Chapter 128 V8 Chapter 3. Madam Annabell

V8 Chapter 3. Madam Annabell

Contrary to most peoples expectations, the succession war that would decide who would become the next Emperor was proceeding in Cleos favor.

His faction had begun to grow rapidly ever since Liam made the announcement that he would back Cleo.

After overcoming many crises, Cleo had grown to the point where more voices were pushing for him to become the next Emperor than even Calvin.

However, there was one person that wasnt happy with such a development.

It was Cleo himself.

Its never about me. They always ask for Liam.

He was in his room relaxing by himself when he decied to voice out his complaint despite there being no one present.

Lysithea, who had been in a good mood recently, entered the room.

Although she was born into royalty, she chose the path of a knight in order to protect Cleo.

With her orange hair tied into a ponytail, she happily gave Cleo a report.

Cleo, hear this! So many people came to visit today that its finally reached a point where they would have to wait a couple of years!

An increasing number of aristocrats and merchants were rushing over to greet Cleo.

Furthermore, several organizations had reached out to Cleo hoping for a meeting.

Lysithea was excited as such a situation would have been unthinkable given their previous state of affairs.

Everythings smooth sailing now that the faction has come together. Besides, Elder Brother Calvin is absent at the moment, so a lot of aristocrats want to meet you. In fact, more and more members of the Calvin Faction are expressing their desire to switch sides.

Rumor had it that Cleo was now the person closest to the throne.

However, the distance between Cleo and Calvin wasnt that close.

If something went awry, Cleo could still be blown away easily.

Its not me that theyre seeking, but rather Count Banfield. Am I wrong?

Lysitheas expression became slightly dark hearing his sarcastic remark.

Im sure theyre here for Count Banfield as well, but thats to be expected. Hes your biggest supporter and backer. Without the Counts financial and military support, what would have become of us by now?

Cleo obediently backed down after being berated by his sister.

It was just a joke. That said, Im really troubled by all the petitions that I must look through from early in the morning.

That just goes to show how many people are relying on you.

I guess its better than being ignored

(Most people think of me as nothing more than the Counts ornament.)

In reality, he wasnt happy at all.

His current position was gifted to him through Liams power and not his own.

He was aware of how vulnerable he was as a prince.

Count Banfields at the Capital as well, so we can rest assured regardless of what happens! Now, your schedule for today will be

Just as Lysithea was about to recite Cleos schedule to him like a secretary would, a clamor began outside the room.

The knights guarding Cleo confirmed what was going on.

Your Highness Cleo, a moment please.

Whats the matter?

A-actually Your Highnesss mother will be arriving shortly.

My mother?

Cleo shot up from his seat, and Lysitheas mouth hung wide open in surprise.

[Annabell Sera Lengrand], their biological mother, had personally come to visit them.

Neither Cleo, nor Lysithea, could mask their shock after learning about their mothers arrival given that she had never tried to meet her children before.

Facing one another, Cleo asked for Lysitheas opinion.

Sister, what should we do?

Lets first see what shes here for We can think of what to do with her afterwards. Ill go welcome her, so Cleo should stay put.

Watching his sister rush out, Cleo sat down on a chair.

What is she here for after all this time?

Cleo was shocked upon meeting Madam Annabell.

Due to her access to anti-aging technology, she looked to be a young woman.

No one would believe that she had three children and was old enough to even have grandchildren.

She could even pass herself off as Cleos older sister.

Madam Annabell was wearing a unique yet flashy dress which had a collar so large that she looked like a frilled lizard.

Her hairstyle was also one of a kind, shaped and tied like an onion.

She had always been indifferent towards Cleo and her other children, so it was uncomfortable seeing her smile as she spoke.

Cleo, youve grown so much that I could hardly recognize you. Ive heard all about it. Your name precedes even that of His Highness Calvin within the palace.

Madam Annabell had practically withdrawn herself to the back palace and refused to get involved with the outside world.

As such, she was unaware of what was considered fashionable these days and had a unique fashion of her own.

Even though she had remained holed up, she had heard of Cleos giant leap.

That appeared to be the reason why she had come all the way here to visit her daughter-turned-son.

Lysithea who stood diagonally behind Cleo took a glance at Madam Annabell before turning her eyes away with a bitter face.

Madam Annabell was all smiles for Cleo, but she didnt even bat an eye at Lysithea.

From how things are looking, Cleo will no doubt become the next Emperor.

No one knows what the future holds for us.

Nonsense! His Highness Calvin might be the Crown Prince, but hes away from the palace at the moment. Hes battling the Kingdom of Dominion, which has coincidentally given you the chance to solidify your position.

Madam Annabell was right.

Now that Calvin was absent from the Capital, the Cleo Faction could expand its influence inside the palace.

However, Cleo wasnt involved in that matter.

Ive left that task to Count Banfield.

Madam Annabells eyes became sharp.

Cleo I understand why youre giving Count Banfield preferential treatment. Its because he was the only one that helped you during your darkest hours, right?

Yes, thats right.

(You, on the other hand, didnt even pretend to help.)

Cleo didnt voice out his venomous thoughts as he wished to avoid getting into a conflict with his mother.

However, it was as if Madam Annabell could see through his feelings.

It must have been tough for you. Im really sorry. I shouldve asked my parents household to protect you.

Madam Annabell grabbed Cleos hands and offered a sincere sounding apology.

Lysithea, who was watching from behind, frowned at how brazen her mother was behaving.

After all this time, she muttered in a soft voice.

Her whisper escaped the ears of Madam Annabell.

But its not good to rely too much on someone. If youre too reliant on the Banfields, you will face a lot of problems during your reign.

Youre right.

The problem was that he couldnt cut off his ties with Liam even if he were to ascend to the throne and become the Emperor.

Not only was he personally indebted to him, Liam was the one who had organized and gathered the members of his faction.

If Cleo were to betray Liam, the aristocrats would no doubt call him an Ungrateful Emperor and distance themselves from him.

That would put a severe strain on the Cleo Factions strength, and he would be hard pressed to reign as he wished.

Cleo himself was already aware of this and had come to terms with it.

Make good use of the Lengrand Family here. Im not telling you to cut off the Banfield Family completely, but start relying on the Lengrand Family little by little. By doing so, you can prevent the possibility of his dictatorship.

What!

Lysithea raised her voice in horror.

Cleo, dont lend her your ears! The aristocrats wont be convinced even if you take advantage of the Lengrand Familys name!

Cleo heard his sisters advice, but he had his own thoughts on this matter.

(Is it really alright for me to rely on Count Banfield so much? Shouldnt I use the Lengrand Family and shave off as much of his power as I could?)

The Lengrand Family decided to approach him the moment it became clear that Cleo might become the next Emperor.

They werent trustworthy, but it didnt seem bad to use them as a way to restrict Liam.

He knew that the Lengrand Family wasnt to be trusted, but he couldnt help but be swayed due to Liams presence.

He felt inferior to Liam, and because of that inferiority complex, he convinced himself to accept the Lengrand Familys offer.

It should be fine. After all, I have the Lengrand Familys blood flowing within me. The aristocrats wont be too happy if they hear that I turned down my relatives.

Hearing his explanation, Lysithea hesitated.

You might be right, but how will you explain this to Count Banfield?

Ill personally give him an explanation. Ill see to it that the Count is convinced.

(Im in the weaker position at the moment, but one day)

This was how the Lengrand Family joined the Cleo Faction.

Marion walks up to me while Im busy at work.

Senpai must have it hard as well.

I dont know what his sources are and what hes heard, but Marion is awfully familiar with my situation.

What are you on about?

Im talking about the Lengrand Family. I heard Randy-san was allowed a special visit to His Highness Cleo. Rumors are spreading not only here but throughout the entire palace.

Marion shows me a terminal which is displaying information like a bulletin board in my previous life.

A lot of whats written there is aimed at provoking me.

I ignore them and go back to my own work.

Im busy right now. Dont talk to me.

Liam-senpais so serious. Despite what you say, you cant fake your serious personality.

He really doesnt get it, does he?

He doesnt understand what Im trying to do right now.

So? You came here just to show me this? What, you thought Id go find them and show them what a bloodbath is? Im busy as is, so I dont have the time for that kind of thing.

How disappointing. I thought youd be furious.

Im not that free.

While the two of us are talking, Randy approaches us in his flashy suit.

He seems to be very proud of himself.

Liam, do this too.

He throws the work which had been entrusted to him and his lackeys to me.

What do you think youre doing?

We should get along as members of the same faction. Were busy, so do our job for us.

Randy leaves with his entourage while laughing as if to mock me.

Im honestly surprised that theres still someone who would talk to me with such attitude.

Especially when hes in a worse position than me.

Marion calls out to me.

Need a hand?

No, I will do it. Focus on your own job.

Ill stay quiet for now.

Madam Annabell had called upon Randy, and he was giving his reports on Liam while looking very nervous.

Hes displaying a calm attitude even when we behave arrogantly before him. It makes me wonder if he really caused a scene during his internship.

Randy had begun his training in a hurry as he was about to reach the age of 200.

He couldnt be described as serious even when using excessive flattery.

Nonetheless, due to his time inside the education capsule, he could keep up with the talented bureaucrats around him.

Still, a huge wall stood between Liam and him.

Madam Annabell sighed at her disappointing nephew.

Make sure to watch Liam carefully.

Rest assured, for he is already under my watch. So will the Lengrand Family be spearheading the Cleo Faction?

Randy was interested in the top seats of the Cleo Faction.

Seeing this, Madam Annabell shook her head.

He really doesnt understand a thing.

Whats wrong, Aunt?

Randy, why cant you be a bit smarter? When did I ever state that well be supporting Cleo? Our goal is to make the Cleo Faction collapse from within. That is what that person desires.

To begin with, Madam Annabell had no intention of supporting Cleo.

Then the Lengrand Family doesnt stand to gain anything!

Calm down. Ill make sure that theres profit to be had.

Is this somehow related to His Highness Calvin? His Highness Calvin stands to gain the most with Cleos downfall, does he not?

Calvin would benefit the most by kicking Cleo down.

As such, Randy assumed that his aunt was secretly connected to Calvin behind the scenes.

Randy Just make sure that you keep an eye on Liam. Corner him if given the chance, but dont leave any evidence. You know how many aristocrats hes crushed so far, right?

Randy nodded while sweating bullets.

O-of course.

The Lengrand Family was beginning to show suspicious movements after being invited into his faction by Cleo.

Brian (): Troubles are rolling in one after another even when the Guide is gone. Its painful. Oh, but

Brian (**): Volume 1 of Im the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire! was released today, and this Brian is pleased to say that it seems to be doing quite well.

Wakagi-chan |): Please also check out Volume 6 of The World of Otome Games if Tough for Mobs, released July 30th. A limited CD drama edition will be released this time around as well. Oh, and by the way, my guardian, Rion Shan will be voiced by [Yusuke Kobayashi], while the First Luxion will be voiced by [Shirai Yusuke] Neat, innit?