Chapter 128. Mabel is not patient! 2021.04.24.
“…For that reason, His Majesty the Emperor is also attending the negotiating meeting today. I will tell you to prepare. Then I’m behind on work, so let’s go.”
Gustav left the bedroom with words like thunder from the sky.
“Ugh!”
Taking my vacation from sleep, I collapsed on the bed with a sad cry.
“My vacation…”
Even though he had nothing to do, it was hard to listen to the meetings of his servants for hours. I’d rather speak if I had the right to speak, but sitting still is so painful that I can’t stand it. I buried my face in the pillow and was sad, but I heard a knock and someone came in. As I turned my head slightly, Oscar, dressed in street clothes, approached me with a worried face. Then, with a friendly hand, he gently brushed my disheveled hair.
“What’s wrong with Mabel? Are you sick?”
Instead of answering, I asked Oscar.
“…where is Oscar going?”
“Ah, to pretend to be on duty. Because it has to look like you’re investigating the Evil Guild.”
I was a little surprised by the unexpected reason for going out.
“Were you still doing that?”
“My father tends to be more obsessive than I thought.”
“Hmm.”
I rested my chin with a meaningful face.
‘Is it really better than I thought?’
My father’s obsession, which I experienced as the person involved, was tongue-in-cheek. I don’t know how Gustav howled when he was a baby, coming to see me several times a day. Aidan said that sometimes they have invisible escorts. Even for me, I don’t think I’ll give up the guild research that I once had an interest in.
“Mabel. Where’s Aidan? Shinsoo?”
“Aidan skipped meals again and kicked him out to the restaurant.”
The restaurant street was able to maintain a barrier. Still, it’s stronger when you’re close.
“Yang-yi must have gone to see Ho-Ho? Hoho and Yang seem to have become very close lately.”
“Is it because it’s the same cat family?”
Oscar thinks the same as me. While I was nodding my head, he met my pretty green eyes.
“…so why were you so sad?”
The topic of conversation is back again. I sighed and grumbled.
“They said it was not necessary to come during the Langard negotiations, but they told me to come again. My freedom has been taken away.”
“I will be upset. I liked that I could sleep in after a long time.”
“I can’t help it…”
No matter how much the emperor of pants, he has to keep his duty. It’s sad, but I had no choice but to adapt. Then Oscar opened his mouth as if he had just remembered.
“Then I will meet my mother at the next meeting.”
“huh? Prince Donovan?”
“You said you started attending the meeting, didn’t you know?”
“really?!”
The gloomy mood instantly improved. As I noticeably like it, Oscar puts on a bewildered expression.
“Isn’t it difficult for Mabel to be a mother? Aren’t you scared at all?”
“It’s kind of blunt, but it’s not scary.”
Oscar gave a look of incomprehension, but said no more. It was only then that I remembered what Duke Donovan had said to me the day Oscar and I matched the outfit. That’s how the duke responded to my request to meet again next time.
“Perhaps we will see each other soon.”
Thinking that was the foreshadowing of the meeting, everything fell into place.
‘Will Duke Donovan continue to attend meetings in the future?’
As I was laughing at the thought of asking to have tea together after the meeting, Oscar looked down at me with a somewhat embarrassed face.
“Mabel.”
“huh?”
“It’s true that you attended the meeting, uh… no nothing.”
“Why don’t you stop talking? I mean, I’m curious.”
“Sometimes it’s good not to know.”
Oscar smiled kindly and stroked my hair. Somehow, I realized that being stroked by Oscar became more natural. Besides…
‘It seems like I’ve become a lot more mature these days.’
I squinted my eyes and looked at Oscar carefully.
***
Not long after Oscar left, Xavier announced a guest visit.
“His Highness Princess Renesmee, Her Highness Prince Dylan, and her escort, Prince Javier, are waiting in the drawing room.”
I checked the time. There was still time before the negotiation meeting.
“I have to go down.”
Their visit was unexpected as I didn’t think they would come right away because I had tea time yesterday. Upon entering the drawing room, everyone who was seated stood up.
“Meet His Majesty the Emperor of Ermano.”
Renesmee and Dylan greeted me with Langarde manners. After nodding my head, I waved my hand at Enrique, who was about to greet me.
‘I’m tired of even the warmest first greeting.’
Enrique pursed his lips and then bowed his head deeply instead of greeting.
“First, have everyone sit down. Larimar tea, please.”
“Your Majesty!”
While Larima went out to prepare refreshments, I stared at Enrique standing behind the children. Enrique, whom I met only a day later, looked quite tired. According to Emily, lately she was learning to work at the company and handling it as a substitute, so it was common for her to stay up all night.
‘But it must be difficult to have to escort during the day.’
That’s why I refused Enrique’s escort on my line, but I couldn’t take into account that the person concerned had a kind heart. In reality, it was the same as Renesmee’s companion, so there was no need for a formal escort mission, but Enrique was not that flexible. Before the tea was even ready, Renesmee hesitated and offered something.
“your majesty. I’m here to return the handkerchief you lent me.”
“Thanks Renesmee.”
As I took the handkerchief carelessly, Renesmee handed me a box.
“I prepared this in return for that time. It’s crude, but I hope you accept it.”
“Can I open it?”
“…yes!”
Renesmee blushed and nodded. It was an expected reaction, so I prepared my mind and opened the lid of the box.
‘No matter what comes out, I should be happy to receive it.’
I looked inside the box, vowing not to hurt the delicate child’s heart, but that didn’t happen.
“pretty!”
What was inside was a pretty little glass bottle with a glistening liquid. The pattern that decorated the bottle cap was luxurious.
“is that so? What a relief.”
Renesmee smiled shyly and wiggled her fingers.
“But what is this?”
“It’s a flower balm that’s good for a good night’s sleep. The stopper is specially treated, so the fragrance spreads gently.”
“and. Thanks Renesmee. I’ll write well!”
You can’t leave me out if you sleep soundly, but I’m glad you accepted it because you were sincere. When I sniffed it for a while, the scent spread softly and I felt better.
“Come on, Your Majesty. Can I make another one when you use it all?”
“Did Renesmee make it herself?”
“Yes…”
Renesmee’s cheeks turned even redder as if she was embarrassed. It was cute to see him shy, and he smiled happily. After a while, Larimar served the car, and Dylan, who had been silent all along, slowly but surely took out the snacks.
“Dylan.”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
Dylan, who stuffed his cheeks with cookies and mumbled an answer, seemed really ignorant.
“I told the chef to pay special attention. How is it?”
Then, Dylan, who swallowed the snack in his mouth, replied with his eyes twinkling.
“The food at Ermano is absolutely the best! Delicious!”
“Langard?”
“Langarde food is almost bland and bland. The food is the worst!”
Dylan, who had been frowning, pursed his lips as if he had something to say.
“Do you have something to say to Jim?”
“That’s… increased to six meals… can’t we?”
“W Six meals?”
Assuming my reaction was negative, Dylan hurriedly added, bewildered.
“If that doesn’t work, you can add one more snack…!”
“No, Dylan. If you want to eat, you can eat as much as you like. I don’t care.”
“really…?”
Dylan’s eyes widened. It was a reaction as if he had heard something he couldn’t hear.
“Wow, Your Majesty. So good! Prince Tristan only allowed me to eat three meals a day.”
“It’s a period of growth. You can eat a lot.”
“Can’t I live in Ermano? I want to go into exile.”
It was fun because Dylan, who said he would go into exile just because he could eat as much as he wanted, was both royal and childlike. Renesmee, who had been listening to the conversation, stabbed her brother in the side in a low voice.
“Dylan. You hated coming to Ermano.”
“not now. Changed my mind! My sister also said that Her Majesty was cool.”
“What if I say that!”
The siblings whispered and started arguing. And the problem is…
‘I can hear everything, guys.’
Could it be that whispers can be heard vividly? I laughed awkwardly and met eyes with Enrique, who was standing behind me.
‘Enrique has suffered a lot.’
When he spoke with his mouth, Enrique smiled lightly and shook his head slightly.
‘It’s okay, Your Majesty.’
‘Do not work too hard.’
Then Enrique nodded. Suddenly realizing that the surroundings were quiet, I lowered my gaze and was startled to see the siblings staring at me.
‘Oops.’
He had forgotten that Renesmee was interested in Enrique. At that age, you could be especially jealous. I was worried that Renesmee might have hurt her feelings, but fortunately, Renesmee smiled brightly.
“Prince Javier didn’t want to sit with us, perhaps because we were uncomfortable.”
“That’s not it, Your Highness. I’m on a mission-”
Enrique added hastily. Even if Renesmee suggested something, the scene where he would have stubbornly refused was good to my eyes even without seeing it.
“Enrique. My throat hurts from looking up all the time.”
“your majesty.”
“Why don’t Enrique sit down too?”
Then Enrique put on a troubled expression, sighed, and sat down in an empty seat. Renesmee looked back and forth between us in admiration.
“Your Majesty and Prince Javier look very close.”
“It’s been a while since we’ve known each other.”
Then Dylan tilted his head and murmured.
“time…?”
I could hear Dylan muttering, “Your Majesty, isn’t this years old nine years old?” Maybe my choice of words wasn’t appropriate for my age. I laughed ahaha and blurted it out. Just as we were chatting and emptying our tea cups once, Xavier came in.
“your majesty. You need to prepare for the meeting.”
“Has it already happened?”
I didn’t notice the time passing by talking. After putting down the teacup, Renesmee asked me in a low voice.
“Your Majesty. Can I come over often?”
“It’s okay as long as you avoid meeting time.”
He nodded happily, and Renesmee smiled broadly. Unlike yesterday, Renesmee seemed happy today, so I was relieved.
‘As expected, Renesmee was stubborn because she was clumsy with expressions.’
While I’m at Ermano, I’ll shower you with affection as a cousin.
***
A strange tension flowed inside the conference hall. It was Pasifica Donovan, the head of the Donovan family, who was paying attention to the nobles of Ermano’s parliament.
“You came today too…”
“Is political neutrality a thing of the past?”
“Then the aristocracy or the imperial faction?”
“There will be a great upheaval due to a power struggle in the future…!”
The so-called ‘uncle servants’ led by Mabel whispered to each other as they grasped Pacifica’s intentions. Even in the midst of the turmoil, Pacifica remained aloof and silent. After a while, when Langard’s envoys were seated, the empty seats were the seats for the emperor and the emperor.
“You’re a little late today.”
“Aren’t you excited to even wait?”
Even though it was a little past the start time of the meeting, Ermano’s servants were generous. Because I heard that none other than the emperor was attending the meeting! Mabel entered the meeting room when the Langard delegation was making faces in an unusual atmosphere.
“Ugh. Your luggage is late.”
Mabel, who was late to say goodbye to Renesmee, quickly took a seat at the table. Even though it was autumn, I was sweating profusely because I ran so quickly. Behind him, Aidan, the escort, was also with him. On the other hand, there was no mention of the late situation system. It was just when they were seated. Pacifica quietly rose from her seat.
“…?!”
The servants of Ermano were startled.
‘Is this a protest against His Majesty being late?’
‘Such a reckless thing?!’
To everyone’s amazement, Duke Donovan approached Mabel without hesitation. Duke Donovan reached out to Mabel. In her hand was a handkerchief.
“Wipe it.”
“Thank you, Lord Donovan!”
Mabel smiled brightly and wiped away the sweat with a handkerchief. Duke Donovan returned to his seat and sat down with an expressionless face. It was obviously an insensitive face as usual, but the servants felt it for a moment.
‘It’s the same people.’
That person who is disguised with an expressionless face must be of the same type. It was. The number of rivals at the conference hall increased by one. A very strong rival!
***
The negotiation meeting has begun. In a solemn atmosphere, Duke Tristan calmly asserted their sovereignty in the first place. Since the emperor was attending the meeting for the first time, the issue of discussion was the repetition of the contents of the first meeting.
“The province of Cartoem, including the Montpil Islands, was subjugated under Langard rule after the war 37 years ago. This has been concluded in a treaty between the two countries and is clearly stated in writing.”
“Could it be that the document claimed by Langarde is a forgery? I have never heard of it.”
In the Ermano Empire, it was after confirming the royal castle that was now Orphey. However, the king of Orphe Kingdom in the past and the current lord of Orphe Province completely denied this fact.
“It is the unmistakable truth. Check it out.”
Duke Tristan nodded, and an attendant distributed the manuscript to everyone. There was clearly written in the Langard language that the ownership of the Montfil Islands and the Cartoem region was to be handed over to the Langard Empire. Mabel also read the manuscript meticulously.
“So, the disputed area currently belonging to the Ermano Empire is Langard’s territory. Before surrendering to Ermano, the soldiers of Orphe Kingdom were stationed there because of Langard’s consideration.”
Duke Tristan assumed that an immediate objection would come. As expected, Ermano refuted Langard’s claim.
“It’s not.”
However, the problem was that the owner of the remark was the young emperor of Ermano.
“yes?”
“I said no.”
“ha ha ha!”
Duke Tristan laughed for once. It was not a topic that a nine-year-old, no matter how clever, could understand. But I can’t help but laugh because I can’t ignore the emperor of another country. However, Duke Tristan’s efforts were in vain.
“Are you laughing at Jim?”
At Mabel’s stern question, Duke Tristan quickly erased his laughter. In an instant, the atmosphere froze. Meanwhile, Duke Tristan had an inappropriate thought. The young emperor glared at him like… a roaring baby lion. He thinks he is scary and is satisfied, but the people who see him are just cute. As Duke Tristan hesitated, the nobles of the council grew grim. It was intended to match the rhythm of the emperor. In particular, Duke Donovan’s momentum was terrifying. Duke Tristan, who had dealt with a rather benign old man, was unreasonable to endure Pacifica’s gaze. He swallowed a dry gulp and smiled softly.
“No, Your Majesty. How can I ignore you? May I ask why you dispute the claim?”
But deep inside, he had no intention of looking down on the emperor of Ermano.
‘Smart, but only a child than Renesmee and Dylan.’
Duke Tristan already knew. The emperor only attends meetings, but in reality, it is the state emperor who has stepped down from the throne to govern state affairs.
“Good.”
Satisfied with the polite tone, Mabel nodded with a satisfied face. Then. Jjiik-. I tore up the manuscript of the treaty document in my hand. With a lovely smile on his face. Everyone was shocked.
