Chapter 105
A man with deep blue hair and striking golden eyes entered together with Isidor. As soon as he stepped into the parlor, he offered a courteous bow.
“I greet the First Shield of Davoud. I am Gerard Montfel, Marquis of Montfel.”
“Welcome, Marquis Montfel.”
When Euclid greeted him, Gerard slowly straightened and turned to Sylaria beside him, offering a gentle smile.
“You must be the fiancée of His Highness the First Prince. I am Gerard Montfel. It is an honor to meet you.”
“I am Sylaria Rainier of the Rainier County. A pleasure to meet you.”
“Please treat me comfortably. After all, you will be the future Empress.”
At Gerard’s eye-smiling remark, Sylaria’s lips parted slightly. When she asked Isidor to arrange this meeting, she had specifically requested that he not reveal its purpose, fearing that Gerard might feel pressured.
Yet before they had even brought up the topic, Gerard was already calling her the future Empress.
Was it because he genuinely wished to support them? Or was he merely testing the waters?
Studying his intentions, Sylaria smiled faintly.
“You flatter me too much. I may not be suited for such a role. Please, have a seat first. Will black tea be alright?”
At Sylaria’s suggestion, everyone took their seats. The maids, who had been instructed beforehand, quietly left after serving tea and refreshments.
“It seems I startled you with my haste. My apologies. I was simply too eager, I have been waiting for this invitation.”
“You were waiting?”
Euclid raised one eyebrow as he sipped his tea. Gerard cleared his throat and spoke.
“We of the progressive faction wish to lend our strength to His Highness the First Prince. As long as you act for the future of the Empire.”
“For the future, you say.”
“I heard that after the Second Prince’s engagement ceremony, His Majesty the Emperor has taken to his sickbed again. It seems the shock was too great, and his condition is worsening. If this continues, Davoud has no hope.”
Gerard was right. After forcing Arendtert and Grizelle into an engagement, the Emperor had collapsed almost immediately.
The dignified figure from the audience chamber was nowhere to be seen. He now tossed and groaned in pain. Apparently, his disappointment in his son’s decadence and lack of competence had aggravated his recovering illness.
Since Gerard regularly entered the palace for Noble Council meetings, it seemed he was well aware of the Emperor’s current state.
“The one favored by Her Majesty the Empress… forgive my bluntness, but he lacks the qualities of an Emperor. Even his qualifications as a prince are doubtful.”
At his forthright statement, Sylaria swallowed dryly. He hadn’t named names, but everyone present knew Gerard was referring to the Second Prince.
Such an assessment of a royal could be punished as an insult to the imperial family. Yet Gerard spoke without hesitation.
“A man who causes turmoil before even forming a household and shirks responsibility cannot be entrusted with anything, least of all the Empire.”
“…Is that opinion only yours, Marquis?”
“I speak here today on behalf of the progressive faction.”
Gerard answered with a resolute expression. Euclid nodded slightly, prompting him to continue.
“Thanks to His Highness the First Prince, the Empire has been freed from the terror of the Maw. We wish to devote our future to the prince who has brought peace to the Empire.”
Finishing his words, Gerard rose and knelt on one knee before Euclid. Euclid looked down at him with calm eyes.
“I have no need for a loyalty that sways like reeds in the wind. I want unwavering support. The Empress is not an opponent easily faced.”
“The progressive faction will become the strongest pillar of support above all else.”
Even as Euclid pushed him back verbally, Gerard remained steadfast. Bowing his head toward the prince, he spoke again.
“Actions speak louder than words. In the Crown Prince Selection that will begin soon, every member of the progressive faction will cast their vote for His Highness the First Prince.”
At Gerard’s declaration, Sylaria’s eyes widened.
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