31st Consort Chapter 4-8

Chapter 4

If Feria was like any of the other ladies of nobility, she would've been stunned and pessimistic about this situation. However, Feria is a strong-willed country girl who was raised in the "Island Isolated by the Heavens" the Calodia Territory. Even without a court lady, even if the residence isn't maintained, even without a kitchen, even if it's this 31st Consort's residence that only has a well, she can comfortably relax without any restrictions.

"For starters, let's steam some potatoes."

She then started collecting twigs scattered around the garden. The next thing she did was took out a pot containing potatoes and a flint along with a cooking rack, and took them all to where the twigs she gathered are, lit up a fire and steam some potatoes. In the Calodia Territory, there are times when Feria went herb hunting inside the forest at night, and being unable to set up camp in that situation won't be seeing the light of day.

When the whole mansion's covered with the delicious smell of food, an interviewer had arrived at the residence.

".......May I inquire what are you doing?"

The knight, who's assigned to interview Feria, asked to the lady, Feria herself, who is currently consuming a mouthful serving of a steamed potato in front of him.

"Ah, good morning."

Feria replied splendidly ignoring the Knight's question.

"Would you like some as well? It tastes good."

The knight actually did think that it seemed delicious. Realizing this, Feria gave the knight a serving of steamed potato.

"My older brother's things were mixed inside my luggage. I believe my he's panicking right now."

Feria brought three luggage bags with her when she entered this residence. One of them got switched with Riccaro's camping gear. It was a trustworthy camping gear that not only includes a flint and a pot, but also a cooking rack and a pack of potatoes. The luggage Feria lost is full of books. Since she thought she'll be left with nothing to do for the next three months, so she packed lots of it filling it to the brim, then she felt that it'll became annoying by the time so she's secretly happy about this turn of events.

"......Is that so."

Not knowing how to interact with Feria who's way different compared to the other candidates, the knight was was only able to reply as such and laugh the rest away. Much like the previous day, Feria had a displeased expression as she glared at the knight.

"I apologize. I didn't-"

"have any bad intention! Right?"

Unlike yesterday, the two ended up laughing it off. Then, several knights carrying large luggages came by.

"Captain, are you planning on skipping work by yourself?"

The luggage they placed on the ground were farming tools. Feria was so delighted that she almost jumped for joy. Feria expressed her gratitude to the knights and gave them a serving of the steamed potato.

".......Captain Binz, I just can't perceive her as a consort."

One of the knights whispered. Everybody else were nodding in agreement to that statement. The Knight Captain Binz was amused by their thoughts.

"She even faced off with the court lady chief without backing down. Quite unbelievable, isn't she. I can't wait for what would happen in three months, don't you guys agree?"

The order of knights under Binz is currently divided into four and had been assigned to protect the consorts. The first division is assigned to the 1st up to the 10th consort, the second division to the 11th up to the 20th consort, the third division to the 21st up to the 30th consort, and lastly the fourth division is assigned to the 31st consort. Out of the four divisions, only the fourth division is composed of a few people. These three knights who're currently eating steamed potatoes is the entirety of the fourth division. It's understandable since they're in charge of protecting 30 other consorts, which is a far cry from protecting a single person.

"You mean that strict court lady? Well, you see. At first, I was complaining why am I being assigned to this trashy division, but it seems that guarding the other consorts is...... very troublesome it seems. That said, if it's that consort, then it might just be fun. Also, these steamed potatoes tastes good."

"You got that right. The guys in charge of the 15th consort were already halfway to bawling their eyes off. I hear that they're being treated like servants over there. They've been asking me to switch with them. I'm actually glad that I've been assigned to this residence. The steamed potatoes were delicious."

The three knights were talking as such while having a good time.

Feria is busy with the farm tools.

Binz is.....

"Now that I think about it, the king's first partner is the 15th consort. He's probably going to be in a bad mood."

Such were his heartfelt concerns for the well being of the king.

Chapter 5

Macron felt goose bumps on his left side where Mimiri was snuggling on to him. Macron almost let up a squeal, but barely managed to hold it in.

"Forgive me. However, this is a part of a tradition. Now then, it's about time I head back to work. You may enjoy your stay."

"Mu~u."

The woman pouted and won't let Macron's arm go.

"Come again. Until you say you'll come again, I'm not letting go."

The goose bumps started to spread throughout Macron's body. 'Be patient, Macron'..... Such was Macron's attempt to cheer himself up. The woman then started pleading for a night walk with him.

"Ah, I understand. I'll go."

He answered with a strangely stiff smile directed at the woman.

"Kya~, Mimiri is so happy!"

The woman jumped on Macron grabbing a hold of his neck. The hair all over Macron's body stood unison. I'm already at my limit. Whether it was physically or mentally..... Macron forcefully removed the woman from his body, and made his way to the foyer.

"Ah, I'll come again. On the 15th of next month that is."

He declared at the woman after creating a considerable distance between him and the residence. The woman attempted to chase after him, but Macron is headed straight for work. Is what it seems, but he's just escaping, running away, and grasp freedom from the woman's clutches.

Behind the mansion, the knights in charge of protecting the 15th consort were all pale. They were thinking what kind of unreasonable claims would be thrown at them once the consorts starts her tantrum.

Binz left the protection of the 31st Consort to the knights in charge, and made his way to the king's location. On his way to the king, he passed by the 15th Consort's mansion, and heard a shrill voice resounding throughout the whole residence. Binz placed his hand on his temple.

"Forgive me, my men."

Though he understands the hardships his men are going through, he can only apologize from his heart as he pushed on. To the place where his master, who's in a much more displeased state than the 15th Consort, resides.

"Binz, use everything in your power and make the next three months end now."

Binz can only make an empty laugh after being ordered to do the impossible as soon as they met. Despite that, Macron gives another order in all sincerity.

"Rather than that, make the rest of this ceremony end. I've been dealing with them for two months already!"

Macron's currently infuriated. Who would've guessed that he'll be dealing with the 15th Consort right on the first day, both his mind and body is exhausted. It seems that he's taking his anger out on anybody that entered his mind.

"I have no such authority. That said, if we don't continue for the next three months.... you won't be able to meet the 31st Consort. Please bear with it."

YOU'LL ALSO LIKE

Royals by Jenny7265

Royals

11.7K

318

Jayden is a chubby boy who often spends his money on Snacks,He is often bullied because he was simply plump.

His mother ran away from home when he was just an infant.

Hi...

I'm Done With My Husband, I'll Go And Make Money  by todayis_Lee

I'm Done With My Husband, I'll Go And Make M...

8.1K

258

I became the wife of a man with a lover.

Well, should I help him keep his chastity?

"Then you can sleep on the floor."

"...What?"

Ah yes, the floor i...

Reincarnated?! by TwilightMurasakino

Reincarnated?!

729

25

Anna Miller. She is half-Otaku. She prioritized her studies first, after studying she starts watching anime, manga, and ship other crap.

After a week, she had died due t...

I'm Only a Stepmother, but My Daughter is Just so Cute! by MACASAWA

I'm Only a Stepmother, but My Daughter is Ju...

23.6K

734

I managed to get myself thrown into a story as a stepmother so jealous of her daughter that she tried to kill the girl with a poisoned apple.

I'd love it if I could show...

Gold Medal Doctor by Linshaoyu

Gold Medal Doctor

14.8K

409

this is not my story for offline reading only. One more thing I only use mtl

She is a silly girl, everyone is bullied and ridiculed, the fiance is ashamed of her, cold e...

The Duchess of the Attic by HeavenSecret

The Duchess of the Attic

24.4K

27

The new life of Duchess Opal all started from a dusty attic. The house she resided in after a political marriage with the young Duke, Hubert, was full of hostility. Ther...

Ace by xxdailydolanxx

Ace

6.3M

146K

Ace Hernandez, the Mafia King, known as the Devil . 

Sofia Diaz , known as an angel . 

The two are arranged to be married , forced by their fathers , joining the two Maf...

Binz is just a Knight Captain, the only ones who can realize Macron's orders are the elders, who are in charge of keeping the traditions alive. Those elders seemed to have taken refuge in another room to escape from Macron's wrath.

"I'm already at the limit of my patience!"

"...... I agree, even the knights are at their limit it seems. I've heard shrieks resounding from the 15th Consort's mansion. Even I want to end this mission and go back to my original knightly duties."

Though Binz agrees on Macron's thoughts he still made effort to calm him down. Though he can't fulfill Macron's unreasonable orders, he does have an idea, he wants to let Macron know that he can finally start picking his queen from the consorts.

"To make sure that every consort is granted an equal amount of time spent with you, the meeting time is shortened to a single hour in the morning, this would be the compensation for preventing the king from doing his royal duties these past two months without being able to decide consort...... This is what I would like to propose to the council of elders in charge of selecting the consorts. The effects of having the knights away from their original duties would start showing sooner or later. After all, a hundred knights in charge of maintaining peace in the castle town had been assigned to the consorts. "

Anger had subsided from Macron's eyes and his sanity had returned. The corners of Macron's lips rose.

"As expected of Binz, you are a friend that everyone would need."

Macron stood up and placed his arm on top of Binz's shoulder. Binz shakes Macron's arm off him.

"Now, let's go Binz. Let's make those elders nod their heads."

Macron dragged Binz towards the room the elders escaped into. Afterwards, Binz's proposal went through and Macron has been in a great mood after a long time.

In the evening, Binz headed straight for Feria's residence. He intends to deliver the thing she requested in the morning. When he arrived, he saw three knights drenched in sweat. The overgrown weeds surrounding the residence we're being mowed down. The knights were holding sickles, while Feria's holding a ladle. Binz froze for a moment. This is a residence for a consort, isn't it....... Binz placed his hand on his temple.

"Do you have a headache? Wait a minute, to be I'll decoct some herbs."

"No, it's fine. I'm just trying to escape from this unbelievable reality."

Binz dropped his shoulders as Feria stared at him with pity in her eyes. The knight in charge were trying to hold their laughter.

"Well, anyway. You're going to eat, right?"

Just like in the morning, Feria fed the knights with her cooking. It's a soup chock-full of vegetables with dried meat added into it. It's something made using the ingredients inside Riccaro's camping gear. It even has hard bread. Eating bread after dunking it in the soup is a typical way of eating camp meals.

Binz should've been more prudent here. However, he was being swept away by Feria's outlandishness. All of the knights came into realization and went pale as soon as they heard Feria's next words.

"They can't even serve meals, is the Danan National Treasury alright?"

That's right. It was these words. Binz gulped down the hard bread he's eating. Then, he immediately lowered his head in front of Feria. This, of course, included the other knights as well. Feria's expression stiffened as she listened to their excuse.

"I see, it's something that court ladies are supposed to bring. It's that's woman's retaliation against me who said I didn't need one. So she wants me to bow down to her and plead for food."

A grin surfaced on Feria's face.

"Bring it on! I don't need court ladies and their food. I'll take her on, it'll bring shake upon the women of Calodia otherwise!"

"However, the Danan country's, no, it'll tarnish the reputation of the King. Failing to deliver meals to consort invited by the palace is...."

Binz said as to order the knights to bring food, but that attempt was prevented by Feria.

"I don't need food. In exchange, bring me ingredients. It'll be as if the king's properly giving me food."

This was how Feria's second day at the palace ended. Binz held his temple with an expression of distress on his face.

Chapter 6

If there's a garden, then there's a flower bed. If there's a flower bed, there'd be bricks. If there are bricks, you can make a simple kiln. In Feria's eyes, it's already easy enough to make a kiln, but with the help of three knights in charge, it made the process much easier and faster.

"We can make delicious bread with this."

It was then when Binz appeared. A large sack was sitting on his shoulder. He set down his luggage with a groan.

"It's food ingredients. Are you really sure..."

... About the food? Was a question he knew that need not be answered after seeing the delicious looking breakfast in front of him. And, once again the five of them ate together.

Afterwards, Binz left Feria in the care of the other knights and made his way towards Macron.

It was time to choose a consort for the Country of Danan.

It's during this conference that Binz managed to arrive.

"First of all, the 1st Consort is still 7 years old. She is a princess sent to Danan temporarily.... In short, she's only here as a sign of cooperation with choosing a suitable consort for the Danan Country, and so, we decided that have her withdraw from the candidates."

It was the consort that had Macron furiously complain about playing house.

"Next is about the 5th and 6th Consorts, which is of the same circumstances. According to them, they had already fulfilled their role as a sign of cooperation, and had already sent their request for withdrawal."

The report from the elders brought a smile to Macron's face.

"Alright then, it should be fine if I don't interact with the 1st, the 5th and the 6th Consorts from now on."

The elders knit their eyebrows as soon as they heard Macron's words.

"We can't have that....."

The elders stopped talking the second that smile on Macron's face disappeared. As if to follow up, Binz started talking. That said, the one he's following up is Macron and not the elders.

"The moment of social interaction with the consorts in the morning can't be removed. It should be fine if the social interaction be made with a gift alongside a letter. We can take the case of the Princess in the report earlier as an example, we can give her a souvenir as a sign of gratitude for their cooperation, with that they could proudly go back to their country after completing their mission. Elders, what do you say about this proposal?"

The elders were able to accept that much. Macron's good mood had returned. He probably hates playing house that much. Binz had a bitter smile as he watcher over his friend, the King.

Macron and Binz were friends. They brought trouble to each other as friends. Macron met Binz during one of his secret escapades to the castle town in his younger days. During that time, Binz was an equally troublesome child that marched throughout the town with his lackeys. He made a group typical of kids his age calling it "Order of OOO", and played by miming the Order of Knights. They were able to meet with Macron, who's secretly visiting the castle town, exactly due to the actions of this Order. Macron got lost. Everything started when he was picked up by the "Order of Raging Fire" led by Binz. It wasn't too late for Macron, a young master that doesn't know the ways of the world, to be influenced by Binz. Even Binz didn't realize that he was a prince, so he let him in the "Order of Raging Fire" as his subordinate.

Binz was deeply in thought as he stared at Macron with a bitter smile on his face, thinking that he didn't expect their relationship to bring them this far.

Feria immediately started cleaning the residence that was a step away from ruins due to the lack of maintenance. It was quite a small residence. It was bigger than her room in Calodia, but was smaller than their house. Well, that's to be expected. After all, their house is an enormous residence that also serves a store, and a storehouse for medical herbs, that was added after several renovations. To Feria who cleaned such an enormous place every single day, this place felt as small as a baby's apron.

"Even without court ladies or food, this residence is really shabby. Being a consort is unexpectedly miserable."

The words she uttered laced with laughter made Binz, who arrived in the evening, felt as if spears pierced through his ears. Just like yesterday. That's right, the words after that were the same as yesterday.

"It's a far cry from what my big brothers told me. They told me that consorts would have everything ready for them, so I only brought three days worth of clothes, but this place had nothing in it. It surprised me."

Binz thinking that it's shouldn't be the case, hurriedly opened the residence. He looked over the place. He bowed down his head just like yesterday after confirming that there is in fact nothing in the residence. Even the knights in charge were surprised. Them being males were not allowed to go inside the residence, and not knowing this was the result of that. This kind of treatment is definitely unforgivable. He definitely gave out orders to the chiefs of the court ladies. Despite that, the residence was in horrible state. No, it's in this state even after Feria did some cleaning, which means it's in a much horrible state before, was what Binz was thinking.

"That woman!!"

Feria was stunned with her mouth open as she stared at Binz shouting unbecoming of his position as a Knight Captain.

"She plundered the maintenance funds for this residence!"

Feria thought that the voice from the depths of hell probably sounded as such. Binz who's as furious as a demon turned around and started to run, and the other knights followed him.

"Captain! Please calm down!"

One of them shouted, the other held down his body, while the last guy closed the residence entrance. Three knights somehow managed to stopped the angry demon, but he's still breathing raggedy trying to restrain himself.

"It'll stain the knight's reputation if you roughed up a woman, right? Women have their own ways of fighting.... No, country girls have a pride of their own. They definitely don't want to take care of a country girl in this royal palace. They want to make others recognize their position and they also have their own pride to keep. They didn't plundered the maintenance funds, it's probably their way of saying 'I would never recognize you as a consort'. They'll definitely come back here acting arrogantly once I bow down to them crying for help."

Feria's voice heard from Binz's perspective sounded sharp yet joyful as a beast in front of it's prey. Binz's anger immediately disappeared.

"Consort, what are you planning to do?"

"Yesterday, I told you that I'll take them on. Did you forget already?"

"Are you saying that our help is unnecessary?"

"That's right, this much is nothing. I'd like it if you don't take a country girl's pride so lightly."

"...... If that's your will."

Binz knelt down in front of Feria. Until now, there are only two people who had Binz kneel in front of them. It's the previous King and Macron, today another one has been added to the list. Feria became that third person.

The other three knights also followed suit. Their hearts were moved. They felt something in this country girl that made them kneel.

Chapter 7

A month and a half is about to pass.

The number of guests visiting Feria's residence increased. It increased as the knights from other divisions got a taste of the breakfast made by Feria. Consorts had three knights accompanying them. It became a daily occurrence that they come to eat food at Feria's residence whenever it's nap time or break time. Unlike the residence of other consorts, there's no tension in Feria's residence. They came to see if the good-for-nothing 4th division really is having fun with their guarding duties, and came to stay just like that. They receive breakfast from Feria, and in exchange, they help with making the fields, which also helps with the knights' body training. A delicious meal after a great workout fatigue invites a good sleep, they end up sleeping at the bed of weeds by the farm toolshed added by the entrance.

Feria was perplexed by the number of knights sleeping by the farm toolshed.

"Does these people have a home to return to?"

Zodd, one of the knights in charge, shrugged his shoulders as he answered Feria's mumbling.

"It seems that guarding the other consorts needs a lot of subtlety. On top of that, our mission is to guard but there's nothing actually nothing to do, so their bodies are getting out of shape. Even if they want to move around, they can't leave the three man team. To top it all off, what's supposed to be a three month assignment extended is to five months, so it's been hard on both of the knights' body and mind."

"Hmm, is that so. So they're relaxing in my residence that 'doesn't need any subtlety', is what you're saying?"

Zodd replied at Feria who's staring firmly at him waved his hand vigorously in an attempted to deny her misunderstanding.

"It's due to this 'Goddess' Residence' that everyone is being healed in both body and mind, that email them to relax this much. It is just as expected of Ferisama."

Feria did thought that it'd be quite useless to praise it now, but she unexpectedly felt quite good about it. She has the heart of a big sister by nature.

"It can't be helped. Wake them up when it's time."

Zodd was relieved to hear those kind words. Feria took the necessary tools and left.

It was then when Binz appeared holding his temple. Feria thought that Binz was a man that always had his hand on his temple, and then Binz bowed to Feria.

"My head actually hurts, can I bother you to decoct some medicinal herbs for me?"

"Oh, a headache, right? Wait a minute."

Feria returned the farming tools in the shed and ordered Zodd to prepare a place to lay Binz on. Binz had himself laid, and Feria ran back in her residence to decoct some herbs. Zodd asked Binz who was currently resting, as he observed his state.

"Did something happen?"

"...... Ah, you could say that."

"Rather than this place, won't the clinic be much better?"

"Yeah, I thought so as well, but my feet ended up bringing me here."

"Well, the herbal tea Ferisama makes did have great effects on curing the knights' bad condition."

Feria also served other things to the knights other than breakfast. It's the herbal tea unique to the Calodia Territory. The herbal made by Feria in respect with the symptoms they're showing worked wonders with the knights. This, of course, includes Binz as well. It's because of these circumstances that his feet took him to this place.

"There had been trouble between the other consorts."

Binz let out a large sigh as he slowly closed his eyes. What came to mind was the scene he encountered earlier when the 15th Consort and the 20th Consort had dishevelled hairs and was in a middle of a catfight.

The situation in which the consorts only had an hour of interaction with the king, spurred the consort into taking reckless actions. The 15th consort who had her second interaction with the king over, had intruded on the King and the 20th Consort when they are having their time together. The 20th Consort, who had her alone time with the king intruded upon, was enraged after the king left. Even if the 15th Consort is a daughter of a Duke, the 20th Consort, who is a daughter of a Count, boldly stated her thoughts. A consort who can't follow the tradition doesn't have any rights to be one. Nor does she have any right to be the King's consort.

The catfight happened from then on. Although the knights are assigned to protect the consorts, they had no way of protecting them from another consort. That is because the consorts..... The ladies were people they are not allowed to touch. To stop the catfight Binz can only call Macron, who had already went back to the office, for help.

However, Macron's answer was short and cold.

"Leave them be."

Binz, who can't do anything, and was only able to look over them. When Binz noticed that the two had finally lost their momentum, he disclosed the following information.

"The king had no interest in the both of you and had ordered us to 'leave them be'. The both of you should think carefully on how the king would perceive a person who would start a catfight!"

After hearing such words, the consorts wailed so loud that the heavens could split. Then Binz held his temple. Even now, their wailing voice stayed on Binz's ears that his head started to hurt.

"When a lady shrieks, and screamed for help, it is a knight's job to run to their side and lend their help, but I actually thought of running away from it."

Zodd can't help but agree with Binz's confession.

"Oh my, didn't you just get yourselves a great excuse."

Feria said as she made her appearance. She brought with her a herbal tea with a refreshing scent.

"An excuse?"

Binz repeated Feria's words.

"That's right, an excuse to get rid of the consorts. Elders Council, was it? You should bring these things up and get rid of the troublesome consorts one by one. If that be the case then it'll be peaceful, they'll be able to restrain their emotions, and would be more mindful with their self emphasis..... Don't you think that only the good ones would be left for the king? The reason behind this tradition isn't only to interact with the king but to determine their compatibility.... that's right, it would be great if you could determine their true nature."

Feria stated everything she wanted to. She poured the tea and offered it to Binz.

"Ferisama, thank you very much. No, I offer my sincerest thanks for everything up to now. Once I finished drinking this, I would immediately deal with it."

Feria's light-hearted remarks had pushed the other consorts out of the palace. No, is about to push them out of the palace.

Chapter 8

Macron is in a great mood. Truly in a great mood. It's due to Binz's advice, the consort elimination phase had already started. The consorts who start up troubles would be reported, and their actions would be announced in the elder council.

Even if you feel sorry for them, even if their appearance is perfect,...... Even if the King likes them, they can't afford to let someone unqualified to sit on the Queen's throne. Though it is an extremely obvious thing to think of, due to the Danan Country's traditions, they can't deny that they had ignored this fact for a long time. As long as 31 queen candidates had been gathered, any one of them had a chance to become queen. It can be said that they chose a queen while disregarding their capability to be a queen.

However, as time passed, the quality of the consorts in the Queen Selection has been in decline. In the past, all 31 Consorts had their own wonderful capabilities that qualify them as queens, but now, people who are only in it for the sake of appearance, greed and ambition had gathered.

Macron had already given up thinking that this a tradition that must be held up, but he realized that improving this situation would relieve the future Kings of the hardships he went through, so he actively participated in the council.

"The 1st, 5th and 6th Consorts had withdrawn, while the 15th and the 20th Consorts doesn't have the qualifications. As a queen that is. Next are.... the 12th, 24th and the 30th Consorts were chosen due to their parents forcing it through. These ladies were crying when they told me. They already had their fiances, but had their engagement broken. I'll also add this in. The 2nd Consort have a very haughty attitude, a consort that can't smile is out of the equation. She probably came from a country where having an indifferent expression is a virtue, but in our country's case, a queen who can't smile for her people is not needed."

Macron told the elders one after the other as he glared at them. And so, half of the 31 Consorts had been eliminated. Originally, this would be held after the 3 month long interaction with the consorts, but due to Macron's participation, it's moving faster than normal. Macron mood is as great as can be.

"Alright then, we'll informally tell this to the consorts. Once we get their acknowledgement, the king may stop all interaction with them, and in two months.... No, in a month and a half. They would leave the palace bearing the honor of being chosen as a consort candidate. For the consorts who didn't give their acknowledgement, forgive me, but we must have the king interact with them in respect to the tradition. I believe it is also a quality of a king to give them a chance to redeem themselves."

This was how the elder ended the meeting. Macron quietly clicked his tongue. He was certain that the 15th and the 20th Consorts didn't give their acknowledgement.

"If that be the case, then it'll be a forced eviction if another failure on their part occurs. I'll give them another chance this time."

There wasn't any complains from the elder's side. Macron stood up and left. Then the meeting was adjourned.

Afterwards, Macron who already returned to the office called for Binz. It was to give him secret orders in regards to the reports that would given here onwards.

"Make the knights in charge do the reports. Since they are always with the consorts as a part of their assignment, they should be able to determine if they had the qualifications of a queen, their true nature, as well as the boundaries of their capabilities. This is a secret order. I trust the knights' judgement. Don't let the consorts notice. Even if you're found out, still continue reporting the their actions without fail. There might even be some who cares to pilfering from our kingdom."

Macron showed a twisted grin to Binz. Binz heaved a sigh. Macron is ignoring a very important fact.

"The consorts are also human. Despite their attitudes, they are doing their best to earn your affection. Though we are referring to them by numbers for the sake of convenience, everyone has their own names. They are living humans. They also had their own minds and heart. You have been putting a lot of effort into escaping your current situation that you're not seeing what must be seen, feeling what must be felt, and not noticing the feelings that you know.

What we're choosing is your future wife. Is it in your intention to refer to her as a number in future as well? Please make some effort to understand their feelings..... The things that have been causing you to suffer had already been dealt with due to the previous talks and today's council. You'll be nothing but a foolish king if you continue to take out your stress on the consorts."

Silence passed by Macron and Binz. The one who made the first move was Macron. He stood up and walked towards Binz.

"As expected of the Captain that leads the 'Order of Raging Fire'."

Macron placed his hand on Binz's shoulder, and gave him a pat.

"Forgive me. It's always you who brings back my sanity. Is that what the elders were trying to tell me? It is isn't.... It truly is."

Macron refrained himself from further acts of arrogance. Binz was relieved at seeing Macron as such. From here on, the real consort selection would start. He wouldn't be able to stand it if Macron's heart stayed as disturb as it was.

Binz suddenly remembered Feria. He reckons that in a way different from Macron, she doesn't have anybody to support her emotionally. No, worse than that, she's the only one who hasn't met Macron. She was a consort that couldn't start even if she wished for it. Binz knitted his brows at the thought. He remembered that Feria said she wanted to go home......

Achoo!"

Feria suddenly sneezed. She rubbed her nose. There wasn't any gunk.

"I wonder what's up. I suddenly felt a chill down my spine."

Zodd responded to her mumbling.

"Ferisama please get inside the residence. We'll take care of the rest."

Feria groaned as she thought about it. She came to a conclusion that it's fine to indulge sometimes. She handed the farm tools to Zodd and made her way into the residence.

Inside the residence, Feria lit up the fireplace. She changed into a somewhat thick clothing, and brewed a herbal tea.

"Maybe I'm a bit too exhausted."

Feria took out a pill from Riccaro's camping gear, she pinched her nose and swallowed it in an instant. She drank her herbal tea immediately afterwards. Yet she was still fainting in agony. The nourishing and strengthening pill was stinking as hell....

As Feria was fainting in agony, she fell into her bed as if she was sucked into it. As expected, the stress of being in an unfamiliar land and fatigue had been accumulating in her body. Feria slept soundly, without even eating dinner.

The three knights waiting outside were worriedly looked over the residence, and ended up staying awake the whole night. They suddenly felt the inconvenience of not having any court lady around.

Chapter end