Chapter 49
“The Imperial Ball is a joyous occasion to celebrate our three heroes. Let us publicize it as the commencement of their journey to bless the empire, focusing on this region in particular. This should sufficiently calm the anxieties of those who witnessed the monster firsthand.”
The attendees nodded in agreement with this perfectly political statement. Turning a potentially destabilizing incident into a morale booster was an excellent idea.
He’s despicable, but clever, I thought, when a sudden spark of inspiration ignited within me.
Propaganda… that’s good.
What if I hire a skilled writer to craft a legend surrounding the Monster King’s relic, and publish it as a children’s story?
Or perhaps compose a catchy tune about it, like the “Seodongyo,” and have children sing it while distributing sweets?
I could even bribe a small information guild to peddle my fabricated song as credible intelligence.
Then, I could officially initiate the relic search under the guise of, “There are rumors circulating in the marketplace, and they don’t seem entirely unfounded.”
“That’s an excellent idea. Now that the general framework is established, the three heroes and the Imperial Knight Commander should discuss troop deployment and logistics, taking into account their planned route and total forces.”
Everyone nodded at the High Priest’s summary. The atmosphere buzzed with the scraping of chairs and the murmur of conversations as people began to disperse.
I turned to slip away amidst the commotion, but my path was blocked by gleaming armor. It was the Imperial Knight Clovis had assigned to me. He cleared his throat and bowed his head apologetically.
“Lina!” Helion called my name urgently, rushing towards me. “I need to talk to you.”
Trapped between the knight and the approaching Helion, I was in a predicament.
“I need to speak with you too, Adelina.” Reynard added.
“Adelina, about what you said earlier…” Even Seikan joined the group, drawing the attention of all the remaining paladins and Imperial Knights. However, they were all well-versed in the proper etiquette for addressing a lady.
“Then, I shall see you at the Imperial Ball. It’s just the day after tomorrow; I wonder if the preparations will be complete in time.”
“Yes, we will do our utmost to ensure everything is ready for immediate departure.”
The knights, pretending not to see me, exchanged farewells amongst themselves and dispersed. Now, only seven people remained in the vast hall: Clovis, Seikan, Reynard, Helion, the Imperial Knight blocking my path, the High Priest, and myself.
“You, come here.” Clovis glanced at the men who had called me over, then crooked his finger at me with a displeased expression. He’s summoning me like a dog. Insulted by his manner, I pressed my lips together.
Clovis frowned deeply. Seikan, Reynard, and Helion simultaneously stepped in front of me, forming a protective barrier.
“Your Highness.”
“Didn’t I advise you against treating Lina so disrespectfully?”
“Your Highness, Adelina is not your subordinate.”
Their overlapping words created a jumble of sound. Clovis clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
“Anyone would think I’m some sort of criminal.”
A remarkably accurate self-assessment!
You are a criminal! Kidnapping, assault, stalking! You deserve ten sets of handcuffs and immediate arrest!
Your high status protects you, but if you were merely a nobleman like Seikan, you would have been run through by my sword long ago!
Clovis chuckled, observing me nodding vehemently from behind the three men.
Was it my imagination, or had Clovis’s gaze shifted? From the moment he burst into laughter, something felt different. How could I describe that look? It was as if Clovis…
I quickly averted my eyes, feeling as though I had just grasped the edge of a forbidden box. My gaze landed on the High Priest.
“High Priest!” I rushed towards him, clutching his ample sleeve. “High Priest, to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, I’d like to compile reports on other high-ranking monsters. Would it be possible for me to use your private study?”
“Hmm? Oh… Ah…” The High Priest quickly understood, smiling and stroking my hair. “Our Adelina is so devout and diligent.”
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