Ch.313Kingdom of Teres (3)

King Friedrich’s criticism about having a heavy bottom, but in reality, that’s a perfectly normal reaction.

When the announcement was made, Deskall and Arwen participated from Helium and Alfheim, but we must consider that they are demons and elves.

They have the ability to protect themselves, so they can move around freely. In an emergency, they can simply cast teleport and be done with it.

In contrast, human kings are generally physically weak, and unlike other races, they have shorter lifespans and age more quickly.

Therefore, they must travel with powerful escort forces, and I don’t need to explain how strong those forces are.

If armed conflict were to break out, the king’s royal person could be in great danger. Thus, kings rarely leave their thrones.

This wouldn’t change even if I were Xenon. One wrong move could spread the worst rumors that someone threatened Xenon.

In fact, sending the queen alone is quite extraordinary. Especially since King Friedrich is known as a devoted husband, the queen’s power is also very strong.

Her name is Maria Ducard von Curtures. Though their marriage was arranged for political reasons, their relationship is so good that it’s known throughout the kingdom.

For starters, Friedrich’s affection can be seen in the fact that he hasn’t taken any concubines besides Maria. Add to that their four children.

Despite clear evidence, Friedrich’s persistent denial of Adelia’s existence was most likely due to his affection for Maria.

“I hope Queen Maria didn’t bully my sister too?”

Before meeting the Teres royal family who had come to our mansion, I asked Adelia.

Adelia, who was neatly arranging my hair, paused her hand momentarily at the question.

Her expression, visible through the mirror in front, was ambiguous. A face contemplating how to explain this.

Then, as if she had sorted out her thoughts, she continued brushing my long hair and spoke.

“She didn’t exactly bully me. Instead, she was quite cold. My stepmother must have suffered a lot too.”

Adelia’s answer was typically kind, almost foolishly so. I pondered her words for a moment before something struck me.

“By the way, stepmother? You call the queen your stepmother?”

“Yes. She said it was fine to call her that. She never directly bullied me and even educated me.”

“Hmm…”

Typically, stepmothers have negative images across all times and cultures. This is unavoidable—who would genuinely love a child they didn’t give birth to?

Moreover, inheritance issues make close relationships very awkward. If someone truly loves such a child, they could be called a truly magnanimous person.

Add to this a situation where an illegitimate child outshines their own children? Human emotions are truly ugly and often lead to bullying.

The fact that Maria didn’t directly bully Adelia speaks volumes about her character.

“Did she know you wanted to become royalty?”

“Yes. But she warned me against it if possible. She advised that even if I became part of the family, I would only suffer. She suggested becoming a knight instead—though I couldn’t be family, I could still live a decent life compared to others.”

“She sounds like a person of integrity.”

“Yes. Actually, our relationship was more like teacher and student than mother and child. I treated her that way too.”

As she spoke, Adelia in the mirror smiled softly, seemingly in a good mood.

Indeed, if Queen Maria had also been of poor character, conscientious people like Olivia or Lara wouldn’t have been born.

In this situation, I think Maria is the greatest victim, even more than Adelia. Her only crime was loving her husband.

While Friedrich is certainly a good husband, he continues to deny his past mistakes to the end. As a result, the spark of revolution has ignited in the Kingdom of Teres.

If he had acknowledged even a little and recognized Adelia, this situation wouldn’t have arisen. I don’t understand why honor is so important to him.

Is honor truly more important than his country? Even if he’s an exemplary king, his lack of human decency is deeply disappointing.

“So, will you come with us, sister?”

“…Can I come too?”

“Of course. We need you for the conversation to progress. It’s burdensome for me alone right now, especially with Marie gone.”

Currently, Marie has returned to the academy. She could have stayed at the mansion as Xenon’s fiancée, but she chose to go back.

I heard she wants to enjoy married life after the wedding. She said that while seeing my face every morning is nice, she wants to save that experience.

If she had heard earlier about the Teres royalty visiting our mansion, she would have stayed. Unfortunately, the news came the day after she left.

“You don’t need to be nervous. You just need to answer questions.”

“Aren’t you the one who’s nervous?”

“I spoke harshly even to King Friedrich, so why would I be nervous?”

I’m serious. Now that I’ve revealed I’m Xenon, I fear nothing.

…Except my mother, who will be furious after seeing the outcome. Not just my mother, but countless fans will likely cause an uproar.

Even when Kayre died, there was a procession of mourners to our territory, so imagine what will happen with Jin.

Even if I could quell the disturbance with a letter, it would be hard to mend the fans’ broken hearts.

‘I should probably create a side story just in case.’

Unlike Kayre and Jin’s side story, this would be a parallel world story. Not the official version.

This is absolutely not because I’m afraid of my mother. Even though she personally came to Helium when Jin awakened! I’m definitely not scared.

“Isaac.”

“Yes?”

“You’re trembling. Are you nervous?”

“No?”

Honestly, I am a little scared.

******

While Adelia was helping me get ready, the Teres royal family arrived at the mansion. They came earlier than expected, so Adelia was busy moving around.

In the current situation, I clearly hold the upper hand, but my counterpart is not an ordinary noble but a queen. And not just any queen—one who holds the second most powerful position after the king.

First impressions are paramount when meeting someone for the first time. I wanted to avoid making a bad first impression, so I acted quickly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Maria Ducard von Curtures, Queen of the Kingdom of Teres and consort to His Majesty Friedrich. It’s an honor to meet the illustrious Xenon.”

As soon as I entered the reception room set up in the mansion, a woman rose from her seat and greeted me. Her greeting alone exuded elegance and nobility, and her voice carried a sense of virtue.

She wore her dark brown hair—much more vibrant in color than Adelia’s—long and flowing, and her bright blue eyes shone with sharpness.

Befitting a queen, she had clearly received consistent care, boasting a beautiful appearance without a single wrinkle, yet every gesture conveyed maturity.

The woman’s name, as you’ve heard, is Maria, consort to King Friedrich and Queen of the Kingdom of Teres.

While most queens would adorn themselves with elaborate dresses and accessories, Maria did not. She displayed her own nobility with just a dress appropriately mixing blue and navy colors.

“Ah, hello! I’m Lara Ducard von Curtures, the third princess of the Kingdom of Teres! It’s an honor to meet Xenon!”

And beside her, Princess Lara, whom I had seen before, hastily greeted me. Judging by her actions and expression, she seems quite flustered.

Well, it’s understandable since the person who visited the palace last time was Xenon. I greeted them with a polite smile.

“Thank you for coming such a long way. As you know, my name is Issac Dukar Mayshall, author of the Biography of Xenon, and Xenon himself. It’s an honor to meet you all. And this is…”

I let my words trail off as I looked at Adelia standing behind me. The others’ gazes shifted toward her.

Adelia exchanged glances with each person, then bowed her head slightly and greeted them with her distinctive husky voice.

“I am Adelia Cross, Isaac’s personal maid. It’s an honor to meet the light of the Kingdom of Teres.”

At her greeting, Maria nodded with a graceful smile. Beside her, Lara, after checking the atmosphere, slightly raised her hand and waved it gently.

For Lara, Adelia would have been a close older sister, so this must be complicated in many ways. This isn’t because Lara is young, but because of the situation.

Maria seemed to understand this and generously let it pass without pressing the issue.

“I haven’t prepared anything special, but please make yourselves comfortable.”

“Not at all. Rather, this atmosphere makes me feel at ease.”

Maria responded to my invitation by saying it wasn’t necessary at all. I couldn’t help but smile bitterly at her words.

While our mansion’s reception room is not inferior compared to others, Maria and Lara are royalty. They must have visited places far more splendid and brilliant than this.

I would have preferred to have this conversation in the imperial palace’s reception room rather than the mansion, but they suggested this location first.

“Is the tea to your liking?”

“It’s not at all inferior to what we drink at the palace. Is this dewdrop tea?”

“Yes. Our territory may be modest, but we grow dewdrops of excellent quality.”

“Modest? You’re being humble.”

At first, we engaged in rather insubstantial conversation. It’s too abrupt to dive straight into the main topic when we know so little about each other.

So we discussed various topics to create a good first impression.

The main topic is extremely serious and directly related to a country’s survival, so it’s essential to lighten the mood first.

Even now, Queen Maria’s inner thoughts must be burning with anxiety. I feel sympathy for her in many ways.

“By the way, Adelia, when did you become Xenon’s personal maid?”

As we continued our conversation with laughter, Lara, who had been staring intently at Adelia, asked a question.

When her clear voice cut through our conversation, the dialogue between the queen and me naturally stopped, and our attention turned to her.

Meanwhile, Adelia, who received the question, flinched slightly and began looking at me for guidance. I nodded to indicate it was okay.

“I’ve been Isaac’s personal maid for only a few months.”

“Didn’t you say you were going to become a knight?”

“I also serve as a guard knight. A personal maid’s main duty is to attend to her master. That naturally includes protection.”

“Then when will you visit our palace…”

“Lara.”

As Lara was about to ask another question, Queen Maria interrupted her. Though she only called her name, that single word carried strictness.

Lara closed her mouth at Maria’s rebuke. She then rolled her eyes around, checking the atmosphere.

It’s exactly the behavior appropriate for her age, making me smile like a proud father. But Queen Maria doesn’t seem to feel the same way.

“I apologize on behalf of my daughter. I’m truly sorry.”

“It’s fine. She’s at an age where curiosity is natural.”

From what Adelia told me, Lara grew up showered with love as the youngest child. Because of this, she occasionally lacks tact.

But it’s not problematic, and it just shows how much she likes Adelia.

I looked fondly at Lara, who had become sullen after Maria’s rebuke, then brought up another topic. Not about Lara, but about Hyria, who had provided the initial lead.

“By the way, how are the others, especially Princess Hyria? When I saw her last time, she wasn’t in good condition.”

“…Hyria’s condition has improved from before. There’s no need for Xenon to worry.”

Judging by her hesitation, Hyria’s condition seems similar to before or perhaps even worse. I nodded at her response.

Now that the spark of revolution is reigniting, the pressure on Hyria must be beyond imagination.

While that was the result I wanted, I don’t want her to make an extreme choice. That’s why I would have preferred her to be here.

I wanted to slap her one more time. Even if a slap wouldn’t alleviate the pressure, it might provide some consolation.

“…Speaking for Hyria, Xenon.”

“Yes?”

While I was lost in thought, Queen Maria called out to me. I raised my gaze to look at her and saw she had a serious expression.

Are we finally getting to the main point? I adjusted my posture to listen attentively.

Lara, too, seemed to realize the gravity of the situation and kept her mouth shut, only rolling her eyes.

As a heavy silence enveloped us, Queen Maria’s tightly closed lips finally opened.

“Is there any chance you might forgive Hyria’s sin…”

“No.”

I could answer firmly because I had anticipated this question. It’s clearly disrespectful to answer without hearing the full question.

But it’s a way to firmly express my position, and I clearly hold the upper hand here.

Maria seemed to have expected this answer, as she didn’t shrink back at all and maintained a calm expression.

“…I understand. Then I’ll move on to another question.”

“I’ll answer any question sincerely.”

“Thank you. Then I’ll speak directly.”

Queen Maria then looked straight at me and said:

“Xenon, I’m sure you’re aware of the situation our kingdom is currently facing. It’s the greatest crisis since the Jeiros Revolution.”

“I am aware.”

“This situation arose from your choice, but we provided the cause. I won’t deny that. However, I wonder if you might consider showing mercy.”

“Mercy…”

I pondered the request for mercy, not just leniency. This came from the mouth of a queen, not an ordinary noble.

Though the words may seem similar, their meanings and power are completely different.

Queen Maria is humbling herself. While it’s understandable, she’s not standing on her queenly honor.

Her attitude is vastly different from Friedrich’s, who ruined everything by pursuing honor alone.

“I’m sorry.”

“…”

“This matter has already left my hands.”

But despite her attitude, I have no intention of reversing my choice. As I said above, the situation has already moved beyond my control.

If the Teres royal family had revealed the whole truth, they might have succeeded in containing the fire. The problem is that they didn’t.

The deadline mentioned by the commoner representative was one week. And now, only three days remain.

“…I understand Xenon’s decision. Then may I make one request?”

Recognizing my firmness, Queen Maria withdrew without further argument. She seems to have anticipated this outcome.

Anyway, since she has a request, I should hear it. As I nodded to indicate it was okay, Maria placed her hand on Lara’s shoulder.

When Lara looked at Maria with a puzzled gaze, Maria made a surprisingly unexpected request.

“I would like you to take care of Lara until everything is over.”

“What?”

“Mother?”

Both Lara and I looked at Maria with surprised expressions. Adelia did the same.

When everyone was surprised by the sudden request, Maria opened her mouth with a complex smile.

“This request has no political meaning. As Xenon knows, the Kingdom of Teres is currently in crisis, and Lara is still young. Could you take care of her until the situation stabilizes?”

“…”

“I’m asking because I think Lara would feel comfortable with Adelia here.”

Indeed, if a revolution were to break out, she and the other royals would be in great danger.

They might truly disappear like dew on the guillotine, as in the French Revolution. In such an unpredictable situation, entrusting Lara to me is for her safety.

Moreover, with Adelia, whom Lara is close to, she won’t feel lonely.

Is this why she brought only Lara? That might be part of it, but Queen Maria seems to have foreseen this situation.

“…Queen Maria.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“What do you intend to do?”

Maria’s goal is not to seek forgiveness from me. She came only to entrust Lara to me.

Then what is her true purpose? What is she trying to do when the Kingdom of Teres is in such a precarious situation?

In this increasingly puzzling situation, Queen Maria curled the corners of her lips and said in a gentle voice:

“I must go back and do what needs to be done.”

“…”

“If the spark turns into a great fire, only ashes will remain. But if we extinguish it quickly, those ashes can be used as fertilizer. The same applies to people—they grow through their mistakes. I hope my husband realizes his mistakes and grows.”

“What will you do if King Friedrich doesn’t change?”

“If I can’t change the person I love, then that’s the limit of my capacity. I don’t intend to blame anyone.”

Such a person should have been the ruler. Listening to Queen Maria, I felt truly regretful.

But because such a person is the queen, perhaps King Friedrich can change. If he doesn’t, it means the person himself is beyond hope.

“I understand Queen Maria’s words. I accept your request.”

“Thank you for your mercy.”

“Is there anything else you wish to say?”

At my question, Queen Maria’s gaze turns elsewhere. Not at me, but toward Adelia.

Then, after looking at Adelia with a profound gaze for a while, she turned back to me and said:

“No.”

Three days remain.

“What could I, a bystander, possibly say?”

Our mansion has gained an unexpected guest.