Chapter 78
Charlotte perked up her ears and was suddenly taken aback. Every time the commander said, “Charlotte looks just like a white rabbit whenever she’s surprised because her hair is so white,” she had thought, Finally, after dealing only with monsters, he’s lost it. But now she realized that what he said was true. Charlotte hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“Teodor… no, Sir Arbelche wants to see me?”
“Yes. You have no idea how disappointed he was when your correspondence was interrupted. I hear he still keeps your letters. There was a time when monsters attacked his residence, and some of your letters were damaged—but the commander utterly destroyed those monsters…”
Mark realized halfway through that his tone had become harsh, and he hastily clamped his mouth shut.
This mouth of mine… if I fell into water, only my mouth would float!
He decided to choose his words more carefully. Simply, without exaggeration, just the facts. Yet, reflecting on what he had just said, he realized that aside from the rough tone, everything was true.
Every night, Teodor had been reading Charlotte’s letters, and when monsters briefly intruded and tore the letters to shreds, he had eradicated all monsters around Teodor. Siveron had once gone on a distant reconnaissance and, upon seeing nearly obliterated monster corpses, had asked, What happened here?
If Mark had calmly explained the situation, it would have seemed more like, He truly cherishes the letters! But because he blurted it all out, Teodor came across as a crazed man obsessed with letters. Commander, I’m sorry. This time, you can hit me if you want, I won’t complain.
Mark anxiously observed Charlotte’s reaction. What returned to him was a completely unexpected remark:
“It wasn’t only me who missed it…”
A smile spread across Charlotte’s face—one that was exceedingly endearing. She felt joy knowing that Teodor hadn’t forgotten her and had treasured her letters, and she responded with an even brighter voice.
“If I have the time, I’ll definitely visit. Thank you.”
The massive doors of the main hall opened, and Charlotte entered.
Though she tried not to be tense, the moment she lifted her head from its slight bow, she felt all the gazes of the nobles surrounding the Emperor and Empress on the dais. Her body stiffened naturally. Fortunately, the High Priest was standing right below the dais, and seeing her grandfather among the countless eyes gave her some relief.
At that moment, Aria, startled by the silence, buried her face into Charlotte’s shoulder, clutching her dress tightly.
“Mommy…”
Hearing Aria’s whimper, Charlotte was able to move again. She patted Aria’s small shoulders and walked straight to the dais without glancing at the onlookers. She had to appear unbothered for Aria not to feel anxious. Pull yourself together, I can’t be this nervous with Aria beside me. Besides, there’s something I must accomplish today.
Watching this, the first to quietly speak among the high-ranking nobles and Klagen was Count Rosanac.
“I was worried that my granddaughter might be harmed by the cold in the North, but it seems she’s fine.”
“Indeed. I worried a lot too, but she seems healthier than before going to the North.”
Duke Blanche replied with a smile to Count Rosanac’s words, which expressed concern, care, and relief.
Considering she had lived in the harsh North, Charlotte’s hair wasn’t dry or brittle, her skin wasn’t withered, and her fingertips weren’t cracked. Perhaps if she had grown up lonely and abandoned, it might have been different. But taking care of Aria while living in the North was healthier than her time in the capital.
She had slept and woken early, eaten properly, and unintentionally exercised by running after Aria, who loved to play. Naturally, she was healthier than when she had stayed in the capital.
Starting with Count Rosanac, as Duke Blanche’s mood seemed positive, one by one, the nobles offered words of goodwill to Charlotte. Yet, the oblivious Duke Linda spoiled the otherwise smooth atmosphere.
“It’s good she’s doing well, but… what is that?”
Duke Blanche’s gaze sharpened at once. Referring to Aria as “that” made his blood boil. Who had the audacity to treat someone like a lump of plaster? Blanche felt a surge of anger but forced himself to grip the chair’s armrest to maintain composure.
He knew Aria wasn’t his blood, and sharp reactions might not help, yet he was still furious. Aria was no object; she had a beautiful name—Aria. Aria…
“Where did that child come from?”
Duke Linda, unaware of Blanche’s struggle to restrain his temper, poured more fuel onto the fire.
“Duke…”
Count Rosanac quietly restrained Duke Linda. The grip Blanche had on the armrest had left visible dents and cracks.
“Duke Linda. Do not treat my great-granddaughter as an object. Or she may end up thrown off the balcony.”
“What… what did you say?”
Duke Linda was stunned by the harsh words piercing his ears.
And… great-granddaughter? That’s the real great-granddaughter?
He briefly wondered where to focus his shock and anger. But before he could fully process, Duke Blanche’s glare suggested he might actually throw her off the balcony, so he wisely stayed silent.
Meanwhile, Charlotte greeted the Emperor and Empress:
“I greet the Sun and Moon of the Argent Empire. May the blessings of Goddess Revelain be with you.”
“Welcome, Lady Blanche. You must have had a long journey, yet you attend this joint council. Thank you. Your testimony today will help lead the Argent Empire under the protection of Goddess Revelain.”
“I also greet the High Priest, messenger of God’s word.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Welcome back.”
Silvert smiled warmly at Aria. He had been pained when she had planned to leave for Nostri, having watched her toddle from the very beginning. Learning that monsters had attacked four times and that Charlotte had been involved each time had made his heart sink.
But thankfully, she returned unharmed. Still…
“Lady, who is that child?”
Before Silvert could finish, Empress Catleya asked. Many had been curious about ‘that child.’ Once Aria was mentioned, attention turned to Charlotte and Aria, with some eyes focused on Duke Blanche.
A young lady returned from the North with a child, not a newborn, but a girl around five years old. Many speculations arose. Perhaps secretly born and raised elsewhere… But no sane person would bring an illegitimate child to a joint council.
Then who was this child?
“This child is Aria. She was abandoned in the winter forests of Nostri and attacked by wild beasts. I rescued her and have cared for her since.”
At that moment, forty percent of the gazes dropped. They felt apologetic for assuming the abandoned girl might be illegitimate. Yet sixty percent remained skeptical, thinking Aria looked too much like Charlotte.
“I see… that’s truly admirable.”
When Emperor Dillon praised her, the remaining gazes quickly dispersed.
“But why bring her to the joint council?”
“She witnessed the four monster attacks that I will testify about today. I brought her in case it helps with the testimony.”
Charlotte set Aria down, and Aria hesitated before stepping forward. Everyone focused on the youngest present, wondering what she would do. Cry? Hide behind Charlotte’s skirt? Introduce herself quickly and retreat?
“I’m Aria. May the hand of Goddess Revelain reach His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress.”
It was unexpected. Charlotte widened her eyes at Aria. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, it was a perfect greeting. Charlotte thought quickly. Had I taught her this? No, I never did. Did she copy it from the etiquette book like last time?
Is my daughter a genius?
When Aria saw no reaction to her greeting, she seemed to think she had done something wrong, and tears welled up in her bright blue eyes. Dillon noticed and added praise:
“What a clever child. She looks about five, yet her greeting is flawless. Yes, Aria, thank you for coming to the joint council.”
Aria’s expression, dark like rain clouds moments ago, brightened like a flower in sunlight. She beamed and stood beside Charlotte.
“The High Priest, weren’t there supposed to be two witnesses? Where is Duke Valian?”
Indeed, Esche wasn’t visible. She had heard he would come later but didn’t know he hadn’t arrived just before the council began. Perhaps his grandfather’s business wasn’t finished?
“…Duke Valian said he had urgent matters to present regarding this incident. We can hear his testimony after Lady Blanche’s.”
“Hmm, I understand.”
Empress Catleya seemed slightly annoyed at the unscheduled delay, but Emperor Dillon was forgiving. The council’s purpose was to analyze the situation and prepare measures, so Esche’s delay was not a problem.
“Then let’s begin the joint council.”
The moment the council was announced, a solemn atmosphere filled the main hall.
