What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 239

239. Let the Cleaning Begin (2)

The carriage that departed from Juliet Palace diligently traversed the Imperial Palace.

-Clatter, clatter, clatter······

The well-fed steeds, adorned in thick winter attire, pawed the ground with vigorous snorts.

I reminisced about the troublesome bunch I had left in the drawing-room (we hadn’t had an in-depth conversation yet) and checked if I had properly packed the necessary items in my ‘Gaga Bag’ [a playful term for a bag filled with essentials].

Tension made me swallow hard.

I hate being punished. I felt that way as a child, and it’s the same now.

No, it’s a wonder I even like anyone in the first place!

“We’ve arrived at the Touzard Palace, Your Highness.”

Benjamin kindly pointed out the window. I quickly raised my head.

It was the place we had decided to stop by on the way to the Imperial Palace.

“Yes. I see Kristel over there.”

A smile naturally crept into my response. She wasn’t the only one outside the palace.

Isabelle and Ellen were by her side, and Marquis François and his siblings were also visible.

Baron Fabrice Berang and the three families were already paying their respects towards our carriage.

Joan, still wearing a bewildered expression, also caught my eye.

By the time I spotted her, I couldn’t help but chuckle with delight.

It’s her first time at the Imperial Palace, I wonder what kind of inspiration the genius painter will get here.

-Neigh!

-Click

Soon, the carriage came to a halt. Ganael opened the door.

I didn’t get out, but leaned out to greet them.

“Good morning, everyone. I’ve come to join you.”

“Good morning, Prince Ye-seo. You look like a snowman!”

Kristel couldn’t resist making a comment after seeing me bundled up from head to toe.

Isabelle chuckled at her daughter’s remark.

I had been worried that they would be suffering a lot of mental anguish because of the upcoming trial, but on the surface, they both seemed to be holding up well.

They must have relied on each other a lot during that time.

Just like the Dhiem siblings and the Berang family had.

“Yes, I like it because I don’t get cold when I dress like this. It’s a little uncomfortable to move around, though.”

I replied readily.

‘Indeed, you are the one who will shake up the fashion of the Empire’s high society!’ The Marquis exclaimed dramatically.

A burst of laughter erupted. Thanks to the Emperor’s consideration, everyone was dressed warmly.

“Then… shall we depart right away?”

Ganael looked around at us and asked cautiously. All eyes turned to Isabelle.

She was silent for a moment, then nodded resolutely, her dark eyes gleaming.

Soon, everyone escorted each other onto the heated carriage.

It was a bit cramped, but I wanted to move together, at least for today.

“Wow, the carriage is as warm as Serenite! Were you dressed like you were going to roll around even in a place like this, Your Highness?”

“I can’t roll around, Joan.”

“Hahahaha!”

The Dhiem sisters and Elodie were very amused by our conversation.

‘Giddy up!’ Soon the door closed and the carriage began to move again.

The densely packed Imperial Guards followed behind.

-Clip-clop, clip-clop······

January 6, 1614, according to the Holy Calendar [a religious dating system].

Today is the day before Emperor Frederick’s birthday and the day the ‘Simon de Sarnese Ducal Affair’ will be judged.

Though it remains to be seen if that will be the final name of the incident.

“Did Your Highness purchase the carriage?”

“No, it’s an Imperial carriage, but I’ve arranged to borrow it for the winter.”

“Then it’s Your Highness’s car! You’ll be riding it every year!”

Maria came to a clear conclusion.

Lord Erbe cautiously called out to his sister, watching my expression.

It was natural for them to think that way, so I just laughed it off.

The Liester Imperial Palace has many detached palaces, each with a distinct purpose.

For example, Juliet Palace is my exclusive space as a hostage from the Holy Nation, and Stroda Palace is where non-royal dignitaries are received.

As for Touzard Palace, it was ‘a place for witnesses in trials presided over by the Emperor’.

So it wasn’t as extravagant as Stroda, and the guards were more than double that of a normal palace.

It could solve both surveillance and protection at once, and its proximity to the Imperial Palace made it convenient.

For the past nine days, most of the people involved in this case had been staying here.

I heard that they had been busy taking breaks but also cooperating with the investigation from time to time.

“Isabelle, have you been getting any sleep?”

I asked the woman sitting next to Kristel.

Isabelle and I had become much closer while traveling by ship from Cheboim, and at her request, we were on a first-name basis.

It was only after a few days of returning to the palace that I had that thought.

Perhaps Isabelle had abandoned the title of ‘Duchess of Sarnese’ in the winter sea.

“······Yes, Your Highness. Thanks to you, I was able to rest well without any dreams.”

She replied with a beautiful smile. I was relieved.

*

My friends all entered through the side door, and Benjamin and Ganael were not allowed to enter from here.

I was the only one standing in front of the audience chamber entrance, which felt like it was crushing people.

The Imperial Palace attendant announced my entrance in a booming voice.

“Presenting Prince Ye-seo Fenetian, Marquis of Serenite!”

-Thud!

With the magnificent sound of the door echoing, those gathered inside slowly revealed themselves.

All eyes were fixed on me. I should be used to it by now, but my nape invariably burned.

I tried not to waddle as I moved my feet.

The red carpet was as clean as new today.

-Step, step, step······

This was the heart of the Liester court.

It was a space where hundreds of nobles discussed state affairs before the Emperor, and sometimes a battlefield where fierce power struggles and taunts were exchanged.

But today it was eerily quiet.

On the right side of the throne, the great nobles were lined up according to their titles and decorations, and on the left side, archbishops in their robes and uniforms were densely lined up.

It was the first time I had seen clergymen in attendance. This orderly appearance was also new.

Two of the three seats of honor were still vacant.

The Crown Prince, who had already approached, tilted his head as he looked at me.

“You look like a furry beast.”

Hey, you always have to say something.

“It’s another meeting in a place like this.”

I replied briefly and took a seat in the chair below him.

I felt his glaring gaze, but I lightly ignored it.

As I took off my scarf, earmuffs, and mittens, and with the help of the attendant, shed my thick fur robe and triple coat······.

-Bang!

“Bring in the criminals. Let’s begin immediately.”

Flintch. It was a familiar voice.

The Emperor, who kicked open the door through which the Imperial Family entered, escorted the Cardinal and strode up the stairs.

At his husky command, the Imperial Guards and attendants moved busily.

All the clergy and nobles paid their most respectful respects. I also quickly got up and bowed.

Lord Johann was seen escorting the two people from behind.

-Thud!

As if waiting, the front door opened, and the silhouettes of Lady Elizabeth and the Imperial Guards appeared.

She began to walk quickly, holding onto the tightly bound Simon de Sarnese.

Behind her, Archbishop Eugene Kessie was dragged in.

Both criminals looked haggard and their attire was shabby.

It was a stark contrast to the luxurious chandeliers on the ceiling.

In particular, the Duke of Sarnese’s face was so damaged that it was hard to look at, even though the right side of his face was covered by a mask.

His chin and neck were unkempt because he hadn’t been able to shave.

His bare feet were blue from being imprisoned somewhere all this time.

“Control your expression.”

“Ah.”

Crown Prince Cedric whispered sharply. Only then did I flinch and take my seat.

The attendants were arranging the robes of the two adults who were seated.

I couldn’t even tell what my expression was, so I tried to make it as expressionless as possible.

Of course, I wasn’t sympathizing with the Duke.

I was also angry with him and felt a deep sense of betrayal.

How many people had lost their lives because of the Duke, and how much chaos had he caused?

The fear of the night I felt while cutting through the sacred beasts and the forest would remain as an unforgettable memory.

So this was just······.

-Thump!

Why did he do that?

Why did he have to choose such a path? It was that kind of regret.

The viscount threw the Duke to the ground.

His gray eyes, resembling a sword, were filled with contempt and betrayal.

The man suppressed a groan and slowly knelt down.

His disheveled hair shook aimlessly.

It was hard to believe that someone who had been as elegant as a model of a great nobleman had become like this.

It was truly like a ‘novel’. Kessie also collapsed next to him.

The nobles and clergymen who were watching sighed.

“Laura.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At the Emperor’s call, the chamberlain unfolded a long scroll to her eye level.

Her cherry-colored eyes scanned the paper with a dry gaze.

Today’s Emperor was calmer than expected. At least, that’s how it seemed to me.

Maybe it’s thanks to my teacher.

“I will ask you, Simon de Sarnese.”

“······Yes, Your Majesty.”

A weeping voice cracked. The Emperor didn’t bat an eye.

“What is the reason for plotting to slander my subject, Prince Ye-seo Fenetian, to tarnish his honor, and furthermore, to attempt to take his life?”

“······.”

He remained silent. The Duke was only trembling and couldn’t say anything.

I looked back at the Cardinal with an uneasy gaze. Her hand covered the back of the Emperor’s hand.

My teacher was looking down with a very troubled expression.

“Answer.”

“······.”

I was suffocating. Just as the silence was about to stretch endlessly,

-Swoosh! Crash!

It was instantaneous. A dazzling flash of light was fired like a bombardment towards the carpet.

“Aaaagh!”

“Oh, God!”

‘Aaaagh!’ Screams erupted from all over, and ordinary people covered their heads and huddled under the pillars.

Crack! The floor cracked and the chandelier shook precariously.

My eyes stung because I had seen the light that was too bright with my naked eyes.

Clang, clang! The sound of plates and glasses breaking came from somewhere.

The curtains covering the windows trembled precariously like aspens.

I was horrified by the phenomenon that resembled a disaster.

I was terrified that the palace would collapse at any moment.

I couldn’t even understand what was going on.

“Your Highness, don’t worry. His Majesty is not trying to harm you.”

What?

“You’re holding back a lot.”

“Lord Johann? Ouch······.”

When I came to my senses at the gentle voice, I was already tumbling down the stairs. It seemed that my body had been thrown out because it couldn’t withstand the aftershock. My whole body throbbed belatedly.

Lord Johann gently lifted my teacher, who was also lying on the floor.

Fortunately, she was also safe. The Crown Prince’s hand, which had blocked our path, was already holding the Hye Geom [Crown Prince’s sword].

Confused gazes wandered here and there. What suddenly,

“······Your Majesty?”

I muttered as if possessed, looking at one place. Her surroundings were ruins.

Beyond the carpet torn like a rag and the shattered flooring, there were dozens of nobles who had fainted and were sprawled out.

My mouth slowly opened. It was the first time I had properly seen the Emperor’s power since I had possessed this body.

A clear silver aura was emanating from the Sword Master’s sword.

-Ooooong······!

The Bo Geom [Emperor’s sword], Durandal, cried, shaking its sword. I knew it instinctively.

That was a resonance craving for slaughter.

Her blade was aimed at the man’s Adam’s apple, who was writhing in despair.

I clasped my trembling hands together and witnessed the Emperor’s eyes.

It was the vivid blood-red color I had once seen in Romero Liester’s portrait.

“No.”

This kind of trial is not allowed. But once the Emperor’s reverse scale [a dragon’s weak spot, metaphorically referring to someone’s sensitive point] had exploded, it was unstoppable.

Swoosh! Durandal moved in accordance with its master’s will. A tremor struck my whole body first.

[Frederick, please!]

-Paaaaa!

A golden sanctuary unfolded like an explosion. I squeezed my eyes shut.

Several seconds like eons passed.

The terrible sound of flesh being pierced and bones being cut was not heard.

“Hah, hah······.”

The blocked breath burst out urgently. I lifted my eyelids in a flash.

The Emperor, whose shoulders were rising and falling, was visible. The murderous silver had disappeared.

The man’s neatly cut hair fluttered in the air.

That was all. The Duke was only trembling and kneeling silently.

Kessie bit her lip and shed tears.

The Crown Prince, who had been holding his sword in a defensive posture, slowly lowered his arm.

“······Aurelie.”

The Sword Master withdrew her aura. The Emperor’s wrath was subsiding.

[Yes. What do you want?]

“Bring the witnesses. We need to get them to talk.”

[I will, my liege.]

The unwavering answer swirled around my ears.

It was a gentle and sweet voice that did not match the place where terrible violence had swept through.

The knights, who had barely been holding on, ran out to carry out the imperial order.

The pressure had completely disappeared, but my legs were still shaking.

I staggered to my feet and sat down in a chair. The Crown Prince’s orange eyes stared at me.

“······We have to continue. The cleaning, that is.”

‘You said the second part would be conducted verbally.’ I added.

He snorted and nodded his chin.