"If Sir Castel likes, you can take it back later this evening."
Hearing the voice behind her, Charlotte was startled.
She quickly stood up and saw that King Louis V had somehow already entered.
The legendary is truly legendary.
When his presence wasn’t outwardly projected, Charlotte didn’t notice his approach at all!
Of course, that was also because Charlotte hadn’t used her Blood Divine Power. Without using her Blood Divine Power, even though she was practically a "Demigod," she was just a "Pseudo God."
"Your Majesty, I wish you good health."
Following the etiquette she remembered, Charlotte picked up the hem of her dress and curtsied to Louis V.
Louis V was dressed more casually today, in a loose and opulent noble’s robe, but he still wore a deep blue New Moon shoulder cloak, which was filled with gold New Moon crests.
He also did not look as stern as he did at the Central Council meeting the day before. Although still dignified, his expression had become more approachable.
However, there was still a hint of fatigue visible between his brows.
"There’s no need to be formal, please take a seat."
Charlotte curtsied once again and sat back down.
Louis V also sat on the throne reserved for the King, took a glass of non-sparkling wine from the tray held by a Royal Family maid, took a light sip, and then said warmly,
"This must be Sir Castel’s first visit to the New Moon Palace, I presume. What do you think of my New Moon Palace?"
Charlotte was stunned for a moment, not expecting that Louis V’s first topic would be this.
Meeting the King’s expectant gaze, she thought for a moment, and then began to praise, according to her true impressions,
"Luxuriously magnificent, dignified, and it’s the most grand palace I’ve ever seen. It perfectly displays the splendor of New Moon and can certainly be called the peak of Mireya’s royal court culture..."
"The architectural style and decorative art are breathtaking. Rather than calling it a palace, it’s more like a work of art that could be considered a wonder."
"It reflects not only the dignity of the Royal Family but also their taste!"
After listening to Charlotte’s praise, Louis V laughed heartily, seemingly quite pleased with her words.
His laughter was thunderous, unrestrained, and robust.
After the laughter, he continued to ask,
This was... did he not only want to hear the positives but also the negatives?
Charlotte felt a stirring within her.
She hesitated, appearing uncertain.
Louis V glanced at her and said,
"Don’t hesitate. Speak your mind. I just want a comprehensive evaluation. I won’t take offense."
Charlotte paused, then said,
"Your Majesty, then please allow me to be frank."
Having spoken, her expression turned serious as she continued,
"Dignity is certainly present, as is grandeur. However, I imagine... a great deal of money must have been spent in its construction, a rather costly endeavor."
"Furthermore, the entire palace is far too vast, exceeding what the Royal Family needs to reside..."
As she spoke, Charlotte looked at Louis V, and then she unexpectedly found that Louis V wasn’t angry because of her comments. On the contrary... the King seemed to be nodding in agreement.
Noticing Charlotte’s gaze, Louis V paused and then sighed,
"You’re right. Even for the Royal Family, creating such a grand palace has indeed taken quite a sum of money, and even the daily maintenance is a significant expense."
"In a sense, it is indeed too opulent and too vast."
Continuing, Louis V looked again at Charlotte.
The aging King smiled faintly before he asked suddenly,
"Sir Castel, do you know why I wanted it built so grand and luxurious, so huge and magnificent?"
Charlotte felt a movement within her heart, guessing slightly.
However, she didn’t voice it and instead shook her head,
"I’m unaware, Your Majesty."
Louis V’s smile faded.
His gaze landed on the division map of the New Moon Kingdom in the drawing-room, and he spoke calmly,
"Because this palace, it was never meant just to serve as a residence for the Royal Family members."