What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 260

260

Do you trust me, hyung? (4)

…That won’t do. We have to be the ones to go to the desert.

But regardless of my feelings, the conversation between my teacher and Emperor Frederick proceeded smoothly.

“I should pack my bags. We’re leaving the day after the Grand Festival, right?”

“Yes. We need to leave early in the morning. It would be good to meet the Crown Princess before March.”

“Yes. I hope everything gets resolved this time. And…”

I fidgeted with the fork in my hand, trying to find the right moment to interject.

I could feel the Crown Prince glancing at me from the side.

Christel, who was devouring the sea bass meunière, also tilted her head, looking at me.

Even though I wasn’t showing it on my face, she must have sensed my anxious ether [a magical energy or life force].

-Clatter

“Your Majesty, Your Highness.”

I blurted out, seizing a brief moment of silence. All eyes in the banquet hall turned to me.

The sleek cherry-colored eyes were unusually charismatic today.

I had spoken, but I wasn’t sure how to phrase my sentence.

Even Cedric isn’t saying anything, so if I bring this up first….

“That is.”

No, Ye-seo. There’s no time to hesitate. You want to see the Holy Grail in person. Just go for it!

“Wouldn’t it be alright if the Crown Prince and we went instead?”

I asked cautiously. The sound of silverware stopped all at once.

‘Oh.’ Marquis François, sitting next to Cardinal Boutier, exclaimed briefly.

The Emperor drank the green Chartreuse [a French herbal liqueur] in the round glass, silently looking at me for a few seconds.

I felt like prey marked by a beast in the middle of the prairie.

Goosebumps rose on my arms, and my head felt stuck, as if someone had glued it in place.

At this rate, I felt like I would freeze up. I decided to take courage.

“Since the Crown Prince has never been on the front lines of diplomacy, I believe this opportunity will serve as a stepping stone for his political growth. The neutral zone during the Great Descent Festival will be safer than ever.”

And I finished my statement safely.

I thoroughly excluded personal desires like ‘I want to see the Holy Grail.’

I wouldn’t have a good answer if they asked why.

The Emperor finally blinked slowly and took her lips off the glass.

“I didn’t realize Marquis Serenite cared so much about the future of the Empire.”

It was a spiteful voice.

My teacher glanced at me with a kind look and then urged her partner, ‘Frederick.’

Duke Florian Mendy across from me smiled kindly.

Of course, he didn’t know the situation or our relationship deeply.

He just seemed to think it was admirable that I was thinking about Liester.

“Do you want to meet the Crown Princess?”

“…There’s that reason too. I think it would be good in many ways.”

I miraculously gave an answer without stammering.

‘Hmph.’ The Emperor snorted and ate several pomme frites [French fries] that were arranged like a bouquet in a small bowl.

I didn’t know what that meant, and I was burning inside.

My teacher had a worried look, and the Crown Prince was sending a questioning gaze.

Unlike my mother, he was easy to interpret in these situations. ‘Why is he trying so hard to go?’

“Later.”

I whispered just loud enough for him to hear, and he frowned.

The Emperor saw us and smirked.

“I understand your intentions, but I will not allow it.”

“Ah…”

My chest tightened for a moment.

I bit my lip, trying to manage my expression.

I didn’t know when I would be able to see the Holy Grail again if not this time.

And that was perhaps the only clue I could physically access here.

The key to returning home. No, even if it was just an old keyhole, it would be fine.

I’ll match the shape.

I don’t care how long it takes.

“Your Majesty.”

“I don’t want to talk through intermediaries anymore. I don’t have the patience to endure frustration for long.”

She said sharply. I couldn’t refute that.

The Emperor had been patient for months to avoid unnecessary sacrifices, and no one here was unaware of that.

The ruler of the Empire hated twisting words or complicating situations.

She was as straight as the sword Durandal [a legendary sword] and as fiery as her son’s ether.

Rather than sitting in the palace and waiting for news, she was determined to take the opportunity of the Papal State’s proposal to set out.

“…”

But I couldn’t back down here.

Glug. I took a big gulp of my milkshake. My head went cold.

Fear and guilt temporarily receded.

“I know it’s presumptuous of me to say this…”

It would seem arrogant and presumptuous. You might feel it’s rude.

But I was that desperate. I wanted to do everything I could in my position.

I didn’t want to regret it.

“You have both been very busy these past few months managing domestic affairs. You are overseeing the aftermath of the Simon de Sarnese case, as well as the operation and management of Sarnese Shipping. With the support of the Dhiem Marquis family, the portal restoration project is also in full swing. And…”

What else was there? I frantically counted my fingers under the table.

Important documents I had seen over the Crown Prince’s shoulder floated in my head and then blurred. That’s right!

“There is unpublished information regarding the efficacy of Sun Halo Grass. The announcement regarding Lady Christel’s water attribute ether is also pending. Also, you are building an orphanage with the confiscated property of the Andreji Count family, so that too…”

“Our prince is very interested in Liester’s affairs of state. I’m glad.”

My teacher said with a kind face.

Her face, as she looked back and forth between the Crown Prince and me, was full of warmth.

I knew instinctively that she was opposing my opinion, even though her words were sincere.

My heart grew even more urgent. Please help me.

“Your Highness. If you travel with the Rambouillet Marquis family’s caravan, nothing will happen. I heard that even last year, a thousand camels traveled together on one journey. With that scale…”

“Ye-seo. No.”

Flinch. I trembled noticeably and looked at the head of the table.

Silver hair sparkled like a blessing in the light of the chandelier.

The noblest gaze in the Empire was focused solely on me.

The Emperor called my name and cut me off clearly and firmly.

Give up. What you want will not be achieved.

“I don’t think my son’s abilities are lacking. Cedric will do a great job with the Papal State’s diplomacy. It’s true that I’m too busy. But isn’t that the case every day?”

“…”

She was a very solid adult. Not someone I could dare to shake.

“Sant Los will leave tomorrow as planned. Aurelie and I plan to leave at dawn on the 23rd. So, you should stay in the palace and assist the Crown Prince. I’ll turn a blind eye to whatever trouble you cause in the meantime. The border is the land of evil spirits.”

‘It’s not a place for young ones to go.’ Adding that, she began to cut her steak indifferently.

Red juice seeped out from the undercooked flesh.

Coincidentally, my eyes met Lady Berenice’s again.

The young lady was looking at me with a very pitiful expression.

I wondered if I looked that desperate, and a faint chuckle escaped me.

“I will tie up this knot. I don’t want to go back on it.”

“…”

The husky declaration echoed through the banquet hall. That was the end of it.

I quietly lowered my eyelids.

For some reason, my favorite food didn’t taste like anything.

*

The next day came.

-Clatter, clatter….

Now, even the sound of car exhaust and the subway was fading.

I entrusted my ears to the familiar sound of horses’ hooves, trying not to despair too much.

It’s only been a year since I possessed this body, so I told myself not to give up already.

There will be another opportunity in life.

To not miss it, I need to keep a good grip on my mind from now on.

“Still, it seems like Her Majesty really cherishes the Prince.”

A sheepish smile came out. It was true that I was receiving excessive affection.

“Really, look at this. They loaded up so much expensive silk. And they piled up treasures to cheer you up. Amazing! This is just royal family stuff, isn’t it?”

Christel widened her eyes and held up a sparkling tiara.

‘So pretty!’ She seemed to be acting brighter than usual to encourage me.

She even came to the palace to see me on a Sunday without any business.

Benjamin was calm, but Ganael also couldn’t hide his excitement at the sight of the treasures.

Words like favor and imperial grace kept coming up.

The Crown Prince, sitting in the opposite seat, glanced at me for a moment….

“Dog.”

He said this out of the blue. Sir Johann tilted his head as if he found it interesting. Did he just insult me?

“Huh?”

“A cat is fine too.”

“…You’re telling me to raise one?”

“Forget it if you don’t want to.”

He turned his head sharply to the window. I ended up laughing in vain.

It seemed like he was telling me to get a dog or cat in the palace to comfort myself, since he didn’t mind.

But I wasn’t unbearably depressed or sad, and I didn’t want to take a life so lightly.

Besides, I already had companion pets.

They had been stuck to me since last night, not thinking of letting go. Just like right now.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll decline.”

Ether is really amazing.

-Screech!

-Beep!

Then Demi and Dduk-sim, representing the troublemakers, rushed at the Crown Prince.

It was like, ‘How dare you try to attach another animal to our master!’

Soon, the chubby baguette and the fluffy mocha bread began to pummel the man’s muscles.

They were moving so fiercely that there was no sound. The Crown Prince let out a long sigh.

“Good job, Demi! Show him what you’ve got!”

Ms. Gain raised her voice.

Herit, who was lying on Sir Johann’s lap, also perked up and was excited.

It instantly became a spectacle. ‘Hahaha.’ I finally burst out laughing.

The large carriage with warming magic had an excellent ride.

We were on our way to see Sant off as he left for the desert.

This morning.

Emperor Frederick suddenly sent dozens of workers to the Juliette Palace.

The procession of carriages visible through the window was endless.

Wondering what was going on, I came out wearing only my pajamas and gown, and lo and behold, it was all gold and silver treasures.

The Juliette family, as well as passersby, gathered around and whispered.

‘These are gifts from Her Majesty, Prince Ye-seo.’

‘Thank you for your hard work, Laura. But why the sudden gifts….’

‘Her Majesty was concerned that the Prince might be upset. This is the result of that concern.’

The middle-aged man raised the corners of his lips slightly and handed me a card.

A short sentence was written on the paper.

‘If things go well, I will invite the Crown Princess and the Second Princess.

Take the carriages. I have too many and they are cumbersome.

-F. R.’

It was a letter with many words omitted before and after. I was naturally taken aback by the unexpected gift.

I was embarrassed and grateful for their consideration, and a sigh escaped me.

My teacher’s influence was also there, but such an excessive gift was clearly the Emperor’s intention.

I couldn’t return the gifts, saying they were too much.

The gifts from the nobles that came in last time are still piled up in the first-floor reception room!

‘…Thank you. I will use them well in a good place.’

‘You must use them a lot for yourself too.’

Laura said with a rather stern face.

In the place where she and the Emperor’s attendants left, there were several luxurious carriages and piles of boxes left.

For reference, the premium vehicle with cooling and heating magic also ended up being mine.

It seemed like they meant I couldn’t go to the border, but I could go out and play as much as I wanted elsewhere.

In a way, I was being stubborn. I knew the Emperor’s position well, but I was still pushing it.

I didn’t expect them to appease me this much.

“Demi, do enough and come here. You too, Dduk-sim.”

-Squeak

-Beep

When I called, the two troublemakers who had been rolling on the Crown Prince’s lap came back quickly.

Tete, who was held by Christel, cried ‘Aeuu’ as she looked at her triumphant older brothers.

I calmed my heart as I looked at the cozy scene in front of me.

I have to act like an adult as much as the adults cherish me.

Let’s find a better excuse next time. Don’t be stubborn then.

…If there is a next time.

“We’re here, Your Highness. Shall we get off?”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

I woke up from my fleeting thoughts. Sir Johann was giving a smile that was hard to read.

The scenery outside the window was already the main gate of the Imperial Palace.

It was a place with frequent traffic of guests during the Great Festival.

I left Perry and Demi to the Crown Prince and his teacher, took the rest, and got out of the carriage.

Lea had gotten a little heavier lately because she had been eating a lot of ether.

Christel teased her, saying, ‘You’re going to become a pig,’ and she was very cute when she opened her mouth wide.

“Crown Prince, Prince Ye-seo. Welcome!”

“Oof. Hello, Sant.”

I corrected my posture and greeted him in return. The priest with the bundle on his back had a flushed face.

Behind him, the imperial carriage waiting to depart was visible.

Sant was planning to take that to the vicinity of the border and then join the Rambouillet caravan.

It was my teacher’s consideration.

“You didn’t even need to come out like this…. I’m grateful! I’m deeply grateful for your grace.”

He didn’t know what to do and bowed several times, then promised to bring back souvenirs when he returned.

Christel asked if it was tax-free and openly rejoiced.

I smiled as I watched Sant squatting down and talking to Herit, and then,

“Huh?”

I witnessed a very strange scene. My head tilted on its own.

It seemed like someone was hiding behind Sant’s carriage.

Judging by the attire, it wasn’t a coachman or servant. I could see a navy robe and the hem of a fine dress.

A couple having a secret meeting? No, wait a minute. Could it be….

“Bakari?”

-Thud!

As I muttered, the person in the robe dropped something at their feet.

A thick bag of bread. And an envelope!