What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 469

#469

Grandfather and the North Sea Blizzard (1)

-Ddok, ddok, ddok, ddok!

“Your Excellency, the former Prince Consort, is here. Has something happened in the Imperial Capital?”

I asked, hurrying my steps.

The sound of three people’s footsteps echoed in the wide corridor.

The knight who came to find us strode ahead, occasionally turning back to check if we were keeping up.

I stopped one of the passing knights and asked him to deliver a message to Bishop Blaise.

No wonder the staff and soldiers around seemed so busy.

A distinguished guest had arrived without notice!

“I believe it’s quite the opposite. If the Imperial Capital were in danger, His Highness Stanislas would have stayed there and fought, even if it meant killing to do so.”

François replied, tidying Krabat and Carla with quick movements.

Seeing him, I busily checked my own appearance.

Ugh, Lophy’s fur was all over my arms and torso. There’s no lint roller here; this is a disaster!

-Tak, tak-tak! Tuk-tuk-tuk!

“François, what kind of person is the former Prince Consort?”

“Oh. Come to think of it, Your Highness, this will be your first time meeting him.”

I asked, frantically brushing off the fur, and François looked surprised.

He swept back his falling hair while checking the state of his sleeves and cuffs.

He moved so quickly that we were already past the chopstick practice room (I mean, the living room) and hopping down the stairs.

The Marquis switched places to let me hold the railing and then opened his mouth.

“The Prince Consort is renowned as the Empire’s best monster hunter and is publicly known as the ‘Wolf Royal.’ He wanders the country alone, saving people from monster damage. He is skilled in both unarmed combat and close quarters, enough to take down a bear with his bare hands. In his prime, he reigned as Liester’s representative Swordmaster and was the sword instructor of Marchioness Caroline Mutte, as you know.”

“Wow······.”

I forgot about the urgency of the situation for a moment and stood on the landing, impressed.

I expected it to some extent since he’s the male lead’s grandfather, but it sounds like he’s even more amazing than that.

He has the specs of a protagonist in a typical fantasy novel······.

“Before the royal marriage, he was the third prince of the Cissé family. The current Marquis Cissé is his youngest brother.”

“Incredible.”

François laughed out loud at my reaction. He seemed to find my tone amusing.

But I was now frozen cold, only moving my lips—like a Bungeoppang Samanco [a fish-shaped ice cream sandwich].

I received a bread basket from Marquis Cissé’s grandfather just this morning.

He told me to eat a lot and encouraged me to catch Werner no matter what······!

He’s His Majesty’s little uncle!

“However, I heard that he had a nature to wander outside from a young age. He’s not very close to his family in the main house. I guess he was born with the soul of a lone wolf?”

The Marquis lowered his voice. I focused all my attention on him as I walked.

A living legend of the ‘Wolf Royal,’ I can’t help but listen.

It’s already incredibly mysterious!

“His first meeting with the late Emperor was also during a monster subjugation competition on the coast, not at a ball or boat ride. It was a time of war, and monsters were rampant in various regions, so public sentiment was bad. The two of them fiercely caught monsters that day, competing for first place.”

“Ooh.”

“Opinions still differ on who became the protagonist of the competition. However, what is certain is that a spark of passion flew between the two of them after that.”

“Ooh······.”

“The beginning of history.”

“Wow······!”

It’s really rough and romantic. Like an HBO miniseries!

“Then, does he wear something like a bear skin on his back?”

“How did you know? Beast hide is like a symbol of His Highness Stanislas!”

“Does he use a greatsword like Marchioness Caroline?”

“That’s right!”

“When he shouts while fighting, do the monsters fall over in surprise at his momentum······.”

Like that, we excitedly went back and forth, heading to the banquet hall.

I tend to be shy, but somehow I’m looking forward to meeting this person!

*

Three minutes later. Yeriho Territory Lord’s Castle banquet hall.

-Squeak······

“Thank you!”

We hurriedly squeezed through the door opened by the knights.

It seems we’re a little late, but fortunately, no one is paying attention to us. Let’s get to our seats quickly—

“Good heavens, Frederick. Look at your face!”

Oh my!

“Father. Haven’t you said that three times already? I’m fine,”

“My precious child, your cheekbones have sunken so much. From the side, I can’t tell the difference between you and a piece of paper. You’ll be blown away by the cold wind.”

Huh, a talking golem is attacking His Majesty!

“Please let go of me so we can talk. I am the Emperor.”

“François, hurry!”

I whispered, urging the Marquis.

Quickly bowing and passing through the group of great nobles, I diligently blended in with my friends.

After exchanging eye contact with David, I stood on tiptoe to see even one scene properly.

And I gaped.

A grandfather over 2m tall was holding his only daughter’s cheeks like a precious steamed bun.

It wasn’t a golem made of stone but a person as huge as a mountain!

Even in the midst of all this, His Majesty, who was using accurate pronunciation, seemed great again.

However, I couldn’t see the Prince Consort’s face from this side, so I was anxious.

Instead of lowering my heels, I perked up my ears.

“How is Aurelie?”

“She takes care of the Empire day and night, thinking of you endlessly. Just like you.”

“Ahem, ahem!”

The great nobles who had gathered urgently cleared their throats and rolled their eyes.

It seemed like you had to pretend you didn’t hear to survive, so I quickly lowered my gaze.

Over there, Marchioness Caroline was only looking at the ceiling, and Lady Elizabeth, who was standing close to me, was desperately trying to manage her expression.

There was even a vein popping out on her forehead. Mother and daughter, you’ve suffered a lot.

In front, a thunderous voice flowed out again.

“Are you eating your meals on time? I’m worried that someone is starving you.”

Is there anyone in the world who would starve the Emperor······? Could there be?

“I eat my fill every day.”

“But why is our grandson so thin? Is the child sick somewhere?”

Thin······? Did he say the wrong word?

“I’m very healthy, Father. Cedric is flying around these days.”

“Is that so? His bones look so gaunt······.”

“Grandfather. I’m doing well.”

“Well, I’m very relieved to hear you say that. No matter how busy you are, make sure to eat five meals a day. Your arms are too thin; it’s pitiful to see.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

I was shocked by the title ‘Grandfather’ for a moment, but my mind went blank at the sight of him caressing the Crown Prince’s hand and wiping away tears.

To exaggerate a bit, that guy’s upper arm is as big as my thigh, but indeed, the Empire’s best hunter seems to have different standards from ordinary people······.

“Right, is your friend Elizabeth here too?”

“Yes, yes! Your Highness! I’m here!”

“Goodness. That child is as thin as a fork.”

The Captain of the Guard raised his arm and stepped forward to the table, and the elder couldn’t hide his pity as soon as he saw her.

Ms. Gain, who was standing next to her friend, bit her lip so hard that her philtrum turned white.

I almost burst out laughing as soon as our eyes met.

As if we had planned it, we quickly bowed our heads and put our hands behind our backs. Keuheuk, keuheum!

“Girl, I’m curious if your swordsmanship has improved a lot.”

“Hahaha, I still have a long way to go. I always remember the advice you gave me last time.”

“Hehehe. Your mother is very lucky.”

The old man stroked the heads of Crown Prince Cedric and Lady Elizabeth with his large hand.

Now that I see, Duke Jibril Diop was also there near him.

To the elder······. He must be his niece’s grandson?

It would normally be a very distant relationship, but he’s taking care of him directly.

It’s hard to believe that he’s distant from his family in the main house, he’s so considerate.

“Right, what about François?”

“Your Highness, were you looking for me!”

The Marquis, who had been mixed in with the great nobles, suddenly popped up.

With his slender body, he quickly slipped through the crowd and grabbed the elder’s hands.

Seeing his brightly smiling face, I felt strangely touched.

“You look haggard too; it must be hard on you without your siblings by your side.”

“Hahaha, not at all. Compared to the weight borne by His Majesty and the Crown Prince, my efforts are nothing.”

“You wouldn’t say that. I heard about your hard work at the end of the year.”

The elder patted François on the back.

Then the Marquis’s face momentarily crumbled before returning.

‘The Duke Simon de Sarnese incident.’

The moments when we were almost falsely accused in the midst of that huge current flashed before my eyes like a panorama.

“You worked hard. Enduring and persevering.”

“······It’s nothing.”

“Your parents and siblings will be proud of you too. I guarantee it.”

At those words, François quickly lowered his head.

I smiled faintly, clenching my jaw.

“······.”

Standing here and watching, everyone really seemed like family. It looked good.

“Cedric, did you show your grandfather the Hyegeom [a legendary sword]? You said you would definitely show it off last time.”

“Oh. Is that our grandson’s treasure? Seeing it like this, it’s even more beautiful than when it’s in the field.”

······Being with loved ones, with the people I share my life with, is a happy thing.

Anytime, anywhere. No matter what happens.

“Serenité.”

Huh? I snapped back to reality at the familiar call. I blinked and looked at the man.

The crimson gaze lingered on me for a moment before slowly moving to Ms. Gain.

Then to Sir Johann, to Ganael, to Isabel, to Eva······. Finally, it spread to Bakari.

I was puzzled because I knew that he was usually a man of few words, but once he made up his mind, he would definitely say what he wanted.

Why is he only calling us and not saying anything?

Why is he looking like that?

“This way.”

“Yes?”

As always, the sentence was short. What does he want me to bring?

“······All of you.”

“He’s telling all of us to come, Your Highness. Together.”

Ms. Gain whispered, gently grabbing my wrist.

Only then did I realize what the Crown Prince was thinking, and I was a little dazed.

Eva quickly grabbed my other arm and pulled me forcefully. Uh, wait a minute!

“······She is my divine match.”

At the same time as the Crown Prince’s statement, His Highness Stanislas’s head finally slowly moved this way.

I forgot to even bow at his overwhelming presence and raised my gaze.

“······.”

The old man’s abundant hair was gray, as if fine salt and pepper had been evenly mixed, and his beard was the most splendid I had seen here.

His eyes, full of the dignity of a general, held obsidian in his right eye and silver agate in his left eye.

However, the affection felt in his eyes was immeasurably broad and deep.

Moreover, the standards for his height and build were completely different from ordinary people.

The shoulders covered in unknown monster hide were as wide as a bed.

The elder smelled of winter wind, ice, and a faint scent of ash.

Suddenly, I had such thoughts.

······His Majesty’s silver hair must have been inherited from this person. Cool.

Does seeing such an amazing being make your head spin like this?

“That is Sir Christel Rambouillet, the Water Paladin, and Madam Isabel Rambouillet.”

“We greet the Prince Consort, the great Twilight Companion.”

“W-We greet the Prince Consort!”

At the following introduction, Isabel bowed gracefully, and Ms. Gain hurriedly followed her mother’s greeting.

After that, all my friends took turns asking the elder how he was doing.

I was completely mesmerized, watching the Prince Consort, and only after most of the order was finished did I hurriedly formally pay my respects.

Did I roughly remove all the Lophy fur on the way?

But did I come out without wiping off the saliva Tete drooled in the first place?

“I am Serenité, Marquis Yeser. I am also the Princess of Juliette. I greet the great Twilight Companion.”

“Heo······.”

Then a sigh that sounded like the earth was collapsing poured down from above my head. I flinched and stiffened.

Did I make a mistake? I shouldn’t have······.

“Has this child been abused in the palace?”

Yes?

“Yes?”

“She’s just skin and bones, holy Arian [a deity]! How can a child who is favored by the Imperial Family be like this······!”

The elder grabbed both of my wrists in one hand.

Even then, he was only holding me with two fingers, gently, so I wouldn’t get hurt!

“Father, you’re mistaken.”

“Frederick, my daughter. I didn’t raise you like this. Even that child who is said to be a paladin looks like she’s about to die, so she won’t even be able to break a branch like this!”

“Your Highness, I can even break people’s backs······.”

“Quickly bring in the food. If I dismantle the monster I caught, it will easily make thirty servings!”

The grandfather declared, very excited. I blinked for a while.

For fear of talking back, I only moved my lips and eventually remained silent.

Um······. I ate 4 servings for lunch earlier.