episode_0121

The main road leading to the imperial palace.

“The line is very long.”

Lucia stuck her head out of the carriage window and spoke as if she was fed up. This is because the procession in front and in front of Lucia’s vehicle was so crowded that she could not go either way.

“It will take a while just to get in, right?”

“This is why this banquet is ‘Night of the Long Sword’.”

“…The name is very grandiose.”

Lucia tilted her head in response to Hugo. The earrings touched the exposed shoulder of the dress and made a jingling sound.

“It’s not a banquet held once or twice a year. It would have been necessary to give it a name to differentiate it.”

Hugo smiled broadly at Lucia’s sullen expression.

“Various social gatherings take place in Rien, but the Night of the Long Sword and the Meeting of the Sun are held within the palace and are treated as even more special. It is also an opportunity to have your face stamped on none other than the imperial family, so the number of participants is bound to increase.”

It wasn’t just the participants who took advantage of the opportunity.

A famous family from the empire, a delegation from a friendly country. By exposing the sight of them being lined up and controlled to the general public, the imperial family also took care of its own authority and promoted the greatness of the empire.

Rattling-

After moving forward like a turtle for a while, the carriage suddenly stopped.

-There will be a brief inspection.

“…”

Lucia’s head turned when she heard the unpleasant word “interrogation,” but Hugo, Siriel, who had been given permission by Eldrina to accompany her, and Siron, who sat across from him, seemed unharmed.

Lucia realized that if you stay still, you will get halfway, so she kept her mouth shut and acted calm.

‘I guess they’re doing a body search.’

As expected, for a moment, I heard bustling activity outside the carriage. The inspection ended with multi-colored lights passing through the carriage.

-next!

After passing a few more checkpoints, the carriage arrived in front of the building where the banquet was being held.

When Hugo opened the door that had been modified to fit the large body, numerous etheric flashes erupted and a commotion was heard outside. My developed hearing clearly caught the rumbling sound.

-This is Hugo Prien.

-Who is in the group?

-I can’t see Mrs. Prien…

The party did not listen to what was said to be good.

“Watch your step.”

Hugo held out his hand toward Siriel, and Siriel slightly lifted the hem of her dress and got off the carriage.

Following Hugo’s exemplary example, Siron copied his actions.

Lucia’s hand was folded over Siron’s, and the two walked on the red carpet, bathed in ether flash.

-A historic imperial sword, living history, and the head of the Versailles family. Margaret Versailles

-Senator and head of the Rosail family, Count Mobilelon Rosail.

-……Guardian of the southern gateway. General Igor.

-……Chief of the Red Lion Knights. Dexter Dras.

In the order of entry, an introductory message rings out throughout the spacious space.

As befits a banquet hosted directly by the imperial family, there was no one who had not heard the names of the participants.

And finally, Hugo crossed the threshold.

“The best sword of the empire. Hugo Prien.”

There was no need for long words. Compared to those who entered earlier and entered with grandiose introductions, it was noticeably shorter.

The eyes of people who had not even heard who was coming began to glance towards the entrance of the banquet hall.

Even though there were quite a few warriors with long bones, Hugo’s head stood out easily because it was one head taller than all of them.

‘It’s busy.’

Hugo sighed and looked away from those who were looking for an opportunity to say hello.

“I guess we won’t be able to go together.”

“Don’t worry, just work comfortably. I also happen to have some business to run.”

*

After parting ways with Hugo, Siron quickly looked around the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was lavishly decorated as if showing off the authority of the imperial family, and a variety of people gathered there. Looking at their faces, half of them were unknown to me, and half of them were acquaintances.

What stood out the most was the sight of the emperor receiving greetings from the people in line. The emperor, who was holding the blue cane that symbolized the imperial family, did not look very healthy.

‘…What.’

Siron narrowed his eyes and observed the emperor, who was still old enough to use a cane.

‘The day I die will be a long time away.’

Siron tilted his head.

Those bastards who sabotage Hugo. While checking their faces, I made an unexpected discovery.

and

While she was counting the number of age spots that she couldn’t cover up with makeup, a young man came up to her.

Slightly curly blonde hair. The sad eyes I have seen since I was young. Even though I couldn’t see him, his behavior had become a little arrogant.

However, Siron did not take issue with that action.

It’s okay to be a little arrogant if you’re a person competing for imperial power. Siron made a humorous gesture towards him.

“No, who is this? Isn’t it your Majesty Victor?”

“…Stop it because it gives me goosebumps. Or are you keeping your distance just because it’s been a while since you last saw each other?”

“It’s not like it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“…Hmm?”

As Viktor narrowed one eye, Siron shrugged his shoulders slyly.

“I’m really worried that you’re feeling too attracted to me.”

“Excessive liking? What does that mean?”

“…There are too many people around to talk in detail.”

“Then shall we change seats? There is a quiet balcony.”

“No. Let’s do it here.”

Siron immediately answered with a straight face.

It’s a guess I made half as a joke… but the situation takes a strange turn and leaves you perplexed. Siron pulled Lucia’s shoulder and took a step away from Viktor.

Victor made a puzzled expression and then smiled brightly at Lucia.

“It’s been a while, Lucia. I’m glad you had a good time during your vacation.”

“Of course.”

“Anyway, it’s nice to meet you after a long time. I didn’t want to see it in such a busy place, but it wasn’t possible because I had so much to do.”

“…Why did you send an invitation?”

Siron turned his gaze from Viktor and looked around.

As I was conversing without hesitation with a noble person like a prince, various gazes, including curiosity, were blatantly pouring in.

People who don’t know each other.

Their gaze is not kind.

However, Siron did not want to come to a place like this and make a fuss.

Who are you, Victor? What are you doing? Seeing all his thoughts revealed in his expression, he was rather exhausted and had no energy to protest.

“Actually, the reason I invited you is…” Just-

Just-

A harsh sound stopped Viktor from speaking. Siron saw Viktor’s teeth clenched for a moment.

“Victor.”

It was not Siron who called the name. A voice that is even lower than that, containing blatant hostility and disdain.

‘First Prince. Austin.’

“Who are you talking to?”

“…I was talking to a friend.”

Victor sighed and answered.

A strange line appeared in Austin’s mouth.

“Are friends more important than brothers? Didn’t I walk around in an uncomfortable way looking for you?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“It’s a joke. So relax your fists.”

“When do you say I did that? Haha…”

Victor, smiling sheepishly, clenched and opened his hands.

‘How much?’

Shiron couldn’t help but widen his eyes as the conversation continued for a short while.

Now that there is no second prince, Victor is participating in the succession battle in his stead.

So, it would be a competitive relationship.

At least there should be an equal relationship.

Even if it’s not actually the case, we should at least pretend it is…

‘It totally worked.’

Victor was transfixed by Austin.

Just as I was about to laugh out loud. Siron suppressed the corners of his mouth that were about to open.

“…… is doing well.”

“…Of course. But, it’s not enough for you to worry about it.”

Even now,

Austin and Victor were talking among themselves with Siron like a folding screen.

‘Discipline is still being established.’

The act of calling a subordinate to do business for you and making them think you are more important. Siron seemed to know what Austin thought of him.

‘I’m also subject to check.’

Siron, who gave the estimate, decided to intervene in their conversation.

” Dear Austin.”

Although he interrupted the conversation, Siron bowed his head in favor as he was an important person he was meeting for the first time.

No matter how unpleasant it may have been, it was a natural action considering the other person’s status.

There was still room for that.

Austin made eye contact with Siron.

“Hmm? Do you know me?”

“Yes. How can you not know the name and dignity of one of the stars of the empire?”

“Haha. This is so embarrassing.”

Is it because I bowed my head first? Austin turned to Siron, as if he was willing to talk.

“Stand comfortably. I wanted to talk to you face to face for once.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

After saying that, Austin looked down at Lucia for a moment.

“…It’s quite a different impression from what I’ve heard.”

Austin smoothed his chin with his slender fingers.

‘impression?’

When Siron blinked, Austin smiled broadly as if reading his expression.

“Because the rumor about you has spread all the way to the castle, I wanted to take this opportunity to have a conversation.”

“That’s a good thing. But…”

Siron nodded his head.

“What kind of rumor was it that reached the ears of His Majesty the Prince?”

“Maybe you don’t remember? It’s a rumor that Sir Hugo has a crazy nephew.”

“Aha. I remember. There was definitely a rumor like that.”

Siron smiled brightly and looked down at Austin. Austin, who was lame, had to look up at Siron because of the height difference.

“But it looks like the rumor is exaggerated. I heard that you stabbed my younger brother, Victor… Has he become more mature as he gets older? Conversation is possible more smoothly than I thought.”

“Brother.”

Victor tried to stop him, but Austin hit him in the solar plexus. He was discouraging his younger brother by blatantly ignoring him.

I frowned at the uncomfortable behavior.

“Of course, people have to see each other face to face and experience it.”

“Ha… That’s a wise statement.”

People have to experience it to know.

That was definitely true.

I knew he wasn’t a good person, but until I experienced it, I didn’t know that I would dislike his every action so much.

“Haha. Haha…”

The heat rose to the top of my head. Siron tried to calm the heat in his head. The forehead I touched was hot, and there was heat from the sighs I let out in succession.

Austin smiled at Siron.

“Why are you so restless?”

He was asking knowingly.

“If you are feeling sick, please call the royal doctor.”

“That’s not it.”

Siron scratched the bridge of his nose that was itching.

“That’s because I thought about it for a while.”

” Speaking of worries, may I ask what your worries are? I might be of some help.”

“Hmm… It’s a problem that’s difficult to answer even if you ask.”

“Do as much as you want. I also have a very curious personality.”

“Then what.”

Shiron nodded and smiled broadly.

“I was thinking about beating you up here.”