[TKOSINM] 105 - Something to Say

Still, he murmured that it was difficult to adapt to the unique atmosphere of the two of them. The atmosphere inside the banquet hall, where Irene and Noel were absent, was frigid. As if they had been doused by ice water.

Was Irene Chase and the Duke really lovers as said by the rumours? Other than this, the reason the atmosphere was so sombre, was because the friendliness of the Grand Duke to the duo was the most shocking. In particular, the vassals and elders who actively opposed Noel’s succession to the Grand Duchy were shocked. 

Is the rumour true...! 

They had heard that Irene, the lover of the Duke, was very special to him, but seeing her in person, it seemed that the Duke valued her even more. The painting of an unknown artist that she had gifted was displayed in the main hall, and she even spoke specially at the gathering of important figures of the dynasty. 

If she only showed up as the Duke’s lover, perhaps there may have been a way to deal with it. However, the Grand Duke went out of his way to display his favour. In front of those who opposed the succession of the ‘Grand Duke Noel’, this was a problem. The elders glanced at the Grand Duke, who was in conversation with the Crown Prince.

“Is everything you’ve done so far acting?”

Noel’s seriousness fuelled their hatred. If it weren’t for that how could the Great Kristen have changed his mind in such a short time. 

No matter what, succession must be prevented.

If Noel were to be crowned as the next Grand Duke, all who opposed him would not be safe. Though each of their circumstances were different, their train of thought was the same. Irene and Noel, who had left the terrace, returned inside. Because they were the main characters of tonight’s chaos, more attention than before was focused on them. 

Irene also felt their interest. Their gazes made her skin tingle. However, thanks to Noel’s hand holding hers tightly, she was more determined than ever. Breaking through the crowd of intense stares, Irene and Noel came before the Grand Duke and Crown Prince. One curtsied; the other bowed. 

What was he trying to say? In the flowing silence, Noel parted his lips. 

“Your Highness, Your Honour, the Grand Duke. If you will allow me, I have something I want to announce at this banquet today.”

The unexpected words of Noel stirred the inside of the banquet hall. Already aware of Noel’s plan, the Grand Duke asked the Crown Prince with a calm face. "Your Highness, what do you think?”

However, it was only in the form of a rhetorical question; everyone here had already expected that the Crown Prince would consent. 

“Interesting.”

He was an intrigued man to the bone, who didn’t mind anything that seemed interesting. He would play with it, see if he could try to make it work. Even if it were inhumane. Therefore, when the day he became emperor came, with the way he sought ‘fun’, there was no doubt there was word questioning what would happen if he became interested in war. 

This was an exciting situation he couldn’t miss. The power struggle in the Kristen Grand Duchy was something he knew very well. 

“I want to hear what kind of announcement the Young Grand Duke will make.”

As expected, the crown prince gave a positive answer with shining eyes. The audience was also very curious about Noel's announcement. 

As expected, the crown prince’s eyes sparkled, and he responded positively. The audience was also very curious as to what kind of announcement Noel would make. Except for Count Rixis on the side.

“Ha, but, sir, today is the sacred 700th anniversary banquet. How could we afford to listen to the personal announcement of the Duke?”

“You are planning to violate your Majesty’s will?” The elder bowed his head at the cold voice of the Grand Duke. With no other heirs, it was clear that the next great emperor would be the Crown Prince. It would do him no good to get on the bad side of the future emperor. Above all, the Grand Duke’s tone was so chilling that his mouth froze.

The Great Kristen’s aura, the same power he wielded on the battlefield disseminated throughout the banquet hall. It was forceful enough to intimidate and silence the elders, who could only remain silent in fear.

How could this be the energy of an old man who will retire the day after tomorrow!

No matter how many years he had passed, the senators were tired of his commanding aura, which was no different from when he had walked on the battlefield in his youth. They could not utter any more words.

“And I also wonder what the Duke will make. Since you have your own opinions, announce it for us to hear.” 

The Grand Duke said readily. 

Noel bowed his head once. “Thank you,” he said, following the Grand Duke’s lead. He raised his head ignoring those who were biting down their protest and began to climb the stairs holding Irene’s hand.

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