Chapter 237
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“Of course, I understand. It might sting a bit. Miss Boestin must also stay safe…”
“Since she’s from a foreign land, they probably won’t act recklessly.”
Both Boestin and Dell were intelligent, so even if problems arose, they’d likely handle them well.
Emilia tucked the sword deep under the bed. She also pulled out the dagger she’d tucked into her thigh under her skirt.
“…Why are you carrying so many weapons?”
“If there are many enemies, one won’t be enough. A dull blade won’t cut well.”
“I’ll never leave your side. And please teach me how to use a sword too.”
It seemed Dahlia wanted to be helpful. She added that if their location was discovered or if a fight broke out inside the castle, she wanted to stand by Emilia’s side.
“I don’t want to be a burden, so please teach me.”
There was a sparkle in Dahlia’s eyes.
❖ ❖ ❖
Mikhail scanned the assembly hall. Every seat was filled, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
‘Everyone seems nervous.’
Recently, grim rumors had been spreading through Bartsch.
The royal knights had arrested many in the capital. Most were innocent and released, but some remained imprisoned.
The people protested, but the royal family ignored them.
It had started as an effort to shut down the Spiegel newspaper, but in reality, it was about rooting out those harboring resentment toward the crown.
“There have been numerous reports about those opposing the royal family lately.”
A flash crossed Adrian’s violet eyes as he surveyed the hall sharply.
“We heard that the head of the Spiegel newspaper was leading an anti-royal group, so we searched. The newspaper was burned down, and even a woman fought against the royal knights—how could we stand by?”
A murmur spread through the assembly. Mikhail stood and spoke.
“Your Majesty, shouldn’t we discuss something first?”
The truth about the Jalliar royal family, the many histories they had hidden. Correcting all that should come first.
“Mikhail von Heinrich!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Adrian’s eyes blazed, but Mikhail remained calm.
The one who was anxious was Adrian, so Mikhail saw no need to show emotion.
“Surely not everyone believes that article. Don’t forget the absurd stories Spiegel has written to bring me down.”
“Your Majesty, stop deceiving the people. There is a living witness.”
Mikhail stared at Adrian. The witness was himself.
“Are you trying to unseat me to take my place? Doesn’t the blood of Bayern flow in your veins too?”
“I have no intention of claiming the throne. Even if I did, it would be for Dahlia, who inherits the bloodline.”
“Do you admit to harboring rebellious thoughts?”
“Neither Dahlia nor I am interested in the throne.”
“Do you think you’ll be safe if the royal family falls? The nobles’ power will diminish, and luxury and dominance will be harder. Can you really give up all the privileges of nobility?”
That was impossible. Most nobles were born with want. Those in this hall were no exception.
So the thought of losing what they’d always had would surely provoke resistance.
Adrian smirked and rested his chin on his hand.
“Indeed, I must bear the mistakes my father made. If I must accept it humbly and step down, so be it. But if that happens, none of you here will be safe either. The commoners want equality. The end of monarchy means the collapse of class.”
The attendees exchanged wary glances.
Adrian’s words were not wrong. The monarchy’s fall would dissolve class structures.
Nobles would have to share what they held and pay more taxes. Those who commanded others would have to work themselves.
“What changes if you don’t step down?”
At Mikhail’s question, Adrian tilted his head.
“I intend to protect everyone here. Those who harbor treasonous thoughts will know what becomes of them. If anyone turns their back on me, I will not hesitate to strike.”
Adrian showed no intention of backing down.
“Your Majesty says you want to protect everyone, but didn’t you abandon your own family?”
They abandoned the Chevron family, turned their backs on those who weren’t truly family.
Everyone nodded in agreement with Mikhail. The royal family had lost its trust.
Adrian needed proof to back his claims.
“As a son, I failed to stop my mother from walking the wrong path, but that is not my fault.”
He was shamelessly dodging responsibility.
“There are many questioning whether the monarchy should continue.”
Mikhail stood firm. Nobles began voicing their opinions one by one in response to his strong stance.
“More are agreeing to dissolve the monarchy. Many have already heard of this from neighboring countries.”
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.