What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 109

#109 Operation Verona (5)

I crossed the border yesterday. The security was tight, and the summer breeze wasn’t entirely warm.

The Venetian royal carriage procession diligently traveled through the eastern jungle of Riester.

A question came from outside the window.

“Your Highness, shall we look for a place to camp?”

“Do so, Martier.”

The Crown Princess replied.

Martier, her escort knight and right-hand man, immediately ordered the soldiers to scout the area.

Elise had not stayed in proper lodging for a single day since leaving the royal castle.

It was her intention not to rest until she reached the portal.

‘Does the Crown Princess still doubt her father? How could a mere Prince Consort, not even the master of the throne, target the life of a prince in another country?’

“······.”

Father, Werner, the Prince Consort’s last words lingered in her ears.

The image of him covering his beautiful face with a fan, looking sorrowful, seemed to appear before her eyes.

Elise clenched her fist.

When she volunteered to be dispatched to the Empire, mobilizing all her connections in the Papal States, the Prince Consort was tearfully upset.

It was reminiscent of the attempted assassination of her younger brother in March.

At that time, Elise almost lost her mind at the news that the prince had survived a dangerous ordeal.

What froze her mind was her father’s fluid attitude.

‘Father, Yeser… There was an assassination attempt on Yeser. Intelligence suggests that assassins from the Divine Nation committed this heinous act.’

Unlike her trembling voice, the Prince Consort’s tone was calm as usual.

‘Oh dear. The prince is also unlucky. To meet a paladin in the Empire.’

‘······I didn’t mention a paladin.’

‘Ah, was that so? Your father is getting old, and his hearing isn’t what it used to be.’

The chocolate-colored eyes curved gently.

How could he be like that? Elise pondered, listening to the sound of hooves.

How could a man who is the father of two daughters hate and envy his spouse’s other child so much that he would even think of killing him?

Even after twenty-nine seasons [years], her father had not been able to quell his animosity towards her brother.

His animosity only seemed to deepen.

-Clatter, clatter······

“Whoa.”

Elise had once wanted to know the source of his drive.

She had also tried to understand him.

Otherwise, she felt she wouldn’t be able to bear the disappointment and disgust towards her own father.

It was even more painful because she had a clear memory of loving her father in her childhood.

Where exactly did he go wrong?

Was it from when he was born as the second son of a prestigious duke’s family and constantly compared to his older sister, her aunt?

Was it from when he was sold to the royal family in a political marriage?

Was it from when he was disappointed in a loveless marriage and learned that his spouse had a lover?

Was it from when her younger brother, born from that relationship, began to be praised for having blessed eyes [a natural talent for magic or divine abilities]?

However, no clue could convince her.

Elise Venetian was someone who believed in the common sense that not everyone would decide to kill in such a situation.

She also knew people who could act even more virtuously even when placed in the same situation.

“We have arrived at the campsite, Your Highness.”

Elise woke up from her thoughts. Before she knew it, the procession was standing in the middle of the forest path.

Martier knocked on the carriage and opened the door when her master’s permission was granted.

Soon, the Crown Princess appeared with hair as golden and intense as the sun.

Venetian soldiers bowed their heads as naturally as breathing.

The knights of the Empire who had come to escort her were always impressed by the Crown Princess’s majesty.

“She has a great presence.”

“She’s a cardinal-level paladin, so it’s not surprising.”

The knights whispered.

Then, they began to talk about Cedric Riester, the Imperial Prince.

Elise let the gossip surrounding the Crown Prince’s investiture flow in one ear, enjoying the breeze with Martier as her companion.

The accompanying servants and maids quickly set up tents and began preparing the camp.

“By the way, I heard that Prince Yeser is assisting two people with their ether…”

“Is there anyone in the Imperial Capital who doesn’t know that? I escorted him during the Great Demon Beast Subjugation, and he was generous to his subordinates and had a kind heart. It’s no wonder he caught the eye of His Highness the Prince and the Sarnese family.”

“Since you say so, it sounds plausible. I’ve heard many rumors too.”

The Crown Princess’s jaw tightened.

The anxiety that had been planted in her heart a couple of months ago seemed to be sprouting.

Her younger brother, who had been constantly pointed fingers at and slandered by her father’s lackeys in her homeland, was manifesting ether [magical energy] and being treated properly in the Emperor’s land.

As if he were a being destined for the Empire, not the Divine Nation.

“Now that he’s become an archbishop, perhaps the Sacred Covenant…”

“Hush, lower your voice.”

Elise quickly turned her head to look at them.

The knights stared straight ahead with silent faces, as if nothing had been said.

For a moment, she felt like her blood was running cold.

He became an archbishop?

“What shall we prepare for the meal? I hear there are deer and pigs caught this morning.”

Martier asked, rolling up her sleeves.

Even at the age of late fifties, she had firm muscles and was energetic enough to handle all the animals in the camp by herself.

Elise regained her composure, looking at Martier’s good-natured face.

She must have misheard. Sir Johann Haynes, whom she had sent, was by her brother’s side.

To be promoted to archbishop, a great trial, hardship, or enlightenment was needed.

There was no way such a serious thing could have happened.

Yeser would be fine. She would be able to check it soon in person.

“It would be good to get the opinions of those who came along. I don’t mind anything.”

After a while, Elise answered in a low voice. Before she knew it, the sunset was setting in the forest.

-Creak······

The old black door opened. Cardinal Aurelia Boutier stepped into the dim room.

Even though it was a space in the Imperial Palace, everything that made up the interior was far from luxurious.

Natalie and the other servants were all dismissed to the end of the hallway.

So far, no one except herself, Frederick, and Alexandre had ever been brought here.

She decided not to immediately recall that there was one more person.

Because no one, including the person involved, wanted to mention what happened then.

“You’re resting well.”

Aurelia whispered, bending down.

In the middle of the room, which had no furniture, common decorations, or even lighting, Johann Haynes was lying quietly.

The long, white hair contrasted with the jet-black floor, creating an unreal atmosphere.

The ether restraints around his neck were once again the same color as black lacquer.

The man’s face was peaceful, unlike this place.

He seemed to be having good dreams, as he had told Prince Yeser.

“That child seems to want to help you. I hope it works out well…”

She trailed off with a smile.

As the Emperor’s religious consort, Aurelia always prioritized Frederick’s words and acted accordingly.

So, allowing the paladin to stay here without suffering was the best result she could achieve while being considerate of the prince.

If the Emperor had taken up the sword in her place that day, Johann would probably have disappeared without a trace.

What will happen at tomorrow’s ‘banquet’?

“May the Lord watch over you.”

Whatever form it may take. The Cardinal murmured softly and turned away from him.

She had to leave this place before the owner of the palace finished his schedule and returned.

There was no need to bother his mood by telling him that she had visited the dark room.

Only the sound of the Cardinal’s robe dragging echoed dryly in the air.

-Creak, click

Soon the door was locked. Johann was once again left alone in his old dream.

Where on earth did he learn such words?

It had already been three days since he was called ‘seductive’ by Eva, who wasn’t even dry behind the ears [very young and inexperienced].

In the meantime, there had been many ups and downs, but Cristel and Prince Cedric had finally signed a contract to act as ‘fake lovers’.

Using that as an excuse, they even succeeded in making a dinner appointment with the Emperor.

A contract lover, I was thrilled. Is this the heart of a romance fantasy reader?

Anyway, the dinner in question was today. To be exact, the operation would begin in 20 minutes.

“The shirt length is perfect. I’m glad, Your Highness!”

Ganael was delighted.

The boy seemed much more excited than I was, who had infiltrated Romero Palace.

The clothes I was wearing were also those of the servant Pierre, which Ganael had secretly stolen from the Juliette Palace laundry room.

The shoes were borrowed from Benjamin’s spare pair in a hurry, but even though they were a little small, it didn’t seem like there would be any discomfort in walking or running.

Benjamin, who was tying the ribbon on my collar, repeatedly explained.

“The name of the servant Your Highness will be disguised as is ‘Geoffroy’.”

“Geoffroy is originally off today, but he’s been urgently deployed because there’s a shortage of manpower,” I said.

He nodded and continued.

“Yes. If you enter through the back door of Romero Palace at 8:15, you should go straight down the left corridor as soon as you enter, and David will be there when you open the door at the end.”

“And I’ll receive a map from David and take the dessert trolley to the dining room where the dinner is being held. You said I can make it on time if I enter at 8:30, right?”

I said resolutely. Benjamin looked at me with a worried expression.

“That’s right. I wish I could escort you myself…”

“It’s okay. It’s something I volunteered to do, and the two of you have helped enough so far. Benjamin can’t leave Juliette Palace, can he?”

Even though I deliberately spoke brighter than usual, his face was dark.

He seemed very worried that I was directionally challenged.

“I expected that you would do something big someday, from the time you got close to His Highness the Prince and Lady Sarnese… I didn’t know the three of you would be so bold. To think you’re planning to deceive His Majesty.”

Ah, is that what you’re worried about? Well, that was a more serious matter to anyone.

I gave a sheepish smile.

“I’m a little scared too. I don’t know, but he’ll be furious.”

My heart was pounding, and I felt a little regretful. Did I go too far? Did I ask to meet the Emperor for nothing?

Whenever such thoughts crossed my mind, I thought of Sir Haynes and his son, and others.

The reason why I act, and the people who support it in their own way.

“If His Majesty reaches for the sword on his waist, throw yourself out the window unconditionally. Even if it’s the third floor, that will be safer.”

Is it that bad?

“Your Highness, you have to leave now.”

Ganael firmly placed his pocket watch in my hand.

It was already past 8 p.m.

Including the time to cross the garden, there was definitely not enough time.

“Thanks for the watch. I’ll definitely return it.”

“Yes, it’s my engagement gift!”

Wow, I have a reason to come back safely.

I burst into laughter mixed with excitement and hugged the lesser pandas one by one.

Whether Leah, who is timid, felt my emotions, she clung to me especially.

I gently rubbed the tip of her nose to soothe her and stroked Dduk-sim’s small back several times.

I didn’t forget to tell them to be good.

Then, I took out the eye patch Cristel had lent me from my pocket.

I only thought it was for Tom Cruise cosplay, but it was a magical tool that allowed me to transform into the appearance of a specific person.

It was disposable because it was a party supply, and the duration was short, but there was no better item right now.

There was a strand of hair from the servant Geoffroy, which David had obtained, so if I recited the activation phrase properly, I could take on his face.

I covered one eye with the eye patch with a determined look and recited the activation phrase that Cristel had designated….

I stuck to the wall and muttered.

“I… I don’t need Nazis in Germany.”

Why are you not letting go of [that joke] until the end? Where do you see Verona!

-Whoosh!

At the same time, red mana poured out from the eye patch.

Ganael and Benjamin, who were standing far away, widened their eyes.

“You two.”

Flinch. Cristel almost dropped her fork.

The Emperor and the Cardinal, who were sitting across from her, were concentrating on their meal without saying anything, so she was also somewhat careless.

Cristel’s nerves were all focused on the time.

She wanted Prince Yeser to come in even one minute earlier and end this hellish situation.

She didn’t care if a more difficult hell would unfold afterward.

She felt like she would be more comfortable if he was there.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Cedric replied, looking at his mother. Pleasure flashed in the cherry-colored eyes that met hers.

“Are you seriously dating?”

The Emperor asked.

Since that prince didn’t seem like he would ever affirm it, Cristel answered ‘Y-yes’ in a voice like an ant leaving its last words.

Then, a snort was heard from across the table.

“It’s so sudden that I’m curious.”

The husky voice was mixed with a subtle teasing tone. The Cardinal bit her lip slightly.