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Margaret finally stepped out of the room. However, contrary to the hopes of some loyalists who wished for a military comeback, the Elf Princess was eager to rush to the Eramenian Grand Council first to have a time of self-criticism and reflection.

The council initially rejected Margaret’s request. They stated that her defeat was “a national tragedy that could not be handled by the monarch alone” and that there was no explicit disqualification on Margaret’s part, as she was the commander during the tragic events, resulting in a legal judgment of not guilty.

Reciting criticisms in front of the council was considered a significant disgrace in the elven nation. Most often, only those who had been convicted of serious crimes and who had caused harm to the nation would face such disgrace by going before the council to demean themselves.

For Margaret to bear such a burden could irk King Richard, who was worried about his daughter, who was refusing to step outside. Moreover, it was contrary to the wishes of the survivors from the canyon who did not want Margaret to be punished.

The council was not particularly interested in making Margaret self-critical, nor had it ever discussed such an agenda. From the council’s point of view, Margaret’s intention was rather perplexing. However, Margaret, who appeared before the council, appealed to them.

“I stepped out of my room not because my own pain has lessened, but out of worry for our mother and for my little sister who resides within her.”

Despite having received numerous appeals and letters, Margaret had not emerged until she received a letter stating that Angelica was languishing with worry for her. Startled, she immediately rushed out of her room. Angelica’s due date was approaching. At such a time, causing worry for a parent could lead to a grave sin that the princess would regret for a lifetime.

However, Margaret still had no intention of returning to military activity; she only planned to perform her limited role in administrative matters.

On the contrary, Margaret had even harbored thoughts against the resumption of military action due to her excessive fear of the Demon King’s army.

“Eramenia Grand Council, what makes my suffering even more unbearable is the knowledge that this pain is not mine alone. I cannot return and laugh as if nothing has happened after inflicting the same pain on the entire elven race. If the court cannot judge me, then at least to me…”

Then, Margaret knelt before the council members.

“Give me the opportunity to kneel before you, at least officially.”

The council could not break Margaret’s will and accepted her self-criticism. Some of Margaret’s loyalists could not endure the sight and immediately left as a silent protest.

Among the elves, the young High Elf Lord, who could not be considered old at all, recounted his mistakes in detail before the Eramenian Grand Council while reminiscing about his miserable state.

This event occurred a week before Jeongjae arrived in Eramenia to negotiate over territory.

“So, Margaret ultimately performed self-criticism at the council,” Jeongjae nodded with a grim expression as he met Phineas right after entering Eramenia. Phineas Marbellius, who had conveyed the news to Jeongjae, also wore a very sorrowful expression.

“Eramenia is in a difficult situation. Just recently, we had a military crisis.”

“A military crisis, you say?”

“It was regarding Jeffrey’s crisis. If the Great Sage hadn’t swiftly resolved the situation, the Eramenian forces would have intervened in the Empire’s affairs. While I think the people of the Empire are our friends, they would struggle to resist the Demon King’s army if the Empire collapses from within.”

“Did the Eramenian army intend to suppress the Empire’s chaos by force?”

“In certain scenarios, there were considerations to abolish the royal family and make the Empire’s territory a vassal of Eramenia, retaining an elven governor. While these matters cannot be officially discussed through diplomatic channels, I hope the Grand Mage understands the seriousness of the situation.”

Jeongjae nodded as if he understood the general gist.

“Jenise anticipated that Eramenia would intervene militarily, and was prepared to counter with equivalent force if the elven army crossed over the mountain range during a civil war. I can’t say I find Eramenia’s judgment wise.”

“Is that so? But I hope the Empire exercises caution. The issue with Eramenia alone is overwhelming for us. If there are signs of division within Audrich, it would also trouble us.”

“You don’t trust the human race, do you?”

“Given the circumstances, the elf trusting humans far too much. There are indeed fairies who hold serious doubts about whether humans can play a leading role in this war. And they wield undeniable power in the political realm.”

“I’ve met several high elves, but none were as unfriendly as that.”

“Evaluating a single human and that of the human race is a different matter. Audrich is unsettling the trust that has been built up. Unless Princess Margaret, who claimed to trust her human brethren, hastily returns to politics, the doubts will only grow over time.”

“I understand. I would like to meet her.”

“You’ll probably be able to meet her. I’ll guide you personally.”

Phineas said this and took Jeongjae to the front of the Eramenian palace to request an audience with Margaret. The response from Margaret was a somewhat reluctant approval.

Instead of inviting Jeongjae into the palace, the Lord of Eramenia came out to greet Jeongjae outside the palace.

The moment he saw her, Jeongjae was taken aback. Margaret looked even more haggard than when he last saw her. Her thighs, which could hardly be said to be plump to begin with, appeared significantly thinner, making her seem so frail that riding a horse would be difficult.

Her posture remained dignified, and her expression had somewhat regained its usual self, but due to her still unhealed appearance and physique, she looked extremely weak and vulnerable.

Noticing that Jeongjae was staring intently at her, Margaret shrugged her shoulders.

“Do I look miserable?”

“Not at all. I’m glad to see you out of your room after such a long time, Margaret.”

Jeongjae lightly shook his head. Margaret gestured for Phineas to step aside and stood next to him.

“You’re not here just to check on my health idly, are you? Let’s talk about what we need to. Let’s take a walk.”

Jeongjae nodded and began to walk slowly beside Margaret. Given that she was already tall enough to be roughly eye-to-eye with Jeongjae, her considerably thinner appearance now resembled a mere stick.

Jeongjae slowly explained to Margaret about the political situation in the Empire, Jenise’s landing plans, and the necessity of timber and additional ports. After hearing everything, Margaret nodded calmly.

“So, Rose and that little brat are colliding. My worries are increasing. This is a different crisis from the political maneuvers of Sally Jeffrey. This involves true heroes of the world facing off due to their own wills.”

“Jenise’s condition… is not good. That’s how it looks to me.”

“That’s partly your doing, isn’t it?”

Margaret smirked, hitting the nail on the head. Jeongjae lowered his head, unable to find a rebuttal. Margaret shook her head while clicking her tongue.

“If I could regain the will to wield a sword, I might be able to help. But I’m sorry. Right now, I have neither the strength to lead an army nor the resolve to take up arms. If I could offer advice, that would be nice, but neither Rose Caprice nor Jenis Harker are heroes that I can mediate with my strength alone.”

After saying this, Margaret fell into a moment of contemplation. The Elf Princess nodded with a bitter expression.

“And Rose has an innate character flaw. Rose Caprice is a righteous person. Even if you find some fault in her, that won’t change.”

“I know that too.”

“But few people in the world are as arrogant as Rose. Until now, her arrogance has been supported by her abilities. However, powerful beings just as strong as Rose have begun to oppose her. Originally, there was no one among the Demon King’s executives who could compete with Rose Caprice. Dragons could have defeated her, but they have always been passive in this war, so the problem never came to light. But now, the Demon King has started to take the lead.”

As soon as Margaret thought of the Demon King, she trembled in fear.

“She is unlike any enemy we’ve faced. Quick judgment, meticulous planning, and powerful combat skills; she possesses the true traits of a great hero who has been tormenting us from the shadows. Rose’s arrogance is confidence as long as she can handle the situation, but becomes a flaw before an enemy she cannot overwhelm.”

“Is Jenis one of them?”

“That’s exactly what I mean. Rose has never acknowledged anyone as her equal besides Walter and me. Naturally, she cannot endure a situation in which a fledgling who should crawl beneath her runs into her. I think Jenis’s rise to prominence as the number one in the South and her complete domination of the region is not the core issue.”

“Then what is the core issue?”

“The problematic inception is that Jenis Harker recognized Rose’s arrogance as a fatal flaw and deliberately excluded her from her plans. Rose has realized that she is being disregarded as a human and cannot bear it. This is an extremely personal conflict. However, both are aware that this conflict could tear the Empire apart, yet they will probably not stop until one kneels before the other.”

Upon hearing Margaret’s words, Jeongjae also fell into a more serious concern than before.

“You know, thou Mage. Rose Caprice does not regard you as an equal being either.”

“From Rose’s perspective, that would be the case.”

“Do not leave it as it is.”

Margaret advised.

“If Rose Caprice tries to suppress you with authority, make sure to clearly show her that you are not a subject who should crawl beneath her. Rose is a good person, but it’s time for her to mature. She cannot continue to live indulged in the arrogance of believing she is the highest being under the heavens forever.”

Jeongjae did not know how to respond. If there were someone in the Empire who could claim to be the most powerful and high being, it would truly be Rose Caprice.

 

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