Chapter 14 – Part 4

“Your Majesty, it is only fitting for His Highness the Crown Prince to remain in the palace, as he carries the bloodline of the imperial family. This should not be decided by transient emotions.”

Unsurprisingly, the most vocal opponent of Joshua’s stay at the Marquis’s residence was Viscount Landerck, who thought he would save himself.

Members of the imperial faction, including the Duke of Travell, came to the Emperor and Empress’s defense.

“His Highness the Prince is still young. He will feel more secure with his mother, the Empress.”

“Why don’t we deliver the marriage proposal today as planned and have her return immediately? The marquise and the imperial palace aren’t too far apart, and with the nanny, so a day or so shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

Some of the nobles gathered in the council chamber were puzzled, for the entire noble clique was holding their breath to avoid offending the Emperor.

But regardless, Viscount Landerck continued.

“We need to send a carriage to the Marquis’s residence and bring His Highness the Prince right now. You may not know it after the ceremony, but the Empress is still an Empress. so… … .”

“Viscount Landerck.”

Leonard, who had been listening, spoke up heavily.

Viscount Landerck flinched, but he raised his head as if unable to back down.

“You were close friends with the late Marquis Salvatore.”

“…….”

“And I understand that the Empress’s father, Ludwig Evan, spent time with you often before he committed treason.”

“That has nothing to do with this matter, Your Majesty, and as for the treason, did you not conclude your investigation at the time? I am merely speaking out of loyalty, which is also for His Highness’s sake.”

Viscount Landerck excused himself, his face white.

Leonard raised one eyebrow at the last word.

“For His Highness?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince carries the bloodline of the imperial family, so it would be more appropriate for him to stay in the palace until the banquet, but reversing this after the execution of Marquis Salvatore could be seen as Your Majesty not recognizing His Highness the Crown Prince as an imperial son.”

Viscount Landerck’s words pointed to Isaac Salvatore’s last words before his beheading.

“…It is rumored in society that Your Majesty’s doubts about the Empress’s chastity and the Crown Prince’s bloodline. Therefore, for the sake of the Empress, please…”

“You are truly generous.”

Leonard said sarcastically.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t say anything to offend me now.”

A hush fell over the room. Several people glanced at each other as the atmosphere grew heavy.

“By the way, Viscount. I heard recently that you and your wife are preparing to divorce.”

It was Alaina, the new Marchioness of Salvator, who spoke up.

She smirked as her eyes locked with Viscount Landerck’s.

“Is it true?”

Viscount Landerck’s face stiffened as if her question was true.

“That is a private matter that has nothing to do with this business, Marchioness.”

“I heard that you and your wife are at odds over custody of your child after your divorce.”

Alaina was no stranger to social gossip.

She had already heard that the Viscountess, who had always been unhappy with him, was preparing for a divorce.

It is clear that this has made the Viscount unpleasant to the Emperor, and he sees no need to put up with him.

Furthermore, the Viscountess Landerck’s mother was a powerful countess, so there was bound to be a custody dispute.

“I don’t want to be misunderstood. What if I assume that you’re so intent on opposing this because you’re afraid it will set a precedent that will disadvantage you in a future custody battle?”

“…….”

“It would be a shame if Viscount Landerck’s deep loyalty to the imperial family was misunderstood.”

Viscount Landerck could not hide his discomfort at the sarcasm.

“Loyalty to the imperial family does not mean unconditional obedience to His Majesty’s wishes, but rather advising His Majesty even at the risk of disadvantage. So…….”

“Yes, I am well aware of your loyalty.”

Leonard crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.

“And with such discernment, you wouldn’t have paid attention to the nonsense spewed by that baseless person who dared to claim to be my father just because he briefly courted my mother.”

“…….”

At Leonard’s sneer, Viscount Landerck fell silent, as if he were speechless.

Leonard’s gaze swept him up and down.

“According to Viscount Stuart, who is on probation at the manor, there were others who were actively complicit in spreading my mother’s letters.”

It was a low murmur, but its content caused several heads to bow and avoid the Emperor’s gaze.

“Perhaps the Lord of utmost loyalty has nothing to do with that?”

“Y-Your Majesty.”

“Tell me. How should we handle those who insulted my mother and insulted the imperial family by actively participating in spreading her letters?”

Viscount Landerck’s face went white.

The others who had raised their petitions against Isaac held their breath and watched.

The viscount glanced at them, shuddered, and clutched his head.

“Although I indeed contributed to damaging the reputation of the imperial family with a moment of foolish judgment, it was all because I fell for the trick of a cunning person, and it was born out of shame and loyalty to the imperial family, so I think I should be treated kindly… … .”

“Do you think that I say these things without knowing anything?”

Leonard interrupted Viscount Landerck.

“Do you think that your entrance and exit from Marquis Salvatore’s mansion would have gone unnoticed by me and that I would not know who financed the newspaper that published my mother’s letters?

Someone gulped dryly at his words. Viscount Landerck dropped to his knees in a panic.

“Please, kill him, Your Majesty.”

“I will.”

Leonard nodded, unperturbed. He turned and ordered his guards.

“Bring the sword.”

At those words, Viscount Landerk, who had his forehead pressed to the floor, looked up in surprise.

“Your Majesty, your……?”

“A great man must listen to the demands of his subjects. You have asked to be killed, and I will grant your wish.”

Leonard said, accepting the sword from the captain of the guard.

As he drew the sword from its scabbard, its sharpened edge flashed in the light of the chandelier.

The viscount’s face went white once more.

“Spare me, Your Majesty, spare me.”

“Didn’t you just ask to be killed?”

“Now, my mistake, Your Majesty. I frivolously…….”

“You said earlier that you would advise me despite the disadvantage, but you changed your words so easily.”

Leonard sneered and slid his half-drawn sword back into its scabbard.

Viscount Landerk lay on the floor, unable to raise his head.

Leonard looked down at him, his face puckish.

“Well, then, you must go home and get some rest.”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty?”

The viscount asked, startled, as he tried to push himself up. Leonard gestured to the doorway.

“I know you’re not happy about the impending divorce, but you’re not even remembering what you said, and keep changing your mind. I don’t think you’re in any condition to attend a meeting, so I suggest you return to your manor.”

Though his voice sounded concerned, it meant expulsion from the council chamber. And expulsion from the council chamber meant…

“Also, the title you hold seems quite burdensome, so as soon as you have divorced your wife, you will bring me the Viscount’s seal.”

“Your Majesty!”

The viscount fell at the emperor’s feet once more.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but if you take back the title, how will I provide for my children and what will happen to innocent servants? Please, show mercy…”

“You don’t think it was a mercy that I sheath my sword?”

Leonard said, fiddling with the sword on the table.

It was a question of whether he would abdicate his authority or put his neck on the line.

When Viscount Landerk remained silent, Leonard gestured to the guards. The guards grabbed the viscount as if waiting for him.

No one in the room spoke until he was dragged away.

“Then we shall resume our meeting.”

Leonard sat back down in his seat, his face fresh.

The sound of papers being flipped through could be heard urgently.