Chapter 225: The Noon Bell Tolls


    As noon approached, the arena was filled with people


    Emperor Johannes, who was watching the situation in the VIP seat located at the highest point in the arena, sighed at the sight of his missing VIPs.


    Who has joined us so far?


    We have the guests from the Principality of Albatro and Rondine together with our guest from Sokal, Your Majesty.


    The United Kingdom and the Dominion are absent huh


    Yes. Both of them were asked to stay in their room as important witnesses for Leticia-samas abduction but it seems that they are dissatisfied with this treatment. Well, perhaps they simply do not like being suspected as criminals.


    Hmph, they should have known this would happen given the rtionship between the Kingdom and the United Kingdom.


    Johannes said so and asked for the remaining guest.


    Wendy-dono and the Saint obviously cant attend the event today but what about Celestial Princess-dono?


    Wendy, who is their guest from the Elf Vige, is currently staying in her room in the castle.


    Her action was restricted and her situation is close to being under house arrest but considering the size of the case she was involved in, this is already a generous treatment.


    Leticia, the Saint on the other hand was abducted and currently not even in the Imperial Capital.


    It was inevitable that the two would not be here.


    However, Orihime the Celestial Princess is different.


    I havent received any report yet but I forcefully asked her to restore the barrier inside the throne room so..


    Didnt I tell you that such a thing can be put off.


    We can not possibly dy that, Your Majesty.


    What would you do if she says that she wont being because she is tired? The people would get suspicious from the fact that the Saint is missing alone but if even the Celestial Princess is absent too they will start to worry, you know?


    Even so, the restoration of that barrier is our top priority. Besides, if the tournament smoothly proceeds, the peoples anxiety would be minimized to some extent anyway.


    Despite problems after problems keep presenting themselves, the reason why they didnt consider the possibility of canceling this event was to not make their citizens anxious.


    It was the result of the discussions among the Emperors close aides.


    Also, the fact that Eric, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, guaranteed to everyone that Sokal would not invade the Empire did y a big part.


    If the Sokal empire is not involved in this incident, the meaning it holds is that their opponents are only the Kingdom, the United Kingdom, and the Dominion.


    If that is the case then it will fall into their already predicted scenario so there is nothing worth panicking about.


    Johannes has that much confidence in the defense of his borders. The confidence in the ability of the elites he has assigned to protect them.


    That is certainly true


    Johannes sighs at Franzs words.


    For Johannes, this tournament is a big event that will conclude the 25th anniversary of his coronation.


    It also serves to allow his people to forget all the recent incidents in the Empire.


    For that sake, he had invited well-known guests from other countries to reassure them.


    If they do not show their faces at this tournament then it would make him doubt why he had invited them here in the first ce.


    When Johannes was thinking so, the people suddenly raised their voices.


    Whats happening?


    It seems that Celestial Princess-sama has arrived.


    Orihime entered the arena while making herself as noticeable as possible.


    After she waved and smiled at the people, she walked toward Johannes.


    Thanks foring, Celestial Princess-dono.


    Umu, It was pretty tiring. Your Majesty. I was up all night you know.


    We apologize for the inconvenience, you have my gratitude.


    I will ept plenty of your gratitudeter. For the time being, treat me amicably. We have to put up the show to distract them from the Saints absence.


    Saying so, Orihime pointed at the seat next to the Emperor.


    Normally, this ce only has two chairs each for the Emperor and the Empress.


    Orihime is telling the Emperor to let her sit here as well.


    Her aim is to show the favorable rtionship between the Celestial Princess and the Emperor. If they have something to talk about within their sight, the people will not worry about someone who isnt here.


    I see. Thank you again. Franz, prepare a chair.


    Yes, as you wish.


    With that said, a luxurious chair is prepared next to Johannes.


    Orihime sits down there and immediately bounced on it to check itsfort.


    Umu, so fluffy! The view is great too. Its a special seat!


    Saying so, Orihime starts looking around.


    Then, she noticed something.


    Mumu? Where is the Knight Commander that is always with you, Your Majesty.


    I left Alida at the castle. Franz was the one who arranged that. I left the preparation today in his care.


    Fumu, is it also rted to how you want me to fix the barrier in such a hurry?


    My deepest apology but I can not give you the details as it is rted to security concerns.


    I see. Then with the Knight Commander away, the protection around His Majesty will be thin, no? Cant you at least tell me something about that?


    My apology.


    Sorry, Celestial Princess-dono. My Prime Minister is a little inflexible.


    Mind not. A prime minister has to be secretive like this. If the Empires Prime Minister is not this secretive then it would be boring.


    Thank you very much for your understanding. Excuse me for changing the subject but where is His Highness Arnold? Celestial Princess-sama.


    Al who is supposed to be Orihimes entertainer is nowhere to be seen.


    Franz looked around as he thought that he might be mingling with other guests but he seems to not be here.


    Arnold huh. I left him in the castle.


    You left him? Did that stupid son of mine did something again?


    Arnold is doing well. I have been very entertained thanks to him. I left him there because I nned to sit next to Your Majesty from the beginning. If I sit next to Your Majesty, he would have nowhere to sit after all. I was only being mindful.


    I see. Thank you for your consideration.


    Its me who is grateful. Arnold took good care of me. I dont think that other princes would be able to do the same. I took a liking to hispany, you know. You chose a good prince to take care of me.


    Saying so, Orihime shows a wide smile.


    Johannes was a little surprised at her evaluation of Arnold but he immediately smiled back.


    I see, I see. He is a lot like me after all.


    Absolutely. Especially your whimsical part, Your Majesty.


    Hearing that, Johannes res at Franz but Franz simply pretends not to see that.


    While they were having such a conversation, the Empress, Brunhilde who was out greeting the guests, returned to the room.


    My, Celestial Princess-sama.


    Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress. I am sorry for disturbing you here but please allow this selfishness of mine.


    What are you saying. You are very wee here, Celestial Princess-sama.


    Brunhilde weed Orihime but her true feeling can not be ascertained.


    However, no one here cares about that.


    Johannes would prioritize Orihimes proposal over Brunhildes feelings and so does Franz. Orihime is well aware of that so she doesnt give much consideration to Brunhilde either.


    Furthermore, even Brunhilde herself understood that her feelings are only a secondary concern here.


    An empress is originally that kind of existence. Even if she directly shows her displeasure, Johannes would mercilessly move her seat even further away from him.


    The gap between them has widened even more from the time with Laurenz.


    In that slightly tense atmosphere, Orihime heard the sound of a bell toll.


    It is the bell that announces the arrival of noon.


    Its time huh. Well then, lets get started.


    Johannes raises his hand while sitting on his chair.


    With that as the signal, the knights lined up and blew the horns.


    The sound of the horns echoes throughout the Imperial Capital.


    After the sound settled, Johannes stood up from his seat and addressed his people in a loud voice.


    Hear me! I hereby announce the beginning of the Imperial Fighting Tournament!!


    A big cheer echoed.


    While listening to their cheer, Orihime muttered to herself in a small voice.


    I pray for your luck.Arnold.


    After that Orihime slowly sharpens her nerves.


    After all, the unpleasant smell is now stronger than ever.