✠

As proof that the central political arena was bustling with activity, nobles came and went from the royal palace frequently.

The increased number of people brought liveliness to the palace, but the growing number of mouths also caused some minor side effects.

“Oh my, who is that person?”

“Why is that person in the palace?”

“Has the ban on entering the palace been lifted?”

“That’s the person who served closest to the late princess. Is it really okay for them to be here like that?”

Bianca ignored the murmurs and raised her chin, straightening her shoulders.

Her strides across the central courtyard were like a textbook example for many noblewomen. Yet that perfection seemed to provoke even more cruelty in those watching.

“Is His Majesty planning to let the late princess’s faction remain unchecked?”

“Maybe it’s because he’s a transcendent being, but he’s being merciful.”

“Still, letting her roam the palace like that is a bit...”

Even without any particular grudge, the fall of a noble once higher in rank was always a topic of interest.

The voices gradually grew louder, more blatant.

“Looks like she’s here to have an audience with His Majesty, but such a modest appearance.”

“Right? Entering the palace without an escort, too.”

“Even the mighty Viscount Gillette’s influence has really diminished.”

At that moment, someone stepped forward to share the impure attention being poured onto Bianca.

“I will accompany you on your way, Viscountess.”

“...You.”

Bianca’s eyes widened at the hand the knight politely extended.

The nature of the whispers changed.

“That’s Sir Prinz, isn’t it?”

“The knight who’s somehow receiving exceptional favors from the new king!”

“Prince Ligares also liked Sir Prinz a lot; they really are brothers, huh...?”

“Hey, do you want your head chopped off?”

“Anyway, it seems the king’s chosen knight really stands apart in chivalry.”

The current king had yet to build a close circle of supporters. Amid that, lavish favors to Prinz sent a clear message to the nobles.

Prinz Rodeline. He was the most promising knight in the central political scene at this point.

That such a figure would deliberately involve himself with Bianca Gillette, who was treated like a fallen noble, made a tempting subject for gossip.

Regardless, Prinz’s focus was solely on Bianca. With a gaze lowered as if burdened by silence, he whispered softly.

“Please allow me to walk beside you.”

“...”

Bianca felt a sharp sensation spreading in her chest.

How could she remain unmoved seeing someone who lowered himself infinitely to accompany her and brighten her miserable state?

“Sir Prinz.”

A public refusal would be dishonorable not only for a lady. And there were many eyes watching now.

So Bianca pretended to persuade herself with sufficient reason. Finally, her fingertips gently rested on Prinz’s palm.

“I ask you.”

“...Yes.”

Prinz’s chest expanded deeply. His breath betrayed a hint of emotion.

Their companionship began on the way to the audience chamber. The steadfast knight was silent, seemingly content to walk beside her only.

Then Bianca grew a bit bolder. She had a good excuse: gathering information.

“Sir Prinz.”

“Yes!”

“You don’t need to be so tense. I have something to ask.”

“Yes, ask whatever you wish.”

“Is there anything I should be careful about when meeting the new king?”

“Well... I’m sorry. I’ve never met His Majesty in person.”

“...You’ve never met him?”

Prinz gave a wry smile as if he understood why Bianca was surprised, then volunteered to explain.

“There are rumors that I am favored by His Majesty. Honestly, I’m confused myself. I know I’m given conveniences, but he has never actually summoned me.”

Not only had he never spoken to him up close, but he had never even seen the king’s face from afar.

At the last birthday banquet, the knights guarding the hall, except for Marquis Lekandro, were entirely people loyal to the queen. Neutral royal knights had no chance to attend the coronation.

Also, right after the ascension, both the king and the sacred priest stayed secluded in their offices or audience chambers, likely due to busyness. There had been no major social events since the coronation, so most royal knights, including Prinz, didn’t even know the king’s face.

“I’m sorry I can’t be of help.”

“It’s not a problem.”

Though they hadn’t exchanged many words, their steps were quick, and soon they arrived before the audience chamber.

Though the gatekeepers who should have stood on either side of the arched entrance were absent for some reason, Bianca thought it was a blessing.

Thanks to that, they didn’t have to worry about prying eyes and could walk together all the way to the door.

“Sir Prinz, this is far enough.”

Bianca prepared to part ways first. Unexpectedly, a firm voice replied.

“I will enter as well.”

“Yes?”

“I said I will enter with you.”

“...May I ask, Sir Prinz, were you scheduled for ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) an audience too?”

“No.”

“Then I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I told you I requested permission from His Majesty for your safety. Now seems the right time.”

Bianca’s mouth fell open.

“...Are you sane?”

“I’m not sure. Hearing such harsh words as concern might mean I’m not.”

“Ha...”

Though Bianca rarely showed emotion, she had no choice but to press her forehead at this moment.

Prinz, anxious about possibly earning her dislike, stubbornly held his ground.

Fortunately, their standoff did not last long.

With a creak, the arched doors to the audience chamber opened on their own. Without gatekeepers inside or outside, it was clear who had opened it.

A transcendent of the ninth circle was signaling Bianca and Prinz to enter.

Prinz said,

“His Majesty must have been watching this whole situation.”

“Seems so.”

“And it seems I have also been granted an audience.”

“That too... it seems.”

Bianca sighed.

“Delaying His Majesty any longer would be disrespectful. Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

They entered the audience chamber together.

Walking along the thick carpet that swallowed their footsteps, the throne grew closer. There sat a black-haired young man, resting his chin on his arm in a relaxed posture.

‘That person is...’

Startled by his breathtaking beauty and overwhelming presence, they suddenly realized they had stopped moving, shoulders trembling.

“Ah, I’m tired. The aura slipped out without me noticing.”

With a careless remark, his energy was contained. Thanks to that, Bianca and Prinz could approach to a proper distance to greet him.

“I, Bianca Gillette of the Viscount Gillette family, pay my respects to His Majesty, the Sun of Winchester.”

“I, Prinz Rodeline of the Second Royal Knights, pay my respects to His Majesty, the Sun of Winchester.”

“Yes, you have come... Raise your head, Viscount Gillette, and...”

The king stopped speaking and looked at Prinz for a long moment.

“...”

“...”

In the strange silence, their gazes met, and Prinz swallowed nervously.

‘Is this really a person?’

With the intimidation lessened, the face that only emphasized his exceptional handsomeness seemed unreal. In fact, Prinz was not easily impressed by appearances.

The first man he had seen was a deer-like handsome youth chosen by his discerning mother, and throughout his growth, the mirror reflected a spring breeze-like pretty boy and handsome youth, and nowadays, he was often with Raywin, so handsome men were always around him.

Still, Prinz was quite shocked by the king’s appearance. Could a man be that handsome?

The beauty was so decadent, almost demonic, he might have believed him the king of incubi.

Even the king’s voice was perfect. A deep, cavernous resonance penetrated Prinz’s dazed consciousness.

“How should I be addressed?”

“...Yes?”

It was an unexpectedly polite tone. Then the king, having released his chin from his hand, sat upright on the throne.

“I think we should decide on a form of address.”

“A form of address?”

“Yes.”

“If you would call me Sir Prinz... that would be fine...?”

“Understood, Sir Prinz.”

“Your Majesty, but why do you speak so formally... You can lower your speech...”

“This is more comfortable.”

“...”

“Please just call me Reid. I don’t like the name Reminic.”

“What?! No, that can’t be...!”

“Still uncomfortable? I will wait patiently.”

“...?”

“Now, I have something to discuss with Viscountess Gillette.”

“Oh, yes!”

Relieved to leave the puzzling conversation, Prinz inwardly relaxed. The king’s first impression after speaking was...

‘Polite, dignified, and precise... You’d even believe he was a knight...?’

It seemed Reid’s efforts to build favor with Prinz had been successful.