Young Master, Please Put Some Pants On! - Chapter 100

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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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Chapter 100

“At this rate, something as disgraceful as what happened during the Former Emperor’s reign might occur again.”

“As you all know, the Aizen Empire has been able to maintain its current prestige because our ancestors led countless wars to victory, hasn’t it? They were able to win those wars because of the superiority of being purebloods.”

The story that followed was always the same issue of imperial succession. The current Emperor Persiana, despite his daily deteriorating health, had not yet designated a successor, and this wasn’t simply because the most likely candidate, Kermanomon, was refusing the succession.

It was because Persiana, who had the most progressive tendencies among all past emperors, secretly wanted Arsian to be the next emperor. This was a fact known not only by those present here but also by all the nobles of the Noble Faction.

No matter how much Kermanomon refused and turned away, imperial succession was an imperial decree. In other words, it was a matter he could not refuse.

Therefore, all those attending this gathering believed without doubt that Kermanomon would become the next emperor, but they were secretly anxious about Persiana’s continued postponement of the succession.

“I heard rumors lately that the kingdoms are trying to form an alliance and support the Ferzen Ducal House…”

“It seems they’re moving with Modnen at the forefront. Since the Former Empress’s father still sits on the throne, he would want Duke Ferzen to ascend to the imperial throne more than anyone.”

“But isn’t the perception of half-bloods quite poor among the kingdom’s people these days? In this situation, the kings won’t be able to easily support Duke Ferzen either.”

“Still…”

As the interior grew restless with talk of Arsian, someone who had been quietly listening to the conversation calmly sipped his wine and spoke up.

“There’s no need to be so impatient. His Imperial Majesty will surely give us some indication at least at this year’s end-of-year exchange meeting.”

It was Duke Willik. Unlike the others who were anxious and worried about the numerous rumors, Dajes Willik maintained his usual upright attitude.

“His Imperial Majesty loves and cherishes the Empire more than anyone else. Such a person would never make the wrong choice.”

His deeply set blue eyes showed not a trace of wavering. Dajes Willik briefly looked at his reflection in the teacup.

What was reflected on the tea’s surface was an aged old man with white hair. The vigorous general of his youth had long since disappeared into time. Having devoted everything for the Empire’s prosperity, he knew that sometimes many sacrifices were necessary for the greater good.

“The Duke is right. His Imperial Majesty would never do such a thing.”

“I think so too!”

With Dajes’s firm statement, the tense atmosphere gradually relaxed. It was during this time when the harmonious meal continued along with talk of the imperial throne. Audrin, who had been enjoying the meal, suddenly asked Kermanomon, who was sitting diagonally across at the center of the formal dining table.

“If Your Grace ascends to the imperial throne, who would become the next Her Majesty the Empress?”

Her pointed question instantly dampened the atmosphere in the banquet hall. In fact, many of those present had been watching Kermanomon’s reactions even before the talk of imperial succession began.

All their conversations were essentially silent pressure directed at Kermanomon von Severus. Throughout the meal, Kermanomon maintained an expressionless attitude and didn’t join any conversation, but he also didn’t storm out of his seat as usual.

Therefore, some interpreted Kermanomon’s attitude as a positive change regarding the imperial throne, and they didn’t miss this opportunity to naturally create an atmosphere that encouraged Kermanomon. But to suddenly bring up marriage instead of the succession issue at this point.

“Surely it’s not that woman from Temel who heated up high society this year, is it?”

Everyone present let out silent sighs at Audrin’s tactless continued chatter. At this rate, Kermanomon would surely stand up and leave without hesitation, accompanied by tremendous sarcasm.

However, his subsequent reaction was truly shocking.

“…My companion matters are for me to handle, so there’s no need for interference.”

At those words, the nobles’ eyes widened in unison. Of course, his attitude was still as cold as ice, but it was a distinctly different reaction compared to before.

“…”

Dajes Willik also felt something strange about that behavior. For him, who usually showed distaste and avoided the topic whenever women were mentioned, to show such a defensive attitude.

Something was definitely odd.

“Since the topic came up earlier, how is the atmosphere in other territories these days? Ever since the Revolity incident was converted to a public investigation, our territory has definitely been quite unsettled.”

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Marquis Verotize quickly changed the subject. It had already been two weeks since the Revolity incident was made public. Anywhere on the continent, Revolity was a hot topic of conversation.

“It’s the same for us. We get several reports about unfair treatment every day, and it’s driving us crazy.”

“Even when we proceed with investigations, if the other party denies it, there’s nothing we can do about it. They say they were already thinking of firing them, or that the conflict arose for other reasons… There are even talks that this temporary bill is too favorably biased toward half-bloods, asking if it’s reverse discrimination.”

“All this trouble because of those half-blood bastards, what kind of situation is this…”

At someone’s muttered blatant remark, people coughed and avoided responding, but no one pointed out that behavior.

Once again, it was Marquis Verotize who spoke first.

“I think the same way. Of course they would feel wronged, but honestly, isn’t it something that can’t be helped? Since their very existence deviates from the natural order, they should endure that much inconvenience. Don’t you think so?”

“Of course. The existence of half-bloods diminishes our value.”

“Tsk tsk, if it weren’t for the Ferzen Ducal House, I would have stepped forward long ago to establish related laws!”

“Count, please don’t say such things. What would you do if you became a target of Revolity?”

“Hahaha! You’re right, I should be careful with my words.”

The banquet hall was quickly filled with laughter at the low-quality joke.

Kermanomon, who had maintained silence for a long time, quietly raised his wine glass with a sunken expression.

It felt exactly like looking at a pond where water had stagnated so long it had begun to rot. The worst part was that he too had his feet dipped in that pond.

* * *

While Kermanomon was attending the luncheon, Mellis headed alone to the city district of Marquis Verotize’s territory. Of course, strictly speaking, she wasn’t really alone.

‘You want to explore downtown by yourself? That’s nonsense. What if someone kidnaps you?’

‘No, who would kidnap me and for what purpose…!’

‘Besides, strange men might approach you with ill intentions. Of course, the marquis territory is famous for its good security, but there’s no harm in being careful… This won’t do. You’ll take the knight order with you.’

‘I’m not Garulus, this is overprotection!’

Who would have thought that the overprotection and anxiety he showed toward Garulus would also apply to me. After a long back-and-forth, the two finally reached an agreement to take along ‘one guard who would watch over her from a distance.’

Of course, Noel also always protected her from nearby, but Noel protected her incidentally while guarding Garulus, so having a dedicated guard just for herself felt somehow different.

‘…Well, I don’t dislike it.’

Though it was somewhat burdensome, she still felt secretly pleased to sense Kermanomon’s affection once again.

Having headed to the marquis territory’s city district, she began enjoying her alone time after a long while.

She had felt it since riding in the carriage, but as Kermanomon had said, this place had an incredible amount to see. Not only were there various shops, but all the buildings were beautifully colorful, and even the blocks laid on the streets had splendid patterns.

Completely captivated by the beautiful atmosphere of the marquis territory, Mellis unknowingly left the glamorous central district and entered the outer village where the territory citizens resided. But she noticed people gathering and murmuring not far away.

“Is there some kind of event?”

Mellis, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity, approached the crowd and tilted her head in wonder, and soon her eyes widened greatly.

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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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