Chapter 54. That guy can’t, Mabel 2020.08.08.
Ahem hem. The nobles of the council held their necks stiffly proud. The eyes of the others lit up with curiosity.
“Oh oh…! It’s exactly what you said… isn’t it so lovely?”
“Ugh! awesome sound. That cuteness is only part of it. Haven’t you seen His Majesty lying on the throne and sleeping soundly? Tsk tsk.”
Those who gathered around Puggi’s words clenched their fists and were indignant.
“Keugh. I miss you too!”
“I envy you damn…”
“Dirty council members…”
Even so, being in the council was the most honorable thing for those with titles. There was a fixed number of seats in parliament, and the seats were usually hereditary. It was not something you could attend just because you had money and power. On top of that, how could I not be jealous that I could see His Majesty the Emperor five times a week? It was a great honor to show my face there. Duke Donovan was the only one who didn’t show up when he was entitled to sit in Parliament. The nobles of the Council began to show off their friendship with His Majesty the Emperor.
“greatness. By the way, the pillow Your Majesty uses is mine.”
“I brought the blanket. I learned from my wife and even embroidered the edges!”
“Are you a pervert?”
The nobleman, who was said to have embroidered himself even when attacked, did not change his complexion and smiled proudly. No matter what anyone says, you are the one who gave the Emperor an embroidered blanket! When everyone’s eyes were on the little emperor who appeared at an official event for the first time, there was someone who was excited in a different way.
“This is my granddaughter.”
It was the Marquis of Gardenia. Usually, the Marquis of Gardenia was a cool-headed, bloodless, and tearless image that was hard to come by. With his charisma that overwhelms the crowd, he has managed to organize the complex Gardenia family succession plan and rightfully ascended to the position of head of the household. He was the leader of the aristocratic faction in name and reality. Followers nodded bewildered at the sudden declaration of the granddaughter of the Marquis of Gardenia.
“yes? That’s right.”
The stupid Chi who didn’t know that obvious fact was definitely not here.
“I said she was my granddaughter.”
“That’s right. His Majesty the Emperor is the granddaughter of His Excellency the Marquis.”
“okay. You are my granddaughter.”
“That’s right…”
Somehow, the atmosphere of the Marquis of Gardenia was different from usual. There was such a famous saying. ‘If the Marquis of Gardenia laughs, someone will surely see blood in the back.’ That much meant that the Marquis’ laughter was dangerous. Laughing means someone offended him. By the way…
“Cheolkeol. You look so cute today!”
Finally, the Marquis of Gardenia burst into madness. Those who witnessed the laughter began to tremble in fear.
***
Just as there are various factions among nobles, there were also groups of young girls who were making their debut today. Since they had been interacting at small parties such as tea parties even before their socialite debut, they had a close relationship with each other. And among such young ladies, the one who seized power by far was Emily Javier, the daughter of the great noble Javier family.
“Welcome Lady Emily!”
“The dress you are wearing today is so beautiful. Which dressing room did you order from?”
“I am truly envious of Lady Emily. A kind older brother escorts you.”
“Prince Javier is with His Highness the Prince. Miss Emily is also familiar with Her Highness the Prince?”
Enrique Javier. and Oscar Alle Hermano. Their precocious personality for their age, high status, and impeccably beautiful appearance made them popular among young ladies. Emily, who was listening to the girls’ questions with a smile, shyly nodded.
“yes. His Highness the Prince used to stop by the mansion often because he and my brother were swordsman classmates.”
“oh.”
“Envy!”
Unlike his angelic appearance, Oscar was known for his cold and cold personality. If you’ve never danced with any young lady at a ball you’ve attended, you’re done. Even so, the young ladies stayed by Oscar’s side every time, looking for a chance to talk. Just by looking at them, the young prince was too cool in their eyes. A young lady put her hands together and stared at Emily with envy.
“I really envy Miss Emily. My brother is kind and kind, and he is friendly with his close friend, His Highness the Prince.”
All the young ladies around nodded as if they agreed. Emily smiled meaningfully.
“well.”
No matter what anyone said, among the young girls making their debut today, Emily stood out the most. The youngest daughter of Duke Javier, who has powerful wealth and power that no one can ignore. A pretty face and a friendly older brother. Emily prepared for months to prepare for a successful social debut. So, he had no doubt that he would become the main character of this national banquet. Until I ran into an unexpected person in the dressing room.
‘It was so startlingly cute.’
It was the first meeting with the baby emperor who was wrapped in a veil. Emily had a hunch the moment she saw the Emperor.
‘The main character’s place will be usurped.’
To that extent, the emperor was a being with a charm that drew attention. It made me want to touch even Emily’s cheeks.
“By the way, where did Prince Javier go?”
It was at that time when a young lady was looking around.
“Oh!”
With someone’s cry, the main character of the banquet finally appeared. Emily felt the gaze of her father, Duke Javier, looking at her.
***
‘Ugh. burden.’
In my own way, I think that an emperor should be confident because he is an emperor, but he couldn’t help but shrink. Mabel unconsciously held onto Esteban’s hand.
‘People are all staring at me!’
The fact that everyone was staring at him was enough to make Mabel afraid. Duke Donovan looked down at Mabel and calmly gave advice.
“your majesty. Keep your head up.”
“yes.”
ha ha ha Mabel took a short deep breath and slowly looked around. I didn’t know because I was so nervous when I entered, but when I looked back, I saw a familiar face. The Marquis of Gardenia, who was looking at herself with a smile as usual, and the familiar servants around her. There were knights that I would run into occasionally, and there was Oscar, who was well-dressed. And next to him, Enrique too. Emily was mixed in with the young ladies her age. Among them, it was so beautiful that it stood out.
‘Among them, there must be nobles whom I fed through the Information Guild, right?’
He usually punished nobles with bad manners, but it was regrettable that he did not know their faces.
“ruler. Let’s sit, Mabel.”
“Yes.”
Esteban lifted Mabel up and seated her on the throne. Esteban stood right behind him, and Duke Donovan stood on the podium below as if to protect him. The presence of the two was enormous. Everyone in the hall bowed their heads and waited for Mabel’s command. Mabel broke into a cold sweat in the quiet atmosphere without even the melody of an orchestra.
‘Too solemn…’
Esteban smiled contentedly and stroked Mabel’s cheek.
“My dear Mabel. Everyone is waiting for your greeting. Say something.”
“Eh?”
I didn’t say I had to say hello! Mabel looked down at Duke Donovan in bewilderment, and she nodded softly.
“You can say what you want to say.”
What should I say? Mabel, who was clenching her small fists and looking around anxiously, opened her mouth soon.
“Everybody keep your heads up.”
Everyone raised their heads at the Emperor’s solemn order. Mabel swallowed dryly. I do not know what to say. So I just said whatever came to mind.
“Thank you for coming to the founding year of Korea today. I hope you have fun and enjoy it.”
Mabel’s greetings ended, but the surroundings remained silent. People watched the baby emperor as parents.
‘Isn’t this… too smart?’
‘How wonderful…’
He was so eloquent and cute than I expected, so I looked blankly at him without realizing it, but Mabel interpreted it differently.
‘Was my greeting too poor?’
Mabel was visibly sullen. Seeing the scene, Esteban opened his eyes and glared at the nobles in front.
‘How dare you stun our Mabel?’
People were startled by the piercing, sharp gaze. Esteban, who was standing behind Mabel, commanded with a mouthful. clap.
‘Hee!’
Clap clap clap!!! Immediately, applause poured in. But the faces of the people seemed to be frightened. Let Mabel tilt her head-. Smile. Esteban ordered.
“Ha ha ha ha ha!”
“…oh ho ho ho!”
clap clap clap! Applause poured in with cheery laughter. Only then did Mabel smile in relief. Mabel turned her head and looked at Esteban with a proud face.
“Stop saying hello.”
“Good job Mabel. You’ve been able to say hello before you know it.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s see… What should I give to Mabel, who is good at saying hello this time?”
People’s eyes widened. He had heard rumors that Emperor Hwang Sang-je was crazy about his daughter and bestowed everything on him, but he never imagined that he would see the scene with his own two eyes. Esteban smiled kindly and asked Mabel.
“What do you want to receive, Mabel? tell me anything.”
“Mother?”
“okay. whatever.”
Mabel smiled sweetly.
“Take what you get for nothing! Sipper!”
At that, Esteban made a surprised face. In the third year of Seodang, he recites Poongwol, and in the fifth year of Esteban’s daughter, he kicks off his servant.
***
There were several incidents, but the banquet resumed smoothly. Esteban, who had been guarding his seat all along, disappeared with a serious expression when Gustav approached and whispered to him. As the atmosphere gradually matured, Duke Donovan, who was guarding Mabel, got lucky.
“Would you like to go down and say hello to the others in person?”
“yes.”
Mabel struggled with her legs to get off the throne. But his legs were too short to touch the ground.
“Keeing…”
Mabel whimpered and concentrated on getting down from the throne, not seeing people wringing their hands at her in pity.
‘I want to help.’
‘I want to drop you off!’
As everyone cheered for Mabel in unison, Mabel’s toes finally touched the ground. but. cooong!
“Wow.”
I suddenly sprained and fell to the floor. Fortunately, there was a soft carpet, so I wasn’t seriously hurt, but I was heartbroken.
‘The emperor’s honor has been lost!’
Mabel hurriedly turned around with a teary face, but no one was looking at her. Only Duke Donovan was waiting for him.
‘Didn’t the others see it?’
People were in a hurry to hide their mouths as they saw His Majesty the Emperor, who quickly regained his energy and jumped up and went down the stairs.
“Go away, Your Majesty.”
“yes. Please take good care of me, Lord Donovan.”
Mabel passed Donovan’s side, passing the crowd. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the banquet, but they couldn’t take their eyes off the toddler Mabel. It was so dainty that it seemed like it would make a popping sound when I walked on it. At the place where Duke Donovan arrived, there was a gathering of richly dressed noble ladies.
“Long time no see, ma’am.”
“Oh my. His Excellency, Duke Donovan…!”
The Countess of Darrish, greeted by Duke Donovan, covered her mouth with both hands. Duke Donovan often showed up at official banquets, but he always kept his seat formally and left midway. Rarely did he speak first. There are many people who would like to say a word to Duke Donovan, but not the other way around. Mabel was surprised to see the noble ladies startled. This isn’t about having an influence in the social world.
‘I think I’m going to break the social world…’
Unexpectedly, I ended up carrying an enormous chaperone on my back.
“Oh my gosh, look at my mind. I see Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“Meet Your Majesty the Emperor. I…”
Several wives greeted Mabel with happy faces.
“Meet Your Majesty the Emperor. My name is Swanna Derish of the Countess of Derish.”
The last wife’s greetings were over.
‘Earl of Derish?’
Mabel frowned. The Earl of Derish was a name that occupied a prominent place on the list of high-indebtors who were heavily in debt to gambling. And I heard from a passing sparrow that his wife was completely unaware of this fact.
‘okay. Let’s not step forward.’
The moment she made that resolution, the Countess of Delish smiled gently and met Mabel at eye level.
“We are having a lot of fun. I hope His Majesty will have a fun time too.”
“Hut.”
Mabel had a weakness for kindness. In particular, he was more vulnerable to the kindness of middle-aged women.
‘Ah, I can’t…’
I shouldn’t step out for nothing. But that thought was quickly erased from my mind by a friendly smile.
“It’s fun. By the way, Mrs. Are the Count of Delish coming here too?”
“Sure, Your Majesty. This is the man we are talking to over there.”
Mabel, who turned her head to follow the countess’ gaze, shouted with her eyes wide open.
“Ugh!”
“Why is that, Your Majesty?”
“When I went out to buy clothes before, that man is busy. It’s like this in front of Phantasium Street.”
“…yes?”
Fantasia Street. It was famous for having the largest gambling hall in the empire. The smile vanished from the countess’s face. At the same time, the expressions of the noble ladies around her also hardened. The Earl of Darish had already once spent a fortune on a gamble and was barely forgiven by kneeling down on his wife.
“Excuse me for a moment, Your Majesty. I wish you a pleasant banquet.”
“yes!”
With Mabel’s permission, the wife left. Seeing that she called the count who was talking with her close friends and took her to the balcony, Mabel was relieved.
‘After that, it’s up to the wife.’
Whether you forgive or screw up your husband until the end. At some point, the topic of conversation has changed to the recent fan design trend.
“Then I hope you enjoy the banquet.”
Having achieved his original purpose, Duke Donovan brought Mabel out. After that, he exchanged greetings with other nobles several times. Everyone was kind to the baby emperor they had never seen before. Even if Mabel had no power, the forces behind him were so strong that being visible was the most important thing. Mabel took a sip of the strawberry-flavored drink Donovan had given her.
“Are you tired?”
“Nope. Good luck.”
Mabel was eager because she couldn’t disgrace the face of Duke Donovan, who was in charge of her education. It was while they were taking a breather at the edge of the hall. Brilliant blond hair could be seen from afar. Enrique Javier, adored by the ladies of society, stood before His Majesty the Emperor. At that moment, people recalled an anecdote that had been buried in their memories. About 4 years ago, the Javier family sent a letter of marriage to the imperial family and the royal family was overturned!
“Meet Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“Enrique!”
People were even more surprised by Mabel’s warm welcome. It was too intimate.
‘Is the Javier family also occupying the position of the state secretary?’
Enrique, who smiled kindly as everyone looked on with interest, reached out his hand.
“Will you give me the honor of dancing with your Majesty?”
“Huh?”
Naturally, Mabel was perplexed. It was because he didn’t teach me that he wouldn’t need Duke Donovan. It was a time when he couldn’t even reject Enrique’s outstretched hand.
“no.”
A voice suddenly came from behind.
“That guy can’t do it, Mabel.”
Esteban, who had returned alone before he knew it, stared at Enrique with sad blue eyes.
