40 - The Bookworm’s Second Life

The Reader’s Redemption Life - Chapter 40 “I’m not particularly skilled at spinning long stories.” He decided to downplay his abilities out of courtesy. Agreeing too eagerly might garner suspicion, even if some would gladly accept the bait. To bring them into this performance completely, he needed them to willingly take a seat at the metaphorical stage. "Why hold back, then? You’re always so articulate in front of the young ladies." Ludwig was the first to speak, his tone provocatively teasing. It seemed he was determined to find a weak spot in Sion after feeling quite humiliated at his own mansion. At this, Estia from the Marquis of Onere, despite their familiarity, warned Ludwig to mind his manners. Ludwig, who had a subtle affection for Estia, had to step back, grumbling in a manner unbefitting a self-proclaimed future knight of the kingdom. "I agree with Ludwig this time. When you so easily boast about yourself, why are you silent on such an occasion? Here, your boasting would not just be hot air but praise that elevates our nation’s dignity." “It’s not a story I take pleasure in telling.” With Sion’s words, even Estia’s expression hardened, along with Berekric's. How could the stories of victories and commendations in war not bring him joy? “…Prince Sion Clausen. What do you mean by that? Not joyful?” “As I said, Lady Estia, it’s not something I particularly want to discuss.” Sion made sure to gaze deeply into Estia’s eyes as he said this. It wasn’t intended to seduce or rally her to his side—just a move to rile up Ludwig. “…” Naturally, the effect was impressive! Estia blushed and averted her eyes even for a moment under Sion’s gaze. Meanwhile, Ludwig’s face twisted with annoyance. "Just a moment, Prince Sion. Didn’t you secure a victory?" “Yes, indeed.” “And were you not at the forefront, leading that victory?” "That is correct." Then what could possibly not be enjoyable about it? Berekric seemed to ask. For someone calling for war, winning is just like a merchant closing a deal, or a farmer enjoying a bountiful harvest. Estia and Ludwig shared similar sentiments with Berekric, looking intently at Sion. Sion sighed lightly and surveyed the party hall. "Those who merely witness the war’s aftermath often see only the glory, honor, and benefits it brings." “Hmm?” “I used to think that way. That victory in war would bring unparalleled glory, worth any risk.” Here is where it began. Sion slowly initiated his theatrical expression. In his previous life, pulling off such a demeanor would have been absurd, yet Sion Clausen’s visage was handsome enough to make even sophisticated noble ladies shy away. Now was the time to utilize this asset—his face. “Ah.” At the first hint of melancholy in his eyes, a gasp escaped from Estia’s lips. Of course, Berekric and Ludwig might think it was ludicrous, but at the very least, those eyes would invariably appeal to women. ‘The key is to recite the lines slowly.’ Having set the tone, it was time to fully immerse himself in it. “But… when I stood at the brink of battle… and bore witness to its horrors…” The two men were irrelevant. He just needed to appeal to that one woman. The other two would be swayed by Estia’s influence. “I realized that all of it… all of it was in vain…” Ah, a sigh escaped Estia once more. And it didn't stop there. Most of the noblewomen and ladies who had been discreetly listening to the conversation and observing the situation covered their mouths with exclamations of “Oh my.” ‘The spotlight is mine for now. Those who haven’t yet caught on to the mood will soon.’ Nobles keep each other in check here, and while they worry about a too-powerful monarchy usurping their authority, fundamentally, they fulfill their duty to work for and defend this nation. Because should the nation fall, they, who once enjoyed basic rights within it, would inevitably enter a brutal deathmatch of survival. Therefore, they must protect the nation, whether they like it or not, loving and maintaining the state of Hispania due to their essential upbringing. Sion planned to exploit that very point. "In the act of throwing myself back into the horrific battlefield to save a lagging soldier, I saw the exhausted and wounded allied soldiers. Men who might have otherwise had nothing to do with the war, yet were the first to be summoned and thrust into its tragedies." Widening the scope. Now, he was addressing not just the three but also the assembled nobility around them. “His Majesty graciously called me a hero. But in retrospect, I was not the hero. I merely fought beside them.” “Ah…” “This gathering commemorates our victory in the war against Nudia. To this, I humbly add my thanks to all those heroic souls who perished gloriously and to everyone here who will dedicate themselves to the future of this country.” It’s a simple play on words but laden with hidden traps. It’s a gathering of nobles committed to the country’s cause. The statement subtly shifts the atmosphere to one of renewed allegiance to the nation and the crown. ‘Is Kim Yoo-hyun not around?’ Before proceeding, Sion discreetly scanned his surroundings. Even if Kim Yoo-hyun were present, it was unlikely he would notice. Still, caution was always necessary. Fortunately, Kim Yoo-hyun was absent from the party hall. Since Lucia hadn’t shown up at the party either, it seemed he hadn’t moved as well. ‘Okay, next step.’ Sion paused momentarily and looked around. Victory, heroes, glorious sacrifice, words of gratitude. All the key triggers were laid out to move them. Now, subtly tugging at their emotional strings would sweep everyone into the atmosphere. “This is a letter left by a soldier who fell in the recent war.” “…” “Incidentally, the day he perished was also the day his wife gave birth.” Sion had inserted a tragic death flag into a nonexistent letter, tugging at heartstrings. A father dying on the day his child was born—how clichéd could one get? Yet, it’s precisely because it's so predictable that clichés work! “When I am called, O Lord, grant me the strength to face the foe on any battlefield, to protect the neighboring children from enemies, and to save the elderly trembling in fear.” Staring at the empty sheet as if it contained poignant, tear-jerking words, Sion recited the final line. “And should I lose my life by divine will, may the Lord’s grace watch over my wife and family…” Perfect, even down to trembling and breaking his voice at the last part. While a bit guilty for playing such a dirty trick, Sion consoled himself that in order to survive, he could do far worse. “…” “…” “…” No one spoke a word. The gathered nobles, Berekric, Ludwig, and Estia all stared blankly at Sion, waiting for his next words. “This nation was protected by the unnamed souls. It is their victory. We must all strive to ensure their intent remains untainted.” There was no applause. No, there shouldn’t be any applause in a setting like this. If anyone did clap, Sion might have struck them hard enough to knock them out then and there. Slowly, a noble raised his glass. He stretched out his arm as high as possible. Then, the noble beside him followed suit, and then the next. One by one, all the nobles around them raised their glasses. Finally, once everyone present acted in unison, someone spoke again. “To glory for our country. Loyalty to our royal family.” “To glory for our country, loyalty to our royal family.” Of course, not even half the nobles following this chant might actually mean it. Loyalty to the royal family stemmed merely from a desire to maintain their influence. Their love for the country was only a wish that their authority wouldn’t wane. But that didn’t mean they should defy the atmosphere created here. In fact, defying it might instantly brand them as traitors. Especially with Sion Clausen, the war hero and centerpiece of the party, looking at them with teary eyes—a stance against him would be unthinkable! The nobles recited those words and drained their glasses in one go. Whether the vow was sincere or not, one thing was certain. Those words were uttered in a gathering within the royal palace, so whether willingly or unwillingly, they'd have to demonstrate even more effort than usual. Why, you ask? The reason is simple. ‘You spoke those words there, but disregard the royal family's directives and aid the enemy? Then you’re a betrayer.’ In doing so, others would have the "justification" needed to tear them apart. A justification that says, “He promised loyalty but didn’t act upon it, so he deserves it!” ‘Though it was just a crude play and mere wordplay.’ Politics inherently involves this. To thoroughly deceive with just a single word and to slaughter even kin in the frenzy is power. Justifications can either be nooses that choke their bearer or daggers that pierce one’s heart. While politics may seem sophisticated and noble, behind it lies sheer pettiness. Sion knew this better than anyone. Or perhaps he had been made to understand it all too well. After all, politics was a domain more absurd than most comedy shows, producing candidly entertaining spectacles that amused more than any comedy film could. ‘I’ve done my part, Your Majesty. The rest is up to you.’ Sion had provided the king with the picturesque framing and justification of ‘nobles pledging allegiance to the nation and royal family.’ Did Sion walk away with nothing? Hardly. Instantly shedding the image of someone who merely ascended due to his father, Sion would now be remembered as the man who bent nobles with mere words—a significant gain indeed. ‘Moreover, the princess would no longer react aggressively to my words.’ Judging by the situation, it seemed his past self had committed quite a faux pas. This, given his need to assist in progressing the relationship between Kim Yoo-hyun and the princess, was not welcome news. Thus, Sion intended to transform into ‘a once foolish idiot who has now matured,’ easing the princess’s wariness toward him. ‘Yoo-hyun. Trust your brother. Soon, I’ll have you shed that eunuch label.’ Even if he felt pity and frustration towards Kim Yoo-hyun, the hero unable to properly secure a heroine despite the numerous adversities he overcame, Sion felt this was the least he could do for the protagonist of the story. With that thought, Sion smiled. Noticing Vanessa's peculiar gaze lingering on him, Sion thought to himself that things might unfold more smoothly than anticipated. Of course, that was nothing more than wishful thinking. [Author’s Note] Last Update for June! Is everyone feeling the heat? Hang in there! My air conditioner broke down! Ahahaha!