episode_0072

“Do you mean that you are trying to secure your legitimacy as a successor by borrowing my name?”

I think it will be a very disgusting development.

Well, if the descendants of the Twelve Knights support him, he could have a big advantage in terms of his cause…

That opportunity seems to be the method that has passed through my mind just now.

“That’s right. Although the noble woman’s performance in the system is impressive… it is not enough to cover up the notoriety she has accumulated so far. However, if it were known that he was of the lineage of the Twelve Knights, then the story would be different. So, you will definitely want to get your hands on it. Even if you get married.”

“…It seems like the royal family even knows my identity. I don’t remember saying my mother’s last name.”

The imperial family knows that the Median family is a family of twelve knights…

Aren’t there only two people who know that my mother was a daughter of the Median family?

You and Lord Shane, Marquis Ludwig.

“I told you. Otherwise, would the empire have accepted the princess of Kahar?”

You confess so confidently.

“Aren’t you saying you are the culprit in the end?”

“…I apologize. At the time, I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. Actually, I am in a difficult situation.”

Difficulty?

Would you be in as much trouble as me, who suddenly turned into a princess?

I felt like my stomach was burning, so I drank the tea in one go.

Without even having time to enjoy the scent, the lukewarm tea water flowed into my stomach.

“So, originally, I had no choice but to persuade her to become engaged to Prince Leopold… but since the lady’s intentions were firm, that plan was scrapped.”

“Of course it should be discarded. Unless you want the prince to be found a headless corpse on his first night.”

If that kind of situation really happens, you might impulsively blow off your head and run away.

After that, I will have to wear a mask and completely hide my identity.

“Hmm, is that really what you mean? In that case, if you go ahead with the wedding with the 3rd prince…”

“One prince and one margrave will disappear from the empire, right?”

“Nong. Would you take such a gamble knowing what would happen?”

Marquis Ludwig smiled bitterly.

…You’re kidding, right Marquis? It has to be a joke. Because I’m not kidding.

—-

If you think about it, if you had a formal engagement with the prince, you could sort out all the other potential suitors at once.

But that can’t be possible.

Not just for psychological reasons, but even if you think about it rationally.

Even if they agree to break off the engagement at some point, let’s say they only have a superficial engagement.

There’s really no way that kind of agreement could be kept until the end.

I have to become stronger in the future, and I have to accomplish many things with that strength.

The more I do that, the more my value will soar.

So, later on, they will say something like, ‘It seems difficult to break off the engagement due to opposition from supporters.’

It is dismissed.

It’s just a trap with a sweet bait, you can’t escape.

As we ate them one by one, the refreshments were all gone before we knew it.

Marquis Ludwig looked at the empty plate with regretful eyes and put the magic candle back into his mouth.

“First of all, I have a plan to prevent the revealing of the lineage of the twelve knights. The title of Baron Median will still be awarded.”

“Policy? What is that.”

Are you planning to use your position as elector to put pressure on the imperial family?

If you think about it later, it might not be a very wise method…

“Be my successor.”

“…What?”

I almost spit out the tea I was drinking.

I think I just heard something really crazy.

Were there any hallucinogenic drugs mixed into the refreshments?

“This is the best way. If you are only talented but have no real power, you will be just a desirable prey, but if you become the successor to the elector, it is a different story. That’s because it’s already a big piece of food that will get stuck in your throat if you try to swallow it hastily.”

Marquis Ludwig smiled leisurely.

“Announce the fact that the elector’s successor is a descendant of the twelve knights? The authority of the twelve knights, the power of the elector. The moment it is announced, the two will be combined, but it won’t happen unless the imperial family goes crazy.”

“…I think all the noise will come out.”

It’s definitely not wrong.

Once you tell the imperial family, the worst situation of being announced as a descendant of the Twelve Knights without a successor will be prevented.

After he has built up a reputation, if he becomes the successor to the Marquis, no one will dare touch him.

But putting a woman from Ka’har in charge of the eastern border is like putting a cat in charge of fish.

My notoriety is a problem, and my father’s lineage is also a problem.

Simply taking her as a wife and entrusting her with the defense of the empire’s borders are two completely different things.

From passive opposition that they cannot be trusted, to even conspiracy theories that they might open the border and attack with large troops of Qa’har.

“Well, it’s up to the noble woman to do it. If it is announced now, of course it will be so. However, judging by her actions so far, isn’t she also planning to build a reputation in the empire? There will be no problem as long as you tell the imperial family in advance and let them know that you have decided to become the successor after gaining sufficient trust and reputation. …You’re going to end your relationship with Orhan anyway, right?”

Are you telling me to prove that I am on the Empire’s side by fighting Orhan?

okay. It’s something I have to do someday.

“In the end, it means that you will still be seen as desirable food by other nobles. It’s difficult. I can’t crush their heads in half.”

“Hmm… I feel like there are people who want to smash their heads, but if we go too far, problems will arise in many ways. Still, if you agree to become my successor, I will forgive you for challenging someone who crosses the line to a duel. But even in that case, don’t kill him if possible.”

uh? Does this mean that if I don’t kill him, I can beat him up a bit?

Then I guess it’s not that bad.

“…I’ll consider it positively for now. But are you really okay with that?”

“Anyway, I have no intention of taking a new wife. Rather than having the Elector Berengeria’s succession cut off, it would be better to leave it to the descendants of the same twelve knights.”

…Isn’t that a bit subtle?

I am the one who cut off the lineage of half of my bloodline.

Anyway, I’ve already cut ties with them.

Besides, in the end, if I don’t create a successor, it will be cut off.

I don’t know. Should I adopt someone when I get older?

Marquis Ludwig stood up as if he was about to leave.

“The story ends here. Then take good care of yourself.”

“Yes. You too.”

He responded by lightly raising his hand.

There are still a lot of questionable aspects, but he is still quite helpful. You should stay healthy for a long time.

The Marquis, who was about to leave the room after putting on his hat, looked back at me as if he had remembered something.

“Ah, yes. Perhaps the imperial family might call the noble woman at least once before the investiture ceremony. Please remember today’s conversation well.”

It is a call from the imperial family. I’m a little nervous though.

I guess I should go and make my intentions clear.

—-

A few days later, lectures resumed.

Perhaps because preparations for practical training had not yet been completed, it was a theory lecture held indoors.

I guess it’s a good thing that the theory lectures are more helpful to me.

After leaving the special building, I headed to the main building’s classroom alone.

Asha did not attend, saying she was busy making my armor.

So, I was only wearing a short top and pants.

I hope it will be completed as soon as possible.

As I entered the main building, dozens of pairs of eyes turned towards me.

‘Who is that woman…? It’s my first time seeing this face. Is he a senior who was sent on a mission?’

‘If you look at it, it looks like a priest from the Department of Religious Studies, but it’s not a priest’s uniform or uniform…’

Each student I encounter looks intently at my face, then looks at each other and whispers.

With questioning, admiring, and sometimes even more unpleasant eyes.

‘Isn’t it Lacey?’

‘Lacey has white hair, don’t you know that?’

‘No, but look at that face. ‘You can even believe she’s a saint.’

What is he saying now.

Don’t blush. Because I’ll remember it.

‘Those clothes, that hair color… isn’t she Kahar…? ‘Princess Aishangior.’

“What? Is that possible? ‘Wherever you look, that monster-like woman turns out to be such a beauty.’

‘You’re a monster, but you saved us. What appeared… I thought it was a monster I had only heard about.’

You weren’t the ones who spread the rumor that it was a beast-eating monster, right?

They even tried to save him, but I believe he didn’t do that.

‘…It seems a bit similar.’

‘Then what about your younger brother? ‘Aren’t you visiting your sister?’

‘ah! Maybe so. ‘Did you say that, unlike your sister, you grew up like a golden jade leaf in the palace?’

‘Oh, it’s the goddess Daffodil…!’

All kinds of stars are coming out. Hershela had a sister, but I never even saw her face.

Considering that he didn’t come to Geumhwa Palace, they must not have been very close friends.

Also, what is that guy who talks like a daffodil goddess?

I just slightly turned my eyes and looked at him.

…uh?

Isn’t that bastard the one who got his legs blown off by Asha back then…?

…Even after becoming a eunuch, I couldn’t come to my senses.

As we headed towards the main building, the endless interest continued.

Uncomfortable. It’s infinitely unpleasant.

I feel uncomfortable with the gaze fixed on my face.

I feel bad when people stare at my legs.

Focused on the chest… wouldn’t it be okay to beat these guys up someday?

Between your legs. Just one dagger shot.

these guys. I heard that 30 of you have also died.

Even though it’s been almost a month, why is the atmosphere so lively?

I don’t like the droopy atmosphere, as if everyone is dying, but isn’t this a bit too much?

…Maybe I’m forcing myself to be bright because I don’t want to be buried in sadness.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, and threw away the burned match.

The smoke is spicy and bitter today. So much so that it hurts my eyes.

I sighed helplessly into the air.

White clouds spread across the sky and slowly melt.

Should I just go back…