The child, receiving a sweet and gentle gaze, smiled broadly as if it were the most natural thing in the world and accepted the glass cup.
People couldn’t take their eyes off the affectionate pair.
“His Majesty, Emperor Charles, chosen by the gods, and Empress Julie Spenbaum are entering.”
Everyone bent one knee and bowed their heads as the royal family entered.
Footsteps echoed on the podium, and the emperor’s voice resonated throughout the banquet hall.
“Everyone, rise up your head.”
The emperor’s voice was powerful.
***
Following etiquette, Rose bowed her head as the emperor appeared, and Ian smiled with satisfaction at the sight.
“Everyone, rise up your head.”
With the emperor’s permission, Ian stood up and pulled Rose closer to him.
“The reason I have gathered you all here today is to decide the crown prince.”
The emperor turned his gaze to the princes gathered below the podium.
There were five princes in total.
Among them, the ones who stood out the most were Siegfried Spenbaum, the empress’s son, and Eugene Spenbaum, the son of a concubine.
The two, politically opposed, had engaged in all sorts of schemes to make their son the crown prince.
The emperor was aware of these schemes but had turned a blind eye, and today was the day the result would be announced.
The nobles eagerly looked at the emperor, each hoping that the prince from their faction would be chosen as the crown prince.
The emperor slowly looked around at the nobles and spoke.
“Siegfried Spenbaum, step forward.”
Siegfried Spenbaum clenched his fist and stepped forward.
The nobles who followed Siegfried couldn’t hide their joy, while the nobles who followed Eugene stared in disbelief at the unexpected result.
It was true that both princes showed exceptional abilities compared to other emperors child, but when comparing the two, Eugene had more talent than Siegfried.
Siegfried was a mage, but as a Level 7 mage, he was a mage with abilities that were of no help in war.
However, Eugene was different.
Unlike the emperor, Eugene, who resemble the Grand Duke, emperor’s younger brother, displayed extraordinary talent with the sword.
He had formed a magical aura at the age of five and was so skilled with the sword that people spoke of him soon surpassing the walls of the empire.
For an imperial family that always had to guard against foreign invasions, it was only natural to choose Eugene, who was useful in warfare.
However, the emperor’s choice was based on legitimacy rather than ability.
Unlike the nobles who were shocked by the incredible outcome, Ian remained indifferent.
He knew through the flow of events who would become the crown prince, and no matter who became the emperor, it wouldn’t have a significant impact on Loenbaum’s independence.
The emperor placed the crown prince’s crown on the head of the prince who was beaming with a broad smile, and conducted the coronation ceremony by touching his shoulders and head with a sword.
“I declare Siegfried Spenbaum the crown prince.”
At the emperor’s proclamation, the nobles bowed deeply and chanted in unison.
“May the blessings of Aether be with the crown prince.”
“May the blessings of Aether be with the crown prince.”
While the crown prince looked down at the nobles with satisfaction, Eugene, who had not been chosen, glared at the crown prince and left the banquet hall.
“Rise up your head.”
As the nobles stood up at the emperor’s command, the emperor announced,
“Let the banquet begin!”
Soothing music began to play in the previously quiet banquet hall, and the nobles gathered in small groups to chat.
“Rose, come here.”
Ian picked up Rose again.
Nobles in the novel were known for finding fault with just about anything.
Rather than risk that, Ian decided it was better to hold Rose until the end of the banquet so no one could bother them.
“Rose, would you like some snack?”
Although they had lunch, it was getting close to snack time, so Ian moved towards the finger foods.
People were too preoccupied with Siegfried being chosen as the crown prince to pay any attention to Ian.
As Ian picked up a yellow macaron and handed it to Rose, a long shadow fell over them.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Ian looked up to see a man looking down at him.
‘Why is the Grand Duke here?’
Edelmar, who was known to not attend royal events, stood before him.
Edelmar continued as if he hadn’t noticed Ian’s surprised expression.
“Don’t you remember? I helped you at the inn. Did you have a good rest that night?”
Ian couldn’t tell if Edelmar was pretending not to recognize him from the slave market or if it had been a coincidence. Composing himself, Ian replied,
“Ah, you were the one who helped me. Thank you very much. The child was tired and it was a difficult time.”
“Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Edelmar Spenbaum, holding the title of Grand Duke, though it’s not fitting for my abilities.”
‘Not fitting your abilities? The most powerful magic swordsman in this world?’
Hiding his true thoughts, Ian smiled gently like Edelmar.
“So, you are the Grand Duke. I am Ian Loenbaum.”
“Loenbaum, so you are a Duke.”
“I’m not someone who deserves the Grand Duke’s respect.”
Though both men wore amicable smiles, their eyes were busy sizing each other up.
Ian averted his searching gaze and looked towards the emperor.
The emperor was deep in conversation with the empress.
‘Will the conversation be long?’
If the banquet continued in this manner, there was no reason for Ian to stay.
Ian planned to leave the banquet as soon as he secured an audience with the emperor.
If he didn’t arrange the meeting today, he would have to wait at least a month for the next opportunity.
For Ian, spending time in the capital was like throwing money into the air.
Noticing the emperor’s stern expression towards the empress, Ian kept his eyes on him.
Seeing Ian’s gaze directed at the emperor, Edelmar leaned closer and whispered,
“Do you have something to say to my brother?”
Ian flinched and stepped back, as Edelmar, his mouth curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, gestured towards the emperor with his chin.
“If you wish, I can request an audience for you. What do you think?”
Ian looked at Edelmar with suspicion.
‘Why is the Grand Duke acting like this?’
In the novel, it was only mentioned that the Grand Duke was a powerful magic swordsman with no interest in the throne.
No detailed character description was provided.
But why does he keep trying to help?
Edelmar raised both hands in a gesture of peace to Ian’s wary look.
“I have no ulterior motives. The former empress was very fond of children.”
At Edelmar’s words, Ian recalled the former empress described in the novel.
As Edelmar mentioned, the former empress was indeed fond of children.
Despite opposition from the ministers, she established an orphanage using the empress’s budget and enacted child protection laws to improve children’s welfare.
Despite his harmless appearance, Ian had no choice but to nod, albeit skeptically.
“I would be grateful for your help.”
Edelmar smiled contentedly and walked towards the platform.
Seeing Edelmar approaching, the emperor stood up abruptly.
“Oh, my brother!”
The emperor exclaimed in an exaggerated voice, like reciting a play, and embraced Edelmar.
Then, in a voice so low that no one else could hear, he whispered.
“What kind of trouble have you caused now? Is it something I can handle?”
“Brother, what do you think of me?”
With a cheeky reply, the emperor tightened his embrace.
“Stop joking and tell me quickly. I need to handle it fast.”
“I’m not sure what you’re thinking, but a friend wishes to request an audience with you, and I’ve decided to help.”
The emperor released Edelmar and looked at him.
“A friend?”
“Yes.”
The emperor looked puzzled, then asked.
“Are they here now?”
“Yes.”
Following Edelmar’s gaze, the emperor tilted his head in curiosity.
‘Who could it be?’
If they were present at the crown prince’s inauguration, they must be a noble who received a title from him, but the emperor didn’t recognize the face.
‘A provincial noble?’
“Bring them to me. I’ll hear what they have to say.”
Requesting an audience was to petition the emperor for something.
If it was simply to ask for a favor, he might consider it, but merely to listen to a conversation for his brother’s sake was manageable.
“Thank you, brother.”
After receiving the emperor’s permission, Edelmar walked over to Ian.
Seeing Ian’s surprised expression, Edelmar leaned down and whispered again.
“He asks to meet you in the back.”
Ian, who had shuddered earlier at the whisper, cringed again.
“Is it necessary to whisper?”
Seeing Ian shaking his head in discomfort, Edelmar smiled brightly.
“If people knew I had requested an audience with the emperor, everyone would be asking me for favors.”
Ian nodded in agreement.
“Please, come this way.”
Following Edelmar, Ian moved to meet the emperor.
***
Ian, after setting Rose down, knelt first.
“May the touch of Aether bless Spenbaum with the grace of the gods.”
Following Ian, Rose gracefully spread her dress and knelt on one knee.
“May the touch of Aether bless Spenbaum with the grace of the gods.”
“May Aether’s blessing be upon you as well.”
“I return the blessing to Spenbaum.”
“I return the blessing to Spenbaum.”
“Rise up your head.”
Hearing Rose’s voice recite the greeting Ian taught her, he stood up.
Though Rose momentarily faltered due to her lack of strength, the emperor pretended not to notice and addressed Ian.
“Edelmar mentioned you requested an audience with me. Who are you?”
“Your Majesty, I am Ian Loenbaum.”
“Loenbaum?”
