Chapter 31

The recent audience with King Elshaide.

When the true intentions of His Majesty became known, along with his bold and audacious statement about abolishing the privileges granted to the nobility, both Eric and I were greatly shocked.

And today—His Majesty actually declared the abolition of the nobility's privileges in public. Watching from Eric's side, the officials, regardless of their factions, were in an uproar. Officials can be broadly divided into two categories: those appointed by the nobility and those who passed rigorous examinations. The more competent officials are, of course, mostly from the latter category. However, those who advance in their careers are almost exclusively from the former. Of course, the officials of the Velkline faction have little hope of advancement...

The deeply entrenched irrationality and corruption. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Eric has been fighting to change these things. The corrupt foundation will eventually collapse. Concern for the future of the country was his driving force.

However, the situation that seemed to be passively observed by His Majesty was destroyed head-on—those who had been greedily hoarding privileges, whom Eric had long been wary of, were slapped in the face. Those who had been diligently doing their jobs despite the injustice must be secretly rejoicing.

A shockwave that could affect the very foundation of the state was sent by His Majesty's declaration—

"I feel both glad and resentful."

"You feel resentful?"

"Yes. I wanted to do that when I became king. It seems that deep down, I had a desire to be a hero."

Eric confessed his honest feelings with a wry smile. I understand how he feels. Eric had been pursuing the abolition of privileges, his long-held wish, without regard for his own safety. The fact that his goal was achieved by his father, not by his own hands, naturally led to a sense of emptiness.

"It's not bad. I don't deny ambition. It's the power to strive for what you believe is right. The fact that you feel resentful means that you have been steadfast in your own righteousness."

Eric belittles himself for having vanity, but I don't think so. Justice is inherently selfish. To believe in its righteousness and to uphold it requires passion. Fulfilling one's desires and running down the path one believes in are two sides of the same coin.

Eric must feel resentful because he believed in his own justice and ran down that path. I couldn't possibly deny that.

"Steadfast in righteousness, huh. If Reia acknowledges it, it's the greatest honor for me."

"Oh, Eric."

"Reia, thank you for your concern. Just talking to you has been healing."

Eric, returning to his calm expression, slowly touched my hair. I wonder what's wrong with him today. It's as if Eric is the one who... If that's the case, I would be happy. I even hesitate to misinterpret it...

"A, ah, Eric..."

"S, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."

"O, okay."

If I had a little more courage, I could have taken a step forward. Being satisfied is also a problem. With this warm, comfortable relationship...

After that, I fulfilled my duties as the Holy Maiden during the day and enjoyed the tea Linsha prepared for me in the office in the evening.

"Since a large target like Elnoaga might be after your father this time. After all, Johan—"

"Ha! I will join the King's guard and maintain close communication with the Prince."

It has been a month since His Majesty declared the abolition of privileges—this time, it was clear that the King, not Eric, would be targeted by assassins.

Therefore, Eric plans to have Johan, the oldest and most trusted guard, join the King's guard.

For the next month, I must work hard to fill Johan's role...

"Prince Eric, Duke Gilbert wishes to meet with you—"

While we were having this conversation, we received word that Duke Gilbert, one of the nobles and Philip's father, was requesting an audience with Eric. I can guess why he came...

"Sure. Let's meet."

Eric, who cannot treat the only noble with whom he has a friendly relationship rudely, agreed to meet with the Duke.

I wonder what kind of conversation will take place—

"Prince Eric! You're not telling the truth! You said the abolition of privileges would happen after you became king!"

With teary eyes and a desperate expression, Duke Gilbert spoke about the abolition of privileges by His Majesty. It seems that Duke Gilbert had accepted that privileges would eventually be abolished by Eric.

Still, with the addition of the incident with Jill... I feel somewhat awkward meeting the father of my former fiancé.

"I didn't expect my father to make such a declaration. I also thought the future is unpredictable."

"That's not enough! Try to persuade His Majesty to retract the declaration!"

Duke Gilbert's tone became more forceful in response to Eric's seemingly indifferent remark. The other nobles must be even angrier. Even the mild-mannered Duke Gilbert is protesting this much.

"That's not possible. You know, right? The abolition of privileges is my long-held wish. It's a welcome development that it's happening sooner than planned."

Eric, who just said he felt resentful, says this without batting an eye. Given their long association, Duke Gilbert must have realized that Eric's resolve hasn't changed.

"The country will be in turmoil!"

"My father and I are prepared for that."

"...Ha, you haven't changed. I had a bad feeling ever since the Velkline fell... Well then, Prince Eric, good luck."

After a sigh, Duke Gilbert, sensing Eric's resolve, left the room with a resigned expression. Yes, Eric has been prepared for this for years. He has no intention of retreating. I have decided to accompany him wherever he goes—.