Chapter 79
Before the joint council began, the attendees were provided with a brief overview of the four monster attack incidents that had occurred in Nostri.
Charlotte’s role was to elaborate on this information through her testimony and answer questions as needed. Unsure where to begin, Charlotte decided to recount the events in chronological order for clarity. She started with the Black Serpent monster incident that had appeared behind Steria Castle.
Next was the Crow Monster incident, followed by the Rat Monster that had attacked Aria, and finally, the Wolf Monster incident they had encountered while pursuing the Kennys.
The Crow Monster attack had been discovered purely by chance, so she didn’t dwell on it, but the other two, being directly related to Aria, she recounted with about forty percent of her emotion invested. The remaining sixty percent consisted of as detailed a description of the events as possible.
As her testimony progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, until it became so quiet that even breathing seemed audible. Clearly, monsters were known to fear sacred power, and they tended to appear where holy energy had accumulated or holy relics were placed. Everyone seemed quite shocked that such events could occur in the harsh northern region of Nostri, a place even monsters found formidable.
However, Emperor Dillon and the High Priest remained calm. Rather than dwelling on the past, they focused on learning lessons from the incident and preparing for the future.
“High Priest.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“From the testimony of the young lady, it seems that once the search of Nostri is complete, we will need to track monsters across the entire region. Are there personnel available to form a tracking squad immediately?”
“We will organize one with those experienced in tracking. Given the circumstances, we can also contact retired personnel if necessary.”
Not a search party, but a tracking squad. While a search party focused only on the areas where monsters had appeared and the surrounding regions, a tracking squad would scour the entire empire for any traces of monsters. Since such incidents had occurred unexpectedly in Nostri, it seemed they wanted to see if there were any other similar occurrences.
“Once the tracking is complete, we should assign a certain number of knights to those who hold fiefs and have them report whether any monsters or dark mages appear. Even if they cannot match the paladins, we can produce and distribute books detailing methods for confronting monsters… We could also increase the number of candidates for the paladin trials to secure more personnel. What do you think?”
The measures were progressing more smoothly than expected. Of course, not all proposals from the council could be implemented immediately; only those deemed feasible would be elaborated with detailed measures. Even so, it was far better than having no suggestions at all.
At that moment, a priest who had quietly been listening spoke up.
“Your Majesty, may I have the floor? I have a question for Lady Blanche.”
“Very well, you may speak.”
The Marquis of Blanche turned to a priest with deep purple hair dressed in Klagen attire. While he knew all the Klagen priests by sight, this was the first time he had seen this one in person. Count Rosanak quietly explained.
“This is Count Lezerus. He recently became a Klagen.”
Lezerus… Could it be the son of Bernd Lezerus, who had refused the proposal to become a Klagen, relinquished his title, and spent his life serving the needy as a physician?
“He is also known for his outstanding theological knowledge and excellent character.”
“That alone wouldn’t be enough to become a Klagen. There must be another reason.”
“…Actually, there are rumors of a marriage arrangement between the Lezerus family and the House of Duke Linda.”
“The future of Klagen seems quite bleak. Those who symbolize integrity are now openly committing corruption? As the saying goes, clean water comes from clean sources…”
As Silbert sighed at this, Marquis Blanche looked at Count Lezerus in disbelief.
“Milady, it is extraordinary to witness so many monster appearances in one location, something only seen in Leopold’s era. And yet, you have witnessed four such attacks in Nostri?”
“That is correct. What exactly are you implying?”
“I am simply noting that monsters travel in groups. Are you certain these were true attacks?”
The high-ranking nobles were stunned, their eyes wide as if thinking, Is he insane? Especially Duke Linda, whose jaw nearly dropped in disbelief and paled. Lezerus’ implication was clear: ‘Could it be that the monsters gathered because you were born from a mother cursed to die?’ That was exactly it.
“Given the circumstances, we must exercise caution. So, what do you think, Milady?”
Duke Linda internally summoned every curse she knew. He intended to marry her daughter off to that man? And now, during this joint council where Marquis Blanche was present, he dared to mention Charlotte’s mother! She wanted to glance at Blanche but couldn’t; she couldn’t even imagine what kind of terrifying expression he might be wearing.
Rosanak seemed to be explaining about Count Lezerus, but did he mention the marriage rumor too? While she wasn’t particularly close with Marquis Blanche, she hadn’t intended to become an enemy either. It was maddening.
Duke Linda braced herself as if she might fall from the balcony and slowly turned to Blanche. Yet, Blanche stared at Charlotte without blinking, looking slightly surprised.
What… is this?
Charlotte smiled. Though her hand partially covered her mouth, the corners of her lips were clearly raised. Even Count Lezerus’ usually smiling face showed a strange fissure upon noticing this.
“Are you suggesting that my mother gave birth to me while under a curse?”
Moreover, unlike the indirect insinuation, Charlotte directly addressed the matter and sought confirmation. Lezerus, unsure whether he was embarrassed or contemplating his answer, did not respond immediately. But Charlotte, having asked out of courtesy, did not wait and calmly addressed the Emperor and Empress.
“Your Majesty, I do not believe my birth is related to this incident. If I had encountered monsters alone four times, there might be some merit to that assumption. But when I witnessed the Black Serpent and Wolf monsters, many others were present besides me.”
Charlotte adjusted her necklace around her neck.
“Of course, the Crow and Rat monsters appeared only in front of Aria and me. I believe this might be why.”
Charlotte lifted the holy stone necklace she wore, as well as the one she had placed on Aria’s neck. The transparent blue stones glittered like stars, radiating along the walls and up to the ceiling.
“This is a holy stone given to me by my grandfather. Aria also wore a holy stone gifted by Duke Balian. As you know, my grandfather is the head of the Blanche family and was a hero who faced dark mages during Leopold’s time. His holy power was renowned.”
Charlotte, smiling, approached Silbert and handed him the holy stone.
“I believe the Crow and Rat monster attacks might have been due to these holy stones. Therefore, I will submit them to the temple.”
When Silbert accepted the stone, he grasped Charlotte’s hand firmly a couple of times, silently praising her for handling Count Lezerus’ rude question well. Charlotte, tracing a small smile with the corner of her lips, turned to Count Lezerus and asked:
“Was that answer sufficient?”
“…It was sufficient. Thank you for your detailed response despite my rudeness.”
“It is alright. This happens often.”
You were rude, but since it happens often, I will forgive this once. Charlotte replied with a warm smile and the same weighty implication in her words as Lezerus had used. She did not care to see his reaction.
Thanks to Charlotte’s wise handling, the frozen atmosphere gradually eased.
Further questions were posed to Charlotte, and she answered each one clearly, bringing her testimony to a close. Satisfied that enough information had been obtained, Dillon smiled approvingly.
“Well done, Lady Blanche. Your contribution was significant.”
“No, I did nothing. I am only glad I could help.”
“Modest. But you faithfully testified and helped apprehend the Kennys. Therefore, after consulting with the High Priest, we have decided to recognize your merit with an award.”
Charlotte’s eyes lit up at the mention of an award. Recognition from the Emperor. She slowly composed herself, having attended the council with this as her main goal.
At Dillon’s gesture, a pouch of gold coins, a box of valuable jewels, and an honorary brooch acknowledging her accomplishments were placed at Charlotte’s feet. Yet she paid no attention to the lavish rewards and instead embraced Aria.
“Your Majesty, I wish to decline the award.”
“Decline the award?”
“I would like to make one request of Your Majesty instead. Could you grant this in place of the reward?”
Dillon smiled, intrigued, and Marquis Blanche recalled Charlotte’s words.
She wants to adopt Aria without marrying? And she’s asking the Emperor directly?
Unsure whether to intervene or let it be, Dillon slowly nodded.
“Speak then. What is this urgent request you wish to exchange for these abundant rewards?”
Charlotte hugged Aria tightly. Her hands were warm and gentle, but her eyes were resolute. Though nervous, she stepped forward and addressed the Emperor firmly.
“Your Majesty, please allow me to adopt Aria.”
