[TKOSINM] 297 – Royal Request
"If I become Emperor, I will make the Grand Duke's family into a power that no one can destroy. Grand Duke Kristen's heirs will continue to reign with the greatest power and wealth in future generations. In addition, the Imperial family promises to maintain a friendly relationship with the Grand Duke and will always support them when they require help. So, will you accept to be the strength that I can rely on?"
The Prince's attitude was very humble as he had nothing to give right now but for future promises. If the Grand Duke refused him, he would have no one else to whom he could turn.
To accept it or not, these were only two options that The Crown Prince could think of.
"Your excellency, what do you think?"
"The two of you will be the next generation of Grand Dukes, so you should decide instead."
When Noel asked the Grand Duke for his opinion, he left the ball in their corner, giving Irene and Noel the option to decide. Noel looked at Irene, who nodded after thinking about it for a moment.
"I think we'll be accepting Your Highness's proposal."
"If Irene agrees, I agree too."
A glimmer of hope flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes as the mood shifted positively.
"But, I want to add more conditions."
"What are they, Madame?"
At Irene's sudden remark, the Crown Prince asked without hesitation, although he was worried that it might be an unreasonable condition such as having to hand over part of the Empire, her words were completely unexpected.
"If Your Majesty becomes Emperor, please thoroughly search and punish those who plotted and were involved in the rebellion twenty-three years ago."
"The rebellion that happened twenty-three years ago... Are you talking about the one His Majesty started?"
"Yes."
"All right, I promise you that. Do you have anything to add?"
"Also..."
Irene stopped and looked at Noel hesitantly, to which he replied with a nod, giving her consent to continue.
After shooting him a quick smile, she once again hardened her expression.
"Please punish the criminal who killed the former Grand Duke strictly according to the national law."
"If the culprit who killed the former Grand duke is..."
The Prince's expression darkened. He made eye contact with Noel, but the latter only gave a nonchalant look back.
'Rumour has it that Noel killed the former Grand Duke, but if they asked for the culprit to be punished by national law, it means that the culprit is someone else.'
He wasn't sure, be he could already guess who the murderer was. It was apparent that they wanted the position to themselves, therefore getting rid of the former Grand Duke by assassination.
The Prince happily nodded.
"Okay, consider it done."
"Since the deal has been made, there should be no secrets between us."
When the Grand Duke, who had been silently listening to the conversation, spoke, the Crown Prince nodded again in agreement.
"I will provide you with all the resources at my disposal. Be it financial support, supplies, blueprints of the Imperial Palace or the location of secret passages."
Hearing secret passages and blueprints being mentioned, Irene perked up.
It was challenging to enter the Imperial Palace without having to fight. However, if they knew the locations of the secret passages and had the help of the blueprints, they would have a lot less to worry about.
'Things are going well.'
When all the issues had been addressed, Irene had a hopeful expression. But that didn't last long either, as she turned it into a serious one, mentally clenching her fists.
'Now, all we need is the perfect plan.'
Noel merely admired Irene from the side without saying anything.
♔♔♔
"Aren't you going to reveal your identity to His Majesty?"
After discussing plans with The Crown Prince, Irene and Noel returned to the main building. Although she wanted to run to the gymnasium right away, it was already too late, so she decided to follow Noel's advice to take a rest and start tomorrow.
"If Irene reveals her identity, then she can become Empress as well."
Nobles valued lineage the most, so she would be entitled to inherit the throne if she could only prove her bloodline.
But Irene shook her head.
"It's not like I have never considered that."
She said, walking a few steps ahead of him.
Irene looked at the night sky's moon surrounded by dazzling stars as the light from the lamps fell on her skin, giving her an exotic allure.
Involuntarily, Noel thought that there never could be a more beautiful sight than what he was seeing.
//QAQ, how cute
"Should I become Empress and take revenge on those who killed my parents, or should I become someone who can be your strength…"
"All I need is you, Irene."
Hearing Noel's reply, Irene responded with a smile.
"I feel the same. The time I spend with you, walking, laughing, and talking together is more precious than holding a problematic position with power so difficult to control."
"..."
"And an Empress is a busy person."
Irene's figure as she turned around and smiled broadly was embedded in his memory. She was so adorable to the point that it became unbearable.
Noel pulled Irene to his chest with a wide stride, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her lips passionately. Irene hugged him back tightly, fully melting in the kiss. Although it was the end of winter, neither of them felt cold for the rest of the night.
♔♔♔
