Chapter 73

Ed may never have been as embarrassed as he has now. This man who has been driven out of his house and has been tested countless times without knowing what to do now. The noble and wealthy businessmen with all the emperor are almost always watching him in the hall of the palace. His father and sister who have not seen him for ten years are standing in front, and His Majesty the Emperor is also sitting next to him, while Ferner and Prince Enrique stand on both sides of him, making him feel like he is a prisoner being escorted up...

Oh... You are Ed Ah... When you look closely, you are really young. You are just a child. That night you saved many people, including me. This time, no matter what the marriage is, you must reward your merits later.

After Ed walked to the front stage, the emperor looked at him and said, without any dissatisfaction with the expression, but at this time he had not noticed the expression of the friend next to him, Duke Crafal...

Your Majesty, you are so rude. It is only the duty of our subjects to defend the dignity of the royal family and the empire. There is no need to give me any reward for these matters. Moreover, for the people in our fortresses, the blood of those demons is the greatest praise...

Ed respectfully rejected the emperor's words. It was not that he didn't want a reward. It should be said that he wanted to get more money now, but compared to the money he got, he would rather make the royal family feel owed him, otherwise he would feel unhappy when he looked at the hateful smile of the second prince beside him...

Haha... the child's etiquette and speech are simply a nobleman, Enrique... Did you teach him before entering the palace?

Not only the emperor himself, but also all the nobles around him were slightly shocked by Ed's actions just now, because in their impression, the people in the steel wall fortress should be rough, rude, and without elegance, which is really inconsistent with the elegant boy in front of him...

Father, don't say that. Ed was educated by orthodox aristocrats when he was a child, and etiquette could not be taught in a short time...

After the second prince finished speaking, Ed had already confirmed that this bastard wanted to deliberately expose his identity, and at the same time he also blamed himself for his father and sister just now, just now, like a nobleman, but he also knew that this was the instinct brought by etiquette training when he was a child, and he probably couldn't change it at all...

Firner held his hand apologetically at this time. It seemed that the eldest lady was also the prince's accomplice. Of course, Ed couldn't blame her because she obviously had feelings for herself. As for why she had these feelings...

In addition to saving her last time, of course, I also teased her from time to time in recent years...

After all, it's my erotic mistake

Gauss... This kid... is really very good. What do you think?

The emperor had thought Ed was a vulgar and rude veteran like Fernande, and he also wanted to advise Ferner not to be impulsive because of his momentary obsession. Unexpectedly, Ed was a little beyond his expectations. To be honest...

He really couldn't find any shortcomings for the time being, so he could only leave the topic to Earl Gauss

Firner...Do you really like him?

Yes...yes...grandfather, I like him!

Seeing his granddaughter who was always sensible and stubborn, saying such words, Gauss knew that Ferner must have made sure he would not change it, so he could only transfer the breakthrough point to Ed...

The old Count's complex eyes made Ed feel a little weak, and it felt as if he had snatched something precious from him.

Mr. Ed, I don’t know how you fell in love with my granddaughter, but since the facts are already like this, I still have to ask more questions, are you really ready to marry her?

Gauss still stared at Ed with a scary look. As for the answer to the question...

Of course Ed wanted to say that he didn't want to get married at all, but now he was obviously unable to do so. If he didn't answer, Ferner's temper would definitely be resentful for the rest of his life...

Well... Lord Earl, if you ask me what I want, my answer is that I love Ferner very much, and I really want to marry her, but I have no choice but to have a humble identity in the past and I have never dared to make this relationship public. Until I accidentally saved His Highness Enrique at the last party, I begged him to give up the engagement and let Ferner be together. It just so happened that His Highness the Second Prince also had other lovers, so I agreed...

Ed took advantage of this issue and deliberately distorted the facts again. While portraying himself as a tragic boy who was troubled by love, he also created a non-existent sweetheart for Enrique, which can be regarded as a small revenge on His Royal Highness...

Yes! Yes... that's it! Ed and Miss Firner are truly in love. Father and Lord Gauss, please agree to our request to break the engagement and let Firner be with her sweetheart...

Enrique immediately took the words after Ed finished speaking, obviously not wanting to let people talk about issues related to him. The nobles around him were also talking about the relationship between Ed and Firner, which made him breathe a little relieved.... Mr. Ed served in the fortress for several years in the past. What position is he responsible for? What is his job now and what is his title?

Gaus suddenly began to examine Ed's identity like a parent. Of course, this Count is indeed a parent, so he must answer honestly...

Well... I served in the fortress for five years, served as a city wall slasher a year and a half ago, and spent the rest of my time working as a front-line scout...

Alas? Then how old are you now?

I am 25 years old this year, without a title, and just work as an island watcher on a small island in the moat

As soon as these words came out, there was another commotion and noise in the hall. Many men showed dissatisfaction, and were very angry at the toad Ed's behavior of wanting to eat swan meat. Of course...

It was more just jealous, because these young nobles basically proposed to Firner, so they naturally refused. Seeing that this retired soldier who was not even a nobleman actually won the hearts of a beautiful woman, of course no one would easily recognize him...

However, most women support them. Many ladies and ladies seem to have a good impression of Ed, a baby-faced war hero. What's more, the love story between the young ladies and civilians that often appear in the novel makes these women with ordinary lives seem to have some passion and begin to support Firner and Ed.

OK OK OK, everyone is quiet!

Because the commotion was a bit too much, the emperor had to stop the noise himself, but the atmosphere in the hall was obviously much sharper. However, compared to the jealousy and anger of those noble men, what Ed really worried about was his father and sister's reaction...

Do you think... your current identity and wealth... can bring happiness to Firner?

Gauss was naturally very dissatisfied, but he was still very caring and continued to ask questions, wanting to use these realistic questions to make Ed retreat.

I can. Although the salary of the islander is meager and I don’t have much status, you should also know your granddaughter very well. Firner is a girl with no material desires. She has no interest in gold, silver, jewelry, social status, etc., so whether she can give her happiness has nothing to do with my identity and wealth...

Ed used this to praise Firner and also avoided his poor and low status and disadvantages. Gauss also said nothing at all. After all, he couldn't say that his granddaughter was a woman who loved money and face, so you should underestimate the islander who was not worthy of her...

But the old count still refused to hand over the precious granddaughter he had trained for more than ten years to a strange man. The expression on his face was still very firm and he refused to agree, which made the scene fall into embarrassment again.

But... But if Ferner doesn't marry His Highness Enrique, she will be the heir of the Cleveland family. I... As the head of the family, I must... I must find her a suitable husband. Mr. Ed, please be honest, your identity is not suitable to be my grandson. Sn in law

Gaus didn't want to say so badly. After all, Ed was indeed a very excellent boy in his eyes. What's more, his life was saved by him at the evening party. But as the head of the family, he had to consider the future of the entire Cleveland family. Firner's husband must be a man who could support and support the family, that is to say...

At least if he is a great nobleman above a viscount, no matter how outstanding Ed is, it will not be possible to satisfy him. This is reality...

Gaus also knew it was helpless, but today he had to shamelessly destroy his granddaughter's happiness and love...

Gauss's words made the meaning clear, causing the scene to become chaotic again, and even the emperor could not control it. It was difficult for him to favor any of this kind of thing, but he was a little embarrassed, who was an outsider but the owner of this place.

Lord Cleveland, and Herman, please let me say something?

The sudden sound of words made the hall quiet again, because this voice directly called out His Majesty the Emperor's real name. There were only two people who dared to call His Majesty directly in this place and even the entire empire. One was Marshal Carter from the Steel Wall Fortress, and the other...

It is the master of this voice, Duke Crafal, who is standing next to His Majesty now

After Ed heard his father's long-lost voice, his heart felt mixed feelings. This voice was the same as when he was a child. It sounded a bit scary... but he was also very relieved.

Ah…What do you have to say, Lord Duke?

Gauss knew the status and strength of the duke, so he lowered the momentum in his tone as much as possible, hoping not to anger the other party, because he heard that something bad happened to Crafal's family recently, and the duke was in a bad mood.

Well...this may be a bit sudden, but...you agreed to your granddaughter Miss Firner and this Ed's marriage

Everyone, including the emperor, was stunned. No one seemed to have reacted to the meaning of the Duke's words. Only those who understand Ed's background understand the meaning.

Duke...Duke, I don’t know why you said that, but...but this is also our family’s business after all, you...you really make me feel embarrassed!

Huh... This is not just your family's business, Lord Cleveland, this Ed... is my son, so what I said just now... is to ask your family for a marriage on my behalf

…………

Half an hour later, in the courtyard of the palace, Ed and Enrique were gathering together and saying something. Although the nobles around him were very curious, no one dared to say anything sarcastic.

Hello... Ed, be happier. Today, you are engaged and reunited with your relatives. Ah, it’s so bad that I’m going to do something bad. Come on... laugh at me!

Prince, do you think I dare not beat you if there are so many people around you? What we said at the beginning, don’t reveal my situation to my family, I will help you solve Zoele’s gender problem. As a result, you did a good job today and directly broke my bottom in public. The entire capital will know that I am the son of a duke in the future!

Isn't this very good? Look at the marriage between you and Firna, who dares to say "No"? I just heard some little nobles discussing the matter of giving your daughter to you as a concubine. Look... Good things come one after another, no better than the current small official who only receives 2 gold coins a month.

Damn! My salary has increased to 25 gold coins, okay? Besides, if I really want to marry Firner, I need to rely on my identity! If it weren't for Firner's sake, I really... really... um... forget it! Just tell me directly what your purpose is to tease me like this

Ed was so angry that he was so angry that he didn't know how to send it out. He simply said nothing and waited for the other party to explain...

Haha... Actually, I just want to see you angry when Ed, who has always been calm. Oh... It's a pity that you will never be angry. To be honest... If you can really be so angry that you beat me, then my purpose will be Ah...

Ed found that compared with his sister Princess Milia, who looks lewd and cute, this seemingly serious and perfect second prince is a real pervert. Although he has not yet expressed the real reason, the remarks just now made Ed feel that everything is the truth...

Humph! If you don’t say it, I’m too lazy to get involved with you in the future. You can solve Zoele’s physical problems by yourself.

Hey hey... Don't leave Ah, I said I said it's not okay...

Enrique found that Ed seemed to have gradually found a way to deal with him, so he smiled helplessly. He originally planned to tease him more, but it seemed that he could only stop here.

Actually... I have been thinking about your identity for a long time this time. Of course, I wanted to keep my agreement with you, but there was no way... I need the benefits your identity brings to me

Benefits? Not to mention that I am an outcast who has been kicked out of the house for more than ten years. Even if my father admits my status, at most it will only bring closer our family and your royal family. I remember that our two families have a good relationship. Considering that you don’t have to worry about Ah at all after you succeed to the throne...

After hearing Ed's remarks, Enrique just smiled, not seeming to object but did not agree, but the smile still showed a hint of bitterness...

Ed Ah Ed, although you are smart, you don’t see far. It’s true that our two families have a good relationship, but do you know what the father was able to take the throne back then?

Well... I heard that it seemed like a few brothers killed each other, but the result was that there were two heirs left. Except for your father, the other one was a fool, so there was only one heir...

You are only half right. To be precise, to be precise, the major nobles in the imperial capital wanted my demented uncle to ascend the throne. The father had no power at that time. If Marshal Carter had not mobilized his troops and made those nobles afraid to stop in the end, the current emperor would be a puppet who would not even say anything.

Is it so exaggerated?

Ed, who has always been not very interested in political struggles, was also a little curious when he heard this place, because most people probably wouldn't have thought that those great nobles actually planned to let a dementia ascend the throne. If it is true, they can only say that they are too imaginative, of course...

It's really too arrogant

What I said is not an exaggeration. In addition to Marshal Carter and your family, there were only a small number of nobles in the capital, such as Earl Gauss. So even if he ascended the throne later, many of the reform policies of the father could not be implemented at all, because those great nobles still held most of the real power and territory. Although the situation was better over the years, it was still disgusting...

Then your plan is...

Then there is no need to say... Of course, we need to change this situation. The era of the old nobles controlling the power must end in my hands, but... do you know what our biggest weakness is now...

Well... After you mentioned this, the biggest problem of the royal family seems to be... the main forces supporting are far away from the imperial capital Ah

Ed discovered the problem after a turn of his mind. The fortress and his family were in the northwest and the other in the northeast. They were all far away from the Emperor's capital and could not take care of each other...

Huh... Ed, you didn't disappoint me, Ah, I suddenly discovered the key point. Many people think that the royal family has Marshal Carter as their backing, and your Krafal family has full support. There is no need to worry about the stable power, but the actual situation is that the three parties are too far away, and their connections are gradually weakening

Weakening? You're worried about it again. The relationship between the royal family and the fortress and my family is still very good.

That's only now, but what about the future? The fortress still supports our royal family because of Marshal Carter's charm alone. You know more about the people there than I do. Do you think if Marshal Carter dies, there will still be people interested in the political struggle in the imperial capital?

After saying this by the second prince, Ed really found that the problem here was a bit serious. Indeed, most of the fortress, or most of them, were just anarchists. Everyone gathered there to resist the demons purely for all kinds of non-political reasons. If Marshal Carter was not still there, no one would remember that the fortress was an imperial military unit. Thinking about it, the old man was also at the age of stepping into the coffin with one foot, and waiting for him to die...

The new fortress leader will definitely not take the royal family or even the empire seriously anymore. Anyway, the military spending there is impossible, and no one dares to stop it.

Well... there seems to be some problems in the fortress, so our family should be fine

Why is there no problem? The relationship with your family is only supported by the friendship between the father and your father, but to put it bluntly, what if they die? The relationship between the great nobles is purely based on exchange of interests. I am not sure that I have such good friendship with your brothers, so this seemingly solid relationship is actually the most fragile

You are a person who thinks more deeply, but you always think about what others have to do after death, so you are asking for trouble...

Haha... Of course I also want to live on the island like you, and live carefree every day, but I want to inherit the throne and have to consider things that I don’t even want to think about. Ed... Have you not discovered how important you are to me yet? From the time you exposed the murder of me two years ago, to the last party, you have saved me twice, and now I fully believe that you were sent by the goddess to me!

This... Considering your sexual orientation, Your Highness... I feel a little scared in my heart when you say this.

Enrique's sudden change in his tone and attitude made Ed obviously uncomfortable. In fact, he felt that he was not qualified to mock the second prince's sexual orientation. Hasn't he played Alvin, but...

Even Alvin is more cute than a girl when he is a child. This prince is helpless

Oh... Sorry, I was a little excited. You might have misunderstood just now. I mean, your identity will be of great help to my future political career, especially after you married Firner as the fourth son of the Krafal family, almost all the problems I just mentioned have been solved.

Ah...I really understand your boy's intentions

I think you should have guessed it too. First of all, you are one of Marshal Carter's most trusted subordinates, and you have a good relationship with the fortress now. As long as you remain in the imperial capital, even if the marshal unfortunately dies, our relationship with the fortress can be maintained by you and Fernande.

Then I married Ferner as the son of the duke, which would be equivalent to connecting our family with the royal nobles of the imperial capital. That is, relying on me alone, I barely gathered the three forces that had been scattered in the past. That's right

That's it, so I thought about it again and again and decided to expose your identity and family background. If you blame me, there is no way to do it, but I must achieve my goal. If I can't even maintain the power accumulated by my father when I succeed to the throne in the future, then there is no way to confront the nobles.

Well... It's amazing that you can think so much as a prince, but...how did you know that I'd stand on your side?

I've given you all Ferner. It would be too much if you don't help me. Besides, looking at the relationship between our fathers, I'm your younger brother Ah, Brother Ed...

Don’t! Don’t call me like this! I will help... I will help you whatever you want, as long as you call my name normally!

Ed stopped Enrique before he finished speaking his brother. This bastard prince seemed to have no idea of ​​concealing his nature in front of him. Ed really wanted those girls who admire him to see the true face of this perverted prince...

Haha... Your sister is here, I won't disturb your brothers' reunion, let's go first

Sure enough, Ed saw his elder sister Rena coming over wearing light armor of the church, but he found that he didn't know how to talk to his sister...

Ed...

Big sister...

Such a dull reunion may be somewhat unexpected for both of them. They just called each other and called each other as before, but no one knew how much meaning it was in the middle. Even Ed and Reina themselves probably didn't know about the past few years...is it okay?

At least it's alive, that's pretty good

Father... feels sorry for you, so I am embarrassed to come and see you

I don't want to see him either, let's say... He has nothing to do with sorry for me, I want to say sorry... What he really is his mother. I, a man, always have to go out to practice, but he just put the time a little earlier

Reina suddenly realized that apart from her appearance, she seemed to have completely changed. It's no wonder...

After spending five years in a place like the steel wall fortress, she couldn't imagine how Ed got through it

Are you still hating your father Ah?

There is no need to say that hatred. Even if I have been hating for ten years, I have no strength to hate anymore. I just don’t want to be related to the family’s mess. You seem to be looking for me in the past few years. It’s probably because my brothers have a problem.

Well... this... let's stop talking about it for now. If you don't want to go back, we won't force you. It's already very satisfied to see you again when you come to the emperor this time. By the way, you will restore your identity in the family.

Judging from Rena's tone, what happened in the family is not a trivial matter. What is hard to say here should be called a scandal. As for his identity, Ed hopes that they will not recover, but he has no choice but to make the decision.

And... If you want to know about your mother's situation, I can tell you too

No need, since she tricked me into the slave merchant carriage, I have regarded it as not having that mother, and will never meet her again. I guess she has long regarded it as not having my son.

Then... I won't talk about her anymore, haha... I'm really right. I haven't seen each other for ten years. I always say unhappy things when I met. Anyway... Ed, if you are short of money, I'll tell us that my family will help you.

Hearing this, Ed almost said that he was really short of money, but he still held back when he was right. Lena didn't know what to say, so she found an excuse to return to her father and discussed other things with Earl Gauss and the emperor.

Ed knew that her sister must have a lot to say to her. Of course, she actually wanted to discuss things related to Helena with her, but today's atmosphere is obviously not the time. Anyway, she seems to be staying in the capital for a while and will have the opportunity to talk about the serious matters.

Just then...Ferner also blushed and walked to Ed

Ed, are you still blaming me Ah?

Alas? Firner? No... No, if you blame me, I will only blame Enrique. I know it has nothing to do with you. Besides... I can marry you... I can take advantage of it.

Firner is so gentle today, how could Ed be angry with her? Of course...

The marriage really made him a little troubled. After all, this is a worldly shackle, which makes him, who is already used to freedom, very unhappy.

You... It's good that you can think so. Grandpa has agreed to our marriage with your father just now. Your Majesty seems to be very happy. I think this time... I really want to marry you.

I always thought you hated me very much, but I didn't expect... I really want to be with me.

Anyway... there is no one else. If the second prince was a normal person, I would definitely marry him. But since he likes men, I can only choose you. It is better than other waste nobles. Besides, I am a half-dragon man now, and only you know my secret.

Ah... I am satisfied that I can have such a ranking in your heart. As long as you don’t regret it, I will declare Ah first, I won’t go to your house to live. No matter what, I will live on my island.

Haha... Of course I know that you can't bear to leave your beautiful girl Ah on the island. I have already agreed with my grandfather that I will also go to your island to live before we officially get married, and he agreed.

What about after marriage?

Then let’s talk about it later, hahaha…

This was the first time Ed saw Ferner laughing so happily. It felt like the first time she saw her on the moat three years ago. It seemed that the haze in her heart was blown away by her. She suddenly felt much happier. I wonder if it was an illusion, Ed suddenly felt that he had known this blonde lady a long time ago...