paranoianovel Book 3 Chapter - 13 Chapter 16. Breaking masks.
Book 3 Chapter - 13 Chapter 16. Breaking masks.
"What are you talking about in front of the Count!"
It wasn't Brick who responded, it was Count Polyum. But the nobles did not stop at his protest.
"I'm just saying it because I'm in front of Count Weddin!"
"If it's a misunderstanding, we have to check it quickly so we can trust and move!"
They were more nervous when they saw the cold look on Brick's face.
"If it's enough to sell an engaged woman, we'll be abandoned after using it."
Strange rumors began to circulate in the capital a few days ago. It was rumored that Brick sold the Countess Luvai's estate to the emperor in exchange for his health recovery and the empress' seat.
In addition, Count Gruvai died only a few weeks ago in mysterious circumstances. When I first heard it, I thought he was a terrible person, but he seemed suspicious after hearing the rumor.
"Isn't Count Luvai, who was sentenced to labor, dead in a timely manner?"
Of course, the aristocrats who joined hands with Brick had no choice but to worry. It's not just an aristocrat I knew, it's a suspicion that he sold off his fiancee.
Brick's eyes drooped, seemingly upset by their fierce looks.
"You say scary things."
"But the rumors...….”
"I will not deny that I was engaged to Count Rubai in the past."
Brick went on with a face trying to be as calm as possible.
"But it's just a rumor, isn't it? I don't want her to... Is there any evidence that you did so?"
Brick's question shut the nobles up for a momentarily. But soon another aristocrat opened his mouth.
"Before you set out on a Southern expedition, I heard that Count Weddin asked you to stop by Count Lubai."
"And there was a letter to Count Rubai.”
"If this isn't proof, what is proof?"
Once the words broke out, the nobles opened their mouths. Brick, who had only been rumored to have sold his fiancee for his own good.
It felt like a thousand dollars was coming up from the inside. But he didn't show that feeling on his face.
'Now we have to buy sympathy.’
It was easy for him to hide his mind. If that's also to be pitied. I've been fooling Yulia's eyes like that for years. He opened his mouth with a small sigh.
"My health care is handled by the court's courtesy. As you all know."
"So, Your Majesty...…!”
The next moment Brick stared at him with sharp eyes and opened his mouth.
"So, you think Her Majesty is the man to make such a deal?”
The nobles shut up at the words. Julia, the king of today, who may have been a tyrant, but she's a traitor to corruption?
It was hard to imagine.
"In fact, all the corruption in the last two years has been committed by the Duke of Fez…"….’
No matter how hard I tried to think, Julia's track record denied such a assumption.
Unlike the nobleman who became silent, Count Polyum spoke triumphantly. I couldn't make a big noise because of the rumors.
"See, I didn't say it was a false rumor!"
But the nobles were still suspicious eyes.
"But Count Weddin, it's hard to spread rumors without any basis."
"No matter how far you go to the southern part of the country, at the request of the count, your Majesty stopped by Count Rubai and he was punished for treason."….”
"And isn't it suspicious that he died for unknown reasons?"
Again the voices of the nobles rose. Brick heard it all in silence and quietly opened his mouth."There are some who think you might think this way."
"…what?"
"I asked you to stop by Count Lubai in the South because I thought it would help you."
He said as if he had never imagined she would commit treasonous acts.
"We can release the letter if you want. If I ask the king, he'll gladly give it to me...….”
"But maybe it was fabricated…….”
Brick replied to the aristocrat as if he knew it would.
"If you want, you can be moved by the wizard you've designated."
Every word was a powerful voice. Brick still didn't gain weight and talked to them, clenching his skinny hand.
"Did you forget? Jealousy caused by Yeonjung is a scary law that can kill someone.….”
Brick now spoke as if to recall Cyril, who was detained in the former Wizard's Tower, or exile tower.
"Even the cool-headed, unexpressed man did such a shaggy thing."
“…….”
"And there is another man who wants to stand by you."
"…Did Duke Marcus spread the rumor?"
Brick didn't say yes or no to that. I just looked at it with sad eyes. As if you sympathize with Eusto, who has no choice but to do so.
His expression was very effective. One of the nobles snapped at the table and opened his mouth.
"Well, now that you mention it, you seem to have a point.
"But the Duke of Marcus wouldn't...….”
One aristocrat said Count Polyum with a snort.
"That's what Cyril Venus did. That cheeky guy! Besides, haven't you all seen it?"
Count Polyum stood up from his seat, pointing his finger outside the drawing room, and opened his mouth.
"Who's using most of the parlor rooms these days? Marquis Ardea and Duke Marcus!"
"Come to think of it… I heard that if you write a recommendation to the Duke of Marcus, you'll get a reward."
"That's right, right! I saw aristocrats from the provinces trying to make a deal with Marquis Ardea.”
The nobles nodded, recalling what they had seen recently. Count Polyum raised his voice as if to see the response.
"Look at that! Is Duke Marcus the man for such a deal?”
The stereotype was easily broken.
If you think about it, isn't Duke Marcus strangely loyal to His Majesty?’
Moreover, the Ranchean nobles were strange to themselves. In the first place, why do the aristocrats feel so loyal to the emperor, give up their hereditary titles, and receive them as single-win titles? The whole thing seemed madness to them.
"No, maybe he's desperate because he's a one-winner."
He was so loyal that the emperor tried to choose Brick, not Yusto, who was on his side. Of course, he wanted to stop it somehow. It was right to think that way. It seemed to be a trick to lay dirty rumors on innocent Brick, trying to keep him out of power.
"…we were thoughtless, Count Wedin."
An aristocrat quickly apologized. Then, other aristocrats opened their mouths one after another as if they were sorry. Brick shook his head with a sad face at the words.
"How could it be your fault? A man of dirty tricks is a bad thing.”
He sighed deeply again, saying so.
"I... never once tried to reject the Duke of Marcus or any other man beside you...….”Brick said it as if it were a matter of course as an empress. The aristocrats thought they could rather trust him.
"Yes, how can a man who tries to hog the Emperor be the Empress?’
It was recommended that the emperor put in a lot of bibin. Marriage has strengthened the alliance with the aristocracy and made the throne more stable.
Moreover, Julia is a conquering emperor. No one has conquered as much land as she has, but the emperors who have conquered many countries in history have used many concubines for stability.
'Our choice is not wrong, either.’
The unwillingness to admit one's choice was wrong led to more faith in Brick's words. I couldn't have jumped on Eusto's side just because I made a wrong answer from the first place.
One of the nobles stood up from his seat and cried out.
"Should we keep fooling around with their dirty tricks!"
"That's right! We have to pay them back!"
"How dirty the Duke of Marcus has done...Your Majesty should know!"
Everyone nodded as if they were right about it. If Julia finds out, she'll definitely kill Eusto. Brick was looking at the scene for granted.
'…the Duke of Marcus, no… Your Majesty's will.’
He gnashed his teeth so that no one else would notice.
"Did you think I would be shaken by this scheme, Your Majesty?"
Even if a rumor went around for a while, it was just a rumor. Unlike the aristocrats who fret over such rumors, there was no reason for them to be agitated.
'Those who died in the first place are silent, Your Majesty...….’
If you think you've been hit by this rumor, it's really easy. But thanks to this rumour, Brick was able to stay calm. The fact that Julia came out like this means she's in a tight spot.
Gradually, the day seemed to come when the beautiful face and healthy body would be mine. No doubt she would bear a healthy child with outstanding beauty. A very healthy Ranchea imperial child, not a child of Wade, who has been vulnerable for generations.
Instead, Julia will lose her health.
Brick was vulnerable because his father kept Wade's hereditary disease from his mother instead. The father of a weak heart abandoned Brick's health because he could not lose his mother.
'Do this to me for someone who will die sooner than me anyway...…!’
If I had given my mother medicine to carry the disease, I would not have been so vulnerable.
It's okay. He'll make me healthy.’
Brick laughed as he recalled the man he dealt with. In exchange for his health, he was given half the continent. After giving birth to her own child, Julia will not be able to work normally.
'Then I'm a healthy child with a healthy body... As the father of my child, I will be regent emperor.’
Just thinking about it made the continent all feel like it was itself right now. Brick had a faint smile on his face. A smile that would seem to others to be just sympathetic to Duke Marcus.
After Brick's explanation, rumors began to change in the capital. Rumors that he sold his fiancee were made by Eusto Marcus.
The case of Cyril, who was imprisoned in the old wizard's tower, but the excessive loyalty that Eusto has shown has sparked rumors. In addition, there have already been rumors that Eusto creates his own power in a way that is not honorable in the capital."Do you have anything to say, Duke Marcus?"
Some of the aristocrats even made an outright sarcastic remark to Eusto. Of course, some of the people who were worried about being on Eusto's side were separated. But Eusto only answered the question silently.
"I don't know."
The aristocrats swore at Eusto, saying he was a man of no shame. When Eusto did not actively explain, the nobles muttered that they were being ridiculed.
"Shouldn't we all report to His Majesty?"
"Yes, if His Majesty knows, Duke Marcus is also a Parisian life."
It still needed time for Brick's recommendation to be filled out. Brick's explanation has led to rumors that Eusto is like that, but there are those who are not sure.
Neither Count Polium nor Brick felt nervous about it. I thought it would be quick if there were rumors that Eusto did so, but there were still about 20 copies short of recommendations.
'It's already been three weeks since Felix left for the Wizard's Tower...….’
According to Brick's servant, he seemed to have said he would be back in a month.
'No matter how genius he is, a month would be too much...….’
There was only one thing. How come Felix and Eusto were not wary of boundaries, even the man who dealt with them.
Brick swallowed his nervousness, waiting for Count Polyum to say what he wanted. For days already, Brick has deliberately refused to protest against Julia. It's not like you've been making it up to me to hear that and throw her a headache.
"My acting is holding me back.’
But I wasn't too worried. Count Polyum had never betrayed his expectations. It was clear today that I would speak stronger than usual. He would have found his own palace this early to do so.
"You must move today, Count!"
At the behest of Count Polyum, Brick slowly opened his mouth with a look of wonder.
"But there's not exactly a reason…Your Majesty."
"But your majesty must know! Your Highness, will you stand still like this and make room for the Duke's dirty money?"
Brick looked deeply troubled at the words.
"At this rate, such a filthy man will sew up the seat next to your majesty, whom you so value! Then neither the Weddin nor our nobles will be safe!"
Count Polyum raised his voice as if he couldn't take it anymore.
"…the count says something I can't refuse.”
"It's because I believe in you."
Brick rose from his seat as if he had no choice. Count Polyum smiled as if he knew it.
"Today, others are here with us. With so much growth, Your Majesty can't ignore it."
"…I hope you don't mind."
"You are too concerned. Your Majesty is a strong and fair man."
The Count of Polyum took out the recommendations he had collected from his arms.
"There are as many as eighty nobles who recommend you. It's less than the number you've suggested, but it's not something you can ignore.”
Brick nodded heavily at the words, hoping they would. Looking at that, Count Polyum thought Brick was too much for Julia.
"No, my lord is so devoted that he will continue to serve you."On the contrary, it would be good for Brick, who will become Empress considering the future, to serve Julia so well. After they issued the recommendation today, Yulia was also hoping she would be forced to move. It's been almost two weeks since the last meeting, but Duke Marcus said he didn't even receive 50 letters of recommendation.
"Of course, Your Majesty has not set a deadline...….’
However, it was clear that gaining quick support would also be a qualification for the empress. Count Polyum walked ahead with his shoulders tightened.
Behind him, Brick felt an unknowingly eerie sensation. He made eye contact with his servant before stepping forward. The servant smiled at him as if everything was going to be fine.
'Yes, I don't think so. Your majesty still has my room in the main palace."
If there was something, the Julia couldn't have changed. Because she wasn't a procrastinator.
"Did you guys hear Jim laugh?"
In reality, Julia, seated on the throne, said to the nobles, who came in with a grumpy look.
"I'm sure Jim told you a hundred sheets!"
"Ha, but Your Majesty... It's a recommendation from over 80 families."
Count Polyum opened his mouth with courage despite the Emperor's wrath.
"Either 80 or 99 families, they don't meet the standards set forth by Jim!"
Count Polyum shut up at Julia's words. Behind them, the spirits of disappointment rose from the nobles. He turned to Brick casually seeking an answer. Then Brick gave him a wry smile as if it were OK.
'...for Your Highness' sake!’
Furthermore, such a thorough Yulia of standards and rules could not have failed to listen to them. If it wasn't to be elected as a prospective empress right away, it would have had to drop other strong candidates.
"Your Majesty, if so, please listen to our accusations!"
"Complaint?"
Julia said with a sour face. He was even leaning obliquely and staring with his chin on his back. Count Polyum felt angry at the attitude.
"No, I can't believe you're so light when you're about to file a complaint.’
But if you listen to the content, it will definitely be different. It was none other than the dishonesty of Marcus Yusto, a close confidant of her confidants.
"Your Majesty's request to receive 100 letters of recommendation means, of course, to use the rightful method."
"Yes."
"However, there's someone who gets recommendations in a dishonest way.
"Innocent way?"
Julia's eyes ached at once. I was angry with them until just now, but I was opposed to the annoying attitude. It was a sharpness as if the blade was sharp.
"Please don't be upset and listen!"
"Jim is not angry by accusing him of corruption. Say the count."
"Your Majesty's Guard Captain... He's the Duke of Marcus!"
"…Duke Marcus?”
Julia asked him with a look of incredulity. Count Polyum gasped and opened his mouth at the horse.
"Yes! There are more than one person in the salon who has seen Marquis Ardea, Duchess of Marcus, openly trade."
"Yes, Your Majesty! I saw it clearly with my own eyes."
Another aristocrat spoke in agreement with Count Polyum. But Julia asked back coldly.
"By looking at it clearly, does it mean that you have actually witnessed the exchange of letters of recommendation in a dishonest transaction?"
But no one could answer that question.
'Of course, they traded in the salon parlor...….’
Who knows that. The parlor was a confidential space. So whenever Marquis Ardea or Duke Marcus had such a hint, he encouraged the nobles to go to the parlor.In addition, they can file a complaint against Yulia because they have traded in that way and obtained a letter of reference. But I couldn't tell Julia that the deal was done that way.
"Didn't you just say you saw it with your own eyes? How do you not respond?"
"Well, I didn't see a deal, but... I've seen him meet and take him."
"Then bring the trader here."
Julia told them as if she couldn't do anything with words.
"Do you care much about Duke Marcus?"
Julia seemed to bend her arms inward in their eyes, even though she spoke like she was. I felt unfair for no reason. Count Polyum opened his mouth in a fit of emotion.
"Ha, but Your Majesty! The Duke of Marcus even put a false rumor on Count Weddin."
"The rumor that you sold Count Rubai?"
When Julia talked in a relaxed manner, everyone said yes.
"Is there evidence of that, too?"
The nobles' mouths closed again at Julia's question. At that attitude, Julia kicked her tongue and told them.
"How can aristocrats be so light-hearted? All of this, do you really not know that Jim could be severely punished?"
Julia's old age made the audience cry. This time it was a really angry voice.
"Well, we were short-minded, Your Majesty!"
They knelt down in a single stroke and gave a good head. Then Brick opened his mouth to Yulia as if to calm down.
"Your Majesty, it's all my fault, so don't be so angry."
Brick said so and looked at Yulia with a face as if he wanted war and division of the continent. Julia looked at him still.
Brick was pretty sure she'd want to avoid war at this time of year. Otherwise, he wouldn't have shown an attitude to respond to his proposal. That's why it was a word and a sign.
'You will never be able to ignore it.’
But contrary to what he thought, one corner of Julia's mouth went up. He looked as if the trick was over. Then, the servant came in with an urgent voice and shouted.
"Your Majesty, there is a request for an audience!"
Julia turned her head towards him at the voice of the servant.
"Having an audience? Who is it?"
"It's... there's no name to be identified, but I've come a long way to complain of injustice."….”
The nobles glared as if it were nonsense.
"No, where is this place? A man without such a title is about to come in!"
"Your Majesty, no way. It is only those who are entitled to be able to have an audience with the Emperor!"
The nobles, who had just been scolded by Yulia, raised their heads and shouted. Julia looked at them as if she were dumbfounded.
"Stop being quiet."
'Do you think you're in a position to join the army?’
A while ago, they were criticized for their unsatisfactory deeds as aristocrats, and they were well-mouthed. Julia crossed her legs and gave the servant a chin.
"If you're begging so desperately, it's urgent. "So you, cautious, would have told Jim."
The servant nodded at Julia's words.
"Bring me, isn't it also your duty to listen to the ordinary people of the Empire?"
The nobles shut up at Julia's words. Instead, he stared at the servant, who did not cringe at all at the fierce gaze. He jumped in the first place and said it was what Yulia told him to do.After the servant left, a strange silence flowed into Al-real. Brick felt something suspicious. Julia's actions were too relaxed. In the first place, there was no need to ask the common people in front of themselves and the nobles.
The duty of the nobility...Your Majesty can't have so much importance on these people.’
I didn't think any Ranchean aristocrat would pay such attention to the aristocrats who were from other countries, and who followed Brick himself.
'You just have to ask him to step down and then get an audience...….’
Brick felt a strange nervousness. Saying that in itself means admitting them to a certain extent. In fact, some of the other nobles read her words in a good light and twitch their lips.
Brick kept looking at Julia, but she gave Brick a laid back look.
"Your Majesty, I have you."
"Come on in."
The door opened gently.
The next moment, Count Polyum and Brick saw the man who appeared with astonishment.
"Oh, no... how did the author...….”
Dark grey hair was tied up at random, barely brushing. There was a noble pride in the turquoise eyes looking ahead. It was a strong shirt and pants worn by ordinary people, especially those who worked in physical labor.
'Claus Rubai...…?’
Brick doubted his eyes. She must be dead. I double-checked the assassin's death and reported to Brick.
'That can't be true. Looks like... someone else.’
Brick denied the reality. Of course there was a basis. Chloris Rubay, who he knew, couldn't have stood in front of others with such a shabby appearance. He was a man who seemed to be united with the pride of being a nobleman.
Laughing at the thought, Cloris glanced past him and made eye contact only once. There was no desire for him in that look.
"I see His Majesty, the Lord of the Empire."
The nobles admired the perfect courtesy of the commoner.
"- What a surprise to you. Former Earl of Cloris Rubai."
At Julia's words the nobles looked at her with dismayed faces.
Count of Rubai?’
"I heard you were dead.’
It seemed as if the ghost had returned alive. The fact that she died was reported to the Emperor. But the emperor was not surprised at all.
'What happened?’
The nobles looked at Brick and Count Polyum at once. It was because the carelessness of Count Brick and Polyum felt greater, even though they thought the emperor intended to hide it. Even though they didn't check it out properly.
Regardless of their embarrassment, Clarice knelt politely in front of Julia.
"I have this sinful face to answer your question a long time ago. Please be generous and give me a chance to speak up."
Speculation was blown that it might be someone else in disguise who had a mind at least one's heart. All that high-mindedness, attitude, has proved beyond reason that she was originally a nobleman.
Julia nodded to Cloris like a generous monarch.
"I allow you to speak."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The moment she opened her mouth, Julia became more relaxed than ever.
On the contrary, the brick side became muddy. In particular, Brick's facial expression management, which had been kept tightly, collapsed. He gazed furiously at the back of Clarice with a pale face.
'How... how are you alive?’
The patricians who followed him on the face of dirt felt that everything was wrong.I've crawled into the tiger's den myself.….
It was a few days ago, late afternoon. Julia, who was on duty, was contacted by Cyril.
"What brings you here at this hour?"
-I would like to report that what I said a few days ago has been completed.
"Is the interpretation over?"
Yes, Your Majesty.
Julia crumpled the papers I was holding without realizing it.
The crumpled sound of the paper made Cyril chuckle.
Isn't that a document to send to me?
"No, it's a document for Marquis Ardea."
-Well, it doesn't matter.
Julia frowned slightly at the words. Cyril Venus was a funny man in many ways.
"Better than that, Cyril, does that mean you've finally found a connection with Brick?"
Yes, remember the ancient word Perita from the Knights of the Duke of Marcus last time?
"Yes."
The Knights of the Duchy of Marcus brought the ancient language, the signal of the body believed to have been moved by Princess Guyana, and the body of Pirata. Pirata's body was now recovered by Tae-ui and was awaiting Camelia's final detection.
- Perita appears to be the sender of letters exchanged by Duke Fez, former Earl of Lubai, former Knights of Tern and Count Weddin.
"…you've found the real sender.”
-Yes. And the name Perita...….
The moment Cyril tried to speak, Julia felt goosebumps from her fingertips. Last time, an incomplete voice rang in my head.
The name Perita is the name of the curse......my father, the name of the curse that King Eton Lecio Dietas hated and could not abandon...…!’
Julia took a deep breath.
Your Majesty?
Cyril asked anxiously at the sudden sound of Julia's breath. Julia asked him, pointing at the desk.
"Perita... was a tinnitus of King Eaton."
Did you know that?
"No... I just remembered."
Cyril sighed softly at the words. However, it did not ask further. The sigh he uttered was not a sigh of resentment whether he had now come to mind. Rather, it was a sigh of concern for Julia.
- All the evidence you wanted is in place. Except for one thing...….
Only one thing, when Julia was about to recall him, someone knocked on the door. At the sound over the communications box, Cyril said as if he had been waiting.
-The last piece of the puzzle must have arrived. I'll leave the rest to you.
"I will."
With that answer, the light disappeared from the communication area. Julia took a deep breath once, and answered as if she had waited.
"Come in."
It was Leoncia who opened the door to the voice.
"Who do you think you are and who do you think you are to let me in.
"It's easy for Jim to read the signs of someone he's seen once. If you don't want to hide it like you do now.”
At that point, Leoncia pushed Cloris, who was following her back, into the room, as if it was not funny. Unlike a month ago, her shoulders were atrophied. A rather thin face was full of horrors.
"Duke Othdan, did you bring her here in a threat?"
"How can you frame an old man like that, Your Majesty. I brought him here safely."
Leoncia then pointed to Cloris' hand holding her sleeve. Julia opened her mouth, beckoning to the two of them to sit on the sofa.
"Claus, do you still have nothing to say to Jim?”
"…I……."
"Doesn't your courage last two months, when you spoke up to Jim?"
Julia asked her in a calm tone. However, Clarice seemed to have lost all of her self-esteem as a nobleman. Being here was a vulnerable person who lost his identity in two months and was betrayed by his devoted fiancé and crossed the threshold of death.'I understand, but I can't take it easy.’
I could offer any kind words of consolation. However, it was not enough to move a person who was driven into a corner and weakened. Sometimes lightning, which might burn the whole body, was an effective law.
"Claus, Jim wants to give you a chance to get revenge. A chance to get revenge on Brick Wade for taking everything you've got."
The words stopped the tremor of Cloris. Brick Wade. The name was effective for her.
"Don't you want revenge? Brick Wade, to the man."
Julia's words seduced Chloris sweeter than Afrito wine. There was anger and pride in the eyes of Cloris, who looked up.
More than anyone else in the Al-Real world, Clarice was calm and confident. It looked more noble than when Brick was possessed and covered in the husks of an imposing aristocrat. Even though it was a shabby look I would never have worn before.
It was Brick who was rather embarrassed. Perhaps he couldn't believe the situation, it took time before he could return with a nonchalant look. But it was already the wrong time to patch things up.
"When His Majesty came to Count Rubai, I dared to point my sword at him."
Cloris explained the situation carefully. At the time, she spelt out what she had to say to Yulia. She unleashed without hesitation on how foolish and narrow-minded she was. And who it all originated from.
"I was ordered by Count Weddin. It was an order to leave a great stain on His Majesty."
Clarice's voice rang clear in the audience room.
"It is my ignorance and my sin to interpret the order freely and raise things against me."
She slowly looked up and looked at Julia. There was no light in her eyes to deceive as in the old Countess of Lubai. The illusion of love and the feelings created by the pride of the aristocrat disappeared.
"I think this is the last chance you've given me, an innocent sinner, and I'll tell you the truth."
She only looked at Brick once more with the horse. Cloris turned to Julia again and spoke in a powerful voice.
"Brick Wade, Count Weddin, conspires with the former King Eton to bring down His Majesty and the Empire. I'm a sinner who helped."
Clarence, who said it all, looked relieved. She bowed politely before her with a face waiting solely for Julia's disposal.
A calm like the eve of the storm came within Alreal. It was as if someone was nervous and could hear swallowing.
"What the f*ck!!”
It was Count Polyum who broke that silence. He ran out with a flushed face and pointed his finger at Clarice.
"How can a lowly man who has committed treason be blamed on our count!"
Then he lowered his body towards Julia and shook his head.
"Your Majesty, you must not take this man's word for it! The engagement to the Count also lies. It's nothing short of destroyed."
He raised his voice as if it were nonsense. No wonder her accusation contained a huge amount of content.
Despite the criticism of Count Polyum, Clarice did not budge. She kept her head on the floor, waiting only for Julia's ruling.
Julia looked at Brick before opening her mouth. He was looking at Cloris with a stiff face, even a pale smile erased.
'How does it feel to be deceived?’
Julia wanted to tell him that. It was like being reversed because he/she had all he/she had done to do. Her confession also accused him of colluding with former King Eaton.It's also in the grand name of treason.
"Your Majesty, this man is a liar in the world. Don't be misled!"
Seeing that Julia's gaze had become fierce, Count Polyum shouted again. Then some of the aristocrats on the Brick side cried out as if they were following.
"Yes, Your Majesty! Count Weddin has no reason for that!"
"Until now, the Count has always asked for the well-being of the Empire!"
In particular, the aristocrats of the Wedin area raised their voices loudly. It was true for them. Brick has come so far as to disappoint them, only for the Empire and Yulia. In this situation, the accused Cloris's remarks were outraged.
But unlike them, those who sought to follow Brick in pursuit of profit hesitated.
'What if you really had a plan?’
Eton? Eton? You joined hands with that wretched mystical country?’
Especially, it was more confusing because there were many aristocrats who had a bad image of Eton. If he hastily claimed his innocence and what Cloris said was true, they would have a huge impact.
Julia listened to them patiently. Words poured out that he was innocent like a storm. It was towards Brick that she opened her mouth.
"Your 'subjects' are trying to cover for you, and you have nothing to say?”
Weddin aristocrats felt sluggish at the words.
Brick's 'god'.
It meant that the emperor was clearly suspicious of him. I felt like my body was getting stiff. Julia's expression was as calm as a calm lake, but everyone knew it could be stormy at any time. At the New Year's banquet, Wedin aristocrats, who couldn't keep their heads on her, unconsciously patted her on the neck.
Brick, who was singled out, slowly shifted his gaze from Cloris to Yulia. He had a more miserable face than ever.
"…you're already suspicious of me.”
"Jim never said such a thing."
"I've never... I didn't tell your Majesty to surrender them. All the time, all the time...…!”
Brick swallowed his breath, saying so. He said with a slight lowering of his head.
"I looked only at His Majesty, and I thought only about the well-being of the Empire. I'll be your empress with my dim body. I also thought...….”
Brick looked carefully at the nobles who followed him. He gave them a really painful look. His eyes looked as if he had made the poor support him and put him through a lot of trouble. Many aristocrats were shaken by the snow.
'You're a liar, aren't you...….’
'Well, come to think of it, there's no reason for that. I can be Empress even if I stay still.’
It felt more foolish to choose between certain and uncertain powers. What's more, Brick's actions for Julia have turned his mind. Brick continued to talk to Yulia again, confirming their faltering gaze.
"All I want to be empress is... Don't you know that it was to give your majesty a strong presence?"
He said with a look on his face as if he was about to shed tears. It was a way of speaking and face that would probably be captivated by any person. But it was useless for Yulia.
"Thanks to those who normally use their faces as weapons.’
Both Felix and Eusto had such beautiful looks, and unlike Brick, they really looked desperate, so there was no comparison. Of course, they were almost involuntary.Julia purposely put a firmer face on his words. His words have already turned to Clarice as if they were deafening.
"-Claus."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"The courage you accused is excellent, but you cannot undo your sins."
"I know. I didn't mean to punish you."
There was satisfaction in her face. He was confident that he had given a blow to his enemy.
"Please send me back to the labor area. I'm going to live and get all the punishment."
That was something only Brick would understand. It was rare for a man to know that an assassin had come into her. She was only known to have suffered a mysterious death.
Julia spoke to her, straightening her chin off.
"In consideration of your accusation, we shall reduce the sentence of life imprisonment to 15 years, and change the place of labor to Count Luvai."
The words surprised Cloris. It was a sentence that effectively eliminated punishment for her. I thought it would be nice if I could close my eyes on the land even if I died or if the owner changed hands. Furthermore, the inhabitants of Count Luvai were still friendly to her.
"Thank you for your generous grace."
Cloris bowed to Yulia with sincere thanks. On the contrary, however, complaints have sprung up from the Brick aristocracy. Shortening the sentence meant you believed what she said.
"Your Majesty, how can you believe such a liar!"
"In the meantime, I will ignore all the sincerity of Count Weddin!"
"What a simple way to punish a real sinner!"
But Julia, with a cold face, winked at the guard as if to drag her away. The action set fire to the hearts of the aristocrats who followed Brick with great brilliance.
"Your Majesty is trying to destroy all the trust he has built!"
"Not our faith, not even our vow to follow, is worthy of your presence. Are you here?"
It was a cry filled with anger. Julia just looked at Brick casually. Brick still spoke to her with a wistful face.
"Your Majesty, I... I have not betrayed you. Please don't let me take the opportunity to help you like this."
It was a very earnest and desperate way of speaking.
"Everyone's in a hurry.”
Julia said with a sigh.
"As they say, there is no evidence that Count Weddin attempted treason except for the comments of Clarice."
"How can I...…!”
"But he was accused of treason. "How can I get over this easily.
"Your Majesty!"
The nobles agreed as if it were nonsense.
"You can't release the accused as they are, Jim can't do that as the emperor of Lanchea.”
Julia declared Brick with cold eyes.
"I hold you in custody on suspicion of treason, Count Weddin. Keep a low profile and keep a low profile in your residence."
The nobles rightly protested against Julia's words.
'That's ridiculous. There's no proof!’
She spoke as if she were doubting, but in fact she treated him as a sinner. The order to keep a low profile in residence compared to the charge of treason was a shock to the nobles, although it was moderate. No, it was like that in the first place when you punished Chloris.
'Not Lanchea... Aren't you trying to defeat everyone from other countries?'
It has not been Yulia who has moved for one purpose. It occurred to me that there must be another purpose in this work. And I was convinced that it would never benefit them.
It must have been Your Majesty who brought you here on the rumour that Claus Rubay was dead. It's as if you've set us up!'When my thoughts reached that point, I thought I should protect The Brick. The nobles raised their voices as if they were trying to prevent his detention.
"You'll regret this later!"
"Remember that there have been many monarchs who have regretted doubting their spouses, Your Majesty!"
But Julia didn't budge on what they said. No, there was anger on the cold face.
"Everyone shut up! Does that sound ridiculous to you that you conspired with treason, or with other countries?"
Julia's bitter rebuke was frightening. But it couldn't be defeated. The nobles protested against her words.
"Hana Chloris Lubai has lied again and again!"
"It's no harm to do this without proof!"
Boom!
Julia hit the armrest hard at their words. She replied with a look of elation.
"If he really hadn't done anything, he wouldn't have been framed."
At times, there was no way smoke would fly through chimneys. But the nobles refused to accept, and opened their mouths. It was life and death for them, too.
But then Brick opened his mouth.
"…stop, everyone."
"Count Weddin."
"I believe in you. I am not guilty, so you will light him up."
"…Count."
The nobles looked at him with grief. Brick looked up resolutely as if he was really innocent. The nobles thought he was really bitter. But Julian read the insinuation.
You're confident you'll never spill evidence.’
Julia ordered the guards, eye-to-eye with him.
"Take Count Weddin with you!"
Brick gently handed out his arm to the approaching Guard. Finally, his eyes looking back at her said to Julia.
'You used too low quality to cut me off. Your Majesty.'
I felt like my ears were ringing.
"Everyone's voice is so loud."
In fact, it was a matter of course. Because they really had to be desperate. Moreover, Julia pushed with a stampede to ignite their anger and resentment. There was a reason why I had to push you to the corner.
Out of the audience room, Julia sighed and headed for her office. At that time, a signal was felt at the communication area. Julia took a look at the gas and pulled out the communication port. There was a bit of a distance to the office. As expected, it was Felix's color.
Your Majesty!
As soon as I turned on the communication box, I heard Felix acting cuter than usual.
"How is the test going?"
Julia tapped the communications outlet twice, saying so. There was a short silence beyond the communication area. Then I heard a sound that was about to cry.
I may not be able to keep my word with you.
"A month?"
Your Majesty told me to come back.….
It was a sullen voice. Julia consoled him as if she was okay with the words.
"It's all right, Felix. I can wait for you as long as much as you want."
I'm not okay! I can't wait to see you.…, let alone a month. What if I can't go back next month?
"It's all right."
Julia opened the door to her office, saying so. Along with her entering the office, I could feel the person who had stopped for a while moving across the hall. Julia closed the office door soundly, asking Felix again.
"So what floor are you really on now?"
Brick's servants quickly moved their feet. I had to pass on the information I just heard to Brick quickly. I'm sure it's good news for Brick that Felix's return will be delayed.'I'm sure he's offended by what happened in the real world.’
At this time, he had to go and serve perfectly. I was going to get medicine from Tae-ui, but he said it was not finished manufacturing yet and said to come in an hour, which was a shame. Arriving at Brick's room, an armed guard was guarding the door.
"Who is it?"
"Well, I'm the servant of Count Weddin."
He replied with a startled look on his face. Then another guard knight nodded, saying he had seen him.
The servant barely caught his breath and came into the room. As expected, the room was filled with heavy air. Sijong approached him with his favorite tea and water to wash.
"I can't believe you've been through this humiliation.….”
Brick was just silent at the end of the line.
'If you were someone else, you could have taken it out on me.’
The servant admired Brick's broad heart and mouthed what he had heard from Yulia.
"Your Highness, the return of Felix will be delayed."
At that moment, Brick's eyes glanced at him.
"Is that true?"
"Yes, I heard it with my ears."
Brick felt at odds for a moment at the words. But I thought it could happen soon. The Wizard's Tower Test was famous for its difficulties, and the Elder and the Great Wizard had not changed for a long time.
'…maybe you've lost your guard, now that you've got me.’
Besides, this was the main palace. She probably thinks she only filled this place with her people. Isn't it a combination of even a major change after the Duke of Fez was executed.
'Claus, that stupid thing has made you unnecessarily nervous.’
Thinking that way, it occurred to me that Julia would have been more relaxed. He hit the back of his head, so it was only natural for ordinary people to be relieved.
'Let's talk to Lecio and prepare for one thing.'’
The current situation was never bad for Brick. There will be no evidence to prove her guilt, and this will come back to haunt Julia after she becomes Empress. Brick looked at the servant with a satisfied face.
"You've got a good idea.
"No, it's a shame that this is all I can do for you."
"No."
Brick coughed out, saying so. The servant jumped up from his seat as if he had been burned.
"I'll get the medicine from Tae-ui. You'll feel better if you hold the car until then."
"Yes."
Brick said so and saw the back of the servant coming out of his room. But a few minutes later, it was not the servant but the courtesy that came in.
"How can you be so calm?”
Brick was in front of Tae, so he opened his mouth in front of Tae.
"Isn't it time for the count to see you?"
"Didn't the servant who took care of me go get the medicine?”
Brick shook his head in spite of his remarks.
"There must have been a crossroad. I'll probably be back soon because others will let me know.”
Tae-ui handed Brick the medicine, saying so. It was more Po's medicine than usual.
"As you said, it's two weeks' worth of medicine. Count, but... Wouldn't it be better if you cut back on the medicine now?"
Brick shook his head in spite of the question of nonchalance. I couldn't stop right now. Anyway, it was all that needed to be kept from dying until the day I met Lesio.
"That's all right. If I'm weak, wouldn't it be hard to give you strength?"It was a far cry from my heart. Tae-ui left the room, telling him to call him whenever he needed him. Brick pulled a communication hole out of the drawer after he left.
Unlike the communication tool used by Julia, it was a one-time magic tool that can be used only once with one person. It's not even easy to make, I had only three, but now it's time to write.
He discussed the current situation with Lecio and came up with something to do when his servant returned. But hours later, the servants never returned.
"Argh, argh!"
After the execution of the Duke of Pez, a group of people screamed in an empty cellar. It was a voice in the torture chamber, the deepest part of the prison.
"Oh, it's not fair, ma'am! How can you...…!”
"Yes, we followed Count Weddin, we did not!"
The tied men shouted at her as if they were resentful. Sitting on a table in the middle of the torture chamber, Flena looked at them with cold eyes.
"Maybe he was too weak for a beating."
She said so, and looked at the other servant.
Five people in total. One of the men who originally served Brick in the palace, two in the main palace, one in the kitchen, and one in the stable. Everyone was hiding that face well, washing their identities.
At first, I just questioned him verbally, but he didn't listen. So even though he was beaten, he didn't open his mouth.
'How far can that loyalty go?’
The door of the torture room opened, and the servant who had just left came in with a red brazier. Flena raised her pharynx stuck in the brazier and issued a final warning to them.
"If you want to be human, you'd better say it quickly."
Cold words made them feel sluggish. I couldn't imagine that the sweet maid, Plena, would normally use that method.
'Seo, don't tell me... it's just a threat, right?’
Unlike smacking, the pharynx made me feel a different level of ferocity just by looking at it. But their pitiful hopes were shattered by a red tattoo inside their elbow that came before them. Nori said he would do anything to get information, because it was the symbol of Auris.
At that moment they realised. That Plena had all the evidence and caught themselves. Enduring or not, they were already rats in the trap.
"- I'll ask you again. Are you sure you have nothing to do with Count Weddin?”
The question of tenderness and ferocity formed a wobble around their mouths.
Three days after Brick's detention, Eusto entered the Emperor's office in the late hours.
"Your Majesty, I have the results of the Pirata investigation into the Knights of the Terne."
Her hands stopped moving busily at the words. As soon as the office door was closed, the eyes of the two met.
"Finally, the last team is here."
Julia nodded as if to speak to Eusto.
"As confirmed by the sun, the main cause of death appears to be a strong external impact on the head."
"Yes, Camelia?"
"The Count of Arden's perspective shows signs of ancient magic on Pirata's body."
"Ancient magic has been applied?"
"Yes, I thought you said there were signs of something being pulled out of the body."
Julia nodded at the words. Pirata's body suddenly sprang up and said there was a trace of silence in the location he pointed to."According to Count Arden, there may have been an ancient magic tool there."
"…in your body?"
Julia asked back in surprise.
"Original use of ancient magic tools is said to hurt parts of the body in return."
“…….”
It was a bloody price to pay.
"That's why one of the most effective ways to use ancient magic tools is to absorb them into the body."
Roughly able to guess what the structure was, Julia nodded as if she understood.
"Then did you know what the ancient magic tools he was using?”
"Yes, it's an ancient magic tool called 'Fantasy'."
"Fantasy..."
Julia recalled the condition of the former Lord Terne. His condition didn't seem normal at all. After returning to the capital, I met him face-to-face, when he constantly looked for his mother.
'Mother, mother... I'm... okay...…! I'll do well!'
Julia only told the servant in charge to take good care of him, who had become a scoundrel. And Julia knew a similar situation.
It was when he won the war against Eaton, which he thought was his greatest enemy. Although it did not capture King Eaton, it was a great harvest just to subjugate all his nobles and get Eton. The Imperial Army hurried back home once for maintenance.
It was then that that happened. It was a situation that caused a moment's carelessness. They were drunk on victory and thought they had only to return home safely. It was only natural to order Felix to take a break after trying too hard to stop Guyana's strength throughout the war.
However, an unidentified force attacked the Ranchean army in the wake of the break. The Ranchean army thought of each other as enemies and fought, and only Yulia, Eusto and Felix three remained sane. Felix responded straight away, but it wasn't easy for him, tired of horsepower exhaustion.
Then the requirements arrived from Eton.
Come to the gates of Eton tonight, Emperor Yulia, and I will free your army.
Julia was forced to face Guyana in response to the deal with Eaton despite their dissuasion. To buy time for Felix to destroy the ancient magic tools that he then couldn't identify.
Then, a sharp headache came to her.
"Rest in peace."
A voice rang in my ear. Now I could be sure. This voice is...….
Rest in peace, Your Majesty the Great Emperor. I will bring you a journey to a new world, and please do not return or remember forever."
It was none other than the voice of Princess Eton, Guyana. Eusto asked, looking worried about Julia, who seemed to be in emotion.
"Your Majesty."
"Huh?"
"Now that Marquis Arden's detection is complete, why don't we use Felix's magic tools again?"
It was meant to be a defense fault in the Imperial Palace. Julia was lost in thought for a moment by the words. There was one thing that bothered me.
Come to think of it, there was a blur around Brick at the last competition.’
And similar things were seen in the last war, when the Ranchean army was in turmoil. Julia pulled the corners of her mouth and smiled and said to Eusto.
"I'll make a hole for the rat in the hole."
"Your Majesty...!"
Eusto, who understood what he meant, shouted in a surprised voice.
"Don't worry too much, Eusto. You know what Jim is hoping for this plan."Eusto looked at her with a mixed expression. Julia approached him who stood tall.
He knew this look on his face. I didn't know if this was my memory, or my description, or if it was left by him or someone else, but I knew this expression.
When Julia returned from a face-to-face encounter with Guyana, the look he had on his face. A face that's anxious to lose something, or lose something.
'Eusto's been... You were suspicious.'
It would be worse for him than for himself to think a step away. Once experienced, the man who was her loyalist and wanted to belong to her couldn't hide all his feelings.
"Eusto."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The corners of his mouth were drooping. Julia reached out and touched his cheek, and his eyes blinked briefly. But this solid man quickly pretended to be calm. Even though I can feel the beats running faster than usual on the back of his neck touching the tip of his little finger.
"Now you don't have to check the color of Jim's blackness?"
"…what do you mean?"
He understood what Julia said, but turned a blind eye to it. She put a thin sword on the tip of her finger in front of Eusto's eyes.
His eyes, which seemed to contain notes, shook finely. Anxiety slowly faded into relief. It rather put Julia in a complicated mood. Julia asked, slowly pulling her hand off his cheek.
"Even if it's not the burden you used to know... Will you be all right?"
"What do you mean…"
I have a bad personality, too.’
It wasn't his fault that this happened. And yet I wanted to ask him. Because he was looking straight at Emperor Julia. And also, he seemed to claim his place in his heart.
Julia moved away from him, smiled as she headed to the window. Not as Emperor Yulia, just as himself. Because I wanted this question to remain a bitter ripple for him.
Brick's nervousness has only grown day by day. Three days ago, the servant who left to receive the medicine did not think about returning.
There must be something wrong.’
Furthermore, since he was detained, he has not been able to make any outside contact except for Count Polyum, who had been shouting for him to meet him outside the door.
It has been inconvenient to move so far, but it was fine because there were always people who told him outside news. But now it's really cut off.
Three days, as many as three days.….
'Oh, my God... it can't be like this can't be.’
But even his own discomfort could not be easily revealed. Instead of the hand-to-hand servant, the servant and the maid who really followed the emperor stood by him.
'…it can't be helped. I have no choice but to ask him for help."
Brick said that and looked at the servant who stuck with me for a while. I had to kick the author out somehow to buy time. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are still charges, so when he asked for something, the servant would go out and bring it.
'I don't know if you think I'm being ridiculous or merciful... I will make you regret all this, Your Majesty.'
Brick thought so and frequently coughed, and asked for tea and medicine, which was troublesome for the servant to get. Sijong left the room with an expression of uneasiness.
Brick took his pocket out of his arms as he saw the door closed. After Sijong did not return, the first thing he did was to have magical tools in his body. One of them was rather old and bloodstained. It was none other than the ancient magic tool "Fantasy".It didn't work two days ago.’
It was also thanks to the craftsmanship of Felix, the god d*mn emperor. Both of his ancient magic tools "fire" and "fantasy" were tried earlier, but neither even worked.
There was a way to force it to work if it didn't work...…. Just using it for a while at the last meeting was beyond my power.
'There is no perfection in what man made...….’
Brick thought so and set his fantasy on track. This is the only way to escape the palace in the worst case scenario.
When I activated the illusion, I felt a throbbing pain in my arm holding the tool. Even though I'm only starting the engineering up. But the corners of Brick's mouth went up to the temple. Pain means you've become able to use ancient magic tools.
'…this is it.’
It will be difficult to write directly to Yulia, but it will buy enough time.
"When I see the Duke of Marcus pointing his sword at me... It's going to be a lot of fun.’
No matter how strong she was, it would be hard to cut them all. Then you may approach her who has been betrayed by everyone. Even if he ran away, even if he stayed here, he still had his numbers.
Brick raised the corners of his mouth and connected communications to Lesio. To inform two of his plans.
Clap!
A sharp and painful sound rang in the stone chamber.
"Gayana……! You b*tc*!!"
Her head turned to Lesio's slap and she wiped the blood off her mouth. Because I knew the day would come when I'd be caught. Lesio, who communicated with Brick, seemed to have noticed something.
As soon as he finished his story, he came and slapped her on the cheek.
"Do you know what the hell you've done?"
Guyana bowed her head silently at his question. I wasn't confident in managing my facial expression now. I just replied, looking as obedient and stupid as I could.
"What do you mean, dad……. I didn't do anything.”
"You didn't do anything!”
Lesio's voice was very high. His voice was now too sharp to hide.
"Yulia, did you tell the kid something? Are you trying to trick this father's eyes?"
With the horse, Lesio clasped Guyana's hair. His brutal hands did not change even though he had become smaller.
"Argh!"
"You stupid thing! You don't have to use your energy for that! I don't know what's gonna make a difference!"
Lesio pushed Guyana straight to the wall.
"Do you think it'll cut you some slack? You made a mess of your own life?!"
Lesio's words were sprayed on Guyana like a whip. Guyana breathed for a moment. Thousands of words poured out of my mind.
'I don't care, I don't want her to forgive me!'
You just had to kill yourself neatly, blaming yourself. Already young, Lesio will no longer be able to turn back time. So this was the last time I lived.
In addition, Felix's magic tools, which he brought freely, have already worked beyond limits. Next time I'm sure I'll be out of my mind. She opened her mouth carefully to buy some time.
"What do you mean, dad…Guyana, Guyana didn't do anything.”
She shed tears as she said so.
"Well, I just kept my nose clean, just like my dad said."
"It keeps trying to deceive this father's eyes!"
But Lesio slammed her body to the floor as if it didn't work."Coughing, huffing…….”
"You've become a fool, Guyana."
At that time, Guyana slowly rose to her feet on the ground.
You can't get caught up in this, you have to hang in there. I have to endure it. I have to endure it.….’
Guyana let the tears burst out of her eyes. She'll look like a daughter who doesn't even have enough tears.
"That's what you always said, isn't it? Guyana is the stupid daughter of his father."
While crying, Guyana smiled broadly. Lesio used violence, but hated it even more when he frowned as if he was sick. Guyana had to grin when he scolded her.
She looked at him as if she remembered his education very well. You hit yourself like this, but you look like you don't have any resentment. Only then could he cast doubt that he would be out of his mind and still be his doll.
"…Gaiana."
"Yes, dad."
Her desperate struggle seemed to have worked. He approached Guyana, stroking her cheeks wet with tears. In the meantime, the handprints were swollen red. Every time he brushed his hand, it hurt like a sore thumb, but it wasn't hard for Guyana to endure.
"My lovely fool, idiot, Guyana…….”
It was something I've heard so many times.
"Yes, that's how you can be told like a fool. This father... he must have got something wrong."
"No way, dad. It's all Guyana's fault.”
Lecio stood up with a satisfied sigh at the doll-like smile. But doubt hung Guyana's arm against the wall, apparently not completely lifted.
"Gayana is a good girl, so I'm worried about her father. I'm afraid someone will take you."
"I'll be right here, dad."
At that, Lesio nodded. I finally remembered Lesio's fishy smile on his lips, perhaps because he put his hand on himself, tied him up and took away his freedom. He patted Guyana on the cheek and said.
"Four days later, maybe you should go out."
Guyana looked at him with exaggerated dismay.
"No, I don't want to, Dad. Guyana doesn't want to be away from her father."
"I'll give you a prize when you're back, okay?"
He spoke to Guyana as if he were a caring and generous father. Guyana then looked at it with a very sad eye.
"Really?"
"Yes, I will."
Guyana then nodded helplessly. Lessio stood up with relief only at the sight.
"Good night, Guyana."
"Yes, dad."
He said so and looked at her with obnoxious, brutal, murky scarlet eyes until the end. Until the moment the door closes completely, to see if there is a light of defiance in her face.
It was not until the stone chamber was completely closed with a heavy sound that Guyana could relax around her mouth.
My lovely fool, idiot, Guyana.
Lesio whispered like that and said to behave like a fool. I used to say that I would love only myself then.
'Unlike my sister and brother who were brutally exploited and abandoned, I...…!’
Before she died, Guyana believed it. Unlike the brothers who were brutally exploited and killed, he thought he would be loved by his side. King Eton was sick and scared when he hit him, but he was more than happy when he loved him.
So I thought it would work if I listened carefully. So he committed a great sin on this land and on Julia. It was not a sin to be forgiven for abandoning one's own life.I know, but I know... I just wanted to die. Because I couldn't find a way to atone for her other than that. With everything I've done to help Julia now, I don't think I'll ever be saved.
'We just need to hang in there a little longer...….’
Seeing Lecio fretting, Julia must have found his knuckles. Moreover, Lecio said he had to go out while doubting himself.
I mean, I'm in a jam.’
He must have judged that what happens in Mila, the capital of the Empire, would be difficult to escape unless he used his "control."
'As expected, she's...….’
What a sun man he was. Guyana wiped the blood from her mouth in a fishy way. Until then, I will not give up myself.
She persuaded herself to the end, even though she was taken away by her. I want you to trust her.
'You can do anything.’
At the time, I was scared to believe it, this time I was going to believe it. He could do anything. It will disturb Lesio, who thought he would never cheat or rebel. It'll bring a better result than believing in the lies that Lecio whispers.
'Then I could... really die this time.’
Even though I thought so, one hope always tempted me. If he had a brilliant future, he hoped alone that he could hide his darkness even a little.
Imperial calendar May 16, 271.
It was none other than the trial of Count Weddin, Brick Wade.
'Trial... ...'
Saying it was a trial, not a meeting, meant Julia was all set up. But Brick was not nervous at all. Nervous was the sound of an idiot who didn't even make a way out.
'That's all right, Lecio. Didn't he say he would send his daughter in the worst case scenario?'
Brick was also well aware of her.
Eton's b*tc*, Guyana.
Her control even drove the Ranchean army into a corner during the war. It was also blocked by Felix's power.
'But Felix's magic tools seem to be broken...…, and he himself said that he would not arrive on time.’
As it was, he should have been back today or tomorrow. I told Julia I'd be back in a month.
'Poor thing, he was useful until the end.’
Brick briefly sympathized, recalling his servant who had not returned since that day.
Count Weddin, it's time to go.
For a few days, the tightly closed door opened except when the marketers came in and out. Brick slowly rose from his seat, coughing. Shaking his head as if he had become a servant trying to support him, he had already taken care of all the important things.
'Maybe this room... There's nothing more to see.’
When the trial is over today, he'll either go to Eton, or when it works out, he'll take the throne. Fortunately, he was able to walk without being restrained anywhere because he was still treated as a guest by the emperor.
"May I ask you a favor?"
"…what is it?"
Brick's words gave the Guard a dubious look. There was a great deal of displeasure, but thanks to the years I've endured in front of Yulia, I didn't show my face.
"I'd like to take a look around the garden.”
"No, you can't.
"It's okay if it's just a little bit. I've been in the room all the time, and I've been feeling suffocated."
“…….”
The Knight of the Guard is troubled. Then, there was a voice that saved him.
"What's going on?"
It was Eusto.
'...the Duke of Marcus, of all things.’
From Brick's point of view, he was unwelcome. I thought that that vigilant Duke Marcus could not do me a favor, if I were a knight of the Guard."The Earl of Weddin wants to look around the garden for a while."
"…Garden?"
Eusto looked at Brick with blunt eyes. Apparently, it was a look of disdain, as if he were treating his subordinates. Brick gave Eusto a wistful look, unwittingly trying to get in.
"It'll only take a moment. A few steps is enough."
At Brick's words, Eusto sighed softly and nodded.
"Only one minute."
Brick smiled lightly at the words.
"That's enough, Duke Marcus."
Eusto then moved toward the conference room as if he had nothing to do with it. Brick looked at the figure and thought.
Is it a trap?
Eusto couldn't have noticed. And this suspicion has been following him ever since the moment that Cloris appeared.
'No, it can't be helped even if it's a trap.’
And I was confident in the plan I had made. No matter how much Yulia does, she won't sacrifice the others.
Brick stepped into the garden thinking so. The ancient magic tool "Fantasy" had already been absorbed into his body. It was all thanks to Lesio.
Brick put up with his weak dizziness and finished a short walk. Looking forward to the mayhem after the trial.
There was a commotion in front of the conference room early in the morning. Even though the informed trial began hours later, it would have been impossible to stay put.
"Say something, Count Polyum. Have you spoken to Count Weddin?"
The nobleman Wedin asked him with a stifling face, a nobleman in another area. Another reason they hurried today was to meet Count Polyum. He hasn't shown up in a salon or anywhere in the past few days.
“…….”
However, he remained silent on questions.
"Early Polyum!"
When the frustrated nobles shouted loudly, he replied nervously.
"I couldn't meet you! Do you think you're the only ones frustrated?"
"I didn't meet you……?”
The nobles looked at him incredibly. Of course Julia did detain Brick for treason. Wasn't there just a charge though?
"No, if you haven't met him in person, you can tell him!"
"That's right, there wouldn't have been anyone waiting for you."
The nobles looked at him incomprehensibly. If anyone came in and out, they could have spent money or anything to buy. It's not rocket science to exchange just a few letters, most aristocrats thought so.
"…you don't know how thorough His Majesty is."
Count Polyum sighed, saying so. Then one of the nobles said with an angry face.
"Is that all you have to say? Count Polyum, you are responsible for the situation now!"
"Yes, didn't you seduce me that if you support Earl Weddin, everything will be fine?"
Everyone complained about the words. From the beginning, Count Wedin was suspicious, followed by words scratching the pride of the Wedin nobles. But they also shut up because they had nothing to say. Count Polyum remained silent even when asked.
"Early Polyum!"
As if to grab him by the collar, another aristocrat rushed in. But Count Polyum flicked out his hand, just frowning.
"Hey, you're doing this without shame!"
"…body?body?! You don't look like you're protecting that shit right now! We might get involved right now!"But Count Polyum just swerved as if it wasn't worth dealing with.
"You've made the choice, and I've only made the offer. Don't be noisy."
The nobles opened their mouths as if they were dumbfounded by the words.
'Master or subordinate, they look just like each other.’
The nobles clicked their tongues. It was also bad luck for Brick to pretend to be noble by himself. Pretending to be nice, pretending to be friendly. I could see more and more that it was all made up.
"Weddins, full of arrogance!"
However, he could not engage in a scuffle in front of the conference room as he was criticized for his dignity. The nobles swallowed their anger and watched the back of Count Polyum and the Weddin nobles who followed him.
You're such a noisy people.’
Count Polyum thought so, fleeing among the nobles. Of course he was frustrated as well.
"Didn't you really meet your Highness, Earl of Polyum?”
The nobleman Wedin, who followed him, asked him soothingly. The words stood tall at the count of Polyum. He agonized for a moment with a heavy face.
Indeed, I was in touch with Brick. I didn't even buy it. Rather, I tried to buy it, but I couldn't.
'…is a terrible man. The Emperor is poisonous and poisonous!’
Julia said the charges were not admitted, allowing only letters to be exchanged. On the contrary, it made me more nervous. That means Brick is guilty. Plus what I got from Brick. That made me think of him.
'Your Highness asked me to gather people, but...….’
It wasn't even easy to talk to the nobleman Wedin right away.
I didn't expect you to collude with Eton...…!’
On the day he received the letter, Count Polyum trembled with betrayal. I didn't feel betrayed by the fact that I colluded with Eton. It was because of the fact that they didn't believe in themselves in the first place.
"The Earl of Polyum...…?”
He and another aristocrat whom he had known since childhood carefully called him. Count Polyum clenched his fist, and hardened his mind.
'Yes....' Maybe I'm nervous and only think bad things.’
Brick was his only monarch. No, rather, this was the form they wanted from the beginning. Isn't it better to climb to the throne directly than to return the emperor?
He put on a vain look in front of the Weddin nobles, somehow trying to think well. To avoid instilling anxiety in them, he also had to trust and follow Brick. That way I can convince him.
"- Of course, there's something you left behind. But... it's so secret that it's not easy to say where others are."
For the past couple of months, Count Polyum has embellished the face that he has shown to capture other nobles.
The door of the conference room opened with a heavier sound than usual.
"I see His Majesty, the Lord of the Empire."
Julia stepped inside in a more angular uniform than usual. The anger wasn't cold, but it was scarier because the face was cold. With that cold face, I thought I'd call everyone sinners at once. All the nobles who gathered swallowed their saliva.
'…how many times have you tried a nobleman over the count in less than a year?’
Two months ago, Cyril Benus, a close aide to the emperor, was cut off. Therefore, even though it is a place where we usually gather for meetings, we are now nervous just by coming in. Because of the fear that sitting in the sinner's seat might be him next time.'What's more scary than being a tyrant for drugs...….’
At that time, it might have been because there was a corner to flatter and escape. Now, if I get caught, it leads to punishment, so I felt guilty.
In addition, this time it was the trial of Count Wedin, who was usually on the side of the emperor. It's also a trial just a week after the witness's accusation.
It was not often that trials were held this quickly. It was the first time since the Duke of Fez that a count or more had been tried in the capital at this rate. So most thought Brick's charges were virtually final.
"This is the beginning of the trial of Count Weddin, Brick Wade, on charges of treason."
Julia, who sat down and remained silent for a while, slowly opened her mouth. Everyone swallowed their breath at her words. Is it because it takes the form of a formal trial or is it the emperor's consideration? Brick was soon dragged into the Chamber by the Guard knights.
The appearance and appearance seemed more than a sinner, but just one of the nobles present at this trial. In addition, the expression was as relaxed as usual.
"Isn't the author anxious?"
One of the nobles saw his expression and thought so. Treason, nothing else, but he looked as sorry for the emperor as he did a week ago.
"Count Weddin."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Don't you want to admit your sins at least now?"
Brick's eyes drooped slightly at the emperor's question. He looked as if he was sad to doubt himself.
"How can you say that to me, and I have not given you my faith?"
He was a man of utter injustice, face to face. But Julia asked him back, completely unperturbed by the words.
"In short, are you saying that you were not conspiring with Eton, nor were you willing to rebel?"
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Even though you know that lies in this court are subject to aggravated punishment?"
Brick smiled sadly at the words.
"I have no choice but to say that I did not, Your Majesty. Also……."
Brick breathed in quietly. With a slight cough, he barely spoke, looking breathless for a moment.
"I've made up my mind to rebel... If His Majesty decides so, is there a choice for me to go then other than the captain...…?”
What a desperate voice it was. Other aristocrats also thought they would fall for it. But despite the desperate pain, Julia didn't bat an eyelid. Cruelly cool, she turned to Brick, declaring him head-on.
"That's all Jim has to offer Earl Weddin. Those who are here now, take a closer look at what the traitor, Brick Wade, has done."
The door opened with the horse. It was five people who stood there.
"They're……?"
"I'm sure I've seen them before."
The nobles looked at them with uncertainty. Of course, their curiosity was soon resolved.
"These are the eyes, ears, hands and feet of Count Weddin for the past two years.”
The faces of the nobles hardened at Julia's words. As long as she affirms it will be true. In addition, Brick's servants, who knew their faces, testified that Cyril Venus was guilty.Swear to tell the truth in front of Jim.
At Julia's words, they lowered their bodies and bowed their heads as if they were sworn.
"I swear before His Majesty, the lord of the Empire. I'll tell you the truth.”
The five, sinners of the empire, spoke without hesitation. Unexpectedly, Brick's expression slowly turned cold. The mask of a hypocrite who was pretending to be gentle has already made it impossible.