Chapter 567: An Apology at the Door
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 567: An Apology at the Door
Inside the magnificent palace, a mesmerizing glow reflected off everyone present.
But at this moment, these titans—men who stood at the very pinnacle of the Empire and would likely remain composed even in the face of a Calamity—looked as nervous as if they had reverted to the day they first became fathers. Cold sweat began to bead on their tense, grim faces.
"Hey, hey, hey, what’s wrong with you all? You look like you're facing a mortal enemy. Is a cute little bear like me really that terrifying in your eyes?"
The Pink Bear felt he was being subjected to inhumane "cold violence" the moment he took office. Dissatisfied, he slammed his paw on the table.
"The Empire is currently swaying in the wind and rain! Now more than ever, we must be of one heart and mind to overcome these hardships. If you all are this listless, how are we supposed to answer to the various factions? How are we to answer to the countless citizens of the Empire?"
"No... letting you sit in that chair is already hard enough to answer for."
After a long silence, Count Bugard’s noble upbringing finally failed to keep his facial expressions in check. His cheek twitched as he spoke up first.
"I don't understand. What kind of provocation did His Majesty suffer to make... a Pink Bear the Regent?"
A Pink Bear.
The Regent.
Everyone seated there was a top-tier figure of the Empire; they naturally knew exactly what kind of "mystery creature" was inside that fursuit.
To them, the connection between these two facts was undoubtedly more absurd than the idea of the brutal Demon Race suddenly turning into charming, gentle beauties.
Yet, this utter absurdity was exactly what was happening.
Thus, as the Pink Bear swaggered to the head of the table with a gait that suggested he didn't give a damn about anyone, the crowd gasped in unison, sharing a single thought:
The Empire is doomed.
"Is there a problem?"
Hearing this, the Pink Bear immediately grew displeased. His round bear eyes widened as he barked, "Think about it! I am dashing, extraordinary, brilliant, wise beyond my years, transcendent... and, uh, what was it... dashing! Tell me, why shouldn't I be the Regent? Huh? Why not?"
The Pink Bear pounded the table with thunderous force. With every strike, the antique council table—which had witnessed countless historical events—shuddered violently. The eyelids of the gathered nobles twitched in sync with the vibrations.
Why not?
Because you can't even scrape together five different words to praise yourself!
Count Bugard took another deep breath. "Lord Pink Bear, we have no intention of arguing with you. Since His Majesty has appointed you as Regent, we have no right to refuse. After all, the Royal Bloodline in your veins is genuine. However... we hope you will use this privilege with caution. After all, your every word and action now concerns—"
"Don't call me Pink Bear. Call me Duke Oranriel Leopold," the Pink Bear suddenly interrupted.
"What?"
Bugard and the others froze, thinking they had misheard.
But the Pink Bear propped his two bear legs up on the long table and tilted his head back with a huff. "I said, call me 'Duke.'"
"Duke..."
Count Bugard frowned in thought for a moment, looking bewildered. "When were you granted a dukedom? How have I never heard of this?"
The Pink Bear—or rather, Oranriel Leopold—might spend his days in a ridiculous fursuit acting like a fool, but he was indeed the current Emperor's biological uncle. In terms of status, being elevated to a Duke wasn't incomprehensible.
However, a matter of this magnitude shouldn't have been kept so secret. Was it some private arrangement from the era of the previous Emperor that they were unaware of?
"Oh, that..."
The Pink Bear picked his nose and said casually, "I just conferred it upon myself."
"Huh? What did you say?"
"I said, I just conferred it upon myself."
The Pink Bear acted as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "As the Regent temporarily in charge of the Empire's power, I need a status that matches the role, don't I? It's just a dukedom. What's the big deal if I give it to myself?"
"Just a... dukedom..."
Having spent half his life striving to finally squeeze into a seat at the Imperial Council, "Count" Bugard felt his vision go dark. He nearly fainted on the spot.
But before he could say anything, a commotion erupted nearby.
"No... this is bad! Marquis Modor has fainted!"
"Quick! Call the Imperial Physician!"
"Move aside, I know healing magic!"
"It's no use! It's a stroke brought on by extreme agitation! Healing magic won't work!"
The once solemn and majestic Imperial Council had descended into utter chaos.
Yet, the Pink Bear seemed completely oblivious to the fact that he had turned the meeting into a circus. He cradled his bear head, lost in happy fantasies.
"Ah, I've been suppressed by that brat Audrich for so long. Finally, the day has come where I can do whatever I want! With this power, what should I do first?"
"Should I start by giving those filthy lolicons from the Kingdom a good thrashing? Or should I issue an imperial decree to collect a photo book of the Empire's top-tier beauties?"
"Oh dear, oh dear, it's so hard to choose."
"..."
Hearing this, the vision of the others went dark once more. The same thought surfaced naturally in their minds:
The Empire is truly, definitely doomed.
*
"You're letting... Great-Uncle Oranriel act as Regent?"
By the bedside, Albert looked up blankly, his voice laced with disbelief. "This... this is too much of a joke. Father, you know Great-Uncle Oranriel's—I mean, the Pink Bear's—temperament better than anyone. Letting him rule... isn't that pushing the Empire into a pit of fire?"
"Rest easy... cough, cough... My uncle is indeed a bit of a clown, but when it comes to matters of principle, he knows right from wrong."
Audrich III coughed into his fist a few times before continuing. "Given his personality, the worst he'll do is abuse his power to beat up the people at the Kingdom's consulate or have people collect beauty photos for him. Compared to the actions of certain maggots within the Empire, I don't think that qualifies as... pushing the Empire into a pit of fire."
"But..."
"What?" Audrich III suddenly looked at Albert with a meaningful gaze. "Do you have a better idea?"
"I..."
Albert's anxious expression froze. Realizing something, he quickly reined in his emotions and lowered his head. "No. Since it is Father's arrangement, I have no objections."
"Very well. You may leave now. I need to rest."
Audrich III waved them away and closed his eyes, looking like a man who had nothing left to say and was closing his doors to guests.
Albert remained expressionless, but his lowered hands trembled slightly, gripping the hem of his clothes tightly.
Regent.
Regent!
He had done so much just to legitimately obtain that position. He wanted to use the power of the Inner Council to extend his reach into every facet of the Empire. Countless interests had converged for this very goal.
But why? Why would this senile, dying Emperor rather give the Regency to that damned, ridiculous bear than to his only son?
Could it be...
"First Prince Albert."
Startled, Albert snapped his head up to look at Celicia.
She had already finished giving the maid instructions regarding the medicinal herbs. It was as if she hadn't even heard the discussion about the Regency. She turned and reminded him, "It's time to go."
"Ah... yes. Let's... let's go."
Albert stood up and walked out of the room with slightly stumbling steps. He caught one last glimpse of that withered, gaunt face—a face that clearly had no intention of changing its mind.
The doors closed, and the halberds of the guards fell back into place. The waiting maids stepped forward to support Albert, making him look even weaker than he had before entering the room.
Celicia’s gaze also swept over the closed door one last time. She murmured under her breath, "So that's how it is."
Though she hadn't exchanged a single word with her father from start to finish, the purpose of her visit had been achieved.
"Are you alright, Brother?" Celicia turned to ask Albert.
"I... I'm fine. Of course I'm fine." Albert forced a smile. "Do I look like something's wrong?"
"Your complexion looks a bit poor."
"Ah... that's just because my previous injuries haven't fully healed. I'm just a bit short of breath, that's all."
"I see. That's good then." Celicia suddenly clapped her hands. "I was worried you were feeling unwell, but now I don't have to be. Brother, do you have some time?"
"Time?" Albert blinked, looking at Celicia warily. "Is there something you need?"
"Mmm... nothing urgent. But as your only sister, can't I invite you... to dinner?" Celicia tilted her head, her tone suddenly becoming heavier. "Dear older brother?"
"..."
Just as Albert was about to speak, a few palace maids happened to pass by, bowing respectfully to the two of them.
Seeing the maids whisper among themselves and steal glances at him and Celicia as they walked away, Albert took a deep breath. He swallowed the refusal he had prepared and smiled. "Of course. It would be my honor, my dear... sister."
"That's wonderful."
Celicia reached out. "I've pre-booked a table at a famous noble restaurant. The environment is excellent—very quiet and very private. I imagine... tonight, no irrelevant person will disturb the... communication between us siblings."
Outside the window, the shadow of a bird circled anxiously in the sky. However, hindered by Celicia’s presence beside Albert, it hovered at a distance, not daring to approach...
*
"You? What are you doing here again?"
At the Dion Mansion, Sharp looked at Wei'er, who had come to visit once more. His cheek twitched as he demanded, "Wasn't it enough that you humiliated the Dion family last time? You're coming back for a second round?"
"No, no, no, Master Sharp... oh, wait, I should say Lord Marquis Dion. You've misunderstood."
Wei'er didn't have the casual air she'd displayed when following Celicia. Her words and actions were quite respectful, and she wore a sweet smile.
"This time, I'm not here to cause trouble."
"Not... causing trouble?" Sharp frowned, though the suspicion in his eyes remained. "Then what is it?"
"I am here on behalf of the Guild President to... apologize for our previous rudeness. Look!"
Wei'er pointed a finger, directing Sharp's gaze toward several massive carriages she had brought with her.
"These are all gifts the President specifically prepared to express his sincere apologies!"