The Stand-In Empress’S Wedding Night [EN]: Chapter 240

240. Handle it for me

“Speak, Your Majesty.”

The High Priest granted him the floor again.

“Deliver the verdict as soon as possible.”

His voice was heavy with authority.

“Yes, although the full extent of the judgment is yet to be determined, the court’s decision in this case will be expedited without delay,” the High Priest replied, his expression carefully neutral as he listened to the Emperor’s words.

“Aaaargh! No, this can’t be happening!”

Prince Tessler, sprawled on the floor, cried out as if in the throes of a seizure.

“I am Prince Tessler of the Shatou Neil Kingdom! I will soon be king! Do you think you can bring me down?!”

I watched Prince Tessler’s desperate, final struggle.

The sound of people clicking their tongues echoed through the courtroom like a disapproving chorus.

“I am the Emperor of the Lapheon Empire. I am already an emperor. Do you think I cannot bring down someone who hasn’t even ascended the throne yet?”

A palpable contempt laced Rinell’s displeased voice.

“Your Majesty, please reconsider! Considering the close relationship between our two countries, you cannot do this to me! Huh? Your Majesty!!”

Prince Tessler abruptly changed his tune, waving his hands frantically above his head and begging for mercy.

Hearing him stutter, cry, and then plead so rapidly gave the impression of watching a clown’s performance.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I only have a close relationship with one person in my life.”

He retorted to Prince Tessler, then turned his gaze towards me, a slight smile playing on his lips.

I returned his smile secretly, but my face flushed when I met the High Priest’s gaze.

The High Priest looked back and forth between Rinell and me, cleared his throat quietly, and then ordered the knights to drag Prince Tessler away.

Prince Tessler thrashed and fell to the floor again.

Four knights seized Prince Tessler, each grabbing a limb, but the prince’s resistance was considerable.

As Prince Tessler’s struggles continued unabated, Commander Markrom approached the prisoner’s seat after a moment.

Upon seeing Commander Markrom, Prince Tessler curled up, drawing his legs in tightly, and his wild movements diminished significantly.

Is this why they say a fist is stronger than the law?

***

After the trial, silence descended upon the Grand Temple as the observers departed.

Princess Resilia was hiding behind a pillar in the lobby of the Grand Temple, waiting for Norton to emerge from the courtroom.

She had been seeking an opportunity to speak with Norton since before the trial began, but because he was always with Rosie, she had been reduced to circling around, observing from a distance.

After waiting behind the pillar for several minutes, Norton finally appeared, exiting the courtroom.

Princess Resilia took a step towards him but then ducked back behind the pillar.

Norton was not alone.

“Why are those pumpkin [derogatory term for someone foolish] and dimwit sticking so close to Norton?”

Rosie and Melanie were there.

In addition to those two, other people she disliked were following in a line.

The timing was terrible.

If it were just Rosie and Melanie, she would have found a way to push them aside and talk to Norton, but it was too much to try and separate Zelda and the Emperor as well.

‘It would be better to go to his room directly.’

Princess Resilia thought, glaring at Rosie, who was clinging tightly to Norton.

She leaned back against the pillar, waiting for them to disappear from the Grand Temple.

“Your Majesty, I have something to say.”

Princess Resilia perked up her ears at Norton’s voice.

“Speak.”

“Now that Prince Tessler will lose power, I think it would be good to bring Rams back.”

Princess Resilia’s eyes widened as if they would pop out at Norton’s words.

“Ah, right. I’ll tell Raphael. I’ll also tell the head chamberlain to make sure he can stay here comfortably with Rams until you leave for the Partsha Empire.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“When Rams comes back to the Imperial Palace, can I take care of him? It would be too much for the Prince to take care of Rams. The servants will also be unfamiliar.”

Rosie said with an excited voice.

“That would be good. Rosie has been taking care of Rams all along, so Rams would be more comfortable with Rosie.”

Zelda also supported Rosie’s opinion.

“Are you sure you’re okay with that? It’ll be tough.”

Norton asked her, his eyes filled with emotion at Rosie’s suggestion.

“Tough? I’m so happy to see Rams after a long time.”

“It’s good to practice in advance. Rams might actually think of Rosie as his mother.”

Melanie teased, subtly nudging Rosie to the side.

Princess Resilia, eavesdropping on their conversation behind the pillar, clenched her dress hem tightly in her fists, furious.

‘What does that metal skewer [another derogatory term, implying someone is cold and unfeeling] know to encourage her?’

Rams is my son!

Princess Resilia could not let Rosie steal her last hope.

She had already informed Empress Jasper by letter that there was a son between Norton and herself, but it was useless if Rams was not in her arms.

Moreover, if Rams started walking and became attached to Rosie, following her like a mother, she might not be able to exert her influence even as his biological mother.

She had to hold Rams in her arms as soon as possible and raise him to be completely on her side.

‘That’s how I’ll survive.’

So, she had to hold Rams in her arms as soon as possible.

Since she was already out of Norton’s favor, the only option left was to borrow the power of Emperor Kalvin of the Partsha Empire and Empress Jasper.

‘I’ll take Rams and go to the Partsha Empire first.’

It was possible if she could find out where Rams was.

Then, she would have someone sneak Rams out and go to the Partsha Empire with him.

With Rams standing tall in the Partsha Imperial Family, they wouldn’t be able to ignore her and marry those two off.

Even if Rosie stayed by Norton’s side until the end, the position of Imperial Princess Consort was Resilia’s, hers.

As Rinell started walking towards the lobby, everyone followed the Emperor.

He looked around the Grand Temple lobby, confirmed that no one was around, and then spoke to Norton.

“I’ve heard that Raphael is taking care of Rams like his own son.”

“Yes, I am very grateful.”

As Rams’ name came up in their conversation, Princess Resilia, who was hiding behind the pillar and eavesdropping, held her breath and focused intently.

“I’m wondering how to thank your sister.”

Norton said, sincerely grateful to Raphael, who was following behind.

“As I said before, my sister is specialized in giving birth to and raising children. She says it’s not difficult at all because Rams is so docile.”

Raphael waved his hand and laughed heartily.

‘They left our Rams with that secretary’s sister?’

Princess Resilia almost burst out laughing at the unexpected information.

The princess quickly covered her wide-open mouth with both hands and laughed silently.

Now that she knew where Rams was, she needed someone to take Rams out of that house.

‘The guild is perfect for that. I need money to hire them.’

Moreover, it would cost a considerable amount to be guided to the Partsha Empire safely.

Princess Resilia thought about who could help her.

It would take too long to go to the Shatou Neil Kingdom and ask for help.

She had to think of someone who could help her here in the Lapheon Empire.

The thought didn’t last long.

‘There is someone!’

Princess Resilia breathed a sigh of relief.

***

After leaving the Grand Temple, I returned to the main palace office with Rinell in a carriage.

He said he had something to discuss with Grand Duke Martins about the Prince Tessler issue.

When we entered the office together, Grand Duke Martins had already arrived.

“You came early.”

“Yes, I came straight here as soon as the trial ended.”

“The Grand Duke’s contribution to this matter was significant.”

I expressed my sincere gratitude to Grand Duke Martins.

“It’s nothing. I’m glad I could help.”

Grand Duke Martins replied simply and modestly.

“No. If the Grand Duke hadn’t informed Prince Tessler about the Avatar Sword, things wouldn’t have been easy. Let’s talk sitting down.”

Rinell gestured towards a seat.

“Perhaps the key ministers with the right to participate in the trial will unanimously agree on the revocation of Prince Tessler’s title. The court is also likely to accept my opinion.”

“Yes, that’s a relief.”

“As you know, Pessillini is pregnant with Prince Tessler’s baby. Although it is the prince’s only bloodline, that child, whether a prince or a princess, will be raised within the Lapheon Imperial Family.”

Grand Duke Martins’ expression became complicated at his words.

I felt like I understood why the Grand Duke was making that expression.

“Then… the Shatou Neil Kingdom’s lineage will be cut off….”

When I looked questioningly at Rinell, he gave a meaningful look and continued.

“Prince Tessler won’t even be able to publicly acknowledge that the child Pessillini gave birth to is his own.”

If that happened, he would be charged with insulting the Lapheon Imperial Family.

“Then what will happen to our kingdom in the future….”

“Grand Duke Martins, shouldn’t you lead the Shatou Neil Kingdom anew?”

“W-What are you saying, Your Majesty…!”

Grand Duke Martins’ eyes widened.

“You are a cousin of Prince Tessler, so you are clearly of royal blood. If Prince Tessler has no children, the opportunity will fall to you.”

“…Your Majesty. Is that why you accepted Pessillini and the baby as members of the Lapheon Imperial Family?”

Grand Duke Martins asked him with a somewhat surprised look.

Rinell shrugged lightly and instead asked Grand Duke Martins.

“You must have some desire for the throne, don’t you?”

Grand Duke Martins did not bother to hide his inner thoughts and revealed his honest feelings.

“In fact, while watching Prince Tessler manage state affairs, there were many disappointing aspects. Moreover, when I saw him being excessively greedy, such thoughts crossed my mind from time to time.”

“Then create your own world now.”

“Thank you for your words alone, Your Majesty!”

Grand Duke Martins clasped his hands together and showed a moved expression.

“It’s not just words.”

The throne of Shatou Neil would not change with just one word from Rinell, but it was certain that he was setting the stage for everything.

‘Is Grand Duke Martins… destined to be king?’

I thought, staring intently at the Grand Duke.

He was definitely a person who would lead the Shatou Neil Kingdom better than Prince Tessler.

“Prince Tessler has tarnished the image of the Shatou Neil Kingdom, so the opposition from the ministers there won’t be very high.”

“Yes, and there are quite a few ministers who are against Prince Tessler. However, there are still considerable forces that support Prince Tessler.”

“Try to appease Princess Resilia. Wouldn’t things be easier if the princess were on your side?”

“That’s right. But with her brother being stripped of his position, would she give me her support?”

Grand Duke Martins replied with a skeptical expression.

“That’s why I’m telling you to think about it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The conversation stopped for a moment, and silence flowed.

It felt like Rinell was deliberately creating the silence.

“Your Majesty, please tell me what you want from me.”

As expected, the quick-witted Grand Duke Martins asked him in a calm tone.

Rinell clearly seemed to want something from the Grand Duke in return for helping him ascend to the throne.

“Did it seem that way?”

“Yes. Shouldn’t there be something I need to repay you for to make it even?”

“Hahaha, you’re quick-witted because you run a trading company. If you become king, the Shatou Neil Kingdom will prosper even more in the future.”

“You flatter me. Your Majesty, do you want me to… eliminate Prince Tessler?”

Grand Duke Martins leaned forward slightly and asked with a serious expression.

Then Rinell’s blue eyes sparkled.

It was an expression that showed the Grand Duke had accurately grasped and scratched his itch.

“He’s the bastard who tried to kill Zelda. Do you think I’d be satisfied with just kicking such a guy out of the prince’s seat?”

A cold aura was rising around him.

“It’s difficult to properly question his crime in another country because of his royal status, but if he is stripped of his prince title and becomes a noble, then punishment will be much easier.”

“Is that why Your Majesty requested the revocation of Prince Tessler’s title?”

When I asked, holding his hand, he winked.

He said to Grand Duke Martins, who was looking at his wink as if it were something strange, with a serious expression and a regretful tone.

“Originally, I should have cut off his head myself, but something came up. So, Grand Duke, handle it for me instead.”

Rinell stroked his stomach and added one more word in a languid voice.

“I should only eat good things and see only good things for the time being.”

“……Yes?”