Ch.20Coronation (3)

“What did you just… say?”

“Master?”

The nobles around who heard Chloe’s words began to stir.

Though her voice was soft, the banquet hall was so quiet that everyone seemed to have heard it.

‘This is bad…’

Chloe calling me “Master” makes sense in an employer-employee relationship.

But who would think that Chloe, dressed so magnificently and boldly enough to outshine all the nobles, is a maid or servant working under me?

Rumors could spread about my questionable tastes, or worse, it could be seen as a matter of romantic intrigue.

Above all… the term “Master” isn’t that commonly used, which deepens the misunderstanding. Most employees address their employers by their titles.

“Master…?”

I hear Inès’s questioning voice from behind me.

Inès seems to be pondering the meaning of “Master” that Chloe just uttered.

No… if this continues, it’ll become a real problem.

“Y-yes, Lady Chloe. You’ve always served as my attendant, so naturally you have the right to attend such an occasion.”

At my response, the nobles in the banquet hall finally quieted down.

Chloe calling me “Master” sounds a bit awkward due to the archaic nature of the language, but since it poses no issue in terms of etiquette, they’ll accept it.

‘Oh right, I need to introduce Chloe to Inès—’

“—Huh?”

Something feels… off.

I looked at their expressions to introduce Chloe to Inès, but the atmosphere between them is ice-cold.

“…”

“…”

Inès and Chloe are staring at each other, lips tightly sealed.

Both have ceremonial smiles on their faces, but… their eyes tell a different story. Despite the brightness of the banquet hall, I almost hallucinate deep shadows cast over their eyes.

“Ahem, Inès. This is Baronet Chloe, who has served me for a long time.”

“…Pleased to meet you. I am Inès of House Lorel.”

After my introduction, Inès finally opened her mouth and greeted Chloe.

…It was the textbook greeting of a noble lady. So textbook that it lacked any warmth.

“Hehe, likewise, Lady Inès.”

In contrast, Chloe receives Inès’s greeting with a relaxed attitude and a smile. She slightly curtsies while holding the hem of her dress, accentuating her outfit and figure.

…Why do I feel so uneasy?

They’re just exchanging greetings…

……….

“Um… Chloe?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Could you… move a bit further… no, no, I’m sorry.”

This isn’t right…

Even if Chloe is my attendant, there’s no reason for her to cling so closely to me. Especially now when I’m with my fiancée.

But it’s too difficult to ask her to step back. This is the first time Chloe has clung to me like this since she used to call me “big brother” when we were young.

Also, whenever I try to suppress my guilt and ask her to step back, her face instantly transforms into an expression of deep despair, which weighs heavily on me.

“…You two seem close.”

A chilly voice comes from beside me.

“Ah… Inès, this is, well…”

“It’s fine. You told me that night when we were alone together. Chloe is your little sister, right?”

Inès said this while briefly glancing at Chloe before turning her gaze back to me.

Alone together… what? Oh, is she talking about that banquet seven years ago when she got lost?

Hmm… I do remember mentioning it.

When I was trying to help the shy Inès relax by sharing various stories, I told her about being an illegitimate child and about Chloe.

Back then, it wasn’t an issue to reveal that I was simply an illegitimate child far down the succession line, but now the situation is different.

I’m now the illegitimate son of Duke Bourgogne, and Chloe is an adopted child with unclear parentage.

My uncles have even spread malicious rumors that Chloe and I are biological siblings. If Inès were to tell others about this…

“Inès, Chloe and I—”

“Yes, I know. You’re siblings, but you, Claude, are the son of the previous Duke, and Chloe is adopted, right? I won’t tell anyone.”

“Y-yes…”

That’s a relief.

If it became known that I called Chloe my little sister since childhood, it would be even harder to dispel the malicious rumors spread by my uncles.

I feel slightly guilty toward Chloe, but there’s no choice. I’ll just have to treat her more affectionately in private.

“Your Grace, it’s almost time to begin the coronation ceremony.”

“Oh, is it that time already?”

Just then, another attendant approaches me, flanked by Chloe and Inès on either side, informing me that it’s time.

Time has passed surprisingly quickly.

“Chloe, Inès. I need to go prepare for the coronation now. Enjoy yourselves at the banquet even without me.”

“Yes!”

Inès is full of energy, unlike when she greeted Chloe. She’s regained the natural, gentle smile she had when we first met at the banquet.

Well, I don’t know why, but I’m glad her mood has improved.

As for Chloe—

“…Yes.”

—now there’s a problem on this side…

They’ll be seeing each other often from now on, so they should get along…

……….

“Claude de Bourgogne, do you solemnly swear to govern the land of Bourgogne as its sovereign and head of house justly and according to law?”

“Yes. I swear to govern justly according to law.”

Kneeling before the throne, I hold the ducal crown in both hands and sincerely answer Bishop Armand’s questions, while countless nobles stand reverently behind me, watching.

Although all I need to do is agree to the bishop’s questions, which are quite obvious, the coronation ceremony is still important.

It announces to everyone that I have become the legitimate ruler and gives me an opportunity to reveal my disposition to all.

Swearing to uphold the law might give my vassals something to nitpick about, but honestly, I don’t care. The power to create and abolish laws rests with me, so my word is law.

Besides, I’ve won the war against Caroling, and my uncle’s rebellion will surely be quelled soon, so no one will complain if I manipulate the laws as I please.

“Do you swear to protect your vassals and show mercy to others?”

Protecting vassals sounds perfectly normal, but when combined with showing mercy, the meaning becomes a bit strange.

In other words, don’t think about taking away the territories or rights of your vassals.

“…Yes, I will protect my vassals from external threats and show mercy to the weak.”

Bishop Armand, I didn’t take you for this type when I heard you were born and raised in Dijon.

Since the questions and answers in the coronation ceremony have little impact on governance, I could just say yes to everything, but… my personality won’t let me stay quiet.

“…Ahem.”

At my slightly twisted answer, the nobles standing behind me and the bishop in front become a bit restless.

They asked a formulaic question, so I gave a formulaic answer. They can’t openly challenge me on this.

The bishop clears his throat slightly, pauses, and then delivers the final question.

“…Final question. Do you swear to obey God and spread the gospel widely?”

“I will do so as is proper according to the scriptures.”

The scriptures say that clergy should donate and not hoard money, so why don’t you follow that?

Yes, I’ll certainly follow the scriptures. According to the scriptures.

“Very well.”

Armand doesn’t seem to have caught the meaning behind my words. There’s nothing strange about saying I’ll follow the scriptures.

After the three vows, the rest of the coronation proceeded according to protocol. After many ceremonial procedures, only one final step remained.

The crowning.

Literally the ceremony of receiving and wearing the crown.

*Swoosh*—

“I declare before God that Claude de Bourgogne has become the rightful ruler of Bourgogne.”

*Clap clap clap clap*—

The ducal crown is placed on my bowed head, and I sit on the throne, looking at the nobles applauding me.

‘Let’s see… where are Chloe and Inès… ah, there they are.’

Chloe is with my retainers, while Inès is with the Lorel family entourage.

Both are so radiant that I can spot them immediately just by glancing across the crowd.

They’re so beautiful that some people are stealing glances at Chloe and Inès even while applauding. From up here, I can clearly see who’s not paying attention.

*Clap clap clap clap*—

“Congratulations, Your Grace.”

“…Yes, thank you all for coming.”

I was trying to memorize those faces, but the nobles offering congratulations prevented me from doing so.

As my gaze shifts from individuals to those congratulating me, I can finally take in the full state of the audience hall.

Countless people are celebrating my ascension. Whether sincere or not, the act of congratulation itself is what matters.

…I thought I wouldn’t feel much since I’ve already been acting as Duke, but having an official coronation ceremony like this really makes it sink in.

My head feels heavy.

Both physically and mentally.