Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders, a gathering of the empire’s highest nobility, was known to have more influence than ordinary families, even though it only consisted of those who had stepped down from current positions of power.
This was only natural, as it was made up of nobles who had once dominated social and political circles.
This Council of Elders usually kept a low profile, only to make subtly noticeable movements at opportune moments. This indicated their lack of willingness to intervene in politics any longer, while also serving to tighten the reins on the more unruly nobility.
Therefore, the movement of the Council of Elders meant that they wanted to show something to the public.
Thus, in social circles, the Council of Elders was called “the invisible head,” because the actions and decisions of the nobility depended on their movements.
Even though the visible powers might be the emperor and the heads of families, it was an all too familiar concept that the empire’s public affairs were ultimately controlled by the Council of Elders.
This was all that nobles, who had only superficially encountered politics, knew.
However, delving deeper, the relationship between the Council of Elders and the political sphere slightly changed.
And I learned a sentence that perfectly summed up the relationship between the Council of Elders and the political sphere from overhearing conversations between my father and mother when I was young.
When they move, even the emperor moves.
The meaning of this sentence was that the emperor was directly influenced by the Council of Elders, and the political sphere was influenced by such an emperor.
Therefore, it was only natural for those with a slight understanding of politics to be interested in the relationship between the Council of Elders and the emperor.
However, the current emperor, Ruth, was not supported by the Council of Elders because he became emperor by killing the third prince, who had usurped the throne through rebellion.
Specifically, when none of the members of the Council of Elders attended his coronation ceremony, Ruth was labeled by the people of the empire as an ‘illegitimate emperor.’
Therefore, winning over the Council of Elders was one of the ultimate goals when making a pact with Ruth. Only by gaining their support could the unstable regime be stabilized.
“How did the Council of Elders react?”
Perhaps that’s why. Hearing even a single piece of news about the Council of Elders moving made my heart pound instantly and my throat tighten in a pleasant way.
When I grabbed Ian’s forearm and asked, he chuckled and flicked my hand lightly.
“It was nothing big, but I heard that one of the members of the Council of Elders said they were looking forward to the hunting contest.”
“Isn’t that a really good sign?”
“Right? The Council of Elders has been silent no matter what His Majesty did so far, so them opening up like this must certainly be a good sign.”
“Thank goodness, really… I’m so relieved.”
Hearing Ian’s positive response, I patted my chest. I almost went weak at the knees, thinking that we had finally overcome a huge obstacle. It felt good to feel significant, to feel like someone who could achieve something like this.
As I was taking a deep breath, Ian seemed to ponder for a moment before letting out a sigh and saying,
“Come to think of it, His Majesty asked me to deliver something to you.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“It was a small note… It should be around here somewhere. Just a moment.”
Stepping back from me, Ian soon handed me a small note folded into a rectangular shape from his pocket. The note smelled of the familiar scent of cedarwood. It was the distinct perfume smell that Ruth often used.
Enjoying the scent of perfume that tickled my nose, I opened the note.
[Lady, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the council has started to move.
So, it seems we need to pour all our efforts into the hunting contest.
That being said, if it’s alright with you, could you stay at the Duke of Obelton’s estate until the day of the hunting contest and then return to the palace?
After all, there’s nothing left for the Lady to do anyway……
Well, we haven’t finished dealing with the Duke of Hazel’s henchmen yet. It seems we’ll need more time. Of course, it’s up to you, but please think it over and decide. Have a pleasant day.
Rustian.
PS: As for the reply, let’s receive it through the Lady’s actions.]
After quickly scanning the relatively short note, I slightly raised the corners of my mouth and, putting the note in my pocket, looked at Ian, who seemed puzzled.
“Ian, it seems I’ll have to stay here until the
hunting competition. Is that alright with you?”
“Oh, of course. You are also a member of the Obelton Ducal Family. This is your home, so you don’t need my permission to stay.”
“I just asked in case you might be busy with something. I’ll bear that in mind for next time. Anyway, it’s almost dinner time, shall we go down to the dining hall with mother, Ian?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
After finishing the conversation with Ian in a light tone, I stepped out to meet my mother as he had told me to go ahead first. There were only two things left for me to do.
To talk to Tommy, and.
“To reveal my true identity to Ruth.”
Somehow, I had the premonition that these two tasks would soon be concluded. My steps felt infinitely lighter as if the shadows that had lingered at my feet had all disappeared.
***
Time flowed like water and the day of the hunting contest arrived. During this time, I was busy making handkerchiefs for Ruth, Ian, and Lilia.
For Lilia’s handkerchief, I embroidered hydrangeas as she had requested before.
For Ruth’s handkerchief, I chose wildflowers that matched him, and for Ian’s handkerchief, I added his name to one that was already made.
It had been a while since I did embroidery, so there were several mistakes, but nevertheless, the results were incredibly satisfying.
Excluding Ian, who said he would go ahead to prepare the Obelton family’s exclusive barracks, my mother and I rode a carriage alone to the hunting contest venue.
The ride was not very smooth, but the discomfort disappeared with the anticipation for the hunting contest.
The hunting contest began around lunchtime and ended as the sun started to set. When the hunting contest started, after all the nobles had gathered, the Emperor’s congratulatory speech marked the opening.
Then, while those participating in the hunt spent a few hours in the forest, those who stayed back gathered in each other’s tents to enjoy tea. As the sky darkened, those who had gone into the forest returned to compare the amount of game they had caught and then decided on the ‘Leopard’ and ‘Leona’.
“We have arrived.”
While I was mentally going through the schedule of the hunting contest, the coachman informed us that we had arrived at ‘Venan Forest,’ located to the west of the Count of Mayamar’s lands.
“Would you like to get off first, Seri? Or rather, Ser.”
“…Yes.”
When my mother accidentally called me by my original nickname, she briefly blushed then corrected herself by calling me by my sister’s nickname. Although the nickname was awkward, I had to get used to it, so I just slightly narrowed my eyes.
After getting off the carriage and walking towards the direction where a vast forest was visible, I soon saw a dry plain in front of the forest lined with numerous tents. Among them, finding the large tent of the Obelton family, made of navy and silver, was not a difficult task.
“Sister. Mother.”
Ian, who spotted us approaching the tent, greeted us with a bright smile. It seemed he had helped the servants set up the tent himself, as he was wearing a different outfit than when he left, with his jacket off and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up.
Seeing Ian like that, I handed him one of the handkerchiefs I was carrying, which was meant for him.
“Here, Ian. This is your handkerchief.”
“I will accept it with thanks. I promise to win.”
“But don’t push yourself too hard. Our goal isn’t to win but to make a good impression.”
“That’s right. Then I understand. I’ll do my best without overdoing it.”
Ian nodded as if he understood my caution.
Indeed, the reason the Obelton family participated in this hunting contest was to make a good impression.
Now that the Obelton family was slowly recovering economically, what they needed was to build stronger connections.
“Still, try your best, Ian. It might turn into a good memory.”
The mother gently patted Ian’s shoulder and entered the tent. I followed her into the tent.
The tent was wider than I had anticipated. The floor was clean, and there was a table, a single bed, and even a small bookshelf. As I couldn’t help but marvel at the sight that seemed too luxurious, Ian sidled up next to me and murmured.
“I also thought it was a bit too much, but according to the aide, everyone does about this much. I’ve heard some families do even more, and I’m really curious about how those would be.”
“Really… So, did you arrange all this?”
“Well, the servants and I did it together. It wasn’t too hard.”
“Still… Good job, Ian.”
“Feels good to be praised.”
While Ian and I were quietly exchanging words, suddenly, a servant from outside the tent made his presence known.
“Excuse me, is Lady Obelton here?”
“Did you call for me?”
“Yes. The thing is…”
As I asked back with a puzzled feeling, the stammering servant slowly began to speak. Then, at some point, he suddenly clammed up as if blocked by someone.
“What’s that?”
As I tilted my head and furrowed my eyebrows, soon afterward, Lilia’s gentle voice came from outside the tent.
“I’m here, my lady.”
