Chapter 32: 32
Zion responded confidently and looked at Brandish.
But before Brandish could say anything, a voice erupted from the other side.
“You insolent fool! How dare you speak such words before the queen? Apologize immediately…”
“Enough.”
“But, Your Majesty! This behavior is outrageous…”
“That’s enough. Let’s hear him out.”
At Brandish’s command, GlonĂ© reluctantly stepped back, glaring at Zion.
Anyone living in Alain Kingdom was expected to obey the queenâs orders without question.
While individual circumstances might exist, in the presence of the kingdom’s ruler, they became meaningless.
“You are very bold. Are you asking for my permission now?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. You are the greatest and most dignified ruler, but you are also a human being living in this country, just like me. I thought you would understand my situation as a fellow human.”
“Hahaha! You think I am the same as you? Thatâs quite amusing.”
Gloné tried to intervene again, but Brandish gestured for him to stop.
Gloné, filled with displeasure, had no choice but to comply.
“Your Majesty, as a human, rules this country and lives here. Just as you have a reason to live, I too have something to protect. I believe Your Majesty would understand this.”
“You say I have something to protect, but isn’t what I protect far more important than what you protect?”
“You are absolutely right. Thatâs why I am asking for your permission. Even without me, Your Majesty will continue to protect what you cherish. But if I disappear, I won’t be able to protect my fiancĂ©e. She relies solely on me. How can I ignore her feelings?”
Zion felt immense pressure as he continued to speak.
One wrong word could give Brandish the opening to tear his argument apart.
He needed to thoroughly convince Brandish to empathize with his words.
“Ignoring her feelings, you say…”
Brandish reflected on those words, recalling memories.
Throughout her life, she had loved and shared a bond with only one man.
She had married that man before turning 20, had three children, and found small happiness.
But happiness turned into longing and regret, and that man left her side forever.
â…I have been ignoring that person for a long time.â
After losing her partner, Brandish never looked at another man.
Many young nobles sought her hand in marriage, but she deemed it futile.
However, throughout all those years, one man had persistently courted her.
âIs he trying to protect what I have lost?â
Brandish allowed a faint smile to form, then quickly dismissed it.
Of course, her situation was different from Zionâs.
She was the ruler of this country, and Zion was merely a noble from the Marquis family.
Despite this, the forgotten feelings resurfaced, slightly weakening her resolve.
“Though your words may be audacious, they are not entirely wrong. If you have sworn an oath, it is right to follow it.”
This was the response Zion had hoped to hear.
His careful consideration of this worldâs content and settings seemed to have paid off.
But Brandish wasnât finished yet.
“However, I am not willing to give you up.”
“…?”
“Given the circumstances, we need to resolve this. Who is your fiancĂ©e?”
“…Hanette Adelaira, the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Adelaira.”
Brandish finally remembered the forgotten fact.
The eldest daughter of Grand Duke Adelaira was known as the Crazy Young Lady and had recently been engaged to a noble from the Marquis family.
She had been interested in the political implications but had dismissed the engagement as merely a strategic marriage.
“Hmm… I see. Captain of the Royal Knights, follow my command.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bring Hanette Adelaira to me at once. I will seek her permission personally.”
“…”
“Captain of the Royal Knights, are you defying my command?”
“I… I will carry out your command immediately, Your Majesty.”
Even Gloné was taken aback by the command but had no choice but to obey.
For him, the queenâs orders were of utmost importance.
“You will wait in the reception hall. I will speak with your fiancĂ©e separately.”
“I will comply with your royal command.”
Zion answered reluctantly, bowing his head.
It seemed things had gotten more complicated than expected.
Although he had prepared in advance, he hadnât anticipated Hanette meeting the queen directly.
â…This has escalated too much.â
Zion steadied his swirling thoughts as he left the office.
There was nothing more he could do now.
Only Hanette could resolve this situation.
âI have to trust Hanette.â
* * *
Royal Palace, Second Floor Hallway
Hanette, summoned by the queen, hurriedly entered the palace.
When she first heard the news, she was puzzled, but she soon realized the reason.
Something involving Zion had dragged her into this situation.
âWhat explanation did he give to cause all this?â
Following a Royal Knight, Hanette made her way to the office.
She had never met the queen or entered the palace before today.
Though Yenid had given her some precautions, she couldnât seem to remember any of them now.
â…He said he would use me as a reason. He must have made a mistake.â
Hanette agreed to Zionâs request after reviewing the letter he received.
He planned to use her as a reason to refuse joining the Royal Knights and asked her not to be upset.
Additionally, he promised to reward her with 100 gold coins for agreeing to this.
He was likely trying to repay the 80 gold coins he had previously taken from her through this deal.
âSince we agreed to cooperate, I should help as much as I can.â
Hanette smirked bitterly.
She didnât understand why Zion didnât want to join the Royal Knights.
He had mentioned wanting to live freely, but she couldnât relate.
Since their engagement, she had accepted a life of constraint.
âThat little rascal knows too much for his age.â
Hanette stopped in front of the office, deep in thought.
Royal Knights stood guard around her, not even glancing in her direction.
Feeling the necklace around her neck, she oddly found herself calming down.
“Are you Hanette Adelaira?”
“Yes.”
“…The queen is expecting you.”
Gloné, displeased, opened the door.
Hanette entered the office, bowing and reciting the formal greeting.
“I greet Her Majesty, the pinnacle of Alain Kingdom, master of the palace, and creator of great achievements.”
“You arrived quite quickly. How is Grand Duke Adelaira?”
Brandish turned from the window to face Hanette.
Hanette, startled by her appearance, instinctively responded.
“Yes. Thanks to Your Majestyâs grace, he is well.”
“Good. It wouldnât do for a loyal servant to be uncomfortable.”
Brandish stepped forward and stopped in front of Hanette.
Feeling an inexplicable pressure, Hanette cautiously avoided her gaze.
“Do you know why I summoned you?”
“…I believe itâs because of my fiancĂ©.”
“Exactly. Your fiancĂ© is causing me trouble.”
Brandish scrutinized Hanette, muttering to herself.
For someone called the Crazy Young Lady, she appeared rather graceful.
Her gaze alone was enough to evoke the presence of Grand Duke Adelaira.
“What can I do to help?”
“I want you to relinquish your fiancĂ©.”
“Forgive me, but I do not understand why Your Majesty would ask me to give up my fiancĂ©.”
“Zion Laird has sworn to be your knight. He pledged his life, so he cannot withdraw. He agreed to join the Royal Knights if you consented.”
“…?”
Hanetteâs mind went blank.
This was different from what Zion had told her.
He had mentioned using the situation as a plausible excuse, but now there were pledges and life oaths involved.
How could he lie like this to the queen?
“Zion Laird has the best talent among all the swordsmen Iâve seen. With proper training in the Royal Knights, he could achieve great things in a few years. For your fiancĂ©âs sake, would you consider letting him go?”
Brandish spoke sincerely, but without a domineering tone.
This wasnât something that could be persuaded by royal command or rationale.
To break Zionâs oath and resolve, he needed Hanetteâs cooperation.
He had to trample on their promises and feelings because of his own desires.
âWhat a little rascal…â
Hanette suppressed a sigh and thought deeply.
She couldnât say Zion had lied in this situation.
Zion must have had his reasons, and they had promised to help each other.
Since things had come this far, it would be better to see it through completely.
âBut… why should I give up? If heâs my fiancĂ©, I should have the final say.â
Hanette suppressed an inexplicable annoyance.
If Zion joined the Royal Knights, he would spend less time at the mansion.
He would no longer be with her, always confined within the palace.
Why should she allow that?
“Your Majesty, I regret that I cannot grant your request.”
“What? Why not?”
“My fiancĂ© swore to die for me. I accepted that oath, so my life is also in his hands. The oath will only be broken if one of us dies first.”
“…Are you asking me to kill you?”
“If Your Majesty commands it, I will die. Please keep this a secret from my fiancĂ© so he wonât be saddened.”
Hanette didnât fully realize what she was saying.
She was merely expressing the feelings that welled up within her.
She didnât know what the outcome would be, but there was no turning back now.
“Are you threatening me with your life?”
“If thatâs how it sounds, I apologize. But I, too, have pledged to live for my fiancĂ©. So, I have no choice but to stake my life for him.”