Chapter 115

*Rainelle’s POV

The meeting room was already crowded with people. As if they were all proud of being aristocrats, they adorned themselves in luxurious fabrics and accessories.

Some of the gazes that turned this way were familiar. Namuel and Miel. I smiled slightly as I watched their eyes shake slightly as if they couldn’t understand why I was here.

Namuel and Miel were of the Imperial faction—although Miel was still a little ambiguous.

—Fortunately, they were close by. It was reassuring to have someone sure to be an ally in this place where there must be an enemy.

“Let the meeting begin.”

I come to my senses from Karmeut’s voice, announcing the start of the meeting in a low, serious voice. I looked at him. Karmeut was looking at the nobles.

“It is sudden, but the next Empress is participating in this meeting.”

*3rd person POV

The nobles of course were aware of Rainelle’s appearance, but when the Emperor himself said that, they seemed confused. Of course, it was not unusual for the empress or queen to participate in the nobility council. After all, the emperor’s companion held the second highest position in the Empire after the emperor.

However, the problem was that the subject was a crow that could change into a human form, and her position was ambiguous as she was just expected to become an empress rather than an official empress.

“Of course, you may be puzzled by this treatment. –But the next Empress will not give opinions or refute your words. Don’t think too hard about it because she’s just another individual who will watch, listen, and learn.”

In a moment, the tense air loosened at the explanation.

‘It would have been a pain in the ass if she intervened in political affairs, so it’s fortunate that she will not.’

The nobles tried to proceed with the meeting while watching the next Empress, Rainelle, cautiously.

The Emperor’s pet bird.

An ominous bird that eats corpses.

A strange creature that can transform into a human, and also a giant black bird now.

Those combinations made Rainelle a strange existence for the nobles. She was an animal, but they had to treat her with manners as their superior. Although her origin was a flying beast, they couldn’t ignore her, because she was the next Empress who was favored by the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, may I inquire?”

Everyone’s eyes turned to one side at the voice that broke the uncomfortable silence of the nobles.

“What is it, Duke Howard?”

The Emperor’s eyes were sharp as he asked that. No matter how much Karmeut steadily increased his power before his accession and reduced the power of nobles that supported Luwellin, the opposing noble faction remained.

It was unavoidable. To completely eliminate them, he had no choice but to kill them, but if he did, the Empire would become more unstable. It would be a troublesome thing, as it would make them a prey for other countries.

And as safety depended on it, it was not worth it.

Even if the action managed to be relatively safe and within the scope of not harming the Empire, there was the chance that a second or third opposing faction to appear among the remaining imperial factions.

Rather than creating unpredictable variables, it was easier to control what was defined as a necessary evil.

Duke Howard was the head of the nobles who survived by luck and skills. And, of course, he was also a sly and cunning person behind a neat appearance like the head of a faction.

“Your Majesty has said that Rainelle-nim is attending the meeting. And that Rainelle-nim will learn.”

“That’s what I said.”

“The empress is a very noble person who is the companion of His Majesty the Emperor. As it’s high and honorable, it is also a position that comes with great responsibility. Your Majesty, do you think she can handle the responsibility?”

It was a question, but at the same time, it was close to criticism. Because of that, Karmeut’s golden eyes narrowed.

“Duke Howard! Are you ignoring Rainelle-nim now?!”

It was Miel who reacted sensitively to the words of subtly disregarding Rainelle. This was because Miel couldn’t see the way the person he served deeply in his heart was being ignored.

“Oh, my, Marquis Albion. I’m just worried about the future of the Empire, and I’m speaking to the Emperor.”

Duke Howard threw his eyes at Miel. His gaze was full of smiles, but there was a slight contempt.

“What is so wrong with suggesting things or other ideas that His Majesty has not been able to think of? Marquis, Your Majesty does not want you to just follow orders. The ones that are enough to follow orders faithfully are slaves.”

At the words, Miel clenched his fists. Even though he was not a slave, he couldn’t be unaware that the man was implying that he was behaving like one.

Duke Howard raised the corners of his lips slightly. Then he looked at the Emperor with an expression full of allegiance to the end before shifting his eyes slightly.

“Rainelle-nim. Are you taking classes to become an empress?”

Karmeut guessed the meaning of the question, but he couldn’t reproach him. The greatest concern, whether it was the opposing nobles faction or the Emperor’s faction, was the position of the empress.

Although the Emperor had already declared her position openly, Rainelle was still a very tasty prey to them.

Rainelle needed to show that she wasn’t just prey. Although it seems difficult.

“—No. Not yet. I’m learning the human way of life because I’m not human, so I’m a little behind. I’m going to take a class soon.”

Duke Howard smiled at that.

“Ah, that’s right. Are human’s way of life complicated?”

“…? Well, I’m not familiar with it. Doesn’t it also take time for humans to accept the customs of other countries?”

“Of course, but the position of the empress is also a position that cannot be left vacant for long. You have to learn and polish a lot of things to become the mother of the empire… Do you think you can achieve that in a short period?”

Rainelle’s eyebrows narrowed at those words. But Duke Howard’s words were not over.

“Of course, a positive mindset is good. It’s full of hope, so it’s good. But the companionship of a noble person who leads an empire shouldn’t just be positive. Being only optimistic will quickly get you into trouble.”

Duke Howard, who smiled as he said that, did not say anything else. But it was as if Rainelle could hear him say, “Just like now,” which made her frown.

“—Those words are too excessive, Duke, Are you trying to put Rainelle in a difficult situation?”

A voice that was colder than usual sharply stabbed the air, which was heavy with silence. The Duke smiled at Karmeut and shook his head.

“Your Majesty, what do you mean? I’m just saying this out of concern for the future of the Empire.”

With that said, Duke Howard turned his gaze back to Rainelle. The emotions revealed in the gaze were blatantly clear.

“The position of the empress is heavy. It is a position that requires not only responsibility, but also a wide range of knowledge, culture, and generosity. Such is the position of the emperor’s companion. But what about Rainelle-nim?”

At the words, one or two members of the nobility were nodding their heads.

“Rainelle-nim is a crow, not a human. Of course, you have the power to magically change into a human form, but you are still a flying animal. Will you be able to withstand the weight of the empress of the Empire?”

“You’re exaggerating, Duke Howard. Are you saying that in the Duke’s eyes, Rainelle-nim is not enough?”

“If my words sounded like that, won’t that mean you feel the same way? Marquis Namuel.”

At that, Namuel shut his mouth. Then Miel raised his voice and shouted,

“What kind of rude remarks did you make in front of Rainelle-nim, Duke!”

“Please don’t scream, Marquis Albion. Screaming in a place like this is degrading your dignity. But I don’t know if you have any dignity.”

“—!!”

The sound of grinding teeth came out of Miel’s mouth.

“I know how you feel, but let’s put that story off for later. Your Majesty, the position of the empress is that important. Although Rainelle-nim is the next Empress, it seems right to let other noble girls compete for the empress position in the same way. There are plenty of people worthy of this. So…”

“-So you’re begging for your daughter to be chosen? Duke Howard. If that’s the case, I’d say it’s dirty.”

Duke Howard’s gaze turned to the side at the sudden interruption. There, Marquis Wilhelm was looking at him with an inexplicable smile.

“Isn’t this Marquis Wilhelm?”

“Long time no see, Duke Howard.”

“You seem to be having a hard time moving from place to place now that you’re old, why don’t you stay in one place?”

“I’ve already decided that I’m going to stay here, this one place, until I hand it over to the next generation. I’m tired of looking around.”

There was an illusion where sparks appeared in the air. It was Marquis Wilhelm who broke the silence in the middle of a fight without a concession.

“It seems that Duke Howard has been blinded by the throne of the empress and forgot one important fact.”

“…Hoh. Will you kindly explain what I have forgotten? Marquis Wilhelm?”

“Of course. If I don’t have that kind of generosity, how can I be called a noble? Moreover, Duke Howard has worked hard for the Empire for a long time, so I have to tell you.”

The Marquis, speaking in a relaxed manner, looked at Karmeut for a moment. Marquis Wilhelm gulped inwardly at that cold gaze, which seemed to judge which one was more suitable for his prey, then he continued,

“There is some truth to Duke Howard’s words. Even among noble girls, there are some who are well-educated, dignified, tolerant, and worthy of the position of the Empress.”

At those words, not only the opposing nobles, but also some of the Emperor’s faction nobles nodded their heads. No matter if they were on the Emperor’s side, no one wouldn’t want their daughter to be in the empress’ seat.

“But you know, do you think there will be any difference even if that’s so?”

“…?”

“The wolf that rules the Empire is loyal. And never in history has one ever been swayed by another.”

“—!!”

“Have you forgotten that the most important thing is His Majesty’s choice? Or…”

Marquis Wilhelm’s eyes flashed.

“Do you think that your authority is higher than that of His Majesty the Emperor?”

“…what!!”

“If not, you’ll make an effort to accept His Majesty’s decision. Of course, it may take some time to accept Rainelle-nim, but it’s ugly to oppose blindly.”

At that, Duke Howard bit the inside of his mouth. When he went quiet, Marquis Wilhelm also remained silent as if he had finished speaking.

“…That’s what you were thinking of me.”

A clear voice broke the silence. Duke Howard’s eyes became sharp and he looked at Rainelle who adorned a beautiful smile.

“So, in the eyes of the Duke, I look so inadequate that I should throw away the position of the Empress and live as a crow as it’s my original form.”

“Haha, I didn’t say that. I just-“

“You’re worried about the Empire. That’s a good thing.”

Rainelle was still smiling.

“It’s a very nice word to say. Sadly, that is superficial.”

—But her eyes were not.

“Haha…what are you talking about…”

“This is how humans are. Let’s be honest. You want to seize power by marrying your daughter to the Emperor. And you want to enjoy the wealth and glory.”

The Duke’s face distorted slightly at those words. It was an attitude like he did not expect to listen from a flying beast.

“I think you seem to be acting without thinking… If you really do so, you don’t even have the right to tell me, the flying beast you think is not that intelligent, to take a lesson.”

Rainelle curled her eyes while wearing a beautiful smile, but at the same time, she was radiating coldness.

“When the Emperor was a prince, what did you do when he was injured and had to hide in the forest? You must have been crouching down to protect your humble position.”

The nobles were silent at the words. Rainelle was referring to the time when Karmeut endured hardships alone in the forest after falling into Luwellin’s trap.

“It’s funny. To think that shiny stones and invisible power are more important. That’s something that only happens in the human circle.”

“We live within the framework of the human orders, Rainelle-nim. Not outside without rules.”

Rainelle laughed at that. Then she responded while revealing her black wings,

“You really think so? You must have seen it, right? Me eating magic.”

Her purple eyes twinkled. It wasn’t as playful and lively as usual. It was the gaze of a crow with a corpse, a small bird, or an insect in front of them.

“I can eat magic, but you think I can’t eat humans?”