NTWBR 17

Chapter 17

“Was I wrong?”

“……”

The summoned Marshal Chancellor remained silent. Naturally, he had no choice but to be silent.

Because Irene had challenged the empire’s succession law.

If he were to make a statement in this place denying Irene’s priority succession rights, it would be a frontal denial of imperial law.

However, if he were to acknowledge Irene’s priority succession rights, it would be going against Emperor Fern the Fifth.

At Irene’s question, which had cornered the Chancellor, Duke Welbrun also remained silent.

Because Duke Welbrun’s judgment aligned with Irene’s.

A question that was difficult to answer easily.

Whichever way one answered, it was a question that would inevitably create political flaws.

“Moreover, there is no precedent for a married princess succeeding to the throne. Therefore, at this time when the immediate succession is not yet decided, I believe my marriage to a foreign crown prince is itself an overreach.”

“……”

Everyone in the meeting room, including Marshal Chancellor, could not say a word.

Rather, they were even cautious about breathing.

Because they judged that one wrong breath or one wrong word could shorten or end their political careers.

“That is not an incorrect statement.”

Duke Welbrun’s words broke the heavy silence.

Duke Welbrun turned his gaze from Irene to Emperor Fern the Fifth.

“Your Majesty, the second point is not incorrect.”

“Duke.”

“Think about it carefully. Even in noble society, if there is no son, the family line is continued through an unmarried daughter.”

There were many noble families that continued their lineage through the female line.

And the Marquess of Atherton had also been a woman in the previous generation.

“So there’s no reason the imperial family would be an exception.”

“……”

“Furthermore, the lady’s current succession rank is first even as the presumptive heir.”

What the Duke was saying was not wrong.

“Sending the provisional successor to the throne to marry into a foreign country is an act that could pose a risk to the succession.”

“Even so, you can’t keep her unmarried forever just because she’s of marriageable age, can you, Duke?”

“Did the lady ever say she wouldn’t marry at all?”

“……”

That was true.

Irene had not declared celibacy. What Irene had declared were two things.

One, that she would decide her own marriage, and the last, that she would become Emperor.

These two things.

In other words, Irene meant that she would become Emperor and choose her own husband.

However, no one had understood it to that extent.

They only thought that Irene was asserting her succession rights and the issue of imperial succession in order to insist on marrying the man she wanted.

However, Duke Welbrun was slightly different.

In the letter Irene had sent to Duke Welbrun asking for help, it was written that Istana’s difficult food situation would worsen further.

And that preparation for this was needed as soon as possible.

Judging that Irene, who was known to have lived almost confined within the palace, had written this much in the letter, Duke Welbrun concluded that Irene’s judgment was quite sound.

So he had decided to help Irene.

However, Irene as seen by Duke Welbrun today was a politician who appropriately utilized her own position, the reputation of potential marriage candidates, and the rumors surrounding them.

‘Quite impressive. Is this Ernst Clayton’s work?’

Duke Welbrun’s gaze turned towards Ernst, who was standing behind Irene.

Dirty blonde hair, calmly subdued green eyes, masculine, bold features, tall stature and handsome looks. And an excellent mind as well.

If only his status were acceptable, he seemed like someone who could be pushed as a candidate for Irene’s husband.

‘What a pity. If only his status were decent, I’d recommend him.’

While Duke Welbrun was inwardly regretting this, Irene was locking eyes with Emperor Fern the Fifth. It was almost as if they were in a staring contest.

“Are you saying that considering Crown Prince Franz’s reputation, his personal life, and your position under the succession law, a marriage decision right now is overreaching?”

Emperor Fern the Fifth spoke as if denying the obvious.

“It’s not about right now, Your Majesty. It’s about being overreaching until the issue of Istana’s imperial succession is resolved.”

“You are aware that the lady is not getting any younger, are you?”

“I am aware.”

“Then you will need to marry before time passes, won’t you?”

‘What’s so important about marriage anyway!’

It was tiresome. She felt like asking what was so important about marriage.

“I believe that issue is not urgent until the imperial succession issue is resolved.”

“Generally, it is a woman’s duty to marry, bear children, and raise them.”

“As history proves, a woman can also succeed to the throne.”

No one could refute Irene’s counter to Emperor Fern the Fifth’s words.

Because there was precedent.

The precedent of Empress Francesca.

An empress who ascended the throne as an unmarried princess and elevated Istana from a kingdom to an empire.

That was Empress Francesca.

By citing the precedent of Empress Francesca, Irene had defied Emperor Fern the Fifth’s words.

“……”

“Your Majesty.”

“And what does the Chancellor have to say now?”

“It is not as if we lack precedent.”

The Marshal Chancellor spoke, seemingly taking Irene’s side.

“Also, since we cannot force the lady, who is the presumptive heir under the succession law, into marriage, I believe we should postpone giving an answer to Mestia a little longer.”

“Hmm.”

It wasn’t about creating a new precedent. It was simply about following an existing one.

However, Emperor Fern the Fifth’s expression did not reflect that.

He was openly revealing his intention to have Irene marry Crown Prince Franz as soon as possible, exactly as he wished.

“Your Majesty. In any case, marriage will only be possible in at least two years.”

“I know that too, Chancellor.”

“There is no urgent need even if the engagement is delayed a little more.”

“But still!”

“Your Majesty. Lend me your ear for a moment.”

The Marshal Chancellor’s eyes gleamed.

And then he immediately whispered something into Emperor Fern the Fifth’s ear.

As the Chancellor’s words grew longer, Emperor Fern the Fifth’s expression changed by the minute.

Irene watched every single change in the Emperor’s expression without missing a single one.

‘What on earth is he saying to make him change like that?’

She turned her gaze to look at Duke Welbrun. The Duke’s expression was unchanged.

No, it wasn’t entirely unchanged.

As a man who had achieved mastery in martial arts, he could easily hear the whispers from that distance.

The fact that he showed no reaction meant it was safe to assume that Duke Welbrun also agreed with whatever was being said.

“…Fine, Madame Pailyn.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Regarding the first opposing reason you brought up, the clear evidence is insufficient.”

“……”

‘Just how much more evidence do I need to present for him to believe me?’

Frustration rose at Emperor Fern the Fifth’s words.

“However! Regarding the second point you raised, the issue of imperial succession, I have judged it to be a matter worth considering further. Therefore, I will not conclude the matter of Madame Pailyn’s marriage right now.”

It was a statement akin to a declaration from Emperor Fern the Fifth.

“Your Majesty!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

As soon as Emperor Fern the Fifth finished speaking, a sound akin to a shriek erupted from the Marquess of Atherton.

And Irene immediately rose from her seat, bowed her head, and expressed her gratitude.

It didn’t seem like a situation that warranted gratitude, but in any case, she felt she had to express it.

So she bowed her head and said thank you.

“Congratulations, Your Highness the Princess.”

A low voice from Ernst reached Irene’s ear as she bowed her head.

Hearing Ernst’s whisper, Irene quietly lifted the corners of her mouth.

‘I finally bought some time, I bought it.’

Although no specific time limit was set, Irene was simply happy that she had bought time.

Her logic had worked.

Her first victory in political maneuvering.

It might be hard to call it perfect, but it was a valuable first victory.

Irene, with her head bowed, heard the sounds of Emperor Fern the Fifth, the Marshal Chancellor, and the other nobles and officials leaving the room.

And what followed was the sound of heavy male footsteps.

“Duke… is that you?”

“Congratulations on your first victory, niece.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

“Calling me Uncle now?”

His voice was a little mischievous.

Just from his voice, she could tell Duke Welbrun was in a good mood.

Irene quietly straightened up and met his eyes.

“Because you took my side.”

“…Hahaha! Listen, niece.”

“Speak, Duke.”

“Your argument was politically difficult to find fault with, so I simply took your side.”

“Still, you did take my side, didn’t you?”

“Hahaha! I suppose I’m going to lose today. Alright, let’s see each other again next time.”

Duke Welbrun continued to laugh heartily as he left the meeting room.

After everyone had left, only Irene and Ernst remained in the meeting room.

“Congratulations on your first victory.”

“Thank you, Sir Ernst.”

“……”

Hearing about her first victory once more through Ernst’s voice made it feel real.

Moreover, it was the first time Ernst’s voice had sounded so warm and comforting.

Until now, the voice of Ernst that had reached Irene’s ears was that of a reliable advisor and strategist.

But the voice she heard at this moment was comforting.

It felt as if leaning on him would make all worries and anxieties disappear. She even had such thoughts.

“Your Highness the Princess.”

“I know.”

“Let us return now.”

“Just a little longer.”

She wanted to savor the afterglow. The afterglow of her first victory, won by her own hands.

“…Pardon?”

“Just a little longer.”

“…Understood, Your Highness the Princess. No, my liege.”

Ernst stepped back from Irene and began to keep watch over their surroundings.

There was not a single thing that could pose a threat.

Still, Ernst scanned the area without letting his guard down.

‘I must not be satisfied with this, Irene. This is only the beginning.’

Indeed.

This was only the beginning.

From now on, the vigilance of her father, Emperor Fern the Fifth, would only intensify, and the gazes of the Marshal Chancellor and other officials would not be favorable.

And through the mouths of the officials and attendants present here today, stories about Irene would spread throughout noble and official society.

Irene felt a thrill thinking that from now on, the eyes of nobles and officials would be fixed on everything she did.

It was a different kind of thrill from when she had lived constrained by her own bonds just to receive attention.

Although accompanied by a very slight fear, she wanted to savor this current feeling, enveloped by the thought and sense of accomplishment that she had done it herself.

Quietly closing her beautiful violet eyes, she took a deep breath.

‘Ahead lie more difficult times. But I will overcome them.

Because I must.

No matter what adversity comes, I will overcome it, become Emperor, and take my revenge.’

“My liege.”

“Ah…!”

“We must return now.”

“Yes, let’s go back.”

Meanwhile, at that time, Crown Prince Franz was at a tea party attended by the major noble ladies of Istana, the wives of officials, and their daughters.

“How can the Crown Prince be so considerate?”

‘Yes, I am very considerate.’

Franz was very satisfied. He drank in the gazes of the noble young ladies and ladies with his entire being.

‘I like this one too, and that one too! If it weren’t for that woman! I could make something happen.’

“That’s right. To think such a person has been nominated as Madame Pailyn’s marriage partner! I’m so envious.”

At the admiration of a young lady whose name he couldn’t even remember, Franz flashed an even more brilliant smile.

“The proposal hasn’t even been accepted yet.”

“Oh my?”

“Still not? We heard you’ve been going to propose every day for the past week?”

“That’s true, Madam.”

Crown Prince Franz smiled brightly among the noble ladies, officials’ wives, and their daughters.

Enchanted by Crown Prince Franz’s attitude and eloquence, everyone’s gaze was fixed on him.

“But we heard you visit her every day with a bouquet of flowers.”

“Yes. I heard that too. I envy Madame Pailyn.”

“Exactly. How could she not accept the proposal of someone so romantic and passionate?”

“Right! If it were me, I would have said yes already!”

They all unanimously spoke in Franz’s favor, saying that if they were Irene, they would have already accepted.

Franz smiled brightly as he watched their reactions.

‘Someday, I will bring that woman to my feet. I will completely shatter that haughtiness of hers.’

“But I believe she will accept if I keep proposing.”

“Oh my!”

“Kyaa~ That’s so romantic!”

“How wonderful~!”

‘Yes, this is exactly the reaction I wanted.’

He was satisfied. Franz, deeply immersed in the wave of satisfaction, flashed an even brighter smile than before.

“Anyway… I hope the proposal gets accepted soon.”

“It will happen as you wish, Crown Prince Franz.”

“Of course, of course!”

And so, Franz’s actions and words began to accumulate.

One day, two days, three days, four days…

As time passed, his words and actions piled up and snowballed.

By the time these rumors had accumulated and spread not only throughout noble society but also to the capital’s residents, they eventually reached Irene’s ears.

“What did you say?”