In This Life, I Will Be The Lord - Chapter 195

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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This Life, I Will Become the Clan Head Episode 195

On the road heading to Lombardi’s villa.

An awkward silence flowed inside the carriage carrying Emperor Yobanes and Empress Lavinia together.

The two people, who rarely found themselves in the same place unless it was for some significant occasion, didn’t exchange a single word.

Especially Yobanes’ face, which only stared out the window, was quite a sight to behold.

It seemed like he would gladly give away several gold bars if he could get out of this carriage right now.

“Ahem.”

Eventually, Yobanes let out an uncomfortable cough.

The reason he found the Empress so awkward was due to the recent pressure to appoint a Crown Prince.

Of course, the Empress had never directly spoken about that matter until now.

But he couldn’t be unaware that Angenas and the Empress were behind those who urged Yobanes to appoint a Crown Prince at the council meetings.

Sure enough.

“Your Majesty.”

The Empress called Yobanes in a gentle voice.

“I heard there have been suggestions about appointing a Crown Prince at recent council meetings.”

Just as expected.

Yobanes inwardly twisted his lips in displeasure.

“Although Your Majesty is still in good health, you should understand the nobles’ concerns about any unforeseen misfortune.”

Any unforeseen misfortune.

Those words broke Yobanes’ silence.

“Are they worried about me as the Emperor, or about Angenas’ future?”

“Of course it would be for Your Majesty’s and the Lambru Empire’s well-being.”

“You really take me for a fool.”

The Emperor no longer hid his uncomfortable mood.

Though one might back down from those coldly glaring eyes, today Empress Lavinia pushed a little harder.

“Allow me to speak frankly, Your Majesty.”

At Lavinia’s words, Yobanes snorted as if to say ‘go ahead and try.’

Emperor Yobanes glanced at the Empress sideways.

Though she seemed affectionate and genuinely offering loyal advice, there was nothing inside but greed for herself and her family.

It had always been that way since the day they first met.

Lavinia was not the Empire’s Empress, but merely ‘Lavinia of Angenas.’

“Right now, Your Majesty is simply postponing something that must be done eventually.”

“I know.”

“Then why do you delay so long? Surely you’re not thinking of making the Second Prince the Crown Prince?”

At Lavinia’s question, thrown like a sharp spear thrust, wrinkles formed on Emperor Yobanes’ brow.

“That mother’s lowly blood cannot become the bloodline that inherits the throne of this Lambru Empire.”

Lavinia’s voice was calm.

It wasn’t particularly a pressing tone either.

This was because she knew well that, if nothing else, Emperor Yobanes shared her opinion on matters of bloodline.

“Ahem.”

Another cough escaped from Yobanes.

Astana was lacking.

But Yobanes had never once thought of passing the throne to Peres.

Those red eyes and black hair reminded him of the Previous Emperor.

Even now, when he closed his eyes, the events of that day came back as vividly as if they happened yesterday.

“You too will die at your son’s hands just like me, Yobanes.”

That figure cursing and sneering with bloodshot eyes still tormented Yobanes.

“Later.”

The Emperor opened his closed eyes and spoke.

“Let’s discuss this later, Empress.”

Just then, the carriage came to a stop.

As the door opened with a whoosh, Yobanes rushed out of the carriage as if he had been waiting for it.

“Hahaha!”

Empress Lavinia coldly glared at the back of the Emperor, who was laughing loudly as if he had never been displeased, then followed him out of the carriage.

Lavinia too wore a bright smile in the same manner.

* * *

While everyone respectfully bowed their heads, only Grandfather calmly faced Emperor Yobanes eye to eye.

However, no one considered this presumptuous.

The position of Lord of Lombardi was such a place.

“Now, now, everyone raise your heads.”

As if something good had happened, Yobanes spoke while continuously maintaining a beaming smile.

I raised my slightly bowed head and examined Emperor Yobanes’ face more closely.

It was certainly a smiling face, but something felt awkward about it.

Like someone forcing themselves to smile.

Then I felt someone’s gaze on me and turned my head.

It was Peres.

Since this was an official occasion with everyone watching, when Peres’ eyes met mine, he gave a small bow.

I likewise nodded slightly and turned my attention to the conversation between Grandfather and Emperor Yobanes.

“But a hunting competition held in the Forest of the Mad. Lord Lombardi has attempted something quite unique?”

“This hunting competition was prepared not by me, but by my granddaughter Pirenthia.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Yobanes’ curious gaze fixed on me.

“Though my skills are lacking, I did my best, Your Majesty.”

I lightly grasped my skirt hem and curtsied while speaking shyly.

Then I signaled to the Lombardi employees who were standing by.

At the sign I sent, the attendants delivered two sets of protective gear to the two princes.

Red was for Peres, and yellow was for Astana.

“What is that?”

Emperor Yobanes asked me.

“It’s protective gear prepared for the participants of this hunting competition. Besides the two Crown Princes, all other participants will wear identical protective gear.”

“The colors seem rather bright. Wouldn’t they be unsuitable as hunting attire?”

“Of course they are. But the Forest of the Mad is famous for its particularly thick fog, so this is a measure I devised for the participants’ safety. If someone were to go missing… we’d have to search for them in the dark forest.”

As I said this, I subtly glanced at Astana.

I could see that pathetic fool, already thoroughly frightened, flinch greatly.

How cowardly.

Rather, Emperor Yobanes seemed to become more interested upon hearing my words about danger.

“Hearing that makes me even more curious. Why hold a hunting competition specifically in the Forest of the Mad?”

“When spring comes, monsters from the Forest of the Mad often attack nearby settlements, Your Majesty.”

I spoke in a clear voice so everyone could hear.

“So while everyone gathers to enjoy the hunting competition, I thought it might be helpful to the Empire’s citizens as well.”

“What an excellent idea!”

Emperor Yobanes shouted loudly.

Then he stroked his bearded chin and said.

“With such a good cause, I cannot be left out. I will participate as well.”

Oh, what unexpected good fortune!

It was such a surprisingly admirable statement from Yobanes that I wondered if I had misheard.

Originally, I should have guided the Emperor to enter the forest on his own.

I glanced at Peres.

This is what you wanted, right?

Peres also seemed quite pleased with this unexpected windfall, his eyes slightly narrowing.

I looked at Emperor Yobanes again and said.

“However, Your Majesty, since it could be dangerous, how about participating on the last day of the competition after the hunt has progressed somewhat? I will also prepare protective gear for Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha!”

The Emperor burst into loud laughter again at my words.

“Yes, you’re the only one who worries about me, Pirenthia!”

The faces of the surrounding Imperial Knights, who hadn’t even tried to dissuade the Emperor from participating in the hunting competition, even as empty words, instantly hardened.

“Let’s do that!”

Emperor Yobanes said, patting my shoulder.

What an inconsiderate touch it was.

As his thick hand heavily patted down, my shoulder began to hurt, but I didn’t lose my smile as I spoke.

“Besides that, we’ve prepared many entertainments for those who won’t participate in the hunt, so I hope you’ll have a pleasant time while staying at the Lombardi Villa.”

Especially you, Empress Lavinia.

“Then let’s go inside now.”

Grandfather interjected between me and the Emperor.

“Let’s do that, Lombardi Family Head.”

As Grandfather and the Emperor began walking at the front, the crowd parted and a path formed all the way to the villa building’s entrance.

Behind them, the Empress, Shannet, and others began following.

Before I knew it, Peres had approached my side.

“Hello, Peres.”

“Hello, Tia.”

After exchanging brief greetings, we looked ahead.

Peres watched the Emperor’s back, while I watched the Empress’s.

Not knowing what was coming, I could see them getting excited looking at the lavishly decorated manor and surrounding scenery.

Yes, enjoy it while you can.

It won’t last long.

Watching them walk toward the manor from behind like this, I felt like I was conducting a drive hunt.

Peres and I were currently driving our prey toward where the trap was set.

* * *

The eve festival banquet had begun.

It was different from the rough banquets usually held with hunting competitions.

A banquet hosted by me, Pirenthia Lombardi, under the Lombardi name couldn’t be like that.

Since it was an eve festival held outdoors at night using the vast grassland around the manor, I emphasized the pastoral atmosphere while hanging bright and beautiful lights everywhere.

Thanks to this, the space prepared for the eve festival felt even more splendid than banquets held during the day.

Also, the food and drinks provided were prepared with only the finest quality.

“Everything seems to be going smoothly.”

I positioned myself where I could see the entire banquet and looked around.

The Emperor, Grandfather, and other highest-ranking nobles had already moved to another location.

“Where, where are you hiding?”

There was one target I was craning my neck to find.

“Ah, found you.”

Far away, I spotted Astana.

And Belesack, who had appeared from somewhere and was sticking to him like gum.

I called over an employee who was passing by with drinks.

“Instead of this wine, take Caloga liquor and make sure Crown Prince doesn’t run out of drinks.”

Caloga liquor was Astana’s favorite strong drink that Beit had found out about in advance.

“Yes, Young Lady.”

The servant who politely answered prepared Caloga liquor on a silver tray and walked toward Astana.

Astana’s face, which had been listening to Belesack’s words with a very annoyed expression, brightened.

He had spotted the Caloga liquor.

“Good, good…”

I watched Astana with a slightly nervous heart.

Drink it, drink it, drink it.

And all too easily, without a moment’s hesitation, Astana picked up the glass containing Caloga liquor.

“Oh my, look at that?”

I could see Astana, after tasting one glass, completely taking the tray away from the employee.

This time, my lips unmistakably curved upward.

“The alcohol is going down, glug glug glug.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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