Chapter 112. Royal Social Gathering (1)
After Queen Marceline and all the Royal Knights had left, only then did I cautiously move my body.
....That was seriously dangerous.
Title: <Emperor of the Underworld> [Effect 2].
With the effect of [Blessing of Darkness], I could eliminate any sound I made.
However, the interior of the royal palace was fairly bright, so the effect seemed to fluctuate.
I hurriedly used Slime Cell [B-] and narrowly avoided being discovered.
‘I really almost got caught.’
Of course, I had not used Predation [S+] on the Shameleon’s complete Genetic Factor.
Even so, Assimilation [C+] was powerful enough to deceive the Royal Knights.
However, the woman who had contacted Queen Marceline managed to detect a flaw.
That meant she was by no means an ordinary expert.
According to Predatory Instinct [S], the woman’s information was as follows.
==< Character Information >==
Name: Luseria
Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Class Mammalia, Family Hominidae, Cambion
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Trait: Mind Penetration [E]
◆ Mind Penetration [E] : The user can penetrate deep into a target’s mind and manipulate their memories, thoughts, emotions, and psychological state.
Luseria could infiltrate and manipulate the human mind. It was an ability quite similar to the Authority of Oblivion.
However, Luseria was not the Monarch of Darkness. She belonged to the Dark Merchant Company. In other words, she was one of the Devotees of the Fallen Souls.
Luseria, the Seductress of Lust.
As her classification indicated, she wasn’t human. She was the illegitimate child of a human and a dream demon.
A Cambion.
Mind Penetration [E] was an ability she had inherited from the dream demon.
Combined with Luseria’s alluring beauty, it became an irresistible weapon of temptation.
As a result, she was chosen by the ‘Abyssal She-Spider Carrying Fifty Thousand Young’ and reigned alongside Iratum as one of the Abyssal Legion Commanders.
“She hasn’t been chosen yet.”
Or perhaps she simply hadn’t been chosen yet.
At this point in time, after my Regression, she had yet to be selected.
In any case—
‘The situation must be desperate if Luseria is personally intervening.’
The Empire must also have found itself in an urgent predicament.
That made sense.
‘She said Obscura had collapsed.’
However, all I had done was seize the laundered funds.
I hadn’t interfered with Obscura’s system. Yet Obscura had still collapsed.
‘It must have been Isolde.’
It had probably been Isolde’s doing.
Apparently, she and the Azure Silver Knights had thoroughly crushed Violess.
‘No wonder.’
I had thought it strange that there were no rumors about me.
I had wondered why the Dark Merchant Company and the Empire had failed to identify my existence altogether.
Now I realized they hadn’t even had the chance to investigate me. Isolde’s exploits had drawn all their attention toward her.
As expected of Isolde.
Thanks to her, the situation had developed quite nicely for me.
Anyway—
‘Luseria isn’t the one leading this plan.’
It was certain that the Monarch of Darkness was involved in the Kingdom of Vatenberg.
The Monarch of Darkness was ultimately responsible for devising the plan.
Yet the fact that he had only sent Luseria forward meant—
‘He doesn’t intend to reveal himself over something of this scale.’
He had decided there was no need to intervene personally over a mere disturbance in the royal palace. In other words, it could also mean that he couldn’t use the Authority of Oblivion indiscriminately.
Regardless—
‘I’ve figured out the entire plan.’
I had seen through everything Queen Marceline was plotting.
She was now in the palm of my hand.
What remained was simple.
I would destroy her plan one step at a time and completely overturn her intended outcome.
Then—
‘He won’t be able to remain hidden in the darkness forever.’
The Monarch of Darkness would inevitably be forced to reveal himself.
* * *
A chandelier decorated with intricate patterns. Ivory-colored walls and a marble-finished floor.
This was the royal palace’s guest chamber, where grandeur and refinement existed in exquisite harmony.
Deep within the guest chamber, silver hair swayed from side to side. Seraphia was anxiously pacing in front of the door.
‘Why is Brother taking so long...?’
She couldn’t remain still because she was worried about Adrian, who had been imprisoned underground.
Seraphia had been released and returned long ago.
However, Adrian still hadn’t come back.
Outside the window, the darkness of night had already arrived, illuminated only by the faint moonlight.
What if something had happened to him?
Come to think of it, Adrian had said that he would take responsibility for Seraphia’s crimes as well.
Perhaps Seraphia had been released so early because Adrian had sacrificed himself for her.
Once that thought occurred to her, all kinds of horrifying scenes unfolded in her mind.
Adrian being tortured. Adrian chained up with an agonized expression on his face. Terrible wounds being carved into Adrian’s body. And ultimately, Adrian being beheaded for treason….
“No!”
“What isn’t allowed?”
“Eek!!”
She felt as though her heart had fallen out of her chest.
“Uwaaah...!!”
The shock was so great that she even lost the ability to speak.
However, the moment she recognized the person standing before her—
“Brother!!”
Her fallen heart returned to its place, and her lost ability to speak recovered instantly.
“A-Are you all right?! You aren’t hurt anywhere, are you?!”
Seraphia’s eyes moved rapidly as she examined Adrian’s condition.
Each time she confirmed that he was unharmed, her worries faded while relief and happiness steadily filled her heart.
Whether Adrian understood Seraphia’s feelings or not, he merely spoke with an indifferent expression.
“Why did you do that?”
“....What? Oh, I was just….startled.”
“I’m asking why you fought the Royal Knights.”
“Ah, that….”
Seraphia hesitated and avoided Adrian’s gaze.
“I just thought you might....”
Seraphia began speaking quietly but stopped. She thought Adrian would become furious.
She thought he would hate her terribly, just as he had during the incident with the Shameleon.
What if that caused her and Adrian to grow distant again?
That possibility terrified her.
“I was worried that you might be in danger…. So I just….”
Unable to continue, Seraphia lowered her head deeply.
However—
“Don’t do that again.”
Adrian’s answer was unexpectedly calm.
Seraphia raised her head in surprise.
And goodness gracious. Adrian wasn’t angry. His expression wasn’t distorted.
He wasn’t looking at her as though she were a detestable creature whose very existence inspired hatred. Nor did he look as though he were confronting some vicious demon.
His expression didn’t resemble something created by gathering every negative emotion in existence.
“Eh...?”
Cognitive dissonance occurred within her. The reality before her seemed like a dream.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing! It’s nothing!”
Seraphia hurriedly waved her hands.
However, the corners of her lips kept twitching, forcing her to bite down firmly on her lower lip.
“More importantly—”
Adrian looked at Seraphia and continued.
“It seems His Majesty’s illness is showing no signs of improvement.”
“Ah.”
“The Royal Social Gathering will probably be held first, so prepare yourself in advance.”
Seraphia was momentarily left speechless. She had been too busy admiring the royal palace’s majesty and scenery.
Adrian, on the other hand, had been calmly analyzing the situation.
....He truly was incredible.
Seraphia’s eyes sparkled as she strengthened her resolve.
“Yes! I’ll prepare diligently!”
“Then go inside. It’s late.”
With those words, Adrian left.
Seraphia also quietly returned to her room. However, she didn’t immediately go to bed.
The Royal Social Gathering was where the Kingdom’s high-ranking nobles assembled.
As the eldest daughter of the White Wolf family, Seraphia would attend as her family’s representative.
Her behavior, manner of speech, attire, and everything else about her would symbolize the dignity and honor of the White Wolf family.
Sitting before a mirror, Seraphia practiced the various forms of etiquette and manners she would have to observe during the Royal Social Season.
She was still lacking and inexperienced in many areas, but she was determined to become a wonderful younger sister whom Adrian could be proud of.
‘I have to work hard so that Brother won’t be embarrassed by me!’
Seraphia renewed that determination again and again.
The moonlight outside the window gradually faded—
‘I can do it. I have to do well.’
* * *
Until morning arrived on the day of the Royal Social Gathering, Seraphia never stopped practicing.
Warm morning sunlight gently poured over the royal garden.
The tea-party venue was filled with subtle elegance.
Every attendee was dressed splendidly.
The women wore magnificent dresses and luxurious accessories, while the men enhanced their dignified appearances with immaculate formal attire and uniforms.
The tea-party venue bustled with people displaying their unique charm and refinement.
Seraphia took a deep breath. Nevertheless, her heart continued to tremble.
‘Hoo! Hoo!’
She repeatedly exhaled, trying to soothe and calm her nerves. She reminded herself of the effort she had put into practicing day and night.
However—
The Royal Social Gathering was far more complicated and demanding than Seraphia had imagined.
On the surface, it appeared to be nothing more than a casual meeting where men and women engaged in light conversation.
Beneath that surface, however, lay the cold calculations of political alliances and mutual interests between noble families.
“Have you heard about Count Emberlin’s mining contract this month?”
“Of course. However, I heard that he holds a monopoly over the mining rights…. Do you think there is room for negotiation?”
“It won’t be easy…. But I heard that the young lady of House Emberlin is attending this Royal Social Gathering.”
“I should try approaching her.”
The nobles were absorbed in calculations as they pursued their respective objectives.
“I’ve heard that the specialties produced in the Bellegarde Territory are extremely popular.”
“That brings me immense pleasure, but transportation is the problem. The roads in the central region have been in terrible condition lately because of the appearance of ogres....”
“Then how about cooperating with our family?”
“With House Grayburn?”
“Our family head has recently been investing in the construction of a new transportation route. Instead of discussing it here, why don’t you meet with him?”
“Hmm. Then perhaps we should have a discussion.”
They examined one another’s interests, weaknesses, and exchangeable resources while conducting discreet negotiations and conversations.
Perhaps that was why none of the nobles approached Seraphia.
The White Wolf County possessed nothing.
Seraphia lowered her head.
It was too difficult.
The Royal Social Season felt far too unfamiliar and complicated. The world beyond the County was overwhelmingly complex and harsh.
However, Seraphia tightly clenched both fists.
‘I have to help Brother.’
If she wanted to become Adrian’s wonderful younger sister, and ultimately regain Adrian’s affection, she couldn’t afford to remain dejected.
Seraphia straightened her hunched shoulders. Just as she slowly began walking toward the nobles at the tea party—
“There you are.”
A clear voice rang out, and Seraphia turned her head.
“Your Majesty!”
The atmosphere at the tea party changed instantly. The nobles bowed their heads in unison and greeted her respectfully.
“We greet Your Majesty the Queen.”
“Our respects to Your Majesty the Queen.”
Queen Marceline walked elegantly while receiving the nobles’ greetings. She stopped directly in front of Seraphia.
“Would you speak with me for a moment?”
The moment her voice rang out, everyone at the tea party held their breath.
“Gasp...!”
“Her Majesty personally approached her...?”
Unable to conceal their astonishment, they looked at one another. After all, it was extremely rare for the queen to personally intervene.
As the royal family’s representative, the queen merely prepared the stage for the Royal Social Season.
She rigorously maintained her distance from the nobles and had never personally sought out a particular individual like this before.
In other words, being singled out by Queen Marceline was not something to be taken lightly.
“Her Majesty personally approached someone….”
“Who is she? Who did Her Majesty summon?”
Whispers spread among the nobles.
Seraphia was also flustered and hesitated briefly.
However, her eyes soon sparkled as she recalled the movements she had practiced countless times.
Raise her head gracefully—
Adopt a dignified expression—
And offer a respectful greeting—
“I am Seraphia White Wolf of the White Wolf family. It is an honor to greet Your Majesty the Queen.”
The words she had memorized and practiced throughout the night flowed naturally from her lips.
“Furthermore, I sincerely thank you for granting me such an honorable opportunity.”
The nobles began murmuring.
“I thought she came from nothing more than a delinquent frontier family….”
“Yet she possesses considerable dignity and refinement as a noble.”
Their murmurs gradually transformed into admiration.
Seraphia inwardly cheered.
‘That was absolutely perfect!’
Even she thought her etiquette had been flawless.
“There happens to be an empty seat over there.”
Queen Marceline smiled and guided Seraphia toward it. The nobles didn’t dare approach and kept their distance. However, all their gazes and attention remained focused on them.
As Seraphia held her breath beneath the strange tension, Queen Marceline spoke.
“Have you become accustomed to the atmosphere?”
“....Ah, yes. A little.”
“This tea party is a rather complicated occasion. It may appear as though everyone is merely engaging in pleasant conversation, but countless interests and calculations are intertwined beneath the surface.”
Seraphia lightly nodded.
That was exactly what she had observed.
“On the other hand, the White Wolf County is far removed from the political center.”
Queen Marceline briefly paused and studied Seraphia’s expression.
“Nevertheless, the White Wolf County fulfills an extremely important role for our royal family. Specifically, it serves as a strategically vital position.”
“Pardon?”
“I mean that it is a crucial territory from which we can monitor and control the Kingdom’s northern border.”
“Ah….”
Was that really true...?
“For generations, the White Wolf family has served as a loyal fortress for the royal family. However....”
Queen Marceline continued with a slightly somber expression.
“Our royal family has failed to adequately reward that loyalty.”
“That isn’t true. You don’t need to say—”
“That is why this invitation was also intended to bring renewed attention to the value of the White Wolf family.”
“Ah….”
Seraphia stared blankly for a moment.
She had never realized that.
As expected, the Royal Social Gathering was far too complicated and difficult.
“It may be somewhat late, but I hope you will regard this as the royal family’s reward for the loyalty shown by the White Wolf family.”
“The royal family’s reward?”
All of a sudden?
Instead of answering, Queen Marceline glanced to one side.
The palace maids standing nearby immediately moved—
“....H-Huh? It was definitely here!”
Something was clearly wrong.
Before long, the palace maids hurried over with deathly pale faces.
Queen Marceline narrowed her eyes and asked—
“What happened?”
“W-Well….”
With every word the maid whispered, Queen Marceline’s face and expression grew increasingly grim.
Queen Marceline’s expression continued to harden menacingly.
* * *
Judging from the situation—
‘It looks like she finally noticed.’
Sorry, but that money—
I placed it in my Inventory a long time ago.
Still, it was impressive that they had only noticed now.
‘Then again, she couldn’t exactly inspect an illicit payment out in the open.’
The amount was an astounding ten million gold.
Luseria hadn’t said those words without reason.
-If we want to place her in our debt so that she cannot refuse our requests, wouldn’t this much be necessary?
Naturally, it would be difficult to refuse any request after receiving ten million gold.
The disappearance of that much money was a major incident.
It wouldn’t have been strange for the entire royal palace to be turned upside down.
‘But she can’t admit that it disappeared.’
After all, she had received it as an illicit payment.
What if someone demanded to know where it had come from?
Queen Marceline would have no answer. It hadn’t even been her money.
The money in my Inventory was the safest money in the world, entirely free of future complications.
In other words, it was a criminal’s money.
And money, by its very nature, possessed neither loyalty nor integrity. Once it entered someone else’s pocket—
“W-What do you mean by that...?!”
It couldn’t care less about its previous owner.
So again the white Wolf famille is basically House Stark