Leaving behind the cheers of the young ladies, Linel and his party entered the main palace entrance.
“This is a foreign country. Take care of your zippers.”
Linel warned, patting Raphael on the lower abdomen.
“Ugh, Your Majesty. Don’t I always tell you? Most of the time, it’s not voluntary, but rather involuntary, that opens our bodies and hearts?”
Raphael hunched over and made an excuse.
Meanwhile, as Linel and his party disappeared into the main palace, the conversation among the young ladies remaining in the garden naturally shifted to Rosie.
“That shameless concubine who’s marrying Prince Norton?”
Ester of the Duke Voltaire slyly asked the other concubine candidates.
“Her Highness Rosie?”
“Yes, did any of us get to see her up close?”
“She was too far away at the funeral, so you probably didn’t get to see her up close. We’ll be able to see her properly at this party.”
Savannah of the Marquis Moiyare, another potential concubine, responded.
“My father once saw Her Highness Rosie coming out of the office with Prince Norton, and he said she was inferior to my servant.”
Another young lady whispered, her voice low.
“Oh my, did he really say that?”
“I told you so? He said he was curious about the concubine as well.”
“I’m even more curious. But I heard Princess Resilia is a stunning beauty?”
“I heard that too. She’s not only Lord Rams’s biological mother, but I think it would be better for our empire’s prestige if the Princess became Empress.”
“Of course, a Princess is much more fitting as Empress of our empire than a concubine from another empire.”
The young ladies were hostile to Rosie, but most were friendly to Princess Resilia.
“Aren’t you more curious about Her Highness Rosie than Princess Resilia? How on earth did she endear herself to Prince Norton?”
“I think she must have some kind of special ability!”
Just like Zelda and her concubines, the ladies of the Pasha Empire also began to study Rosie.
“Besides her looks, isn’t there some incredible charm?”
“We’d also be struck by something when we see Her Highness Rosie.”
“And if she doesn’t have that?”
“Well, if she doesn’t, isn’t it better for us? Hahaha.”
“Anyway, it’s a wonderful world. A former concubine coveting the position of Empress of another country.”
Everyone burst out laughing at Lady Ester’s words and chimed in.
“So, Prince Norton is also planning to take a concubine from another country as his wife? Blood is thicker than water.”
“But when he becomes Emperor soon, his judgment will change.”
“Since he doesn’t have a solid power yet, he’ll realize that love alone isn’t enough to rule the empire.”
“Of course. Princess Resilia is a foreigner, but since they have Rams, the heir to the throne, I think it’s a wise decision to make her Empress.”
“For now, yes. But if one of us gives birth to a Prince, it’ll be a different story.”
At the words of the concubine candidate, Ester, the young ladies exchanged secret glances and nodded.
“Oh, by the way, have you seen the wyverns?”
“I saw them flying from afar.”
“I saw them too, and they were really cute.”
“But be careful. They have really bad tempers.”
“That’s right. They only follow Her Highness Zelda because she’s the Wyvern Lord, and they’re rude to others. They don’t think we’re people.”
“Oh, hoho, they’re just animals, after all. By the way, have you all chosen your dresses?”
Savannah of the Marquis Moiyare asked, turning to the other side of the garden.
Everyone slowly strolled in the direction Savannah was heading.
"Princess Jasper is going to bring a designer to the Empress's Palace to prepare for the Lapion Empire's concubines who will be attending the party."
"Shall we visit the Empress's Palace as well? Under the pretext of giving advice on popular dress styles in the Pasha Empire?"
"Good idea! We can also check out the Northern Continent concubines before the party."
"Well, who would be our match? Anyway, let's pretend to treat them well and knock their spirits out first."
The young ladies flaunted their beauty and bolstered their enthusiasm.
They were completely oblivious to the two magnificent young wyverns overhead, intently listening to their conversation.
Inside the main palace's office, Prince Norton had arrived early and was waiting for Linel and his party.
"They say the seat makes the man, and it looks quite fitting for you sitting at the head of the table,"
“Who, who, who are you? Your Majesty?! Ugh!”
Princess Resilia, who was napping on her bed, sensed a presence, turned, and then fell out of bed.
“Master of the Tower, you explain the situation to the Princess. I’ll meet the guards and the vice-captain.”
Linel stared blankly at Princess Resilia as she rose from the floor and spoke to Bellos.
“Yes, Your Majesty,”
Bellos replied, magically opening the locked cell door.
Princess Resilia gaped, glancing between Linel and Bellos, who had suddenly appeared in the cell. She pinched her cheek, wondering if it was a dream, but it wasn’t.
She tried to ask what was happening, but for some reason, her voice was completely silent.
To ensure a smooth and swift movement, Bellos had temporarily silenced Princess Resilia.
“Princess, listen carefully to what I say. Your voice will return when I finish.”
Princess Resilia nodded vigorously, her mouth open.
Before Linel returned, Bellos gave the Princess a brief overview of the situation in the Pasha Empire. He also relayed the sudden death of Prince Calvain and the news that Prince Norton would be taking concubines upon his ascension to the throne.
However, Bellos deliberately kept silent about the fact that the Pasha Empire's ministers were seeking to elect her as Empress, replacing Rosie.
A moment later, Linel met with the vice-captain and returned to her cell.
"Will you come with me?"
Princess Resilia was half-believing what Bellos said, but when Linel said the same thing, a smile finally spread across her face.
“Of course! Of course!”
Princess Resilia, having found her voice again, answered with conviction. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but seeing that even the Magic Tower Lord and Emperor Linel were rushing to take her away using teleportation, something was definitely wrong.
'My dream was right!'
“Is Rams looking for me? That’s why I...”
Princess Resilia asked, smoothing her tangled hair.
“You’ll know when you get there. Talk to Prince Norton directly about the details.”
Linel replied timidly.
Prince Tesla’s voice continued to ring from the next cell, asking what was going on.
“I think we should go back now.”
Linel said to Bellos, rubbing his ear in annoyance.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Bellos raised his hand, quickly drawing a magic circle, but.
“Wait a minute, Your Majesty! I have a favor to ask.”
Princess Resilia shouted urgently.
“What?”
“If I go to the Pasha Empire now, will I be taken to a place where Prince Norton and the others are gathered?”
Linel merely nodded in response to her question.
“First, please take me somewhere where I can avoid everyone’s attention. I want to show up after I’ve properly dressed up. Please, I beg you... sob sob.”
Princess Resilia grabbed Linel’s arm, tears streaming down her face.
It wasn’t an unreasonable request.
It was a request she could easily make as a woman before being a Princess.
“Is it possible?”
Linel hesitated for a moment, then shook off Princess Resilia’s hand and asked Bellos.
“It’s possible. Just decide where to move her,”
Bellos replied calmly.
“Send me to where Princess Jasper is staying! We’ve been close throughout the Continental Hunting Tournament, so I think she’ll take good care of her...”
Princess Resilia pretended to wipe her tears with her hand and abruptly interjected.
“Good. Then let’s move to the Empress’s Palace, where the Princess is staying.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty! If possible, please send our Rams there too...”
“That’s not my jurisdiction, so I can’t grant it.”
Linel cut her off with a cold gaze.
“Oh, yes. I understand.”
Despite being rejected outright, Princess Resilia’s face remained bright and cheerful.
“Yes, there’s no rush.”
She looked at her face reflected in the mirror in her cell.
Even to herself, the sight of her tears was truly pitiful.
Even in this environment, her face was incomparably more beautiful than Rosie’s.
Moreover, she had lived her entire life as a Princess.
Therefore, she knew full well that public opinion and reputation within the imperial court began with the words of the noble ladies and young ladies.
She vowed that upon arriving in the Pasha Empire, she would first win over the candidates for concubines to her side.
“Just wait and see. I will roast and simmer even the ministers and candidates for concubines of the Pasha Empire and make them all my allies!”
“This is a foreign country. Take care of your zippers.”
Linel warned, patting Raphael on the lower abdomen.
“Ugh, Your Majesty. Don’t I always tell you? Most of the time, it’s not voluntary, but rather involuntary, that opens our bodies and hearts?”
Raphael hunched over and made an excuse.
Meanwhile, as Linel and his party disappeared into the main palace, the conversation among the young ladies remaining in the garden naturally shifted to Rosie.
“That shameless concubine who’s marrying Prince Norton?”
Ester of the Duke Voltaire slyly asked the other concubine candidates.
“Her Highness Rosie?”
“Yes, did any of us get to see her up close?”
“She was too far away at the funeral, so you probably didn’t get to see her up close. We’ll be able to see her properly at this party.”
Savannah of the Marquis Moiyare, another potential concubine, responded.
“My father once saw Her Highness Rosie coming out of the office with Prince Norton, and he said she was inferior to my servant.”
Another young lady whispered, her voice low.
“Oh my, did he really say that?”
“I told you so? He said he was curious about the concubine as well.”
“I’m even more curious. But I heard Princess Resilia is a stunning beauty?”
“I heard that too. She’s not only Lord Rams’s biological mother, but I think it would be better for our empire’s prestige if the Princess became Empress.”
“Of course, a Princess is much more fitting as Empress of our empire than a concubine from another empire.”
The young ladies were hostile to Rosie, but most were friendly to Princess Resilia.
“Aren’t you more curious about Her Highness Rosie than Princess Resilia? How on earth did she endear herself to Prince Norton?”
“I think she must have some kind of special ability!”
Just like Zelda and her concubines, the ladies of the Pasha Empire also began to study Rosie.
“Besides her looks, isn’t there some incredible charm?”
“We’d also be struck by something when we see Her Highness Rosie.”
“And if she doesn’t have that?”
“Well, if she doesn’t, isn’t it better for us? Hahaha.”
“Anyway, it’s a wonderful world. A former concubine coveting the position of Empress of another country.”
“Oh, come on, it's the royal family living with their brother-in-law. What's the big deal?”
“So, Prince Norton is also planning to take a concubine from another country as his wife? Blood is thicker than water.”
“But when he becomes Emperor soon, his judgment will change.”
“Since he doesn’t have a solid power yet, he’ll realize that love alone isn’t enough to rule the empire.”
“Of course. Princess Resilia is a foreigner, but since they have Rams, the heir to the throne, I think it’s a wise decision to make her Empress.”
“For now, yes. But if one of us gives birth to a Prince, it’ll be a different story.”
At the words of the concubine candidate, Ester, the young ladies exchanged secret glances and nodded.
“Oh, by the way, have you seen the wyverns?”
“I saw them flying from afar.”
“I saw them too, and they were really cute.”
“But be careful. They have really bad tempers.”
“That’s right. They only follow Her Highness Zelda because she’s the Wyvern Lord, and they’re rude to others. They don’t think we’re people.”
“Oh, hoho, they’re just animals, after all. By the way, have you all chosen your dresses?”
Savannah of the Marquis Moiyare asked, turning to the other side of the garden.
Everyone slowly strolled in the direction Savannah was heading.
"Princess Jasper is going to bring a designer to the Empress's Palace to prepare for the Lapion Empire's concubines who will be attending the party."
"Shall we visit the Empress's Palace as well? Under the pretext of giving advice on popular dress styles in the Pasha Empire?"
"Good idea! We can also check out the Northern Continent concubines before the party."
"Well, who would be our match? Anyway, let's pretend to treat them well and knock their spirits out first."
The young ladies flaunted their beauty and bolstered their enthusiasm.
They were completely oblivious to the two magnificent young wyverns overhead, intently listening to their conversation.
***
Inside the main palace's office, Prince Norton had arrived early and was waiting for Linel and his party.
"They say the seat makes the man, and it looks quite fitting for you sitting at the head of the table,"
Linel said jokingly as he sat down at the conference table, but his words were genuine.
Even before the coronation, Prince Norton already exuded the aura of the Emperor.
"I still have a long way to go to match Your Majesty's majesty. I ask for your continued guidance."
Linel chuckled and waved at Prince Norton's words.
"Since we're all here, I'll get right to it. I'd like to bring Princess Resilia today. What do you think?"
Prince Norton seemed to have already made up his mind.
"Surely not right now?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
There was no point in wasting time.
Linel knew that well.
"Lord of the Tower, how long does the teleportation take?"
He asked, looking at Bellos.
"Bringing her back will be no problem, as we can bring her back as soon as we arrive. However, for a smooth movement, Your Majesty should accompany us."
"Why me?"
Linel snapped.
He shot Bellos a disapproving look.
"If Princess Resilia were to suddenly disappear from her cell, not only the spire but the entire palace would be turned upside down."
"Lord of the Tower is right."
Grand Duke Martins nodded in agreement.
"I also think it would be best for Your Majesty to personally explain the situation to the guards and then bring the Princess. That way, there won't be any chaos."
Even Raphael enthusiastically agreed with Bellos's idea.
"Why is that kid meddling and causing trouble?"
He glared at Raphael with annoyance, but since he wasn't wrong, he swallowed back the curse that was rising in his throat.
"Please, Your Majesty,"
Prince Norton pleaded, bowing his head.
The spire was currently being managed by the vice-captain, in place of the absent Commander Macrom. Linel planned to deliver a handwritten letter to the vice-captain through Bellos.
However, there was a risk of delays due to the authenticity of the Emperor's letter, or even a misunderstanding, which could lead to Bellos being harmed.
Therefore, it would be better for Linel to personally travel to Resilia's cell with Bellos using teleportation and bring her back.
However, he hesitated because of what Zelda had told him earlier.
“To get to the desired location using teleportation, you have to face Bellos and hold hands.”
That bastard even has to hold his hand?
Linel thought, glaring at Bellos’s beautiful hands that were nearly 300 years old.
If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it. He repeated those words to himself over and over again, as if hypnotized.
Linel closed his eyes tightly for a moment, then opened them and stood up.
“Now, let’s move quickly.”
He shyly extended both hands to Bellos, who was already standing.
“...Why are you doing this, Your Majesty?”
Bellos took a step back and looked at him with an awkward expression.
“Isn’t it essential to face each other and hold hands when teleporting?”
He asked, shaking his palms from side to side with his palms facing upwards.
“No.”
Bellos retorted curtly and drew the magic circle required for teleportation.
“See this kid? It’s different from teleporting with Zelda, isn’t it?”
Just as Linel was about to question, the two were transported to Princess Resilia’s cell.
Even before the coronation, Prince Norton already exuded the aura of the Emperor.
"I still have a long way to go to match Your Majesty's majesty. I ask for your continued guidance."
Linel chuckled and waved at Prince Norton's words.
"Since we're all here, I'll get right to it. I'd like to bring Princess Resilia today. What do you think?"
Prince Norton seemed to have already made up his mind.
"Surely not right now?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
There was no point in wasting time.
Linel knew that well.
"Lord of the Tower, how long does the teleportation take?"
He asked, looking at Bellos.
"Bringing her back will be no problem, as we can bring her back as soon as we arrive. However, for a smooth movement, Your Majesty should accompany us."
"Why me?"
Linel snapped.
He shot Bellos a disapproving look.
"If Princess Resilia were to suddenly disappear from her cell, not only the spire but the entire palace would be turned upside down."
"Lord of the Tower is right."
Grand Duke Martins nodded in agreement.
"I also think it would be best for Your Majesty to personally explain the situation to the guards and then bring the Princess. That way, there won't be any chaos."
Even Raphael enthusiastically agreed with Bellos's idea.
"Why is that kid meddling and causing trouble?"
He glared at Raphael with annoyance, but since he wasn't wrong, he swallowed back the curse that was rising in his throat.
"Please, Your Majesty,"
Prince Norton pleaded, bowing his head.
The spire was currently being managed by the vice-captain, in place of the absent Commander Macrom. Linel planned to deliver a handwritten letter to the vice-captain through Bellos.
However, there was a risk of delays due to the authenticity of the Emperor's letter, or even a misunderstanding, which could lead to Bellos being harmed.
Therefore, it would be better for Linel to personally travel to Resilia's cell with Bellos using teleportation and bring her back.
However, he hesitated because of what Zelda had told him earlier.
“To get to the desired location using teleportation, you have to face Bellos and hold hands.”
That bastard even has to hold his hand?
Linel thought, glaring at Bellos’s beautiful hands that were nearly 300 years old.
If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it. He repeated those words to himself over and over again, as if hypnotized.
Linel closed his eyes tightly for a moment, then opened them and stood up.
“Now, let’s move quickly.”
He shyly extended both hands to Bellos, who was already standing.
“...Why are you doing this, Your Majesty?”
Bellos took a step back and looked at him with an awkward expression.
“Isn’t it essential to face each other and hold hands when teleporting?”
He asked, shaking his palms from side to side with his palms facing upwards.
“No.”
Bellos retorted curtly and drew the magic circle required for teleportation.
“See this kid? It’s different from teleporting with Zelda, isn’t it?”
Just as Linel was about to question, the two were transported to Princess Resilia’s cell.
***
“Who, who, who are you? Your Majesty?! Ugh!”
Princess Resilia, who was napping on her bed, sensed a presence, turned, and then fell out of bed.
“Master of the Tower, you explain the situation to the Princess. I’ll meet the guards and the vice-captain.”
Linel stared blankly at Princess Resilia as she rose from the floor and spoke to Bellos.
“Yes, Your Majesty,”
Bellos replied, magically opening the locked cell door.
Princess Resilia gaped, glancing between Linel and Bellos, who had suddenly appeared in the cell. She pinched her cheek, wondering if it was a dream, but it wasn’t.
She tried to ask what was happening, but for some reason, her voice was completely silent.
To ensure a smooth and swift movement, Bellos had temporarily silenced Princess Resilia.
“Princess, listen carefully to what I say. Your voice will return when I finish.”
Princess Resilia nodded vigorously, her mouth open.
Before Linel returned, Bellos gave the Princess a brief overview of the situation in the Pasha Empire. He also relayed the sudden death of Prince Calvain and the news that Prince Norton would be taking concubines upon his ascension to the throne.
However, Bellos deliberately kept silent about the fact that the Pasha Empire's ministers were seeking to elect her as Empress, replacing Rosie.
A moment later, Linel met with the vice-captain and returned to her cell.
"Will you come with me?"
Princess Resilia was half-believing what Bellos said, but when Linel said the same thing, a smile finally spread across her face.
“Of course! Of course!”
Princess Resilia, having found her voice again, answered with conviction. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but seeing that even the Magic Tower Lord and Emperor Linel were rushing to take her away using teleportation, something was definitely wrong.
'My dream was right!'
“Is Rams looking for me? That’s why I...”
Princess Resilia asked, smoothing her tangled hair.
“You’ll know when you get there. Talk to Prince Norton directly about the details.”
Linel replied timidly.
Prince Tesla’s voice continued to ring from the next cell, asking what was going on.
“I think we should go back now.”
Linel said to Bellos, rubbing his ear in annoyance.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Bellos raised his hand, quickly drawing a magic circle, but.
“Wait a minute, Your Majesty! I have a favor to ask.”
Princess Resilia shouted urgently.
“What?”
“If I go to the Pasha Empire now, will I be taken to a place where Prince Norton and the others are gathered?”
Linel merely nodded in response to her question.
“First, please take me somewhere where I can avoid everyone’s attention. I want to show up after I’ve properly dressed up. Please, I beg you... sob sob.”
Princess Resilia grabbed Linel’s arm, tears streaming down her face.
It wasn’t an unreasonable request.
It was a request she could easily make as a woman before being a Princess.
“Is it possible?”
Linel hesitated for a moment, then shook off Princess Resilia’s hand and asked Bellos.
“It’s possible. Just decide where to move her,”
Bellos replied calmly.
“Send me to where Princess Jasper is staying! We’ve been close throughout the Continental Hunting Tournament, so I think she’ll take good care of her...”
Princess Resilia pretended to wipe her tears with her hand and abruptly interjected.
“Good. Then let’s move to the Empress’s Palace, where the Princess is staying.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty! If possible, please send our Rams there too...”
“That’s not my jurisdiction, so I can’t grant it.”
Linel cut her off with a cold gaze.
“Oh, yes. I understand.”
Despite being rejected outright, Princess Resilia’s face remained bright and cheerful.
“Yes, there’s no rush.”
She looked at her face reflected in the mirror in her cell.
Even to herself, the sight of her tears was truly pitiful.
Even in this environment, her face was incomparably more beautiful than Rosie’s.
Moreover, she had lived her entire life as a Princess.
Therefore, she knew full well that public opinion and reputation within the imperial court began with the words of the noble ladies and young ladies.
She vowed that upon arriving in the Pasha Empire, she would first win over the candidates for concubines to her side.
“Just wait and see. I will roast and simmer even the ministers and candidates for concubines of the Pasha Empire and make them all my allies!”
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