When the Female Lead Went Off-Script, the Main Male Lead Became the Tyrant's Empress - Chapter 22.1
The Amperion Empire celebrated the Winter Solstice Festival for three days.
There was a popular belief that on the first night, the winter solstice itself, dormant magic beasts ran wild to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival.
Therefore, on the winter solstice, all shops closed early, and most subjects, aside from the guards standing watch, either prayed quietly or went to bed early.
Then, when the second day dawned, they celebrated having passed the night safely.
Unlike the relatively peaceful capital and provinces, the North sent out its garrison forces on subjugation expeditions rather than its guard corps.
This was because Monster Waves actually occurred only on the winter solstice.
The North could never lower its guard.
If they failed to stop the monsters, many subjects would never live to see the second day.
“Still, we make sure not to neglect our watch. Thank you for your concern.”
Are you really grateful?
To my ears, that sounds like you’re telling me not to meddle unnecessarily.
Arden swallowed those words and smiled shamelessly.
“Of course.”
If anything happened, it would happen in the capital, not the North.
This place, where creatures more insidious than magic beasts lurked, was the most dangerous of all.
“I think you should pay more attention to the council than to Yse. The atmosphere seemed unsettled.”
There was no possibility that Haster was unaware of that fact.
Just as he had said, the atmosphere in the council was turbulent.
Around a dozen nobles and dozens of priests had disappeared.
When a group centered around Furgat, the former court preacher, was arrested for plotting heretical proselytization and illegal religious reform, the council and the temple were thrown into an uproar.
When the first trial was held, the councilors and priests suspected that they had been falsely accused.
However, they were considerably shocked when the list and proof of association that Furgat, who had ‘died of illness,’ handed over before his death were presented as evidence.
To think that a renowned court preacher had plotted such a thing.
And his supporters!
“Ah, it can’t be helped. Nobles and priests they knew are undergoing inquisitions and political trials, so it’s only natural for them to worry that they might be dragged into it as well.”
“You aren’t entertaining the complacent notion that there are no more of those subversive groups, are you?”
At Haster’s concerned question, Arden let out a hollow laugh.
“Of course not. Do you really think I’d do something that stupid?”
He had no intention of stopping here.
If he wished to seize absolute imperial authority, he couldn’t be satisfied with merely this.
“Are you enjoying yourselves?”
An elegant and clear voice slipped between Arden and Haster.
“Countess.”
When Arden acknowledged her, Troanne lightly bent her knees in a curtsy before straightening.
“You have no idea how delighted I am that Your Highness has visited our salon again today. The number of guests increased when His Highness the Grand Duke began visiting, but now there’s hardly even room to set foot inside.”
Her words were no exaggeration.
When word spread that the Crown Prince had begun attending the salon after the Grand Duke, many people eagerly visited for various reasons, whether out of personal curiosity, political ambition, or a desire to find a powerful patron.
“I’m glad I’ve been of help. I was worried I might become a nuisance who disrupted the free discussions.”
“A disruption? Certainly not. The salon has become much livelier thanks to Your Highness.”
“Then I suppose I should visit often.”
“Of course. Everyone will be waiting, so please visit whenever you wish.”
Haster silently drank his wine as the two conversed.
They were both exceptionally skilled at lying without the slightest change in expression.
Whenever they were alone with Haster, Troanne and Arden poured out their complaints about each other as though he were a bamboo grove they could shout their grievances into.
‘The reception hall is too small and suffocating. Doesn’t she intend to renovate the mansion? How does she expect to operate a salon like this?’
‘If His Highness wishes to play the host, why doesn’t he do so at the imperial palace? Why go to the trouble of coming all the way here?’
‘She always shows up only when I’m with you and takes you away. What is the Countess’s problem?’
‘Please tell him to stop seducing women!’
Once this conversation ended, they would undoubtedly grab hold of him and begin complaining again.
His head throbbed just imagining it. Who was he supposed to complain to in a situation like this?
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
