Chapter 62: Revolution Era - To the Next Chapter
A month had passed since the surrender of Duke Lorraine, marking the dawn of
a new year.
In the bright sunlight fitting for the name ‘Light,’ cheers erupted
throughout the city of Lumière.
“Long live Francia!”
“Long live the revolutionaries!”
The revolutionary army marched towards the central square, followed by the
cheering crowds filling the streets.
I rode side by side with Raphael Ballian at the forefront of the
revolutionaries, leading them on.
Behind us, Louis Dezy beamed, waving to the citizens, while Jerome Morel
stood tall, his face alight with pride.
Turning my gaze from them, I looked upon the citizens welcoming us.
Freedom, Equality, Philanthropy.
The same slogans that once adorned the placards they held before my
regression fluttered in the air.
When I first set foot in this square, they had brandished those banners,
calling for my execution.
The second time, joining the revolutionary government, they looked upon us
with a mix of skepticism and anticipation.
And now, for the third time.
They welcomed me and my people as protectors, holding high the flags of the
Republic.
I slowly turned my gaze to Ballian.
He looked momentarily puzzled but soon offered me a reassuring smile.
- The National Assembly, still reeling from the war’s end, will want to keep
a check on you, a noble lord.
Ballian had said that.
Despite all my contributions to the Republic, becoming a hero to the
citizens, I would still be subject to their scrutiny after the war because I
was a noble.
If I had been alone, that might have been a concern.
But I returned his smile and looked away.
Among the many members of the National Assembly waiting to greet us on the
podium, finding Christine was not difficult.
The moment our eyes met, she smiled slightly, allowing me to smile back
naturally.
With her there, I had no reason to fear the Assembly’s scrutiny.
As our procession came to a halt in the central square, Maximilian Zidor,
the leader of the revolutionary party, stepped forward on the podium.
“Citizens of Lumière, and the proud revolutionary army. It is an honor to
make this declaration before you.”
As the revolutionaries stood proudly before him, Zidor proclaimed loudly-
“The people of Francia have triumphed in the revolution!”
Cheers erupted across the square, shaking the entirety of Lumière.
***
At the victory parade of the revolutionary army, the leaders of each party
within the National Assembly jointly declared the triumph of the revolution
and the formal succession of the Francia Republic over the fallen kingdom.
Among them were Maximilian Zidor, who had been elevated from a mere member
to lead the faltering radicals, Nicolas Briso, the head of the moderates,
and Count Anjou, whom we had positioned as one of the leaders, making a
total of three.
Thanks to Christine and me declining the leadership of the central party due
to our youth and the plethora of responsibilities, Count Anjou unexpectedly
became one of the representatives of the Francia Republic.
Perhaps because of this, the banquet held after the parade, attended by
members of the central party, was notably warm and convivial.
“You’ve done a remarkable job, Duke Lafayette. Thanks to you, we won the
war, and even this old border lord managed to rise through the ranks quite
successfully!”
Laughter broke out here and there as Count Anjou spoke in good spirits.
“Thank you, I’m also delighted to be part of this occasion.”
From the perspective of the more conservative nobles, it was satisfactory to
have Count Anjou as a leader, both in terms of authority and age, and since
no one denied that Christine and I were the real powers behind the scenes,
it was all acceptable.
“Now, to the glory of Duke Lafayette and the central party!”
“To glory!”
Following Count Anjou’s lead, everyone raised their glasses, and I slowly
savored the quality wine while surveying the surroundings.
Although all were members of the central party, more than half of the faces
were unfamiliar.
It wasn’t surprising, considering that our seats in the National Assembly
had grown from a mere 40 to 124 since we first joined.
“It seems many new faces have joined while I was on the battlefield.”
“Hahaha! It must be that many were deeply impressed by your exploits and the
influence of the central party!”
Now, those who had been part of the National Assembly from the start or had
won their seats with our support outnumbered the nobles who had joined the
revolutionary government with me.
“Countess Aquitaine deserves much credit. Her persuasion skills are so
effective that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that half of those who
joined the central party were swayed by her.”
“That’s too kind. It was more about people preferring practicality and the
trend of the times over prejudice.”
Christine responded modestly with a slight nod to Count Anjou’s praise.
With both the radical Revolutionary Party and the moderate Freedom Party
slightly exceeding 200 seats, we now held a decisive casting vote in the
National Assembly.
From a time when even our alliance with the moderates couldn’t outweigh the
radicals, we had significantly elevated our standing in the Assembly.
Even considering my efforts and the National Assembly’s turmoil due to
recent events, Christine’s skill is nothing short of remarkable.
That said, I took another sip of wine and narrowed my eyes slightly.
It felt a tad uncomfortable how much attention she was garnering,
regardless.
But regardless of my mood, the cuisine served at the banquet was nothing
short of exquisite.
Better than anything I had on the battlefield, and even surpassing meals at
the Duke’s estate.
The Republic had gone all out in preparing this victory celebration, and
watching everyone dressed up and enjoying the banquet, it almost felt like a
throwback to before the revolution.
Naturally, important discussions also flowed amidst the setting.
“It seems, Duke, you missed the execution of King Louis.”
“I had to redeploy the revolutionary forces and ensure their return, so it
was a matter of timing.”
“The Northern Union kingdom and all the principalities of the Germanian
Empire sent condemnations for the king’s execution, but the Krafte Kingdom
did not.”
“Hmm. Does that mean the Great King views us favorably?”
“Hardly. Even though he claims to be an enlightened monarch, he is still a
king. More likely, he’s trying to flaunt his influence by openly defying the
Emperor’s wishes.”
Krafte Kingdom.
A military powerhouse that, despite being a principality of the Germanian
Empire, has risen against the empire and expanded its territories within,
more than just any principality.
The empire’s nominal territory spans the central part of the continent, but
it’s mostly governed by the principalities, with the Emperor’s direct
control relatively limited, making such a situation plausible.
Moreover, their Great King is not only a competent monarch but also a
renowned general, so their current non-hostility towards us is a positive,
regardless.
...Using the Krafte Kingdom, which opposes the Emperor, to distract and
prevent the Empire from focusing on Francia would be ideal.
As I pondered, the conversation shifted.
“Ah, have you heard the news from the wastelands, Duke?”
“The wastelands, you say?”
“Yes, rumors are that barbarian tribes from the southern mountains have
established a kingdom in the wastelands.”
“...A kingdom founded by barbarians? If true, that’s astonishing.”
The wastelands refer to the barren peninsula beyond Francia’s southern
mountains.
There, apart from a few cities, tribes of orcs and goblins, broadly termed
as barbarians, reside, and it’s said that they once crossed the mountains to
raid Francia’s south.
But ever since Francia became a kingdom of knights and fortified the
southern mountains, these border barbarians were largely dismissed...
And now, such tribes have established a kingdom to Francia’s south?
“It doesn’t sound like good news for us. We’ll need to verify the facts.”
“Ha, with the renowned Duke Lafayette among us, we have little to worry
about!”
The member probably meant it without much thought, but...
Given that I command the Southern Army of Francia, and considering that a
significant portion of the assets owned by Christine, myself, and many
nobles within our party are located in the south, any arising issue would
inevitably become my responsibility to address.
Dealing with the Germanian Empire and the Abyss Corporation is already a
headache; I can only hope for no additional troubles.
***
After the banquet ended.
I had engaged in countless greetings and conversations, leaving me utterly
exhausted as I stepped out onto the balcony.
The dinner was manageable, but the sheer number of individuals interested in
me, given my dual status as a central party influencer and a revolutionary
hero, was overwhelming.
For someone like me, a border noble unaccustomed to the social culture of
central politics, this was more taxing than battling on the front lines...
It was especially irritating dealing with those who, despite knowing about
my re-engagement to Christine, insinuated odd propositions due to our not
yet being married.
“Haa...”
Nonetheless, the cool breeze on the balcony brought some relief, making me
feel somewhat revived.
With Christine still attending to guests, I contemplated mingling a bit more
before returning inside.
Just then, a distinctive knocking sound came from the door.
As I turned, the balcony door cracked open, revealing Eris in her familiar
white robe, half-stepping through.
Predictably, there must have been a fuss to dress Eris in a gown, but it
seems Eris had her way in the end.
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
“It’s been a while, Eris.”
“It has, Duke.”
Eris smiled gently, extending her hand towards me, and the light she emitted
effortlessly dispelled the fatigue from my body.
“Thank you.”
“You seemed troubled. Did it help?”
“...Immensely. You seem to have gotten more skilled?”
“It appears so. The more I use it, the more adept I become.”
A brief silence followed her words.
Choosing not to fully enter the balcony but instead to lean on the door
might be her own way of showing consideration.
As I was pondering this, Eris began to speak.
“I’m sorry, Duke. For King Louis... for mending his jaw without permission.”
I had insisted there was no need to fix it, worried that even if she healed
King Louis, he would only spew more abuse at Eris, burdening her with guilt.
“Well, you must have thought it was the right thing to do.”
However, after receiving treatment from Eris, King Louis reportedly
acknowledged his crimes and apologized in court.
Even those who initially jeered and mocked him fell silent as he repeatedly
confessed and apologized, right up until the moment his head was severed by
the guillotine of the revolutionaries.
Perhaps, King Louis might end up being the last person executed by the
revolutionary guillotine. Though that might just be wishful thinking.
“But what exactly did you do?”
When I first heard about it, I doubted whether he was the same King Louis I
knew. What kind of magic could change a man so drastically?
Eris merely smiled, a smile that seemed somewhat bitter.
“Well, I’m just glad you’re not angry with me.”
“...You’re no longer the young saintess under my patronage. I respect your
will.
Besides, the outcome was positive this time.”
Though it didn’t seem like Eris’ intention, her compassionate care for King
Louis during his escort ultimately led her to be more revered as a saintess
who could even bring repentance to a corrupted king of the old regime.
I looked at Eris, now an adult.
It would be presumptuous to think I still need to teach or decide things for
her.
Instead, I addressed her with the reverence due to a saintess deserving of
respect and a princess I serve.
“Congratulations on reaching adulthood, Princess Essiliste Lillian de
Francia.”
“Thank you, Duke Pierre de Lafayette. I look forward to continuing our
journey together.”
Eris responded softly, then chuckled and shifted her gaze.
“Countess Aquitaine-!”
“Y-Yes, Saintess?”
Christine’s voice, tinged with a rare hint of confusion, followed by a
slight scuffle, and then Eris ushered Christine onto the balcony before
lightly stepping away and disappearing.
Christine’s face was slightly flushed as she aimlessly fanned herself with
the hand fan she held, prompting me to laugh.
“Oh dear. I should have been the one to fetch you, but it seems I’ve been
assisted.”
“I was waiting for you to rescue me, but you seemed preoccupied with someone
who was bothering you.”
Christine snapped her fan shut and cast a sidelong glance at me, causing me
to burst into laughter again.
“I apologize. It’s not much of a substitute, but...”
I pulled out a fan I had previously tucked into my coat and extended it
towards her.
“This is a belated engagement gift.”
“This is...”
Christine examined it and her eyes widened upon noticing the gemstone
embedded in the handle.
Initially, I considered gifting her something like a brooch or a ring
suitable for an engagement, akin to what she gave me.
However, knowing the black dress she always wears symbolizes mourning, I
realized she abstains from any jewelry.
After much deliberation, I decided to commission an artifact she might use,
a fan, which has now been completed.
Christine seemed to instantly understand why I chose a fan among many
options, and she smiled gratefully.
“Thank you, Pierre.”
“Someday.”
The day she, who returned Aquitaine to Louis, frees herself from guilt and
the weight of mourning, casting aside her mourning dress.
“Until we can truly be together, let this token protect you in my absence.”
Christine smiled softly, then jokingly said,
“I’m worried I might make you wait too long.”
“There’s no need to worry. Both of us will be quite busy until then, so time
will surely fly.”
The corrupt and decadent old kingdom has finally crumbled, but we’ve only
just passed the first hurdle.
There are many more mountains to climb ahead.
With a smile, I reached out my hand to Christine.
“So, trust in me, as I trust in you.”
Christine smiled back and extended her hand in response.
“Gladly.”
I believe that as long as we’re together, we can undoubtedly overcome any
challenge.
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