Read Novel Full Chapter 49
Chapter 49
The First Prince, Fredrik
“……….Beatrice, you sure have some nerve, to besmirch the Imperial name publicly like this.”
“!?”
Queen Alicia hastily showed up due to the racket, and then spoke to Beatrice from behind her with a stern expression.
“The moment the Emperor steps away due to official business, you always cause some problem or the other. Seriously, people like you are really helpless.”
“……………………”
Even she was truly beloved by the Emperor, the one actually running the Imperial Palace was the First Queen Alicia.
I guess even Beatric realized that she was at a disadvantage against her, as she simply bit down on her lips and hung her head.
“Everyone, my deepest apologies for all the ruckus. Please, continue to enjoy the new year’s festivities as grandly as you were.”
With Queen Alicia’s words, the nobles who were looking towards us calmed down, and went back to their chats and dances.
Although, I suppose it was more to apt to say that they were pretending that nothing had happened instead.
“Beatrice. Just to make sure you don’t cause any further scene, why don’t you retire to your private chambers for tonight.”
“……….I’ll take my leave then.”
Beatrice sent one final glance at me and Lizbeth and then left the party hall.
But, judging by the shrill screams that came from the other side of the door, she must be taking out her anger on the servants instead. My condolences to the servants that had to deal with her.
“Prince Rudolf! There’s a wound on your forehead…….”
“Don’t worry. That aside………Queen Alicia, my apologies for causing all this trouble.”
I calmed down Lizbeth who quickly moved to treat the wound on my forehead caused by the glass thrown by Beatrice, and first apologized to Queen Alicia instead.
Of course, this apology was simply for myself and Lizbeth’s part in it all. Even if I was her real son, I had no intention of ever apologizing for the actions of Beatrice.
As if I’d do that for a woman like her.
“Enough about me, and quickly let Lizbeth treat your wound. Understand?”
“Uh, yes. Then, once my treatment is done, I’ll come looking for you again.”
“Of course.”
Under the worried gaze of Queen Alicia, I headed out of the party hall alongside Lizbeth and made our way to the infirmary.
But, the cut made by the glass was a bit deeper than I had expected, and the handkerchief I was using to hold down on the wound very quickly stained with red and drops began flowing down my hand.
“………….Prince Rudolf, I’m happy that you would protect me like that but, please, take care of yourself more as well.”
“Sorry………….”
I could tell she was genuinely worried so I could only apologize in response.
But, if a similar situation arose again, I would still protect Lizbeth first and foremost though.
“mouu…….you don’t intend to actually listen to me, do you? I can tell, you know……?”
“a, ahaha……..”
Seeing Lizbeth pout like that, I could only smile wryly.
.
.
.
“My deepest apologies for making you wait this long.”
With the treatment quickly done, we quickly returned back to the party hall and then bowed to the first queen.
“Pay it no heed. That aside……..your forehead, show it to me properly.”
“Ah………..”
As you’d expect, seeing the queen check my forehead with a worried expression, I couldn’t help but feel extremely perplexed.
I didn’t even know this person very well until a few days ago………or rather, until the incident with Robin, I had never even met eyes with her, let alone talk to her.
Of course, I knew that Queen Alicia and Beatrice hated each other so I knew that she hardly thought well of me……..or so I thought.
And yet………
“phew………looks like the wound has been treated properly indeed.”
“uh, yes.”
“That said, the wound might become swollen later, and will cause more pain so let’s keep this quick. Come, follow me.”
We followed after Queen Alicia, and entered the salon to the side of the party hall.
Seeing as she had not said anything even with Lizbeth by my side, I assume she’s okay with her attending this meeting as well.
Well, I…….no, since they want to borrow Marquis Fahlcrantz’s strength, leaving his sole daughter out of these conversations would only cause unnecessary issues from their point of view, I suppose.
And thus.
“Brother Fredrik………”
“………………………………”
Already inside the room, the first prince Fredrik quietly stared at me while still seated.
His amber eyes too had a coldness to them, albeit a different kind from Lizbeth’s.
In truth, the man called Fredrik was an absolute pragmatist, and valued everything based on how much risk they would bring to him.
As an example of that, I recalled an event from our past, when I was still 7 and Fredrik was 10 years old. During a tea party arranged by queen Alicia, the young boys and girls of Fredrik’s age that came with their mothers were eating snacks in the garden and talking as well.
One of the young boys said [When I grow older, please make me your attendant Prince Fredrik.] and made such a request to Fredrik.
With that as a start, other kids also started to ask similar things, meanwhile the girls started asking to be his wife instead.
This too was probably an instruction given by their parents to their kids I presume. If not, even if they were kids, it was quite rude to act like this.
But that’s just how important and valuable it was to have a connection to the first prince for them.
And, while knowing all that Queen Alicia said nothing, perhaps already discerning which ones would actually make for good supporters for her son in the future.
However.
[Tell me, what will I gain from making you lot my attendants?]
With a single sentence, the entire place froze to a halt.
No one there expected him to say that so directly to their faces.
[I-I will protect you, Prince Fredrik!]
[Me too, I will be of great use to you as your right hand!]
[I-I will heal Prince Fredrik whenever needed!]
The noble boys and girls all made their appeals but, after hearing them all quietly for a while, Fredrik spoke.
[So what I’m hearing is that I have nothing useful to gain from making friends with and of you.]
Leaving just those words, Fredrik left the place without showing even a flicker of emotion on his face.