119 Congress, The Battle of the Flowers (1/2)

”Well...

Shayla, who had created a silence with several exclamations, was followed by Laia, who had a perfect smile even in this situation. Her distinctive voice has the power to instantly attract the attention of the crowd.

Before Shayla speaks, I would like to explain to you what we at the Imperial Court think. I, like Master Shayla, am convinced of Master Diana's innocence.

”......, you of the House of Stresia, who have respected the order of the realm for generations?

I'm sorry that you are taking my family's history as if it were your own. Besides, what you just said makes me feel as if Master Diana is disrespecting the order of the kingdom. While being ridiculed by those who don't care about her as a ”Red Rose” who can't even receive the honor of being a queen, Diana-sama has been working hard for the kingdom and the palace. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

...... It seems that Shayla was not the only one who was preparing for war. This is the first time in Deanna's memory that she has seen Raia express her will so clearly and put her anger into words.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

In the early hours of yesterday, I received a terrible news. Someone kidnapped Master Shayla, who was supposed to be in the rear court. It is said that Deanna-sama has been captured by the royal court as the 'ringleader' of the plot.

And according to the story. The knight who captured Deanna drew his sword in the palace and acted as if he was pawning the lives of the maids and maids of the Red Rose Room, and took her away without question.

I've heard that when he captured her, he spoke as if he had already decided on the death penalty.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

We have received a notice from the palace and have come to the inner palace to comfort the king's boredom. The palace is the king's garden, blooming only for him. --To take away the Red Rose, which blooms at the top of the garden, by such violent means is more than enough to be taken as an insult by the royal court to our palace.

”No!　No, I didn't mean it like that.

”Shut up, Captain Eunos, Knight Commander of the Royal Court. It doesn't matter what your intentions were. It's an insult to the Red Rose, the first in line to her side, and therefore an insult to the entire palace.

”Of course, if the crime of the current Red Rose was obvious, we would have no reason to come here. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that.

I'm not sure what to say.

It's simple. It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web and also the internet.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm Lidil, the eldest son of Baron Ernest.

My name is Nasha, and I am a member of the Barony of Crockett.

We have seen the Red Rose rescue Master Shayla from the wars of the ladies of the court.

”We were not close enough to hear the Red Rose's thoughts directly from her. However, from her words and behavior, I know that she is always thinking of us as the first in her entourage. Because everything was different from ...... Peony-sama.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Marquis of Landrose glared at Nasha.

The Marquis of Landrose glared at Nasha. ...... Are you referring to my daughter, Liliane?

Yes. Yes, it's Liliane Landreth, the lady of the Peony Room, who was the first in line of succession in the palace before the Red Rose.

”How dare you compare my daughter to Clester's daughter? Don't be so rude.

”Why is that?　Master Peony was also the first in line to the throne, even if only for a short time. It's not uncommon for people below you to compare people in the same position.

The Marquis of Landreth's words were very true.

The Marquis of Landreth's words were a very clear threat, but Diana secretly agreed.

The Marquis of Landreth's words were a very obvious threat, but Deanna secretly agreed with him. Nasha had always been a reserved girl, not the kind of girl who would pick a fight with the head of a rival faction in a parliamentary session like this. I thought that this was part of the plan, but since I could see Leticia's worried eyes, it was probably improvised by Nasha.

Nasha smiled at the obvious threat, as if she had been somewhat blown away.

No,” she said. The connection between me and the Crockett family is only on paper. It's not the Barons or the Crockett spinners who are shaken by my actions. --That's why I've decided to tell you these words.

What are you doing at ......?

The Red Rose is different from the Peony. Please don't think that all the top ladies in the household think and behave the same way.

What Master Peony destroyed, Master Red Rose has done her best to repair.

I'm sure the Red Rose's outrage you're referring to is about Peony-sama,” said Nasha in a roundabout way.

The nobles on the right side of the room, apparently unable to remain silent, stood up one after another.

”Little girl!　How dare you speak to the Duke of Landrose!

How dare you!

What are you doing? Get her out of here!

Baron Crockett!　What kind of education are you giving my daughter?

What kind of education are you giving my daughter? The Baron Crockett who was the target of the attack was a very beautiful, mature man. He had a beautiful, soft face that seemed to be uncomfortable with conflict, and his glowing new green eyes told the whole story.

'Are you educating my daughter?　I have raised her with all my heart to have a strong heart that will not be defeated in this kind of situation. As her father, I'm proud of her for not abandoning her friends and those she respects, and for being ready to fight.

”You!

Why don't you calm down a little?　...... Or do you wish to be questioned here by me and many others about the palace before the arrival of the Red Rose?

That's none of your business right now!

I don't know. From what the girls are saying, it's not entirely irrelevant. -Nasha.

Gently, softly. With unmistakable affection, Baron Crockett calls his daughter.

”Don't worry about the house. Move about as you see fit.

”My dear ......

”Spinning isn't something that can only be done in this country. If this country doesn't want our house, we can change the river bank. --His Majesty the King would never ask you to weigh your loyalty against your love for your daughter.

This was a brilliant counterattack, using threats to control threats, not poison to control poison. The aristocrats, who had an accurate grasp of the current kingdom, all changed their color and looked at the reaction of the top of the country at once. Baron Crockett is the top spinner in the Kingdom of Ergeland, and has developed and monopolized many technologies of his own. If such a family were to give up on the country and move to another country, the spinning industry of the kingdom would quickly decline. In response to the threat of ”I'll destroy your house,” they said, ”It doesn't matter, we'll move. But who would be in trouble? Baron Crockett is a skilled merchant and politician.

A sparkling confrontation between conservatives and innovators. The King, witnessing this, spins his words slowly in the midst of everyone's attention.

”Well, Crockett. No need to weigh it. As your king, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are as devoted to your kingdom as you are to your daughter.

He didn't force his subjects to be loyal, he didn't make a statement about the palace for the summer.

He did not force his vassals to be loyal to him, nor did he make a clear statement about a summer palace.

A surprising and somewhat amused glint appeared in the Baron's eyes. Then he bowed gracefully.

”That's too good to be true, sir.

”Hmm. ...... Waterlilies. I'm well aware that the Red Rose is dearly loved by the ladies. I'm sure that's not the only view you have of the palace.

It seems that Juke has come to his senses here. The timing of the conversation was perfect.

Raia nodded in response to Juke's words.

”Yes. I just wanted to let you know that we believed in your innocence from the beginning.

But testimony alone is not proof.

Of course not. When we received the news of Shayla's kidnapping and Deanna's capture, we immediately launched an investigation to prove Deanna's innocence.

In response to Raia's words, a woman in a lady's uniform stepped forward. It was a woman dressed in a lady's uniform. She was Sharon Magnom, a woman familiar to the courtesans but probably forgotten by the nobles of the outer court.

Master Magnom first turns to Juke and bows.

”Your Majesty. I apologize for the disturbance. It is a grave matter that your wife should not have been taken from your palace. I apologize for not being able to stop it before it happened.

”No need to apologize, Master Commander Magnum. Look up. I'm sure you didn't see this coming.

As the head of the Inner Palace, I cannot be so naive.

She raised her head as Juke spoke and looked at him and Vizier Volz at the same time with eyes that were even harder than her stern demeanor.

I hope you will allow me to explain the Red Rose's crimes to the gathering.

”Of course. No one knows the inner workings of the court better than the current head mistress.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Madame Magnom's manner and behavior was that of a noblewoman among noblewomen. From the top of her head to her toes, her every movement was flawless. Without blaming anyone, she honestly admitted her faults, apologized for them, and set the stage for herself to move easily by naturally rising to the top of the nation.

She is beautiful and graceful, but does not show any vulnerability to attack. I could see that the place was instantly engulfed by the graceful, bending, yet unyielding strength of the ”noble lady.

No one could look away from Madame Magnom as she stepped forward into the center of the assembly, despite the fact that she walked without making a sound like a chief lady.

The former Marquis of Magnum was the wife of a woman. I am Sharon, wife of the former Marquis Magnom. She's currently serving as Master-in-Charge of the Inner Palace.

”It's been a long time since I've seen you, but I'm glad to see you're alive and well, Madame Magnome.

Thank you very much, Marquis of Eustace. How is your wife?

Oh, yes. My daughter wrote to tell me that you've been made empress, and she's very eager to see you.

It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the people who have helped me in the past.

The Marquis of Eustace smiled and nodded at Madame Magnum's words, and the Marquis of Stresia smiled cheerfully as well. The fact that the two men, whose daughters are in her court as her ”named” concubines, are very fond of Madame Magnom also strengthens her voice in Parliament.

Having completely colored the scene, Madame Magnom finally turned to the right side of the assembly, to those who were eager to execute Diana.

I would like to report to you the results of our investigation into the Red Rose's involvement in the abduction of her consort Shayla Callerd. --In conclusion, no such traces have been found in the palace.

No, that's not possible!

It is true, sir. In the first place, on what grounds did the people of the Outer Palace determine that the Red Rose was the main suspect in the kidnapping?

”What do you mean!　What do you mean? All three of the people who were actually involved in the crime testified to 'confirming the Red Rose's power'.

So, other than that testimony, what physical evidence do you have?

The other side's ”evidence” did not faze Madame Magnum. Mrs. Magnom is unfazed by the other side's ”evidence.

After confirming that no answer was forthcoming, she opened her mouth again.

Of course, there was always the possibility that our investigation would uncover evidence of the Red Rose's involvement. We have believed in the Red Rose from the beginning, but it would not be fair to bias our investigation. We have notified all the ladies and maids in the Inner Palace to report all information regarding the Red Rose, no matter what it is. However, even so, we have not found any evidence or testimony of the Red Rose's involvement.

At Madame Magnum's words, the Marquis de Harlais, who was still standing on the witness stand, changed his color.

”Nonsense. ......!　In the palace, it was said that the outrageous behavior of the Red Rose's entourage was ordered by the Red Rose herself.

”Yes. I'm sure there were rumors of that for a while.

When the lady looked at her, she saw a group of maidens carrying bundles of paper. One of them stepped forward and held out one of the bundles to the lady.

This is the result of the palace's investigation into the rumor. We asked each of the maids who had heard the rumor who had told them about it, and traced the route to find the source of the rumor. As a result, it turned out that the one who first said that the Red Rose was disturbing Shayla was Belle, the private maid of the House of Tandor, sitting over there.

The rumors that had been circulating secretly in the palace for some time after the new year about the movements of Sophia and her friends and their entanglements were also reported by Diana. She was under the impression that Master Magnum had investigated the matter, but it was mainly Leticia who had done so. And a long time ago.

There is no other word for Mrs. Magnom other than ”as expected” as she completely anticipates the questions that will be posed in the assembly and prepares all the materials perfectly.

The ”investigation report,” complete with all the materials, caused the assembly to shake gently. Mrs. Magnom nodded her head.

We can't use rumors spread by the perpetrators as a basis. We have decided to continue to investigate whether or not there was any contact between the Red Rose herself and the perpetrators.

Madame Magnum opened the booklet that another lady presented to her so that she could see it.

”This is a record of the outside correspondence of the entourage, kept in the palace. As you can clearly see, the Red Rose does not have any contact with the outside world, except for writing to her parents once a month, two or three times at the most.

That's no proof!　You can have the knight who guards the gate of the palace hold a small sum of money and exchange it without you!

”Yes. But for that to happen, the Red Rose herself, or someone close to her, must somehow entrust it to a royal palace knight. The King's Kingsguard knights have interviewed each of the knights in charge of guarding the palace gates, with the security records from the beginning of the year in hand, but none of them remember anything. --There were a few people who acted as intermediaries between Bel and Lino Tandor.

”But ...... that Belle must have always been in the palace. It is possible that Bell could have received the Red Rose's instructions and written them down in a letter to Rhino without the need for a letter.

I never said that the exchange between Belle and Rhyno was by letter. ...... You know a lot about that, don't you?

A nobleman whose name I don't even know (though I'm sure Dualis and Edward do) was stabbed by Madame Magnum and fell silent. This was also a very distant and aristocratic advice, ”You're only going to get more rude if you talk, so shut up already.

As you said, Master Lino and Bel had corresponded by letter. It is true that Bell, who was in the palace, could have received verbal instructions from the Red Rose. ......, but as the highest-ranking lady in the court, the Red Rose is usually accompanied by several maids. In addition to this, there are many other things that you can do to make your life easier. The only time they ever met was at a tea party hosted by the Red Rose, but even there they never had any contact, according to the testimony of the maids.

”How would I know?　If they were connected behind the scenes, they would have pretended to be unrelated.

No. The Red Rose and Belle do not know each other. I've finally found the evidence to prove it.

Suddenly, without warning, a man's voice sounded, strong and without hesitation.

Keith Highet stood proudly at the entrance to the council chamber, holding a document.

Walking up to the side of Mrs. Magnum, Keith kneels down facing the juke.

”I apologize for the abruptness of my intrusion.

”Good. --Well, you're just in time.

You're just in time. I'd like to apologize on behalf of the manager for the delay.

What are you talking about? I'm the one who forced you to do this. No need to apologize.

Most of the nobles gathered here probably didn't even know what department Keith belonged to.

Everyone was surprised that a completely unknown official would show such trust in His Majesty the King.

Juke nodded vigorously.

”Keith Huizet. ”Keith Hysett, you will investigate and report your findings before all of us here.

”Yes, sir.

At this point, the assembly was filled with a different kind of excitement.

All those who had spoken up until now, despite their different circumstances and agendas, had been asked to do so by themselves and had been approved by the king.

Keith, however, was different. He was ordered by the king to investigate something and report the results.

That is, he was. In other words, he is the first person to appear in this phase, ”a spokesman for the king who acts in accordance with the king's intentions. His words become the will of the king (Juke).

Keith's eyes glinted sternly behind his glasses.

”My name is Keith, the legitimate son of Viscount Hi-Zed. --In accordance with His Majesty's orders, we have conducted an investigation into the kidnapping of the two men responsible for the kidnapping, Lino Tandor and Oleg Magentis.

Did you find any evidence on your side to suggest that the Red Rose had anything to do with Bell?

Yes. Yes, solid physical evidence.

What Keith pulled out was a simple letter.

Keith raised his voice to the nobles.

With the help of Count Tandor and Count Magentis, we have examined their rooms in their respective residences.

What ......?

Why aren't they here?

The House of Lords can be attended by anyone who belongs to the notified house, and at the same time can refuse to attend. The Count of Tandor is the spearhead of the innovation faction, and the Count of Magentis is a stable and neutral house, and since their sons are being held captive this time, it is impossible for them not to receive the notice. Nevertheless, the fact that he did not show up at the Congress...

The two men were so distressed by the actions of their sons, Lino and Oleg, that they said, ”We will take whatever punishment is necessary. They have entrusted us with a message that they will fully abide by the decisions of the council. The two people who gathered the perpetrators and kidnapped Master Shayla were undoubtedly Rhyno and Oleg. Count Tandor and Count Magentis have taken this fact very seriously.

Keith looked around at the council.

But they also said, 'We want to know the truth about why our son did this. We will cooperate fully if we can find out the truth. He also agreed to search the house, and thanks to that, we were able to seize it.

Declaring, Keith slowly opened the letter.

”This is a letter from Oleg that was found in Rhino's room. This is the letter from Oleg that was in Rhino's room. ”If, by any chance, our deeds should come to light. None of us, not even Belle in the palace, have anything to do with the Red Rose, and she will not be questioned. All we have to do is to be a stepping stone to ensure the Red Rose's power, to get rid of the conservatives who tormented your sister, and to lead the kingdom to prosperity.

As Oleg quietly spun out his words, only his gaze went to him, his eyes vacant.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

(Yeah, right. So...)

I was aware that I was doing something wrong. Of course. The kidnapping of the Favored Princess was a crime, no matter how you looked at it.

But they didn't intend to involve Diana in their misdeeds.

Oleg Magentis's motive was to solidify his position in the royal court over his legitimate brother. The prediction made by the outer court was probably not far off. He may have wanted to surpass his brother and become the heir. There was no doubt that Oleg was ambitious and cunning.

But perhaps... But that wasn't the only reason. Oleg was driven only by ambition, and he wasn't willing to cut down anyone to get ahead.

He had ambition, he wanted to surpass his brother. And just as much - in his own way - he cared about his country and his friends. I want to believe that .......