leonardwarren Book 3 Chapter - 11 Chapter 14. Reflection.
Book 3 Chapter - 11 Chapter 14. Reflection.
It was a very modest appearance. Inside the parlor, Brick sat looking similar to when he asked for an audience before embarking on an expedition to the South. As soon as I saw her coming in, I got up from my seat and politely offered an example.
"I see His Majesty, the Lord of the Empire."
"Sit down."
"Yes."
He sat down coughing, covering his mouth.
"If you had anything to say to Jim, you could have given him the bell.”
Brick shook his head with a gentle smile at the words.
"I do not wish to be rude in lieu of your word to His Majesty."
Julia saw it and thought it was so natural.
Even though you already know I don't believe you.
He treated her as low as ever.
"So, what's going on?"
"I wanted to ask for forgiveness….”
"Forgiveness?"
"It took me a long time to recover, and now I'm telling you…….”
Brick said so and bowed his head in a chair. Thin, weak, light brown hair spilled down.
"I heard you had a bad experience at Count Luvai, who dropped by at my introduction."
"How can you ask for forgiveness?"
Julia asked in a placid voice.
I think it's going to be scratchy if it comes out like this.’
I was curious about his intention. Julia never talked about Count Rubai and Brick. Brick slowly raised his head. Light tears formed around his eyes.
"If I hadn't given you a letter, you wouldn't have to walk hard…….”
"Count Weddin."
"As soon as I heard that Count Rubai had done such a thing... I've always wanted to ask for forgiveness.
It was a very sad face.
'How could he look so pathetic...….’
Julia looked with genuine admiration. It was Brick who couldn't make a strong impression because of the beautiful people around her. But at this moment, it struck me as a truly miserable beauty.
Of course it wasn't a factor that shook Julia's mind. She sighed a small sigh and smiled at Brick as if it were OK.
"Jim doesn't want to blame you for that."
"Your Majesty..."
"It's the fault of the one who holds grudges, how can he... "I don't blame anyone who's only mistaken."
There was a bit of sarcasm mixed with the word "friend". Because he purposely hid that Count Rubai was originally his fiance. His expression shook for a moment, but he soon opened his mouth with his skinny hands gently folded.
"…I think I've forgotten for a while."
"What do you mean?"
"How merciful you were."
It was an abominable word to anyone. But his pale complexion and wistful eyes worked magic to make them look sincere.
'That's a talent, too.’
Julia was looking at Brick with a view to seeing how far she was going. Brick opened his mouth, exhaling carefully with a slight cough.
"…will you please allow me to return the favor to your majesty."
"What do you mean grace..." You're already doing a good job.”
"It's because I feel uncomfortable...….”
Brick said that and then bowed back to her again.
"Isn't there something else I can do?"
That reminded me of Eusto's face last night.
'But you know what, I... What you can do.'
It was a very earnest remark. It was just a roundabout remark, wondering if it would be a burden to her.'That's why I pretended I didn't know...….’
Even though it was the same thing, Brick's words had different intentions. It was a word made up to think of her, but I could see the other side.
"Are you telling Jim you want an empress seat?"
Instead of inquiring, Julia threw a fastball just like her. Then Brick shook his head in horror.
"No way!"
"Is there anything else you can do besides this?"
Brick smiled tenderly at Julia's question.
"I don't dare to want the empress... I'm trying to tell you that you can use me."
"Take advantage of you?"
"As you know, my body is so weak that I don't live long."
Brick struck a calm note as if he had accepted such fate.
"What can I do if I become Empress?"
"Even if I make you empress, do I say it's only a few years?"
Brick nodded at the words.
"I've already spoken to His Majesty. I'm three years at the most."
The words were not a lie. Nor did Tae-ui conspire with him to lie. Tae-Eui was introduced by Plena. There was nothing more certain than her guarantee from the top of the intelligence community.
That's why Brick is more suspicious.
I couldn't see the direction of what he was moving for. Neither Taeui nor Jenna said they can't control Brick's body. Julia calmly asked him back.
"I thought you were for the Weddin nobles."
"More than that, I believe you will be the Holy Father."
Brick got off the chair and lowered himself and looked up at Julia.
"As I have said before, I will give you anything to help you rule the empire."
He smiled as clean as the first time he surrendered to Julia. Julia replied quietly to his words.
"-I'll think about your suggestion."
The two shared only smiling faces, hiding their intentions.
Julia, out of the drawing room, looked at Felix and said.
"The Earl of Weddin, no... Move Brick's residence to the main palace."
"What?"
Felix looked at her with a startled face. Even at the palace, the imperial family was able to stay in the main palace. But you let him stay in the main palace, just a count without a permanent residence. It was like saying that they would treat him as an imperial equivalent in the future.
"Your Majesty..."
Felix looked at Julia with a shaky look. I really hated it.
'Your Majesty... said it could happen.’
But I didn't want to accept it because it became a reality. Plus the title of Julia.
'Your Majesty doesn't call you by your first name unless you really trust him.’
I hated it even though I knew it wasn't because Julia believed in Brick. Because I thought she didn't deserve to be called by her voice.
But it was the order of Julia. It was impossible for Felix to defy her orders. He tried to hold back his expression of hate. Then, Julia's hand touched his shoulder.
"Jim has faith in you. You'll be nice to me, Felix."
At times like this, I thought it was really cheap. Instead of consoling, if you say you believe in yourself, you can't say no even if you don't like it. In addition, if she showed her favorite smile, she had no choice but to do it. Felix smiled broadly and nodded at Yulia.
"All right, Your Majesty. I'll have it ready to move in a minute!""Yes, thank you.”
Felix seemed to lose all discontent with that word.
He touched a fountain pen that he always carried in his arms and headed for the furthest room from Julia's bedroom.
It was three days later that Brick moved to his residence. It was Felix who was in charge of tidying up the room, so it was also his job to greet Brick.
"…it's really amazing."
That was Brick's first word in the room.
"You probably didn't have much time, but you're so neat...….”
Felix replied peacefully, holding back his desire to shrug.
"It's only natural that you've entrusted it to me. I'm glad if you liked Earl Weddin.”
"Every time I like it. I just need space to lay down...….”
He said so and sat on the sofa, supported by a servant. It was a comfortable enough sofa to support his skinny body. Brick was the one to stay, so I wanted to be straightforward.
But the fact that it was Julia's order caught Felix. During his time, he did his best to tidy up the room so that he could be comfortable. Since it's the main palace, it's usually organized, so there aren't many places to fix it.
"…it's a shame."
Brick looked around the room and recited. Then he said to Felix.
"You're so good at this…….”
Felix was embarrassed by the way he looked at himself saying so.
Why are you looking at me like that?’
It was because there was clear sympathy in his eyes. It was the kind of sympathy that appeared when the aristocrats saw the lowly.
"Everyone doesn't see the essence... I'm just trying to catch up with my natural status."
Brick spoke to Felix as if he was sorry to hear that. I felt like my stomach was boiling. But Felix put up with it. Felix's youthful appearance was only in front of a believer.
"It's all right, Your Majesty acknowledges me."
"Yes, that's very fortunate."
Brick breathed long, saying so.
"Your majesty is a strong man, and he will pretend that he did not hear the idle voices of all men."
Felix clenched his fist at the words. He was scratching himself. The idle sound of the crowd was a mockery of Julia's eye for Felix.
I said let's see, let's see.’
I put up with wanting to turn him into a statue right away. If he got angry here, he would only cause a commotion to Yulia, not himself.
Brick told him as if he had never noticed such a sign.
"I'm so glad. I'm sure you'll find it in your eyes and be able to demonstrate this skill.
Brick then apologized for wasting Felix's time in a trifle. But the apology was also deeply repugnant. Because he didn't live up to his strange sympathy and sorrow.
Felix clenched his fountain pen as he left the room. Since the day I received it, I have managed it preciously and it has been smooth without a stain.
'I...'
At this rate, I wondered if I would remain her stain throughout Julia's reign.
I don't like it. I don't, I don't!’
It was as terrible as being abandoned by Yulia. Felix made up his mind by looking at a fountain pen.
'…you must have a status that you have earned by yourself, not by your majesty.’
"Give me some time off, Your Majesty."
That evening Felix, who was serving Julia, opened his mouth with determined eyes. Julia saw Felix kneeling beside her, tying a string of saliva."How much?"
It wasn't rocket science to give time off. I even wanted to ask him to take a rest. He and Flena were the least easy of my attendants. Felix, however, did not respond easily.
Three days? A week?
Julia wondered how long he needed a vacation and how much time he needed.
'He had a hard time even when he fell for a week at my command...….’
I thought it wouldn't be a long vacation.
"A month... I need it."
"…a month?"
Julia looked at him in surprise. But he seemed more struggling than Yulia. His eyes were red in agony just thinking of falling a month.
'That's what he really needs...….’
There was something I could tell. The timing is different from what he read, but it was easy to infer considering the rumors circulating in the capital these days.
"Are you going to go to the Wizard's Tower?”
Julia asked him in a gentle tone. Felix looked surprised at her, then nodded convincingly.
"I think it might seem irresponsible to be away at a time like this. But I'd like to look into some of the ancient magic tools that I brought from the South...….”
He changed his mind whether he was ashamed to say his original purpose.
"It's all right, Felix."
I knew what the purpose was anyway.
Maybe it's because of Brick.’
I didn't see this coming from him until yesterday. Maybe it's because I met Brick in the morning that I made up my mind in a day.
"Do you think Felix is interrupting in many ways?"’
The mere drop of Cyril from her showed an intention. He seemed to be trying to clean up Julia's limbs one after another. However, it was too much to look down on Julia and her aides.
If Felix wants to, we have to let him go, for the future.
Julia reached out to him as if to wake up. Felix hesitated, clasped her hand and stood up.
'I think you're a little tall……?’
Suddenly, it occurred to me that his gaze had risen a little.
Of course, my lovely and cute face was still the same.
"Is a month better than that? There's a distance to the Wizard's Tower.”
"It's okay. I don't have to use mana stones if I'm on my own.”
Felix smiled confidently as he did.
'But isn't a month too short...…. I remember it used to take quite a while.’
Julia looked at him with worried eyes, recalling his memory of becoming a hemp wizard.
Felix clasped Julia's hand as if she knew what she was worried about.
"Please tell me to come back in a month, Your Majesty."
"Huh?"
"If you're ordering me, I'll do anything."
I used to say that with such a desperate face.
"Eustodo, Felix...….’
Julia hid a strange bitterness in her mind.
"Come back in a month, Felix."
"Yes, I will!"
"Because Jim needs your strength.”
Fiddling with his fluffy hair, he told me what he wished for the most. I could see a little less sadness in his face. But there was still a waning feeling.
Is there any way Felix can cheer up?’
Julia pondered, recalling what he had said before. What I said when I went on an investigation into Brick's villa fire and fell for a week.
I thought I'd forget how to breathe because I thought I hadn't seen you in a week.He said in a cute way, "Please forgive me for coming back early." Julia asked Felix in a playful way.
"By the way, are you sure you're up for you?"
"Sure!"
What Felix said confidently, Julia added with a curious face.
"Last time you said you'd forget how to breathe in a week?”
"That's...!"
Felix slightly puffed his cheeks at Julia's words. He glanced shyly away, carefully grabbing Julia's sleeve ends. Crossing his body seemed to express his embarrassment.
'Oh my gosh, you're so cute...….’
Maybe this is some kind of calculation because it's Felix. But what if it's a calculation? It's this cute.
Felix wouldn't do anything bad to me.
All I had to do was enjoy it because it was so full of trust. Julia looked at him, feeling the corners of her mouth rising to the temple.
"You know, Your Majesty."
"Huh?"
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Please?"
"Then I think I'll last a month. It's like a magic ritual!"
He added a bit of a lame excuse.
'Even that's cute.’
It was also something that Felix could not easily say.
"What is it?"
"Do you mind if I touch you for a moment?"
"You can reach it?"
Where and how?
Wondering, Julia nodded gladly.
At that moment.
Chips -
An unfamiliar sound rang in my ears, and a soft touch touched my cheek and fell.
'Now……?'
Julia looked at Felix in surprise. He grinned with pink cheeks.
"Well, I'll be right back, Your Majesty."
With the words, only the trajectory left by the fountain pen was in front of Julia. Julia's crazy sheep set off on a month-long trip, leaving lovely marks on her cheek.
"The capital has become very noisy.”
Duke Leoncia, Duke of Usdan, spoke as he entered the Oval Office dressed as a passing mercenary. Late at night, usually at the time the lights were off, but Julia was still checking the documents.
"I expected it."
"Then did you expect this, too.
Leoncia smiled and held out an envelope to Julia. It was stamped with the seal of Duke Usdan.
"My lady has suffered a lot."
"Camelia is…….”
"Thanks to you, I'm tired now and I'm asleep. Please forgive me for coming to report."
Leoncia said with a proud face. It was like the face of a cute granddaughter when she brought a 100-point report card. What she handed over was none other than a document in favor of the abolition of the military service within the Duchy of Usdan.
After Julia mentioned the abolition of the enlisted system, Camelia and Leoncia immediately headed south. The two apparently succeeded in persuading the Southern aristocracy in about a month or so. Not only the Duke of Usdan, but there was a mix of approval papers from other cities in the south.
"…I didn't expect you to approve like this.”
Julia looked with astonishment at the list of lords in favor.
"Everyone knows how to read documents."
Leoncia shrugged her shoulders and added:
"The place where your words worked was mostly the management of the estate."
"Yes."
"In fact, those who attended the last meeting agreed."
Julia nodded at the words. Public opinion in the capital is now completely divided. Opponents, undecided, and pros. What the three groups had in common was that they wanted to appoint Yulia as empress.
A month suggested by Julia, and that was only about three days left."Come to think of it, I seem to have forgotten what I was going to say as I came in."
"What is it?"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. I heard you were getting married."
Julia frowned as if she were dumbfounded by the words. It was ridiculous for her to know the situation roughly, if anyone else did.
"Jim hasn't said anything about him yet."
"But the capital city was already in a festive mood.”
That's why Julia gave Brick's residence in the main palace. Most thought Brick would be empress, and there would be a wedding before long.
Leoncia said as she sat on the sofa in front of her office.
"And you don't intend to prevent marriage without fail me.
Julia did not deny the words. It would be nice if everything worked out the way I thought and I could catch him before the wedding. But things go their way.
Of course, I've written down a number to make it happen.
As long as he was an emperor, he could not help but assume the worst. Julia sighed as she signed the last document.
"Didn't those who were here always use marriage as a tool?"
"There's nothing we can do about it. You've always had a political marriage in mind."
"Wasn't Camelia only in her early teens then?”
I understand, but I ask in surprise.
"What are you so surprised about? The royal family and the imperial family.”
Julia frowned slightly at the words.
"You can get married as much as you want. As long as I can achieve my goal.’
That's why Julia drew a line to those who really could give her heart. For her, empire always came first, and I wasn't sure what choice it would have.
"Your majesty and your lady, but for you, it's a bit bitter."
"What do you mean?"
"You always try to carry the hardest on your own."
"It's only natural that you have the most authority."
"You could share it with me.”
At the words of Leoncia, Julia smiled and shook her head.
"Jim's a greedy.”
"Then there's nothing we can do about it."
Leoncia hid the meaning of "helping one's own way" under the words. The young emperor had a very determined face. But that's why I felt sorry. Yulia, not only her, but those who stand by her.
'But will they stay put?’
Right now, Felix made a very big decision and left the palace. I doubted my ears when I heard that he had left, who was attached to the emperor's gum. It was not until I heard that the destination was the Tower of the Wizard that I thought he would make history.
The same was true of Eusto there.
Alice and Lady made a fuss about the Duke's frequent visits to the salon.’
Camelia used to use her perspective for gossip. Besides, Cyril Venus wasn't the only one who would just go along with the Emperor's plan. Must be up to something in custody by now.
All three of them were loyalists, who could not see Yulia lift a heavy weight alone.
Well, that's enough to steal your heart.
Isn't that too much for me?
A sharp voice was heard from the other side of the communication area. The other person's voice was a little low and wild, unlike what I usually hear. Cyril said, calmly handing over the papers despite his voice bordering on criticism.
"That's what I do to make you feel comfortable."
-…….
"But if I have any complaints, I'll listen."- You're so cheap.
"I'll take it as a compliment, Felix."
Felix sighed deeply at the words.
If I knew this would happen, I should have made your room thermostat a little less powerful.
"You mean you? Your Majesty ordered it.
Don't you know I can go there right away?
"If you have the power to do that, I know you're the one who's going to climb the tower one more floor."
Felix screamed angrily at the words. I couldn't refute it because it was true. A week after asking Julia for a vacation, Felix was struggling to get to the top of the wizard's tower as soon as possible.
"Where are you now?"
We're on the 4th floor. We're all so clumsy. It's complicated and annoying.
Felix grumbled, saying so. But Cyril was rather sympathetic to the wizards who would face him in the Wizard's Tower, not him. Just the news he heard was tremendous.
The Sorcerer's Tower is a cylindrical building with a total of 13 stories. When most wizards realized that they were talented, they came to the tower from an early age to find their teachers and develop their abilities. Inside the tower, each of them had different positions depending on their abilities, and 12 senior wizards and one cannabis wizard were the highest figures in the tower.
In general, it was a way to take tests step by step from an early age to create a position, and then challenge a senior wizard or a marijuana wizard. There were quite a few who rose to a certain level and went outside to become court wizards or mercenaries, but there were almost no wizards who had never been found.
Felix, in short, was one of the exceptions. Senior magic cases and cannabis cases were usually in their 40s or older. But he was only seventeen years old.
In order to become a hemp wizard, he had to express his intention to the sorcerer's tower and take the test. It was only possible to go up to the next floor with overwhelming results against 12 senior wizards from the first floor to the 12th floor. At the end of the day, you could win the position by playing against the hemp wizard.
It was a condition that had to be difficult for outsiders because the wizard decided what to compete with.
So when Felix expressed his intention to test, the wizards all clicked their tongues that the young one was being cheeky. Everyone knew it was his tinnitus, called Yulia's Crazy Sheep, but he thought he was an outside wizard. But now, a week later, no one has looked down on him.
During the marijuana wizard test period, the test layer will be a dungeon-like structure and will be filled with various strange creatures and traps. It was common for easy dungeons to take more than a week or a month to pass through one floor.
But this young outside wizard broke all that common sense. It took only half a day for him to pass through the first floor and face the senior wizard. Movement magic is usually impossible in dungeons, but Felix has destroyed the constraints themselves.
In just half a day.
Is that it? He thought he'd catch a snag, but he wiped out all the creatures and traps in the dungeon. It was natural that the wizard's tower was filled with confusion.
"I don't know if this is really happening.”
"I guess it's only the first floor. The first floor is easy...….”
"Hey, don't forget that the pharmaceutical magic that's stuck in it was invented by our Matap after a long time!"It was a sophisticated magic that no one has ever been able to date. It was great that that young boy woke up in only half a day without any help from magic tools.
That's why this test was so tough on outsiders. Basically, whether it was the senior wizard test or the hemp wizard test, it was all presupposed to borrow the power of existing magic tools. Therefore, the difficulty of dungeons has been on the rise over generations, and none of the thirteen seats has changed in the past 15 years.
The wizards, who had set up an urgent meeting, felt that this was not the time. They quickly focused on increasing the difficulty of the next floor's dungeon or examination, mobilizing the power of other wizards.
'Even if it's time for us to give up our seats... I can't give it to an outside wizard like that!'
I couldn't take a good look at him emotionally. But their concerns soon came to reality. Felix also broke through the 2nd and 3rd floors in about 2 days. Some of the wizards even blamed Julia.
"Is the Emperor allowed to set his man free like that?"
It was as if Felix was being treated like a beast. So the sorcerer's tower was in chaos. But there was a fact they didn't know. It was the fact that Felix was now working on one more task, as well as the hemp wizard test.
Felix let out a grunt sigh, then talked to Cyril.
Anyway, as you said, the pirata is no longer moving.
"Then we can leave the rest to Duke Marcus.”
Felix grumbled once more at the words.
It's annoying that you're only making Duke Marcus do good things.
"Because it's all for you."
Could you please not memorize it like it's a spell that'll solve everything? Not even a wizard.
"Wizards these days don't usually say spells, do they?"
At Cyril's response, Felix shouted "Annoyingly" again. Cyril, of course, just looked serene.
"What happened to Claus Rubay?"
- There was a threat of assassination yesterday.
"Of course you've saved my life."
Of course, would they have just watched it?
Felix then said Cyril, not even the real Yulia, was too rough on him. Of course, the protection of Chloris Rubai was also the order of Julia.
I had a hard time yesterday because I was caught in a magic trap.
'Truly, I feel sorry for the other wizards.’
He simply said it was hard work, but perhaps even more disturbing for other wizards.
But I can't afford to pity them.’
Rather, I wanted Felix to break through sooner. It was true that the longer he left the capital, the easier it was for Brick or Eton to find a way.
When Cyril heard that Felix had left the capital, he honestly thought Julia was trapped. But Julia shrugged off Felix himself, saying it would have been a matter of great.
'What would you do if I were to leave for that reason?’
Cyril was uncharacteristically lost in strange thoughts. Which do you think is better, sending or not?
It's a useless idea.’
Cyril gave up thinking that way. I was already busy thinking about something else. Felix left the capital and has so far been more thoroughly guarded. Eusto has been wary of the surroundings so far, so there has been no major abnormality so far.The assassin's made her look dead, and she's made a fake body, so she won't notice.
"Then where is she?"
Still in the magical space.
"Please send it to the capital."
Look, Count Venus, my magic is not infinite.
Felix criticized Cyril as if he was speaking easily because he didn't.
"But we can't keep him locked up in the magic room."
Even so, it's too much to reach the capital. Instead, I think it's possible to reach Nator within the Duke of Usdan, but isn't that enough for you to figure it out.
At Felix's words, Cyril agonized for a momentarily.
"I must ask the willing Duke of Usdan to cooperate.’
She had a knack of bringing Pavot to the capital without anyone noticing her. She's been a pirate, and she'll be able to do it. This time, Camelia traveled back and forth to Usdan under the guise of her escort mercenary, but no one noticed.
"Ask Plena for help just in case."
Cyril answered Felix after thinking about it.
"Yes, sir. Send me to Nator, Duke of Usdan. However, please contact Miss Alice, who is currently acting Duke of Usdan."
-I see, more than that, Count Venus.
"Say it."
He concentrated on several letters in front of him, leaving his ears open.
- Has the code been resolved? A letter from Duke Marcus.
Cyril sighed softly at the words.
"Half of them have been decomposed."
Aren't you actually playing?
"Isn't it easy for you to think you don't?"
Felix felt his patience wear down at his retort.
- Who do you think is going to say that?
"Well, we're pretty much in the same boat. We exchanged a few words, so I think we can count it as a tie."
-I think I'm in for a loss.
Felix spoke as if he was resentful. Cyril Benus felt keenly working with her that she was a good talker in front of Yulia. Cyril hesitated for a moment at the words, then changed his glasses and uttered them like that.
"Then it's because you're less capable than I am...….”
Let's say it's similar!
The communication was cut off with the sound. But the next moment, the communication area was lit up again. Looking at the color, Felix seemed to have reconnected the communication.
"Weren't you done talking?"
I forgot to ask, the most important thing.
Cyril immediately understood what he was about to ask. There was only one thing that mattered to Felix now.
"It's under way by Duke Marcus. It's going to be a hard time spending every evening in the salon."
The capital city of Mila and Salon Oreha has never been as successful as these days since the opening of the store. There were two reasons for that.
First, because there were an unprecedented number of visitors to the imperial capital. Mila, the capital of the Kingdom of Lanchea, became the Imperial capital, but it was not a city with very many visitors. It was because the traffic was not so convenient because there were many mountainous areas. Although a new passage was recently built, there was a city that developed into commerce and transportation nearby, so I rarely visited it without a clear purpose.
It wasn't even far enough to travel in a day from the next city. Compared to the next city, the cost of accommodation was high, so even if you visit only if you are not an aristocrat, you often settle accommodation in the next city.Furthermore, it was only a year and a half ago that the emperor declared an end to the war after the imperial reunification. So far, the number of aristocrats using salons has been fixed, as there are few townhouses in the social season.
However, the situation changed when the emperor declared the abolition of the military service system and the appointment of the empress. The nobles who did not attend the New Year's ball rushed to the capital to attend the meeting two days later. Naturally, they rushed to the salon to grasp the atmosphere of the capital and pursue their own interests.
The second was thanks to a special guest. Eusto Marcus, one of the candidates for the Empress, frequently entered the salon.
He was so rarely associated with the nobility. It was because he was busy with both the duchess and the commanding officer, and he didn't want it was because he didn't want it. Even a nobleman from Ranchea rarely had a private seat with him, so he had no opportunity even if he wanted to connect with someone from other regions.
Then he's been in and out of salons almost every day for about two weeks these days. Of course, the nobles who remembered before the abolition of the military service were wary of him. But Duke Marcus's name was sweeter than his vigilance.
The nobles gradually talked to Eusto. Despite the frightening and peremptory impression, the nobles crept up on him. Of course, Eusto was also credited with trying to capture other nobles, including the Ranchean nobility.
Those who thought it right for Eusto to become empress were from the southern and western regions of the continent, most of whom were in favor of abolishing the military service system. They wanted security stability more than anyone else because they used commerce and production as their main businesses.
Of course, there was a calculation that the empire had a solid future, so it would lose weight and take bones. Because there was no reason to be offended by the Emperor or Yusto. Therefore, the atmosphere was bound to be good.
The nobles, who gathered waiting for Eusto to come from the daytime, were happily chatting about what they would talk about when Eusto came today.
"Even if your Majesty had chosen Count Weddin in his heart, there would be a coalition."
"That's right, if you're looking for count Weddin's strong supporters, why don't you make yourself comfortable?"
Now the forces within Mila were on a par.
"Of course, and it would be better if Duke Marcus had been around for a long time.”
Regardless of appearance and condition, Yusto seemed to be more beneficial to Yulia. They burst into laughter, agreeing with each other.
Of course there were also those who frowned at the sound of course. It wasn't just the Eusto nobles who used Salon Oreha. Many of the northern aristocrats of the continent, including the northwestern part, supported Brick, supported Brick.
Some people make a living by lending the Knights to other places to earn money. In addition, the backlash against Yulia played a role.
"By the way, they think the salon will be completely stirred."
One of the northern aristocrats grumbled. Count Polyum, who was in the middle of the crowd, admonished the young aristocrat fairly gently.
"It's one time anyway. Isn't it natural for a nervous person to make more noise?"
"That's true. Count Weddin was sent to the main palace.”
"Yes, Duke Marcus is the one who has served you for a long time and has received nothing but the main palace."
Everyone burst into laughter at the words. Unlike the hopeful Eusto side, the pro-Brick faction was feeling uneasy.On the surface, Brick looked much more advantageous. However, the bond between Eusto and Yulia could not be ignored despite the symbolism that they had been housed in the main palace. In addition, Eusto and his pro-Nobles voted unconditionally for the abolition of the military service. Even those who were cautious in their attitudes could agree if they were engaged to Eusto.
Brick, on the other hand, had the opposite basic tone. Pros also responded that Brick could at least be after becoming empress. I couldn't help thinking that it was disadvantageous in many ways.
Among those who were neutral, more and more people were choosing Eusto. In the beginning, it was the overwhelmingly large Brick side, but gradually the power was matched evenly.
In the midst of different atmospheres on both sides, the entrance to the salon became noisy. Duke Marcus, Eusto, was in conversation with Marquis Ardea.
"It's a good budget to maintain that size?"
"That's right, Your Majesty said it would be more efficient if the guards were operated by the state because the state could manage the payments."
The salon became quiet in their conversation. Everyone listened with bated breath to hear one more word. It was all information in the Imperial Palace that was difficult for them to obtain immediately.
When Eusto stops by salons these days, he often comes with others like this. Today was the Marquis of Ardea, but last week Jenna was with him and he would also visit with a nobleman who worked in the palace.
Every time, Eusto deliberately raised the issue of good points in favor of abolishing the military service system. It was kind of a publicity stunt. Very few, of course, are aware of its intentions.
because
'Cause I didn't think I could do this either.’
Eusto created a soft atmosphere with Marquis Ardea. Considering the image of an "emperor's loyal servant," which is usually indescribable and blunt, no one could imagine.
All thanks to Count Weddin.’
Eusto has learned from much of what has happened recently that a sword alone cannot protect Julia. Failure to protect Julia was something that could never have happened to him. Because he was the captain of the Guards of Julia.
Eusto knew he had a lot to write for her besides the sword.
"So I want you to rely on me when you're having a hard time.’
I thought it would be better if you could think of yourself in a wider and more ways than now. Julia thought she was carrying more weight because she didn't trust her.
Eusto was willing to prove to reassure her. For him, he could do hundreds or thousands of things that were not himself.
"You've visited again today, Duke."
"Yes, thanks to the absence of time in the evening…Would you like some wine with me if you don't mind? I thought it would be nice to get some bottles of Afrito wine and share it with them."
Everyone swallowed their breath admiringly at the words. The whole face was filled with joy. Afrito wine was very expensive and low in production, so it was not easy to get a few bottles each.
"We are happy to ask, Duke."
"Afrito wine, those who didn't come to the salon today will be sorry."
Everyone burst into laughter. As Eusto winked at the manager, she immediately brought in a string of wine that Eusto had entrusted. There wasn't one wine box coming in. In addition, unlike several bottles, the number of Afrito wines exceeded 10."You are indeed the greatest duke of the Empire.’
Some of them had Afrito wines, but at the most they had a bottle or two. In addition to Afrito wine, a string of expensive and well-known wines have been laid out.
'No, how many bottles is that...….’
Everyone looked at the wine he had prepared with surprise. It was a jaw-dropping amount. But Eusto opened his mouth with a calm face.
"Wouldn't it be nice to share good things altogether? I told the manager to prepare a little wine party today."
"Wine party, is there anything to celebrate?"
One of the nobles asked Eusto as if he were curious. Then Eusto paused for a moment. Yusto's face, which usually had little change, seemed to be slightly embarrassed, and everyone looked surprised.
"Actually, I saw you for the first time today, a long time ago."
"No, did you remember all that?"
Eusto nodded at the words. He was far from shy, but he had a much softer face than usual. Of course, if it were in front of Julia, I would have revealed all my nervousness about her. I wouldn't have pressed it exactly.
"It's one of the most precious days for me, so I thought it would be nice if you could enjoy it with me."
"What day is it only for the Duke? We have to remember April 25 every year."
Other aristocrats nodded as if they were.
"Of course. It's the first day that the future empress met with Her Majesty, and we can't let it go."
Everyone burst into laughter at the sound. When Eusto gave a signal to the manager, the salon's interior lighting changed color and the band played a cheerful song. Salon employees poured Afrito wine first.
There were also those who were unhappy at the time when the sweet scent spread inside and was soaked in anticipation. It was the nobles who chose Brick. They kept their mouths shut because of their pride, but to be honest, they coveted Afrito wine.
"How can an empress be so extravagant?"
"That's right, someone who should be an example...….”
Eusto asked as if he was wondering because he was jealous and complained.
"Fill your glasses, too. I hope you can celebrate with us."
"What is that………!”
It was time for someone to shout like that. Someone stepped into the salon and said.
"Congratulations are always good together."
Everyone's eyes were on the owner of the quiet and heavy voice. Brick Wade, Earl of Weddin.
Someone seemed to have poured cold water on the salon main hall. The band's performance was continuing, but no sound seemed to fill the space.
"Count Weddin."
"I've been feeling a lot better lately. Am I an uninvited guest?"
Brick said with a faint smile at Eusto. There was a short silence. Eusto looked at with cold frozen eyes and shook his head. It wasn't that I didn't expect it to come out like this.
I want to break his neck right now.’
He'd be dead already if it was in the war. After the South, one after another, he caused Yulia some difficulties. It was even stranger that he did not show any response to his actions.
"No way. As the count said, celebration is a good thing together."
"Thank you, then, I shall be indebted to the Duke for his kindness."
Both of them did not smile even though they were courteous. Brick bowed lightly and slowly headed towards the Earl of Polyum. His face, which turned back, was brutally stiff and then returned with a polite face.Count Polyum and their faces, who had only grown somber these days, brightened up. Brick's improved complexion played a part in that.
Most imperial nobles knew that Brick was sick. But now there's no dark color on his face. There was still a bit of a pity, but his skin was barely revealed because of his complexion and thick clothes.
"Are you feeling well, Count Weddin?"
"Yes, the royal court's courtesy has improved a lot thanks to its strict care."
"As expected, Your Majesty values you, Count!"
Those who seemed anxious about Brick's answer were also relieved. What an effective and exquisite timing.
Brick has thus far been called to power by the Count of Polyum and the Weddin nobles. When Eusto stepped up and his supporters shook, he tied up his forces just by showing up like that.
I suddenly felt that he was the king of a country. However, it was all just a play that could be done for a while now.
Tae-ui reported that he seemed to be feeling much better these days.’
Brick recently asked Tae-ui for a more effective drug. Of course it wasn't good in the long run, so I reported it to Yulia with trepidation. Julia didn't stop him from being polite, asking him to do as he wanted.
That was the result. Usually, those who cannot walk long in the Imperial Palace garden have the stamina to come to the salon.
'Of course, I'll be at the meeting in two days.’
He must have waited a long time to seize this opportunity. According to Tae-ui, it is difficult to guarantee the next year unless the medicine is reduced. It means it's a desperate opportunity for him to risk his life like that.
But what the hell are you gonna do for a year?
That was the part that was not read by Yulia or Yusto himself. What do you do when you plan with the utmost sophistication. If he dies, it's over. I don't know if he had a successor, but he didn't seem to have one.
"The Count of Arden confirmed it using perspective, and he also confirmed it with Flena, just in case."’
With the absence of the two, it was hard to imagine a different result. The next thing I could think of was that Brick was moving for his subjects.
'The rise of the Empress of Weddin will give you strength.’
Even if he doesn't last long, there will be symbolism. Because she was the first empress of the empire. Moreover, if Julia has a child in that short period of time...….
Eusto thought that far and clenched his fist.
'That will prevent it at least.’
I didn't even want to imagine it.
Of course, Julia said that when she first made the plan, she would not put it on condition after marriage. However, once married, they were obliged to merge. Felix or good manners will be thoroughly prevented, but there was one in a bay.
I felt the will to kill even though it hadn't happened yet.
"The Duke of Marcus."
Marquis Ardea sang softly next to him. His face was usually stiff, so his feelings were not clearly revealed even now. But for him, who had seen Juliana Yusto for a long time, it was within his imagination. He shook his head quietly and said.
"It's for Your Majesty."
That one word was enough. So far, Brick has made his own elaborate trick.
Eusto nodded at the words and lifted the wine. His glass did not contain Afrito wine. Since Baron Scheta raised Julia as a tyrant in the Count of Envida, Eusto has come to dislike Afrito wine.In addition, the predecessor Duke Marcus liked it. There was no reason to like it. So he turned a blind eye to the butler's cry to know how much it was, and made everyone carry it.
It wasn't that important to Eusto, however. The duchess had enough property to rot.
'If it's used for you, it's honorable.’
Eusto pulled himself together by drinking a strong, light-flavored wine. It's only the beginning to face Brick.
Thus, the Afrito wine collection collected by the predecessor Duke Marcus was completely emptied in just one day.
Around the same time, Julia was hanging on the sofa.
'Oh, I feel uncomfortable.’
I think it would be good to cool down at least, but there was no suitable opponent. These days, Eusto used to leave the palace right after work hours. Flena told me that he went to the salon to hang out with the nobles.
'Yes, Eusto has his own life... You've been playing with me for too long.’
I was disappointed even though I understood. Somehow it was a strange feeling of being pushed out of his first.
"It's like me to know how big Eusto is for this reason, and I don't think so…….’
It was not a good feeling to realize his absence just because he had no rival. There was a strange desire to feel more dramatically in a situation that was more important and desperate than this.
But is that a story in a novel?
Maybe it can't be helped as long as it's him. Julia repeatedly held and unfolded her empty hands. Until last week, Leoncia had dealt with her, after she ran away to the company with both hands and feet.
'I'd rather do my job, so you'd better let goin' on.’
There was no excuse for Greonsia Vires to hold on to saying so. Thanks to this, Julia was swinging a sword by herself and finished her bath and was stretched to the fullest. These days, I felt more bored because Cyril asked me for more work.
"May I be so laid back?"
On September 11, 270, since waking up three days before treason, I have had to do something nonstop. And a month ago, he made his own bombshell remarks. To be honest, it wasn't "in its own way" and it was quite a big issue. In that situation, it was strange that ease and quietness were his friends.
"The Duke of Marcus sent us wine.”
Julia straightened up to Flena's voice coming into the bedroom.
"Wine?"
"Yes, he sent you something to celebrate and he wanted to give it to you."
It was none other than Afrito wine that he sent. It was delicious when Baron Scheta gave it to me, so I was honestly looking forward to it.
'Rather than this...….’
I thought I wanted to fight and talk together. What would be so fun to drink alone? Of all things, Camelia and Jenna were also busy. Both were going from place to place to persuade one more aristocrat they could persuade.
"Do you feel empty?"
"Is it all right for the Emperor to say so?"
"It's in front of me.”
At Flena's words, Julia smiled and nodded. It was. All these words were empty and boring.
"I understand why. Felix would normally have been there talking to you."
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Oh, by the way, Felix is already facing a senior wizard on the fifth floor.""Already?"
Julia was amazed. I thought I was a genius, but it was really great speed. At this rate, I might really be back in the palace in a month. Or faster than that...….
'Well, since when do you feel so empty without people around you?’
That was not the case when it was sent. I was much more used to being alone. It was so long that I lived alone that I was used to hearing nothing but the sound I made. I could spend as much time as I could if I had a drink to relieve stress of the day and something to enjoyable. Now I feel empty even though I have great wine and Plena. I was strangely lonely again.
"Eustodo, Cyrillo, Felix...Maybe because we were together most of the day.’
I thought about visiting Cyril, but she was rejected, saying that she could be caught moving recklessly without Felix. In addition to that rude and rude remark, "I want to concentrate on my work, so don't disturb me." Julia looked at Flena, smelling the refreshing scent coming from the glass in her hand.
"You know, Flena."
"What?"
"What does Flena know?”
I asked her as if I was sure. It wasn't just loneliness and emptiness. I also felt a strange gut feeling that something was happening in a place I didn't know.
"I can't speak, Your Majesty."
"Why?"
"Of course, if His Majesty orders me to speak, I will have to listen.….”
Julia frowned at the words. I didn't mean to push myself if it was really necessary. Furthermore, there was faith that if it was harmful to Yulia, or if it was necessary to say it, it would have been said earlier. Flena smiled at her face and said.
"I know you're working hard on something like a surprise, but I can't just say what's inside."
"Surprise gift?"
Somehow I felt uneasy about the words. But Flena said, brushing Julia's hair as if it were OK.
"It's all for you. I'm keeping my mouth shut because it's helpful to your plan, don't you trust me?"
Julia shook her head at her question.
'Cyril and Eusto are doing something...…?’
In the meantime, she didn't even know Felix was involved. Julia clenched a cold yet fragrant glass of wine.
I hope you're not trying to assassinate me.’
Thinking that the two would be disappointed to hear, Julia handed over the wine. The afrito wine was so sweet. As if to soothe the emptiness.
But that's why it felt darker.
The empty seats of those who will be next to me.