Chapter 54 It Cant Be That Guy, Mabel

Ahem-ahem. The parliamentary aristocrats were huffing their chests. The eyes of others were shining with curiosity.

Ohh! Is she how they said Isnt she so lovely?

Oho! I dont know what youre talking about. That cuteness is only a part of it. You didnt see Her Majesty sleeping soundly on the throne? Tsk tsk.

At that remark, the people who gathered around were furious and clenching their fists.

Ugh. I want to see it too!

So jealous, damn it

Dirty congressmen

Nonetheless, it was a great honor for those who have that title.

There was a fixed number of seats in the council, which were usually hereditary. Money and power werent enough to attend.

How could they not be jealous of seeing the Emperor five times a week?

It was a great honor to show their faces there. Duchess Donovan was the only one who didnt show up even though she was eligible to participate.

The Parliamentary aristocrats began to show off their friendship with the Emperor.

Keum. For your information, the pillow Her Majesty sleeps on is my pillow.

I brought the blanket. My wife learned about it and embroidered on the edge!

Are they perverts?

The aristocrats, despite the attacks, smiled proudly without changing their countenance.

No matter what anyone said, he gave the Emperor an embroidered blanket!

When everyones eyes were on the little Emperor who appeared at her first official event, there was someone else who was very excited.

Shes my granddaughter.

It was Marquis Gardenia.

Usually, Marquis Gardenia was a cold-hearted, bloodless, and tearless man. A person who duly ascended the position after organizing the succession structure of the complex Gardenia family with charisma that overwhelmed the audience.

He was a noble man in name and substance.

Followers nodded, bewildered at the sudden announcement that the Emperor was Marquis Gardenias granddaughter.

Yes? T-thats right.

Of course, there was no fool who didnt know the obvious.

I said shes my granddaughter.

Thats correct. Her Majesty is the only granddaughter of the Marquis.

Yes. Shes my granddaughter.

T-thats correct

Marquis Gardenias atmosphere was somehow different from usual.

There was a famous saying.

When Marquis Gardenia smiles, one person will surly be seen with blood behind him.

This meant that the Marquis laughter was dangerous. Laughing would mean someone went against his mood.

But

Haha. Shes very cute today too!

Marquis Gardenia finally burst into laughter.

Those who saw him laugh began to tremble in fear.

***

Just as there were various factions among the aristocrats, there was also a strain on the young people who had their debutant today.

They were close to each other because they had been interacting in small parties such as tea parties before their debut in society.

And among these young children was Emily Javier, the great noble Lady of the Javier House.

You came, Lady Emily!

The dress you are wearing today is so beautiful. Which boutique did you order from?.

I sincerely envy Lady Emily. Your sweet brother escorts you.

Prince Javier is with his Imperial Highness. Miss Emily is acquainted with his Imperial Highness, arent you?

Enrique Javier and Oscar Ale Ermano.

Their precious personalities, high statuses, and impeccably beautiful appearances were very popular among young children.

Emily shyly nodded as she smiled and listened to the girls questions.

Yes. His Highness was Brothers swordsman, so he used to stop by the mansion often.

Oh my.

Im so jealous!

Unlike his angelic appearance, Oscar was famous for his cold personality. He had never danced with a young lady at a ball. Nevertheless, the young children would stay with Oscar every time for a chance to talk.

The young prince was so cool in their eyes.

One young lady stared at Emily with envy, putting her hands together.

I really envy Miss Emily. Your brother is sweet and friendly, and he is acquainted with High Highness as a close friend.

All the young people nodded as if they agreed.

Emily laughed meaningfully.

I guess.

No matter what anyone said, Emily was the most noticeable one among the young aristocrats having their debutant today. The youngest daughter of the powerful and wealthy Duke Javier, whom no one could ignore.

A pretty appearance and a sweet brother.

Emily spent months preparing for a successful social debut. So she had no doubt that she would be the main character of this Founding Banquet.

Until she ran into an unexpected person at the boutique.

She was really amazingly cute.

It was her first meeting with the veiled baby Emperor. Emily had a hunch the moment she saw the Emperor

Ill lose my spot as the main character.

The Emperor was so charming she was the definition of charming. Even Emily wanted to touch her cheeks.

But, where did Prince Javier go?

It was when one young lady looked around.

Ah!

With someones cry, the main character of the banquet finally appeared.

Emily felt the gaze of her father, Duke Javier.

***

Euk, Its burdensome.

The Emperor should be confident, but I couldnt help but cringe.

Mabel held Estebans hand unknowingly.

Everyones staring at me only!

The fact that every single person stared at her was enough to scare Mabel.

Looking down at such Mabel, Duchess Donovan calmly advised.

Your Majesty. Raise your head.

Yes.

Huhahuha.

Mabel took short deep breaths and slowly looked around. She didnt know because she was so nervous entering, but when she looked around, she saw a familiar face.

Marquis Gardenia and the familiar vassals were around her smiling as usual.

There were some knights that she sometimes encountered, a well-dressed Oscar, and Enrique, who was next to him.

Emily was mixed among young children her age. She was so pretty among them that she didnt see the others.

Some of the nobles here have been mentioned through the Information Guild, right?

She punished those bad nobles with her hands, but she was sad that she didnt know their faces.

Sit down now, Mabel.

Uung.

Esteban lifted Mabel up to the throne. Just behind her stood Esteban, and on the platform below, Duchess Donovan stood as if she were guarding her.

The presence of the two people was enormous.

Before she knew it, everyone in the hall bowed down and waited for Mabels order. Mabel was sweating in the calm atmosphere with the absence of the orchestras melody.

Its too solemn

Esteban smiled as if he was satisfied and stroked Mabels cheek.

My cute Mabel. Everyone is waiting for you to say hello. Say something.

Eung?

No one said anything about saying hello! Mabel looked down at Duchess Donovan in embarrassment, and she nodded silently back.

You can say what you want to say.

What am I supposed to say?

Mabel looked around nervously with a small fist and soon opened her mouth.

Everyone raise your heads.

Everyone looked up at the Emperors stern orders. Mabel gulped down her dry saliva.

She didnt know what to say, so she just said whatever came to mind.

Thank you for coming to our countrys Founding Banquet today. I hope youll enjoy yourselves.

Mabels greeting was over, but the surroundings was still. People watched the baby Emperor like parents.

Isnt she too smart?

Ah, Im so proud

They were staring blankly at her because she was so good at speaking and so cute; however, Mabel interpreted it differently.

Was my greeting bad?

Mabel became visibly sullen.

When Esteban saw that, he glared at the nobles ahead.

You dare discourage my Mabel?

Flinch. People were startled by the piercing sharpness of his eyes.

Esteban, standing behind Mabel, ordered by mouthing his

words.

Clap.

Hiik!

Clap clap clap clap clap!!! An applause immediately poured out.

But the people looked scared for some reason. Mabel looked around

Smile.

Esteban ordered.

Ha, hahaha!

ohohohoho!

Clap clap clap!

An applause mixed with a cheerful laugh poured out.

Only then did Mabel smile of relief. Mabel turned her head and looked at Esteban with a proud face.

The greeting is done.

Good for you, Mabel. You can already say hello well.

Uung.

Lets see now that you can greet well, what should I give Mabel?

The peoples eyes widened.

They heard rumors that the stand-in-Emperor went mad for his daughter and gave her everything, but they never imagined that they would see it with their own eyes.

Esteban smiled affectionately and asked Mabel.

What do you want, Mabel? Tell me anything.

Anything?

Yes, anything.

Mabel gave a refreshing smile.

I dont want anything!

Esteban looked caught-off guard.

In three years, he will have a good harvest, and five years after Estebans daughter, he will kick his sergeants butt.

***

There were several happenings, but the banquet resumed smoothly.

Esteban, who had been staying, disappeared with a serious look after Gustav approached him and whispered something to him.

As the atmosphere slowly ripened, Duchess Donovan, who was guarding Mabel, spoke.

Would you like to go down and greet others?

Yes.

Mabel was moving her legs to get down from the throne, but her legs were too short to touch the ground.

Kiing

Mabel was growing and focusing on going down from the throne, so she didnt see people flinching.

I want to help.

I want to let her down!

When everyone was cheering for Mabel inside their hearts, Mabels toes finally touched the ground. But.

Kung!

Ueng.

She fell to the floor because of a sudden squeak. Fortunately, the soft carpet was laid, so she wasnt seriously hurt, but she was heartbroken.

The Emperors honor has been tarnished!

Mabel looked back quickly, crying, but no one was looking at her. Only Duchess Donovan was waiting for her.

No one else saw?

Watching the Emperor rise up and go down the stairs, people were busy hiding the corners of their mouths.

Let us go, Your Majesty.

Yes, please take good care of me, Lord Donovan.

Mabel stood close by Duchess Donovan and passed through the crowd.

People seemed to enjoy the banquet, but they couldnt take their eyes off Mabel, who was waddling. It was so cute that they thought a popping sound would be heard whenever she took a step.

Where Duchess Donovan arrived, there were many ladies dressed up in splendor.

Its been a long time, Countess.

Oh, oh my. Your Excellency, Duchess Donovan!

Countess Derrish, greeted by Duchess Donovan, covered her mouth with her hands.

Duchess Donovan would often show up at official banquets, but would always stay formal and leave in the middle.

She rarely initiated a conversation like this. There were many people who want to say a word to Duchess Donovan, but there wont be any the other way around. (T/N: Meaning the Duchess doesnt want to talk to others.)

Mabel was surprised to see the ladies surprised.

This extent wasnt just influence on society.

I think the social ladder is going to break down

She was carrying an amazing mechanical pencil on her back without realizing it.

Oh my, oh my, I must be crazy. I greet Her Majesty, the Emperor.

I greet Her Majesty, the Emperor. I am

Several ladies greeted Mabel with an exuberant face.

I greet her Majesty, the Emperor. I am Swanna Derrish of County Derrish.

The last ladys greeting was over.

Count Derrish?

Mabel frowned.

Count Derrish was a name that stood high on the list of highvalued debtors who owed huge sums of money because of gambling. And she heard from a sparrow that the wife was unaware of it.

Yeah. Lets not butt in for nothing.

At that moment, Countess Derrish smiled mildly and looked at Mabel.

We are having a very fun time. I hope Your Majesty has a fun time.

Huk.

Mabel was weak to tenderness. She was especially vulnerable to the kindness of middle-aged women.

N-no, this cant happen

Dont get involved. However, that thought quickly faded with a friendly smile.

Ith fun. However, Countess. Did Uncle Count Derrish come here today too?

Of course, Your Majesty. Its the man thats talking over there.

Mabel turned her head to where the Countess eyes were looking, and she shouted with her eyes wide open.

Ahhh!

Whats wrong, Your Majesty?

When I went to go buy clothes last time, that uncle was busy. He was in front of Fantasy street.

yes?

Fantasy street was famous for having the largest gambling house in the Empire.

The smile from the Countess face disappeared. The faces of the ladies around were also stiff.

Count Derrish had already once gambled away his fortune and was barely forgiven after boiling his knees to his wife.

Please excuse me for a moment, Your Majesty. I hope you enjoy the banquet.

Yes!

At Mabes permission, the Countess left her seat.

Mabel was relieved to see the Countess take the Count, who

was talking to friends, to the balcony.

After that, its up to the Countess.

Whether you forgive him or end your marriage.

The topic of conversation already changed to the trend of designs on fans.

Then, I hope you enjoy the banquet.

Duchess Donovan achieved her purpose of bringing out Mabel. Since then, she exchanged greetings with other nobles several times.

They were all in favor of the baby Emperor, whom they saw for the first time.

Even if Mabel had no power, it was important to see her well because the forces that were behind her were so solid.

Mabel sipped a strawberry-flavored drink Duchess Donovan

At that moment, people recalled an anecdote that they had buried in their memories.

About four years ago, the Javier Family sent a letter proposing marriage to the Imperial Family, and the Imperial Palace was overturned.

I greet Her Majesty, the Emperor.

Enrique!

People were even more surprised by Mabels welcoming reaction. It was too intimate.

Will the Javier Family take the national spot?

Enrique, who smiled affectionately, reared out while everyone watched curiously.

Would you give me the honor of dancing with Your Majesty?

Huuh?

Of course Mabel was flustered. This was because she wasnt taught because Duchess Donovan said it wouldnt be necessary.

It was time to either hold Enriques hand or to reject it.

No.

A voice popped in from behind.

Not him, Mabel.

Esteban, who returned alone before realizing it, glared at Enrique.

gave her.

Are you tired?

No. Ahm okway.

Mabel was eager because she couldnt tarnish Duchess Donovans face, who was in charge of her education.

It was as they were briefly breathing at the edge of the hall.

The brilliant blonde hair stood out from afar. Enrique Javier, who was admired by young people in society, stood before the Emperor.