TFLMLD 68

Chapter 68 The Road to the Throne (feat. Shupen’s Provocation)

If Macaron safely survived this war, the nobles would no longer be able to deny him under any pretext. Since even Reiner had acknowledged him, at the very least, no noble would openly object to Macaron being selected as crown prince. Of course, this was assuming he returned victorious and alive. But since Macaron had already declared he would personally go to war, Soletin gave him the most fitting support. In the solemn chamber, the nobles pressed their hands together.

“By your command.”

Leaving the imperial palace, the nobles each wore different expressions. None of them carried a smile of victory. If anything, their expressions leaned faintly toward the second prince’s faction.

Those supporting Macaron, led by Marquis Litber, exited first. Their focus was naturally on the matter of providing private troops.

“Will you all be sending men from your private forces this time?”

“We’ll have to. The question is how many…”

“If there’s even a chance of victory, of course we must send them…”

Among the nobles who trailed off uncertainly, one spoke up bluntly.

“If we side with His Highness Macaron and then lose, Prince Reiner won’t let it go easily. That’s what worries me.”

“Exactly. And besides, no one has ever managed to resolve the Mitnut Kingdom problem. What are we to do…?”

Even without clear answers, many still placed their faith in Macaron. Though his past achievements were long ago, the glory of his military merits and the renown of the name “Macaron” carried weight.

“With His Highness Macaron, surely the war will end in victory.”

With that topic settled, the conversation naturally shifted toward Macaron’s recent changes and the matter of the crown princess. In particular, the new figure, the second crown princess Calypse, was the talk of the nobles.

“She’s far sharper than I expected.”

“She even looked suitable for the position of empress.”

Still, within Macaron’s supporters remained those who viewed Calypse with hostility.

“At the end of the day, she’s from a viscount’s family. Can such a person truly become empress?”

“Indeed. The empress must come from one of our noble families.”

They openly revealed their ambitions that the empress should come from their own bloodline. Just then, a voice cut in from behind.

“There’s no need to worry about the empress. Won’t the next empress surely come from House Rippler?”

It was Chancellor Dior. And right on cue, Evelyn made her entrance. Everyone knew well the overwhelming influence she wielded—and the scandal she and Macaron had once been embroiled in. The nobles, quick to read the winds, some even concluded it would be safer to stand on Evelyn’s side.

“With Duchess Evelyn around, we need not worry about who will become empress, ha ha.”

“Indeed.”

Meanwhile, those aligned with Reiner moved grimly, their faces hardened. Duke Kailen’s ears flushed red, Princess Railin clenched her fists tightly, and even Empress Ashille, watching it all, wore an ashen face. Every single one—except Reiner Kraid. His lips curved oddly into a smile. Railin muttered disapprovingly.

“Is this really a time to smile?”

“You must think Macaron is going to succeed, my dear.”

“Have you forgotten who he is?”

“Of course not. But since my little brother is heading out, I thought I might prepare him a grand gift.”

Catching his meaningful smile, Railin’s eyes gleamed with desire.

“You have a plan?”

“I’ll be seeking contact with the Mitnut Kingdom, my dear.”

“….”

Reiner continued with a weighty expression.

“Pass this along to the nobles for me.”

The term “my dear” was loathsome to Railin, who had married Reiner for political convenience. Yet even enemies could unite in times of crisis. That was all that mattered now. She nodded, and in her blue eyes, ambition surged like waves.

It was common for nobles who had traveled from afar to stay overnight at the palace. But with only two weeks to prepare troops and hold meetings with their retainers, many nobles returned to their territories immediately.

The first prince and his wife put on quite a show of affection as they headed to their carriage. Macaron and I, too, abandoned our plan of staying at the palace and went straight to our carriage.

Just as we were leaving, Evelyn blocked our path. The memory of meeting her at her mansion flashed back, and the feeling was anything but pleasant. She had called Macaron so familiarly, as if she were the mistress of the house.

And now… what game was she playing?

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

Her low, formal tone was the complete opposite of how she had spoken before. Her eyes fell squarely on my hand, which was holding Macaron’s arm. Without realizing it, I gripped him tighter. Macaron, his public mask firmly in place, bowed slightly.

“Thank you for earlier, Duchess Evelyn.”

“Don’t mention it. Between you and me, that was nothing.”

Between you and me? She had said it loud enough for me to hear, then glanced at me before turning her gaze back to Macaron, her eyes curving with a sly smile.

Though Macaron had told me they were nothing, her brazen display was still infuriating. Yet I couldn’t simply confront her over flaunting some supposed connection.

Watching silently, I heard Macaron add politely,

“My apologies for not attending Duke Rippler’s funeral.”

He deliberately used her family name, Rippler, instead of her given name, Evelyn. A clear line drawn. His tone was so dry, it sounded less like addressing an ex-lover than even a friend. Evelyn’s face crumpled, but she quickly recovered with a smile.

“Thank you for your concern.”

Then, donning a mournful look, she leaned closer to Macaron, her eyes moist with feigned grief.

“House Rippler wishes to send troops in support. Could I speak with you alone about it?”

Her glance toward me was a silent request to step aside. I wanted to snap, Stop clinging already, but I held back. On this matter, Evelyn’s help was truly important. But nothing came free—her conditions were obvious.

Yet—

“I’ll send my steward to you about that.”

Macaron’s voice was as calm and dry as ever.

Does he have another way?

Without House Rippler’s support, it would be difficult to win over other nobles, wouldn’t it? Anxiety knotted in my chest as bad thoughts circled endlessly. Evelyn, suppressing her anger, insisted,

“It’s not something I can discuss with a steward. I have matters to discuss with you personally. Please make time.”

Her eyes gleamed with allure as she gazed up at him. The strong scent of roses pricked my nose. But Macaron stepped back, cold and polite.

“That won’t be necessary.”

I shouldn’t have laughed, but I couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped. Even so, I worried. What on earth is Macaron thinking?

Evelyn, cheeks flushed, ground out,

“Without my help, it will be difficult for you to win this battle.”

She tried to save face, but her red cheeks betrayed her.

“That’s my concern. Don’t trouble yourself.”

“…”

“Now then, farewell.”

He strode past her, face as cold as frost. The bright smile and playful demeanor he usually showed me were gone; only the dignity and authority of a prince remained.

Though he hadn’t confronted me directly, his words were a stern warning. Escorting me as always, his warmth seemed all the more striking in contrast.

What on earth does Evelyn see in such a cold Macaron?

Even as my thoughts wandered, I felt her burning gaze on my back. Evelyn stood rooted to the spot until our carriage departed, her face red with humiliation, her blue eyes glaring at me as if I had stolen what was hers.

The news of the crown prince selection naturally reached the Luna Guild first.

Ran watched Shupen, who had been doubled over laughing for some time, with a grave expression.

“What is so funny?”

Wiping tears from his eyes, Shupen replied,

“I mean, Evelyn was just publicly rejected by Macaron, wasn’t she?”

“Well, it wasn’t that public… but yes, she was rejected.”

“So she was rejected. Exactly.”

Still chuckling as he wiped his tears, Shupen earned a shake of the head from Ran.

“Do you really enjoy other people’s misfortunes that much?”

“Don’t paint me as such a vile person.”

“You sometimes seem that way. Anyone would think you and Evelyn are sworn enemies.”

Behind his mask, Shupen didn’t lose his composure, but he did catch something odd in Ran’s words.