Page 365 of The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

Three days ago.

A grand council of nobles was convened in the Imperial Palace.

“All nobles of the Empire shall answer the Emperor’s summons.”

The sudden call from the Emperor left a range of emotions etched on the faces of those present. For the young patriarchs who had newly taken over from their fathers, there was anticipation. For the older nobles, who had attended countless councils, there was only weariness.

They wondered, "What bothersome matter has summoned us this time?"

...

It was a rare event for all the Empire’s nobles to gather in one place. Each noble had a domain to manage and responsibilities to attend to.

This alone signified the importance of this council's agenda and suggested the Emperor had something crucial to say. However, to the busy nobles, even this didn’t seem entirely welcome.

Darbav, who attended the council with Kyle, observed the faces of the nobles gathered as he walked through the hall.

“Quite a turnout.”

The Duke of Lumiere, Protector of the Eastern Sun:

— “Congratulations on assuming the role of patriarch, Duke. The Empire will be blessed with prosperity!” — “Ha-ha, you're too kind. Compared to my father, I am nothing. My strength doesn’t reach even half of what my father contributed to Lumiere.” — “Such humility! Lumiere’s future is indeed enviable!”

The Duke of Ardela, Guardian of the Northern Death Forest:

— “I wonder what the Emperor has called us for this time. Dealing with the monsters is already giving me a headache.” — “Father, if others hear, you might end up like Desmund.” — “Daughter, if Desmund hears, it would be an even bigger problem.” — “...” — “Honestly, Desmund scares me more than the Emperor.”

And the Duke of Belian, who had failed to protect the Western Seas, filled an empty seat in the hall.

High-ranking nobles had gathered in surprising numbers.

Just the presence of the Empire's four Dukes together was a significant event. Although they had all met three years ago due to Olivia’s incident, it was refreshing to see them in such a formal setting.

"Hmm... it seems the Emperor does inspire fear."

Not a single noble approached Darbav.

Murmurs criticizing Desmund could be heard here and there... and there was a sense of people keeping their distance.

Among them, the one showing the most overt hostility was the current ruler of the West, due to a recent unpleasant incident.

"...Desmund."

Wolfgang Rui was glaring at Darbav. Even while conversing with other nobles, he kept glancing over, eyes full of hostility.

Darbav had a good guess why.

Word had likely reached him about the freezing of the western canal.

Though he couldn’t understand why Wolfgang glared at him without any clear evidence, it didn’t particularly bother him. He had a good idea who might have been behind the canal incident.

“Quite a sight.”

“...But why has the Emperor called us here?”

The Emperor was usually mindful of appearances, often not making attendance compulsory at most councils...

— “If the patriarch does not attend the council, he must sign a waiver relinquishing any right to dispute the council's resolutions.” — “...A waiver, you say.” — “Yes, it’s the Emperor’s command.” — “He does insist on inconveniencing us.”

Darbav pondered the Emperor’s unusual actions, sensing another motive.

“It seems like he's targeting a specific Duke.”

Most Dukes wielded such powerful authority that they often sent representatives in their stead, a convenience both for the Emperor and the high nobles.

Unless, like the newly appointed head of Lumiere, they aimed to build connections with other nobles, patriarchs usually focused on their own duties. But the Emperor had mandated their attendance, suggesting that this council was far from ordinary.

Just as Darbav’s thoughts started to solidify, a loud trumpet announced the arrival of the Emperor.

Bwoooooooom...

“So, he’s here.”

The sound echoed throughout the hall, signaling that the Empire’s most radiant sun had finally moved from his heavy throne to grace them with his presence.

[“The Sun of Leogarde, His Majesty Emperor Leogarde, enters the council hall!”]

The murmuring nobles lowered their heads. Darbav, too, bowed as a sign of respect. Nobles were not to look upon the Emperor’s face unless given permission.

“Raise your heads.”

At the Emperor’s command, the nobles raised their heads, and soon the face of the Emperor, who had summoned them all here, came into view.

With a head of white hair and a beard to match, his overall appearance was calm yet conveyed an air of supreme authority unlike anyone else present.

On his right stood the Sword of the Empire, and on his left, the Crown Prince held his position.

Darbav clicked his tongue upon seeing the Crown Prince. Was the frivolous prince finally stepping up?

The Emperor had always brought the Head of the Histania family to official events, while the Crown Prince, using the excuse of wanting to see the world, often abandoned his duties.

Now that the Crown Prince had shown up, just as public opinion among the nobles had begun to turn against him, Darbav scoffed. This foolish boy finally seemed to be trying to use his brain.

The hall buzzed with murmurs.

Those allied with the Crown Prince cheered, while supporters of other princes bit their lips, muttering their thoughts on the matter.

Darbav didn’t dwell too deeply on it. He had long withdrawn from politics.

If Olivia had shown any interest in politics, he would have devoted himself to expanding their influence. But since she had no interest whatsoever, he saw no point in doing anything for her in that regard.

Kyle, on the other hand, managed just fine on his own.

— “Kyle, let me clear the way for you. My influence will surely help make managing the family easier.” — “No, thank you.” — “...Why?” — “Because I want to prove that I am a more capable patriarch than you.” — “Annoying brat.” — “You said the same thing.” — “...”

The Emperor, seated on his golden throne, cast his gaze over the nobles gathered in the hall and quietly expressed his gratitude.

“I thank you for answering my summons.”

A rather dull speech commenced.

As always, he spoke of national affairs, thanked the nobles for their efforts, and commended those loyal to him, marking the formal start of the council.

“Yaaawn...” “Father.” “How can I help feeling sleepy?” “Would it be all right if I stepped out for a nap?” “Hmm?”

Darbav’s eyes widened at his son’s audacious remark.

“I wonder how long he plans to prattle on about meaningless things. In this time, we could earn another hundred gold...” “Well, that may be true.” “One hour. We’ve already wasted one hour on unproductive talk.” “Still... we must endure. Who knows when the Emperor might cast his bait.” “...” “The Emperor’s words equate to gold. If we pick and choose what we listen to, it can be worthwhile, so bear with it.” “Yes, understood.”

After an hour and a half, the Emperor finally began to reveal why he had gathered the nobles.

“For many years, the Empire has been striving to subjugate the beast of the West.”

At the mention of the West, the Duke of Belian, who had failed in a previous attempt to subdue the Western beast, ground his teeth.

“The Empire lost a capable retainer in that battle, and it left an indelible scar.”

A capable retainer. The Emperor was referring to the former head of the Belian family, a fellow Sword Master like Lowen.

“In this council, I wish to discuss a plan to resume the subjugation of the Western beast.”

As the Emperor revealed his intent, every noble avoided his gaze. From the lowest barons to the dukes, none concealed their reluctance to take on such a dangerous task.

And then.

“Father...” “I know.”

Wolfgang was grinning.

The puzzle pieces were falling into place. Who conceived this plan, and who was aiding him in executing it—all was becoming clear.

And the target of this plan was...

“It’s us.”

The Emperor pointedly named a specific house among the nobles with bowed heads.

“Desmund.”

Desmund’s name.

Darbav clenched his lips in silence. The Emperor was shifting responsibility for the Western threat onto Desmund.

“...” “I would like Desmund to take up the banner for this campaign.”

“...” “What say you, Lord Desmund?”

“...Hah.”

Words failed him.

He found it absurd that the Emperor, who once cast Desmund aside, was now asking him to lead the charge as if needing his help. It was laughable.

With a voice filled with restrained anger, Kyle whispered to Darbav that it was clear the Emperor intended to set Desmund up as a scapegoat.

“Father.” “I am aware.” “Will you do it?”

Darbav shook his head.

He’d already fallen out of favor with the Emperor, so one more slight wouldn’t change much. Breaking the long silence, he turned to the Emperor and replied.

“Your Majesty, I believe that matters of the West are best resolved by the West.”

Darbav, fully aware of the Emperor’s intent, responded firmly without a hint of hesitation.

“Desmund is currently serving a punishment decreed by Your Majesty. I ask you to consider this limitation in light of our position.”

“Hmm, is that so.”

The Emperor responded with a smirk.

“I thought there was no better way to restore Desmund’s honor than through this mission.”

“...”

Hearing the Emperor openly demean him in front of the other noble houses, Darbav clicked his tongue in distaste.

“Once tarnished, honor changes nothing upon its restoration.” “I am offering you a chance. An opportunity to reclaim your place as the protector of the South.” “...” “Following the recent incident involving the young lady, I am prepared to restore the authority of the South to you.” “...” “The land you relinquished.” “...” “The authority stripped from you.” “...” “I am willing to help you restore all that was lost. Why are you hesitant to lead?”

The Emperor’s words, spoken so publicly, were a clear slight against Desmund. He could have easily discussed this in private.

“Must I order you by imperial decree for you to comply?” “...” “I wish to offer you this opportunity.”

...

Darbav considered a notion he hadn’t entertained before.

“Perhaps it’s time to replace the Emperor.”

He hadn’t wanted to become involved in politics, but the Emperor ◆ Nоvеl?g?t ◆ (Only on Nоvеl?g?t) had crossed a line today.

“Father...” “Kyle.” “Yes.” “Where do you think I should aim the meteor?” “Please, hold back.” “Hm...”

An oppressive silence settled, as though only Darbav and the Emperor were present in the vast hall.

“...Hah.”

Releasing his tightly clenched fists, Darbav sighed deeply and addressed the Emperor.

“I, Darbav of House Desmund...”

“...”

“Will carry out His Majesty’s orders.”

A smile spread across the Emperor’s face.

And, similarly, relieved grins appeared on the faces of the nobles who had narrowly avoided being chosen for the task.

“But.”

Darbav spoke with a faint smile.

“I request the authority to personally select my companions for the campaign.”

“Granted.”

“Then I...”

Darbav lifted his head with a smirk.

“Request the Crown Prince as my companion.”

And now.

“Eeeek?!”

As she packed for the journey west, Olivia shuddered at the sight of a flimsy piece of cloth fluttering before her.

“My lady, how about this?”

“Ricardo, that’s a chest cover.”

“It covers everything that needs covering.”

“Ugh!”

Ricardo continued presenting peculiar clothing.

Tiny scraps of cloth. Underwear the size of a fist. Clothes that one might wonder if anyone could even wear, all laid out with a gleeful grin on his face.

“Then how about this chic black one?”

“Is that supposed to go on my head?”

“No, it’s pants.”

“Eek?”

Ricardo was in high spirits.

And.

“Rosanna! How about this bikini?!”

Even her father was in high spirits.

Just like Ricardo.