Chapter 37 Deliberations
"Pfft hahahaha!!!" What silenced the chaotic ballroom was the uproarious laughter of Lycanth, the Emperor of the Sunburst Empire. This emperor, who usually wore a stern face and rarely smiled, now laughed so heartily that everyone present shut their mouths. His smile was so rare that it became a powerful tool to quell the commotion.
"Hahaha... This is truly hilarious...!" The emperor laughed alone in the profound silence for a long time. He wiped away the tears that had welled up from his laughter and then looked at me, saying, "Can you be responsible for what you've just said?"
"...Well." I responded to him calmly. Of course, if it were an ordinary emperor, such words would be considered reckless and impolite. But in the presence of Emperor Lycanth before me, this was the most appropriate reply.
"Pfft... Pffthahaha..." Sure enough, after hearing my words, the emperor burst into laughter again. And just like that, he laughed alone in the deep silence for a while longer.
"Duke Frey, although I have no idea what you're thinking..." As I was relieved that my plan was going smoothly, seeing the emperor's reaction, the empress suddenly approached me urgently and whispered.
"...Very well! Then, regarding your proposal, I'll discuss it with the empress!" However, when the emperor, with a hearty expression, rose from his seat, the empress furrowed her brows tightly and hurried towards him.
"Your Majesty, this matter right now..."
"Oh, it's rare to encounter something so interesting. Why not give it a try?" But the emperor, still wearing a cheerful expression, walked straight towards the conference room that had long been prepared. In the end, the empress bit her lip, gave me a fierce glare, and then followed him.
"...It worked." Judging from the situation, my plan seemed to have succeeded. Of course, I was almost certain that this action would succeed, so I wasn't particularly surprised.
In the Sunburst Empire, where the emperor holds absolute power, the empress can be so overbearing precisely because of the emperor's incompetence. Due to this incompetence, the emperor has become a byword for being muddle - headed, and thus the empress can exercise imperial power on his behalf. Under the rule of such an emperor, he is obsessed with exciting and thrilling things. So it's not difficult to anticipate that he would personally get involved in this long - awaited event, trying to relieve his sense of incompetence.
Of course, this kind of thing can't be done casually. After all, after this matter is over, the emperor will fall back into his incompetent state again. At that time, the empress, the princes, and the princesses will take action personally. And in the empire, the only one who can rival their status is me, the first - in - line heir and acting head of the Starlight Duke's family. In other words, this is a strategy that only I can execute.
Of course, considering that the emperor might be displeased and the empress might try to interfere, I deliberately mentioned the 'covenant'. Therefore, now the empress and her children must be having a headache about this.
"Let's go."
"...Huh?" Lost in my thoughts and with a knowing smile on my face, I was approached by an attendant who had been waiting by my side and started to lead the way for me.
"Once the fiancé of the imperial princess is determined, according to the order, you will be guided to a private room exclusive to the two of you. Given the current situation, Lord Frey, it seems you should head there."
"...Indeed." I nodded in response to his words, then turned away from Klana, who had been staring at me blankly, and walked down the steps with the attendant.
".... " After descending the steps, countless gazes converged on me. There were looks of jealousy or envy, surprise or shock, greed or opportunism, and even contemptuous looks that regarded me as a naive child. Although countless gazes surged like a tide, I didn't feel too much pressure or suffocation. Because these gazes were already all too familiar to me.
"...You." Just like this, as I pushed back the swarming crowd and made my way towards the pre - prepared room, someone blocked my path.
".....!" When I recognized the face of the person blocking my way, my maintained calm instantly crumbled, and a flustered expression involuntarily appeared on my face.
"W - what is this about?" Because the one blocking my way was the biggest stumbling block in my future plans and the person who never gave up on me until the very end in the previous timeline - my fiancée, Serena. She was now standing in front of me with a cold face.
"Are you... Are you pulling another one of these boring pranks? I've already seen through your flirtatious acts; they're not sincere at all."
"...What?" But something felt off. I had thought she would tentatively ask if I remembered the previous round of events or simply issue a death threat... I never expected her to say the things I used to hear in the past.
"Although... Judging from your expression and demeanor, there seems to be a hint of sincerity... No, a lot of sincerity, but that's just an act, right? It seems your acting skills have improved a lot with all that practice, right?"
"What are you talking about..."
"So please stop. Stop this farce... I'll take you to a nice place I know..."
"Take your hand away." As she tremblingly reached out her hand towards me, I subconsciously treated her as I used to in the past and blurted out habitually.
"Okay." But suddenly, her pupils dimmed, and a submissive expression appeared on her face. She quickly withdrew her hand from me.
".....?" I found her behavior rather strange. At this time, her pupils had returned to normal, and she continued, "...How about we find a quiet place and have a good talk? What exactly are you dissatisfied with, and why are you doing this..."
"Be quiet." I gave her an order again, just to test. Her pupils dimmed once more, and she tightly shut her mouth.
"...Shut up and get out of the way." I gave her a detailed order, half - believing and half - doubting. Serena opened her mouth slightly, and then started walking in a certain direction. Her behavior made me feel rather suspicious, so I used the information - detection skill, and the result was astonishing.
[Name: Serena Luna Moonlight]
[Abilities: Strength 7.8 / Magic Power 7.8 / Intelligence 10 / Mental Strength 9]
[Special Notes: Family Subordination, Absolute Obedience Magic]
[Personality Tendency: Strategist]
[Goodness Value: 0]
'...Absolute Obedience Magic?' The curse 'Family Subordination' that bound her, I had already anticipated. Because of this, when she opposed me in the previous timeline, she endured great pain. The term 'Strategist', which best reflects her personality, I also expected. It would be truly strange if this tactical genius, who held back the Demon King's army with sick and weak soldiers for several years, wasn't titled as a strategist. Her goodness value being exactly in the middle between - 100 and + 100 was also expected. Because she has a neutral personality, sometimes she can be as kind as an angel, and sometimes as evil as a devil.
'But... Why does she have Absolute Obedience Magic?' Absolute Obedience Magic is a magic designed for a single target to make them nominally loyal... When the loyal target gives an order, the affected person will comply without hesitation. It's a top - level magic. But why was this magic cast on her, and why was the loyal target specified as me?
"...Lord Frey? It's time we go." Seeing that I was deep in thought, the attendant beside me couldn't help but urge.
"Ah, sorry. Let's go." Thanks to this, I came to my senses, closed my mouth silently, and started following the attendant to the pre - prepared room.
'Serena, could it be...' Of course, on the way to the room, I repeatedly pondered about Serena.
.....
"...What on earth? This place is?" When I arrived at the room, I couldn't help but feel quite flustered.
"This is a space specially prepared for the fiancé and Her Royal Highness the Third Princess."
"This is insane." The entire room was bathed in pink, and the delicate heart - shaped decorations hanging everywhere created a rather sweet atmosphere.
"Who on earth designed this place? They must be out of their mind."
"It was Her Majesty the Empress."
"Looking at it again, it's really warm and beautiful. It has a newly - wed atmosphere, which is quite nice." Afraid of being caught in a bad situation, I quickly changed the topic, walked to a small round table filled with various pastries and desserts, sat down, and started enjoying them.
"...Were these also personally prepared by Her Majesty the Empress?"
"All the pastries here were made by Her Majesty the Empress herself." When I was a child, Serena fed me so many sweets that I almost got cavities, and now I'm addicted to them. However, I still think the empress has a good taste in desserts. While eating the pastries, I casually asked the attendant, "By the way, when will Klana arrive?"
"She should be here soon..."
- Creak... As I glanced sideways at the stammering attendant and was about to reach for the cocktail beside me, the door quietly opened.
"...Please, everyone else, leave." Klana walked into the room and said in a cold voice. The attendants and maids beside me started secretly looking at my expression.
"Leave." Only when I gave the order did they hurriedly leave the room.
"...Hmph." Klana watched this scene angrily, then glared at me with murderous eyes and said, "What on earth are you up to..."
"Sit down." But I swirled the cocktail in my hand and coldly interrupted her.
"What?"
"I said, sit down." When I pointed to the opposite seat with a contemptuous expression, Klana trembled slightly and then slowly walked towards the seat.
"...What, exactly, are you planning?" She sat down immediately and asked me again, glaring at me fiercely. I ignored her gaze and started drinking the cocktail in my hand.
"Answer me, Frey. What on earth is going on now..."
"Change your attitude first."
"What?"
"If you want to be my bride and nestle in my arms, you have to get rid of that arrogant attitude of yours first." When I said these words coldly, she curled her lips and said in an angry voice, "Me... Nestle in your arms?"
"If you marry me, you'll have to do it even if you don't want to, right?"
"Hah, that will never happen. So..."
- Bang!!
"...Ugh!" I slammed my hand on the table heavily. Klana flinched in fright and stopped talking. I looked at her, sneered, and said, "It seems you still don't understand the situation... You have no choice."
"....."
"Do you know what will happen if you don't accept my proposal? You'll only be locked up in a convent or a high tower." I said in a tone of someone who knew everything. Klana bit her lip and remained silent. I continued to put pressure on her.
"Of course, if you dislike me, there are other options - either marry a bald, pot - bellied old man, or those ugly but extremely woman - hungry libertines, or else a sex offender... How about that?"
"Ugh... Ugh..."
"At least we've known each other since we were kids. Isn't it better to choose me than those people?" As I spoke, I gently held Klana's trembling hand.
"Right, Klana?" After saying that, I started to exert force on Klana's hand while speaking. She immediately closed her eyes tightly and began to condense sunlight magic in her hand.
"...Ugh." As a result, my hand smoked, leaving a deep burn. I looked down at my horribly burned hand, suddenly stood up from my seat, and walked towards her...
"How have you been?" Just then, the First Prince and the First Princess suddenly barged into the room. I had to stop my actions and sit back in my seat.
"...I wonder what brings you here?" I asked with some vigilance. The First Princess stepped forward and replied on their behalf.
"Klana? You go out first." Soon, the First Princess glared at Klana with eyes as if she wanted to kill her and made a gesture. Klana immediately lowered her head deeply, got up from her seat, and walked out of the room.
"I never thought Mr. Frey had such unique tastes." Then, they sat down on the magnificent chairs brought by the attendants. A moment later, the First Princess crossed her legs gracefully, with a look of great interest, and threw a question at me.
"I'm not picky, as you well know." Although I might not look like much, I'm still the eldest son of a duke's family and have some acquaintance with her. After I replied with a smile, the First Princess also narrowed her eyes and smiled, then continued, "Be careful not to get sick from eating."
"Just chew slowly."
"Hmm..." The First Princess probed me for a while, then gently tapped the dining table with her finger, then rested her hand on her chin and showed a serious expression.
"Then, what's your purpose?"
"Simple. I want Klana to be mine."
"Why?" Hearing this, I closed my eyes, took a sip of the cocktail, and then replied with a sly look, "...Because I want to destroy her." After saying that, I started drinking the cocktail again and quietly observed the expressions of the prince and the princess. After hearing my words, they all smiled.
"Hmm...In that case, is bribery no longer necessary?" When I drained the cocktail in one gulp, the First Princess said in an excited voice and gestured to the attendant. After waiting for a while like this, the attendant came over holding an antique wine bottle.
"This is red wine produced in the Western Continent. It has been cellared for about 130 years." Soon, the First Princess said with a smile, and the attendant started pouring wine, filling the empty glasses.
"...Pour me a glass too." At this time, the First Prince, who was well - known for his love of wine, also told the attendant to fill his glass and started drinking with me.
"Yes, this is an idea I've had since I was a child. I want to put her arrogant nature in check..."
"...Although it's a bit perverse, for us, this is a necessary perversity." After drinking for a while, when the First Prince was slightly tipsy, taking advantage of the alcohol, I started to pretend to reveal my true feelings.
"Play with her to the fullest, completely destroy her until she's disheartened... And then discard her. After all, who would want to carry a flawed thing with them for a lifetime?"
"...For a member of the royal family, you're really speaking without restraint."
"We all understand each other. Why be like this?" When the prince slightly frowned and reproached me, I leaned back in my chair and replied with a smile on my lips.
"To be honest, don't you find it annoying to keep calling someone who doesn't even have the qualifications of a royal 'the Third Princess' all day long?" Hearing this, the prince picked up his glass and showed a meaningful smile.
"It seems we get along quite well?"
"I think so too." After saying that, we raised our glasses and drained them. At this time, the First Princess, who was sitting beside us, inserted herself into our conversation.
"However... What about Miss Serena, Mr. Frey's fiancée?" Hearing this, I was silent for a moment, looked up at the moon gradually emerging in the sky, and said calmly, "Abandon her first, and pick her up again later."
"Pfft!" This arrogant statement made the prince burst out laughing, and the princess looked satisfied and said to me, "You're very confident, aren't you?"
"To be honest, this might be a bit disrespectful to Her Majesty the Empress... But those selected people are just a motley crew. Compared to those useless people, I, a professional, am obviously far superior."
"Very good, excellent." Just like this, I chatted with the prince and the princess for quite a while. Just then, an attendant entered the room holding a scroll.
"...The result of the discussion has come out." Hearing this, the prince and the princess started taking deep breaths, while I quietly sipped my wine and pricked up my ears to listen.
"Frey Laan Starlight's proposal will be postponed for one year." Immediately after, when the attendant began to read the scroll, the prince, the princess, and I all frowned simultaneously.
"Due to the 'covenant' newly proposed to the emperor by Serena Luna Moonlight conflicting with the 'covenant' proposed by Frey Laan Starlight, this compromise decision has been made." The moment the name 'Serena' was mentioned, I couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"However, during this period, Frey Laan Starlight will enjoy all the rights that Klana's fiancé has. Of course, the official fiancée remains 'Serena Luna Moonlight'." The attendant read the scroll with a calm expression. After clearing his throat, he began to read the last part.
"If Frey Laan Starlight's determination remains unchanged after one year, His Majesty will recognize his engagement to Klana Solare Sunburst. However, if his heart wavers even slightly, this engagement will be null and void." The attendant read aloud in a solemn voice, then put away the scroll and added, "This order takes effect immediately and is personally bestowed by His Majesty Lycanth Solare Sunburst, the Emperor of the Sunburst Empire." Then, a long silence fell in the room.
"Since I've already obtained the rights of a fiancé... Then, I believe both my wishes and yours can be achieved." Seeing me with an embarrassed expression trying to comfort them, the prince and the princess forced a smile, nodded, and then stood up from their seats.
"Then, it's time for us to go?"
"Mr. Frey, please take good care of us in the future. Whether in the form of money or non - monetary means, we will continuously provide you with due rewards and support." With these words, they started walking towards the exit. I watched their retreating figures. After a short while, I called out, "Please wait! Since I've received such a fine wine... I ought to give a gift in return... But I don't have anything at hand right now. So, I'll offer you a piece of advice, Your Highness the Prince!"
Upon hearing this, the prince halted in his tracks. I smiled faintly and gently tapped my brooch. "——This brooch is really hideous."
"——What?"
Just then, Isabelle's voice emerged, as she was in the midst of her engagement ceremony with the prince. "Giving my first time to such an ugly man... I mean, isn't that just tragic for a woman?" The prince's face instantly turned ashen with anger upon hearing this.
"What about the prince then?"
"Ugh... That guy is so stupid and fat. He'll probably be panting and let me go after just one dance, right? Just like last time." Insults from Isabelle kept filtering through my brooch. Eventually, as the prince trembled with rage, I smiled softly and murmured, "Marrying the wrong wife will bring a lifetime of suffering."
The prince gritted his teeth, then replied in a low voice, "...Thank you for your advice." With that, the prince, accompanied by the princess with a frosty expression, left the room.
"Is the remaining wine mine?" Left alone in the room, I quietly poured wine into my glass, a triumphant smile gracing my face. "...This actually suits my purpose perfectly."
Although I hadn't expected Serena to intervene, this way, I could protect Klana from the threat of the engagement within a year. Moreover, since I now had a means to restrain Klana... Sooner or later, the prince and the princess would have to curry favor with me. Even the prince, who had been so irate just moments ago, had suppressed his anger to give me advice and even thanked me. So... Now I just needed to figure out how to deal with Serena.
"...You are the most despicable person I've ever known." Just as I was about to bring the glass to my lips, Klana burst through the door, her eyes brimming with tears. "You probably don't remember this, do you? Well, someone who can't even recall childhood promises wouldn't remember this either."
Looking into Klana's eyes filled with hatred and disdain, I couldn't help but sigh. "...As I thought, she heard everything." From the other end of the room, I faintly sensed the fluctuation of sunlight magic, so I could more or less guess what Klana had been up to. However, the incompetent prince and princess didn't seem to notice this at all.
"Perhaps... Even if there was only a one - in - ten - thousand chance that what happened today... was you fulfilling an old promise, and I actually had a glimmer of hope. How foolish of me."
"...What are you talking about?"
- Crash!!!
Just as I asked in bewilderment, Klana shot golden magic at my wine glass, shattering it. My clothes were splattered with red wine. Klana stared at me coldly, a sardonic smile curling her lips. "Then, come and hold me after a year." With these words, Klana turned to leave, adding briefly, "...Of course, that's simply impossible." Then, without looking back, Klana left the room.
I stared at her departing figure. After a moment, my gaze fell on the broken glass, and I muttered dejectedly, "...This was really expensive wine." I looked at the red liquid, worth thousands of gold coins, with regret. Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation in my arm and turned to look.
"Whoo!!" At this moment, a familiar white owl latched onto my arm and came into view.
"...The sun has set, and the moon has risen." It seemed that it was time to meet my fiancée.