Golden Return (1)
“It’s Ross Taylor’s mansion… It’s been 5 years, Abama.”
The dispute over the succession of the imperial throne, which had been burning like a flame, seemed to be taking some shape as the years passed.
It was a war of nerves that continued for a long time after Prince Lindon suddenly gave up his right to succeed to the throne one day.
There was some sort of power struggle and power struggle between the three princesses of Emperor Cloel… but that too was now becoming a thing of the past.
The 3rd princess Fenia, who received the most support, was imprisoned on Aken Island in the southernmost corner of the continent, and the 2nd princess Persica was also locked in the imperial library and never came out.
Was he disillusioned with the various treacherous crooks who were united in their approach solely out of greed for power? Or is it just a matter of taking a breath before a full-blown fight?
The reason is unknown, but at least it was good news for 1st Princess Selaha.
“If you command me, I should go. The Ross Taylor family is a prestigious family that contributes a lot to the imperial family, so the imperial family needs to save face.”
She is a girl who feels an unknown chill, like the calm winter air.
There is no arrogance or fuss. Only delicate elegance, like a work of ice, surrounds the body.
Even the hair has a bluish glow, like a snowflake covered in thin ice.
In the center of the throne room, which was so large that it was comparable to the girl’s body, was Emperor Cloel, the ruler of the Cloel Empire and a rare saint.
An old-fashioned silk carpet stretched from the emperor’s throne, extending all the way to Selaha’s feet.
The imperial guards stand solemnly with their spears raised, not even moving a single inch. Numerous aides who had gathered to advise the emperor were also bowing their heads on one side of the throne room.
“I will prepare well and leave on time. However…”
Emperor Cloel ordered First Princess Selaha to visit the Rosstaylor Mansion.
It seemed like he had already had a conversation with his closest associate, Crepin Rosstaylor.
“It’s a shame that I can’t meet Fenia because the timing isn’t right.”
Selaha, the Princess of Frost, said that and bowed her head.
There was a strange silence among the closest associates on either side of Emperor Cloel. Because those words had many meanings.
It has been over a year since Princess Fenia Elias Cloel of Charity left the imperial family to study.
No matter how strong the power supporting Princess Fenia is, even that power becomes weak when you are far away from her.
At this time, when Princess Fenia returns for a long-awaited vacation, if the forces supporting Fenia take advantage of this opportunity to stir up again and refine their loyalty, it will not be a very good thing for Selaha.
Selaha wanted to stay in the imperial palace and see what was going on, but he was not happy about the fact that he had to cross paths with Princess Fenia and go all the way to the distant Duchy of Rosstaylor at a time like this.
Fenia herself said that she did not have a strong desire for power, but Selaha did not believe her.
Therefore, Emperor Cloel’s instructions ordering Fenia to stay away during this important time when she returned to the imperial family were not very satisfactory. Of course, Selaha has no right to refuse that.
“I understand your desire to meet Fenia for the first time in a long time and clear the air, but from your perspective, the Duchy of Rosstaylor would be a much bigger opportunity.”
Are you forcibly separating yourself from Princess Fenia? Emperor Cloel did not bother to reply to Selaha’s words, which contained such a question.
“Selaha, you know very well what the social club at Ross Taylor Mansion is like.”
Selaha nodded.
Crepin Ross Taylor, the head of the Ross Taylor family, does not particularly enjoy opening such social gatherings.
However, there is a name for being the most powerful person on the continent. That is why it is necessary to make friends with various nobles.
Therefore, when these social events are held, they are held in a grand manner.
This is truly a golden opportunity for the small nobles in the outskirts. It is very rare for people from all kinds of influential and noble families to come together like that.
Originally, the imperial family had a custom of sending their closest aides to grace the occasion, but this year, the senders were upgraded to a higher level and the first princess herself went out.
This is to show off the solidarity as there has been a deep exchange between the Cloel imperial family and the Rosstaylor family over a long period of time.
I’m not particularly offended by it being used as a symbol. The position of the princess is a position with stronger symbolism than actual power. Selaha knows that well too.
Rather, this Ross Taylor social gathering is an opportunity.
In order to become an emperor, the Rosstaylor family is a tool that you must thoroughly learn how to use. It is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the Ross-Taylor family and interact with its members.
It doesn’t end there.
This enormous social event takes place over five days in order to easily accommodate the busy schedules of the participants.
Just looking at the people scheduled to be invited, there were many prominent figures who were leading the empire. The people that come to mind right away are all big names.
Margrave Zahur, who single-handedly manages the largest granary region at the southern tip of the empire.
Roland is an investor who is responsible for all practical fund flows of Elte Trading Company.
Evian Nortondale, the head of the Nortondale family, one of the most prestigious martial families.
Valbern, a rare innovator known as ‘father’ to the alchemists of the alchemy city of Cret.
Saint Clarice is praised as the most noble messenger of God at the top of the Telos Church.
Sinir Bloomriver, the head of the Bloomriver family, a prestigious magical family and known as the ‘House of Witches’.
Legion commander Magnus Calamore, famous for commanding the northern grasslands and killing the largest number of demi-humans.
As the first princess of the Cloel imperial family, Selaha, the princess of frost, has emerged as the next quite powerful successor to the throne.
Of course, since it is the Ross Taylor mansion, people from the Ross Taylor family will also attend.
The most noble one, matriarch Crepin Rosstaylor. And even its successor, Tanya Rothtaylor.
In addition, Crepin himself said that he is even planning to use this opportunity to reinstate his precious son, Ed Ross-Taylor.
Isn’t this the son whom he personally kicked out for insulting the noble Princess Fenia? Now they say they will accept him as a member of the family again, but I don’t know their intentions.
‘Well… the current actual successor is his younger sister, Tanya Rostaylor…’
Selaha left the throne room and exited the central palace of the imperial family, escorted by the knights.
I fell into deep thought as I walked through the grand, beautifully decorated imperial garden.
With so many people attending, it is impossible to include everyone.
I’ll try to meet as many people face to face as possible, but… I need to set priorities.
Armed financial power and even religious support.
It is narrowed down to Roland, an investor with connections to the Northern Legion Commander Magnus Calamore Elte Company, and Clarisse, the church’s saint.
In addition, there is a need to get in touch with the Ross Taylor family once more. Since I don’t know Tanya Rosstaylor, who is currently in the position of successor, I plan to use this opportunity to speak up.
“Hmm…”
What comes to mind at this point is Ed Ross Taylor, who will be reinstated this time.
I have no idea what Crepin Rosstaylor is thinking. From what Selaha had heard a long time ago, there was a rumor that he was a bastard among bastards who could not be saved.
Anyway, wasn’t he a man who lived on the ground as a fallen nobleman for nearly two years?
He would have lost all dignity and authority, and most of all, he would have fully experienced how hellish it was to live without the glory of his family.
The more people like that, the more anxious they are to cling to the family rather than ruling it.
Since he had been at the bottom for several years, his position within the family would have been ambiguous, and he would have had no opportunity to contact many influential people, so it seemed clear that he would be left out in social circles.
Still, I would like to make an acquaintance with the idea of investing in advance if I see a possibility, but… considering the time given, I don’t know if I will have time to invest in him. To put it bluntly, he is a person of little importance.
“Princess Selaha. I will tell you to prepare to go to the Duchy of Rosstaylor.”
“Please.”
After telling this to the royal guards, Selaha entered the palace gate.
Anyway, no matter what anyone says, the person that Selaha is most concerned about right now is Princess Fenia.
There is no telling what she will do when she returns to the imperial palace during vacation. Wasn’t it a situation where Selah had to leave his seat?
Feeling somewhat uneasy, Selaha decided to instruct his aides to come to their senses.
* * *
“I was waiting for you. Please come in.”
Claire, the captain of Princess Fenia’s guard, bowed her head.
I thanked him and walked through the front door of the royal residence. Tanya came in after me and looked around hesitantly.
“It feels like it’s a different world here, brother.”
Tanya, who was entering the royal residence for the first time, looked around and quickly cleared her throat for fear that she might look undignified.
The most luxurious and expensive facility on Aken Island is the Ofilis Pavilion. If you think simply in terms of expenditure, the royal family’s accommodation is a close second.
However, there is a difference in scale.
Ofilis Hall is a luxurious dormitory built for students from all noble families to share, but this royal residence was built solely for Princess Fenia.
Although it is less than half the size of the Ofilis Building, it is a ridiculous luxury considering that it was built for just one person.
It took a while to get past the main gate guarded by guards, across the garden, and into the residence that looked like a mansion.
And after going through a neat and luxurious-looking hallway for a while, I saw Princess Fenia’s reception room.
“Now, just a moment…”
Tanya quickly straightened her hair and rearranged her clothes before entering the reception room.
Tanya has already met Princess Fenia several times. However, this is the first time he has officially visited me since becoming student council president.
It was just yesterday morning that Tanya wrote a letter to the royal family residence.
Summer vacation comes and we, the Ross Taylor siblings, return to our hometown. However, before that, there is something I would like to ask of Princess Fenia. That was the tone of the story.
Princess Fenia is not someone you can easily meet. However, perhaps because of his position as student council president, or perhaps because he just saw our names, he surprisingly readily accepted.
As a result, we, the Ross Taylor siblings, came to the royal residence early in the morning.
When the door to the reception room opened, Princess Fenia was seen sitting alone on a sofa that looked expensive at first glance.
A lace dress with a subtle atmosphere. Platinum-blonde hair stretches down along the lines of the clothes.
The size of the sofa is so ostentatious that it does not suit the girl’s body.
It looks noble, but at the same time, it seems lonely.
“Hello, Princess Fenia. Thank you for allowing me to be here.”
When I said hello first, Tanya quickly followed suit and bowed her head.
Princess Fenia lowered her gaze, nodded, and then looked towards the sofa across from her. Tanya and I went without saying anything and sat down across from each other.
“You look well, Ed Rosstaylor. And Miss Tanya.”
“Yes. Has the princess been at peace so far?”
“….”
Princess Fenia did not answer for a moment and lowered her gaze again.
“Same as always.”
The inn’s butler came to us politely and put the tea down. Tanya quickly put a sip in her mouth.
“Princess Fenia. The reason we came here today is…”
“I guess you need my authority.”
Fenia didn’t hesitate and got straight to the point.
I wonder how she sees me and Tanya reflected in her eyes and how she sees us. .
I don’t know anything about that, but at least she doesn’t seem hostile.
On the contrary, Princess Fenia’s tone was even softer.
“I am the person who had the greatest role in excommunicating you, Ed Rothtaylor, so my approval will make it easier for you to be reinstated. It’ll get easier.”
It felt like he was saying it rather bluntly.
Anyway, it ended up being like he was asking me to push for it because I have to play the lottery.
As I said, returning to the Ross Taylor mansion is a big gamble from my perspective. It’s something that requires a lot of preparation
. I decided to go with Lucy, so even if there is no big problem, not everything can be solved with force alone.
In the culture among nobles, most problems are ultimately solved with ‘authority.’
Recognition from a high and noble person makes it easy to touch that person. It makes things difficult.
“Now that I think about it, it’s been a long time since I sent greetings to the Ross Taylor family. Ed Rosstaylor Could you please deliver my handwritten letter to Lord Crepin on my behalf?”
Fenia did not say much. The letter had been prepared in advance.
The servant slowly approached and held out Princess Fenia’s letter… with a luxurious gold frame. It was surrounded by a lot of letters and there was also a seal from the Imperial Cloel family attached to it. A personal letter
from the royal family cannot be passed on to anyone with the authority to do so. The meaning of this one page personal letter is heavier than you might think. The
important thing is that it is not sealed with wax. .
The fact that the letter is not sealed implies that the sender completely trusts the messenger. It indirectly expresses that he or she deeply believes that no mischief will be made in the letter. Historically, a
person who trusts others. It is a classic method used when introducing a letter. Although it is an unnecessarily complicated etiquette, it has always been the courtesy of the royal family.
In fact, it has been recognized by Princess Fenia and has been entrusted with her authority. This letter, by its very existence, is believed to be the messenger. It grants special authority that prevents anyone from tampering with it.
“I didn’t necessarily write down a power of attorney. Even if I just carry that much, it will be a golden return.”
“I didn’t expect you to help me so easily. I was ready to negotiate a little more…”
“…”
Princess Fenia didn’t bother to answer those words.
Princess Fenia is a person who has a skeptical view of the Rosstaylor family. Let’s dig into that. For example, I was planning to reveal my intention to find out the internal affairs of the Rosstaylor family.
However, Princess Fenia readily cooperated before doing such a troublesome task.
However, she did not say anything more. I was so embarrassed that I spoke. After that, there was only silence for a while.
Princess Fenia just stared at me for a long time.
Her gaze seemed strangely vague and heavy, so I tried to find another topic to talk about… but I couldn’t find one.
* * *
― ‘The carriage sent from Ross Taylor Mansion will arrive in about two days.’
Tanya said that and returned to the Ofilis building. Now it was really time to go home.
I couldn’t manage the camp while I was back at the mansion. So, it was necessary to take several measures to ensure that it would be okay to be away for a long period of time.
The cabin door had a I made a lock and hung it up, and organized all the tools lying around outside. I also
had to retrieve all the traps set up here and there in the forest, oil them, and put them in the storage box. I decided to dispose of all the ingredients except those that could be stored for a long time. .
It was around the time I returned to camp after thinking about finishing everything today.
“Ed. You’re here!”
Yenika, who was sitting by the fire, faced me in a strangely fussy tone. She
raised her tone to make a fuss, but then started to squeak, and I could tell she was nervous.
“Look at this, Ms. Bell . You gave me some precious herbs and I added them to the curry! I tried it while looking at the liver earlier, and the scent is really amazing!”
“….”
As I was looking at Jenica’s face with half-moon eyes, Jenica stamped her feet and broke into a cold sweat.
“You . … Why are you looking at me like that?…”
The sight of her whimpering and hiccuping was definitely Yenica Failover itself.
Yenika looked away for a moment as if I had hit the nail on the head.
“… .”
“Are you worrying about useless things again…?”
“No, you know…”
Yenika had been like this ever since the end-of-semester exams were over.
Yenika hugged her knees and rested her chin on them. Anyway, he always looks the same when he’s scared.
“I… I thought I knew Ed well, but sometimes I feel like I don’t know him at all…”
“Me?”
I took off my shoes and patted the dust inside. “I can
assure you that there is no one in this academy who is as close to me as you are.”
“What do I do if we are close in body… I have no idea what Ed is thinking or what kind of attitude he lives with.”
Yenika said . Then, I sighed heavily. I wondered why he was acting like this again, and then something unexpected occurred to me.
“Is it because you gave up the chief position? “I think you were rude to me?”
“Huh…! no! no! no! no! No!”
“It’s clear that you’ve been unclean five times…”
As I was shaking off my shoes, dust rose up. I frowned and waved my hands around. Anyway, even if you move around a little actively in the forest, your clothes will quickly get dirty.
” Is there anyone who behaves well from the beginning? That’s how we all learn.”
“…You know, Ed… I’m talking about that separately…”
“…?”
“Ed, can you please excuse me? A mistake… or something like a slip
of the tongue….” When I looked at Yenika with an expression as if I was dumbfounded, Yenika waved her arms. She looked so sorry for the world that I felt even more sorry about it.
“I wonder if I did it . Was what I just said a mistake?”
“Did you really eat something wrong?”
In the end, Yenika closed her eyes tightly and confessed,
“I feel like my head is going to explode too. I just kept having bad thoughts…”
“Bad thoughts?”
“…Ed, the thought that you might come to hate me.” As expected,
I was speechless there.
Yenika is a kind and good person by nature, but sometimes she gets like that. There are times when one’s attitude comes across as rude to others.
The more good and proud people are, the more often this happens, so it seems like they have no experience of being hated by others in that way.
That’s why Yenika is struggling like this. Just in case. I wonder if that happens to me too.
“Don’t worry.”
“….”
“Even if you are a bit rude, do you think I will dislike you so easily? You are a very special person to me.” Yenica took a moment to catch her breath and then subtly raised her gaze to see what I was seeing. Judging from the tears welling up at the corners of her raised eyes, it seemed like she was
going through a lot of emotional distress.
Doesn’t it feel like I’m usually mean to Yenika? Although I always try to be nice to her.
“Anyway… I have something to tell you. Aren’t you going back to your parents’ house this vacation?”
“Huh?”
“Are you interested in accepting a simple request?”
* * *
Two days later, a luxurious carriage crossed the Maxes Bridge.
It was waiting at the main gate with all its luggage packed. I, who was there, took Tanya’s luggage and carried it in.
“They sent a pretty big carriage. Well, since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the carriage, it’s better to have a carriage that’s as big and comfortable as possible.”
“Did you sleep well last night?”
“No, I worked a bit so I could sleep in the carriage. You look a little tired too.”
“I’m also a little tired after finishing up camp work.”
“Yes, but…”
Tanya looked at the carriage coming over the Maxes Bridge and then hurriedly clung to me. I whispered,
“The atmosphere is so scary, does it go all the way like this in the carriage…?” I
turned my head and looked back and saw two girls standing side by side.
A girl with light pink hair wearing a white blouse, a navy blue flared skirt, and a brown shawl. There is one and there is a small girl with white hair hanging down in a roughly attired shirt and skirt.
Needless to say, they are Jenica Palover and Lucy Mayril.
The two look at each other as if wondering…Why on earth is she here? He had a face that looked like he was in…
That’s how it happened.
