The Crown of Rutile Quartz: Volume 1 [Parts 1 to 3] by Surume Enoki

Author:Surume Enoki
Language: eng
Format: epub

The Nobles of the Robe still crowded the audience chamber.

“It is taking quite some time,” muttered Lord Behrendorf.

“You think so?” replied Lady Blanca. “With the lord prince in the state he was, it’s to be expected, no? It may not even be possible to persuade him at all.”

“Heh. It’s hard to say whether Lord Vogel’s character will prove to be a boon or a hindrance,” remarked Lady Estergren.

“Perhaps you’d have been better suited for the task, Lady Estergren?” said Lord Nordenfelt. “Verbal persuasion is your principal occupation, after all.”

“I’d have gone, had Your Excellency commanded me so,” replied the countess, a prim smile on her face. As minister of foreign affairs, it was her duty to converse with dignitaries from other kingdoms. “But perhaps it’s best that Lord Vogel had first go of it. If His Lordship, close friend to His Majesty the King, proves to be incapable of it, then none of the rest of us are likely to fare any better.”

At that moment, Monica appeared in the doorway through which Slaine had fled.

“Lords and Ladies. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Slaine of Hasenvalia, has returned,” she announced.

Lord Vogel stood at her side, his expression tinged with the slightest hint of pride. The crowd went quiet, apart from Lady Estergren, who muttered, “So it seems Lord Vogel was the right choice after all.”

Lord Nordenfelt had an unreadable expression on his face.

Then the assembled Nobles of the Robe formed another line, preparing to receive Slaine as his vassals.

Slaine entered the room moments later and stood before them once more. “Please raise your eyes,” he said. There was a tremble to his voice yet, but he was far steadier than when he had fled.

The bowed nobles lifted their heads at Slaine’s words.

“E-Everyone. I apologize for my earlier deplorable display,” Slaine said, fighting off the urge to cast his eyes down. He mustered all his will to maintain his posture. “I have never once met nor spoken to my father, the king. Until yesterday, I was a commoner. I still know nothing of how to comport myself as a king, nor anything about what it is that a king does. However... All the same, I’ve resolved not to run without making a proper effort of it, for the sake of my father and this kingdom, both of which my mother so dearly loved.”

Slaine gathered his courage to look upon the faces of each of his subjects as he spoke. “And so, that is why I...I will ascend the throne. And—I will strive to meet your expectations of me, my lords. I will try to be a good king. I beg your continued support and guidance.”

Slaine concluded his speech, and the audience chamber fell into silence once more.

But it was not an awkward silence. Slaine could feel his vassals’ surprise and relief in the quiet air.

“Your Royal Highness, as leader of your assembled vassals, I am pleased with your decision,” said the Marquess of Nordenfelt, breaking the silence with his stern voice. “Before you become king, there is much you must learn and consider.

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