Episode 71: Normalisation of depressing romance fantasy #2
“This is everything.”
Rudella’s aide, Vera, had brought the evidence to the Fervache estate.
Yohan and Francia, as if they had planned it beforehand, maintained expressionless faces and silently examined the documents.
The mana canvas vividly captured the moments of secret dealings with high-ranking nobles of a nation that could practically be considered an enemy.
The ledger detailed what the transactions were for and what had been exchanged between the two parties.
Additionally, there was evidence of collusion with a dark mages. Their covert meetings were captured in both the mana canvas and a magic recording device.
Each piece of evidence was enough to deal a fatal blow to the crown prince.
“…You’re saying this is only half of it?”
Francia glanced up slightly and asked. Even with just the evidence in hand, it would be enough to dethrone the Crown Prince.
Vera nodded.
“Yes. However, the more critical pieces of evidence are in another set. It seems Lady Rudella divided them intentionally, perhaps to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.”
Vera anticipated the follow-up question and answered it as well.
“Hmm.”
Even Yohan found Rudella’s decision to be wise. No matter how secretly she had gathered the evidence, the likelihood that the Crown Prince was unaware wasn’t very high.
Still, the reason the Crown Prince hadn’t taken any action could only be one thing: his absolute certainty that Rudella of the Bismarck family would never betray him.
“She severed ties with her family to betray him. He could never have imagined that.”
Having lived her entire life indoctrinated by the Bismarck family, who would have thought she would betray them? Even Yohan, involved as he was, found it unbelievable.
“Did Lady Bismarck have anything else to say?”
“She simply asked to be trusted and left to handle matters for now.”
“In other words, she wants us to refrain from acting rashly and trust that she will handle things decisively.”
“Exactly.”
Ordinarily, publicizing this evidence would immediately trigger an Imperial trial, ensuring the Crown Prince’s dethronement.
However, as with all things, acting hastily with just the results in mind would only complicate matters. Variables can arise at any time.
‘There’s even a slight chance the Crown Prince could get away unscathed.’
If they failed to resolve the matter decisively and time dragged on, it would work against them. Public opinion was on the Crown Prince’s side.
‘From our perspective, he’s a madman. But to the world, there’s no one more perfect than him.’
His martial prowess was unmatched, even qualifying him as a first-class knight. As for intelligence, while Yohan didn’t know much, he had heard that the Crown Prince excelled academically at the academy.
Hence, he was praised as a paragon of both martial and scholarly excellence, widely regarded as the perfect Crown Prince.
‘There’s no harm in being cautious.’
From a rational perspective, escape should be impossible given the evidence. Yet, one can never be too certain.
If things took a turn for the worse and the evidence was deemed fabricated, they could face backlash.
‘If we’re doing this, we need to do it right.’
And since Rudella asked for trust, it was only right to wait.
Yohan organized the documents on the table and nodded.
“Understood. I’ll trust her and wait.”
“Thank you.”
Vera bowed deeply. Francia said nothing further; she shared the same thoughts as Yohan.
“Um…”
As the conversation ended and Yohan and Francia stood from the sofa, Vera cautiously spoke.
“Is there something you’d like to say?”
“…Please take care of the Lady.”
Vera continued, her face unusually somber.
“I know I’m just an aide, and it might not be my place to say this, but… she’s someone who’s lived her entire life according to others’ wishes. Her life has been dictated solely by her family’s expectations.”
Vera had grown up alongside Rudella, watching her closer than anyone else.
“For someone like her to find something she truly desires and make such a significant decision…”
More than anyone present, Vera knew Rudella well. She had the right to worry about her.
“…I just hope she doesn’t get hurt.”
It was both a plea and a request.
May Rudella’s heart never be broken.
“That will never happen.”
Yohan spoke resolutely.
“There’s a phrase I once read in a book: ‘Treat people as ends, not as mere means.’”
Using others as mere tools ultimately reduces oneself to a shallow and immoral existence. It was a quote from a famous philosopher.
“I’ve always liked that phrase. That’s why I would never hurt Lady Bismarck. I won’t let it happen.”
Yohan had no intention of exploiting Rudella’s feelings. Nor did he want to.
“Does this answer your question?”
“Yes…”
Vera smiled faintly and bowed politely.
“…I apologize for my impertinence. But thank you for understanding my concerns and answering them nonetheless.”
To Vera, Rudella was not just her mistress but also like a friend. That’s why she wanted Rudella’s wishes to come true, yet couldn’t help but worry about her.
But now, having heard Yohan’s words, she felt reassured. The first earnest wish Rudella ever made would surely come true.
“…Thank you, truly.”
***
The last day of Yohan’s leave from the imperial Bureau.
The sound of utensils clinking filled the quiet dining room. The Duke Fervache smiled warmly.
“I’m glad we could share a meal before you leave.”
Though there had been some noise surrounding the engagement, it had been successfully concluded. There was no longer any reason for the Duke to stay in the capital, delaying matters in his territory.
Thus, The duke planned to return to the estate as soon as the remaining matters were settled, but Francia had arranged this meal beforehand.
“Indeed, it’s been a while since we last ate together like this.”
Francia nodded slowly with a gentle smile.
“True. But now that I think about it… isn’t this the first time the three of us have dined together?”
“Is it?”
Francia tilted her head curiously, covering her mouth with her hand. Yohan responded.
“Yes. The Duke rarely has reason to stay in the capital for long.”
Surprisingly, this was the first time Yohan, Francia, and the Duke had shared such a harmonious meal.
“Well, you two have your imperial duties, and I have matters in the territory. It can’t be helped. I do hope your service term ends soon.”
The Duke couldn’t hide his regret—not just because he had little time with his daughter but also because he hadn’t had much opportunity to converse with the son-in-law he’d come to respect.
“How much longer is left in your service?”
“About five months.”
“Not much, then.”
The imperial Bureau required its members to fulfill a fixed term of one year.
While this could feel long or short depending on perspective, many knights extended their terms. But for someone like Francia, it was just enough to build experience.
“And you, Yohan? How much time do you have left?”
“I have six months remaining.”
“…So you’ll arrive in Fervache in half a year.”
“That’s correct.”
“Then the wedding will also be around that time.”
Their wedding was planned for the day Yohan officially arrived at the Fervache estate.
Though they could have held the ceremony in the capital without disrupting their duties, Francia was the heir of the Ducal House of Fervache. The wedding needed to be held in their territory.
Yohan nodded slightly and spoke.
“However… I’m not certain I’ll be able to complete my service on time. They won’t easily release someone with the ability to close the ‘Demonic Lairs.’”
It was doubtful whether the imperial Bureau would readily accept his request to end his term.
With great power came great responsibility—a truth that also applied to rights.
Yohan had been granted the title of Count and an estate by the empire, along with the prestigious honorific “Guardian of the Sun.” He had become one of the most esteemed nobles in the empire.
But these were not merely rewards. They were granted with the expectation that he would seal many of the empire’s Demonic Lairs.
“That’s true. No mage on the continent could replace you in that regard.”
The Duke agreed with this sentiment.
“In that case, it might be worth considering a dedicated institution in Fervache, with you as the leader, to manage Demonic Lair restoration.”
Francia spoke up, and the Duke widened his eyes in surprise.
“…So you’re suggesting turning the sealing of the Demonic Lairs into a business.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Francia smiled brightly and continued.
“Of course, some might view it critically. But who could oppose Fervache now, especially when even the imperial family has taken a step back?”
The imperial family, which boasted absolute authority in the empire, had already avoided conflict with Fervache. No other noble house would dare challenge them.
“That might provide the imperial family with justification to attack Fervache, though.”
The Duke’s brow furrowed slightly.
Commercializing Demonic Lairs sealing was not a bad idea, but it would undoubtedly attract criticism and give others grounds to accuse and attack the Ducal House of Fervache.
“I believe I can address that concern.”
Yohan raised his hand and spoke.
“Prioritize fulfilling the Imperial Family’s requests and offer them significant benefits. That way, the Imperial Family will support Fervache’s endeavor to commercialize the sealing of the demonic lairs, and no other house would dare interfere.”
Using the Imperial Family as a shield. There was no need to consider the possibility of their refusal—they would gain the highest priority access to Yohan’s abilities, a privilege no one could overlook.
“Indeed… Even if we provide a justification, it would hold little weight.”
The Duke, his brows furrowed, slowly nodded. Francia added her opinion.
“Well, it’s something we should take our time to think about. Nothing has been decided yet, after all.”
“Very well, but I’ll consider that direction favorably.”
Clink.
The Duke resumed his meal but abruptly set down his utensils and spoke.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t told you this yet.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve spoken to His Majesty about the punishment of Young Grand Duke Lenokhonen. I’ve asked for definitive action.”
“Has His Majesty accepted?”
“Yes. A new trial will be held soon.”
Currently, Cassis Lenokhonen was quiet, but he was a ticking time bomb. Though stripped of all his rights and authority, there was no telling when or where he might cause trouble.
Moreover, his skills were undeniable—he was once known as the Nightmare of the South and the War Demon. Removing such a variable was certainly good news.
The Duke continued.
“And now, the Crown Prince won’t dare approach our Francia recklessly.”
“Did you mention that to His Majesty as well?”
“Of course. I’ve long known that scoundrel’s intentions were impure.”
At that moment, Yohan’s shoulders stiffened. The Duke’s remark seemed to show a considerable level of trust in him. To refer to the Crown Prince as “that scoundrel”…
“If I’ve said this much, and he still crosses the line, then it’s time to put an end to it.”
The Duke’s expression turned cold, and a palpable killing intent spread around him like thorns pricking the skin. The mere thought of the Crown Prince seemed to boil his blood.
…In any case, it was good news.
***
Late Night.
The heavy silence of the night weighed on Fedelian as he made his way to the Topaz Palace, carrying a chilling air about him.
The moonlight painted his golden hair silver and cast a cold gleam in his shadowed eyes.
His lips were firmly shut, and his measured yet menacing steps filled the silent corridor with tension.
Upon reaching Rudella’s room, Fedelian knocked before opening the door.
“…Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
The Crown Princess’s quarters.
Rudella, seated at a table and gazing out the window, met Fedelian’s icy gaze.
“ been much talk about you recently. What have you been up to?”
Fedelian furrowed his brow, his sharp glare cutting like ice.
At his predictable demeanor, Rudella’s lips curled into a faint smirk. Tilting her head slightly, she exuded an air of boredom.
“I didn’t expect Your Highness to take an interest in me.”
“People have been pestering me about it.”
“I see. Still, it’s surprising to see you concern yourself with my trivial escapades.”
“So, there was a time when you indulged in escapades as well.”
“Well, I’ve been rather busy this year. There were even moments when I nearly died.”
“…If it’s an escapade, you’d better end it quickly. I’d rather not be bothered anymore.”
“As you wish.”
Rudella’s smile deepened as moonlight spilled onto her face, illuminating her expression.
“It won’t take long. When the time comes, it will all be over.”