What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 141

#141 The Real Deal Has Arrived, Now (4)

The next day, at the Romero Palace.

“This humble one makes his entrance! François D’Huem has arrived to bring back the smile of His Highness the Crown Prince!”

“······.”

François bowed with flamboyant gestures. Cedric stared at the man in silence.

Thanks to completing all state affairs up to mid-September, he had some free time.

The remaining tasks could be handled when the time came.

The Crown Prince had dismissed all the attendants from the reception room and side rooms, and sent the two troublemaking divine beasts for a walk in the back garden.

He was trying to relax with some dandelion tea he’d received in the spring when the most boisterous person in the empire suddenly appeared.

He was not the ideal person to meet in the morning.

Cedric opened his mouth with a tone dripping with annoyance.

“I don’t recall ever smiling in your presence.”

“Ah! I still remember Your Highness the Crown Prince from when you were nine years old. It’s a memory from my twenties. Back then, I was more beautiful than I am now, and…”

“What’s the matter?”

The sharp, low voice cut off the Marquis’s words.

Despite holding the same title, the difference between ‘D’Huem’ and ‘Serenité’ was stark.

The Crown Prince thought such things as he leaned back on the sofa and reached for the blessed sword resting there.

His grand aunt had instructed him never to draw his sword anywhere other than the training grounds.

In that case, he could just swing it in its scabbard.

The scabbard, which Elisabeth had sent as a birthday gift, was light and thin, making it satisfying to swing.

It was also highly heat-resistant, so it wouldn’t burn easily.

“Did you come here to talk nonsense?”

The orange eyes darkened.

If anyone dared to mention the King of Yeser again and make absurd remarks, he would make sure they couldn’t open their mouths for a while.

François curved his rosy eyes.

“His Majesty has issued an imperial order to restore the lost wartime portal records. It’s a decision made to prepare for various possibilities.”

“······.”

“I have only come to seek the Crown Prince’s cooperation. I apologize for visiting without prior notice.”

He bowed elegantly again and again. The Crown Prince softened his murderous intent.

Although he didn’t get along with François personally, the man was thorough in his work and faithful to his duties.

Even though opinions on him were sharply divided in social circles, few would disparage the Marquis’s abilities.

Cedric put down his sword and gestured to him. It was an invitation to sit.

“I am grateful, Your Highness.”

François moved nimbly and sat on the sofa.

After that, no unnecessary conversation took place.

He discussed how many imperial soldiers would need to be mobilized to locate the lost portals, and what level of mages would be required.

David, realizing that the discussion was proceeding normally, brought refreshments for the Marquis.

For a meeting that had taken place without prior arrangement, everything was going smoothly. An hour or so passed without incident.

“Speaking of which, there’s been an amusing incident in the Imperial Palace. Were you aware?”

François said, sweeping back his fallen hair.

The Crown Prince stared at him with an indifferent gaze.

David was helping the Marquis tidy up the maps after the report.

“A big betting pool has opened up regarding when Your Highness will go to Serenité.”

“······.”

The Crown Prince, who was lifting his teacup, froze.

The attendant felt goosebumps on his arms and looked at the Marquis.

He was cheerfully chattering away, unaware of the situation. *Please stop….*

“I saw a crowd of attendants gathered, wondering what was going on, and it turns out they’re taking bets in the Imperial Palace as well as the Charpentier Palace! Aren’t the people who work there usually quite reserved? I was surprised.”

“······.”

David glanced at the Crown Prince. Thankfully, he showed no signs of removing his gloves.

The insensitive François continued to speak.

“The highest odds are for today, I hear. Only one person bet on it. I put 2,000 francs on you leaving tomorrow…”

–Clang!

–Crash!

The cup shattered, and a deafening noise erupted. Cedric shot up from his seat.

David suppressed a groan as he looked at the broken sofa, unable to withstand the Crown Prince’s strength.

François stared up at the Crown Prince in shock.

The air around the man was distorting with heat.

It was probably his imagination, but the room felt like it was darkening.

“······Your Highness?”

“I will move out immediately.”

“Yes?”

“Yes?”

The two men from Marquis families echoed blankly. Cedric’s voice echoed ominously.

“Inform His Majesty. I will arrive before evening.”

“Good heavens. My slush fund!”

François exclaimed like a stage actor. The Crown Prince’s crimson eyes blazed.

He knew he had endured for a long time and had intended to continue to endure silently.

But there was no longer any reason to hold back.

If the entire Imperial Palace desired it so much, wasn’t it the duty of the Imperial Family to carry it out in a spectacular fashion?

“The one who bet on today is lucky.”

He spat out the words as he moved. David bowed his head, following his master’s orders.

His whole body trembled, but he calmly bit his lip and endured.

The fact that the ten thousand francs were now his would remain a secret until the day he died.

*

…Something’s really strange. Everyone seems to be avoiding my gaze.

“Did something happen after the banquet yesterday?”

I couldn’t help but ask.

Cristel, Lady Elisabeth, Ganael, and Benjamin, who were sitting with me, flinched simultaneously.

That confirmed it. There was something the four of them weren’t telling me.

I narrowed my eyes and looked at their faces.

The salon, prepared for the lord and guests to enjoy refreshments, was splendid and magnificent.

The lighting was excellent, making it suitable for photosynthesis after breakfast.

Demi and Ttuk-ssim were running around the hallway for no reason.

In a corner of the spacious room, musicians from the region, hired by Chantal, were playing a slow aubade [a morning love song].

Meanwhile, the viscountess’s eyes twitched laboriously. I looked at her and said,

“If there’s something I need to know, please tell me without hesitation. It’s okay.”

–♪♩♬······

Then, I began to cut the large savarin [a type of ring-shaped cake] that had been served to me.

I wouldn’t normally bring it up first, but something felt off.

After the banquet last night, I had a private meeting with Emil, the head of the As Trading Company.

As expected, he sought forgiveness for his sister Joan’s crimes and asked if bail was possible.

He also stated that he was willing to make a large investment for the local community if I wished.

Every word was cautious and polite, and it was clear to anyone that his appearance and personality were proportional.

I replied that I would ‘think deeply about it and let him know.’

I didn’t know the laws of the Empire well, and it was my first time acting as a lord, so it was difficult to make a decision rashly.

I thought I would have to return to the Imperial Palace and get advice from the adults.

As the conversation came to an end,

‘Would you please enjoy about 10 minutes of leisure here before coming out? I will prepare the carriage and clear the way for you.’

Emil said with a smile.

I wanted to leave quickly because the atmosphere of the trading company was uncomfortable, but the tea and desserts were delicious, so 10 minutes was fine.

When I agreed, he left immediately.

The reception room had a space where the trading company’s secretary waited after opening the door, and from there, you had to open another door to get to the lobby.

–Clap!

There was a round of applause from outside the door.

Since there was no following noise, I didn’t care and inhaled the far breton [a type of custard cake from Brittany].

Seeing the plums embedded in the cake reminded me of Demi. That was all there was to it.

“Ever since you got on the carriage… everyone’s faces were red and they were trembling. If the food didn’t suit you, I’ll open a healing circle for you. A doctor is always on standby.”

“Marquis, this is just my personal opinion.”

Cristel changed the subject to my suggestion. Her blue-gray eyes flashed like a blade.

“The letter we wrote the day before yesterday… well. It seems that writing has a big impact.”

“Yes?”

Suddenly?

“I only chose stimulating words because I was afraid of being looked down on, but I think they thought you were a really strong person. I guess it made you look very mean.”

She was now referring to the reply we had sent to Emil.

I carefully reviewed the events of last night.

“The head of the trading company… was very kind. I thought he was always like that.”

“Hehehe.”

Benjamin laughed, making his throat rumble. I was surprised because it was rare. I was too naive.

“I didn’t think that the favor was due to the letter. I learned something.”

I said, nodding my head.

Certainly, the result was something I would never have written.

Besides, the bad rumors about me would still exist.

‘The Marquis is a kind and gentle person, unlike the rumors.’

Emil’s words suddenly came to mind.

Even though there was such an incident on the eve of the Crown Prince’s investiture… an image doesn’t improve in an instant.

If Emil felt threatened because of me, I had nothing to say.

“But I haven’t heard any bad reputation about his character either.”

“I’m going to find out about that.”

Cristel answered clearly to my words. I wondered what that meant.

“I’m going to spend time alone with the head of the trading company today. I made a lunch appointment.”

The protagonist explained plainly.

“What?”

For a moment, the hand holding the knife lost strength.

I felt a chill down my spine and looked at her.

The other three were quiet, as if they already knew.

“Why…”

“I find him very interesting. I’m curious about the life he’s lived, and I’m also curious about what he usually thinks. There are also things I want to talk about separately.”

I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

This was what I had feared, but it was a development I never believed would become a reality.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t think of anything to say right away. It was even difficult to manage my expression.

Should I have brought Crown Prince Cedric? Even if it meant causing all sorts of trouble?

“Th, um.”

I couldn’t slap myself on the cheek out of the blue.

I grabbed the glass with a leisurely hand and slowly drank the ice water.

As something cold entered my stomach, my head cleared.

Suddenly, Jeong Eun-seo’s voice struck my ears.

My sister, lying on the sofa with her phone, pouring out raw anger on a weekday evening.

‘Just go for it, just. Are you going to let him be taken away completely?’

It felt like my vision was becoming clearer. I immediately put down the cup and met Cristel’s gaze.

If the Crown Prince couldn’t come, I had to act. Before the development became irreversibly twisted.

“Stay with me.”

I said firmly. The table became quiet as if cold water had been poured on it.

I felt the tips of my ears turning red and continued to speak.

“Didn’t His Majesty issue an imperial order to experiment with the sacred stone? We haven’t succeeded even once yet, so we need Sir Sarnese’s continued cooperation. And…”

My face grew hotter and hotter.

Suddenly trying to do something I had been striking on since possessing the body, trying to do something that was neither in my nature nor my talent, was difficult.

Still, I had to catch Cristel.

The novel had to flow as close to the original as possible, so I could somehow use the sliver of information I knew.

So I could at least pretend to prepare for the future.

“I am your divine partner, aren’t I?”

“Marquis, I’m sorry, but I also have urgent circumstances.”

The protagonist rejected me flatly. That was more shocking than I had imagined.

As I couldn’t say anything, she comforted me with a pitiful look.

“If I have a good outcome with the head of the trading company, I’m sure you’ll be happy too. I promise.”

Outcome… I repeated the endlessly positive word and despaired.

After that, I didn’t know what spirit I finished the tea party with.

I think I nodded, and I think I chimed in on the conversation that followed, but nothing was certain.

*

–Birrr

–Squeak, squeak

“I’m okay, hyung [older brother or respected male figure]. I’m just a little upset.”

I sat on the wide windowsill, stroking Ttuk-ssim and Demi.

The two of them snuggled affectionately into my arms.

It was a place with fluffy cushions and large pillows, but my body wasn’t comfortable because my mind was uneasy.

Cristel seemed very concerned about me, but in the end, she went out for her lunch appointment with Emil.

And she hadn’t returned to the castle until after 4 p.m.

Benjamin and Ganael came to check on me alternately, worried that I would feel abandoned by my friend.

There was no need for them to do that, but even Duchess Isabel came and bowed her head in apology.

I smiled hard and told her I was okay.

I wasn’t old enough to be sad because my friend wasn’t playing with me.

However, the problem was that it was a date.

I wondered if I should secretly follow them and sabotage them, but that was something that shouldn’t be done by the common sense of any world.

“Since there’s no Crown Prince, the story is flowing strangely.”

–Kieung

“The main male lead is so important. It’s not easy for the sub to try anything.”

I muttered. A long sigh came out. The invitation in my hand fluttered weakly.

‘The Greatest Show on Earth! As Auction House VIP Invitation

First week of September – Relic Week’

It was something I received from Emil the day before yesterday.

The considerate man had even taken care of three precious tickets for Benjamin and Ganael.

The auction started today, but if I had to watch Cristel flirting with Emil while leaving the Crown Prince behind, I’d rather not go.

Ttuk-ssim also pecked at the window in dissatisfaction. I chuckled and covered the little guy’s beak.

“No, you’ll get hurt.”

–Birrr, birrr!

“It’s strange to stop them even more when they’re meeting because they like each other.”

–Birrr! Birrr!

“What, this could be one of the trials of an official couple.”

I whispered, stroking the little bird’s forehead. Ttuk-ssim jumped up and down in excitement.

Only then did I feel that the little guy’s condition was strange. I wondered if he was sick and seriously tilted my head,

–Kieing

“Ugh!”

Demi hit my solar plexus. I quickly bent over.

Tears welled up, and the scenery outside the window rushed right in front of my eyes.

I wrapped my arms around my stomach, took a breath, and looked outside.

Why were these kids suddenly like this,

“Uh…?”

I made a foolish noise. I couldn’t help it, because at first I thought I was seeing things.

The red panda and wren pressed down on my thighs and pecked at the back of my hands as if to urge me on.

It was a carriage with the Imperial family crest engraved on it. Five of them, no less.

“No, I didn’t even get a call.”

I said defensively. *What’s going on with the Imperial family, crazy.*

“Heh….”

The door of one of the carriages opened, and a beautiful young man with jet-black hair appeared.

My mouth dropped open, and a thrill ran down my spine.

The luxurious uniform and red sash exposed his identity.

I could clearly recognize him even from the top of the tall spire.

I got up in an instant and ran down the hallway like I was rolling. A giggle escaped.

I don’t know what happened. But it seems like there’s no way it’s just going to fail!

“Demi, Ttuk-ssim! Hurry!”

–Kieeee!

–Birit!

One divine beast and one divine object chased after me at full speed.

Crash, bang! A loud noise filled the lord’s castle.

It was the first time I had run so intensely since possessing the body.

“Oh my!”

“Marquis?”

“Lord!”

The passing attendants and servants quickly bowed.

I took care of the people with gestures and eye contact and went down the stairs two or three steps at a time.

My palm, scraped against the railing, was burning, but I didn’t care.

The castle lobby, which I had already arrived at, was crowded.

I took a deep breath and strode towards the wide-open main gate.

“Marquis, why are you in such a hurry…!”

Chantal, who belatedly discovered me, was shocked.

I had left my jacket by the window, my hair was a mess from running, and several buttons on my shirt and cuffs were undone.

With Chantal’s help, I roughly straightened my appearance and moved forward.

Benjamin and Ganael, with surprised faces, were also mixed in with the crowd.

It seemed they had been doing other things and had rushed out.

Everyone cleared the way for me.

I moved towards the welcoming face.

A sculpture-like man who had come up the white stairs was staring at me.

He had a look on his face that said, ‘What’s wrong with you?’

My heart became rapidly comfortable with the all-too-familiar face. My facial muscles also relaxed to the fullest.

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

“······.”

I smiled brightly. His eyes flickered as if he was surprised. I knew it was uneasy to be apart.

Cristel de Sarnese and Cedric Liester had to be together until the end, no matter what.

“Instead of coming so late, let’s just move together from now on.”

So I said. This time, the Crown Prince’s eyes widened clearly.

I coughed a couple of times and took a deep breath.

I was breathing roughly because I had run too much, but there was something I wanted to nail down properly.

“We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

It was a plausible excuse even to my ears. Then, the Crown Prince tilted his head slightly.

Then, very subtly, he raised the corners of his lips just enough that it wouldn’t be noticeable from afar.

It was a smile I had never seen before.