NOVEL NEXT Chapter 146.2
Chapter 146.2. Rebellion And Policy
After the detailed arrangements were finalized, the king also exited the room.
As at the beginning, only the candidates and their attendants remained.
Although they no longer complained like when they first entered,
both Herc and Lyla cast displeased looks at Liliana.
…They probably expected Liliana to refuse back there. Considering her state before meeting Hermes, when she had lost all hope in her abilities.
Receiving those gazes, Liliana, though visibly struggling… left a resolute statement just before departing.
“…Herc-oniisama, Lyla-oneesama. I understand now that you won’t listen to what I have to say. …I suppose it can’t be helped. It’s true that I currently have no power to speak of.”
But then, she lifted her face.
“One day, without fail, I will stand before you again—and next time, I’ll be prepared to have a proper discussion. So…!”
Though her words faltered slightly, she managed to finish with one final statement.
“…I believe in you both, brother, sister.”
With that, she shut the door.
What Hermes saw at the last moment was Laplace’s ever-enigmatic expression,
and the indescribable looks on Herc and Lyla’s faces.
After leaving the audience chamber, the three walked for a while—only stopping once they were far enough away.
“…!”
As if a string had snapped,
Liliana collapsed and threw herself into Hermes’ arms.
He embraced her gently.
“…Are you alright, Lily-sama?”
“Yes… But, I’m sorry, just a little longer…”
In a trembling voice, she clung to him tightly.
It was no surprise. Though Hermes didn’t know the history between Liliana and her siblings or the burdens of royalty, it was clear:
That was no way to treat family.
No matter the circumstances, Hermes couldn’t bring himself to think kindly of them.
In his arms, Liliana’s muffled voice reached him.
“…I couldn’t do anything…”
Her words carried unhidden sobs, her tears impossible to conceal.
“I thought I’d be able to say more… But the moment I saw them, my legs froze…”
“Don’t trouble yourself. Considering your age, you did remarkably well.”
Jurgen offered reassuring words, and Hermes agreed.
Frankly, neither of them had expected the royal family to be this harsh. King Fried had at least made an effort to fulfill his duties, but… Herc and Lyla—what could possibly have made them this way?
Liliana had done more than enough, including answering the king’s questions herself.
While comforting her with a gentle hand on her back, Hermes exchanged glances with Jurgen.
“Setting aside the two siblings… we’ve uncovered a few issues, haven’t we?”
“Indeed. Let’s start with the local rebellion we discussed earlier.”
According to Jurgen, he hadn’t been informed about that incident. He also shared Hermes’ concerns.
“…It’s almost certainly a conspiracy. I don’t know how far back it goes, but it’s highly likely that Liliana was set up to fail.”
As expected. That matter would need further investigation later…
“But there is some hope. No matter the process, His Majesty has given Liliana a chance to earn merit. …Frankly, though, it’s probably more a recognition of my abilities than hers.”
That made sense.
It seemed more accurate to say that the king had entrusted the task to Jurgen, whose actions had always reflected those of a high-ranking duke. Hermes had also gotten the impression that the king judged people fairly, without personal bias.
“We can plan our strategy in detail later. For now—”
“—That man. You’re referring to Sir Laplace, aren’t you?”
Hermes and Jurgen exchanged serious looks. Then Jurgen voiced his doubt.
“My only question is this: why did he appear in person?”
Hermes agreed.
“No matter how confident he is in evading scrutiny, appearing there carried more risk than benefit. Moreover, providing us with the information that ‘the crown prince’s strategist is linked to that organization’ is a clear disadvantage.”
“Exactly. He could have sent a representative instead, yet he didn’t. Which means…”
Jurgen pondered for a moment, organizing his thoughts before speaking.
“It’s possible there was something he absolutely needed to confirm at that audience. Or… a decoy, perhaps?”
“A decoy?”
“Yes. By making such a conspicuous entrance, he ensured that our focus would be on him. Perhaps there was something else he wanted to divert our attention from.”
“I see.”
It wasn’t out of the question.
Based on Hermes’ previous encounters with Laplace, the man seemed exceedingly shrewd. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had woven several layers of schemes.
“In any case, we should remain vigilant. He’s the kind of man who can slip past even my investigations—we can’t be too cautious.”
“I agree.”
For now, there were too many uncertainties. It was better to rely on proper investigation and let Jurgen handle the details rather than speculate blindly.
With that conclusion, they wrapped up their discussion—
“…Lady Lily-sama, are you feeling better?”
“…Y-yes.”
Liliana, who had been crying in Hermes’ arms, gave a shy response.
After letting out her emotions, she seemed to have regained some composure and looked up.
“In any case, I now understand how little time we have. …If I want to face my siblings again… I must do everything I can, to the best of my ability…”
Though she declared it firmly, it was clear the ordeal had taken a heavy toll on her.
The tears she had wiped away began to fall again, and she sank to the floor, sobbing once more.
Apologizing between sobs, she remained unable to stand.
Seeing her like that reminded Hermes of himself during the early days of his training—when he had yet to find confidence.
“…Lady Lily-sama, excuse me.”
“Eh… wha—!?”
With a swift motion, Hermes took Liliana’s hand and helped her up. Then, slipping an arm under her back and knees, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
It was what people called a “princess carry.”
“W-wait, Master, th-this is…!”
“If you can’t stand, it’s fine. Besides, the palace floors are cold; sitting on them will only harm your health.”
With her face as red as her hair, Liliana stammered. Hermes smiled gently at her.
“Everyone has times when they can’t stand. …If you’d rather, just say so.”
“…”
Hearing his words, Liliana’s flushed face softened. Lowering her gaze slightly, she timidly gripped the collar of Hermes’ robe.
“…No. If anything… please, don’t let go.”
She whispered the words softly.
Hermes chuckled. This child reminded him so much of his younger self and the benefactor who had once supported him.
Perhaps that was why he couldn’t help but care for her.
As he carried her along, feeling the warmth in his arms, Jurgen, walking beside him, also smiled wryly.
“…It would be helpful if you put her down before we reach the room where Katia and the others are waiting.”
“Understood. Lily-sama, is that alright with you?”
“…Yes.”
However, when they eventually reached the door, Liliana insisted, “I don’t want to let go.”
As they argued at the entrance, Katia and the others, alerted by the commotion, opened the door from inside—and caught the master and apprentice in the act.
Though the situation caused quite a stir, it eventually returned to the usual lively atmosphere of the Third Princess’s entourage.