Chapter 238
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
The fall of the monarchy wouldn’t destroy the country. Even the kingdom of Valoh was run as a republic.
“If discontent is suppressed, a revolution will erupt.”
The king’s power had already been reduced. Changing to a republic was hardly a problem.
Better to step down voluntarily than be forced out.
Mikhail stepped back, observing Adrian’s contorted face and listening to the voices.
One by one, they voiced their frustrations.
“The discontent is fierce. Perhaps we should at least pretend to listen. Or if abdication happens, it might calm complaints about the Jalliar royal family.”
“What do you mean by that? Are you telling the king to step down? Treasonous scum!”
“Mind your words. The monarchy’s honor has been tarnished and trust lost. If this continues, the commoners will rise. Then we won’t be safe either.”
The assembly quickly filled with shouting voices.
“There are rumors that the royal family has been embezzling funds! Everyone knows Lady Luther’s misdeeds have worsened.”
Voices exposed royal corruption.
“Are you insulting Lady Luther, mother of the king?”
“Lady Luther is the one who ousted her husband and heir! If we list her crimes, she’s a cunning villain!”
The assembly was in chaos, divided into factions. Mikhail exchanged a brief glance with Marquis Gepetto.
❖ ❖ ❖
Many motions were brought up at the assembly, but none resolved.
The factions clashed, and anger boiled over.
“Your Majesty, you must arrest every one of them here!”
“Are you done talking? If we don’t discuss this here, where else can we? Treason!”
“Your anger shows you must be guilty!”
What a mess.
Mikhail quietly observed. The nobles couldn’t calm down easily and kept clashing.
Even Dahlia’s conduct at the assembly was mentioned, but due to her Bayern bloodline, the topic quickly changed.
‘This should be manageable.’
The nobles didn’t seem very supportive of the crown. They still sided with Adrian out of caution but not for long.
Eventually, the assembly chairman shouted. Perhaps judging it was difficult to continue this any longer.
“Enough! We cannot continue this meeting any longer. It’s adjourned!”
“Suddenly adjourned? Nothing’s been decided yet. This can’t be.”
“Right. We need a plan.”
Adrian raised his hand leisurely, and knights entered the hall.
“This assembly is now adjourned. If anyone objects, come forward and speak.”
The knights drew their swords, standing ready.
“…”
“Anyone with treasonous intent should beware. I will not tolerate repetition.”
Adrian stood up. A knight whispered in his ear. His face twisted, then turned toward Mikhail.
Mikhail closed and opened his eyes calmly.
‘Looks like they slipped away safely.’
A slight smile curved his lips. He nodded to Adrian with a subtle greeting.
Then Mikhail stood, adjusted his clothes, and left the assembly hall under Adrian’s watchful gaze.
❖ ❖ ❖
Adrian slammed his fist on the table. He was briefed after the assembly but couldn’t understand any of it.
“How could we have missed them?”
He had trusted the king’s shadows. If killing the child had failed, they should have dragged the child to him. Yet they had followed unrelated people. He couldn’t believe it.
“The king’s shadows made such a mistake.”
“Apologies, my lord. Cannes remains at the estate to watch.”
Even with En’s report, Adrian’s anger didn’t subside. This had been the last chance.
The Duke would now tighten security and hide Emilia thoroughly.
“They should have been killed too.”
“I was only following orders.”
Their lack of flexibility was astounding. Leaving witnesses alive? What were they thinking?
Adrian clutched his aching head.
“This could cause diplomatic problems with the kingdom of Valoh.”
Unable to remain silent, the chamberlain, Count Tavan, cautiously spoke up.
“…Is that really something to say now? How do you know what they said to the Duke? There’s no guarantee it hasn’t leaked to Valoh.”
“Apologies, but I’m certain it was Duchess Heinrich and Dahlia von Heinrich, the Duke’s cousin.”
En described the features he had observed.
“If others thought the same, they must have prepared knowing I’d send them.”
Adrian was furious. It seemed Mikhail saw through all his moves.
“But isn’t it a relief? They escaped without incident.”
“Do you really think it’s no problem? We should have eliminated the witnesses. The Duke will surely use this as a pretext for attack.”
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