The Grand Duke’s sombre voice rang through the hall. At his sharp and intense gaze, no one was willing to speak.
Amid the silence, a sound began to come out from the innermost part of the row of conference seats.
“I approve.”
“I, too, affirm.”
“I think that he has sufficiently demonstrated his competence as an heir.”
“I agree.”
As if a tide was rushing in, the volume of their voice grew more precise and louder. Before long, the wave closed in and even reached the elders. The elders looked at Ascardo and Count Rixis with troubled faces. Rixis’ eyes widened; he was frozen, and as for Ascardo….
I don’t know what they all are thinking.
He was just sitting upright and staring at the front with a blank expression on his face.
The elders began to acknowledge him one by one, not daring to look at the blazing eyes of Count Rixis and Ascardo. The same evasion went for the oppressing gaze of the Grand Duke and vassals.
“...I concede.”
“Yes, same here…I wish you great success with the Grand Duchy in the future.”
“I accept…”
Although it was evident that they were not entirely convinced, they could no longer protest in this kind of atmosphere! It was impossible to say it out loud. What was more, the avail had already leaned toward Noel. If they happened to be in the Grand Duke’s bad books in the future, what should they do then?
And finally, it was Ascardo’s turn. All eyes in the meeting room were focused on him. He was mentioned as a candidate to the succession along with Noel, but what choice would he make? Would he admit it, or would he insist on objecting to it alone?
Irene and Noel’s watchful eyes also fell upon Ascardo. He did not set a trap again this time, did he? They felt anxious looking at the surroundings and his distorted expression. There seemed to be no such thing.
Ascardo did not raise his head. He was just biting his lips so hard that they were about to burst. Veins popped up over the back of his fisted hands.
I should have killed him earlier.
He was now regretting it.
If I had known that he would ruin my way to the throne, like this, I would have done it before...!
Being half-blooded and hated by the Grand Duke, he was complacent with the idea that his contemptuous brother would never become the successor. However, contrary to his anticipation, the Grand Duke did not hate him, but it was an act that he put on to keep those who kept him in check.
Furthermore, the half-blood label had become meaningless. The young Duchess, a pure aristocrat, Noel’s wife, would perfect his only flaw, inheriting a half-bloodline.
For now... I’d better step back.
Hah.
Ascardo sighed deeply. He then raised his head with a smile on his face and spoke in a faint voice.
“I also admit that my brother is the suitable heir to the Grand Duchy. If it is my brother, he will make a great Grand Duke.”
Once Ascardo, the central power, had said so, Count Rixis found himself in an awkward position. He did not know what to do. Count Rixis’ shoulders were shaking from boiling rage as he recalled the humiliation he got from Noel and Irene in the Imperial Palace. Yet forced to, he nodded regardless.
“I…also...agree….”
“I see.”
A satisfied smile graced the Great Kristen’s lips. He looked down at Noel, and there was a glint of pride in his eyes. Noel did not forget to maintain his composure in such a formal event, even in situations worthy of excitement. Rather, it was Irene next to him who seemed delighted.
They truly look great together.
Looking down from such a high place, he could clearly see the two of them. Above all, he could feel their affection for each other from the sight of their two hands holding each other tightly.
And there he was, worrying that Noel might have gotten married even though he did not love her for the succession.
From the look of it, he must have been worried about useless things as they were taking such good care of one another.
“I also recognise the young Duke, so it has been unanimously decided that the next successor to the Grand Duchy is Noel Kristen. So, from today onwards, the Lords will have to treat him as the heir apparent to the Duchy, not just as a mere young nobleman from our ducal family. You must stay as his faithful subjects and devote your allegiance to him.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”