Imperial Palace in Valencia.
Crown Prince Bane Valencier's mood had reached its peak recently.
Three years ago, 'Ratan', an intelligent beast that became a top-tier force.
With him joining the battlefield, the Imperial Family no longer needed to seek help from those with supernatural abilities.
It means that there is no longer a need to negotiate the sale of interests to the Wassenberg family, the family of superpowered individuals.
So, during that time, Bane was able to focus solely on consolidating the imperial family's power with peace of mind.
Of course, this would have been impossible to even dream of without Ratan's main body, 'Merchen,' the possessed demon, and the other members of the Belzer family.
He definitely has to take credit for it.
Bane had perfectly completed preparations for Ryan's Count conferment ceremony to be held a week later.
“Um... Ehem, is the conferment ceremony for the Count title being held at the Imperial Palace... correct?”
He laughed as he remembered Ryan, who used to speak shyly with a body as big as a door.
There probably aren't many people who wouldn't dislike him, even though he's saying such transparently greedy things to give him a grand welcome.
Ryan...
His former name was Ryan Wassenberg.
The son of Duke Edgar Wassenberg, a person with supernatural abilities born with relatively useless powers among his children, all of whom are formidable.
Thus, he was chosen as a scapegoat to bear the family's sins, and after serving an unjust prison sentence, he was an unfortunate man excommunicated.
At first, Bane regarded him as a pawn to be used in the conflict with Duke Wassenberg.
But now, no matter what happens, he has to make his own people.
The biggest reason his value has changed is none other than Ryan's daughter—no, his half-sister, Vania.
Because Bane is convinced that she is a person with supernatural abilities and a regressor.
Aside from Nike, whose memory is incomplete, the person who would fully know the 'future' of this empire.
For the Crown Prince, who had to keep Wassenberg in check, she was an indispensable weapon that had to be secured at all costs.
Then, in what way?
He has no choice but to put her within his fence.
Making Vania a member of the Imperial Family.
Alliances formed through marriage have long been a testament to enduring trust.
A strategic choice that puts aside concerns about potential betrayal or rebellion by the Belzer family...
"Ahem."
For a moment, Bane let out an awkward cough, feeling as though he had coldly focused only on political maneuvering as the Crown Prince.
Putting everything else aside, it's what his younger sibling wants.
Bane stood up from his seat, citing Nike as an excuse.
It is difficult to bring Vania into the Imperial family as a member when she does not meet any conditions, including the difference in social status.
However, the Crown Prince must succeed.
Because that is what power exists for.
First, ensure that Vania, who became an adult this year, can smoothly enter high society.
This was an essential step to naturally discuss an engagement with the royal family.
And that is his wife's business.
"Hilde."
The Crown Princess's office.
When he called out while knocking on the wide-open door, his wife, Hildegard Evsen Valensier, who was frantically devoting herself to organizing documents, looked up.
"Oh, you're here?"
"Are you busy?"
“I am busy. The visit to Ebonwind is still four months away. I am writing invitations to the nobles for the welcome banquet.”
"You're working so hard."
Kingdom of Ebonwind. It is the hegemonic power of the continent of Evgenia across the sea.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Father showing such enthusiasm for the first time in a long while.”
“That’s right. Father has really gotten much better.”
The Emperor had been noticeably regaining his sharpness since three years ago, when he was no longer tormented by Wassenberg. Enough to take up state affairs he had neglected.
He was also personally organizing the schedule for the visit to the powerful Kingdom of Ebonwind.
“By the way, why did you come? Do you have something to say?”
"Oh, it's nothing special. There's a friend I'd like you to look after."
"Aha."
The quick-witted wife immediately understood the intention behind her husband's words.
There is a place where they wish to lend their support, and it means they want to ensure that the young lady of that family can blend into high society without difficulty.
At this point, if it is a place her husband is paying attention to...
"Are you perhaps talking about Lady Belzer?"
"That's right."
"As expected, we get along well."
"But is there a reason you are going out of your way to look after even the daughter of that family?"
“Actually...”
Bane cleared his throat and approached, casually perched on the desk.
What would my wife say if I said I would take Vania as Nike's mate?
Of course, she'll be dumbfounded.
"Belzer family."
Although he was excommunicated, the head of the family, Ryan, is from Wassenberg. He is a fledgling provincial nobleman with no roots or lineage. He has no standing in central politics or high society.
"Say it again."
The union of Nike, the son of the Emperor, and Vania, the daughter of a mere provincial lord (with a criminal record), was a marriage proposal that no one could accept.
“Why are you dragging this out? I’m suddenly getting scared.”
"Don't be scared."
Bane continued speaking while pretending to examine his wife's documents on the table for no reason.
“I’ve seen Lady Belzer a few times, and she’s quite a sharp girl.”
"Is it so?"
“Yeah. But as you know, Belzer is growing up fast right now, and for now...”
Suddenly, Bane paused while speaking.
It was because the contents of a document he had been casually flipping through caught his eye.
The schedule for the Imperial tour of the Ebonwind Royal Family members staying for fifteen days.
Among them, along with the name of Princess Ebonwind...
Escort: Nike Valencier
Bane was surprised and thrust the documents in front of his wife.
“What is this?”
"What is it?"
“Why would a busy kid take on the role of guarding the Princess? Even the royal family will be bringing more than enough guards for the Princess.”
“What are you talking about?”
Hildegard frowned.
"Royal escorts are royal escorts, and naturally, Imperial escorts should be included for the Imperial tour itinerary as well."
That is true. Bane realized that he was saying something nonsensical out of panic.
“Still, it doesn’t have to be Nike. He is of royal blood before he is a knight. It would be better to leave it to Sir Watson or Sir Stefan. Father planned this itinerary, didn’t he? I’ll go and tell him...”
"Honey?"
Hildegard placed her hand on the back of Bane's hand as he hurriedly tried to stand up.
She spoke with a look that made it clear she couldn't understand Bane's fluster.
“My purpose is not to provide an escort. You aren’t acting this way because you don’t know why Father wants to keep the Third Prince by Princess Ebonwind’s side while she stays, are you?”
"I know. As soon as I saw this, I could tell the Emperor's intention."
So Bane was flustered.
The reason Ebonwind is bringing even an unmarried Princess this time is to solidify a firm bond with our Empire. A marriage alliance.
“...”
“As you know, the only suitable match in our imperial family to accept that is currently the Third Prince.”
“Ues? Oh, I’m not entirely sure about that, but...”
Hildegard blinked at Bane's reaction, which seemed somehow agitated.
“Is the Third Prince the kind of person to contradict His Majesty’s decision?”
“...”
Bane was stunned.
Yes, everyone thinks of Nike that way.
A child who, from the moment of his birth, has dedicated his life to fulfilling the duties of the royal family. A child who has never once failed to obey the demands of his father, the Emperor, or his older brother, the Crown Prince. A child who has willingly lived with a leash around his neck as a member of the royal family.
That is why everyone takes it for granted.
That child, Nike, would naturally make every decision in his future life for the sake of the Empire.
"Bane."
Before anyone realized it, Hildegard was standing in front of Vein.
"What's the problem?"
“...”
"Then tell me too. We need to solve this together."
Bane bit his lip.
Perhaps he is also partly responsible for putting Nike in a position where it is 'naturally acceptable'.
He felt sorry about that fact.
Crown Prince Bane Valencier's mood had reached its peak recently.
Three years ago, 'Ratan', an intelligent beast that became a top-tier force.
With him joining the battlefield, the Imperial Family no longer needed to seek help from those with supernatural abilities.
It means that there is no longer a need to negotiate the sale of interests to the Wassenberg family, the family of superpowered individuals.
So, during that time, Bane was able to focus solely on consolidating the imperial family's power with peace of mind.
Of course, this would have been impossible to even dream of without Ratan's main body, 'Merchen,' the possessed demon, and the other members of the Belzer family.
He definitely has to take credit for it.
Bane had perfectly completed preparations for Ryan's Count conferment ceremony to be held a week later.
“Um... Ehem, is the conferment ceremony for the Count title being held at the Imperial Palace... correct?”
He laughed as he remembered Ryan, who used to speak shyly with a body as big as a door.
There probably aren't many people who wouldn't dislike him, even though he's saying such transparently greedy things to give him a grand welcome.
Ryan...
His former name was Ryan Wassenberg.
The son of Duke Edgar Wassenberg, a person with supernatural abilities born with relatively useless powers among his children, all of whom are formidable.
Thus, he was chosen as a scapegoat to bear the family's sins, and after serving an unjust prison sentence, he was an unfortunate man excommunicated.
At first, Bane regarded him as a pawn to be used in the conflict with Duke Wassenberg.
But now, no matter what happens, he has to make his own people.
The biggest reason his value has changed is none other than Ryan's daughter—no, his half-sister, Vania.
Because Bane is convinced that she is a person with supernatural abilities and a regressor.
Aside from Nike, whose memory is incomplete, the person who would fully know the 'future' of this empire.
For the Crown Prince, who had to keep Wassenberg in check, she was an indispensable weapon that had to be secured at all costs.
Then, in what way?
He has no choice but to put her within his fence.
Making Vania a member of the Imperial Family.
Alliances formed through marriage have long been a testament to enduring trust.
A strategic choice that puts aside concerns about potential betrayal or rebellion by the Belzer family...
"Ahem."
For a moment, Bane let out an awkward cough, feeling as though he had coldly focused only on political maneuvering as the Crown Prince.
Putting everything else aside, it's what his younger sibling wants.
Bane stood up from his seat, citing Nike as an excuse.
It is difficult to bring Vania into the Imperial family as a member when she does not meet any conditions, including the difference in social status.
However, the Crown Prince must succeed.
Because that is what power exists for.
First, ensure that Vania, who became an adult this year, can smoothly enter high society.
This was an essential step to naturally discuss an engagement with the royal family.
And that is his wife's business.
"Hilde."
The Crown Princess's office.
When he called out while knocking on the wide-open door, his wife, Hildegard Evsen Valensier, who was frantically devoting herself to organizing documents, looked up.
"Oh, you're here?"
"Are you busy?"
“I am busy. The visit to Ebonwind is still four months away. I am writing invitations to the nobles for the welcome banquet.”
"You're working so hard."
Kingdom of Ebonwind. It is the hegemonic power of the continent of Evgenia across the sea.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Father showing such enthusiasm for the first time in a long while.”
“That’s right. Father has really gotten much better.”
The Emperor had been noticeably regaining his sharpness since three years ago, when he was no longer tormented by Wassenberg. Enough to take up state affairs he had neglected.
He was also personally organizing the schedule for the visit to the powerful Kingdom of Ebonwind.
“By the way, why did you come? Do you have something to say?”
"Oh, it's nothing special. There's a friend I'd like you to look after."
"Aha."
The quick-witted wife immediately understood the intention behind her husband's words.
There is a place where they wish to lend their support, and it means they want to ensure that the young lady of that family can blend into high society without difficulty.
At this point, if it is a place her husband is paying attention to...
"Are you perhaps talking about Lady Belzer?"
"That's right."
"As expected, we get along well."
"But is there a reason you are going out of your way to look after even the daughter of that family?"
“Actually...”
Bane cleared his throat and approached, casually perched on the desk.
What would my wife say if I said I would take Vania as Nike's mate?
Of course, she'll be dumbfounded.
"Belzer family."
Although he was excommunicated, the head of the family, Ryan, is from Wassenberg. He is a fledgling provincial nobleman with no roots or lineage. He has no standing in central politics or high society.
"Say it again."
The union of Nike, the son of the Emperor, and Vania, the daughter of a mere provincial lord (with a criminal record), was a marriage proposal that no one could accept.
“Why are you dragging this out? I’m suddenly getting scared.”
"Don't be scared."
Bane continued speaking while pretending to examine his wife's documents on the table for no reason.
“I’ve seen Lady Belzer a few times, and she’s quite a sharp girl.”
"Is it so?"
“Yeah. But as you know, Belzer is growing up fast right now, and for now...”
Suddenly, Bane paused while speaking.
It was because the contents of a document he had been casually flipping through caught his eye.
The schedule for the Imperial tour of the Ebonwind Royal Family members staying for fifteen days.
Among them, along with the name of Princess Ebonwind...
Escort: Nike Valencier
Bane was surprised and thrust the documents in front of his wife.
“What is this?”
"What is it?"
“Why would a busy kid take on the role of guarding the Princess? Even the royal family will be bringing more than enough guards for the Princess.”
“What are you talking about?”
Hildegard frowned.
"Royal escorts are royal escorts, and naturally, Imperial escorts should be included for the Imperial tour itinerary as well."
That is true. Bane realized that he was saying something nonsensical out of panic.
“Still, it doesn’t have to be Nike. He is of royal blood before he is a knight. It would be better to leave it to Sir Watson or Sir Stefan. Father planned this itinerary, didn’t he? I’ll go and tell him...”
"Honey?"
Hildegard placed her hand on the back of Bane's hand as he hurriedly tried to stand up.
She spoke with a look that made it clear she couldn't understand Bane's fluster.
“My purpose is not to provide an escort. You aren’t acting this way because you don’t know why Father wants to keep the Third Prince by Princess Ebonwind’s side while she stays, are you?”
"I know. As soon as I saw this, I could tell the Emperor's intention."
So Bane was flustered.
The reason Ebonwind is bringing even an unmarried Princess this time is to solidify a firm bond with our Empire. A marriage alliance.
“...”
“As you know, the only suitable match in our imperial family to accept that is currently the Third Prince.”
“Did you ask Nike’s opinion?"
Hildegard blinked at Bane's reaction, which seemed somehow agitated.
“Is the Third Prince the kind of person to contradict His Majesty’s decision?”
“...”
Bane was stunned.
Yes, everyone thinks of Nike that way.
A child who, from the moment of his birth, has dedicated his life to fulfilling the duties of the royal family. A child who has never once failed to obey the demands of his father, the Emperor, or his older brother, the Crown Prince. A child who has willingly lived with a leash around his neck as a member of the royal family.
That is why everyone takes it for granted.
That child, Nike, would naturally make every decision in his future life for the sake of the Empire.
"Bane."
Before anyone realized it, Hildegard was standing in front of Vein.
"What's the problem?"
“...”
"Then tell me too. We need to solve this together."
Bane bit his lip.
Perhaps he is also partly responsible for putting Nike in a position where it is 'naturally acceptable'.
He felt sorry about that fact.
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