My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 222

222. Inauguration Ceremony (1)

The Crown Prince’s office, located in the Imperial Palace.

“Hahaha!”

An unexpected burst of laughter echoed within.

Conrad continued to laugh heartily.

After some time,

Conrad shook his head with a faint smile.

“To not recognize the star of the inauguration ceremony…”

The commotion that occurred in front of the Imperial Palace earlier.

The primary duty of the Royal Knights was to protect the Imperial Family.

However, guarding the Imperial Family was not their only task.

They also had various missions, such as being dispatched throughout the Empire.

Especially, guarding the Imperial Palace was their main duty during peacetime.

Clearly identifying the identities and purposes of those seeking to enter the Imperial Palace.

Therefore, familiarizing themselves with the faces of the nobles was also a key task for the Royal Knights.

In fact, the Royal Knights were studying to memorize the faces of important nobles in addition to their martial arts training.

“It seems he didn’t recognize you because he was a newly promoted recruit this time.”

However, Tomal, who confronted Cian, was a newly promoted recruit.

Normally, they wouldn’t be immediately投入 [tōurù – thrown/put into] into missions like this.

However, the crowd was so large that even one extra pair of hands was needed.

Unavoidable circumstances overlapped, leading to this situation.

“Although it was unavoidable, a mistake is a mistake. I apologize on his behalf. I’m sorry.”

Conrad offered a sincere apology to Cian.

Cian lightly waved his hand at Conrad’s actions.

“No, Your Highness. What fault have you committed…?”

“Am I not in a position of responsibility? If a subordinate makes a mistake, it is the duty of the superior to take responsibility.”

However, Conrad did not retract his apology.

Indeed, it was a very Conrad-like attitude.

“Please don’t worry about it. Besides, if you scrutinize everything so closely, I’m not entirely without fault either.”

After all, who in the world attends an inauguration ceremony with just their bare hands?

A Count title symbolized a high-ranking noble who had achieved great feats in a region.

There was a certain degree of obligation to maintain the dignity and grace that came with it.

So, before blaming the Royal Knight who didn’t recognize Cian,

It could be said that Cian was also somewhat at fault for creating that situation.

Of course, this was only the case if one scrutinized everything closely.

More than anything, after a brief check,

Tomal was undergoing severe disciplinary action.

“Speaking of which, since you brought it up… how is it that you haven’t changed at all, either now or then?”

Soon, Conrad spoke to Cian with a peculiar expression.

“Even the nobles eagerly desire the title of Count. Even if you showed off your power a little and puffed out your chest, no one would say anything. And such formalities are somewhat necessary.”

“That’s true, but…”

Cian also acknowledged Conrad’s words to some extent.

Honestly, it was called formalities, but in reality, it wasn’t entirely ‘虚 [xū – hollow/empty]’.

The number and level of soldiers accompanying.

The extravagance of the carriage they were riding in.

Through such non-essential luxuries, one could gauge the influence of the noble.

Just as there was a saying that winning started from the momentum.

It couldn’t be said to be entirely formalities.

So, it was necessary to show that power, especially at important events like this inauguration ceremony.

Cian was also aware of that fact.

But as always, he didn’t bother to do so.

“I can go alone, so I didn’t want to take up the soldiers’ time.”

He couldn’t disturb the soldiers’ training.

The upcoming war with Elandur.

The distance from Ruben to the Imperial Palace was not a matter of a day or two.

If taken generously, it would take a week.

So, going back and forth would take two weeks.

But if he brought extravagant carriages and soldiers, it would take even longer.

And considering the things to be handled after the inauguration ceremony, it would take at least a month.

What could change in just one month?

In Ruben, where growth buffs were heavily stacked, one month was almost like one year.

And more than anything.

“I don’t really like cumbersome things.”

In many ways, not liking formalities was the biggest reason.

To be precise, he regretted the gold spent on formalities.

It was a hundred times more profitable to spend money on in-game purchases than on such things.

Whether Conrad knew Cian’s thoughts or not.

“Anyway…”

Conrad shook his head.

Always thinking of the territory residents first was truly the best in the Empire.

Even Conrad had to take a step back.

To be precise, even Conrad had to learn from him.

Even after becoming a Count, Cian remained the same.

“Leaving that aside… more importantly, have you decided on the new castle and emblem to use?”

Conrad’s question was heard again.

Cian nodded and handed Conrad something small from his pocket.

It was none other than the emblem he had Semir make before coming to the Imperial Palace.

Conrad received the emblem Cian handed him and examined it carefully.

A black lion roaring fiercely forward.

“A black lion…?”

“Yes. The name will be Black Lion, but…”

Well, only the name was different, but the meaning was the same.

“Is there a special reason for the Black Lion?”

“That is…”

There was a special reason.

It was none other than the fact that the black lion was what symbolized Arnise Kyle a thousand years ago.

Accordingly, the name of the Knights who followed Kyle was the Black Lion Knights.

Kendrick was the leader of the Black Lion Knights.

And Cian was, in a way, Kyle’s successor.

So, Cian chose the black lion as his emblem.

However, he only changed the name from Black Lion to Black Lion.

Anyway, there was this special reason, but there was no way to explain it.

“Isn’t it cool?”

Cian vaguely glossed over it.

Conrad didn’t seem to care much and didn’t ask any further.

“Then what about the castle? Do you have anything in mind?”

At Conrad’s continued question, Cian nodded and replied.

“Ruben. I’m going to use Ruben.”

It was none other than the name of the territory where Cian was the lord.

And the name that made Cian who he is today.

“The head of the Ruben family, Cian Ruben. And the Black Lion…”

Conrad repeated Cian’s new name and emblem once.

And after a moment of thought.

“Not bad.”

Conrad grinned.

Then, he carefully put the Black Lion emblem Cian handed him into his pocket.

“Then let’s take care of it right away. If we want to handle it before the inauguration ceremony… we need to move right now.”

Soon, Conrad took out a few sheets of paper from the drawer.

And he picked up a quill and began to write something busily.

As he said, he seemed to be officially registering Cian’s new castle and emblem.

“It will take some time. So, let’s talk about other things after we take care of this first. For now, the priority is to successfully complete the inauguration ceremony.”

And Conrad continued.

Cian calmly nodded.

He knew that the other story Conrad was talking about was about Charlotte the Great’s swordsmanship.

Well… he wanted to finish it all at once since they had met like this, but Cian wasn’t in a hurry either.

‘Anyway, I just need to handle it before leaving the Imperial Palace.’

All he had to do was receive 150 million gold.

‘Oh, right. Should I tell him now that it’s actually 200 million gold?’

Cian pondered, but then shook his head.

It was a fact that could be mentioned when a proper negotiation table was set up.

Anyway, there was no need to rush him right now in the midst of his busy schedule.

“Then I’ll try to finish it as soon as possible. You have some time, so talk to the guests who have come to see you.”

With those words, Conrad began to move the quill again.

And the nobles of the Empire gathered to celebrate Cian’s inauguration ceremony.

Before the inauguration ceremony began, they were enjoying a banquet in the Imperial Palace’s banquet hall.

‘Come to think of it… I wonder if Aria has come too?’

She said she would come, so she should have arrived at the Imperial Palace by now.

Cian left the office, leaving Conrad behind.

A huge hall located inside the Imperial Palace.

Under the splendid lights shining like the sun.

Nobles dressed in suits and dresses roamed the hall.

Sumptuously prepared food and laughter.

Servants were walking around handing out glasses,

And the sounds of people chatting were laid out like background music.

Numerous nobles of the Empire filled the huge hall.

“From a disgrace of a Marquis family to a Count…”

“Who would have known this would happen.”

They were none other than the nobles who had gathered to celebrate Cian’s inauguration ceremony.

But in reality, most of them had never even exchanged a word with Cian.

No, it was safe to say that almost all of them were like that.

Therefore, the purpose of the nobles gathered here was one.

“When will Count Cian arrive?”

“I heard the news that he arrived at the Imperial Palace…”

To show their face to Cian even once.

With the aim of somehow building a relationship with Cian.

Cian was spreading his name throughout the Empire, along with the saying that he was a new star of the Empire.

There was no harm in forming a relationship with such Cian.

“Rebecca, greet Count Cian as soon as he arrives.”

“It’s okay to spill a drink as if it were a mistake. Try to exchange words with Count Cian somehow.”

As part of that, numerous young ladies from noble families were filling the hall.

They were wearing dresses and costumes that showed off their charms and waiting demurely for Cian to come.

Everyone was waiting for Cian to show his face.

Of course, they were not just waiting for Cian with bated breath.

“By the way, Baron Bejimin, I heard that a new iron mine was discovered in your jurisdiction recently…”

“Hahaha. Has the rumor spread that far? I was just 고민 [gomin – worrying] about opening up a new sales channel because iron ore production has increased rapidly…”

“Then how about trading with our family? Our territory has quite good transportation, doesn’t it?”

“Hmm… distribution is convenient with the Twilight territory, but…”

Secret transactions between nobles.

It was a place to show their face to Cian and at the same time.

It was also a place where each noble could discuss their friendship, relationships, and interests.

So many nobles were paired up and talking here.

However, there were always those who could not mix in with the group.

And those types could be largely divided into two categories.

One was a humble noble with nothing to show off.

“Father. Since we attended the banquet, why don’t you chat with other nobles too?”

Or an influential presence that didn’t need to step forward.

A giant of 2M [meters].

A size that made it hard to tell if it was a bear or a person.

“Enough. Such trivial conversations.”

The Margrave of the North, Osley Batenberg.

Osley was the one who received help from Cian in the Northern incident the other day.

And the Margrave was a noble in charge of the border.

Although he was a noble who stayed in the Count position, he was superior to other Counts due to his heavy responsibilities and authority.

The Margrave, who was the highest authority in administration, military, and judicial affairs in the area, had a kind of autonomy.

The Margrave was virtually a king in the area.

In some ways, he was a Count in terms of status, but in terms of authority, he was no different from a Duke.

Therefore, there were quite a few nobles who wanted to form a relationship with Osley.

However, no one could speak to Osley first.

First of all, Osley was a Master-level expert.

Osley was an expert who was not 빠지지 않는 [ppajiji anhneun – missing] from the position of discussing the second sword of the continent.

As Osley stood there frowning.

He was overwhelmed by the pressure and could not easily approach him.

“Father, really…”

Bendington shook his head at Osley’s appearance.

Osley’s son and the eldest son of Batenberg, Bendington Batenberg.

“More than that… I didn’t know that the benefactor would receive the title of Count already.”

“It was a natural thing to see his 행보 [haengbo – movements/actions]. More than that… an unexpected guest has arrived.”

Sudden words from Osley.

Bendington tilted his head.

But Osley didn’t say anything else.

To be exact, he was just turning his gaze and looking at one side of the banquet hall.

Bendington turned his head following Osley’s gaze.

And what he saw was the main gate of the banquet hall.

Soon, the main gate of the banquet hall opened and a group of people revealed themselves.

Wizards wearing long robes.

They were faces in Bendington’s memory.

To be exact, he knew the emblem engraved on the robe.

“Rothschild…?”

It was none other than the Griffin emblem symbolizing the Rothschild family.

It was the Arcanic magic corps, called the strongest magic corps.

And the two people who came in first.

One was a man with impressive blue hair and Panat Rothschild, one of the rising stars of the Empire.

And the existence walking next to such Panat.

Long white hair and well-groomed white beard.

The depth of time 묻어나는 [mudeonaneun – emanating/showing] from the wrinkles on his face.

An existence that resembled a sage who had mastered life.

“E, Egrit Marquis… !”

The head of the Rothschild family, Egrit Rothschild.

“W, what?”

“Did Marquis Egrit really come?”

In an instant, the banquet hall began to stir greatly.

Everyone stopped talking and looked at Rothschild.

Silence falling.

Egrit crossed the silence and moved his steps.

Then stop.

Egrit’s steps stopped as if recognizing some existence.

Soon, Egrit turned his steps right away.

And the place where Egrit stopped was none other than in front of Osley.

The two people facing each other.

The eyes of all people were watching the meeting of the two people.

“Hehe, I’m living a long life and seeing things. I can’t believe that the Margrave of the North would participate in such an event…”

“I’m the one who’s living a long life and seeing things. I can’t believe that the heavy-assed wizard would attend such a place.”

Osley 피식 [pisik – snickering].

“Of course, I lived less than Marquis.”

Egrit laughed at Osley’s words.

And then Bendington and Panat greeted Egrit and Osley.

“I see Marquis.”

“I see Margrave.”

Osley and Egrit responded by nodding once.

Osley turned his gaze again and said to Egrit.

“More than that, what wind blew you to come in person? You’re not going to say that you came to celebrate that bastard’s inauguration ceremony.”

“That’s right.”

“You’re still 능글 맞은 [neunggeul majeun – sly/cunning].”

Osley shook his head.

That’s because Egrit, whom Osley knew, was never such a person.

“I don’t know why you came, but I want to tell you that you failed if you were thinking of attracting attention.”

“Hehe. I guess I wasn’t the main character.”

Soon, as if promised, Osley and Egrit’s eyes turned to one place.

At the same time, the door of the banquet hall opened with a bang.

What came in through the open door was a woman.

Calmly 내려앉은 [naeryeoanjeun – settled/falling] platinum blonde hair and an aura of beauty 풍기는 [punggineun – 풍기는] around.

“S, S, Saintess… !”

The Saintess of the Holy Empire, Aria.

In fact, Aria rarely showed her face in public.

Therefore, very few people knew Aria’s face.

So it was not certain whether that woman was a saintess.

But people did not doubt that woman was a saintess.

That’s because of that unbelievable beauty.

Looking at that, I could only think of her as a saintess.

“I, it was real… she really came…”

“Why is the Saintess here…”

The banquet hall was greatly shaken with Aria’s appearance.

Everyone opened their mouths and looked at Aria.

Aria slowly moved her steps and crossed the banquet hall.

Each time, the platinum blonde hair that scattered around gave off an unknown scent.

It was like a 풍취 [pungchwi – charm/grace] where even the beauty had a scent.

Some call the Saintess a living miracle.

I don’t know if that miracle is really happening.

What is certain is that Aria’s beauty that is visible now could be believed to be a miracle.

Aria looked around 두리번두리번 [duribeonduribeon – looking around].

She looked at every corner of the banquet hall as if looking for someone.

But is there no one to find?

Aria showed a slightly disappointed expression and moved her steps towards a quiet place.

Numerous male nobles moved their steps towards such Aria.

They moved their steps towards Aria 슬금슬금 [seulgeumseulgeum – stealthily] to see her even a little closer and to somehow exchange words with her even once.

And Osley and Egrit were watching the scene.

“The Saintess… is really unexpected.”

“That’s right.”

The two muttered once like that.

That’s because there was no reason for the Saintess of another country to come.

So I thought there would be no more shock.

So I thought there would be no more 파격적인 [pagyeokjeogin – unconventional/shocking] guests than the Saintess.

The nobles in the banquet hall also thought the same.

Osley and Egrit and even the Saintess.

Where is there a guest who surpasses them?

But.

Hmm.