Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 227

227

“Guest, you can’t do this here.”

Unlike the previous royal party, this one was only scheduled for two days.

If it were to celebrate the victory in the South or to welcome guests from the North, it would be appropriate to spend a few more days laughing and enjoying the time. However, those who participated in the Holy War were summoned without any particular reward or recognition, so it was necessary to shorten the schedule accordingly.

In any case, due to the short schedule, nobles from distant regions of the royal capital could not attend.

Nevertheless, Marquis Joaquin Gutchen, Marquis Volko Redenen, and Marquis Estia Oner, the three great marquises of the kingdom, all attended, indicating that they had sensed how important this party would be.

“Prince Erader, how are you feeling?”

“Haha, thanks to your concern, I am fine now.”

Prince Erader also made an appearance at the party.

Sharing pleasantries for a moment, smiling briefly, and engaging in conversation.

However, he only stayed there during the early part of the party, and as time passed and the atmosphere matured, he quietly disappeared from the party.

‘That little rascal, he still has some sense.

He knows he can’t do anything anymore.’

Not being able to produce an heir is a critical blow in such a monarchy.

Adoption is an option, but that’s really a last resort.

There was no need to use a solution that would entangle the issue of legitimacy when there was already the second in line to the throne.

Prince Erader must have realized that his father, King Edgar IV, had completely given up on him.

He’s just weak in the face of sudden crises, not a complete blockhead from the start, so it’s only natural.

“With the prince gone and the princess not having any notable achievements, this party will ultimately be for you.”

Marquis Volko, who was not particularly fond of parties, muttered as he tilted his glass.

Sion glanced at him and said,

“Well,

Marquis, it may seem like it’s for me, but the reality is likely different.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look.”

At those words, Marquis Volko began to survey his surroundings.

King Edgar IV, lingering long at the party today, and Princess Vanessa, smiling beside her father as she greeted the nobles.

Finally, the nobles, watching the king and princess, trying to gauge the atmosphere.

“…It seems His Majesty has finally made a decision.”

“That’s about right.”

“But it’s strange.

The prince distinguished himself in the South, proving his abilities, and accordingly, His Majesty hastily summoned the expeditionary force before they could achieve anything, seemingly to prevent Princess Vanessa from standing out.”

“Conversely, it’s possible that he wasn’t worried about her achieving merit, but rather that something might happen to Princess Vanessa, so he hastily summoned her.”

At Sion’s words, Marquis Volko let out a groan and tilted his glass again.

Although he was a key figure in the three great marquis families, he was ultimately a military man.

Such a political arena, where neither friend nor foe is certain, was truly the worst battlefield for him.

“You seem to be quite fond of such places.”

“The country won’t be at peace just by wielding a sword on the battlefield.”

“…”

“Someone has to wallow in this mud and get covered in filth for the country to function.”

“Really, I wonder if you’re even a Clausen. You seem like a different person.”

‘Actually, I am a different person.’

Sion chuckled, noticing that Marquis Volko’s glass was empty, and picked up another glass to offer him.

“What is Ludwig up to these days?”

“He’s just swinging his sword like crazy.”

“Oh.

Is that a good thing?”

“It’s a good thing for me, but not for you.

The fact that you, who can’t handle a single speck of mana, are called the hero of Hispania [a region in the Iberian Peninsula], seems to have shattered the superiority he secretly held, causing him great shock.”

“Isn’t it said that a man rises above despair?”

“…Did you put honey on your tongue?”

Marquis Volko gestured for him to go away, fearing that he too would be tainted if he talked any longer.

Of course, Sion was not just a man of words, and he had perfectly demonstrated his abilities in the East, North, and South, so Marquis Volko did not really keep him at a distance.

He was just joking around casually.

“I have something to say to everyone gathered here.”

As the atmosphere of the party reached its peak, Edgar IV finally opened his mouth.

“Some time ago, Count Sion Clausen went to the North and negotiated with the tribes there, ultimately resolving the conflict that was about to start again.

Do you all remember?”

At the king’s question, the nobles nodded, all looking towards Sion.

He was the benefactor who had averted a tense situation that could have immediately led to war without shedding a drop of blood, ultimately bringing many benefits to the nobles.

The nobles gathered there lightly applauded, once again congratulating Sion on one of his achievements.

Edgar IV waited for the applause to subside before continuing.

“A guest has come from that North this time.

They are representatives of the tribe who have come to express their joy and gratitude for the resolution of the conflict with the kingdom, and to express their hope that this newly begun peace will last long, so I hope you all will welcome them.”

The reason for adding the words ‘I hope you all will welcome them’ was likely due to concerns that the nobles of the kingdom might subtly disregard the people of the North, referring to them as barbarian tribes.

Sion was also worried that the nobles might make insulting remarks or strange comments upon hearing the news that Zyan had come to the kingdom, which could freeze the atmosphere that had barely been turned friendly.

And as he feared, some of the nobles’ eyes showed that they were not very welcoming of the fact that someone called a barbarian tribe from the North had set foot in the royal party.

‘Still, the king is taking the lead and handling it well.

In addition to that, the fact that he’s sticking around until the end means there will be a more important announcement, right?’

Meanwhile, the guest from the North finally made an appearance.

All the nobles gathered there could immediately tell that she was from the North, as the northern woman was wearing a rather simple outfit, unlike the nobles who were wearing various colorful formal dresses, and even wore fur clothes as if to deliberately prove her origin.

Of course, that didn’t diminish Zyan’s unique aura or her appearance.

Rather, it felt like she was exuding an aura that said, ‘No matter how much you empty-headed people decorate and adorn yourselves, you can’t even reach my toes.’

At Zyan’s impressive appearance, the nobles began to comment on her in small voices.

“Look at her hair color.

It’s truly pure black.”

“I didn’t expect the tribe’s representative to be a woman.

I assumed that someone with a burly body would come from the land of fierce and rugged warriors.”

“…I don’t know about anything else, but she certainly has a striking face.”

“Could she be a woman who stole the hearts of the warriors with her looks?

I don’t even know if she can properly hold a sword with that body.”

I don’t know about the other words, but you should cancel that last one.

Sion was dying to say that.

For you who imagined burly warriors, she certainly looks delicate on the outside.

But listen!

If that woman just uses her hand like this, people’s backs will fold in half, you know?

When that doesn’t work, she’s a woman who snaps necks like breaking chopsticks!

‘How do I know?

I saw it!

In the novel!

Huh?

She just folded someone that big in half, you know?’

Sion hoped that the murmuring wouldn’t reach Zyan’s ears.

In front of him, she’s just an ordinary woman from the North, but if she hears remarks that disregard her or the people of the North, she might turn into ‘Khan’ [a title given to rulers of the Mongol Empire and other Turkic groups] at any moment and emit a blue light from her eyes.

And whoever faces that light will experience the magic of having their head touch their heels!

“This way.”

Meanwhile, the king turned to Zyan as if telling her to come forward and greet them.

At that, the beauty, who had a very different outfit and atmosphere from the other nobles at the party, looked at those who were focusing their attention on her and slowly opened her mouth.

“It is a great pleasure to meet you, nobles of the kingdom.”

“…?”

“…?”

…Wait a minute, I forgot.

All the reasons why that woman was called Khan.

Sion now recalled that Zyan had always reigned as the best and strongest since she was young, so she was very awkward and found it difficult to humble herself to anyone.

It was fortunate that she had at least heard some advance notice from the chamberlain before the party, so she managed to utter the words ‘nobles of the kingdom.’

Originally, Zyan Temujin, the ‘Khan’ that Sion knew, was someone who would have said, ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, soldiers!’

“W, what is this…”

As a result, most of the nobles had reactions of bewilderment.

In fact, it was understandable, as it was common practice not to speak carelessly to nobles in such a setting, even if they were princes or princesses.

It was not just a place to eat, drink, and enjoy, but also an extension of the political arena, an invisible battlefield in the power game, so they had to outwardly maintain etiquette while preparing to sharpen their swords behind the scenes.

Therefore, they engaged in external ‘image management’ to avoid giving the impression of treating others carelessly and handing over their allies to competitors.

In such a battlefield, even with the king and princess present, the woman from the tribe, who was called a barbarian by them, spoke to them as if they were her subordinates, so it was no wonder that the nobles reacted that way.

‘Princess Vanessa also seems a little embarrassed?’

The fact that Princess Vanessa, who never loses her composure, was immediately looking at Edgar IV’s expression was proof that Zyan’s actions were quite shocking.

She looked at Zyan with eyes that said, ‘Is this woman crazy right now?’ but unfortunately, she couldn’t tell what expression Princess Vanessa was making.

Of course, Edgar IV was only wearing a very slight smile, as if he didn’t care much.

Meanwhile, Zyan continued to speak without losing her dignified demeanor.

“I am Zyan Temujin.

I have come all the way from the distant, vast grasslands without rest.

To convey our gratitude for the kingdom’s goodwill towards our grassland tribes!”

“…”

It seemed that Zyan was evaluating the reason why the nobles were silent quite positively.

The reality was that they were not, but were muttering to themselves, ‘What kind of woman is that?’ or ‘As expected of a barbarian tribe!’

‘If this happens, it will be a completely different picture from my expectation that they might have a slightly favorable atmosphere towards the various tribes of the North.

Perhaps it would have been better for Eos to come to the kingdom instead of Zyan…’

He knew very well that Zyan was originally such a person.

She was as proud as she was strong, and a beautiful but somewhat excessively arrogant woman.

Zyan Temujin was the woman who was feared even by the nobles of the kingdom, who called the tribes of the North barbarians, and was given the titles of ‘Khan’ or ‘Nightmare of the North.’

What should he do about this situation, Sion was wondering.

“But before that, there is something we must address.

That is the North’s apology to the kingdom.

Our tribes were caught up in their own foolishness and greed and were played by a very simple prank.

The same ominous movements arose due to the faults of both our tribes and the northern nobles of the kingdom.

As the leader of the tribe, I cannot say that I have no responsibility or fault.

So, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to you.

I hope you will accept it.

The sincere apology of the northern warriors.”

Saying that, Zyan bowed her head in front of the many nobles.

Not only the nobles of the kingdom but also Sion were quite surprised by that action shown by Zyan, the Khan in the novel.

The tribes of the North are already known for their strong pride.

Not only Sion but also the nobles are well aware of that rumor.

Since they know each other’s characteristics well, they don’t apologize unless it’s a really big mistake.

They just help silently when they’re having a hard time or support them from behind instead.

For the woman who is said to be the leader of such tribes to bow her head in such an official setting, it seemed that the evaluation of them as just barbarian tribes with unnecessarily high pride would soon change.

“…”

Sion noticed Edgar IV, who was sitting behind him, gesturing something to Princess Vanessa with his eyes.

Originally, he should have stepped forward and told Zyan that it was enough, but this was not just a party, but a place to clearly inform the nobles of the atmosphere that all power would now be formally handed over to Vanessa.

Princess Vanessa seemed to have immediately understood the meaning of treating the guest properly in place of the king.

“The guest from the North may raise her head now.

The kingdom is also in a position where it cannot only receive apologies, so everyone will understand the conflicts that occurred before.”

“…It’s a little fortunate that you say so.

I express my gratitude, Princess Vanessa.”

No, this woman.

Please try to speak nicely.

This is not the North, damn it!

And you don’t just raise your head right away when you say that!

You have to take a little more time to score points with people!

Sion wanted to drag that Khan away right now and teach her basic etiquette.

It was fortunate that Edgar IV, who knew the situation, was smiling and moving on, so the nobles were also trying to remain silent, but if someone who was not a member of the royal family of any country, but just the leader of the tribes, did that to Princess Vanessa, who was almost certain to be the next king, he had no idea what he would hear.

“Then, I will convey the gratitude of the tribes following the apology.

From now on, our warriors will not forget the kingdom’s goodwill, and if the kingdom asks for help, they will respond accordingly.

Although all we have is a horse, a bow, and a sword, it is the law of the grasslands to repay both favors and grudges, so we will prove it directly to the kingdom according to that law.”

“We have already heard from Count Sion Clausen that the tribes of the North want peace more than war, so there will be no more problems.

Zyan Temujin, you have already shown the hearts of the tribes enough by running a long way, so the people of the kingdom will know their sincerity.”

Princess Vanessa concluded by telling this northern woman to go down quickly before she made any more strange mistakes and to continue the party.

This was because once the party resumed, it was certain that everyone would lose interest in Zyan, except for a very small number of nobles who were interested in the northern tribe.

“It would be good to do as the princess says, Zyan Temujin.

This is a pleasant place different from the North, so put aside the animosity you have had so far and enjoy it.”

At Edgar IV’s words, Zyan bowed her head slightly to express her gratitude.

The nobles were still grumbling about her rude behavior, but Sion thought it was fortunate that she didn’t say, ‘Okay, I understand!’

With that, the party resumed, and the banquet hall was once again filled with the nobles’ chatter.

In particular, Princess Vanessa, who had been the center of attention of all the nobles since Prince Erader had stepped down, was sweating profusely as she dealt with the nobles who continued to flock to her.

‘Count Sion Clausen!

Can’t you help me a little!’

She had looked at Sion several times with that meaning, but he was either pretending not to know, or he meant for her to firmly bring the various nobles under her control at this time.

He was exchanging silly jokes with Marquis Volko without even glancing at Princess Vanessa.

Just as Princess Vanessa was sighing, feeling like there were many people approaching her, but no real ‘allies,’ Zyan, who had always kept her distance from the nobles, quietly approached her side.

As Zyan approached, Vanessa thought, ‘That’s right!’

She was finally able to shake off the nobles who were clinging to her, saying that she had something to talk about with the guest from the North for a while.

“Hoo.”

The gazes and expectations that had been poured on Prince Erader until now were now entirely turned to her.

Realizing that all the things from now on would be by no means easy, the princess was about to open her mouth towards Zyan, who had approached her side.

“I heard from Sion.

Princess Vanessa, he said that you are the one who will be his master.”

“…Count Sion Clausen said that?”

“That is so.

He said that in his opinion, you are the woman who has no choice but to become the king of this country.”

When Sion said those words, he meant, ‘Because I’m planning to make it so that you have no choice but to become that anyway,’ but when Princess Vanessa was hearing those words through someone else, they were being conveyed as words like, ‘He firmly believes in the princess!

Only she is the one with the talent to be king!’

“So, I have something to say, Princess Vanessa.

You might call it a question.”

“…Tell me.”

“Do you have any intention of having Sion Clausen, that man?”

…Huh?

Princess Vanessa momentarily retorted that way.

―――――――Author’s Notes―――――――

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