CH 56

"The so-called new King's Faction seem to be planning to make Mariabelle the crown prince's concubine and have her handle all the affairs of the state. However, it was the crown prince's side that broke off the engagement with Mariabelle, who was originally his fiancée. If he doesn't want to make her a full wife, it is not reasonable to say that she is to be a concubine."

"If such an outrageous argument is accepted, it is no different from a dictatorship."

Julian smiled wryly at Renato who looked flabbergasted.

"Therefore, since Mariabelle has already married, it seems that the scenario is that there is no choice but to welcome her as a concubine rather than as a consort."

"Not only does it make no sense, it is twisted."

"Indeed, it is. And when you add to the story that Mariabelle was in fact in love with the crown prince, it becomes an impossible story that Mariabelle also wants to be a concubine of the crown prince."

"So that marriage partner is the Crown Prince's step brother?"

"The crown prince's step brother? Simon Lent must have as many wives as are registered in his family register. For the rest of his life, he cannot remarry another woman, and he will be labelled for the rest of his life as a man who has given his wife to the crown prince, so he is a good choice."

Julian doesn't like Simon much.

He did not like the sneering eyes that peeked out from behind his long bangs, not to mention the uncertain beauty or ugliness of his face.

But he thinks that Simon's loyalty to Edward is genuine.

Edward doesn't avoid Simon's looks, but recognizes his existence and keeps him close to his side.

"Fortunately, I don't know if I should say this... but my father seems to be under house arrest ordered by the New King's Faction. Perhaps he is being asked to allow Mariabelle to be Edward's concubine for the sake of the country, but I don't think they will be so rough with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince present."

"Is Marquise de Berkeley held in the royal palace?"

"Most likely in the north tower of the palace, which houses political prisoners."

"Is he safe?"

"For the moment."

"But it is doubtful that his safety can be guaranteed if his captivity is prolonged."

After some time, Mariabelle will finish her engagement period and will be married to Renato.

"So how do we rescue the Marquis de Berkeley?"

"Since Mariabelle is now officially the Crown Prince's fiancée, she should report her engagement directly to His Majesty the King or the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince Renato is with her and testifies, no one can complain. You will ride directly to the royal palace... and report the engagement to His Majesty the King or the Crown Prince."

"Mm. That's the best thing to do."

Renato smiled at Mariabelle as if to reassure her.

Even though Mariabelle feels sorry, she has no choice but to rely on Renato for her father.

She was embarrassed that she couldn't do anything, but she had to endure the situation since it would not get better even if she moved on her own.

Julian, smiling at the two of them, pulled out the largest of the stacks of rolled-up papers on the side of the bookshelf and spread it out on his desk.

It was a widely circulated map of the continent.

"This is our Berkeley territory, and this is the royal capital. To get to the royal capital, you must follow the king's road straight ahead, but of course, you will be discovered by the soldiers of the royal army on the way. However, if you take the road from Berkeleys' territory to the mine and continue on, you will be in the territory of Count Haustad, who is close to our family. Euphemia of the House of Haustad is my fiancée, so you can rest assured."

Julian slid his finger from the Berkeley territory to the southeast of the kingdom. From there, his finger moved a little higher.

"And here is the Grand Duke of Gardena. We will ask His Highness Cedric to guarantee the identities of Crown Prince Renato and Mariabelle, and we will head for the royal capital together. The territory of the Grand Duke is just south of the capital, so they will be able to enter the capital soon."

"You are relying on His Highness Cedric instead of Her Highness the Grand Duchess?"

Mariabelle looked at Julian in surprise.

The Gardena Grand Duke's Cedric is an eleven year old boy, the last surviving heir of his royal brother who passed away ten years ago.

"He is probably too young to be someone to rely on."

'The other day, you were at the Imperial Council, and you looked very distinguished,' said Cedric.

Mariabelle remembered the Cedric she knew so well.

He was a more thoughtful and calm boy than Edward had been when they first met.

Edward, who had no siblings, loved him like a younger brother and invited him to tea ceremonies, which Mariabelle also attended, and treated him to rare sweets.

"He was also very concerned about Mariabelle," Julian said. "He said that he would be happy to help if anything should happen."

"His Royal Highness Cedric is..."

She had thought that she had no allies in the kingdom other than her family, but she was grateful to know that there were people like this who could help her.

"Then let us head for the royal capital to free my father."

Renato and Julian nodded strongly at Mariabelle's words.