Chapter 389 Is This The Set Route?
When Sara and the others arrived at the palace, they were taken to a guest room with a space for women to get ready. The queen had learned that the king wanted to send out dinner invitations that afternoon, so she instructed her ladies-in-waiting to prepare dresses, shoes, and accessories for the guests. Noblewomen often did not believe the king's messengers when they said, "Your attire doesn't matter."
However, when the queen found out that the guests were a young girl and a common merchant, she worried it might lead to problems. News from the Duke Arbal family indicated that the merchant had returned to the Grandchester estate only four hours before dinner. The queen thought,
"This is unfair, His Majesty. If she arrive dressed poorly, she will be seen as just a common merchant. But if she is late, it will keep the king waiting. Maybe the king is doing this on purpose."
In high society, there was much talk about a young and beautiful merchant who appeared in the Grandchester territory. She sold unique products, including alcoholic drinks, music boxes, cosmetics, and a special selection of herbal teas that caught the queen's attention.
For royalty, having children is very important, and it comes with a lot of pressure. The queen had already given birth to the Crown Prince and a second prince, as well as a legitimate son from the Crown Prince and his wife. Many nobles were particularly interested in products that could help with fertility and boost vitality.
In front of the clever merchant woman, the king is trying to show he is in control by acting this way. If she comes in the same clothes as during the day, the nobles will look down on Sophia, thinking he is showing mercy by protecting her. However, if Sophia insists on her outfit, she might be late for the invitation. If she does arrive late, they might think, "Is she disrespecting the king?" and act intimidating.
The situation of being invited to a "dinner" is also intentional. It's hard to believe that commoners know the dining manners required in the royal palace. By saying things like "You don't have to be so formal," he plans to show off his superiority and kindness.
The queen is worried about the king's plan to embarrass a woman, and she wants to protect Sophia and her friends. Since they are merchants, she thinks they might not arrive in fancy clothes. The queen and her ladies-in-waiting believe Sophia and the others won't dress like royalty.
However, when the Grandchester family's carriage arrives, everyone is surprised by Sophia's beauty. Even the ladies-in-waiting who know many noblewomen are amazed. Sophia carries herself with the grace of a high-ranking noble.
Additionally, the girl who comes down with her looks like a younger version of Sophia. The maids recognize Chloe, the Grandchester family's daughter, and realize that the unknown girl is Sara.
When Chloe stepped down, the maids were surprised. She looked different from the girl they knew. Her curly hair was gone, replaced by smooth, shiny hair tied up neatly. She wore a cute dress, had glowing white skin, and her graceful movements and serious expression made her seem like a completely new person.
'We have no chance to add our touch.'
The waiting maids realized that the dresses and accessories they had prepared were unnecessary. One of the maids hurriedly reported to the queen that Sophia and the others had arrived in perfect, no, even more wonderful appearances than expected. Hearing this, the queen said, "That's quite delightful. His Majesty's face will be a sight to see," pleased that her predictions were wrong.
The queen did not dislike the king; in fact, she thought their marriage was good. However, she felt troubled by the king's obsession with power.
The Crown Prince is in his late thirties, which is considered late for someone to inherit the throne. In contrast, the current king became king at just 20 years old. While the king is capable, the queen and her advisors have noticed that his judgment has declined over time.
Despite this, he has no plans to step down. Advisors who suggest he abdicate often lose their positions. However, he is not a foolish king; he is described by the queen as "ambitious but rational."
* * *
Sara and the others were waiting in the guest room when Marquis Grandchester and Edward appeared about 15 minutes before they were to be taken to the dining room. Of course, it was to greet them.
"I'm just glad we made it in time. I thought it would take longer to get ready, but it seems we arrived before Duke Arbal's family, so I'm relieved."
Here, there's a rule that those of lower status enter the room first, and if Sara and the others were late, it would be disrespectful to the Duke's family and the royal family. In that sense, the king's summons was quite forceful.
Once Sara confirmed that only Grandchester's associates were in the guest room, she cast soundproof magic to prevent eavesdropping.
"Grandfather, why did this happen?"
"From the way you speak, it seems Sophia is the golem. You're different from this morning."
"I considered the possibility that they might ask Sara to show her magic."
"That's possible."
Marquis Grandchester nodded quietly and continued speaking.
"Perhaps His Majesty wants to have Sara and Sophia under his control."
"Not the Grandchester family?"
"That's right. He's probably not satisfied with just moving Sara and Sophia through me. In reality, the Grandchester family doesn't have the power to control Sara..."
"You do have influence!"
"Who knows? If I make unreasonable demands, you might just leave without a second thought."
"All you have to do is not make unreasonable demands. Basically, the Grandchester family has been providing various conveniences, right?"
"That's true. His Majesty is probably saying to provide those conveniences for himself."
"That's quite greedy."
"I won't deny it, but isn't that what rulers are like?"
Sara tilted her head, thought for a moment, then shook it side to side.
"Well, I think there are mixed opinions on that. However, it's not my preferred way. If it gets too troublesome, I might just leave Avalon."
"Hmm... That would be a problem."
"There's a chance they might try to include those emotional aspects as well."
"Sara... I'm sorry for Chloe, but it seems like there's a possibility you could be made a candidate for the princess."
Chloe flinched, her shoulders shaking, but she didn't interrupt the conversation. However, Sara was different.
"This is no joke. Marrying into the royal family is a nightmare for me. I wouldn't be able to run my business freely."
"But if it's a royal command, it's hard to go against it."
"An 8-year-old commoner as a princess? That's insane. If they want a connection with Grandchester, there's a legitimate daughter in the main family!"
"It seems the royal family is aware of Adelia's lineage."
"Talking about relatives I don't even know..."
Sara let out a deep sigh. At that moment, Chloe walked over and gently patted Sara's shoulder.
"I kind of aware of it. In front of Prince Andrew, Crown Prince Gerhart called Sara 'the treasure of Avalon,' right?"
"Yeah, he definitely said that. But you shouldn't take him seriously; there are suspicions that he's a pedophile. Also, you might conveniently forget, but it was grandfather who revealed my mother's lineage in front of Prince Andrew. It's not like the royal family doesn't know about it already."
"Now that you mention it, that's true. I was pretty shaken at that time. I prioritized hiding that Sara has fairy friends because you were pointed out for having too much magical power."
"I'm not the only one being careless, am I, grandfather?"
After a brief moment of silence in the room, Marquis Grandchester smiled at Sara.
"Sara, I love my grandchildren. Of course, I love you, Chloe, Adam, and Christopher too."
"Thank you?"
"I've promised Nora too. I won't use you all as tools for political marriages. Chloe, you don't want to marry Prince Andrew for the sake of the family, right?"
"Yes, Grandfather. I have feelings for him."
"Then that's good. You should be with the person you love. Don't worry about the family's situation. I still regret opposing Arthur and Adelia's marriage. If it were Nora, she would probably say I should allow it."
"But won't the Grandchester family face pressure?"
"If they can, let them try."
"Father! Are you planning to side with the nobles!?"
Edward shouted in a panic.
"Edward, even with Sara's soundproof magic, don't say anything careless in the palace."
"I'm sorry! But!"
"Of course, I haven't forgotten to respect His Majesty. However, I believe that true subjects are not just those who blindly obey the king's words."
"I understand what Father wants to say. I get it, but still..."
Marquis Grandchester placed a hand lightly on Edward's shoulder.
"Edward, do you think Sara is weaker than the king?"
"Huh? There's no way anyone can beat Sara. Even if the king uses all his magic, Sara would blow him away with just a breath."
"I think so too. With a sigh from Sara, His Majesty's wig would turn to ashes."
"That's true."
'What is this... I can't shake the feeling that I'm being subtly mocked.'
Sara felt uneasy but decided it wasn't right to interrupt a conversation between father and son, so she stayed silent.
"Therefore, I think I won't stop Sara's rampage today."
"Father, that's reckless. If you allow it, the capital could become a sea of fire."
It seems that between Marquis Grandchester and Edward, Sara's rampage is already expected.
"Why do you assume I'm going to rampage!?"
""Because it's Sara.""
Chloe, standing nearby, nodded silently in agreement.
"That's terrible!"
"Then, can you say for sure that you won't rampage?"
Sara flinched at Chloe's sharp comment.
"Maybe I won't, but... I might need you to be a little prepared."
Sara's counterargument was so weak that she questioned herself. It seems she is aware of it.
"Well, that's fine. Sara, act as you like. I'll handle the rest. Sophia is probably a golem, but don't say anything that would give His Majesty a reason to act."
"Understood, Your Excellency the Marquis."
"Such a polite Sophia. It would be wonderful if you were always like this."
"I can act as usual if needed."
"No need to do anything extra."
"--Remember this, Sophia. I want the Sophia Merchant Guild to remain a free merchant guild, not tied down by anyone. Even if it's the royal family, we will eliminate any power that tries to control us."
"Understood, Miss Sara."
Marquis Grandchester and Edward couldn't hold back their laughter at the surreal scene of Sara giving orders to Sophia.
After finishing such a light discussion and releasing the magic, they heard a knock on the guest room door. It seemed it was finally time to step into the center of the battlefield.
Sara headed to the venue with Marquis Grandchester, while Chloe went with Edward. By the way, Sophia's escort was one of Marquis Grandchester's knights, but Sara didn't know that there had been fierce competition among the knights for this role.
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