ALL NOVEL Chapter 98
“Listen, chosen sages of this assembly!”
Acella’s speech began.
The carefully penned speech was perfectly imprinted in her mind. With power in every word, she shouted intensely.
As her speech continued, all the nobles seemed captivated, their attention stolen.
Being children of noble families, they were sensitive to political nuances. Instinctively, they all felt Acella’s charisma.
“Therefore, as the rightful heir of the bloodline of Württemberg, I hereby proclaim my ambition to become the next Emperor!”
Applause erupted at Acella’s declaration.
Some offered trust, others suspicion, and some evaluations.
Feeling every noble’s gaze, Acella sensed that she needed to capture them now.
Now, she must create a powerful impression.
“I will!”
The audience focused on Acella’s confident shout.
“I will bring a new wind to the Empire.”
A new wind.
The imperial high positions were filled with veterans shaped by conquest wars.
Acella’s words strongly conveyed her intent to achieve a generational shift among the young nobility gathered here.
“It is a loss for the Empire if talented individuals are buried. Those who contribute to the Empire’s development should be respected and duly rewarded.”
Acella’s promise ensured a stage and status for young newcomers to thrive.
“But what can one gain at the end of this? Ultimately, what will one receive for their devotion to the Empire?”
The nobles listened attentively, waiting for Acella’s next words.
“Schwarzwalder.”
Acella called out to Freda, who looked slightly surprised and bowed her head.
Acella then turned her attention.
“Makensen, Eyerbern, Liebert, Berin, Trotta, Rista, Gothberg.”
She remembered the families of everyone present one by one.
With each name called, they bowed their heads, enveloped in a strange sense of belonging.
It felt as if they were already on the same ship as supporters of the Moonlight Palace.
Simply calling their names, Acella’s words magically grew even more powerful.
Neria, also called, succumbed to Acella’s commanding presence and bowed her head.
After calling out each noble present, Acella paused and uttered those words.
“I will grant you freedom.”
Not honor or glory, but an unexpected word shocked the nobles.
“We are trapped in stables. Bound by our families, bound by duties, we must dash towards a goal of success.”
Every young noble empathized.
The burden of having to run a predetermined path of success since birth.
If they deviated even slightly, they would be branded as wastrels.
Even their life partners were chosen by their families before they matured.
They longed to step out of the suffocating mansion and make choices with their own will, even just once.
Noticing their desires, Acella opened her eyes wide and smiled like a demon.
“Serve me. If you devote yourselves, I will grant you all the freedom you desire.”
It was an astonishing remark.
Currently, the Empire was under a central governing system.
Local families were limited in the number of knight members they could own, and capable talents were selected by the system.
Acella was declaring her intent to innovate that system.
The word “freedom” sparked the imagination of many nobles.
Some expanded their territories’ wealth, while some assembled elite knight orders rivaling the imperial knights.
But those present were in their mid-teens to late twenties.
They even came from the social circle.
Their main concern was the same.
“Romance.”
Many here had not been able to engage in free love.
Betrothals had been dictated by their families since childhood, and while fulfilling their duties, they had little chance to meet other noble ladies or lords.
Commoners were not even considered targets. Speaking to them would tarnish the family’s reputation, making it impossible even to have rational conversations.
Many secretly envied commoners who could engage in love freely and marry.
And Acella scratched that itch.
“There will be no enforced betrothals by families. I will legislate so that contracts between families based on betrothal become void.”
Many showed interest in Acella’s words.
Many present had futures shackled by political betrothals.
If Acella became Emperor, they would gain the freedom she promised.
“If both parties confirm their intentions, marriage will be possible without family consent.”
Acella’s words painted a completely new future for them.
“I will also lower the marriageable age limit to 18.”
The nobles showed interest in a bold statement not seen in any other claimant to the throne.
The ones gathered here were young. A provocative proposal was more effective than practical pledges.
Acella fully utilized that point.
Claiming to grant them freedom, she was confident she could ensnare them effectively.
“Acella von Württemberg will do this.”
Acella firmly declared as she wrapped up.
Exciting applause erupted.
It was certain that many new supporters had emerged for the Moonlight Palace.
“Hoo.”
Acella took a deep breath in her mind.
Feeling a bit tense, but she managed without mistakes.
‘The problem is…’
There was one flaw in Acella’s speech.
She herself was in a political betrothal with Gothberg.
Having not overcome the bondage of being a member of the imperial family, it would be absurd to expect to fulfill her promises.
Thus, holding a formal engagement ceremony with Lars at this event was crucial.
It would foster a sense of kinship as she too chased freedom with them and demonstrate her proactive stance.
Acella and Lars’ engagement would undoubtedly become the hottest topic in high society alongside her speech.
But.
Lars was still not here.
“Your Majesty! Is the next item the engagement ceremony?”
In the brighter atmosphere, Freda shouted towards Acella.
“Oh, it’s time to start the main event!”
“Could it be the promise you mentioned?”
“Falling deeply in love with that attending physician!”
“Heavens, what a touching story.”
The young ladies fantastically imagined Acella’s love story, giggling.
Other nobles also seemed to have heightened expectations.
‘That one has a huge body, but why is her mouth so light?’
Acella internally vented her frustrations towards Freda.
‘I was trying to buy time by having us leave the stage.’
The nobles, sensing the mood, requested the band to play romantic tunes.
As the soft melodies flowed, the nobles elegantly cheered.
Since it was going to be an engagement ceremony filled with festivities and young people gathered, this atmosphere was inevitable.
When Acella glanced momentarily at the head maid, she shook her head.
‘Lars!’
Acella unknowingly bit her lip.
The limit had been reached.
If they didn’t transition into the engagement ceremony immediately after all this chatter, strange rumors would quickly arise.
If she ruined the mood she had painstakingly lifted.
Acella would become a joke.
Today’s speech would only have negative consequences.
‘Lars…’
Why did it feel like disappointment came before anger or resentment?
Acella soon realized.
The one who had been anticipating today’s engagement was none other than herself, not Freda, Lau, or anyone else.
Standing on the balcony, frozen, time was slipping away aimlessly.
Before long, the music playing in the background was about to finish.
Everyone present began to feel Acella’s anxiety slowly.
Negative emotions were subtly spreading, and the laughter faded.
Although no one dared to speak while gauging the atmosphere, everyone had an instinct.
Something was wrong.
There was no way Acella, who had just boldly delivered a speech, would stand there in silence.
‘This is it.’
In the end, Lars did not arrive.
Of course, it was a critical situation, and she understood there were circumstances.
But the disappointment rising in her chest felt somewhat justified.
Next, Acella instinctively sensed embarrassment approaching and clenched her fists.
‘…There’s no choice but to delay it further.’
Acella’s trembling eyelashes lowered.
“…The engagement ceremony will proceed later.”
Just as Acella was about to say those words.
—Bang!
The main door of the banquet hall swung wide open.
“Oh dear.”
A man entered, leaning against the door as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
He was panting, having clearly rushed in.
His formal shirt was a mess, with one side tucked inside.
His face looked dirty, as if he hadn’t had time to wash up or even apply makeup.
“Ha.”
Even so, he was mustering the last of his strength to move forward.
He headed toward the central staircase where Acella stood on the balcony.
The gathered nobles parted left and right, creating a path for him.
With each step he took up the stairs, Acella’s heart thumped along with him.
His face drew closer.
And finally.
“Phew.”
Lars stood before Acella.
Their eyes met.
Although Lars said nothing, Acella could read many words in his eyes.
“Your Majesty, Princess Acella von Württemberg.”
Lars knelt down, pulling something from his inner pocket.
A small case. Opening it revealed a modest yet striking ring inside.
“If I have one great fortune in my life, it would be the chance to pledge all my remaining time to you.”
Acella tightened her lips, unable to respond.
It was clearly the betrothal declaration they had practiced.
Even if his lines changed spontaneously, Acella had no energy to reply.
Instead, she quietly extended her left hand to Lars.
As if in response, Lars slipped the ring onto Acella’s ring finger.
Slowly straightening up, Lars looked at Acella and gave her a smile.
Seeing his carefree smile begging for forgiveness sent Acella’s mind into a whirl.
No, was it the blood in her heart that was boiling?
Acella gripped Lars’ tie roughly and pulled him towards her.
Without giving Lars a chance to react, he bowed his head, and Acella charged at his face.
The contact lasted about one second and a fifth.
After a light kiss, just barely touching, Acella pushed him away and declared.
“The price is paid.”
The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.