Chapter 252 – 25. Clash! Dueling Trial (2)
Do you know the difference between a Dominion and a Duchy?
It is a fact that many people overlook, but even the barons in the four directions of Gaul have their own status. It’s just that it doesn’t lead to superiority and inferiority to the end, but the order according to protocol is clear. The Grand Duchess of Tarn, who was not originally a member of this country, chose to join the general trend as the best.
The Duke of LeBlanc, proud of history and tradition, the Marquis of Lemoin, which was difficultly merged due to fierce resistance, and the Bishop of Ravel, whose status was tacitly recognized thanks to various political issues, in order.
A vassal is a vassal no matter how powerful he may boast. Since they are also vassals who follow the king, it is difficult to deal with the consequences if a noble is executed without the permission of the central government. Even more so if it was Henrietta, who even belonged to the collateral royal family.
Of course there are exceptions.
Like the expression “Autonomous territory,” It is possible to act as a tarn grand duke who does not receive interference from the central government within the territory, or, although the context is a little different, the western bishop’s descendant also takes action on the issue first and then reports it because of the dizzying public order.
But what about the Eastern Duchy?
The people of the LeBlanc family have served Gaul for generations. Even if they say that their prestige is sky-high, they have been in the ranks since their birth. It is different from the South, which acquired many rights through voluntary annexation, or the West, which gained autonomy based on environmental factors.
“I don’t know how it is in Gaul, but in my country Britannia’s old fairy tales, princesses confined to spires often appear.”
In a way, thanks to such a solid system, even in such a precarious time as these days, the minimum royal authority is firm. Conversely, if it weren’t for the Millennium Gong who came to power after plotting all sorts of conspiracies in the war of national relations stemming from the greed of the Sun King and the reign of King Dear, the barbarians would not have been able to dig their bones.
“Stories to tell sleepless children shouldn’t be cruel. It should contain only lyrical lessons. That is why many princesses in fairy tales end happily in the arms of the prince who came to save them.”
Isn’t that the way the era is supposed to be? Just the fluttering of a small butterfly’s wings can cause a big change like a typhoon. In that sense, there is nothing new. The die has already been cast, and the witch won’t stop even for the sake of her man.
“But this is reality. Since you refused the last chance to save your life, I will briefly explain what will happen to you in the future.”
Kenna’s polite demeanor was like someone reporting today’s routine to their employer. However, in the words he uttered clearly, there were still bloody words such as trial, detention, and prosecution, and even bloody words like beheading or hanging.
“First of all, considering the prestige of the family, the trial will be held in private. The judge, from our side, is going to sentence you to death. As for the method, I am trying to choose the method with the greatest display effect among beheading, burning, and hanging.”
Rumors were already spreading throughout Gaul. Many people will intuit when they hear that she, who dominated her social circle despite being under the yoke of Aquitaine, was executed. That Arno, the hero of the East, is finally about to rise from his long silence.
“However, it is unlikely that practical enforcement will take place. Unless the royal family checks or other political variables intervene, the madam will be enshrined in the nearby Fontaine Ivory Tower right after the trial. It is also a closed trial for that.”
“You are too cruel. To make us live a miserable life secretly.”
“I just respect the madam who is resolute even in the face of death. I wanted to get you out of the country as much as possible so that you could lead a new life. It won’t hurt Arno, who once trusted you.”
“But if you leave it like that, you’re worried about the aftermath…”
Kenna nodded. Do not underestimate the power of one’s body because it is insignificant. Henrietta LeBlanc’s sociability and resourcefulness is truly a masterpiece. How could Arno alone have managed to clear up the chaotic situation in the east and achieve peace like now?
She overcame the stigma of being a target of purges from a young age and became the noblest woman in Gaul.
A woman who adheres to the rules and regulations could stand up again as long as she puts her mind to it. Even at this moment, it wasn’t that there was no gambler to turn the situation around. But she just didn’t have the will to do that.
“If you promise me one thing, I will admit all charges against me at trial.”
“Is this a deal?”
“So to speak.”
The Duchess, with her sorrowful face, looked at her as if she would listen. Kenna nodded her head in silence, expressing her intention that she would listen.
“Simple. Save the lives of the children I took with me when I went north. I would like to take away a little from the property to be confiscated and give it as a severance pay. There are sixteen of us in all, so it won’t cost too much.”
“Would you really like that?”
“Yes, if you swear on your love for Arno, I too will accept the fate of a loser.”
The witch’s eyes flickered for a while. In the face of the beautiful Henrietta, she read the deep resignation, her melancholy, and the feelings she felt for those who had worked for her for many years. She didn’t show it, but she was always grateful and sorry for ending her relationship this way.
“I will do as you command.”
Seeing her noble demeanor, how could I not be polite. Anyway, according to the information network, Jean Annette and her 15 employees had already left the duchy. It wasn’t difficult to be merciful to those who didn’t even feel the need to pursue them.
“Please rest in peace. Today will be the last day I will serve you.”
Kenna, who politely bowed her back, turned around. She let Henrietta, who was looking out the window again with a forlorn expression on her face, and slipped out of her room. That’s not going to happen, but she’s also secured her enchanted lock just in case.
It was around that time again.
In the hallway of the spire, down the spiral staircase, a group of knights clad in plate armor clattered into view. She climbed silently like that for a long time before she felt a presence and threw her head back in her helmet. She followed and she came.
“Kenna.”
“Game.”
It was a Britannia horse. Their pronunciation, which was so fluent that it felt like a native speaker, soon indicated that they were the ones who continued the progress of the Somerset Swordsman’s Guild.
“Sorry for the suddenness.”
The first knight, a man called Gale, bowed with a hand on his chest in an informal manner.
“What is it?”
“It’s intelligence that the capital’s abolished prince is on the move. It seems that our messenger responded to the request of the royal family for the trial of the duchess.”
Arnaud LeBlanc has always walked a tightrope between the millennial group and the abolished prince. It was in order to preoccupy an advantage by cutting losses with one side if necessary at any time. Although the risk will increase a bit, it was well worth it.
“It doesn’t really matter.”
As far as ever.
“Because Jacques de Gaulia will not be able to empty the capital anyway. Now that we’ve turned around, he’ll be busy just embracing the connections I have left.”
It was a good thing now that I decided to eat alone under the most appropriate circumstances.
“Yes, I agree. As a result of research, social competition is fiercer than ever in Lumiere. In addition to the well-known royalists, the king is also exerting influence in various fields such as academia, art, and religion.”
“Princess Jang seemed to be interested in the kaleidoscope of organizations that the dear king belonged to. But that group of geeks won’t budge until Millennium is resurrected. Therefore, the forces of Alphonse and Marian will remain stable.”
“Jacques, on the other hand, is pretty impatient. As our departure has become visible, reinforcements will be desperate.”
It was a reasonable guess. Indeed, if Dongbu’s financial power is not supported by the abolished prince, it is difficult to expect the same strength as before. Even if it’s true that the nobles who support him know the loyalty, they alone won’t be able to stand above the other two.
“I’m sorry, you two, but that prediction seems wrong.”
“What do you mean, Oscar?”
However, there was an unexpected variable. Oscar, the second knight after Gale, opened his mouth.
“I just received a call from a close friend back home. It is said that the Lion King rallied the council and declared punishment for Gaul. Apparently something happened to his mistress, Diana…”
“Is this information clear?”
“This is what I heard firsthand from the guy who is a member of the House of Representatives. We also confirmed that those known to be James’ henchmen were dispatched as messengers.”
“Where is the location?”
“One is Pamplona, a port city in the kingdom of Aragon, and the other is the Montmorency mansion in Lumiere, Gaul.”
It was thanks to a pair of wings that the aborted prince was able to recover confidently. Arno, the Duke of LeBlanc, chose to support James the Lionheart and Alexandre the Millennium Duke for insurance purposes, who want to avenge their beloved lover.
‘Since we pulled out, Zach’s power should have weakened.’
Darkness betrayed. Gérard Lemoin of the North still had time to resurrect. In the south, Lucien Tarn was captured and incapacitated by the mad king. West’s Dominique Ravel was merely a match of interests, not a figure who actively participated in the revival of the Millennium.
‘Judging from the movement of the stars, it’s a known fact that the leaders of the three kingdoms gathered in Aragorn.’
Judging by the size of their grudge, there was no point in simply killing the archduke. If done well, it was calculated that he would be able to prevent the return of Alexandre Dior and seize the power he wanted to obtain.
‘Now is the time. It was a situation where no one but us could afford to take a chance. However, things go unexpectedly when the Lion King intervenes. If he promises full support to the ruined crown prince, the situation of the war will be unknown.’
The witch’s intellect stood out. Unfortunately, an unknown third force was interfering with the game. Still, the initiative was still in Arno and himself, but the turn of certainty into dominance is not a very welcome sign.
‘Someone is intentionally sabotaging me. It’s like they’re trying to make sure no one emerges victorious.’
The complex composition naturally made Kena frown. She relaxed at the gaze of her concerned knights and opened her mouth again.
“Chester, please report Max as well.”
He seemed to be trying to judge after hearing the reports of the third and fourth men.
“Duke Arno sent you. It is said that a support order was sent to the eastern gateways and checkpoints in various places in the capital a while ago. I told Kenneth, but I thought you should know.”
“How about a support order?”
“I had a quick horse waiting, and I was told to give it to him immediately when a man named Oliver Somerset came to visit.”
Kenna hesitated.
“Is he coming?”
“Yes.”
Kang-gum comes to see his old friend.
“Would Kenneth be okay by himself?”
“… You never know.”
“I’m afraid he won’t be able to do it.”
“Chester, let us put this matter aside for a moment, for it is too soon to conclude. First, I need to hear the final report.”
The peaceful East was showing signs of turning into a battlefield. Even so, the odds were still on the side of the witch and the duke.
“I came to deliver an urgent official letter in the name of Baron Arden in the North…”
“An invincible knight of Lumiere?”
“I will become a brother-in-law to the Duchess. However, the content of the notice is a little…”
“Looks like you know. Did you hear the news of the trial and raise an objection?”
Thanks to the report of the knight who spat it out in a timid manner, I couldn’t figure out what was more and more.
“Uh, um.”
“Why?”
“LeBlanc’s Henrietta is her concubine, recognized by her Gallic royal family.”
Still, they had the advantage.
“If you don’t want to get lost, go ahead with the transfer process to the North as soon as you receive this official document.”
“Max, I’m not in the mood for a joke.”
“I really came here…”
Maybe.
