What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 114

#114 The Leader of the Divine Nation’s Fire Wheel (2)

“The carriage has entered the Imperial Palace. I’ve already informed His Majesty.”

“Understood.”

Two aides exchanged quick words in front of the audience chamber door of the Imperial Palace.

It meant the Crown Princess had entered the palace. I clenched and unclenched my fists, waiting for my turn.

Soon, the middle-aged man, now alone, bowed to me.

“Presenting Prince Yesuh of the Venetian Divine Nation.”

Then, he announced my entrance in a loud voice.

Benjamin and Ganael had to wait outside, and Lady Elisabeth, in charge of external security for the Imperial Palace, moved away again.

As the knights opened the door, a ‘thud’ echoed.

The audience chamber was magnificent, starting with the scale of the entrance.

– Chirp chirp

“Shh, Dduk-sim. We agreed to be quiet.”

I cautioned the wren sitting on my shoulder.

I didn’t ask him to come, but there was no way to stop him when he insisted.

Soon, a grand scene unfolded before my eyes.

“Wow…”

I exclaimed, forgetting my tension, and walked forward.

Everything in the Imperial Palace was tall and large, and the building itself was as complex as a shopping mall.

This was my first time in the audience chamber, and it was overwhelming in a different way than the banquet hall.

Marble pillars, so large that five adults would be needed to encircle them, stood vertically in the hall.

Three extravagant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, extending almost to the throne.

A long red carpet embroidered with the imperial crest was laid on the floor, which was so clean that my face was reflected in it.

“Can I step on this?”

– Chirp chirp?

I paused for a moment, contemplating with Dduk-sim,

“Disciple.”

Cardinal Boutier called to me. I perked up.

“Come this way.”

She, dressed in a splendid cardinal’s robe, gestured gently.

She was sitting at the end of the audience chamber, to the right of the throne.

Emperor Frederick, in the seat of honor, smirked at me.

Only then did I realize that I had missed the timing to greet him because I was too busy admiring the audience chamber.

The tips of my ears flushed instantly.

“I greet the sun descended upon the earth and Her Eminence, the noble Cardinal.”

– Chirp chirp

As I bowed hastily, Dduk-sim cried out in response.

The great nobles, who knew him as a divine beast, were impressed.

I stepped aside to avoid stepping on the carpet and approached the Cardinal.

She was at the top of the wide staircase, alongside the Emperor.

Prince Cedric stood to the Emperor’s left.

“Hello, Your Highness.”

“…”

I greeted him. He glanced at me once and then turned his head. What am I going to do with him?

“Stand on the step below Cedric.”

“Thank you.”

I wondered if a hostage was allowed to stand on the steps, but it seemed okay since the Cardinal told me to.

I moved to the opposite side and stood one step below the Prince.

I didn’t want to, but my eyes kept wandering.

The area behind the throne was also lavishly decorated with elegant dark red and gold thread.

A velvet canopy hung above the Emperor’s head, signifying her supreme authority.

I felt a renewed sense of immense wealth and power.

“Your Highness.”

Then, a familiar voice whispered. I searched for the source of the sound.

I saw Christelle standing next to Duke Simon de Sarnese at the end of the stairs.

It was quite close. As we exchanged nods, she moved her lips.

She also pointed to the entrance of the audience chamber and then to herself.

“Later. Are you saying let’s talk later?”

I muttered. Christelle beamed, understanding roughly.

I was glad she seemed better today, as she had seemed unwell the day before yesterday.

Turning my eyes, I saw a few familiar faces.

Marquis François Duhem, unusually dressed modestly, winked. Damn it.

“Enough.”

Prince Cedric said lowly as I made eye contact with Marchioness Caroline Moutet on the opposite side.

I looked up at him.

“Are you still angry?”

“…”

He’s angry, he’s angry.

“Is it because of me?”

“…”

It’s because of me.

“I don’t know why… but thank you for understanding.”

I whispered honestly.

He furrowed his brow slightly and looked down at me. He probably meant, ‘What are you talking about?’

“It looked like you traded the positions of both of your partners to save Sir Haines. It was also a matter of my life, so I couldn’t help it.”

“…”

“But you were more generous than I thought. Thank you for helping me.”

As I smiled and expressed my gratitude, the Prince opened his mouth as if to say something, but then closed it silently.

I whispered so quietly that it was barely audible.

“I’m sorry for making you angry. Please tell me the reason when you want to.”

At that moment, Dduk-sim jumped up and down on my shoulder.

I was surprised and stroked his chest.

– Chirp chirp chirp, chirp!

“What’s wrong? Are you sick somewhere?”

“Presenting Her Highness, Crown Princess Elysee Venetian of the Venetian Divine Nation!”

Clang, thud! A chilling sound effect struck my ears.

It felt like all the blood was draining from my body. Everyone’s eyes turned to one place.

I stiffly turned my head and looked at the entrance.

The heavy door opened, and two silhouettes appeared.

One was Commander Ervé Duhem of the Royal Guard, who had escorted the Crown Princess.

The woman who was ahead of him began to walk steadily on the carpet.

Her posture was upright, and her stride was wide and even.

– Beep…

I forgot to breathe and stared at her.

Her deep eyes shone a piercing blue, as if they would not allow even a hint of negativity.

Her hair, as golden and vivid as the sun, was braided tightly to the end and was long enough to reach her calves.

It was impressive that some of her hair was woven into a crown.

Her upper body was covered in silver light armor, and her forearms were covered in gloves of the same material, indicating that she was a warrior.

Her jaw and forehead were strong and straight. She was tall and had a great physique.

She looked like she was born to be a ruler. I swallowed hard.

In a different sense than the Prince, the difference in our specs was like heaven and earth.

“Elysee Venetian, Crown Princess of the Venetian Divine Nation, greets His Majesty the Emperor of the Liester Empire.”

Elysee, who had reached the Emperor, knelt on one knee with a graceful movement and paid her respects.

Her voice was a clear baritone. I unconsciously took a half step back.

I felt the Prince looking at me.

“I have heard much of your noble reputation. I am pleased to meet you like this.”

“It is an honor. His Majesty King Christana sends his regards.”

“That is kind. Please convey my regards to the King as well.”

The Emperor’s expression and tone remained unchanged. I was the only one sweating here.

Soon, the Cardinal opened her mouth.

“You must be tired from your long journey. The Prince has prepared your accommodations, so please rest well.”

“Thank you, Your Eminence.”

Elysee looked at the Cardinal and answered. Then, her gaze turned to the Prince.

“…”

The eyes of the two men briefly met in the air. And then,

“Ah…”

My eyes met Elysee’s.

Even though I had expected this situation, I felt breathless.

I tried not to show my anxiety and smiled.

Then, her firm face wavered.

Elysee pulled up the corners of her mouth with an expression that looked like she was about to cry.

She quickly composed herself, but it was clear that she was heartbroken.

I couldn’t help but be sure. That she sincerely cared for her younger brother.

The Emperor and the Crown Princess continued their conversation.

“Your brother, Prince Yesuh, has been very active in the Empire.”

“…I am grateful.”

“Therefore, we will grant him a title soon.”

I was shocked and turned to the Emperor. Of course, Elysee would find out eventually.

The faster the ennoblement, the better for me. Still, so soon?

“I hope you and the Divine Nation will be pleased. The title is the highest honor the Imperial Family can bestow.”

…I see. Only then did I realize the Emperor’s words.

The Emperor didn’t trust Elysee, so he was keeping her in check so that she wouldn’t harm me.

It was a warning not to touch someone who would receive an imperial title.

If Elysee had no ill intentions, it was just a message, so there was no problem after all.

The Crown Princess was silent.

“Congratulations, Your Highness. It’s a joyous occasion.”

Marquis Duhem, seizing the timing, said to me. I smiled as naturally as possible.

“Thank you, Marquis.”

Then, my eyes met Elysee’s again and again. The look in her eyes was very unstable.

She bowed her head deeply with a dark complexion. Why?

“His Majesty will be pleased.”

“Yes. You must be tired, so go and relieve your fatigue.”

Elysee gave her answer, and the Emperor responded immediately.

She rose, bowed to the Emperor and the Cardinal, and then gazed at the place where the great nobles stood.

To be exact, she was looking at Christelle. Two pairs of blue eyes clashed without yielding.

“…I will escort you to Stroda Palace, Your Highness.”

It was Commander Duhem who ended the silent staring contest.

He bowed to the Emperor and then calmly escorted the Crown Princess.

Finally turning her back, Elysee strode away.

I watched her back and let out a long breath.

“Christelle!”

At that moment, the hall became noisy. Duke Sarnese supported Christelle, who was collapsing.

I hurried off the steps and went to her. Fortunately, she was conscious.

Christelle smiled weakly, grabbing my wrist. Her face was pale.

“Crazy… Your Highness’s sister is really strong.”

“Was it etheric pressure?”

“I provoked her first, but your sister crushed me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. Why pick a fight with someone you’ve just met?

Duke Sarnese, who heard his daughter’s words, looked dumbfounded.

I slowly poured ether into her through the arm she was holding.

Dduk-sim, who had been well-behaved all along, rubbed his body against my neck. Only then did a sense of relief wash over me.

In any case, it seemed that the first meeting had passed safely. Now it would be peaceful until the day after tomorrow.

“…So I wanted to apologize.”

Our protagonist finished speaking. I stared at her blankly.

Because I would have to be locked up in Juliet Palace again once I left the building, I was strolling along the Imperial Palace corridor with Christelle under the guise of helping her stabilize.

The passing servants looked at us with strange eyes.

It was a different feeling from the gazes of Ganael and Benjamin, who were following behind.

Christelle said soothingly.

“Don’t mind those looks. They’re just admiring my abilities.”

“What abilities?”

“Because someone who frequents Romero Palace [likely a place of ill-repute] is walking amicably with Your Highness.”

“…Should we move apart a little?”

I asked, startled. I hadn’t even thought that it would cause such a misunderstanding.

No wonder Duke Sarnese avoided the spot.

Still, I was too complacent since I’m a ‘sub-male lead.’ I guess a lifelong solo is inevitable.

Seeing my troubled expression, Christelle smiled mischievously and nudged my arm.

“What’s wrong with being friends?”

“That’s, that’s true.”

I quickly affirmed and returned to the original topic.

Christelle apologized to me.

About how she had been pushing me without considering me, and very politely at that.

“Well, um. Thank you for apologizing.”

“…”

“It’s true that I was somewhat taken aback by the Lady’s words and actions. It was also difficult. But I remember that the Lady asked for my forgiveness every time.”

The image of Christelle confessing her mistakes with eloquence came to mind.

It was to the point where I suspected that I could see a status window right in front of me.

At my words, she stuttered rarely.

“Back then, it was a bit… It was sincere, but it was closer to saying it to smooth things over.”

“So you were being frivolous.”

“Ah, you put it that way… That’s right.”

Christelle admitted. I ended up laughing out loud.

“It’s okay. You haven’t been doing that recently, and I’ve also studied about holy knights. You can’t help but be instinctively drawn to ether.”

Besides, I had absorbed the divine object called the ‘Wish Relic.’

It was no wonder that she and the Prince preferred my ether.

“I’m the one who’s grateful that you understand my position. I did trade for Sir Haines, but I didn’t force you to say that you would be partners even though you didn’t like each other.”

“Is that so?”

Christelle looked up at me, brightening her complexion.

I felt sorry for making her think that way. I don’t hate her even though I calculated it.

“Because we’re friends. I thought the Prince would understand, so the Lady would know too.”

“…Who understands?”

The corners of her blue-gray eyes narrowed. Christelle’s tone was strange.

“His Highness the Prince must have been upset too? I felt his ether.”

“That’s romantic.”

“Didn’t he say he wasn’t angry?”

She pressed. I smiled awkwardly and took her words.

“He was angry, but it didn’t seem to be for the same reason as the Lady. He didn’t say anything earlier,”

“Ha!”