What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 256

Sub-Male Lead’s Strike – #256

I can’t let sand get in my eyes! (5)

And so, another two days of relative peace(?) passed. The operation was only two days away.

I’m so embarrassed, I could die.

-Clatter, clatter

-Click-clack…

I can guarantee that the most frequent experience I’ve had since coming here is embarrassment.

“Prince, why is your face so red? Are you hot?”

“There’s no way, Maria? I’m worried you might be unwell.”

“Big brother brought a magic tool hand warmer.”

Maria, Antoinette, and Princess Therese observed my face and spoke in turn.

Eva, wearing a round fur hat, also glanced at me with her big eyes.

I waved my hand, saying I was fine. I had the Flame Stone bead, so I didn’t need a hot pack.

Arumahrte, carrying me, snorted and moved forward.

At the head of the group was the Crown Prince. His black horse, Charlemagne, had a splendid rear view.

Now that I see it, it was definitely bigger than Arum.

-Tweet

“Toughness, let’s be good while Arum noona [older sister] is working.”

-Kkiuuu

“We can’t run now. You’re not supposed to race in the Imperial Palace.”

I coaxed the wren and lesser panda that were with me.

White steam flowed from their small mouths.

The Imperial Palace, celebrating the Great God’s Descent Festival, was decorated and dazzling in every direction.

The leafless trees were adorned with golden tassels and amethyst decorations, and magical lights were hung with lilac lace and golden flags embroidered with the symbols of the Church of the Main God.

The snow piled up everywhere added to the mysterious and beautiful feeling.

Court musicians in thick fur clothes played wonderful music in the paths where guests came and went.

-♩♪♬······

“The music is excellent. It is every year.”

“I agree, Princess Marguerite. Is Duke Gibril doing well?”

“Don’t even mention it. My brother is…”

So, it was an annual family gathering!

-Clatter, clatter

The ‘precious princesses’ came to meet Cedric the Crown Prince, rode horses together near the greenhouse, and created a cozy atmosphere while laughing and chatting…

It was all a large family event during the festival period.

That’s why the Dium family, who were distant relatives of the imperial family, were there.

The Crown Prince’s cousin, Eva, also attended, and other young people and children with royal blood were also visiting the palace and having a good time.

I heard that some relatives stay in the palace until the end of February.

Before leaving the palace, they pay their respects to the Emperor for the last time, and then the Emperor gives them words of blessing along with gold and silver treasures.

It was like going to the big house, bowing to the elders, and receiving New Year’s money. You can tell the writer is Korean in these things.

…I didn’t know that, so I kept grilling the Crown Prince, asking, ‘Are you meeting a girl?’ Damn it.

David only talked about the ladies.

“Ah! Prince Yeseo is accompanying us on the New Year’s stroll this year. I couldn’t be happier!”

“Hello, Francois.”

Marquis Francois approached on a steed that looked just like him.

His tension was no joke today. I was glad to see his face, which was free of any sign of illness.

“Indeed, considering the end of last year, we should be bound by ties as strong as blood. Think back to that day’s adventure. A thrilling voyage! Great friendship!”

“I didn’t know about this when I came out.”

I whispered just loud enough for him to hear, and the Marquis smiled like an actor and leaned in.

I only grumbled inwardly.

The Crown Prince called me out from the crack of dawn, saying, ‘You can confirm it with your own eyes.’ He wakes up at 5 a.m. every day.

“Then it must be fate’s help. I have something to tell the Prince.”

He lowered his voice in a secretive tone, then winked at Antoinette, who was riding her horse nearby.

Then the princess realized her big brother’s intentions like a ghost and moved her younger siblings away.

Then, she pretended to socialize with other young people and kept a distance of two horses.

Eva tilted her head and stuck closer, saying, ‘I want to stay with you.’

Far away, Sir Erber, who was busy maintaining order in the Imperial Palace, could be seen.

I couldn’t even imagine how chaotic it would be, since the great Stroda Palace was said to be fully occupied…

“It’s news about Princess Yliser Fenetian.”

I was startled and looked at the Marquis.

The light pink eyes, resembling plum blossoms, were shining brightly.

He wasn’t the type to joke about things like this.

I glanced at the Crown Prince’s back, confirmed that he didn’t care, and leaned in.

“…I’m listening.”

“Her Highness the Princess has arrived in the neutral zone. However, she could not bring troops and only brought one attendant, according to intelligence.”

“How did you know? I’m sorry, but is that reliable information?”

“It’s a whisper that came directly from the border, and it’s probably true because it’s been cross-checked by the esteemed Duke Blanquer.”

He smiled at Eva as he looked across at her.

‘Thank you so much.’ I thanked Francois and exchanged glances with the child.

Her dark brown eyes were full of worry.

As expected, Yliser had reached the neutral zone.

I heard that Sant also got help from the Lambouillet family and was leaving there on the weekend.

Emperor Frederick had accepted his guarantee of identity.

She and her teacher had approved of him, even though he wasn’t an imperial nobleman, so Sant’s father must have been quite a well-known person.

The flow wasn’t bad, considering. Then…

Wouldn’t it be possible to send a letter with Sant?

It was too dangerous for me to go there myself, but a letter would be fine.

“You don’t have much time, Prince.”

The Marquis said quietly.

As the Emperor’s closest aide, he was already aware of the recent situation regarding Yliser’s personal letter.

His serious eyes created a completely different atmosphere from before.

I immediately understood what his sentence meant.

“Yes.”

Today is February 17th. And until February 28th, it was the sacred Great God’s Descent Festival.

Under the iron rule of protecting the peace of the Main God, all kinds of violence were punished much more severely throughout the continent than in peacetime.

By now, the ‘small-scale’ friction at the border would have almost subsided.

The Emperor would also silently wait for the response from the Holy Nation until that day.

But from March onwards, it was impossible to know how the situation would change.

Even if the Empire declared war as soon as the month changed, I would have no justification to stop it.

“…If I can, I want to prevent war. For everyone, including me.”

“Indeed. An exemplary mindset.”

The man smiled softly. Looking at his upright riding posture, something suddenly came to mind.

“Herit likes the Marquis’s polo matches. We should go together again when the weather warms up.”

“It would be the greatest honor for my family! Little Haynes has an eye for outstanding players.”

“Herit is also very interested in the Salon de Victoire [Victory Salon] these days. You should come there first!”

Eva didn’t give in and chirped.

Leia and Perry, in the young duke’s saddle basket, cried as if to say, ‘That’s right!’

I ended up laughing out loud.

Clearly, ominous dark clouds were about to loom over our heads, but it was still okay.

Because everyone was holding the same kind of umbrella. Because I clearly confirmed that this winter.

“Come and commentate.”

At that moment, the Crown Prince’s low voice pierced my ear. I turned my gaze in a flash.

He was glaring at me with his fierce eyes.

Before I knew it, we were in front of a huge domed greenhouse.

If I were to diligently translate his unkind sentence, it would be something like, ‘There are halo herbs in the greenhouse, so come and practice for them.’

Even if I understood, it was still absurd.

I know you’re the eldest grandson who has to spend time with your cousins, but now there’s someone else in charge here. Why me…

“Slow.”

“I’m going, I’m going.”

I grumbled and moved forward with Arum. The Marquis cleared his throat from behind.

When I came forward, I could see Sir Johann and Sir Elizabeth, who were guarding the rear, at a glance.

I waved my hand at them as well.

“The greenhouse halo herb has been Sant’s responsibility since last month. Have you forgotten?”

“Sant Ross is on vacation today.”

When I asked him in a chirping voice, the Crown Prince replied gruffly and got off his saddle.

If that’s the case, there’s no helping it, but the problem was that his attitude of asking was all wrong.

I swallowed the Jang Tae-sik [Korean slang for being petty or narrow-minded] that came out of me and got off Arum’s back.

Demi readily accepted me as I spread my arms.

When will that guy become human? He graduated from daycare, and now kindergarten is the problem.

“Prince Yeseo, I will help you.”

“Thank you.”

Then David immediately approached.

Whether this was part of the family gathering schedule, he was carrying a small basket with work gloves and a hoe.

When I realized it was serious, I naturally glared at the Crown Prince.

Shouldn’t I be paid for this?

I don’t have much to spend money on here, but I’m taking other people’s siblings to the greenhouse to show them interesting things. I’m a pretty high-end workforce.

Around that time, the little guests riding ponies got off.

“I’m excited! The Prince of Fenetian is going to introduce us to the halo herb!”

“It’s not just any halo herb. He said he’d show us how to spray ether on the halo herb!”

“That’s right. I’ve seen a simple halo herb before.”

“You’ve been to the border? You’re only six years old!”

“Young masters who look good in tights, please line up this way!”

“Yes, Princess Antoinette.”

…What payment. It’s enough if the kids are healthy and happy. I eventually smiled and shook my head.

The most magnificent greenhouse in the Empire, made by carving crystals like fine magic stones, was right in front of me.

I couldn’t even come here before, but now I can easily come and go without anyone’s permission.

Not only that, but today I became a field trip teacher for the chicks with the blood of Arian Liester.

The Crown Prince stared at me quietly.

It was a welcome change.

“Prince, you are well aware of the story of Cardinal Philippe.”

“Yes, David.”

The middle-aged man said kindly as he inserted the key into the greenhouse doorknob.

It worked! I was thinking about Arian.

“The late Emperor Arian actively encouraged marriage, but Cardinal Philippe stubbornly refused. In the end, he lived alone until he passed away.”

“That’s right.”

But why are you suddenly saying this?

Toughness, sitting on the Crown Prince’s shoulder, tilted his head instead of me.

“Due to the influence of the precedent he left, all the religious consorts of the successive Liester Emperors lived unmarried.”

“I read that.”

“…Yes.”

David replied politely and opened the door. ‘Squeak.’

The noble young men and children stamped their feet and rejoiced.

The Crown Prince huffed and went inside first.

I pulled up the robe as thick as a blanket and blinked my eyes.

What? Is that the end?

*

Friday.

The weekly book club ‘Courtly Romance’ was meeting twice a week for the first time in over thirty years since its founding.

Usually, meeting once a week in a secluded place was enough.

Most of the members didn’t enjoy outings, and they were easily exhausted when they were in crowded places.

Most were children of influential families who were not responsible for the head of the family, so no adults dissuaded them from their hobbies.

The meeting itself was so secretive that it was also the reason.

In short, ‘Courtly Romance’ was a great club to receive affectionate advice and work steadily.

So today’s move was clearly unconventional.

Not only were they invited by Prince Yeseo, who was treated like royalty, but they were also entering the Passion Palace, the Emperor’s small group space.

“It’s not my first time in the Imperial Palace, but I’m very nervous.”

The president of ‘Gungyeon’ [likely a shortened form of the club’s name in Korean] wiped her forehead with a handkerchief.

Her gentle voice echoed through the wide space. Then everyone nodded.

They were carrying their bags containing their manuscripts (all the Imperial Palace servants were surprised), and were sitting in front of a shiny marble table.

Despite the difficult situation, all members attended to show their loyalty.

Their clothes were as luxurious as anyone else’s, but their faces looked somewhat uneasy.

The servants came in an orderly manner, placed refreshments, and presented each of them with a small bundle, welcoming them to Passion.

The lilac ribbon that tied the box had the following sentence embroidered on it in gold thread.

‘For a tasteful taste. – F. R.’

…It was the Emperor’s message and gift to encourage the Passion small group.

The members’ faces darkened even more. Some of the servants tilted their heads.

It was the first time they had seen this reaction.

“I sometimes came with my mother, but I’m still so nervous. Princess Berenice, aren’t you any better?”

‘Your aunt is the Chief of Staff. I think you’ve been in and out often.’ A young lady said kindly.

Berenice barely raised the corners of her lips and shook her head.

My aunt and I were very close, and it’s true that I went to the palace often when I was younger than I am now…

Since joining Gungyeon, it has always been uncomfortable to enter the palace.

I was afraid that imagination and reality would be different. She liked the nobles from afar.

That’s why when the marriage proposal came up, she hated it so much that tears welled up in her eyes.

My younger sister, the young duchess, tried to encourage me by showing me the ‘No. 1 groom in the Empire’ survey.

She didn’t know anything.

It would be much better for the Crown Prince to run away with Sir Christel and live as a taciturn shepherd, not me…

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Hello.”

Flinch! A pleasant voice echoed through the social room.

The members were horrified and hurriedly got up from their seats.

Berenice saw a hallucination where the whole world was moving as slowly as a snail.

From the distant other side of the door, a light source that shone so intensely that she couldn’t open her eyes was walking towards her.

Even though she knew it was a frivolous attitude, she couldn’t close her slowly opening mouth.

Her heart was pounding, her head was spinning, and she couldn’t even tell if it was a dream or reality.

At the same time as cold sweat was flowing, her throat was parched.

Right now, in front of her, her favorite celebrity…

-Thud

“Ah!”

The magic leather bag fell weakly to the floor. Berenice was startled and bent down.

What rudeness is this to such a precious person.

I should be showing the best courtesy and keeping my forehead on the floor until they leave. Like a fool, blankly,

“It’s pretty.”

‘I carry a bag like this too.’ It was the words of a wingless angel.

The jade hand, blessed with the grace of the Main God, lightly lifted her bag.

The princess’s gaze also slowly rose as if possessed by a ghost.

It was a scene that had no sense of reality. Mom…

“My name is Yeseo Fenetian. Nice to meet you.”

The prince, wearing an archbishop’s robe and gorgeous diamond earrings, was curving his eyes as he looked at her.