Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 37

Most nobles maintain a family mansion within the royal castle grounds.

This is because not all nobles arrive at the palace directly from their estates for events like royal parties. The royal palace simply doesn’t have enough space to accommodate everyone.

Indeed, even if the royal palace had ample space, it wouldn’t befit a king to house all his subjects within his own residence.

Therefore, it’s common practice for nobles arriving at the royal castle to first visit their family mansion to rest and prepare before entering the royal palace at the appointed time.

Of course, there are instances where nobles proceed directly to the royal palace upon arrival. This usually occurs when they have urgent matters to discuss with the King or need to ‘coordinate’ arrangements for an official event.

“Welcome, Young Master Zion Klausen. Welcome to the royal palace.”

The royal palace’s chamberlain greeted the protagonist of this royal palace-hosted party.

According to rumors, Zion was a useless nobleman, a loafer, even a rogue.

Yet, he had rallied the soldiers during the war against Nudia, leading them to victory. Later, he single-handedly forced the enemy to retreat during the defense and achieved remarkable results in negotiations, almost securing a surrender treaty.

The chamberlain felt dizzy from the wildly conflicting accounts.

One of them had to be a lie, and in such cases, the latter—the tales of heroism—were usually fabricated.

In other words, his achievements were likely stolen from others and presented as his own.

‘Honestly, His Majesty the King and His Highness the Prince also suspect this.’

The chamberlain’s, the King’s, and the Prince’s suspicions were understandable.

Thinking about it once, twice, and again, it all seemed too good to be true.

“Chamberlain, it’s been a while.”

“Indeed, it’s been a few years. More than that, you’ve become quite handsome since coming of age. The noble young ladies will swoon at the sight of you.”

“Hahaha.”

Zion could laugh without a hint of self-consciousness at the chamberlain’s compliment. In the story’s setting, Zion Klausen was undeniably among the ‘top-tier’ in terms of looks.

It wasn’t the ‘manly,’ ‘brave-looking,’ or ‘well, he’s got a face’ kind of praise he used to receive. This was genuine admiration!

“More importantly, who are the people accompanying you…?”

“The woman is Lucia, daughter of the former court magician, Raido. And the person beside her is her escort.”

“Ah, is that Lucia? My apologies for not recognizing you. I’ve rarely seen Lucia’s face…”

“It’s quite alright, Chamberlain. My father is rather eccentric and wouldn’t allow me near the royal palace.

The man next to me is Yoo Hyun. He’s my father’s disciple.”

“Yes? Master Raido has a disciple?”

“For your information, it’s in something other than magic—something else entirely.”

At those words, the chamberlain exclaimed and eagerly offered Kim Yoo Hyun a handshake.

Raido had never passed on his magic or martial arts to anyone, yet he was accepting a disciple now. Clearly, as he aged, his harsher tendencies had mellowed.

For the record, Lilith and Rishikida were waiting at the Klausen family’s mansion.

Although Rishikida had surrendered, he was a knight of Nudia until recently, so bringing him into the royal palace was deemed premature. Lilith worried that she might be recognized by the many magicians and high-ranking knights within the royal palace, so she chose to avoid the place.

“More to the point, what brings you to the royal palace? There’s still plenty of time before the party begins. His Majesty the King is currently occupied with work.”

Was he asking out of genuine ignorance, or was he feigning it?

‘Of course, he knows, Chamberlain. You’re trying to deceive me without even a hint of sincerity.’

The report of Zion Klausen’s arrival at the royal castle would have undoubtedly reached the palace. And the chamberlain’s immediate appearance to greet him upon entering the royal palace suggested he had been waiting.

This was tantamount to the King himself anticipating his arrival.

“I’ve come to report on the progress of the war and the post-war arrangements on behalf of Margrave Lichten Klausen. Additionally, I’m requesting a private audience with His Majesty the King regarding today’s royal party.”

The eldest son of the Margrave’s territory, not just some rural nobleman’s son, was requesting a private audience.

The chamberlain, a veteran of the royal palace and a keen observer of the political landscape for over a decade, immediately understood the young man’s purpose in seeking an audience with the King.

‘He believes that sharing his insights will benefit the royal family.’

Was Zion Klausen truly so politically astute?

Even disregarding the rumors, the chamberlain had met Zion in the past.

He remembered him as a boy with a pretty face but disappointing demeanor.

But now, he was different.

Significantly different.

The chamberlain had encountered and interacted with countless nobles and foreign envoys.

He could generally discern a person’s character and emotions simply from their initial impression.

‘What on earth happened? I recall hearing rumors that the future of the Klausen Margrave’s territory was uncertain until recently.’

People who aspire to change, or claim they will change, are common.

Yet, the majority fail to overcome their inherent nature and remain as they are.

A coward who flees the battlefield remains fearful of death, a rapist remains driven by lust, and a person consumed by dissatisfaction will inevitably attempt to subvert everything.

But Zion Klausen had undeniably transformed.

His once-cloudy eyes now sparkled with energy, his distorted expression had given way to a confident smile, and his words and actions flowed seamlessly.

It was as if he anticipated every situation, manipulated it to his advantage, and acted accordingly.

‘The Margrave must finally be enjoying his life.’

Perhaps he truly distinguished himself during the war.

Unlike the sons of other noble families, he didn’t merely deliver flowery speeches, observe the fighting from the rear, and return unscathed.

“…Follow me. I’ll arrange a separate room for Lucia and her escort. Please wait there for a while.”

The chamberlain led the way into the royal palace.

Zion followed, entering the royal palace, the residence of the Hispanic royal family, for the second time as ‘Zion Klausen’ and for the first time with genuine purpose.

In this area, where weapons were forbidden except for the royal knights, who stood guard, the royal secret guard knights lurked in unseen locations, ever vigilant.

Several skilled magicians were also stationed, ensuring the royal palace was prepared for any potential attack.

‘That place is going to be completely ransacked [털린다 – a Korean slang term for being thoroughly robbed or attacked].’

There’s a weak spot somewhere, or…

‘There’s a traitor.’

Unfortunately, the traitor’s identity remains unknown.

It wasn’t mentioned in the novel either.

That’s why Zion was uncertain whether to exploit or prevent the impending incident within the royal palace.

‘There are still two days left.’

The unprecedented incident will occur two days after the royal party commences.

At least today and tomorrow are safe.

They say the best approach is to enjoy yourself and complete your tasks at the last minute.

Zion decided to enjoy the party today and contemplate Kim Yoo Hyun and the princess’s predicament later.

He also remembered to appoint a successor to the Klausen Margrave’s territory and secure allies for future support.

“Please wait a moment.”

The chamberlain halted before a door adorned with lavish decorations.

He cleared his throat and spoke cautiously, as if the King were observing him.

“Your Majesty, Young Master Zion Klausen has arrived.”

“…Let him in.”

A very ordinary middle-aged man’s voice echoed from within.

The chamberlain bowed deeply and opened the door with a careful gesture, signaling Zion to enter.

‘Seeing that he’s waiting for me in his private office suggests there’s at least one more person inside. There’s a 90 percent chance it’s the prince. I might be able to entrust the hosting of the party to the prince this time.’

When Kim Yoo Hyun attended the royal party, he delegated almost everything to the prince, and the king himself stepped back to observe.

Zion pondered the best way to present himself.

The current King of Hispania, Edgar IV, was undoubtedly an excellent monarch.

He possessed keen political acumen, a decent diplomatic sense, and, above all, he readily exploited any advantage.

However, his health had been precarious since his days as a prince.

For a country, a monarch’s poor health is akin to living with a ticking time bomb.

‘Compared to that, Prince Erader…’

Fortunately, he didn’t inherit his father’s frail constitution, but unfortunately, he also lacked his exceptional abilities.

This doesn’t imply he’s unintelligent or has a twisted personality.

From an average person’s perspective, Prince Erader was undoubtedly a capable and kind man.

The problem arises when evaluated against the standards of a future king who will lead a nation, where he falls short.

‘His kindness becomes a weakness, preventing him from dismissing incompetent individuals. His gullibility intensifies, and even when he excels, he fosters rivalry when more outstanding nobles emerge, alienating them and ultimately driving them away.’

If the entire royal family hadn’t been massacred by enemies who exploited the princess’s vulnerability a year later, Prince Erader would have ascended the throne, plunging Hispania into chaos.

It would have become a madhouse where enemies surrounded them while they squabbled internally.

‘So.’

Therefore, a decision had to be made.

Should he project the image of a confident and capable nobleman to please the king?

Or should he adopt a slightly passive and introverted persona to quell the potential backlash from Prince Erader, who was likely to become king in the future?

This was akin to a newly transferred soldier being asked, ‘Who is more handsome?’ in front of a sergeant who held the real power but was about to relinquish his squad leader position, and a senior private who was poised to seize the squad leader role and become the true authority.

‘Ha, shit… I can tell my mom and dad not to ask 패드립 [insulting someone’s parents] questions, I can just tell them to argue about 부먹이냐 찍먹이냐 [dipping vs pouring sauce on tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork)], and I can just say 짬짜면 for 짜장면이냐 짬뽕이냐 [black bean noodles vs spicy seafood noodles]… I didn’t know I’d have to answer a shitty military-style multiple-choice question again. Shibal [fuck]!’

Now!

Choose.

Who will you choose between the current power and the future power!

‘You’re stating the obvious.’

Of course, it’s the current power.

Ah, then aren’t you going to ruin your military life, that is, your life, with the future power?

‘You can just change that future power. Why else would this be the land of promise where political maneuvering and betrayal flow?’

Even a soldier hailed as an ace can have his next squad leader taken away and end up in jail with one 폐급짓 [a screw-up].

I witnessed such a comrade firsthand during my military service.

In reality, it wasn’t that he couldn’t handle military life, but he was cut off in one swift move by the ‘absolute 마편 [complaint]’ of the 맞맞후임 [the junior after the junior].

It’s no different in the royal palace.

No, it’s an easier and more manageable place.

At least Zion knew in detail what the nobles were thinking, what kind of people the current power and the next power were, and what weaknesses they possessed.

“Zion Klausen of the Klausen Margrave’s territory, I greet His Majesty Edgar Astarius Hispania, the rightful ruler of Hispania and the head of the royal family.”

Unlike the nobles who observe etiquette ‘appropriately’ in a somewhat liberal atmosphere, this royal palace and the members of the royal family were places where the utmost courtesy had to be observed.

Although he was the eldest son of a great noble family called the Margrave, Zion, who had many shortcomings because he was not yet the official successor, waited for the King’s response while bowing slightly at the waist.

“Welcome to the royal palace, Young Master Zion Klausen of the Klausen Margrave’s territory.”

And that wait was not long.

It was very ordinary, like the response you’d receive when greeting the 아랫집 아저씨 [neighbor from downstairs].

“Raise your head. A rigid atmosphere is not very pleasant, as this is not an official occasion.”

At those words, Zion slowly raised his head.

‘…Shibal [fuck]. What?’