[Raul PoV]
The meeting of all nobles directly under the Emperor's authority begins today. Currently, I am heading toward the Imperial Palace where the gathering will take place.
Nobles who are directly under the Emperor are those sworn in by the Emperor himself at the Imperial Palace. The Aragon Empire implements a feudal system similar to medieval France, where a Duke can appoint a Count or Baron to be their vassal or follower. Likewise, a Count can appoint a Baron to be their vassal.
They will only swear fealty to and fulfill the summons of the Liege or Lord who appointed them. The Emperor grants the nobles he appoints directly a large degree of autonomy over their respective territories, as long as the nobles pay taxes, obey Imperial rules, and send 30 percent of their available troops when war occurs.
This is the reason why the Empire can control the nobles beneath it so they do not rebel or protest against the Empire. Currently, there are eight Dukes, eight Marquises, ten Counts, and seven Barons who are directly under the Emperor.
On the other hand, the nobles who are indirectly under the Emperor consist of 24 Counts and 88 Barons. If combined, the total number of noble families in the Empire amounts to 147 families, making the Empire the nation with the highest number of nobles on this continent. These 147 noble families are the ones who will determine the selection of the new Emperor candidate in a few years.
After half an hour of travel, the horse-drawn carriage I was riding finally arrived in front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace complex. I gave the invitation letter to Alfred; the old butler then showed it to the gatekeeper. After confirming our identities, the Guard then opened the gate, allowing our carriage to enter the Palace complex.
A large road decorated with green trees on its sides was visible. The carriage I was riding continued forward. A large fountain was seen in the middle of a circular road. Our carriage then exited the circular road, passing the second turn that led to the Inner Palace gate.
There are two areas in the Imperial Palace complex. The first is the Outer Palace. This place contains buildings for guests and the workers who are here. Additionally, there is a garden, a special arena, a hunting forest, and other facilities in the Outer Palace.
After several minutes of traversing the Outer Palace, the carriage I was riding arrived at the front gate of the Inner Palace. The guards asked me to disembark from the carriage because while in the Inner Palace, only walking is permitted.
I stepped down from the carriage; a Palace attendant was already waiting for me there.
"Please follow me, Lord Raul. I will escort you to your room for the duration of this event," said the attendant.
I nodded and followed him from behind. Government buildings from various ministries were visible in the Inner Palace. This placement is intended so that the Emperor and other officials can hold meetings more easily and not waste time.
For the most part, officials who hold positions in the government are the younger siblings or families of the Aragon Empire's nobility. They usually live in residences provided by the Emperor in this capital city. Looking around, I saw several great nobles had also arrived here, guided by Palace attendants.
We then arrived at the building where the guests stay. My room was on the 3rd floor of this building.
"Lord Raul, this is your room," said the attendant. "Please contact us with the magical signal artifact if you need anything."
"Alright, thank you for escorting me here," I told him.
After the attendant left, I entered the room and placed my belongings. The meeting will begin tomorrow. Today's event is only a welcome by the Emperor tonight, which will be followed by a ball. After tidying my things, I left the room to go have lunch.
"Ah, long time no see... Raul."
While locking the room door, I suddenly heard a quite familiar woman's voice. Turning to the side, I saw an elegant woman with green hair wearing all-green clothes. Her signature braided hair made her charm radiate even more.
"Valeria?"
The woman smiled upon hearing my words and approached.
"What are you doing here? Was your father unable to come?" I asked her.
"Ahh... as for that, are you about to have lunch? I think we can discuss this while eating together," Valeria invited.
"Alright."
The two of us walked side by side toward the dining area located in the next building. Upon arriving there, many nobles were visiting the place. Valeria and I then sat near the window of this place. Not long after, a waiter approached us.
"Lord and Lady, what dish would you like to order?" asked the waiter.
"Grilled Fish with Fenerife Sauce," I said to the waiter.
"For me, Valentian Salad, Mackerel Fondue, and Chocolate Sundae Misue," said Valeria, stating her order.
"Very well, Lord and Lady," said the waiter, noting the dishes we ordered. He then poured wine from a bottle into each of our glasses. Valeria and I toasted and then tasted the wine.
"For an Heir of the wealthiest noble in this country, your food is quite boring, Raul," Valeria said, smiling at me.
I just remained silent without responding to Valeria's remark. What can I say? I wasn't born into a wealthy family or as a noble. They usually always have three courses: an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. But an ordinary person like me doesn't care about such things.
"Then, what are you doing here?" I asked again.
Valeria only sighed upon hearing my question.
"You know, my father has never been interested in politics at all," Valeria answered. "He always stays in the magic tower to conduct magic research; it is my brother who handles all the problems in our territory."
Valeria's father—Duke Julian de Artagnan—is an Archwizard at the Castille Magic Tower. He is also the Chairman of the Aragon Empire's Council of Mages.
"My brother—Lancel—is preparing for a diplomatic task given by the government to the Republic of Venetia," said Valeria. "Inevitably, I am the one who must come to represent our family here."
Lancel de Artagnan is one of the diplomats in the Aragon Empire's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It seems he is the one who will be sent to discuss the Republic of Venetia's new policy that makes the Empire more isolated.
"Hey, tell me about your field study in the Margraviate of Cataluna," Valeria said, looking curious. "I heard you went through some bad days while there."
"Demons appeared at the place where we were serving; they slaughtered the citizens and summoned monsters to cause chaos there."
I then told her about our experiences from the beginning of finding the Vampire nest in the abandoned mansion, evacuating the villagers, and conducting the battle to defend the city. Additionally, I described how a Holy Knight came to take the new Saint, Ariel, to the Holy City of Notredame.
"I always knew she would become a great woman," Valeria said, commenting on Ariel becoming a Saint. "She has the best healing magic at the academy and her heart is as clean as a newborn baby."
Currently, Ariel seems to be busy with administrative issues related to the Authority of the Temple of the Goddess Diana. Because the Saint has been chosen, she is the one who must decide on several important choices regarding temple policy.
"Isn't Brian also there? He was just appointed as the new Hero of humanity, wasn't he?" asked Valeria.
"True, he is there being trained directly by Holy Knight Lunaria—The Sword Saint—to become a perfect Hero," I answered. "Then, how about your field study activities, Valeria? Is there anything interesting to tell?"
If I'm not mistaken, Valeria served in Saratoga County, a region that is quite safe and has never experienced monster attacks.
"Hahhh... there it was just monotonous, studying and making several types of potions," answered Valeria, who looked in a bad mood trying to remember it.
After finishing lunch, Valeria and I walked around the Inner Palace complex with several other nobles. Additionally, we also saw theater performances and a circus presented by the Imperial Palace. All of this was done so as not to let the guests become bored while they were here.
Before we knew it, night had arrived; all the attending nobles were then in the main hall for the welcoming party. Valeria and I sat together, enjoying the music performed by the musicians hired here. After being in this world for a year, I am now starting to get used to listening to classical music.
"Emperor Philip de Aragon has arrived in the hall!"
The loud voice of the guard announcing the arrival of the Emperor made all the chatting nobles fall silent. We all then stood as noble etiquette to respect the arrival of the Emperor. The Hall door then opened, revealing a man in his 50s walking toward the podium that had been prepared in front of this great Hall. He is the leader of the strongest nation on this continent.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for coming from afar to be here," said the Emperor, opening the welcoming remarks. "You are here as the Elite who lead this country to decide on several problems currently facing our nation."
To declare war, the Emperor at least needs support so that the Nobles do not only provide mandatory assistance but also give extra help as their future investment when the Empire wins this war.
"Tomorrow, we will hold our meeting to discuss our reaction to this new Republic of Venetia policy," said the Emperor, conveying the latest news regarding the country located at the heart of the continent. "However, all of you tonight can enjoy the banquet provided by the Palace servants first and enjoy this ball. I want everyone to be able to rest and relax before the meeting begins."
After the Emperor gave the speech, he stepped down from the podium. He then chatted with the nobles who approached him because it is very rare for them to be able to meet the Emperor directly.
"Raul, Valeria, I didn't expect to meet you here."
Suddenly, a woman around her late 20s walked over to us. Long brown hair, a face that still looked young even though I knew she had given birth to one child—she was Duchess Amanda de Vilanova—the Regent of the Duchy of Valencia located in the southwest of the Empire's territory.
The two of us stood and returned the greeting from the Duchess.
"Duchess Amanda, you still look as young as usual," I said to her with a compliment that was not exaggerated.
"It is an honor to meet you, Duchess," Valeria said, smiling at her.
"Look at you both, grown up into a handsome man and an elegant woman. The last time I saw you was when you were children while still being my students."
Duchess Amanda was previously a teacher at an elementary school in the capital before marrying Duke Nuno de Valencia. However, she was forced to quit after her marriage to the Duke. After one year of marriage, she gave birth to a son named Nunez de Valencia. However, Duke Nuno was killed while fighting a Magical Beast that rampaged on the outskirts of Valencia City.
Because their son was not yet of age, Duchess Amanda became the Regent leading the Duchy of Valencia until Nunez—their child—reaches the age of 15.
"Where are both of your fathers? Were you asked to represent your families?" asked the Duchess.
"That's right, Duchess Amanda. Father is still busy conducting his research in the magic tower," Valeria answered.
"Oh, the Master has always been like that," replied the Duchess. She called Valeria's father 'Master' because Duchess Amanda used to be a mage at the Castille magic tower. "Then, will the Artagnan Family return to being Neutral in the Emperor election later?"
Valeria's family has always been Neutral during the last three Emperor elections. That is because as long as no one disturbs them or their family does not have a debt to the candidates, they will not take sides at all with any of the prospective candidates.
"I think it is still too early to decide, Duchess Amanda," Valeria said. "But if there is no change at all regarding the political tension later, I think our family will again choose to be Neutral in the election."
Hearing Valeria's answer, Duchess Amanda smiled. "Is that so? But I must remind you, Valeria. The candidates least like parties who play it safe, you know."
This was not a warning, but rather a threat. Duchess Amanda in the game will side with the second Prince—Ramon de Aragon—in the succession of the new Emperor election later. This was because at that time, Prince Ramon's faction threatened her family, which was under the leadership of Marquis Lorenzo de Medena, who became the main supporter of Prince Ramon at that time. Of the five candidates, Prince Ramon's faction is the dirtiest in attracting the votes of the Nobles.
"Then, how about your family, Raul? Has the Garcia family decided to take a side?" asked Duchess Amanda.
"In truth, Duchess Amanda, not a single candidate has visited our residence," I answered her. "Our family has not had any conversation at all with them regarding this matter."
Hearing my answer, Duchess Amanda smiled, "Ah, is that so? Should our faction start approaching the Garcia family then?"
"We would be happy to receive a visit from your faction, Duchess Amanda," I answered her as a formality. "We will consider what your faction offers later."
Hearing my answer, Duchess Amanda nodded. "Alright, it was nice talking to you both, but I must excuse myself. There are several more Nobles I want to meet."
Duchess Amanda bowed her head and then turned, leaving the two of us. Not long after, the song changed to a song for dancing. Several nobles and their partners stepped to the middle of the hall to show their dance.
Turning to the side, I saw Valeria looking at me expectantly. As a gentleman, it would be very embarrassing for me to wait for Valeria to ask first. I then faced her directly, our eyes met; Valeria then placed her hand on her chest, her cheeks starting to turn red as I offered my hand to her.
"Valeria..."
"Yes...?"
"Would you dance with me?" I did not take my eyes off her while saying that.
"Of course, Raul," Valeria answered with a beautiful smile. "Please, accompany me tonight."
We then walked side by side toward the middle of the hall. My hand held her left hand and her waist. I practiced what Elena taught me when I danced with her at the academy. On that night, I spent time with Valeria until the event ended.
. . . . .
The next morning, I woke up from my sleep. Last night was quite pleasant, I think. After dancing with Valeria, we both went to an artificial lake located not far from the main hall. There we talked about many things.
However, we both decided to return to our respective rooms as the night grew later. Looking at my pocket watch, the time showed six in the morning. The meeting will be held at 10 in the morning. There is still time for breakfast and a bath to look neat during the meeting later.
After cleaning myself and changing clothes, I called the servant with the magical signal artifact to order food. After waiting 30 minutes, someone was heard knocking on my room door. After opening the door, a servant was seen bringing my food. However, beside him was a woman wearing a black and white maid uniform.
"Lord Raul, I am the Lady-in-waiting tasked with serving Princess Elena today," said the woman. "I have a message from the Princess for you."
The maid then gave a small scroll of paper to me and then left me with the servant.
"Put the food on the dining table," I said to the servant. He then entered and began placing plates and glasses on the table. I opened the paper scroll given by the maid earlier.
Raul, meet me in my study room exactly at 9 later. There is something I want to talk to you about regarding the meeting. Give the paper that already has my seal to the Lady-in-waiting on duty later.
I will be waiting for you.
Elena
After reading the contents, I put this paper in my coat pocket.
"Lord Raul, your breakfast preparation is finished," said the servant.
"Alright, you can leave my room now," I told him. The servant then bowed and went out, leaving my room.
I sat down and immediately ate my breakfast. Currently, the time shows 8 in the morning. It seems Elena wants to ask for my advice in making maneuvers during the meeting later. That is because all Emperor candidates will surely show themselves, demonstrating their superiority in leading the flow of the discussion of this problem later.
After finishing my breakfast, I immediately left the room toward Elena's study room located not far from this building. Every child of the Emperor who has reached adulthood will be given their own private space both for working and holding meetings.
Not long after walking in the Imperial Palace complex, I arrived in front of a gate fence inside which stood a luxurious mansion. The guards approached; I then gave the paper that Elena had given me. Inside was the seal of the second Princess of the Empire, proving that I had been invited into the Princess's place.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Sir?" asked a servant guarding the entrance to the Mansion.
"I want to go to Princess Elena's study room," I answered.
"Alright, please follow me."
I followed the servant into the Mansion. Although this Mansion looked large like ours in the capital, inside there were only a few people besides the servants and guards. Not long after, we arrived at the place of Elena's Lady-in-waiting. I then gave her the letter Elena wrote on the small piece of paper earlier. She then checked it for a moment and then walked toward a corridor not far from here. Not long after, she returned and approached me.
"Please follow me, Lord Raul," said the woman.
I nodded and followed her from behind. Walking toward the corridor, I saw the door of a room. It seemed that was Elena's study room.
— Knock! Knock! Knock!
The woman knocked on the room door.
"Come in."
A familiar woman's voice was heard behind that door. For more than three months, I hadn't heard her voice. The woman then signaled me to enter. After entering the room, I heard the door close. In front of me at this moment, a blonde-haired woman was seen sitting reading a book. However, the hair that she usually tied up was now loose and straight, covering her back. She wore a white shirt with a black tie; it seemed she was indeed preparing to head to the meeting.
"Ah Raul, you've come," said Elena, realizing my presence. "Sit down, we will talk about the meeting later."
I nodded and then sat in front of Elena's desk. She was seen smiling, staring at me incessantly.
"What is it?" I asked her.
"Nothing, am I not allowed to stare at you like this after not meeting for three months?" answered Elena, who was still staring and smiling at me.
I diverted my gaze to the side because I didn't know how to respond to Elena's words.
"Elena, it's better if we directly talk about the meeting because that event will start shortly," I said, trying to get straight to the topic of discussion.
"Fufufu~ You are no fun, Raul," said Elena, laughing lightly. "Alright, let's start this discussion."
Elena then informed me that all Emperor candidates will be present at the meeting later. She asked what she should say later if the Emperor questioned her about what position she would take during the war later.
All the Emperor's sons and daughters have the privilege to choose their positions except for the commander of all forces in a war. They can also recommend a Noble within their faction for a position in the war later. In a feudal system like this Empire, war leaders are indeed dominated by nobles. They will later bring their war advisors to provide direction in operations that will be carried out by the troops led by the nobles.
"I think you would be suitable leading a Cavalry Squadron, Elena," I said to her.
"Huh, why? Doesn't the Cavalry unit have the fewest number of troops compared to other units?" asked Elena. "Besides, I am not very proficient in using a spear."
"You can still use a sword as a backup weapon," I told her. "Take it easy; according to my estimation, the Cavalry unit will be the game changer of the battle later, maybe."
"Maybe, you say?" Elena asked with a doubtful look at me.
If Elena attacks the rifle squads from the Republic of Venetia at the right time, I think she will be the hero of the battle's victory later.
"One more thing, I plan to attack one of the new Emperor candidate factions later," I revealed to her. "We must slowly begin to weaken the influence of the factions we are against."
Elena's face was slightly surprised to hear my words earlier. It seems she still feels it is too early for us to conduct an overt attack on one of the factions.
"But, won't you and your family become targets later?" asked Elena.
"Don't worry, I will mislead them regarding my family's alignment in this new Emperor succession," I answered Elena. "Previously, Duchess Amanda contacted me yesterday afternoon."
I then began whispering the plan I had arranged to Elena. After hearing it, Elena's gaze at me turned uncertain.
"I forgot you are the son of that famously cunning Snake Duke," said Elena.
I only gave a wry smile hearing the sarcasm from Elena.
"Alright, let's end this conversation and head immediately to the meeting place," said Elena as she stood up and tied her hair as usual. "Raul, please get my jacket on that hanger."
I nodded and then took Elena's black jacket hanging on the clothes hanger and walked toward her. However, suddenly Elena turned her back to my body and stretched out her hands.
"What's wrong?" Elena asked, noticing I was standing still.
"It's nothing," I answered her while moving closer right behind Elena's body.
I then began to help put the jacket on her body. However, as I was about to step back because I had finished putting the jacket on Elena, suddenly she also moved her body backward, making my forbidden area slightly touch that soft lump of flesh.
"Hey, if you're doing something, finish it until the end," said Elena, the corner of her lips turning up.
Hahhh... why do I have to do this? It's better to finish it immediately than complain to her and make this matter even longer.
I began buttoning Elena's jacket from behind her body. Our position was like I was hugging Elena from behind. The scent of the perfume Elena wore reached my nose, making me slightly lose focus while inserting the remaining three buttons into their respective holes.
I looked at the side of her face; Elena was seen biting her lip, making her show a very sexy expression as if she were enjoying this moment. After finishing inserting all the jacket buttons, I walked backward to keep my distance.
"Ah, is it finished already? Why so fast?" muttered Elena.
No, if we stay too long in that position, I'm afraid I will commit a crime that could have my head chopped off by the Emperor.
"Alright, let's hurry to the meeting place."
I hope that in the meeting later, my plan will go perfectly. That is because... I will be targeting the Grand Espada who supports one of the new Emperor Candidates later.