Chapter 54
The Marquis was indeed in charge of guarding the eastern border.
Knowing this, his appearance seemed fitting for the reputation of a grand general, like a shield made of mithril and exuding the aura of towering mountain ranges.
“Her wish is certainly bold. For 181 years since the establishment of Valentina Academy, the firstborn of all noble families have agreed to the entrance pledge and completed seven years of study.”
Those seated next to the Duke nodded their heads. Meanwhile, those who opposed my request looked confused.
“However,”
Marquis Oakley continued.
“Her achievements are so exceptional that they can break precedent. She saved the heirs of the Duke and Marquis families in a single battle. Moreover, she saved the life of the first prince, a precious member of the royal family.”
“……”
“Furthermore, this involves a serious matter as traces of the demon sealed 600 years ago have been found. If it weren’t for her, a great darkness might have spread across the empire. For instance, if the demon’s minions have succeeded in increasing their power, or worse, if they attempt to break the seal.”
“Oh my! Please don’t speak such frightening words.”
“Oh, Lord Runic, please watch over us.”
The commotion in the hall grew uncontrollable. The elderly closed their eyes and prayed with trembling hands.
“I agree with the Marquis.”
“I agree.”
“I support this as well.”
Those seated around the Marquis raised their hands in a wave-like motion.
All displayed a completely natural demeanor without a hint of hesitation.
“Shitz, Crowley, Spire, McConnell… all from the eastern noble families.”
A voice mumbled from the end of the table near me, sounding strained. Yet, I felt indescribable emotions.
Marquis Oakley glanced in my direction. When our eyes met, he nodded slightly before turning back to the emperor.
‘Ah…’
My heart swelled. I placed my trembling hand over it. Thump, thump, thump. The delicate organ beat vigorously beneath my palm.
“I have heard your opinions.”
The emperor spoke. It was a response after a long silence.
“Khalia Estelle has made great achievements. This is a fact recognized by everyone, including myself.”
Then the emperor’s words took a foreboding turn.
“Her wish is indeed excessively bold and dangerous. We cannot let you roam outside without restrictions for several years.”
His gaze fell directly on me. His eyes, like a cloudy sky, scrutinized me as if dissecting me. Suddenly, I missed Claude.
A sneer curled one side of the emperor’s lips.
“‘Your abilities must not go against the empire,’ ‘You must not harm the property and lives of the empire’s citizens,’ ‘Your power must be used only against the enemies of the royal family…’. It would be nice if we could impose such restrictions on you. Manipulating a person’s mind is something only the wicked would do.”
A clicking sound of dissatisfaction escaped from between his lips.
“What if you don’t return after completing your training? If someone who has contracted with high-level, top-level, or even spirit kings defects to another country and becomes the empire’s enemy? What if you hold a grudge for your father’s actions and attack the empire?”
“That will never happen!”
“What guarantee do I have to let you go?”
“I will guarantee it.”
The emperor’s question, which mocked my loud protest, was followed by a calm voice.
It was Duke Desmiere.
“How will you guarantee it?”
Only the emperor remained unshaken. He maintained his composure as he asked. His voice was as steady as usual.
“When I first decided to become her guardian, I made a promise with her.”
I immediately understood what he was referring to. Only the nobles who didn’t know the situation murmured in curiosity.
“If she doesn’t correct her ‘demonic nature’ inherited from her father by the time she becomes an adult, as some of you fear…”
A few people cleared their throats awkwardly. The duke continued without concern.
“I will personally take her life, just as I did with her father.”
“Such…”
“My goodness.”
“His Majesty is well aware of this.”
For once, I was as shocked as the other nobles. I turned my head from the duke to look at the emperor.
He only stared at Duke Desmiere with an unreadable expression.
“The night I urgently sought an audience to become her guardian, I made this promise and received His Majesty’s permission.”
“That’s right.”
Finally, the emperor responded. He nodded, affirming the duke’s words.
“And in the past few months, she has shown remarkable improvement.”
The duke slowly surveyed the hall. Some averted their eyes upon meeting his gaze, some looked back calmly, and others had stern expressions.
“She has befriended the Duke’s servants. The maid has sworn to follow Khalia wherever she goes. She was so precious to her that she couldn’t sleep for several days and nights when Khalia returned injured, crying until she fainted.”
Aila. A surge of emotion welled up inside me. I didn’t know she had been so distressed, crying until she collapsed…
“She has also become good friends with the heirs of the Oakley and Shitz families, who were with her in the Medina Dungeon.”
A low silence settled over the surroundings. Everyone listened intently to the duke’s recital.
“Her academic performance is excellent, and her conduct is commendable. Priest Adrian, who teaches theology, has praised her as an exceptionally outstanding and exemplary student.”
“……”
“She did not turn a blind eye to her father’s sins. The first thing she asked after I became her guardian was to take care of the Estellaria territory. Currently, the taxes imposed on the residents are negligible. Farmers only bear one-tenth of the land tax and one-fifth of the resident tax, with the rest covered by the Estelle family’s wealth.”
“One-tenth? How is that possible in such a vast territory like Estellaria?”
Too shocked, a middle-aged man interrupted the duke’s speech and immediately covered his mouth under the sharp glares around him.
The duke nodded at him.
“Yes. Although it’s not an easy decision even for a wealthy noble family. That’s not all. The orphanage established by Baron Barden was poorly managed and hardly functioning. She invested in the orphanage and replaced the staff to ensure the children receive adequate care.”
I felt the curious gazes upon me. They were looks I had never experienced before.
My face grew warm. I bowed my head deeply.
It was unfamiliar to me for my actions to be publicly confessed and for people to react to them.
Before my regression, the Barden family held all authority, so I couldn’t do anything even if I wanted to.
When I finally gained some authority as I grew older and implemented support policies, everything was credited to Barden, and no one acknowledged my efforts.
But now, being revealed through the duke’s words made it something significant. It became meaningful.
“She regularly hires mercenaries to subdue monsters and protect lives and travel routes from bandits and robbers.”
“Wow…”
Low exclamations of admiration followed in the hall.
“As I mentioned earlier, all of this was her voluntary request. Lastly,”
The duke spoke emphatically.
“She has won the support of not only me and Marquis Oakley but also the heads of several noble families. Like others, we initially viewed her with disdain. Overcoming that prejudice and hatred to gain our support is her own achievement.”
I bit my lip.
“Khalia Estelle is not the daughter of a demon. Even though she has carried that name since childhood and sometimes acted accordingly, this is due to misunderstanding.”
No one spoke. Not even me. I bit my lip so hard it bled as I just stared at the duke.
His face showed no hesitation or uncertainty.
“So, as her guardian, I vouch for her sincerity and loyalty. If she does not return and harms the empire or uses her power for revenge, you may take my life.”
The long statement ended. Suddenly, a metallic taste filled my mouth. When I wiped my lips with my hand, there was a drop of blood.
“What good will it do to the empire to execute the duke?”
The emperor finally spoke with a sneer. His tone was as if he were discussing a trivial matter.
“It would be much simpler to impose restrictions on that girl.”
He pointed at me.
“She will eventually have to return to the capital to inherit the substantial Estelle family’s assets and the Count title. No matter how much she likes spirits, she will come back for the title conferment ceremony when she becomes an adult. Unless she truly intends to rebel against the empire.”
“Ah…”
Sounds of sudden realization were heard from all around. Some nobles, swept up in the atmosphere, seemed to have just now grasped the situation and quickly closed their gaping mouths.
“Swear it.”
The emperor demanded curtly.