Chapter 48
Tap, tap—
With the crisp sound echoing through the banquet hall, she walked with disciplined steps and stopped before the platform.
Wilhelmina silently surveyed the gathered nobles. Her eyes, sharp and commanding, seemed to demand silence without a word.
“……”
All eyes turned to her. It was an abrupt, provocative entrance.
Under the dazzling chandeliers of the opulent banquet hall stood a woman dressed in a deep crimson military uniform, symbolizing blood and night.
The boiling anger in the hall began to dull in the face of unexpected confusion.
In a single moment, she redirected all attention away from the emperor and the ducal couple to herself.
Her inappropriate attire, the urgency in the air, the confidence in her stride, and the arrogance of looking down at the crowd from the podium—
It wasn’t beauty but something far more compelling. A strange, commanding allure left everyone speechless.
She gently touched the necklace on her chest and began to speak.
“In the past, the enemies of the Empire lay beyond the Iso Mountains.”
Her voice, smooth and resonant, spread across the hall. Kenneth realized that the necklace she wore was likely a magical amplification artifact.
“The barbarians beyond the mountains trampled our sun-blessed Empire. They defiled the sun, practiced cannibalism, and left wounds that cannot be erased from the Empire and its people.”
Wilhelmina was recounting a history every noble knew.
The Iso Mountains formed the Empire’s western border. Beyond them lived tribes who reveled in war and violence, hunting weak humans for sport. They had long been at odds with the Empire.
“They were terrible foes. And since we could not cross the mountains, counterattacks were our only strategy. We could only weep as our people suffered. But when a new sun rose, we achieved meaningful victory.”
Despite being a stranger, not a soul protested her words. It felt…natural.
People straightened up like soldiers before a commander, listening intently. The initial confusion from her entrance slowly faded.
‘So that’s why she wore the uniform!’
At last, Kenneth realized the intent behind this speech.
While Duke Leighton’s speech was for the benefit of his house, Wilhelmina’s was purely for the emperor and the Empire.
Wearing the military uniform—symbol of loyalty to the Empire—was a calculated move.
“The brave warriors of the sun dealt a crushing blow to the barbarians. We reclaimed the blood-soaked mountains and avenged our fallen comrades. Under the reign of our new sun—His Majesty the Emperor—we achieved our first true victory. How can we not praise the grace of the sun?”
Her speech was filled solely with praise for the emperor. Yet though flattering, it wasn’t groveling. Her firm, powerful tone carried conviction.
‘The duke’s family saves face with this.’
Duke Leighton addressed the western nobles. Wilhelmina addressed the emperor.
Whoever came up with this plan—it was an effective strategy.
“Though Margrave Isonon could not attend today for the sake of national defense, I, Wilhelmina Leighton, will offer congratulations on his behalf.”
She touched her necklace again. Her clear voice filled the hall once more.
“Sons and daughters of the sun!”
“……!”
As everyone hung on her next words, Wilhelmina suddenly raised her voice. Amplified by the artifact, it thundered through the hall.
She showed no hesitation, as if speaking before a crowd of nobles was second nature.
There was a strange power in her voice. Like a master orator stirring hearts—or perhaps the human embodiment of a battlefield victory anthem.
The heat of war surged through the air, and some soldiers among them unconsciously clenched their fists.
“Praise to the proud Imperial Army, who brought us our first victory!”
She placed her hand to her chest in a salute. Her posture was flawless.
“Comfort to the people of the Empire, long oppressed by the barbarians!”
Kenneth anxiously scanned the room. Among the capital’s nobles stood many western nobles—who were saluting her back.
“And loyalty to the true sun of the continent, the legitimate sovereign of the Faon Empire—His Imperial Majesty, Theorne Lu Faon!”
The moment was ripe. Just as the capital’s nobles were swept away by emotion and idealism—
Wilhelmina stepped down from the podium. Then, in a smaller but still clear voice, she spoke:
“…Company, attention.”
Like a spell, every noble snapped their feet together. Western nobles, noblewomen, even bodyguards—all followed her command.
“Salute to His Majesty, the sun above all!”
The command “salute” triggers a reflex in soldiers. Regardless of origin, they shouted in unison:
“LOY-AL-TY!”
The shout shook the banquet hall. But Wilhelmina frowned, displeased.
“Disappointing. Is that the best your voices can do?”
She raised her chin and shouted once more:
“To His Majesty, Theorne Lu Faon—salute!”
“LOY-AL-TY!”
This time, the unified cry was so loud it rattled the chandeliers.
Their ears rang from the sound, and their throats burned from shouting—but the eyes of those who saluted gleamed more brightly than ever.
Wilhelmina slowly turned around, placing her hand to her chest and saluting the emperor.
Then, contrasting the stiff, saluting nobles behind her, she offered a gentle, graceful smile and said,
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. My name is Wilhelmina Leighton.”
The emperor couldn’t help but laugh.
‘So this actually worked.’
That was her first thought after seeing the crowd’s reaction to her speech. Not pride—just surprise at her success.
Unlike in the novels she’d read, many real nobles lived and died by honor.
Well, if the Empire had been full of corrupt officials, it wouldn’t have flourished like this.
Thanks to nobles like that, her speech, practically propaganda, had gone over well.
‘Who would’ve thought watching military dramas would help me one day.’
Back then, she’d thought they were cheesy. But after seeing how military nobles snapped to attention at a single command, her opinion had changed. Apparently, those shows weren’t exaggerating.
In any case, the speech went off as planned, and the New Year’s banquet was a great success.
Once the formalities were over, Mikhail and Helene chatted with the emperor, while she was swarmed by capital nobles moved by her speech.
“You said you graduated from the Academy? Did you study strategy and tactics as well?”
“No, I didn’t do very well, to be honest.”
“Where did you get that uniform? It’s wonderful. You could pass for a general.”
“Our family employs a talented tailor…”
“Have you ever considered enlisting?”
“That’s… insane—I mean, I’m a bit tired lately. Perhaps we can continue this conversation through letters.”
She could clearly feel their rising affection. In fact, they seemed more interested in her than in Mikhail, who was speaking to the emperor.
Most were young nobles, so they weren’t too difficult to deal with. But truthfully, she was more concerned about someone else.
‘They’re practically staring holes through me.’
After her speech, the stares from the western nobles were intense.
It was clear—about half were favorable, while the other half were wary.
A clear sign that her impactful speech had made waves.
Some wanted to side with her, others were watching with caution.
She recalled what the viscountess had warned: “You’ll draw attention.”
‘I’d better make my exit soon.’
If she stayed too long, rumors might start—like the dowager trying to form a faction with capital nobles.
And then, there were the inappropriate remarks…
“My condolences about the late duke. Such a shame… He died so young, with such promise.”
She glanced sidelong at the man’s face, seeing the clear hint of ulterior motive.
Some people had a gift for saying the most tactless things. Slapping him would feel great—but she had to maintain her dignity.
‘Maybe I should “accidentally” spill a drink on him…’
She was entertaining that thought when the viscountess approached.
“Dowager, that was a splendid speech.”
At her appearance, the surrounding nobles awkwardly stepped back.
It reminded her how formidable the viscountess truly was—these young nobles acted like students caught by a strict teacher.
“Thank you. It was only possible thanks to your instruction.”
“I’m honored to hear that. But… there seems to be a ruffian who doesn’t belong here.”
The viscountess turned her gaze toward the man who had spoken rudely earlier. Flinching, he quickly disappeared into the crowd.
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