38 - The Bookworm’s Second Life

Title: The Life of a Devoted Reader - Chapter 38 <[Chapter Excerpt]> "The guest from the Marquisate of Clausen has just passed through the royal gates, I hear," King Edgar IV of Hispania said as he tilted his teacup. It was known that the Marquis Lichten Clausen had two sons. One was a child born in his later years, and there was a fifteen-year age gap between him and his first child, whose mother had passed away early. 'Depending on their relationship, they could either become strong allies or bitter enemies.' In the world of power and politics, blood relations are mere conveniences that occasionally prick the conscience, not much more. Sometimes, you must sever ties with blood relatives more ruthlessly than any other. 'In that sense...' Edgar IV glanced at his daughter, who sat silently next to him, sipping tea. Vanessa Lincle Hispania, the kingdom's first princess. Just a year younger than her sibling, Erather Ragon Hispania, the first prince. Despite sharing the same parents, these siblings were as different as night and day. Edgar IV was relieved that Vanessa was the younger sister; otherwise, the chaos within the royal family would have been insurmountable. 'Erather's succession to the throne is a given without significant flaws, yet... I can't help but lament this child's talents.' Edgar IV, suppressing his bitter thoughts, continued drinking his tea. It wasn't long before he noticed a peculiar stiffness on his daughter's usually emotionless face. The news that Sion Clausen had entered the royal city seemed to have elicited a flicker of displeasure in her. 'It seems she hasn’t forgotten what happened back then.' It was an episode from their teenage years, one that should have faded from memory by now, Edgar IV mused internally. Practicing nonchalance, he casually spoke, "I've heard the Marquis of Clausen clinched a victory in the war against Nudia. A decisive victory, followed by a successful defense, and all within a fortnight. Quite an achievement." "I've heard as much, Father," Vanessa responded tersely. "A guest has arrived to discuss the reports and subsequent actions regarding this." "···." Vanessa remained silent, her expression hardened in dissatisfaction. Edgar IV, unable to bear it any longer, lightly tapped his teacup with a teaspoon until the princess snapped back to attention, apologizing. "I'm sorry, Father. My mind was elsewhere…" "According to reports, it was Sion Clausen who played the greatest role in the war. It's a point even Marquis Lichten personally mentioned." "···." "The foolish boy who made a slight misstep with you years ago seems to have matured significantly." Vanessa could neither confirm nor deny Edgar IV's words. She judged him not by rumors alone but through her experience. Wasn't it Sion who unabashedly eyed her at a royal party some years ago, prompting her to retaliate vocally, leading to the Marquis himself apologizing on his son's behalf? Sion had cowardly avoided the confrontation, hiding behind his father. 'The idea of such a person becoming the Marquis of Clausen and a shield for our country is nothing but distressing!' The elderly Marquis was still robust, but time spares no one. Eventually, he would pass on his title, and the thought of that contemptible man taking over was nightmarish to Vanessa. Yet recently, an unbelievable report came in: a monumental victory for the Clausen Marquis in the war with Nudia. Ensuing defense battles resulted in the enemy's withdrawal without a fight. And the one orchestrating it all? Sion Clausen. 'I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the report.' The same man who flirted with women, displayed strength to the weak, and submission to the strong had changed overnight. He rallied the soldiers with speeches, led them into battle, showcased tactical brilliance, and even recruited Nudia's prestigious knight. 'Impossible!' People do not change. A person's true nature, their intrinsic unchanging core, defines them. Or so Vanessa believed, until Sion Clausen shattered those beliefs with his drastic transformation. "Father," Vanessa spoke up, drawing Edgar IV's attention. "Yes?" "Could the reports perhaps be exaggerated…" She stopped abruptly, finding her own words absurd. Would the Marquis of Clausen tolerate such feigned reports, or could Sion Clausen feasibly participate, knowing they'd meet at the royal court? False reporting, once uncovered, could lead to severe punishment, including charges of defaming the royal family. "Who knows. What do you think?" "···." "Erather suggested that maybe a newfound affection spurred him on—a peculiar yet distinctly male viewpoint," Edgar IV mused with amusement. "I, I'm unsure. Judging from reports and rumors alone is…" "Is that so? How fortunate," Edgar IV continued. "It seems the guest, who has something important to discuss, has arrived at the palace." Before the party begins, someone claims there's something to discuss at the palace—a sentiment Vanessa understood well. Searching for mutual benefit, one party honored as the guest, the other as the host. "Your Majesty, Sion Clausen has arrived." "Send him in." At the chamberlain's announcement, Edgar IV gave the command. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal a striking young man striding confidently into the room. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation, worry, or fear in his demeanor—not even a hint of tension. "Sion Clausen of the Clausen Marquisate, at your service, Edgar Astarius Hispania, rightful ruler of Hispania and head of the royal family." Nobles from the border regions often stumbled over the central court's etiquette, feeling it foreign and complex. King Edgar IV was used to overlooking such minor mistakes. Yet the young man before him executed a perfect greeting without a single error. "Raise your head. It's not a formal occasion, and I'd prefer if the atmosphere wasn't too stiff," Edgar IV spoke, breaking the formality. Only then did Sion Clausen slowly raise his head. At that moment, his gaze met Vanessa's in midair with an unintentional intensity. "···?" Sion and the princess were both caught off guard. 'Wait, what's going on? Why is the princess here? Wasn't it supposed to be the prince?' Given that Erather, with his unremarkable abilities but faultless character, was the most promising candidate for the next king, Sion had expected him to be present alongside Edgar IV. Instead, he found the unexpected presence of a woman sitting there. Sion, realizing his mistake and quickly correcting himself, lowered his head again. "Greetings to Her Highness Vanessa Lincle Hispania, the First Princess." "···." Princess Vanessa remained silent, enough to make Edgar IV lightly clink his teacup again to remind her of etiquette. Ting, ting— "Oh, my apologies. Welcome to the palace, Sion Clausen." "Thank you, Your Highness." After his response, Sion turned his attention back to Edgar IV. The interaction left the princess feeling inexplicably ignored, a stark contrast to the first time they met. 'A few years ago, it was the complete opposite.' Sion Clausen had once openly ogled her at their first meeting, his eyes gleaming with a light she found detestable. She could still remember his surreptitious glances, even as she conversed with other nobles. But the young man standing before her now, a war hero upon his return, had changed significantly. His eyes were sharp and intelligent, his lips curled in a subtle smile, and his voice carried authority. "I hear you wanted to speak with me." "Yes, Your Majesty. Before that, I wish to report on the proceedings of the recent war and the subsequent negotiations. Is that acceptable?" "I've already received detailed reports from your father, but hearing it from the person involved is a different matter. Sit. The tales of heroes are best heard directly." Being offered a seat next to the king was a remarkable honor, one that often left the most seasoned nobles tongue-tied with surprise. Sion, however, showed no signs of discomfort. He took his place opposite Vanessa with smooth precision, neither hurried nor discourteous. "The war began with Nudia's declaration, and thus our Clausen forces..." Sion's words mirrored those of the reports but carried personal insights into his thoughts and decisions. King Edgar IV paused him with a raised hand. "I hear this was your first time participating in a war." "Yes, Your Majesty." "And yet, Marquis Lichten stated you led from the front, rather than the rear." "That is correct." "He even mentioned you ran to rescue a soldier at the frontline to keep a promise." What? Princess Vanessa was startled and looked at Edgar IV. This was completely new information to her. What kind of promise would compel him to risk his life by venturing to the enemy front just to save a soldier? "The report from Marquis Lichten mentioned a speech you gave, but omitted the content. I assume it has something to do with that promise?" "Indeed. The Marquis likely deemed it unnecessary to include that detail." "I don't fault your father. I'm just curious." King Edgar IV leaned slightly forward, his interest piqued. "Could you tell us about the speech you gave before heading into battle and the promises you made to the soldiers?" After a moment of thought, Sion began to speak slowly. "I told them I could not promise victory, divine protection, or even a safe return." "Hmm?" "···?" "Instead, I made a different promise. That while advancing, I would be at the forefront, and during retreat, I would be the last to withdraw. I vowed not to leave anyone behind on that horrific battlefield. Whether we win or lose, whether alive or injured, we would all return home together. Because I made that promise, I led the charge and brought up the rear, ensuring no soldier was left behind." As Sion finished speaking, neither King Edgar IV nor Princess Vanessa uttered a word. Sion Clausen was not merely a soldier or a knight; he was the heir of a noble house, nearly equivalent to a marquisate in influence. He was not obliged to make such promises, nor was he required to take such actions. His only duty could have been to fight well and withdraw safely. "···Is that how it was," Edgar IV mused. "Very well, please continue with the rest of the tale." The subsequent recounting of the war was even more astounding. Nudia's forces had descended upon Clausen's stronghold. In response, Sion did not lock the gates, but instead flung them wide open. It was a tacit invitation: 'Enter if you dare.' Nudia's forces, intimidated, chose to retreat on their own. Even if it was a trap, once the enemy entered the fortress, the siege would inevitably end. 'Is this even possible?' Was this truly the same Sion Clausen from a few years ago, that irresponsible and detestable nobleman? He who flirted with noblewomen, avoided heirs from influential families, and flaunted his status in front of provincial nobles? The Sion Clausen whose only redeeming feature was his handsome face? Vanessa couldn't fathom it. "When the royal party is held, a significant number of nobles will focus their attention on me," Sion stated calmly. "Of course they will. You're a war hero; they are bound to celebrate your triumph." "Indeed. I intend to ignite their patriotism and loyalty to the royal family." "What?" This unexpected statement unsettled Edgar IV, whose expression faltered. The king couldn't suppress his genuine curiosity—not asking if it was feasible but how it could be done. "It's simple, Your Majesty." Yes, a very straightforward matter indeed. Elevating people's spirits involves merely tugging on their emotional strings. 'If the infamous playboy of Clausen, the much-gossiped-about rogue, displays fervent patriotism in front of them, how could those self-styled honorable nobles refrain from doing the same?' Ah, the upcoming royal party was indeed something to anticipate! Inwardly, Sion chuckled. [Author’s Note] After writing four consecutive chapters in two days... Phew... I'm exhausted... But if there are many recommendations, I might do another marathon session someday...