As the coronation ceremony ended, the attendees transitioned to a standing banquet. Since Holfort Kingdom was still recovering, the celebration was modest.
Some thought that opulence would be needed to earn neighboring nations’ respect, but Leon’s awakening meant that luxury wasn’t necessary. Holfort’s new king was the hero who’d vanquished the empire; he’d more than proven his mettle in battle.
“Where’s Leon? Did he retire to the lounge?” Angie had been speaking with each country’s envoys up until now. As she realized she hadn’t seen Leon in a while, she became so anxious that it showed on her face. She felt guilty for forcing him to push himself so hard when he’d only just awoken.
“He said he was going to rest, because he’s exhausted,” Livia told her. “But, judging by the way he sped out of here, I think maybe he was just running from the party itself.” She smiled, although her brows were drawn together in a look of exasperation.
Angie’s face brightened a little. “I hope that’s all it is. Resting is part of his job right now.” She nodded in satisfaction to herself.
“What? I haven’t heard anything about this!” Noelle’s panicked voice echoed from a short distance away. It was loud enough to gain the attention of everyone nearby.
Angie sighed. “What is she making so much fuss about?”
Livia chewed her lip nervously, worried about what could be going on. Whatever it was must’ve been beyond Noelle’s ability to handle, because she hurried over to Livia and Angie the moment she saw them, holding a document.
“H-here, Angelica,” she stammered, her hand trembling as she passed her what appeared to be a contract.
Angie scanned the page with growing horror. “I’ve never heard about this,” she said.
Three women followed Noelle over.
Deirdre pressed her fan over her mouth and chortled. “What a relief that Leon—pardon, His Majesty—came back to us safely.”
“Deirdre?!” Angie glowered at her.
Clarice smiled. “I would think you understand exactly what’s going on from looking at the contract, don’t you, Angelica? His Majesty promised us this compensation when he was still an archduke.”
Angie handed the contract to Livia, who began trembling as she digested the stipulations it contained. “He promised this to House Fanoss as well?!” She stared hard at Hertrude.
Hertrude made peace signs with both hands, although she was too bashful to show any emotion on her face. “Before we set out, you’d gathered us all in one place. Did you think we’d keep each other in check? Sadly for you, I’m the type to prioritize my own interests and those of my house over petty arguing.”
Livia was speechless. Hertrude had played her hand well.
Louise stepped toward Noelle. “Sorry about this, Noelle. I know it was unfair of me to arrange it this way, but I had to put what’s best for our homeland above all else.” She spoke as though her hands were tied, but her beaming face contradicted that.
Noelle’s fists trembled. “You put your own feelings first, and don’t you pretend otherwise!”
“Oh, dear. You saw through me?”
Angie shook her head. She needed to calm down and handle this situation. “Though I’m sure I already know the answer, I have to ask, just to be absolutely clear—what is it you four want?”
Leon had rather vaguely promised to reward them with whatever compensation they desired once the fighting was over. No specifics or limitations were given in the contract, and it most definitely had his signature at the bottom.
“That should be obvious,” Clarice answered for the other girls. “We want…”