Chapter 25: Commotion During Harvest Festival part 2
There was no doubt she was innocent. Just as she introduced herself, Fay specialized in water and ice magic. More importantly, if she had used any magic, the nearby knights would have immediately sensed the mana flow.
Though it was a relief she was innocent, Kassel’s sharp intuition wouldn’t let him shake the unsettling feeling Fay left in his mind.
“…I don’t know.”
WhileKassel mulled over his thoughts, things at the imperial palace were moving faster than anticipated. The House of Orleans and the House of Marquis Hyante, who had been discreetly sparring, now openly directed hostility toward each other. Rumors began circulating, suggesting the incident during the mock battle had been orchestrated by one of the houses.
The gossip gained traction when guests from the House of Orleans discussed it at a young lady’s engagement party at the Mijuang Hotel, essentially confirming it as truth. The Hyante family, of course, didn’t take this lying down, eventually throwing down the gauntlet and scheduling a duel in the following days.
— — —
Every day brought one imminent conflict after another.
“Sir Kassel.”
“…Yes.”
Summoned to the Crown Prince’s palace, Kassel awaited Sillas’s orders, concealing his unease.
What could he want?
If he requested Kassel’s intervention to prevent a proper duel, he’d have to intervene to quell the feud between the two houses.
But the Crown Prince’s words surprised him.
“The Blue Rose Knights, who were stationed at the Rozia border, are returning. Another knight order has been assigned to border patrol there.”
“…What?”
“The only way to restore peace after this unsettling incident is to bring them back. I apologize for not notifying you sooner.”
“Everything in the Empire is as His Majesty decrees.”
Kassel carefully expressed his thoughts.
It seemed unlikely that the Crown Prince could recall the Blue Rose Knights to the capital without the Emperor’s consent. If it was an order authorized by the Emperor, Kassel had no room to object.
However, if things were as the Crown Prince had just stated…
Kassel’s attention would no longer be focused on the border region. At least not for the time being.
“As an imperial knight, you’ll be stationed here and await further orders.”
“Understood.”
As many had hoped, Kassel was now firmly established in the capital, ready to begin his duties as a true noble. Duchess Klein, who had been alarmed by the commotion at the Harvest Festival, was delighted beyond measure, regarding the incident as a blessing in disguise.
“Phew…”
After executing his plan successfully, Sillas let out a deep sigh.
The two families had stirred up more trouble than anticipated, and he feared Mage Fay might get caught up in the mess. Fortunately, she’d deftly extricated herself, as was fitting for a mage of the Tower.
He would have been able to protect her if anyone had targeted her, but for now, it was better if she kept a low profile to allow him to entrust her with future tasks.
‘I’ll need to discuss this with her again once the Blue Rose Knights’ matters are settled. Summoning her too soon might raise suspicions.’
“Your Highness, Queen Rania requests an audience.”
“With me?”
Sillas’s response was tinged with displeasure. They had come unannounced—though even if they had asked beforehand, he would likely have refused.
“Yes. Prince Astein is accompanying her.”
“Let them in.”
Not alone, but bringing along my half-brother as well…
As the Empire’s only direct imperial heir, Sillas was deeply irked but had no choice but to open the door.
The Queen entered with an anxious expression.
“Your Highness, are you well?”
“…Yes.”
“I was deeply worried since I hadn’t seen you since that day.”
“There was no need.”
Sillas harbored a deep disdain for the Arkan Empire’s concubine system.
The excuse that it was unavoidable due to the vast lands to govern was, to him, just that—an excuse. By that logic, even the vassals with expansive territories would need multiple spouses, wouldn’t they?
Though he maintained a calm facade, he was always uncomfortable.
Even with Lady Lâtel, to whom he was once engaged, he hadn’t been in love with her; yet, he hadn’t considered having another wife besides her. His spouse would be the only one for him in the entire world, whether or not they were someone he loved.
So, there was no reason for him to feel especially delighted at Queen Rania and Astein’s visit to greet him.
“…If there is any way I can be of help, please know that I am willing. Astein as well… has grown up considerably. It pains me that I might not be able to assist you should an urgent matter arise.”
“Queen Mother.”
Queen Rania, as gentle as always, held back tears.
“I don’t want to lose anyone else before my eyes.”
“…”
“I apologize if my sudden visit has caused you distress. But please, Crown Prince, remember this. Even when Astein matures and leaves the palace, he will always be a part of the Empire. And if there is any way I can repay the kindness I have received, I will certainly do so.”
With little more to say, Queen Rania left shortly after.
As the two departed, Sillas was overwhelmed with a deep sense of self-reproach. He couldn’t know everything happening in the Empire.
Why the two families nearby were clashing, why Lady had called off the engagement, or what connection she had to Duke Orleans—all of it remained unclear.
……
(T/N: Crown Prince Sillas is giving ‘green flag’ hehehe)
ynabispo
hmmm agora estou suspeitando que o príncipe herdeiro é o ML também. Não havia necessidade dessa explicação sobre não querer cuncubinas se ele não fosse o ML