord Rams is so gentle that he said it wasn’t difficult at all.”
Raphael waved his hand and laughed heartily.
“You left our Rams in the care of that secretary’s sister?”
Princess Resilia nearly burst out laughing at the unexpected information.
She quickly covered her gaping mouth with both hands and laughed silently.
Now that she knew where Rams was, she needed someone to escort him out of the house.
“The guild is perfect for that. Hiring them would cost money.”
Besides, guiding them to the Pasha Empire for safety would cost a considerable sum.
Princess Resilia tried to think of someone who could help her.
It would take too long to go to the Kingdom of Shattonil to ask for help. She needed to think of someone here in the Lapion Empire who could help her.
The thought didn’t last long.
“There’s someone!”
Princess Resilia breathed a sigh of relief.
***
After leaving the main hall, I returned to the main palace office in a carriage with Linel.
I said I had something to discuss with Grand Duke Martins regarding Prince Tesla.
When I entered the office with him, Grand Duke Martins was already there.
“You’re early.”
“Yes, you came right after the trial ended.”
“The Grand Duke contributed greatly to this matter.”
I expressed my sincere gratitude to Grand Duke Martins.
“No. I’m glad I could help.”
Grand Duke Martins simply replied humbly.
“No. If you hadn’t told Prince Tesla about the Incarnation Sword, things wouldn’t have been so easy. Let’s sit down and talk.”
Linel offered him a seat.
“The key ministers with the right to participate in the trial will likely reach a unanimous agreement on depriving Prince Tesla of his right to ascend to the throne. The court will likely accept my opinion as well.”
“Yes, thank goodness.”
“As you know, Pecilini is pregnant with Prince Tesla’s baby. Although she is the Prince’s only blood relative, the child will be raised within the Lapion Imperial Family, whether he is a Prince or Princess.”
Grand Duke Martins’s expression became complicated at his words.
I thought I knew why the Grand Duke was making that expression.
“Then... the lineage of the Kingdom of Shattonil will be cut off..."
When I asked while looking at Linel, he continued with a meaningful expression.
“Prince Tesla will not be able to reveal that the child born to Pecilini is his.”
If that happens, he will be punished for insulting the Lapion Imperial Family.
“Then what will become of our kingdom from now on...?”
“Shouldn’t you, Grand Duke Martins, be the new leader of the Kingdom of Shattonil?”
“W-what do you mean, Your Majesty...!”
Grand Duke Martins’s eyes widened.
“You are also Prince Tesla’s cousin, so you are of royal blood. If Prince Tesla doesn’t have a child, the chance will be yours.”
“...Your Majesty. Is that why you accepted Her Highness Pecilini and the baby as members of the Lapion royal family?”
Grand Duke Martins asked him, somewhat surprised.
He shrugged slightly and asked him a question.
“You also have a desire for the throne, don’t you?”
Grand Duke Martins didn’t bother to hide his true feelings and honestly confessed his feelings to him.
“In fact, there were many things I found disappointing while watching Prince Tesla run the country. Moreover, whenever I saw him being excessively greedy, that thought would sometimes cross my mind.”
“Then it’s time to create your own world.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty!”
Grand Duke Martins clasped his hands together, his expression filled with emotion.
“Not just words.”
While the throne of Shattonil wouldn’t change with a single word from Linel, it was clear that he was laying the groundwork.
‘Grand Duke Martins... is he the one who will become King?’
I thought, staring intently at the Grand Duke.
He would undoubtedly be a better leader of the Kingdom of Shattonil than Prince Tesla.
“Since Prince Tesla has tarnished the Kingdom of Shattonil’s image, the opposition from thr ministers won’t be that strong.”
“Yes, and there are quite a few ministers who harbor antipathy toward Prince Tesla. However, there are still quite a few who support Prince Tesla.”
“Try to persuade Princess Resilia. Wouldn’t things be easier if she were on your side?”
“You’re right. But would you give me power now that your brother has been stripped of his title?”
Grand Duke Martins replied with a skeptical expression.
“So, I’m saying you should think about it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
There was a brief pause, a silence.
To me, it felt like a silence Linel was deliberately creating.
“Your Majesty, please tell me what you want from me.”
Grand Duke Martins, ever so perceptive, asked him calmly.
Linel clearly had something to ask of the Grand Duke in return for helping Grand Duke Martins ascend to the throne.
“Did it seem that way?”
“Yes. I should also give something in return, so the math would be right, wouldn’t it?”
“Hahaha, you’re sharp because you run a trading company. If you become King, the Kingdom of Shattonil will prosper even more.”
“You flatter me. Your Majesty, do you want me to... eliminate Prince Tesla with my own hands?”
Grand Duke Martins leaned forward slightly and asked with a serious expression.
Linel’s blue eyes sparkled.
It was as if the Grand Duke had precisely identified an itch and scratched it.
“That bastard who tried to kill Zelda. Do you think I’ll be satisfied with just kicking him out of his princely position?”
I could feel a chill rising around him.
“It’s hard to properly punish him for his crimes in a foreign country because he’s a royal, but if he’s stripped of his princely title and becomes a noble, then punishment will be much easier.”
“Is that why Your Majesty requested that Prince Tesla be stripped of his title?”
I asked, taking his hand. He winked.
He looked at Grand Duke Martins, who seemed to be curious about his wink, and said with a serious, regretful expression,
“I was supposed to behead him myself, but circumstances have arisen. So, you should take care of it instead.”
Linel added in a languid voice, patting his stomach.
“For the time being, I need to eat only good things and see only good things.”
“...Huh?”
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