Rudolf Faction
“fufu………in that case, why not join Lord Rudy’s faction instead?”
“Liz!?!”
Hearing Liz’s sudden proposition, I couldn’t help but exclaim loudly.
No no, I don’t even want to become the Emperor anyway. And Liz obviously knows that very well as well.
And also, I even rejected the offer for support from Sheila’s Andersen family just to avoid such complications and not get tied up in such obligations as well.
Then why would Liz make such an………
“As you may already know, Lord Rudy is being backed by my family, the Fahlcrantz household. And we are strong enough to swat off any random nobles that may come buzzing towards us without even breaking a sweat.”
“Uh, yes I know………..”
“On top of that, perhaps the wealthiest family in all of the Empire, the Andersen household, is also very much favourable towards Lord Rudy. Then, if you were to join Lord Rudy’s faction, I’m sure the status of your family would be very much secured.”
“ah………….”
For a moment, Christel’s eyes shone, but she quickly cast her eyes down again.
I assume, she’s suddenly become a lot more mindful of all the abuse……..well, let’s call it impoliteness instead, towards me now. I am still, the fourth Prince after all.
And so.
“You need not worry over what all happened in the past. In the end, you were able to realize that man’s true nature and left him through your own will. I, for one, truly am happy to see that.”
Liz took Christel’s hand, and smiled.
Seeing the “Lady of Ice” smile to someone other than me, even Christel herself was stupefied.
“Umm………is it really okay……….?”
“Of course. With this as a chance, I’d like it if you’d become friends with me as well.”
“Wha…….Yes! thank you……..so much……..”
Overcome with emotions, Christel began to tear up.
And Sheila too began to tear up, upon witnessing Liz’s purity, that is.
And as for me………I could only scratch my head. How was I supposed to even cope with all this?
No, I mean, I never even thought of making my own faction even once you know? Seriously, what do I do now?
Well, but.
“Lord Rudy……….”
Her aquamarine eyes moist with emotion, Liz petitioned to me with just her expression.
Aaah fine………..if you look at me with those eyes, I don’t even have a choice but to nod in acceptance do I?
In the end, while gazing at the three noble girls, I could only show a wry smile.
.
.
“…………and that’s how it is.”
After the school was over, I made my way to Queen Alicia and reported the sudden creation of my own faction to her.
After all, considering Queen Alicia was effectively the real head of Fredrik’s faction, what I was doing might as well be an act of betrayal even.
“I see……….but all this is also because of me, and Robin, isn’t it………?”
“No, I wouldn’t go that far……..”
“No, if only I had been more strict with Robin, the nobles that had chosen to follow him would not have ended up in such a predicament. Then, as the one who was in charge of managing Robin’s camp as well, this too is another one of my sins to bear.”
Queen Alicia……..seemed a lot smaller than before.
After all, she had to personally order the imprisonment of her own son and has been dispirited ever since…….
Then.
“In that case, please forgive my act of creating a new faction this time around. There’s always a chance that more families like the Svensson house may appear as well after all. Then, I’ll be the one to take care of them instead.”
“Prince Rudolf………….”
Hoping to lighten even a little bit of the weight in her heart, I suggested that.
I really can’t handle seeing Queen Alicia like this for any longer.
“Of course, I don’t plan on doing anything like betraying Brother Fredrik either. Not to mention, Brother Oscar has very clearly created a divide between me and him as well.”
“…………What do you mean?”
“Well…..”
I explained everything that happened in the salon the other day.
And above all, the fact that me and Wilhelm will absolutely never see eye to eye.
“I see………you guys also have a lot going on huh.”
Queen Alicia broke into a wry smile as she looked at me.
But, it did seem like I was able to distract Queen Alicia from her depression for now, so that’s good to see.
“If you truly intend to back Fredrik from here onwards as well, then I have no reason to object either.”
“Thank you very much.”
I gave a deep and respectful bow to Queen Alicia.
“In that case, should I also prepare to direct the nobles previously under Robin to now attach themselves to you instead from now on?”
“No, you don’t need to do that. I think it’d be better if those with actual resources still join Fredrik’s camp directly in my opinion.”
“I suppose so.”
Queen Alicia chuckled a little.
“Then, since I have your permission as well, allow me to take my leave.”
“Yes………”
I stood up from my seat, as Queen Alicia cast her eyes down again.
Fredrik was a pure pragmatist……….no, he was more of a self serving rationalist. And Robin was now imprisoned in the northern lands. I think, Queen Alicia must be feeling quite lonely these days.
“Umm………if you don’t mind, can I come to chat again, even if I don’t have any specific business with you?”
“?!!………….You truly are a gentle one huh. Of course, I will happily welcome you whenever you want.”
With Queen Alicia seeing me off with a smile, I finally left the Cancer Palace.