What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 841

That evening, the Emperor’s Regent, Cedric Liester, urgently convened the Aristocratic Council.

The spacious conference hall within the Imperial Palace was filled with dozens of high-ranking nobles.

They had left their attendants and servants outside the palace, and the hall buzzed with conversation, loud enough to make the high, domed ceiling echo, the crimson banners and golden tassels flutter, and the busts of past chairmen of the Aristocratic Council, which framed the head table like a screen, tremble slightly. Traditionally, the Prime Minister of the Liester Empire served as the chairman, and in the Prime Minister’s absence, the head of a high-ranking noble family designated by the Emperor would take on the role.

It was the first time since Emperor Romero’s days as Crown Prince that a regent, rather than the Emperor, had urgently convened the Aristocratic Council.

Moreover, it was during the golden hours when all the social venues in the capital were opening and welcoming guests.

“What does His Highness intend to discuss that he has summoned us so urgently?”

“I wouldn’t know! The Romero Palace attendants are so tight-lipped and closely knit. It’s impossible to secretly plant even a young errand boy.”

“Monsieur, have you heard the news? In the middle of the capital today…”

“Ah, you mean the story of Countess Lott. My grandchildren witnessed it firsthand, wouldn’t you know?”

“Good heavens, is it true then? That the Countess blocked His Highness’s carriage and lay on the ground, pleading…”

“Don’t even mention it. The servants who went to watch the procession were so noisy…”

“Perhaps His Highness intends to speak about that. There are rumors that Count Montseff Lott has gone missing.”

“It’s a pity for the Countess. But it’s not the behavior of a faithful noble. Not at all!”

“I know nothing about that family. Did they contribute any money to this war?”

“Oh, Madame!”

“Well, no amount they could offer would compare to the Boutiena or Rambouillet families. And what about the Dhiem or Mendy families?”

“Speaking of which, there’s a rumor that Duke Florian Mendy is acquiring something else. I heard it at Baron Andre’s salon [a social gathering in a private residence] the other day.”

“Intriguing.”

“We mustn’t forget the wealthy Diop family either. There, Duke Bonheur Diop is leading some nobles like ducklings.”

“Gentlemen, let’s keep our voices down. His Highness will be arriving soon, so put away your fans.”

“Cases like Countess Lott’s are precisely the harm of war, aren’t they? Losing reason in the face of unbearable grief, and as a result, abandoning even honor and dignity.”

“It seems your honor and dignity aren’t quite in place either.”

A sharp, low voice struck everyone’s eardrums.

Some nobles, who had been engaging in problematic chatter, instantly turned pale and fell silent.

The Imperial Palace attendant, escorting the Crown Prince, raised his voice.

“His Highness, Crown Prince Cedric Liester, enters!”

-Kugung!

With a rustle, the members of the Liester Aristocratic Council rose from their seats in unison.

As the current chairman, Marquis Leon Cisse, had not yet returned from the battlefield, the vice-chairman, Marquis Capucine Capuchon, stood in for him to greet the Empire’s Regent.

All eyes turned to the procession entering through the heavy main doors.

As always, David Capuchon, the Marquis Capuchon’s brother and the Chief Attendant of Romero Palace, guarded the Crown Prince’s rear, but today he was not alone.

Someone’s high-tied, pink hair glittered and fluttered.

“Oh, that is…”

“Sir Christel Rambouillet, our war hero.”

“Seeing His Highness keep him so close, it seems there will be joyous news soon. Aren’t they a picture-perfect couple?”

“Shh!”

“Rather, isn’t the presence of the Diop heir surprising? When did the notorious hooligan of the capital become like that…”

The nobles whispered, lowering their voices.

Several glances reached Duke Diop, Gibril’s mother, before quickly scattering.

Bonheur had a face that showed he hadn’t expected his son’s entrance at all, but he quickly managed his expression.

The elders exchanged glances between the Crown Prince and the heir, wearing pleased expressions.

“Even a hooligan is still a descendant of the late Emperor. Especially since Her Majesty Empress Josephine was always quick with political calculations…”

“His Highness the Crown Prince is truly skilled at a young age. If he gains the support of the Diop ducal family, his future claim to the throne will be even more secure.”

“Many nobles overlook the fact, but the heir is an excellent combat mage. His contributions to this war have been remarkable, so when His Majesty returns to the palace, he will surely receive a high title.”

“Oh, please look over there for a moment.”

Someone straightened their back and gestured to one spot.

Soon, everyone’s attention focused on a new figure.

A few nobles who recognized her slightly dropped their jaws.

“Good heavens, that’s Countess Lott!”

“Huh? The Countess? Isn’t she in prison?”

“Surely, she’s not the one who caused a disturbance in front of His Highness’s carriage today…? How did she even get in here?”

A woman in a simple dress, not quite fitting with the atmosphere of the capital, entered at the end of the Crown Prince’s procession and sat in the gallery.

She had thick cheekbones and a prominent nose, and her red-rimmed eyes were full of spirit, giving her an overall strong impression.

The high-ranking nobles, already surprised by the sudden summons, were bewildered by Amelie Lott’s appearance.

It was then.

“The special disaster area emergency budget, approved by the late Prince Consort [the monarch’s spouse], was passed by the Aristocratic Council, I believe.”

The man’s voice resembled the growl of a guard dog guarding the gates of hell.

The very few elders who remembered Romero in his lifetime gasped in surprise.

The young high-ranking nobles instinctively lowered their heads.

The Crown Prince, who had already taken the highest seat in the conference hall, was exuding a black aura like a harbinger of disaster.

Sir Rambouillet and the Diop heir, who were seated behind him, also had very grim complexions.

Before Vice-Chairman Capuchon could say anything, Cedric asked again.

“Why is the damage to the western coastal territories not being managed?”

“Your Highness. It seems the scope of the disaster area is wide, and the time to review the reports from each lord…”

“Isn’t it obvious that the land facing the sea would be the most severely affected since the moon disappeared?”

“…”

The Vice-Chairman could not bring himself to answer and lowered his head.

Cedric sharply narrowed his eyes.

“His Majesty’s loyal vassal went out to sea to save the people and went missing, but even in such a case, you are only focused on reading lines and failing to see reality.”

“Your Highness, Crown Prince. I would like to say a word.”

At that moment, Duke Bonheur Diop, the Crown Prince’s fifth cousin, rose from his seat and requested the floor.

He nodded to allow her to speak.

“With all due respect, the Aristocratic Council’s intentions are not united, so a portion of the budget approved by Prince Consort Stanislas is still pending here. Therefore, it seems the officials of Bangsel Palace are unable to execute the entire budget.”

“…”

Cedric’s jaw clenched.

Behind him, Gain was constantly whispering, “You mustn’t set it on fire. Then we can’t go moon hunting,” in a tone that was hard to tell whether it was encouragement or provocation.

Francois, sitting at the conference table, desperately shook his head at her.

Duke Bonheur continued to speak.

“A group of high-ranking nobles, including myself, consider supporting the coastal disaster areas as the top priority, as Your Highness has stated, but other high-ranking nobles insist that inland disaster recovery should take precedence.”

“Ridiculous. What is their basis?”

“…In my humble opinion, they seem to be trying to maximize the amount of disaster relief their territories can receive.”

“What?”

“Look here, Duke Diop!”

Gibril smirked.

“The lords of the west coast are few, but the lords of the southern and inland regions, which are less affected by the tides, are the vast majority. So, they are trying to ignore our opinions by majority vote and make up for their losses from the war with His Majesty the Emperor’s money.”

“Enough, Duke! How can you utter such outrageous words in front of such noble figures!”

“That’s a ridiculous slander! Your Highness!”

“Good heavens! Why does the Duke tarnish our honor?”

The high-ranking nobles rose up like a swarm of bees.

Then, the nobles who followed the Diop ducal family began to raise their voices in response, and those including Marquis Dhiem and Duke Mendy tried to mediate both sides, adding fuel to the chaos.

The heir to the throne watched them and quietly muttered.

“Yes, it’s on fire.”

“Duke Diop, rather request a proxy duel [a duel fought by representatives]!”

“Watch your words, everyone! The Duke is the daughter of Princess Chloe!”

“Even if I burn it all down, nothing will change.”

Towering.

“…”

The nobles, who heard the terrible—truly terrible—words, stopped speaking at once and creaked as they turned to look at the head table.

Cedric Liester’s eyes were burning hotly like iron heated in a fire.

They saw the flames blazing brightly, emitting light from the Crown Prince’s grasp.

-Hwareureu…

…It was the sacred fire.

“Then the Imperial Family will propose a fundamental solution.”

“…”

“Any objections?”

‘Good heavens.’ The nobles, pale with fear, swallowed hard and sat down one by one.

Gain, enjoying the taste of cider filling her mouth, was about to clap her hands, but the swallow next to her quickly snatched her hand and stopped her.

“Ah, why? It’s just starting.”

“Stay still. It seems our Duke is about to set the stage.”

“What, your mother? Wow, is that it?”

“Ha…”

I swear. With no Grand Preceptor [a high-ranking tutor] and no princes, the reins were loose, which was quite inconvenient.

…Whether those two would properly fulfill the role of reins was another matter.

Gibril clicked her tongue at the feeling of her shoulders becoming heavy.

Sunday morning.

-Beolkeok!

“Hey! Jung Yeseo!”

“Ah! You scared me!”

I was washing my face, covered in soap suds, when the youngest suddenly burst into the men’s bathroom as if he were about to break down the door!

“You crazy bastard! You crazy guy! You’re crazy, you’re crazy! Are you crazy?!”

-Jjak! Jjak! Jjaak!

“Ack! Aack, it hurts! It hurts!”

I opened and closed my eyes in response to the sensation of fire on my back, and the soap bubbles stung my eyes, making it very painful.

I tried desperately to turn the water back on in the sink while being beaten by Eunseo with fists and palms.

Save me!

“When is that Werner going to die! When is he going to die!”

“Ah, wait a minute! Hit me gently! Gently!”

Damn it! Eunseo finally read that far, I didn’t even think about it!

I writhed around, rubbing my back wildly. Wow, it’s so hot only where I was hit!

-Swaaaaa…!

“Why the desert, you idiot! I knew something was up when you stubbornly insisted on going, huh?! This is like sweet potatoes for sweet potatoes [a Korean expression meaning adding insult to injury], damn it!”

-Jjaak!

Ugh! I splashed water everywhere as I raised my upper body, then suddenly blinked.

Wait? Now that I think about it, Eunseo’s progress is…

“Jungeun, you’ve really read a lot in the meantime! I think it had a really good influence on your friends?”

“Good influence, my ass. Are you laughing now? My brother just got stabbed and died once!”

-Jjaaaak!

“Ouch, that’s where I got stabbed!”

I groped my back and twisted my body wildly.

Then Jungeunseo paused greatly, distorted her expression, and…

“…Heung…. I’m going to tell big brother! I really hate it!”

She went out to the living room crying and wailing like that.

Shortly after, I got hit by my brother again.