Chapter 83 – The Wedding (Part 3)

Chapter 83 – The Wedding (Part 3)

Charlotte made a discovery that demanded her vigilance.

While wearing the Miracle Bead Flower and conversing with others, Charlotte could clearly sense their emotions – their joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Furthermore, if she possessed some understanding of their identity, background, and current circumstances, she could easily discern genuine happiness from fawning sycophancy, true concern from secret schadenfreude...

It was as if Charlotte possessed a pair of glasses that could see straight into people's hearts.

Although the requirements for these "eyes" were rather demanding, necessitating meticulous thought and ample information on the wearer's part, judging by the casual way Alphonse had simply plucked it off and handed it to her, Charlotte didn't doubt for a second that he possessed other, perhaps even stronger, Miracles with similar effects. After all, as his granddaughter, she wasn't exactly showered with his affection.

The thought made Charlotte's skin crawl. Had Alphonse completely seen through her act in the side hall earlier? It must have looked utterly comical to him. Alphonse's cold, selfish nature, coupled with the bizarre story of being abducted from his own bedroom by "The Claws," had almost led Charlotte to dismiss him as something of a comedic villain. Now, however, it seemed highly likely that Alphonse was the one among the five Vassal Lords with the sharpest insight into the human heart.

Soon enough, however, Charlotte pushed aside her anxiety about being seen through. It was perfectly natural for a granddaughter to want to help her maternal grandfather out of a tight spot. Even if her motives were a little complex, it merely suggested she was precocious – and being precocious wasn't so unusual as to warrant excessive attention from Alphonse. At worst, she'd simply make sure to avoid him more often in the future...

Her worries momentarily forgotten, Charlotte began testing her newly acquired Miracle with avid interest. The wedding ceremony was being held in the main hall of Gerhard Palace. Guests were currently milling about and finding their seats, providing Charlotte with a wide selection of test subjects.

Take, for instance, the two plainly dressed men currently exchanging pleasantries with Jose Merefield right before her.

Of the two, the older one, sporting a long white beard, was a man Knight Hermann Green would likely have addressed as "Father," were he present. This was none other than the renowned Master of the Mendicant Order, the great monk Mew Rouen. The other man, slightly younger though appearing to be at least in his fifties or sixties, was named Russell Spencer.

Compared to the world-renowned Mew Rouen, Russell Spencer was practically anonymous. While conversing with Jose Merefield, Russell Spencer stood deferentially slightly behind Mew Rouen, his posture like that of a mere attendant. However, a single sentence from Russell instantly drew Charlotte's undivided attention.

He said, "I hail from the Silver Star Order."

The Silver Star Order. Upon hearing the name, Jose Merefield simply nodded, showing little reaction. He had evidently never heard of this particular monastic order. Over the centuries, even the Church itself struggled to keep track of the countless monastic groups that had emerged – sometimes, a mere handful of monks might band together to form an order. Jose Merefield saw nothing unusual in his ignorance of this particular Silver Star Order. Charlotte, however, couldn't resist scrutinizing Russell from the Silver Star Order more closely. His dry skin, gaunt frame, simple linen robes, and complete lack of adornment suggested another monk dedicated to ascetic practices.

While Charlotte studied Russell, Russell, in turn, was observing Jose Merefield. Using the bead flower, Charlotte distinctly sensed an emotion akin to curiosity, perhaps even puzzlement, radiating from Russell. She couldn't help but wonder if he was curious why her father was still alive. Charlotte herself was curious. Why was the Silver Star Order represented here? What was Russell's purpose? He couldn't possibly have come merely to offer congratulations to Henry Holovin, could he?

Just as Charlotte was furrowing her brow in thought, a light tap landed on her shoulder. Startled, Charlotte spun around to find Laina beaming at her. Laina was dressed in elegant yet understated attire, with simple makeup, probably believing she'd achieved an inconspicuous look. She seemed oblivious to the numerous young noblemen nearby whose gazes were already fixed upon her, stirring with interest.

"Laina! What are you doing here?" Charlotte asked, surprised. "Grandfather said you wouldn't be coming to the wedding!"

"I just didn't feel like arriving with the old man," Laina replied with a grin, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Honestly, have some sense! How could you dare come out alone? Aren't you afraid some beastly male will snatch you up and turn you into some kind of bizarre pet?" Charlotte rolled her eyes, retorting teasingly. Charlotte wasn't just being paranoid; Laina's natural allure was potent enough that her title as princess offered little guarantee of personal safety.

Laina's expression darkened. "What utter nonsense are you talking about? I came with Reverend Mother Banasha, and I have plenty of guards!"

"Oh, well that's good." Charlotte nodded. Then, struck by a sudden idea, she asked, "Laina, are you quite familiar with Reverend Mother Banasha?"

"Mm-hmm," Laina nodded. "Reasonably so. Reverend Mother Banasha is the Master of the Rose Order. I've sponsored a few of their convents."

The Rose Order was a monastic organization composed entirely of women. Despite its name suggesting seclusion, it was, in reality, quite involved in worldly affairs. Its members were primarily women from noble backgrounds – some seeking to escape unwanted marriages, others from families fallen on hard times, or perhaps those who had committed transgressions and were compelled to leave their families, dedicating their remaining years to religious devotion. Consequently, the Rose Order maintained deep connections within aristocratic circles.

Having been mostly coddled since childhood, these noblewomen could hardly endure the rigorous ascetic life in remote mountain hermitages. They resided not in secluded wilderness but in bustling towns, enjoying a standard of living considerably higher than that of common folk. A comfortable life naturally incurred significant expenses. Consequently, the Rose Order was probably the monastic group most active in soliciting donations from the aristocracy. Laina, who had little concept of money and spent it freely, also happened to have an eye for beautiful women. It made perfect sense, therefore, that she would have a close relationship with the Master of the Rose Order.

"I'd like to meet Reverend Mother Banasha as well. Laina, could you perhaps introduce me?" Charlotte asked.

"Of course, no problem at all!" Laina agreed readily.

Charlotte soon found herself meeting Reverend Mother Banasha. She was an elderly woman who, aside from her black habit, looked nearly identical to any other highborn lady. Rumor had it that Reverend Mother Banasha also hailed from nobility; her mother was said to be related to the Holovin family, albeit distantly. For this reason, Laina didn't dwell on formalities of rank or relation, simply addressing her respectfully as Reverend Mother.

Laina introduced Charlotte, who greeted the Reverend Mother with a polite smile. Naturally pleased at the prospect of associating with another noble, Reverend Mother Banasha took Charlotte's hand warmly and offered many compliments. Charlotte reciprocated with polite compliments before bringing up a specific matter.

"I had a knight in my service, Marion Doran," Charlotte began. "This past autumn, I survived an assassination attempt, but Sir Marion tragically sacrificed his life to protect me. He left behind a widow, Lady Doran. She is utterly devastated by her husband's death. While I've managed to persuade her against despair, she has lost all desire for worldly pleasures. The only activity she pursues with any fervor now is praying to Lord Igg. Given this, I was considering encouraging her to join the Rose Order. I was wondering, Reverend Mother, if you would be willing to accept her."

Charlotte purposefully emphasized the names and words – Marion Doran, knight, assassination – while carefully observing the Reverend Mother's emotional response through the bead flower. However, Banasha displayed no particular inner reaction to these keywords. This strongly suggested that Reverend Mother Banasha was uninvolved in the plot against Charlotte.

"But of course," Reverend Mother Banasha replied instantly. "The Rose Order offers refuge to any child willing to serve our Lord Igg. The poor lady's tragic circumstances are deeply moving. While our life here may be simple, I assure you, she will find spiritual solace with us."

Satisfied, Charlotte casually assured her that Beatrice Doran would undoubtedly donate a portion of her late husband's estate to the Rose Order, in service to Lord Igg. At this, Reverend Mother Banasha's smile widened considerably.

Through sustained effort, Beatrice Doran's mental conditioning had become quite firm. Charlotte was confident that Beatrice's loyalty to her now held the highest priority, far exceeding her devotion to Lord Igg or even her own self-preservation. Charlotte planned to leverage the Rose Order as an entry point, inserting Beatrice Doran like a carefully placed pawn into the internal networks of the Church and its monastic orders. The fact that Russell could appear so openly alongside the great Master of the Mendicants, Mew Rouen, suggested that while the Silver Star Order might operate discreetly, its existence was known within certain Church and monastic circles. Beatrice Doran's primary mission, upon infiltrating this 'inside', would be to gather any available information regarding the Silver Star Order.

Dong...

A clear, melodious bell tone resonated through the hall.

The bustling hall instantly quieted. Attendants in magnificent livery unrolled rich woolen carpets. Then, guided by court guards, Emperor Leopold Holovin, Empress Mary, and Archbishop Maitland Kontao entered the hall sequentially. Emperor Leopold took his seat upon the imperial throne at the center of the hall, with Empress Mary seated to his left and Archbishop Kontao to his right.

The nobles fortunate enough to be present stepped forward to pay their respects to His Majesty. Emperor Leopold, however, gestured for them to dispense with excessive formality. Once all were settled, Emperor Leopold addressed the assembly, his voice ringing clearly, "Today marks the Festival of Holy Grace, and it is also the day my nephew, Henry Holovin, takes his vows. To be gathered here with all of you brings me great solace."

"The honor is ours, Your Majesty!" came the response, with some nobles appearing genuinely moved, tears welling in their eyes.

Emperor Leopold ignored the effusive responders, turning his gaze instead towards the Vassal Lord seated nearest him, Ethel Holovin. "Especially you, Uncle Ethel. It has been nearly twenty years since we last saw each other, has it not?"

"That it must be," Ethel replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "When was our last meeting? I am getting on in years; my memory fades."

"And why is Cousin Gregory not present?" Emperor Leopold inquired further. "It has been two or three years since I last saw him. I find myself missing his company." Gregory Holovin was Ethel's eldest son, older brother to Laina and Helen, and the Crown Prince of a kingdom called Gato.

"Someone must tend to matters at home," Ethel replied with an air of casual indifference. "Since I decided to venture out, that son of mine had no choice but to remain behind and watch over the kingdom."

"I have heard," Leopold continued, his tone still level but gaining an edge, "that Cousin Gregory is disinclined to attend church for prayer, and has often uttered words critical of Lord Igg. Some members of the clergy feel that Cousin Gregory might... be possessed by a demon. Is there any truth to this, Uncle Ethel?"

As Emperor Leopold uttered these words, an absolute silence descended upon the hall. Anyone present could sense the icy killing intent concealed beneath the Emperor's outwardly moderate tone. Was His Majesty planning to strike at Ethel so soon after their reunion? The hearts of the onlookers pounded like war drums in the sudden, heavy tension.

Yet, Ethel displayed not a flicker of panic. He calmly poured himself half a goblet of wine, swirled the contents, and took a deliberate sip.

Just then, a figure, entirely unexpected by everyone present, rose to his feet and answered Leopold's question in Ethel's place.

"Your Majesty," the voice declared, "Prince Gregory was merely young and perhaps foolishly bold when he uttered some words that might have offended the Lord God. Surely, the Lord God does not take offense at the words of a naive youth. Moreover, I myself traveled to the Gato Kingdom and personally examined the Prince. I am willing to stake my own reputation as collateral: Prince Gregory is not possessed by any demon."

The speaker was, incredibly, Mew Rouen.

Charlotte's eyes widened in shock. Mew Rouen... supporting her grandfather? Wasn't this renowned Master of the Mendicants famous for his non-interference in worldly politics? Did her grandfather truly command such influence?

Charlotte wasn't the only one taken aback. Emperor Leopold, seated upon his throne, stared down at Mew Rouen below, opening his mouth several times as if to speak, but remaining silent. After a pregnant pause, Leopold finally turned his head towards Maitland Kontao. "My Archbishop," he asked, "what is your assessment?"

Maitland Kontao rose from his seat and bowed deeply, but his words were not what the Emperor anticipated. "Your Majesty," the Archbishop stated firmly, "the Church has never made any determination that Prince Gregory is demonic. These must surely be rumors spread by certain false clergymen, intended to mislead Your Majesty. The Church will undoubtedly punish such individuals severely. But I assure you, Prince Gregory is most certainly not possessed."

"Good... Very good..." Emperor Leopold's lips trembled almost imperceptibly. "It appears... I have indeed been misled..." He turned back to Ethel. "Uncle Ethel, it is truly welcome news that Cousin Gregory is not possessed. It seems my concern was excessive."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," Ethel replied with a slight bow.

Leopold nodded, saying nothing further. But his knuckles, gripping the royal scepter, had turned white. Every noble in the hall could sense the tempest raging beneath the Emperor's composed facade.

________________________________________

note: a few chapters ago I made a mistake about Charlotte's Grandfather's last name, from now on he will be called Ethel Holovin