Three months had passed since Emperor Maximilian’s sudden death. The atmosphere of mourning for the late emperor was gradually shifting towards welcoming a new one.
It was only natural to mourn the untimely death of the young emperor, who had left this world without knowing the reasons. However, the throne could not remain empty indefinitely.
Those who had observed a minimal mourning period were now bustling about, searching for the next rightful successor to the throne. Monica, who was temporarily managing affairs, was almost certain of the revival of the Electorate.
“Karl!”
“I hope you’ve been well, Aunt.”
Karl, having returned to the capital, immediately attended a royal family gathering hosted by Lady Pulcheria. Seeing her nephew for the first time since the covenant ceremony brought tears to Pulcheria’s eyes.
After calming her with gentle reassurances, Karl took his seat at the prepared table.
“It has been a while since I’ve seen Your Highness the Grand Duke.”
“You look even more radiant.”
The frequency of royal family meetings had increased lately, as discussions about the revival of the Electorate became more pressing.
The calculations of the royal family suggested that once the Electorate was reinstated and voting was implemented, it would be easy to place Grand Duke Albrecht on the throne.
This was made possible by finding the successor to the Duke of Schwaben.
“I’ll get straight to the point, since you’re busy. We plan to revive the Electorate during the upcoming Partmos Foundation Day festival in a month. Celebrating the founding of the Empire and the birth of a new emperor on the same occasion would fit perfectly.”
“Time has flown by, hasn’t it?”
The Partmos Foundation Festival. The illustrious Partmos Empire celebrated its founding twice a year. Once on the day the first emperor concluded all conquests and again on the day the Empire achieved its complete framework. The ‘establishment’ of the Empire was celebrated biannually.
The upcoming foundation festival in a month was a celebration of the end of the conquest wars that took place centuries ago.
It marked the day when the Empire took its first step, having repelled all threats from neighboring nations. Appointing a new emperor on such a day would be ideal.
“How have you been, Aunt?”
“I’ve discussed everything with Monica, leaning towards the revival of the Electorate.”
While it was possible for Monica, who was handling affairs, to directly pass the throne to Grand Duke Albrecht, voices of dissent could arise, suggesting that the deceased emperor’s uncle, Grand Duke Toskur, was a closer relative to the throne than Albrecht, who was his nephew.
Pulcheria was outraged by some factions questioning how a duke born of a woman who was neither royal nor noble could ascend to the throne.
However, the more they discussed it, the more Pulcheria agreed that the throne must be elected through a perfect and fair system, where no one’s opposition would be tolerated.
She had no doubt that the next throne would inevitably go to Duke Albrecht.
“What is that Franz thinking these days? There seems to be no noticeable movement… That guy, or rather, his mother, is quite adept at deception. We must remain vigilant.”
Adept at deception. It seemed that Pulcheria wanted to blame Marina, who likely relied on superstitions and dark magic.
While it was widely known that she practiced sorcery using dark magic, no concrete evidence had been found.
For this reason, whenever Marina’s name came up, Pulcheria would mutter as a habit, “If only any evidence could be found, I’d put an end to you right away.”
“Yes. We’re staying sharp. I’ve positioned many eyes on the matter.”
“Good. You’re doing well.”
Karl was receiving reports on everything related to Franz through the search party stationed in the capital. It wasn’t just because of the contest for the throne.
It stemmed from the thought that he was deeply involved in Celeste’s threats.
The group that had sought to harm Celeste and kidnap Valerie seemed to be related to Franz, as the only one who would benefit the most when Celeste and Valerie vanished was indeed Franz.
Or perhaps it was his mother’s futile efforts for her son’s throne.
Karl leaned slightly more toward the latter. Regardless of whether he was passive or not, Franz was likely to have some responsibility or connection to his mother’s fruitless actions.
Though misguided, the gains he obtained from her efforts were substantial.
“By the way, is our Valerie doing well?”
Once she felt they had wrapped up their public discussion, Pulcheria immediately inquired about Valerie’s well-being.
It had been a while since they last saw each other at the covenant ceremony, but it hadn’t been long enough for her to feel any discomfort from the absence. Karl smiled.
“Yes, she’s doing well. She’s growing rapidly every day.”
“Oh my, what a pity that I haven’t seen her… Yesterday, Valerie appeared in my dream. She was wobbling towards me, calling ‘Grandma, Grandma,’ and honestly, it’s a miracle my heart is still beating.”
Pulcheria pretended to pat her chest. Her point was that Valerie’s fatal cuteness was hazardous to her heart. How cheeky she was! Karl struggled to suppress his laughter.
“And how is our little Celeste?”
This time, she asked about Celeste. Karl nodded. Whenever he was busy with work or investigations, he consciously pushed thoughts of Celeste and Valerie from his mind.
However, when stories about Celeste come from others, there’s nothing I can do.
From that moment until I fell asleep, Celeste was the only thing on my mind all day. Her soft cheeks, warm embrace, fragrant scent…
I couldn’t do anything while thinking of her. During those times, it felt like a fever from a youthful fifteen-year-old had taken hold of me.
Thanks to that, Karl found himself splashing cold water on his face multiple times a day, unable to concentrate.
“Yes. Anyway, I’m really glad you have a strong family now. Every time I saw you alone, it made me feel so anxious… I didn’t realize it before, but that child is indeed a bundle of blessings. A bundle of blessings that will bring you great fortune.”
“Yes, I think so too, Aunt.”
Look at him! Seeing Karl quietly agreeing with her fuss, Pulcheria was taken aback and sat up straight from her relaxed position.
It was surprising to see this rather cynical boy, who had always dismissed notions of luck and blessings, nodding in agreement, with a smile on his face!
Pulcheria blinked in disbelief at her nephew’s transformation.
Is this really my nephew? The stoic Johann… She muttered a few words under her breath and soon found herself smiling in satisfaction.
It seemed that Celeste truly was a bundle of blessings for Karl, just as she said.
Having lost his father early and his mother too, Karl had always been a source of concern and sympathy for Pulcheria.
If only he could express that emptiness and sorrow; they could have embraced and cried together. But the nephew, hiding his true feelings behind a mask of calmness, looked incredibly fragile.
Inside, there must be dark sorrow, yet it was frustrating and pitiful that he chose to hide it, pretending everything was okay, and because he didn’t reach out, she couldn’t comfort him.
Yet, it seems he was ready to share that role with his wife.
Karl nodding in agreement with Pulcheria’s words about how Celeste brought stability and good fortune held significant meaning.
Pulcheria smiled and patted Karl’s hand. Laila, who had been quietly standing behind Pulcheria with a calm smile, also softened.
“It’s wonderful to see you smiling like this, my lady.”
“Yes, Laila. Having a family to share my life with brings such joy. In that sense, you should find a partner soon too.”
“I’m fine, my lady. Serving by your side is my greatest joy.”
Aren’t your youth and beauty too precious for that? What will you do when I pass away?”
“What are you talking about? You must live a long, long time. At least another 100 years.”
“What are you saying? 100 years? Oh, please don’t say such frightening things.”
Pulcheria burst into laughter. Her boisterous laughter brought a bright smile to Laila’s face as well.
“I’m looking for a suitable husband… Karl, could you help me out?”
“Excuse me?”
“I wonder if it’s just me. Whenever I bring someone to ask, Laila’s reaction is less than encouraging. There must be many solid and composed knights in the royal investigation squad, right?”
“Of course, Aunt. The knights in the royal investigation squad are the best in the capital, so there are many exceptional individuals.”
“Alright. Please pick someone among them who might suit our Laila.”
“Oh, no, ma’am. I’m really fine.”
Laila vigorously waved her hand, but Pulcheria pretended not to hear.
This is quite awkward. This is certainly not an issue that requires the Grand Duke’s attention. Laila sighed softly, just enough so Pulcheria wouldn’t hear.
At that moment, the image of a golden-haired Grand Duke flashed through her mind, but Laila quickly shook her head.
