Arc 4 Chapter 1 : Imperial Palace

[Raul POV]

The gathering of all nobles who answered directly to the Emperor was scheduled to begin today. At present, I was on my way to the Imperial Palace, where the meeting would be held.

Nobles who answered directly to the Emperor were those who had sworn their oaths personally to him within the Imperial Palace.

The Aragon Empire followed a feudal system similar to that of medieval France, in which a Duke could appoint a Count or Baron as their vassal. Likewise, a Count could appoint a Baron as their vassal.

These nobles were bound only to swear loyalty to, and answer the summons of, their Liege—the lord who had appointed them. The Emperor granted nobles under his direct authority considerable autonomy over their respective territories, so long as they paid their taxes, obeyed Imperial law, and provided thirty percent of their military forces whenever war broke out.

This was how the Empire maintained control over its nobles without constantly provoking rebellion or widespread opposition.

At present, there were eight Dukes, eight Marquises, ten Counts, and seven Barons who answered directly to the Emperor.

Meanwhile, there were twenty-four Counts and eighty-eight Barons who fell under the Emperor indirectly.

Combined, the Empire had a total of 147 noble families, making the Aragon Empire the nation with the largest number of noble families on the continent.

And these 147 noble families would ultimately determine the candidates for the next Emperor several years from now.

After half an hour of travel, the carriage I was riding in finally arrived before the main gate of the Imperial Palace complex.

I handed the invitation to Alfred, and the old servant presented it to the gate guards. After verifying our identities, the guards opened the gates and allowed our carriage to enter the palace grounds.

A broad avenue stretched before us, lined with lush green trees on both sides. Our carriage continued forward until we reached a large fountain standing in the center of a circular roadway.

Our carriage then left the circular road, taking the second turn toward the gate leading to the Inner Palace.

There were two main areas within the Imperial Palace complex.

The first was the Outer Palace. It contained buildings for guests and palace workers, as well as gardens, specialized training grounds, hunting forests, and various other facilities.

After traveling through the Outer Palace for several minutes, our carriage finally arrived at the front gate of the Inner Palace.

The guards asked me to disembark, as carriages were not permitted within the Inner Palace. From that point onward, everyone was required to travel on foot.

I stepped down from the carriage and saw a palace servant already waiting for me.

"Please follow me, Lord Raul. I will escort you to your room for the duration of the gathering," the servant said.

I nodded and followed behind him.

Government buildings belonging to various ministries stood throughout the Inner Palace. Their placement was intentional, allowing the Emperor and other officials to hold meetings more efficiently without wasting time traveling between locations.

Most government officials were younger siblings or relatives of Aragon's noble families. They usually lived in residences provided by the Emperor within the capital.

As I looked around, I noticed several prominent nobles had already arrived and were being guided through the palace by servants.

We eventually reached the guest residence. My room was on the third floor.

"Lord Raul, this is your room," the servant said. "Please contact us using the magical signal artifact if you require anything."

"All right. Thank you for escorting me here," I replied.

The servant bowed before leaving.

I entered the room and placed my belongings inside.

The actual meeting would begin tomorrow. Today's schedule consisted only of a welcoming ceremony hosted by the Emperor that evening, followed by a formal ball.

After arranging my belongings, I left my room to have lunch.

"Ah... It's been a long time, Raul."

As I locked my door, I suddenly heard a woman's voice that was quite familiar.

I turned toward the sound and saw an elegant woman with green hair dressed entirely in green.

Her distinctive braided hair only enhanced her natural charm.

"Valeria?"

The woman smiled when she heard me and approached.

"What are you doing here? Couldn't your father come?" I asked.

"Ahh... About that, are you heading to lunch?" Valeria asked. "I think we can talk about it while having lunch together."

"All right."

The two of us walked side by side toward the dining hall in the neighboring building.

When we arrived, many nobles had already gathered there.

Valeria and I took seats near one of the windows. Not long afterward, a servant approached us.

"My Lord, My Lady, what would you like to order?" the servant asked.

"Grilled Fish with Fenerife Sauce," I replied.

"For me, Valentian Salad, Mackerel Fondue, and Chocolate Sundae Misue," Valeria said, listing her choices.

"Very well, My Lord and My Lady."

The servant recorded our orders before pouring wine from a bottle into each of our glasses.

Valeria and I raised our glasses and took a sip.

"For the heir of the richest noble family in the country, your meal is rather boring, Raul," Valeria remarked with a smile.

I remained silent, offering no response to her comment.

What was I supposed to say?

I wasn't born into a wealthy family, nor had I grown up as a noble.

Nobles usually had three courses—a starter, a main course, and a dessert.

But as an ordinary person in my previous life, I had never cared much about things like that.

"Anyway, what are you doing here?" I asked again.

Valeria merely sighed at my question.

"You know, my father has never been interested in politics at all," Valeria replied. "He spends all his time in the Magic Tower conducting magical research. My older brother is the one who handles all the affairs concerning our territory."

Valeria's father, Duke Julian de Artagnan, was an Archwizard of the Castille Magic Tower.

He was also the Chairman of the Aragon Imperial Council of Mages.

"My brother, Lancel, is preparing for a diplomatic assignment from the government to the Republic of Venetia," Valeria continued. "So, whether I like it or not, I have to represent our family here."

Lancel de Artagnan was one of the diplomats serving in the Aragon Empire's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Apparently, he would be the one sent to discuss the Republic of Venetia's new policies, which had effectively isolated the Empire from one of its most important trade partners.

"Hey, tell me about your field practicum in Margraviate Cataluna," Valeria said, looking curious. "I heard you all went through some terrible days while you were there."

"Demons appeared in the area where we were stationed. They slaughtered civilians and summoned monsters to wreak havoc throughout the region."

I then told her about everything we had experienced—from discovering a Vampire nest inside an abandoned mansion, evacuating the villagers, and fighting to defend the city.

I also described how a Holy Knight had arrived to escort the newly chosen Saint, Ariel, to the Holy City of Notredame.

"I always knew she would become an incredible woman," Valeria commented after hearing about Ariel becoming a Saint. "She has the best healing magic in the academy, and her heart is as pure as a newborn baby's."

At present, Ariel was probably being overwhelmed with administrative matters concerning the Temple Authority of the Goddess Diana.

Now that she had been chosen as the Saint, she would be responsible for making several important decisions regarding the Temple's policies.

"Wasn't Brian there as well? He was just appointed as humanity's new Hero, wasn't he?" Valeria asked.

"That's right. He's currently being trained directly by Holy Knight Lunaria—the Sword Saint—to become the perfect Hero," I answered.

"Then what about yours, Valeria? Did anything interesting happen?"

If I remembered correctly, Valeria had been assigned to Saratoga County, a relatively peaceful territory where monster attacks were practically unheard of.

"Hahhh... It was incredibly monotonous. I spent most of my time studying and making various types of Potions," Valeria replied, looking thoroughly bored as she recalled it.

After finishing lunch, Valeria and I walked around the Inner Palace complex alongside several other nobles.

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We also watched a theatrical performance and a circus prepared by the Imperial Palace.

All of these activities had been arranged so that the guests wouldn't become bored during their stay.

Before we knew it, night had fallen.

All the attending nobles had gathered in the main hall for the welcoming banquet.

Valeria and I sat together, enjoying the music performed by musicians hired by the palace.

After spending a year in this world, I had gradually grown accustomed to listening to classical music.

"Emperor Philip de Aragon has arrived in the hall!"

The guard's booming announcement of the Emperor's arrival instantly silenced the nobles who had been chatting among themselves.

We all stood as a matter of noble etiquette, showing our respect for the Emperor.

The doors to the hall opened.

A man in his fifties entered and walked toward the podium prepared at the front of the grand hall.

He was the ruler of the most powerful nation on the continent.

"Everyone, I thank you for coming all this way," the Emperor began his welcoming speech. "You are gathered here as the elites who lead this nation, and together, you will decide how we should address several problems currently facing our Empire."

To declare war, the Emperor needed more than the mandatory military support required from the nobles.

He needed their backing.

He wanted the nobles to contribute additional forces and resources as an investment in the future, should the Empire emerge victorious from the coming war.

"Tomorrow, we will hold our meeting to discuss our response to the Republic of Venetia's new policies," the Emperor continued, informing everyone of the latest developments concerning the nation at the heart of the continent. "But tonight, you are all free to enjoy the banquet prepared by the palace servants and partake in the ball. I want everyone to rest and relax before tomorrow's meeting begins."

After finishing his speech, the Emperor stepped down from the podium.

He then began speaking with the nobles who approached him, as it was rare for most of them to have the opportunity to meet the Emperor face-to-face.

"Raul, Valeria. I didn't expect to see the two of you here."

Suddenly, a woman in her late twenties approached us.

She had long brown hair and a youthful face, despite having already given birth to a child.

She was Duchess Amanda de Vilanova, Regent of the Duchy of Valencia in the southwestern territories of the Empire.

Both Valeria and I stood and returned the Duchess's greeting.

"Duchess Amanda, you look as young as ever," I said, offering her a compliment without exaggeration.

"It's an honor to meet you, Duchess," Valeria added with a smile.

"Look at the two of you. You've both grown up into such a handsome man and an elegant woman. The last time I saw you, you were still children studying under me."

Duchess Amanda had previously been a teacher at an elementary school in the capital before marrying Duke Nuno de Valencia.

However, she had been forced to resign from her position following her marriage to the Duke.

One year after their marriage, she gave birth to a son named Nunez de Valencia.

However, Duke Nuno was killed while fighting a rampaging Magical Beast on the outskirts of Valencia City.

Since their son was still underage, Duchess Amanda became the Regent of the Duchy of Valencia, a position she would hold until Nunez turned fifteen.

"Where are your fathers? Were you asked to represent your families?" the Duchess asked.

"That's right, Duchess Amanda. My father is still busy conducting his research in the Magic Tower," Valeria answered.

"Oh, Master is always like that," the Duchess replied.

She called Valeria's father "Master" because Duchess Amanda had once been a mage in the Castille Magic Tower herself.

"Then, will House Artagnan remain Neutral in the upcoming Imperial succession?"

Valeria's family had remained Neutral during the last three Imperial elections.

As long as no one interfered with them and their family had no debts or obligations toward any of the candidates, they refused to side with any particular faction.

"I think it's still too early to decide," Valeria replied. "But if the current political tensions remain unchanged, I believe our family will once again choose to remain Neutral during the election."

Hearing Valeria's answer, Duchess Amanda smiled.

"I see. But I should warn you, Valeria. Candidates don't particularly like people who always choose to play it safe, you know."

That wasn't a warning.

It was a threat.

In the game, Duchess Amanda would eventually support the Second Prince, Ramon de Aragon, during the succession for the next Emperor.

This was because Prince Ramon's faction would eventually threaten her family, which was under the authority of Marquis Lorenzo de Medena, one of Prince Ramon's strongest supporters at the time.

Of the five candidates, Prince Ramon's faction was the dirtiest when it came to securing the support of the nobility.

"And what about your family, Raul? Has House Garcia decided which side to support?" Duchess Amanda asked.

"To be honest,, not a single candidate has approached our residence yet," I replied. "Our family hasn't discussed the matter with any of them."

Duchess Amanda smiled upon hearing my answer.

"Ah, I see. Then, should our faction start approaching the House Garcia?"

"We would be pleased to welcome a visit from your faction, Duchess Amanda," I replied formally. "We will consider whatever your faction has to offer."

Hearing my response, Duchess Amanda nodded.

"Very well. It was a pleasure speaking with the two of you, but I must take my leave. There are several other nobles I need to meet."

The Duchess bowed her head before turning around and leaving us.

Not long afterward, the music changed to a dance piece.

Several nobles and their partners stepped into the center of the hall to showcase their dancing.

I glanced to the side.

Valeria was looking at me expectantly.

As a gentleman, it would have been embarrassing to wait for Valeria to ask first.

I turned toward her directly.

Our eyes met.

Valeria placed one hand against her chest, and I noticed her cheeks beginning to redden as I extended my hand toward her.

"Valeria..."

"Yes...?"

"Would you dance with me?"

I didn't break eye contact as I asked.

"Of course, Raul," Valeria replied with a beautiful smile. "Please accompany me tonight."

We then walked side by side toward the center of the hall.

My hand took hers while the other rested gently at her waist.

I practiced everything Elena had taught me when I had danced with her at the academy.

That night, I spent the rest of the evening with Valeria until the festivities came to an end.

.

.

.

.

.

The following morning, I woke from my sleep.

Last night had been quite enjoyable, I supposed.

After dancing with Valeria, the two of us had gone to an artificial lake not far from the main hall.

We talked about many things there.

However, as the night grew late, we eventually decided to return to our respective rooms.

I checked my pocket watch.

It was six in the morning.

The meeting would begin at ten.

There was still plenty of time to have breakfast and take a bath so I could look presentable for the meeting.

After cleaning myself up and changing clothes, I used the magical signal artifact to summon a servant and order breakfast.

Thirty minutes later, someone knocked on my door.

When I opened it, I found a servant carrying my breakfast.

However, standing beside him was a woman wearing a black-and-white maid uniform.

"Lord Raul, I am the lady-in-waiting assigned to serve Princess Elena today," the woman introduced herself. "I have a message from Her Highness for you."

The maid handed me a small scroll before leaving, leaving me alone with the servant carrying my breakfast.

"Put the food on the dining table," I instructed the servant.

He entered the room and began arranging the plates and glasses on the table.

I opened the small scroll the maid had given me.

Raul,

Meet me in my study at exactly nine o'clock. There is something I wish to discuss with you regarding today's meeting.

Give this paper bearing my seal to the lady-in-waiting assigned to you when you arrive.

I will be waiting for you.

Elena

After reading it, I slipped the note into my coat pocket.

"Lord Raul, your breakfast is ready," the servant said.

"Very well. You may leave my room now," I told him.

The servant bowed before leaving.

I sat down and immediately began eating.

It was eight in the morning now.

Elena probably wanted my advice on how to maneuver during today's meeting.

Every candidate for the Imperial throne would undoubtedly use the gathering as an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and influence the direction of the discussion.

After finishing breakfast, I immediately left my room and headed toward Elena's study, which was located not far from this building.

Every child of the Emperor who had reached adulthood was given a private residence or estate within the palace complex where they could work and hold meetings.

After walking through the Imperial Palace grounds for some time, I arrived before a gated estate containing a luxurious mansion.

The guards approached me.

I handed them the note Elena had given me.

Her Imperial seal was stamped upon it, proving that I had been invited into the Second Princess's residence.

"How may I help you, Lord?" asked one of the servants stationed at the mansion's entrance.

"I wish to see Princess Elena in her study," I replied.

"Very well. Please follow me."

I followed the servant into the mansion.

Although the mansion was as large as the Garcia family's residence in the capital, there were surprisingly few people inside aside from the servants and guards.

Not long afterward, we arrived at Elena's lady-in-waiting.

I handed her the small note Elena had written.

She examined it briefly before walking toward a nearby corridor.

A short while later, she returned and approached me.

"Please follow me, Lord Raul," she said.

I nodded and followed behind her.

As we walked down the corridor, I saw the door to a room ahead.

That must be Elena's study.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The woman knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A familiar female voice came from behind the door.

It had been more than three months since I had last heard it.

The woman gestured for me to enter.

As I stepped inside, I heard the door close behind me.

Before me sat a blonde woman reading a book.

However, unlike usual, her hair was no longer tied up. It hung straight down, cascading over her back.

She wore a white shirt with a black tie, apparently preparing to attend the meeting.

"Ah, Raul. You've come," Elena said upon noticing me. "Sit down. We need to talk about today's meeting."

I nodded and sat down across from her desk.

She smiled at me without taking her eyes off me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing. Am I not allowed to look at you like this after not seeing you for three months?" Elena replied, still staring at me with a smile.

I turned my gaze aside, unsure how I was supposed to respond to that.

"Elena, we should talk about the meeting first. It won't be long before it begins," I said, trying to steer the conversation toward the matter at hand.

"Fufufu~ You're no fun," Elena said with a small laugh. "Very well. Let's begin."

Elena explained that all of the Imperial candidates would be attending the meeting.

She then asked what she should say if the Emperor asked her what position she intended to take during the coming war.

All of the Emperor's sons and daughters had the privilege of choosing their own positions, with the sole exception of becoming the supreme commander of the entire military.

They could also recommend nobles from their respective factions for positions within the military hierarchy.

Under a feudal system like that of the Empire, military leadership was largely dominated by the nobility.

The nobles would bring their own military advisers, who would provide guidance on the operations carried out by the forces under their command.

"I think you'd be well suited to commanding a cavalry squadron, Elena," I said.

"Huh? Why? Doesn't the cavalry have fewer troops than the other units?" Elena asked. "Besides, I'm not particularly skilled with a spear."

"You can still use a sword as your secondary weapon," I replied. "Don't worry. Based on my predictions, the cavalry will become the force that changes the course of the battle later. Probably."

"'Probably'?" Elena repeated, giving me a doubtful look.

If Elena attacked the Republic of Venetia's ranged units at precisely the right moment, I believed she could become one of the heroes of the coming battle.

"There's one more thing. I intend to attack one of the factions supporting an Imperial candidate," I revealed. "We need to slowly begin weakening the influence of the factions we'll be opposing."

Elena's expression shifted slightly in surprise.

Apparently, she still thought it was too early for us to openly attack one of the factions.

"But won't that make you and your family targets?" Elena asked.

"Don't worry. I'll mislead them about where my family stands in the upcoming Imperial succession," I replied. "Duchess Amanda approached me yesterday afternoon."

I then whispered the plan I had devised into Elena's ear.

After hearing it, her expression became difficult to read.

"I'd forgotten that you're the son of the famously cunning Duke Snake," Elena remarked.

I could only offer a wry smile at her jab.

"All right. Let's end this discussion and head to the meeting," Elena said as she stood and began tying her hair back into its usual style.

"Raul, please get my jacket from that hanger."

I nodded and retrieved Elena's black jacket from the clothes hanger before walking toward her.

However, Elena suddenly turned her back to me and spread her arms.

"What are you doing?" she asked after noticing me standing there.

"Nothing," I replied as I moved directly behind her.

I began helping her put on the jacket.

However, just as I was about to step back after finishing, Elena deliberately shifted backward as well, causing an awkward brush against her.

"Hey. If you're going to do something, you should see it through to the end," Elena said, the corner of her lips lifting into a mischievous smile.

Hah...

Why did I have to deal with this?

It was better to finish quickly than complain and make the whole thing take even longer.

I began fastening Elena's jacket from behind.

Our position made it look as though I were embracing her from behind.

The scent of her perfume drifted into my nose, making it surprisingly difficult to concentrate as I struggled to fasten the remaining three buttons into their respective holes.

I glanced toward her face.

Elena was biting her lip, wearing an expression that was far too alluring—as though she were deliberately enjoying the situation.

Once I had fastened every button, I immediately stepped backward to put some distance between us.

"Ah, it's already finished?" Elena murmured. "Why did you finish so quickly?"

No.

If we stayed in that position any longer, I was afraid I might commit a crime that would get my head chopped off by the Emperor.

"All right. Let's hurry to the meeting."

I could only hope that my plan would proceed perfectly during the meeting.

Because...

I was going after the Grand Espada who supported one of the candidates for the next Emperor.

Saya mempertahankan seluruh informasi politik, worldbuilding, hubungan antarkarakter, serta adegan Raul–Elena, tetapi membuat bahasa Inggrisnya lebih mengalir dan memberi nuansa politik yang lebih tegang menjelang rencana Raul menyerang Grand Espada.