Is it because I’ve decided to focus all my attention on the state council meeting?
My mind was filled with all the possible scenarios that might arise during the conference.
‘It’s okay. I’ve already thought through how to handle it in my head.’
Even though I was overshadowed by others due to my being a woman in the line of succession, my legitimacy as the direct descendant of the current emperor was unparalleled.
‘If they oppose me because I’m a woman, I’ll bring up Queen Catherine, a renowned ruler from another country. And I’ll argue that my dark hair is just a prejudice based on superstition…’
I tried to imagine myself facing them confidently and positively, but I couldn’t help but feel intimidated.
To be honest, there were aspects of my own hair that I didn’t understand.
‘Why do both my father and the empress have bright hair, while I alone have black hair?’
As I sighed and gazed blankly at the scenery passing by outside, someone spoke.
“Seeing you sigh, I take it you’re thinking about your hair again.”
“How did you know?”
Erich answered my question.
“It was showing on your face.”
‘My emotions are showing on my face?’
I was taken aback.
After all, I had been trying to hold back my annoyance towards certain people at the State Council, but if it showed on my face, it was a serious problem.
“Really?”
He sighed and shook his head at my question.
“I was just kidding; I didn’t think you’d take it seriously.”
‘You idiot! When you say it like that, it sounds more like the truth than a joke!’
Just as I was about to voice that feeling…
“I’ve been watching you for quite a long time…”
At those words, my eyes widened.
‘You’ve been watching me…?’
I couldn’t easily believe it.
After all, I had thought he wasn’t interested in me.
‘Yeah, he must just be saying that out of courtesy.’
Just as I was thinking this and letting out a hollow laugh, Erich spoke again.
“Whenever you mentioned your hair, your expression was always neutral, but your eyes always looked sad. Just like when I… handed you a handkerchief in the palace.”
Even though he had caught me crying, I was sure he didn’t know the reason behind my tears.
After all, he had become so cold after our marriage that I thought he wouldn’t even remember my sadness.
However, his quiet words indicated that he knew exactly why I was sad.
Honestly, it felt strange.
‘How on earth do you…?’
The resentment and anticipation I felt toward him mixed together, creating a confusing turmoil within me.
And the result was a heart racing fiercely.
‘I still…’
At that moment, he said,
“But you won’t have to be sad anymore. Your hair will become a symbol of glory from now on.”
‘A symbol of glory?’
As I blankly repeated that profound statement in my mind, he smiled brightly.
“I assure you, from today on, everyone will recognize your nobility.”
Unable to contain my curiosity, I tried to ask him.
“What on earth does that mean…”
At that moment, the carriage door opened.
We had arrived at the palace gates.
“You’ll find out soon enough. For now, just focus on approaching the state council meeting with confidence.”
As he extended his hand to me, I slowly nodded.
‘Right, we can talk about it after the state council meeting is over.’
I took his hand and said, “Thank you.”
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
In the grand conference room of the palace where the state council meeting was being held, nobles had already arrived early for the meeting.
“It’s been a while, Marquis Whiston.”
“Oh, Count Carlo, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“I’ve been well. You seem to have grown younger. If you have any secrets, please share them.”
“Hohoho, well, I’ve recently been taking a tonic made with rare medicinal herbs…”
Once a member of the noble faction, Count Schultz, now neutral, furrowed his brow without realizing it.
‘They’re having a good time. Anyone watching would think they’re all from the same faction. Disgusting.’
After his youngest daughter had denounced Lady Arzen, the Marquis’s daughter, the Schultz family faced exclusion from the noble faction.
The problem was that the emperor’s faction also branded them as traitors and refused to associate with the Schultz family.
Originally wealthy from dealing in medicinal herbs, the Schultz family found their situation difficult as everyone had decided to ostracize them.
For that reason, Count Schultz felt disillusioned with politics.
‘Thanks to the local nobility and Duke Blant, who still trade with our family, we’ve barely managed to hold on. And recently…’
<Count, I hope you will be on my side during the state council meeting.>
Originally, Count Schultz had joined the noble faction because of Duke Blant.
Moreover, having overcome difficult times with Duke Blant’s help, it was only natural for him to support him.
‘Besides, someone like Duke Blant wouldn’t propose an opinion that would be detrimental to himself.’
He was a hero who defended the borders and an indispensable figure in the noble faction.
Although still young, Duke Blant had always acted skillfully in politics.
‘Rather, he silently reaps benefits.’
Because of this, Count Schultz was confident that he would act in a way that would be advantageous once again.
‘The main issues to be discussed in this state council meeting are the attempted murder of the princess and the selection of the next emperor.’
Perhaps the former was to assert the innocence of the Grand Madam, his mother.
And the latter…
‘He must be trying to elevate the royal family he supports to the throne.’
Count Schultz looked around.
The conference room was bustling with discussions about the next emperor.
“Surely, His Highness Duke Hauzen, the emperor’s cousin, is a strong candidate?”
“Oh, isn’t it well known that the emperor and Duke Hauzen don’t get along? Rather, the sons of Princess Reda, his nephew, seem more promising, don’t you think?”
“Those gentlemen may be royalty in name, but they’re no different from foreigners! If I were the emperor, I would consider the royals within the country. For instance, someone as excellent as Archduke Tarrant.”
Just then, as the commotion continued—
“Entering now is Marquis Zarken, 10th in the line of succession!”
With the first royal’s arrival, the nobles all fell silent.
‘Marquis Zarken, a very distant relative of the current emperor, right?’
Only those ranked up to 10th in the line of succession were qualified to attend the state council meeting.
Moreover, Marquis Zarken was merely a young man without any notable achievements.
No one had any expectations for him to become Emperor.
After that, as several lower-ranked and less prominent royals entered, the nobles merely exchanged polite nods with them.
At that moment, a booming voice announcing an entrance echoed through the room.
“Entering now is His Highness Prince Loren of Alsera, 2nd in the line of succession!”
He was the third son of Princess Reda, the emperor’s sister.
Having inherited the right of succession from his mother, Loren was renowned as a genius who successfully implemented groundbreaking policies.
His character was both gentle and assertive, making him a strong candidate for a wise ruler.
Moreover, he was 2nd in line of succession. Several people approached him to offer their greetings.
However, that excitement didn’t last long.
“Entering now is Duke Hauzen, 3rd in the line of succession!”
As Duke Hauzen appeared, the nobles scrambled to introduce each other.
Yet, even that enthusiasm paled in comparison to the arrival of Archduke Tarrant.
“Entering now is His Grace Archduke Tarrant, 5th in the line of succession!”
Although his rank wasn’t particularly high, everyone focused their attention on him.
This was understandable, as Reinhardt, trusted by the emperor, was considered a significant power within the empire.
‘Rumor has it that he knows all the nobles’ weaknesses thanks to his role as a spy.’
Additionally, like Duke Blant, Reinhardt had achievements from his time in war alongside his father.
As he entered, the nobles quickly surrounded Reinhardt.
“Archduke, it’s been a while!”
Watching this, Count Schultz’s expression turned cold.
‘Indeed, the two most likely candidates for the next emperor are Duke Hauzen or Archduke Tarrant.’
It was already known in social circles that the relationship between Archduke Tarrant and Duke Blant wasn’t very good.
‘It seems Duke Blant intends to support Duke Hauzen after all…’
Just as he was making that assumption, the sound of a horn cut through the air, and the commotion abruptly ceased.
“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”
At this, all nobles and royals alike bowed their heads.
This included Duke Hauzen and Reinhardt, both strong candidates for the next emperor.
As Count Schultz bowed his head upon seeing the two imperial candidates do the same, he heard the sound of clicking heels and caught a glimpse of a dress trailing behind.
Curious to see who it was, Count Schultz raised his head slightly, only to flinch involuntarily.
‘Is the Emperor escorting the princess?’
That wasn’t the only surprise.
Duke Blant was following behind them, almost like a knight escorting them.
‘What on earth is going on…?’
While Count Schultz was bewildered, the Emperor spoke.
“Everyone, raise your heads.”
The nobles raised their heads and flinched.
They all wore expressions of shock, just like Count Schultz.
‘What could the Emperor be thinking, entering with the princess?’
The sight of the princess, adorned with a tiara that only the direct descendants of the Emperor could wear, exuded an unapproachable majesty and grace.
Above all, the most astonishing aspect was that the Emperor, who had never shown any interest in the princess before, was now entering with her.
At that moment, the Emperor tightly held the princess’s hand and said,
“Do not be nervous. Soon, everyone here will bow their heads to you.”
At those words, an absurd thought crossed the minds of the nobles.
‘Could it be that the Emperor is considering the princess as a candidate for the throne?’
