232. A Summon from Lawrence
Around three months had passed since the epidemic began to spread and since Avril returned to the duchy with everyone.
Currently, Avril and Dylan were at the royal palace in the Royal Capital Paisley.
Originally, they were supposed to still be passing time in the territory, but had returned earlier than planned due to a summons from Lawrence.
Within a reception room where a white marble floor and deep red velvet fabric gave a luxurious impression, Avril and Dylan sat side-by-side on a sofa, waiting for Lawrence.
“We have only been away from the capital for three months, but things have changed quite a bit. Even on the way here, the city felt empty.”
“The distribution of goods seems to still be disrupted. As shops aren’t receiving enough wares, many places are closing in the afternoon, leaving the city deserted.”
“And it’s happening because movement from the royal capital was restricted?”
“Yeah.”
At the time the music festival was held in the Duchy of Lancester, the epidemic was still confined to the 24th district. However, as time passed, the disease began to spread to the surrounding districts. Eventually, infections began to appear even among the nobility.
In the end, the situation turned into one where the king issued a royal edict restricting movement, just as had been initially feared. Entry to and exit from the royal capital was severely restricted, and people’s lives were severely limited.
At present, while the restrictions on movement had been lifted, the appearance of the royal capital, still bearing the remnants of the epidemic, was painful to see.
I heard that many nobles beyond just Count Fitzroy and his wife have taken ill and still have yet to recover. The difficult part will be starting here.
As Avril had such thoughts, the door opened and Lawrence entered accompanied by Alexandra.
“I’ve kept you waiting. How are things?”
“As long as I’m not given an unreasonable assignment at this time, I’m doing well.”
“Ahaha. That’s also true.”
Lawrence, while cheerfully laughing, gave an unfathomable impression, as always. Avril found it almost unbelievable that Dylan interacted with him as an equal. Not only that, Lawrence always assigned Dylan the most outrageous tasks.
From what she has experience accompanying him, he has tossed him nothing but unusually troublesome assignments of the highest degree such as infiltrating a masquerade ball and visiting a neighboring country as a “wicked woman’s lover.”
Seeing how Dylan complied each time despite his exasperation, yet without being surprised, meant he had probably received many such assignments before as well.
Along with being the Duke of Lancester, Lord Dylan is able to diligently carry out the work assigned to him by His Highness Lawrence. He truly is a capable and talented person.
Once again, she was struck by her husband’s competence and dazzling presence.
At present, there were many attendants and court ladies in the room. Dylan, without breaking his public composure, directly voiced his question.
“So, what is this important matter?”
“His Majesty the King wishes to abdicate.”
Avril’s breath caught at Lawrence’s dignified voice. Dylan also seemed equally surprised, but he didn’t let it show and calmly asked in return,
“…Is that something that has been decided?”
“Yes. We plan to announce it within a few days. The related events and ceremonies will be carried out promptly, and in two months I am to ascend the throne. At the same time, I’ll receive Alexandra as my lawful wife.”
“I humbly congratulate you on that.”
Dylan conveyed his congratulations with a stiff expression, but from the atmosphere of the room and his tone, it was clear that he didn’t mean it.
However, Avril could only watch the conversation unfold between the two. Alexandra was in the same situation; she sat calmly while her beautiful appearance that gave a sharp impression didn’t allow any emotion to surface.
The Duke of Lancester can trace its lineage back to the royal bloodline. According to the country’s regulations of succession to the throne, if direct blood relatives are alive, then the order of succession is determined by closeness of relation to the king. If none are, then the king may designate a crown prince at his own discretion. From what can be inferred, His Highness Lawrence’s words fall into that latter category…
An indescribable tension began to envelop the reception room.
Dylan, meanwhile, seemed as if he wanted to push Lawrence away. The crown prince, however, did not pay it any mind even though he should have noticed.
“Currently, I’m the only person in the direct line with the right of succession. Furthermore, I believe you are also aware that several collateral members of the royal family possess succession rights?”
“…Yes.”
“This hasn’t been made public yet, but all of them declined due to the recent epidemic. They were concerned about their physical strength.”
“?! What do you… there should have been at least three others.”
Dylan’s voice had involuntarily risen. Lawrence calmly and with presence of mind gazed back at him.
“They are all exhausted. Some have also contracted the epidemic. To begin with, His Majesty the King is also exhausted, and considering his age, it seems he has come to wish to abdicate early.”
“I understand. I have no intention of hearing what follows. I’ll take my leave now. Avril, we’re leaving.”
Dylan, having accurately grasped the direction of the conversation, quickly stood up and tried to leave the room, but Lawrence stopped him in a daunting tone.
“I intend to nominate you as Crown Prince.”
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