What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 340

#340 Return in Glory, A Moment (2)

It was Ganael.

‘Annie… Ganael cried a lot… That child, his heart hurts so much…’

My young friend’s eyes were swollen and red, his cheeks chapped from being so wet, and his sky-blue hair was dry and rough.

He was standing alone outside the door.

I had heard he went down to his hometown, but it seemed he came up after receiving a call.

Elisabeth’s tearful words echoed in my ears again.

A half-submerged voice blurted out.

“…Hello.”

It felt like my head and vocal cords were working separately. I clearly said it, but it didn’t feel like my own voice.

I barely managed to greet him, and I tensed up at his reaction as his golden eyes widened.

The divine creatures, sensing the strange atmosphere, burrowed into my arms, whimpering.

‘Why is it so awkward?’, ‘What’s wrong?’ Their cries seemed to ask.

-Awooong

“Oh, it’s okay. It’s nothing bad. Good job.”

Hugging Tete, who was fussing, I looked at Ganael.

He just stared at me with trembling eyes, unable to even form a simple greeting.

Benjamin looked at us alternately with pitiful eyes.

Sant clearly wanted to get involved.

I shook my head, trying to signal that I was okay, and picked up a nearby snack basket.

Sir Johan silently watched us.

“Did you eat breakfast? Did you come straight from the main house?”

“……”

“You’ve lost weight.”

Seeing his troubled face pained me. The boy still didn’t answer.

“I think Ganael likes this. Would you like some?”

“……”

I quickly lowered my gaze and started rummaging through the basket.

The boy liked sweet and soft flavors and didn’t enjoy hard bread.

Emperor Frederick had packed the hamper full of everything.

However, it was a little disappointing that most of it was cold due to the late summer’s cold preservation magic.

After searching for a long time to find a snack that the child would like, I found madeleines and cookie bags.

Peri, who was also nervous, pressed down on my thigh.

“Here.”

I handed the snacks to him with a helplessly trembling hand.

I was so nervous about whether he would refuse, but thankfully, Ganael accepted the bag.

My mouth felt like it was cramping from putting too much strength into it.

The boy, with his head bowed, looked into the bag. Soon, a small voice was heard.

I focused all my attention on my ears.

“…It’s all cold, Your Highness. If you had come a little… earlier…”

My heart sank at his trembling voice.

I hurriedly started looking for the drink basket.

Somewhere here, there was definitely a glass bottle with warm tea.

Thump! The snacks on my lap spilled, but I had no time to care.

‘Marquis.’ I realized Sir Johan was calling my name only after a few seconds. Quickly, quickly….

“I’m sorry. It’s because of the cold preservation magic, that’s why. You like freshly baked things—”

“It’ll still be delicious…”

I heard a sob. I flinched and turned to look at him.

Large tears were falling from his big eyes.

At the same time, Ganael was smiling. Brighter than ever.

“It’s delicious even when it’s cold.”

“……”

“Three cookies, two madeleines…”

‘The rest are for the gardeners.’ The boy and I murmured together.

I slowly blinked my eyes. Suddenly—the child, who had grown so much, hugged me.

“Hoo-oong, hoo-oong…!”

“Sorry I’m late.”

My hoarse voice cracked unpleasantly. Ganael was really crying his eyes out.

Benjamin and Sant dabbed at their eyes at his sobbing, speechless figure.

I hugged him and patted him for a long time. It didn’t matter if all the snacks between us were crushed.

Because there would be more food to share together in the future.

“Hoo-oong, heuuuk, euk, heuuuk… Oong…!”

“Ahem. Excuse me, gentlemen.”

‘Thank you. I’m sorry.’ I, who had been repeating only these words, suddenly perked up.

It was a very welcome voice.

The tingling in my nose instantly disappeared, and my eyes widened as I turned around.

Just looking at his cheerful face made me want to burst into laughter.

“Hahaha.”

“You smile as soon as you see me. It is an honor that you still like my face, Your Grace!”

The Marquis approached with smooth movements and kissed the back of my hand.

Normally, that would be impossible, but today was a special day, so I didn’t pull away.

A pair of light pink petals [likely referring to the Marquis’s charming demeanor] were shining moistly nearby.

I was truly grateful that he welcomed me so naturally, so I also opened my mouth naturally.

While stroking the back of Ganael’s head with my other hand.

“It’s been a while, François. How are your siblings doing?”

*

…I thought this was a peaceful reunion for us, but it didn’t even last 30 minutes!

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

“Indeed. High-saturation colors suit you well.”

There were now five carriages in front of us and another five behind us.

Including the Marquis de Guém’s carriage, there were more than twelve.

The Imperial Guard ran, protecting us tightly.

Outside the window, mansions and villages appeared sporadically.

It meant we were getting closer to the suburbs.

-Clip, clop, clip, clop!

“Ouch!”

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay, Ganael.”

“Marquis, could you lift your ankle up a little? Perfect!”

“The size doesn’t need much alteration. It seems like we just need to decide on the color.”

-Squeak, squeak!

“Chalcedony, Demi? I understand. I’ll take this off and put it on right away!”

The narrow carriage interior was now a fitting room where every minute mattered.

I was groaning because of the hair caught in the tiara, and Ganael was struggling to find the best hair accessory for me.

Benjamin was busy holding up all sorts of shirts under my chin.

François was taking out about 20 pairs of shoes (not an exaggeration) and matching them with the outfit.

Sant was busily putting on the accessories that the divine creatures pointed out on my fingers and wrists.

They all just looked fancy, but according to the Marquis, each had its own color that matched the skin tone.

Using gold and silver, rubies and sapphires, emeralds and opals indiscriminately was something only uncivilized thugs did.

So I absolutely couldn’t just put anything on and get off, and I couldn’t wear just any jewelry.

It was even more difficult today.

“Excellent (Très bien)! Let’s choose one of these eight pairs of shoes. You’ll need some color on your lips.”

The Marquis said, sweeping back his fallen hair with his palm.

I was overwhelmed by the professional force and just nodded blankly.

It was true that François and I were very close, but there was a clear reason why he came to meet us today.

My lips were parched with a completely different kind of tension than before.

Soon, I would have to greet the hundreds of thousands of imperial citizens gathered in the capital!

“How is Princess Aurelie, François?”

I asked, wearing seven rings on my right hand alone (heavy).

The Marquis took out a cylindrical lipstick from his pocket and handed it to Ganael.

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment.

“…She is waiting for her only disciple at the Imperial Palace.”

The man smiled like a painting and entered the top 8 shoe selection round.

Sir Johan rumbled lowly. It’s good that one of us seems to be enjoying this!

“I’m sorry, but why did you say I couldn’t wear a bishop’s mitre [a type of ceremonial headdress]?”

“Because it weakens the presence of your features. Also, there are many priests wearing bishop’s mitres in the capital, so it lacks distinctiveness. Today, Your Grace must attract attention at once and show everyone your clear and beautiful face. Although no event is scheduled, a triumphant return is bound to be followed by communication with the people.”

‘He said he would take charge of public opinion for His Majesty.’ He whispered with a wink.

Seeing that even that was welcome after a long time, I let out a sigh.

He scanned the bracelet candidates that Sant had put on me as if playing the piano.

“‘Resurrection’, ‘Miracle’, ‘Victory’! To give the imperial citizens such an impression, it must be intense. It will be difficult for you to come out of the palace often, so today is virtually the first and last chance. But it shouldn’t feel too extravagant. It is wartime now, and there are several nobles who will not like Your Grace. In short, a moderately shining, noble, and sacred feeling…”

Hearing that, I suddenly had a good idea!

“Then how about this?”

I suddenly took out a hair accessory from the Gaga bag that Benjamin had altered.

Soon, my friends’ eyes widened. Sir Johan tilted his head as if he found it interesting.

It was a relic of Yuliter Statia that Christel had won for me.

An item containing the tragedy of the warlord who was called ‘the infamous villain’ and ‘the lover killer’.

“…Your Grace.”

“Don’t worry, Benjamin. Of course, I’m not saying I’m going to wear it like this. If I turn this over like this…”

Clang, clang. I diligently laid the swaying ornament in the opposite direction.

All the diamonds on the beautiful platinum ring were embedded in delicate gold pendants.

Therefore, when worn upside down, it turned into a subtly shining gold ornament.

François looked at me with doubtful eyes.

“That’s right. It will be a political statement to those who recognize this item. It means that I am not someone who has betrayed or will betray the Empire like Yuliter, but rather someone who will fight for the Empire. To those who don’t know… it can give the illusion that my hair has a golden hue.”

When I smiled, Ganael’s eyes filled with worry. It’s okay.

“I am not a prince, but if I am going to play that role, shouldn’t I do my best? I can’t cause trouble.”

“……”

“I think it would be good to put on the Grand Dress that the Crown Prince lent me. It contains the meaning of victory and determination. It is also a symbolic orange color, and since the decoration is so luxurious, the cloak or shirt underneath can be plain.”

“Good heavens, holy Arian! Who bestowed what?”

The Marquis’s handsome lower jaw was about to fall off. The young page was also shocked.

I shrugged and took out two more items from the bag.

They were all gifts I had received!

“It’s not over yet. I think it would be good to hold the crystal bell, which is the late Crown Prince’s keepsake, in my left hand, and the scepter that my teacher gave me in my right hand. It’s small now, but that’s because I reduced the size, so it’s actually much longer and more beautiful. And as soon as I get out of the carriage, I will use aether [a magical energy or substance] to dye my eyes purple. Please allow the troublesome creatures except for Tete to roam freely with me. If the people witness the abilities of the divine creatures, the rumors will spread even more wildly. Of course, if these guys are in the mood to do so…”

“……”

I finished the short presentation and looked at everyone’s faces.

Everyone’s expressions were stiff.

The outside was already a complete scene of the outskirts of the capital.

From far away, the faint cheers of the crowd could be heard. Waaaaah…!

“Wouldn’t this be enough to be left in a corner of the Imperial Palace mural?”

I asked cautiously, cutting through the noise of the carriage wheels.

The answer came from the seat next to me, which had been silent all along.

“No. You will be the protagonist of the mural.”

-Beeep-boop

There was laughter in Herrit’s father’s tone.

Dduk-ssim, who was bothering his sleeve, had a similar reaction.

I want to hear a serious answer, not teasing!

“Diamonds are a beautiful woman’s best friend, they say.”

Finally, François carefully said, lifting up Yuliter’s hair ornament.

I met his eyes with a nervous heart.

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

“Yaaaaah…!”

“Long live Liester…!”

The crowd’s shouts were getting louder and louder.

In response, my heart began to beat even more violently. Thump, thump!

*

-Drip, drip…

“Ah.”

Herrit let out a small exclamation. The Cardinal immediately put down his book and turned to look at the child.

The tea had overflowed, wetting the saucer, and the boy holding the teapot had a surprised look on his face.

The middle-aged man gently took the tea set from the child’s hand and gestured to Natalie.

The maid quickly bowed and left the garden. The Juliette Garden at the end of August was splendid.

Although Aurelie’s tulips had left her forever and never returned, that was the truth.

Concern crept into the Cardinal’s eyes.

“Did you get burned?”

Shaking his head. Herrit drooped his eyebrows with an apologetic expression.

Aurelie smiled, stroking the little boy’s hand.

“It’s okay. You’ve always done well so far. And today is a day when we both have a lot on our minds.”

“……”

“It was loud earlier, wasn’t it? It must have been because your heart was pounding.”

Nodding, nodding. Herrit moved his head. It really was.

The shouts of the crowd heard from far away outside the Imperial Palace were so loud.

I didn’t know it would be heard even in this most remote place in the palace.

Aurelie gently stroked the child’s cheek.

“…They say he’s coming through Claire Square.”

‘That child.’ The ending could not come out of her lips.

The adult and the child stared at each other silently. Just looking at each other without saying anything.

Some gazes contained more comfort than conversation.

That was the time the two had shared over the past few months.

Herrit learned the Bible from her and heard about the history of the Empire and the legends of the continent.

She said that sconnes [a type of quick bread] should be spread with clotted cream first and then jam to be delicious.

Before long, Herrit came to like sconnes very much.

She said that milk and meat should be eaten a lot when they are warm to grow quickly.

So Herrit thought he wanted to grow as big as the Crown Prince.

She said that when we are together, sadness becomes a little lighter.

So Herrit shared a small hope with her.

“Aren’t you scared?”

She said that today was the day it would sprout. Everyone seemed busy and distracted.

The whole palace was noisy, and everyone seemed to be in a mood as if they had already won the war.

Pierre hyung [older brother in Korean] said that with red and swollen eyes.

‘Herrit, your father is bringing the resurrected prince. Today.’

The child was very overwhelmed.

He was so happy that the prince had kept his promise that his heart was fluttering.

But Her Highness seemed to feel different from me.

I couldn’t know exactly, but her beige eyes were saying that.

“I’m scared.”

‘What if it’s not that child.’ She whispered as if she was collapsing. Her mint-colored eyes widened.

“I received Frederick’s letter in advance, but it’s still like this.”

“……”

“I think I’ve wasted my years.”

The middle-aged man smiled bitterly. Herrit was so sad that Aurelie was thinking that way.

So, instead of answering, he slowly hugged her neck.

The woman hugged the boy back familiarly and stroked his back.

She knew that adults shouldn’t show such a sight to children.

Nevertheless, small warmth was always a great comfort.

Aurelie was also such an existence to Herrit.

-Step, step, step…

The maid, who had quietly approached, removed the wet teacup and saucer and placed a new cup.

She brought warm bread and desserts and carefully set out fruit.

The Cardinal slowly moved away and tried to fix the child’s hair. No, she was going to.

But the child couldn’t take his eyes off the maid.

“Herrit?”

Aurelie followed the child’s gaze. Soon, she met the unfamiliar brown eyes.

It wasn’t her maid. But the young man’s expression was very familiar.

The cheeks that received the summer light were so beautiful that it was sad.

Like the face she had always seen until recently.

“…Have you been well, Your Highness?”

And the voice she always heard rang out. Tears fell before she realized it.