Ch#251
The night of the Victory Banquet in the capital was filled with a festive atmosphere. People gathered everywhere to eat the food provided by the Crown Prince and danced to tunes played by wandering musicians. Children laughed loudly at the antics of jesters.
The city, brimming with vitality, seemed to have perfectly escaped the horrors of war and the tragedy of rebellion. As if to prove this, fireworks embroidered the night sky in a magnificent display. It was the peaceful scene everyone had longed for.
The nobles were no different; they were enjoying the long-awaited peace to their heart's content. Some nobles had even traveled by carriage from distant rural areas just for today.
I watched them while leisurely sipping wine. Standing in a corner against the wall in modest attire, I felt comfortable as almost no one spoke to me.
Occasionally, someone mistook me for a servant and tried to give me an order, but seeing my worn yet cleanly laundered clothes, they soon sneered. They likely thought I was some rustic noble from a fallen house attending the Victory Banquet just to pick up some scraps.
Currently, I was disguised as Rade Relshin. The woman Jack brought was remarkably skilled; after a few practice sessions, she had perfectly recreated me as the youth from that day.
In some aspects, her touch was more meticulous than the person Lady Roshan had brought, and by the time the disguise was finished, a real man sat in the mirror.
Thus, despite being at the ball, no one suspected me. Even Lady Roshan—no, Lady Debonzel—did not recognize me until I greeted her first. The Duke also let out an exclamation of wonder. Thanks to that, I was able to converse with him while acting as a noble who had approached to get into the Duke's good graces.
I turned my head to look at Roena, who stood far off with Madam de Lavallière, drawing everyone's attention. Although she had suffered recently, her innate foundation was so exceptional that after only half a day of care, she had recovered all her previous beauty.
Truly, she was so breathtakingly beautiful that she overwhelmed everyone. One could assert that no one present possessed beauty greater than Roena's.
And since she wore such a bright smile, there wasn't a man whose eyes weren't blinded, like butterflies flocking to a flower.
I harbored a smirk, knowing the true reason behind that happy smile.
A few hours before attending the Victory Banquet, Roena had visited me and said she would go separately. It was because of our mother, who glared at her as if she wanted to kill her every time they crossed paths.
Since I had to disguise myself as Rade Relshin, her words were more than welcome, as I had been wondering how to shake her off. So, I readily gave my permission. I then immediately instructed the butler to provide a carriage for Roena.
She listened to my orders with a hurt expression, then reluctantly bowed her head and said thank you. Then, in a hesitating voice, she asked, "When will you return it?" She was referring to the position of heir.
She still believed that I was paving the way in advance for her. Since Madam de Lavallière had been whispering fervently since the day she returned to the mansion that she was now the only heir, it was only natural. Her heart was likely bursting with hope.
However, since I, who held the family's seal, would not give a straightforward confirmation, she seemed to find it strange. Her eyes held a look of reproach, as if asking why I wasn't keeping my promise—even though she was the type who couldn't bring herself to seize the position directly due to others' perceptions.
What Roena wanted was obvious: a peaceful succession. It was even more so to craft the narrative that I, lacking in ability, had felt my limits and handed it over to her.
Moreover, it wouldn't be proper to cast aside someone like me, who had raised the family to this level in such a short time after it had been nearly shattered. Thus, Roena wanted me to step back for her, just as she always had.
I found her transparent behavior quite pathetic and amusing. But since I couldn't express that openly, I answered in a casual voice, "Tomorrow."
And I smiled softly, as if I had not a speck of greed. Since it was a dream that would shatter in a few hours anyway, I could tell her as many lies as she wanted.
At that, her face bloomed like a flower. Her voice was close to an exclamation.
"Good heavens, Sise, I knew you would. Ah, I must tell this happy news to my aunt quickly. She will be so pleased. Then I'll go ahead and wait for you."
Roena, who had instantly regained her energy at my answer, turned back to me on her way to the door and kissed my cheek. Then she spoke in a whisper, her voice filled with joy. Her face sparkled with happiness.
"I only have you, Sise. I truly believed in you."
And she left the room with light steps before she could even hear my response—failing to hear me mutter, "I wonder if you'll be able to say such things tomorrow."
Perhaps having heard the story from Roena, Madam de Lavallière was already sticking close to Roena's side as if she had become her guardian. Her face was full of a satisfied smile.
Following the Madam's guidance, Roena met various people without rest, greeting them and conversing diligently. I couldn't hear what they were discussing from a distance, but judging by her expression, I could guess. It was likely something about how she would be leading House Bischwaldz for the time being, so she asked for their favor.
I wonder how long those words can continue.
With a disinterested expression, I placed my empty wine glass on a nearby table and tilted my head. They say the protagonists appear last; the Crown Prince and Lady Roshan had not yet arrived.
But that was only temporary; before long, the announcement echoed that the Crown Prince had arrived. He appeared accompanied by Knight Aires and Lady Roshan. It was only natural for Knight Aires to come as his guard, but many whispered in surprise at him bringing Lady Roshan as well. The way the Lady followed behind him was reminiscent of an Empress. Because of this, Lady Debonzel's face was frozen cold.
Ascending to the seat of honor with unhesitating steps, the Crown Prince looked over the assembly for a moment before opening his mouth to deliver a brief greeting for the banquet. He then immediately announced that he would proceed with the awarding of merits.
Since many positions remained vacant after the purge of the Grand Duke's faction, everyone swallowed hard and looked only at the Crown Prince. Some whispered that Knight Michael Aires would be the first priority for the awards.
However, the Crown Prince did not call Knight Aires' name. He called House Rosan first. Considering the rank, House Debonzel should have come first, but placing House Rosan as the top priority was enough to complete the formula: Lady Roshan equals Empress.
The Crown Prince's words that he would elevate House Rosan to a Ducal house were as good as evidence to support that.
The Crown Prince showed blatant discrimination against the House of Duke Dibenzel. Compared to House Rosan, which had guarded the capital together, the reward was insignificantly stingy. Because of this, the Duke's face trembled with humiliation as he expressed his gratitude.
"Come to think of it, Duke Dibenzel was the head of the noble faction, wasn't he? Until the rebellion split them into two groups, he was the one who represented them and advised the Emperor. I finally see what His Highness's intention is."
"Damn it, His Highness seems to want to suppress us completely. Even the Late Emperor didn't treat us this poorly. This is truly too much, isn't it?"
Voices filled with dissatisfaction flowed from here and there. However, they couldn't speak loudly because they feared the Crown Prince's blade. So they smiled awkwardly and clapped. The atmosphere of the ball, which should have been joyful, turned ice-cold in an instant.
Starting with the House of Duke Dibenzel, the Crown Prince subtly devalued the contributions of the noble faction. His skill in adjusting it so that if they expressed dissatisfaction, they would be seen as narrow-minded, was truly superb.
Even I, watching, was appalled and angry; imagine how the parties involved felt. Those who received generous rewards were only those close to neutral or known as the Crown Prince's people.
But even those people couldn't show their pride in their achievements, conscious of the eyes around them.
As time flowed and the awarding of merits seemed to reach its end.
The Crown Prince brought up the name of House Bischwaldz and briefly stated that everything was offset by the merit of Knight Rystewin Halberd.
Since everyone knew that Knight Sylphice's rebellion was hidden behind that 'offset,' they all remained silent. This was the reason Knight Halverd had not been invited to the ball.
"With this, the awarding of merits is concluded."
At the Crown Prince's words, people realized that Knight Aires had been excluded from the awards and were puzzled. They expected him to at least receive the position of Commander of the Imperial Knights, but no mention of it was the same as saying his merit would not be acknowledged.
"Does it mean he won't tolerate even his own aides if their power grows too large?"
"If that's the case, he is a truly terrifying person."
"I don't know how we are to endure from now on. A dark age is coming."
People whispered lowly while looking at Knight Aires, who stood calmly even though his name had not been called. Some expressed dissatisfaction because the benefits House Rosan received were too large, despite having performed the same level of service.
Everyone was at a loss due to the blatant discrimination. Someone even went so far as to say they couldn't understand why the Crown Prince was creating enemies like this.
It was around then that Duke Dibenzel moved. The Crown Prince harbored a sneer at the sight of the Duke suddenly walking forward and bowing politely toward him. He likely thought the Duke was stepping out because he couldn't accept his decision.
"Do you have something to say?"
"I am merely overwhelmed with gratitude for receiving such difficult-to-bear praise despite my lacking abilities compared to Your Highness's insight. However, since Your Highness has not called the name of the one who performed the greatest service, I have dared to come forward out of pity for him."
"The one who performed the greatest service?"
The Crown Prince asked back, seemingly puzzled. The Duke continued with a smile.
"I am speaking of the one who saved Your Highness's life from the treasonous criminal Sylphice. Is Rade Relshin not the one who should receive praise before anyone else?"
In an instant, the entire hall buzzed as people began to murmur. Those who knew the true identity of Rade Relshin felt displeasure; those who were curious about him due to the information Jack had spread nodded in agreement; and the Crown Prince looked at Duke Dibenzel with a cold face.
"The awarding of merits must be fair. Therefore, please grant him a fitting reward as well."
"I would like to, but unfortunately, he vanished suddenly after saving me. So even if I wish to give a reward, I cannot."
"Then, if he appears, do you intend to give him a reward?"
The Crown Prince, seemingly assuming I had attended in the form of Cisse de Bischwaltz, nodded without hesitation. Even if I had appeared in disguise, he was confident, as he could simply deny that I was Rade Relshin.
"I intend to. Is he not the one who saved my life?"
"As expected of His Highness the Crown Prince."
Duke Dibenzel, having flattered the Crown Prince with exaggerated movements, turned toward where I was. And among the people who turned their gaze along with him, he shouted loudly.
"Young master Relshin, come forward. I know your modesty well, but you are the hero who saved His Highness's life, so there is no need for humility. Did His Highness not just promise a moment ago?"
I bravely took a step forward, not fearing the gathering gazes. Seeing the faces of the Crown Prince and Lady Roshan, who were greatly shocked by my cross-dressed appearance, was incredibly gratifying.
"He is the hero who saved Your Highness. Since he is the one who protected the most precious person of the Empire, I believe it is right to celebrate him grandly."
The Crown Prince twisted his lips at the Duke's words. And he said in a cynical tone:
"Well, the face seems a bit different from the one I saw, so my memory is hazy as to whether he is the real Rade Relshin."
As expected, the Crown Prince was denying my identity. People tilted their heads at the Crown Prince's words, which indirectly said I was not Rade Relshin. Since the party involved said his memory was hazy, they couldn't just blindly insist.
However, everything changed with a single word from Knight Aires.
"Your Highness, that youth is indeed Rade Relshin. It seems Your Highness is momentarily dizzy due to fatigue from excessive work lately. I dare to swear upon my name that he is the hero who saved Your Highness's life."
The Crown Prince wore a bewildered expression at Knight Aires' words, as he went so far as to swear upon his name to defend me. Others might be one thing, but it was difficult to say no when the Knight of Ice, who could be called the Crown Prince's closest aide, guaranteed it.
"Knight Aires? Do you truly think so?"
"Yes. I do."
"Do you believe that I failed to recognize the one who saved my life?"
"Though I speak with regret, I am the one who brought the unconscious young master Relshin to the capital after he saved Your Highness. I could not possibly be mistaken."
Michael Aires was to be the Crown Prince's sword. It could be said that the Crown Prince's safety was secure because of him. Therefore, it was not good to be seen as being at odds with his own knight in such a situation.
Moreover, had he not just blatantly checked the noble faction a moment ago? There was no reason to argue like this with his own knight, let alone failing to show a close relationship.
Since many already viewed it as suspicious that he hadn't awarded Knight Aires, it was bound to be that way.
"...If you say so, then it must be so."
Was it a hallucination that I heard a growling sound between the Crown Prince's words? He looked once at Duke Dibenzel, who was stepping back with a strange smile, and then said to me in a cold voice:
"I failed to recognize the young master because I have been fatigued lately. Do not feel slighted."
"It is merely an honor that you remember me."
"Yes, what should I give to you, who saved my life? Speak. Shall I give you the most beautiful woman? Or shall I give you wealth you couldn't use in a lifetime? If not that, shall I give you a fief and a title?"
The murmuring among the people grew louder because his attitude was too cold for someone dealing with a benefactor who saved his life. The Crown Prince's attitude, listing rewards as if mocking, fueled their curiosity.
I accepted the Crown Prince's words with a composed attitude.
"What would one who possesses nothing do with a beautiful woman? It is beyond my station, so I dare not accept. As for wealth, as long as I have no difficulty in eating and sleeping, it is enough, so please forgive my daring refusal. A fief and a title are also rewards far too excessive compared to my foolishness, so I would rather plead for you to take them back."
"You dislike this and you dislike that. Since it would not be proper if I did not treat the one who saved my life, young master, do not insist on refusing. You are fully entitled to enjoy it."
Even while emitting an aura that said he wouldn't leave me alone if I actually accepted, the words coming out were quite smooth. One would think I was his mortal enemy. That was how deeply the Crown Prince was enraged by me appearing as Rade Relshin.
It was around then that Duke Dibenzel stepped in. He naturally spat out the words we had coordinated in advance.
"Your Highness, truth be told, the young master has a request he made of me, but since it is not a matter that can be resolved under my jurisdiction, I would like to suggest he receive it as a reward for saving Your Highness."
"Speak."
The Crown Prince's eyes flashed. He realized that I had come before everyone in male dress for this very reason and was deeply on guard. I smiled softly toward him. I opened my mouth casually, imitating a young boy's voice.
"My family had fallen, leaving only the name to maintain its existence. Thus, I had lost contact with my aunt, who could be called a distant relative, but fortunately, I was able to meet her again upon coming to the capital this time."
"A distant relative is in the capital?"
"Yes. However, I heard she is suffering due to recent troubles in the family. I do not wish to daringly use the merit of saving Your Highness, but I could not bear to turn away from my aunt, who treated me kindly when I was young, so I came to request help from Duke Dibenzel. Thus, please forgive my rudeness."
"What on earth could you want that you requested help from the Duke? No, how did the Duke know you to say he would help?"
At the Crown Prince's question, Duke Dibenzel laughed heartily and let it pass smoothly. He acted truly like a man who could be called the head of the noble faction.
"Since I felt a deep personal interest in the hero who saved Your Highness, I looked into him and decided to sponsor him, valuing his talent."
At the word 'sponsor,' people showed great surprise. They were envious, hearing he was someone receiving the support of Duke Dibenzel.
"I did not know the Duke thought of me so deeply."
"Is it not natural to worship the sun? Do not trouble your heart."
"Still, I am quite grateful. I shall not forget the Duke's loyalty. Now, let us hear it. What kind of request is it that the Duke is so interested?"
Finally, the main point. I took a deep breath and looked at the Crown Prince. I felt Knight Aires' gaze from the side, but I endured it, pretending not to know.
"My aunt is the Countess of House Bischwaldz. Her maiden name is Relshin."
The Crown Prince's face distorted. The solid crack was breaking. I struggled to suppress the urge to laugh aloud and continued.
"Please permit me to marry Cisse de Bischwaltz."
In an instant, the ballroom was swept into a deep silence as if under a spell.