Chapter: 299
The role of the Empire’s Assembly is to enact laws and oversee the administration—though honestly, it’s more of a ceremonial gig. In reality, they are merely the Emperor’s flunkies, moving at His Majesty’s bidding. They craft the laws the Emperor desires and pounce on any department or official that dares to upset him. That’s the actual job of the Assembly and its members.
Because of this, the members during the early days of the Empire were mocked as the Emperor’s puppets or the Royal Family’s lapdogs. Yet, these days, such ridicule is now seen as a commendation, acknowledging them as key players in the heart of the power structure. They are the trusted aides who the Emperor cherishes and relies on—pretty much a badge of honor for the nobles.
The first weapon wielded by the Emperor, the last shield defending him. It’s only natural for such assembly members to respond to any anomalies within the Empire.
“This year’s academy seems like it will be quite the ruckus.”
This was the remark of Count Givelt, the oldest member among those gathered for the meeting. Technically, the chair, Count Bardon, should have been the one speaking, but no one dared to contest the authority that comes from Givelt’s age and experience.
“Haha, I hope the students aren’t too shocked by it.”
“It’s all part of the experience, really. In a way, it’s an opportunity too, isn’t it?”
“Hmm, too much water can rot even a plant’s roots, so thinking of it as an opportunity feels a bit much.”
After Givelt’s statement, other members began to chime in one by one.
The Third Prince’s regained power, the Duke Marcilio’s presence at the academy, and key figures who had stayed there since last year—all these varied reasons meant this year’s academy fair would attract an unprecedented number of guests. Moreover, the titles and positions of these guests are no laughing matter, making it inevitable for the Assembly to take note.
The Assembly must show its interest in the unusual developments happening at the academy—this is the ideal image of those who are dedicated to the Emperor and the Empire. The crucial question is who will take responsibility for such attention—
“Well, it eases my mind to know Count Horfelt will be going.”
“Haha, that’s true. It’s definitely better for a young person to take charge.”
This time, there was no need for such deliberations. I volunteered myself.
—That Wilhelm guy clearly had no intention of tying the knot. Instead of talking about meeting up, he just prattled on about nothing.
Not long ago, my father, who’s currently at our territory, contacted me with the important news that the future father-in-law, Count Tailglehen, had left Erich’s marriage to individual will.
So, as soon as the Assembly turned its attention to the academy, I stepped up to volunteer. The more times I meet and converse with Erich, the closer I’ll get to realizing the dream I have. Expecting results without effort is just foolish.
Going on a mission instead of handling my usual duties is quite the burden, but I have no regrets. The thought of seeing Erich after such a long time filled me with joy.
‘…Who’s that?’
My happiness faded when I noticed the blonde kid next to Erich.
*
To be honest, it wasn’t I but Erich who was close with Count Horfelt. I have no friends, while Erich has plenty. Perhaps Erich has a bit of capybara in him.
So, I exchanged a few polite greetings and guided Erich around, but I felt like I might have overstepped.
‘Oh no.’
The moment Count Horfelt, who had been smiling gently at Erich, stiffened upon seeing Sera, I instinctively knew this was going to go sideways. When Sera locked arms with Erich, I sensed disaster looming.
Sure, I felt something was off. It was strange for someone who inherited a title last year to trek all the way to the academy. And the way Count Horfelt tensed upon seeing Sera couldn’t have been a good sign.
‘Black capybara kid.’
It seems Count Horfelt has feelings for Erich. Naturally, Erich remains clueless. What a fool.
“Zenobia, is that you?”
Even from a third-party perspective, it was clear this was a catastrophe, yet Erich remained unfazed, responding calmly. Well, he showed some surprise when he saw Count Horfelt, but overall, still a dimwit.
“It’s been a while, Erich. You’ve grown a lot, haven’t you?”
Count Horfelt quickly regained her composure and spoke softly, treating him like a kind sister rather than a superior. Of course, there was a hint of mixed intent there.
“Wow, I didn’t expect to see you here. Have you been well?”
‘This is insane.’
Erich walked up to Count Horfelt with Sera still linked to his arm. I was moments away from cursing loudly.
What’s wrong with him?! If he’s going to approach Count Horfelt, he should either unlink from Sera or not approach her at all! Merging the two is just asking for trouble—a recipe for disaster!
But both combatants, now within striking distance of each other, exchanged sharp glares.
“I’ve been doing fine. But—”
Count Horfelt, putting on a forced smile, trailed off while giving Sera another look. Perhaps the height difference made her appear small under Count Horfelt’s gaze.
“Who’s this? A friend?”
She even referred to Sera as a kid. An older girl, taller in stature, was flattened under that “child” label, which made Sera look like a little kid in the process. Plus, Sera had recently been ill, making her even smaller…
“Sera. She’s the childhood friend I mentioned before.”
“Oh, that girl?”
Count Horfelt responded as if a light bulb suddenly switched on.
“She’s the daughter of the maid, right? The noble lady from the Trimar family; I remember now.”
Is it just me, or does that sound like a veiled jab at Sera? Something along the lines of, ‘What’s a mere maid’s daughter doing associating with a count’s offspring?’
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just me who sensed it. Sera’s eyes trembled briefly before she retaliated.
“Erich, that Zenobia from the Hiden family?”
“Ah, yes, that’s right.”
“Then you must be Count Horfelt? That’s very kind of you to come all the way to the academy. You must be busy.”
As I unintentionally took a few steps back, the conversation sounded innocuous but hid more meaning: ‘Aren’t you too free for a count to be here?’
“You treat Erich so casually for a count; you must have a warm heart.”
Oh, and yet another jab about the etiquette of peers in noble families—are titles really enough to justify talking to commoners informally?
I rubbed my neck nervously. The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. Looking around, even other members were inching away from Erich.
I was terrified. For those of us who packed the drama-filled experiences of a soap opera without issues, witnessing this verbal demolition derby felt like hell had descended upon us. It’s a fake madness, yet it felt all too real.
‘Louise…’
In all this madness, Erich’s first love and initial heartbreak, Louise, was keeping her distance, likely terrified she’d get caught in the fallout.
Of course, the whole pastry club was tight-lipped about Erich and Louise’s history, so Sera wouldn’t know a thing. Still, when someone’s guilty, they tend to feel uneasy and minimize their interactions. This created an adequate safety buffer.
*
The lively banter among the nobles came to a halt with Count Horfelt’s exit. Of course, it was more like he left to avoid the gazes of the other guests rather than any true intention to depart.
“I’ll return later. I plan on staying at the academy during the fair as well.”
But this was merely a temporary ceasefire. If Count Horfelt was still around the academy, there could easily be another round two or three.
‘Should I run away?’
I seriously pondered it. Running away from this drama where I wasn’t even the central figure seemed ridiculous, but two acquaintances fighting over a younger sibling in the midst of chaos? Who could withstand such a showdown? Unless you’re someone who enjoys a good ol’ fashion drama fest, you wouldn’t stay sane through this.
Besides, that dimwit sibling of mine was more clueless and primitive than a caveman, so no help there. I bet he wouldn’t even notice if we were tearing each other apart.
I felt a headache brewing. Last year’s absurdity made me fume, but now I was worried about being collateral damage. Both being childhood friends, they seemed ready to unleash years of tension.
‘I never thought I’d worry about something like this.’
Self-deprecating thoughts flooded my mind. I could handle groups threatening the stability of the academy or the state just fine, but familial squabbles that don’t really matter?
But what could I do? If I think positively, at least this scandalous love triangle was less dire than an incident that might shake the academy or the nation.
…Though I question whether it truly is “adorable.”
“Oh, is this bread made by Tannian?”
“Yes, do you like it?”
“Absolutely! I’d like five more, please!”
With a bittersweet heart, I gazed at the sales booth in the corner, where a young priest was impulse-buying Tannian’s bread.
First, there were wizard guests, then nobility, and now, guests from the clergy drawn to Tannian. The silver lining? The priests didn’t make a fuss and I didn’t need to bother greeting them.
‘Praise the clergy!’
They were indeed good beings following the divine will. You couldn’t compare their virtue to those of other professions.
“Excuse me, brother? Could you come here for a moment?”
I was still clinging to that optimistic thought when Tannian unexpectedly called me out. Talk about a stab in the back.
“Brother Bedler would like to ask you something.”
“Me?”
Caught off guard by the unexpectedness of it all, I tilted my head. If they were bureaucrats or nobles, that’d make sense, but clergy had no real connection to me.
Of course, not that there couldn’t be questions. Yet it’s rare for priests to approach high-ranking officials first. After all, unless it’s someone like the archbishop who has to engage in politics…
“What is it?”
Since I couldn’t ignore a well-meaning guest, I nodded and stepped closer. Bedler quickly bowed his head to greet me.
His polite demeanor instantly boosted my goodwill. Alright, no clue what’s coming, but if it’s something I can answer, I’m game. What’s difficult about it?
*
It turned out it was difficult.
“Have you ever encountered heresy?”
I was momentarily speechless at the abruptness of the question. Wait, what’s all this about heresy?
“…I once eradicated the Twilight Cult.”
“What about other heretics?”
I have no idea. I can’t even name any other heretical groups besides the Twilight Cult.
Upon hearing my answer, Bedler rubbed his chin thoughtfully, scanning my body, specifically focusing on my upper half.
‘What’s going on?’
Can someone please explain what’s happening here?
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