Ch.253Chapter 253 – The Princess’s Letter

After resealing the facility with the sealed artifact in the underground ruins, we took measures to prevent anyone from approaching this site through perception-inhibiting magic.

It was a shame since this place was considered the top candidate for external training, but…

What if an unconfirmed, unknown danger caused a catastrophe during training?

That responsibility would fall entirely on Regina.

Since I didn’t want to see someone I love suffer, I had them choose another suitable location for external training instead of this place.

Fortunately, we had investigated several locations, not just one, and selected a decent place among them to be next year’s external training site.

When we returned to the Academy, a messenger sent from the Imperial Palace was waiting for us.

“Glory to the Empire. I bring letters from His Majesty the Emperor and Her Highness the Imperial Princess.”

“Her Highness the Imperial Princess?”

“Yes. This is all I was asked to deliver. I shall take my leave now.”

The imperial messenger delivered the letters from the Emperor and the Imperial Princess, then departed from the Academy.

It was surprising enough to receive a letter from His Majesty, but one from the Imperial Princess as well?

To be honest, my heart was racing.

I had no idea what might be written in the Emperor’s letter, and now I had received one from the Imperial Princess too.

‘What could possibly be written in these…?’

Unable to guess the contents, I returned to my quarters and opened the letters in front of the two of them.

First, I opened the letter from His Majesty the Emperor.

Naturally, one should read the Imperial Princess’s letter after the Emperor’s, as His Majesty is the ruler of the Empire.

The handwriting decorating the Emperor’s letter was exceptionally classical and elegant, with strength in every stroke.

I slowly read through the contents.

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Count Pathos Severio has led us to victory against the Demon Cult through the greatest sacrifice.

This is an exemplary deed for all nobles of the Empire, and all imperial subjects should learn from it.

I wished to honor your achievements with a ceremony, but due to the epidemic, the timing is not favorable, so I must inevitably convey this through a letter.

Therefore, I, Decatro IV, the rightful leader of this Empire, declare through this letter, by imperial law and decree:

Count Pathos Severio is hereby elevated to the rank of Marquis.

This has been unanimously agreed upon by the Imperial Noble Council, reported by the Imperial Chancellor, and approved by the Imperial Emperor, making it official.

Furthermore, should you desire, I shall grant you one of the Imperial Palace’s mansions as a reward. Once the epidemic subsides, I shall send someone to invite the Marquis for an official investiture ceremony.

Marquis Pathos Severio, I hope you continue to serve the Empire diligently.

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After reading the Emperor’s letter, I showed it to Regina and Cheon Hyeryeong.

“Oh my? Now I should call you Marquis instead of Count?”

“Hmm, isn’t a Marquis quite a high position in this country? It’s only fitting that my husband should rise to at least that rank. Indeed.”

Regina and Cheon Hyeryeong were as delighted about my promotion to Marquis as if it were their own achievement.

Since the letter mentioned an invitation to the Imperial Palace once the epidemic subsides, I’ll have to wait until then.

When that time comes, I should formally introduce the two of them as my fiancées.

Now, it was time to read the Imperial Princess’s letter.

Unlike the Emperor’s letter, the Imperial Princess’s letter had an inexplicable fragrance.

While inhaling the subtle yet sweet scent, I took out her letter and began reading its contents.

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Count Pathos Severio, I believe this is the first time I’m sending you a letter.

As you know, I am Karen Lucien Decatro Gelebrio Aurelios, the First Imperial Princess of the Empire.

I cannot express how delighted I was to hear of the Count’s reputation resounding throughout the Empire.

This country would benefit from having more people like you who excel in their respective positions and achieve great results.

Your dedication to elevating your honor by doing your best in your domain will serve as a great example to the subjects and nobles of the Empire.

Therefore, I am planning to host a banquet gathering young nobles of the Empire, and I would be honored if you would attend and grace the occasion with your presence.

Of course, I’m not inviting you empty-handed. As I’m inviting someone who has elevated the Empire’s reputation, I have prepared a special gift.

It will be something you cannot find elsewhere, something that might pique your interest.

I implore you once again to attend this banquet, and I shall end my letter here.

If you wish to attend the banquet, please send a reply addressed to me.

I await your response.

– The First Imperial Princess of the Empire, Karen Lucien Decatro Gelebrio Aurelios –

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Apart from dancing with Imperial Princess Karen at a banquet, I had no other connection with her.

From the beginning, whenever I visited the Imperial Palace, I mainly met with His Majesty the Emperor or the Chancellor.

Therefore, excluding His Majesty, meeting Princess Karen at the banquet was my only interaction with the imperial family.

I found it difficult to guess why she would send me a letter requesting my attendance at a banquet, and even demand a reply.

‘Perhaps she’s inviting me to build her own faction in preparation for becoming the next Emperor?’

This was the only conclusion I could reach with my limited education and insufficient mental capacity.

Otherwise, why would she approach me?

As the First Imperial Princess of the Empire, she has the highest succession priority after the First Imperial Prince.

So naturally, I couldn’t help but be suspicious of Princess Karen’s approach.

His Majesty the Emperor is still in good health, so if she’s already revealing ambitions to build her own faction to succeed the throne…

‘I’d rather not get involved…’

I showed the contents of the letter to Regina.

After all, she had lived longer than me and was a noble herself, so she definitely knew more about noble behavior than I did.

“Oh my? Princess Karen sent such a letter?”

Regina read through the letter I handed her from beginning to end and smiled.

“What do you think the Princess’s intention is in inviting me?”

“Most people would think Princess Karen is ambitious and trying to build her own faction to become the next Emperor, but…”

“But…?”

Why did she trail off so ominously? Could there be another intention?

“You’re probably right in your thinking. In most cases, when a member of the imperial family gathers young nobles for a banquet, it’s the best way to build their support base.”

It seemed my thoughts aligned with Regina’s.

“So, what should I do?”

“You should attend. But to keep annoying flies from buzzing around you, I and this one will attend with you.”

“If you’ll do that, I’d be grateful.”

Regina is widely known as the former Grand Archmage, and Cheon Hyeryeong, though only known to a select few, is the strongest warrior of the Eastern Continent.

Essentially, the strongest individuals of this land and that land are volunteering to be my escorts.

Unless someone has a death wish, who would dare approach me?

Moreover, considering she mentioned preparing a special gift, Karen is likely interested in contacting me specifically through this banquet.

“Given that she specifically asked you to reply confirming your attendance, the Princess might publicly announce your participation to generate more interest in the banquet.”

“So more people will gather, and it will appear that Princess Karen has substantial support?”

“Exactly. That’s probably what Princess Karen is aiming for.”

Regina added that since I also have connections with the Emperor and the Chancellor, having my support might create the impression that they too implicitly endorse her as the next Emperor.

Hearing this, I realized that my influence had grown considerably.

“Then I should send a reply.”

Since Regina and Cheon Hyeryeong said they would accompany me, my safety was practically guaranteed.

The Grand Archmage is here? This fight is already over.

The Heavenly Demon is here? No one can stop the Heavenly Demon.

Feeling truly fortunate to have these two by my side, I began writing my reply to Princess Karen.

With Regina’s editorial guidance throughout, I was finally able to complete the letter to the Princess.