Chapter 313

Chapter 313

Even though I criticized King Friedrich for being reluctant to leave his seat, that’s actually a perfectly normal reaction.

At the time of the announcement, Descal and Arwen from Helium and Alvenheim participated, but this is because they are demons and elves.

They have the ability to protect themselves, so they can move around freely. If necessary, they can simply teleport away for a quick escape.

On the other hand, human kings generally have weaker physical strength and, unlike other races, have shorter lifespans and age faster.

Therefore, they must travel with a powerful escort force, and it’s obvious how strong that force needs to be.

If by any chance a violent conflict were to occur, the king’s safety would be in great danger. Hence, it is very rare for a king to leave his throne.

This doesn’t change even if I’m Xenon. There’s also the risk of the worst rumor spreading that Xenon was threatened.

In fact, just sending the queen is quite a bold move. Especially since King Friedrich is known for being a devoted husband, the queen holds significant power.

Her name is Maria Dukeard von Kurchers. Although their marriage was arranged, their relationship is so good that it is well-known throughout the kingdom.

The fact that Friedrich has not taken any concubines apart from Maria shows his affection for her. Moreover, they have four children.

Despite clear evidence, Friedrich’s persistent denial of Adelia’s existence was likely due to his affection for Maria.

“Did Queen Maria ever trouble you, Noona?”

Before meeting the royal family of Ters who had come to our mansion, I asked Adelia.

As Adelia was tidying my hair, she paused as soon as I asked the question.

Her expression in the mirror was ambiguous. She seemed to be thinking about how to explain it.

After organizing her thoughts, she resumed combing my long hair and began to speak.

“She didn’t exactly trouble me. But she did give me a lot of pointed looks. The stepmother must have had a hard time, too.”

Adelia, ever the kind-hearted person, gave a gentle response. Reflecting on her words, something piqued my curiosity, so I asked again.

“By the way, stepmother? Do you call the queen ‘stepmother,’ Noona?”

“Yes, she said it was okay. She never directly troubled me and even educated me.”

“Hmm...”

Usually, stepmothers have a negative image across cultures and times. It’s inevitable, as who could truly love someone else’s child as their own?

Moreover, inheritance issues make it even more uncomfortable to be close. If someone genuinely loves a stepchild, they can be considered truly magnanimous.

Additionally, if an illegitimate child outshines one’s own, the natural human response is often jealousy and mistreatment.

The fact that Maria didn’t mistreat Adelia speaks volumes about her character.

“Did she know you wanted to become royalty?”

“Yes, but she warned me against it if possible. She advised me that even if we became one family, it would only bring me hardship. She suggested that becoming a knight and living a decent life, even if not part of the family, might be a better choice.”

“She’s a person of great character.”

“Yes, in fact, our relationship was more like that of a teacher and student rather than mother and child. I treated her that way too.”

Adelia’s mood seemed to lift as she spoke, her reflection in the mirror showing a gentle smile.

If Queen Maria had a poor character, Olivia or Lara, with their strong sense of justice, might not have existed.

Thus, while Adelia has had her struggles, Maria seems to be the greatest victim. Her only ‘crime’ was loving her husband.

Friedrich, while certainly a good husband, refuses to acknowledge his past mistakes. As a result, the sparks of revolution have ignited in the Kingdom of Ters.

Had he acknowledged even a little and recognized Adelia, this situation might not have arisen. I can’t understand why his honor is worth all this trouble.

Is honor really more important than the country? Even if he’s an exemplary king, his lack of character is deeply disappointing.

“So, you’ll come with me, right, Noona?”

“... Can I come along too?”

“Of course. The conversation won’t proceed without you. Plus, Marie isn’t here right now, and handling this alone is a bit daunting.”

Currently, Marie has returned to the academy. Even though she could stay at the mansion as Xenon’s fiancée, she chose to go back.

She said she wanted to enjoy the newlywed life after the wedding. Although she liked waking up to see my face every day, she wanted to save that for later.

If we had known earlier that the royal family of Ters was coming to our mansion, she would have stayed. Unfortunately, the news came the day after she returned.

“There’s no need to be nervous. You just need to answer a few questions.”

“Aren’t you the one who’s nervous?”

“I’ve even given harsh words to King Friedrich, so why would I be nervous?”

I’m serious. Since revealing that I’m Xenon, I fear nothing.

... Except for my mother, who will be livid after reading the ending. Not just her, but many fans might cause an uproar.

When Kair died, there was a procession of mourners coming to our estate, so imagine the reaction to Jin’s death.

Even if a letter can calm things down, it will be difficult to mend the fans’ broken hearts.

‘Maybe I should write a side story just in case.’

It will be an alternate universe story, unlike the Kair and Jin side stories, and not canon.

It’s definitely not because I’m afraid of my mother. Even though there was an incident when she came to Helium in person during Jin’s awakening! I’m not scared at all.

“Isaac.”

“Yes?”

“Your body is shaking. Are you nervous?”

“No?”

To be honest, I am a little scared.

*****

While Adelia was helping me get ready, the royal family of Ters arrived at the mansion. They arrived earlier than expected, so Adelia was busy moving around.

Although I’m in a position of authority in this situation, the visitor is not an ordinary noble but the queen, the second most powerful person after the king.

When meeting someone for the first time, the first impression is crucial. I didn’t want to make a bad impression, so I acted quickly.

I anticipated the question, so I could answer firmly. Cutting her off mid-sentence was undoubtedly rude.

However, it was necessary to firmly assert my position, as I was in the position of power.

Maria seemed to expect this response, remaining calm and composed.

“...I understand. Let’s move on to another question then.”

“I will answer any question sincerely.”

“Thank you. I will get straight to the point.”

Queen Maria looked directly at me as she spoke.

“Xenon, you must be aware of the current situation in our kingdom. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s the greatest crisis since the Jairos Revolution.”

“I am aware.”

“This situation is a result of your decisions... but the root cause lies with us. We do not deny this. However, I wonder if you might consider showing mercy.”

“Mercy...”

I pondered over her request for mercy, not leniency, but mercy. Coming from the queen herself, this was a weighty plea.

Even though the words seem similar, the meaning and power they carry are vastly different.

Queen Maria humbled herself. Although she had reason to do so, she didn’t let her honor as a queen get in the way. This was a stark contrast to Friedrich, who had only chased honor and made things worse.

“I apologize.”

“...”

“This matter is no longer in my hands.”

Despite her attitude, I had no intention of reversing my decision. As I said, the situation had already left my control.

If the royal family of Ters had revealed the whole truth, they might have succeeded in quelling the unrest. But they hadn’t, and that was the problem.

The deadline mentioned by the commoners’ representatives was one week, and now there were only three days left.

“...I understand Xenon’s decision. May I make one request?”

Recognizing my firmness, Queen Maria didn’t argue further and retreated gracefully. It seemed she had anticipated this outcome.

Anyway, she had a request, so I had to listen. I nodded to indicate that she could proceed, and Maria placed her hand on Lara’s shoulder.

As Lara looked at her mother with a puzzled expression, Maria made a rather surprising request.

“I would like you to take care of Lara until all this is over.”

“Pardon?”

“Mother?”

Both Lara and I looked at Maria in shock. Adelia, too, was surprised by the sudden request.

While everyone was taken aback, Maria spoke with a complicated smile.

“This request has no political implications. As you know, the Kingdom of Ters is in a crisis, and Lara is still young. Could you look after her until the situation stabilizes?”

“...”

“With Adelia here, I believe Lara will feel at ease. That’s why I’m asking.”

Indeed, if a revolution were to break out, the royal family, including Lara, would be in great danger.

It truly felt like a situation where they might face the guillotine, just like in the French Revolution. Maria’s request to entrust Lara to me was to ensure her safety in such unpredictable times.

Moreover, with Adelia, who was close to Lara, she wouldn’t feel lonely.

Perhaps that’s why they brought only Lara and not others. Maria had foreseen this situation.

“...Queen Maria.”

“Yes. Please, go ahead.”

“What do you plan to do?”

Maria’s purpose wasn’t to seek forgiveness from me. She came only to entrust Lara.

So, what is her true intention? In this precarious situation for the Kingdom of Ters, what does she intend to do?

As the situation became more confusing, Queen Maria smiled gently and spoke in a soft voice.

“I will return and do what needs to be done.”

“...”

“If the spark grows into a large fire, only ashes will remain, but if it is extinguished quickly, the ashes can serve as fertilizer. This is true for people as well, people grow through their mistakes. I hope my husband realizes his mistakes and grows.”

“What if King Friedrich does not change?”

“If I cannot change the one I love, it means my capacity is limited. I have no intention of blaming him.”

Such a person should have been the king. Listening to Queen Maria, I felt genuinely sorry.

However, because someone like her is the queen, King Friedrich might change. If he doesn’t, it means the person himself is beyond help.

“I understand, Queen Maria. I will accept your request.”

“Thank you for your mercy.”

“Is there anything else you would like to say?”

At my question, Queen Maria’s gaze shifted. Not towards me, but towards Adelia.

She then gazed at Adelia with a deep, lingering look for a while before turning her attention back to me.

“I have nothing more to say.”

Three days remain.

“What can I, a mere bystander, say?”

Our mansion has gained another guest, albeit an uninvited one.

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