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CHAPTER 3 - NEW NAME
"I shall take responsibility for this person's life."
With Minister Wang's statement, the room fell into a heavy silence.
Prince Mericul, understanding the words of the minister, widened his eyes. On the other hand, Coral, who couldn't comprehend the meaning of the words, looked bewildered.
The martial officer accused Prince Mericul of bringing his wife into the room and spending the night with her. Adultery was punishable by execution, and he insisted on resolving it right there.
"However, this person has offered to sacrifice his life in exchange. Isn't that acceptable? Let's not tarnish the Spring Moon Palace, where we entertain guests, with blood."
The martial officer seemed unconvinced. He glared resentfully at Prince Mericul, grinding his molars.
Minister Wang sighed and directed a question to the martial officer, "What is your name?"
He wanted to make sure the man understood whom he was opposing.
Narrowing his fox-like eyes, Minister Wang observed the martial officer.
"But this man—"
“You refuse to withdraw? Fine, fine."
Minister Wang casually tapped his folding fan against his palm, wearing a smile. Then, pointing the fan's tip at the martial officer, he ordered his subordinates.
"Take away this insolent man who won't obey orders."
The martial officer, restrained by the men who entered the room, was led away. Though grumbling voices could be heard, a dull sound, like a blow, followed, and silence ensued.
In the room that was now quiet, Minister Wang spoke amicably to Prince Mericul.
"Your Highness, that's how it is. I'll take responsibility for this person's life."
Prince Mericul shook his head, denying the accusations. Coral also asserted that she couldn't be handed over.
However, Minister Wang dismissed their testimonies as insufficient. Opening his fan, he asked,
"Well then, why not ask your proud martial officer? Who was on guard duty last night?"
Prince Mericul called the names of two knights.
The two knights who appeared looked uncomfortable. When ordered to report the events of last night truthfully, they remained silent.
Confident in his innocence, the prince shouted again,
"Come on, last night, I saw you. You brought that woman to your bedroom..."
"What...?"
"I saw it too. There's no mistake."
Minister Wang, understanding several languages, listened to the knights' report and nodded satisfactorily.
"It seems there's no escape."
Even under the stern gaze of Prince Mericul, Minister Wang remained unfazed.
"To engage in an affair with another man's wife during diplomatic negotiations, what a noble act. If the emperor found out, it could become an issue between nations. Trade might even be halted."
Karetsu was involved in several trades, mainly dealing with tea. Sixty percent of the domestic tea was imported from Karetsu.
If import restrictions were imposed, domestic distribution would be thrown into chaos. It was evident that regulating the flow of tea, considered a noble's pastime, would lead to a dire situation.
Prince Mericul weighed his options: Coral's life or the diplomatic problem.
Biting down on his molars, he tried to sort out his emotions.
Coral StadtHilde, is a bright, honest, and justice-driven individual. She was a loyal and trustworthy knight to Prince Mericul. Losing her at this moment would be regrettable.
However, he now had to make a judgment as a representative of the country, who had come for diplomatic purposes.
To be sure, he asked Minister Wang what should be done with Coral.
"This person is beautiful. She has utility. For now, that's all I can say."
She wouldn't be killed, at least not now.
The prince made up his mind.
"Understood. Do as you please with her."
Minister Wang gracefully closed his fan with a pat and thanked him with a smile. Seeing that Coral seemed not to understand the language, he gave her time to explain the situation.
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Once Minister Wang left the room, Prince Mericul cleared the people and began a conversation with Coral.
"It seems I've been framed."
"Yes... I don't know what to say."
If there had been relations with an unfamiliar woman, the bed would be more disheveled. However, the sheets on the bed were neatly arranged. He firmly asserted that there had been no sexual intercourse.
"But my awareness was lacking. If only I were more resistant to alcohol..."
Prince Mericul apologized to Coral.
"I'm sorry... It seems I've avoided execution, but..."
"Yes."
"It appears Minister Wang, the head of the Rites, will vouch for your identity."
"Is that so?"
Her life was spared, but what would happen next was uncertain. Haulotte was a place with little diplomatic history. Its culture and customs were unknown territories.
"Return to the country once and ask my father to get you back. Please endure this place for a while."
"Your words are too kind."
"I apologize for this. Protecting Your Highness is my duty."
"Ah... Thank you..."
As time ran out, the martial officer interjected. Finally, Prince Mericul handed Coral the royal emblem-adorned sword he held.
"Your Highness!"
"Don't give up. I'll help you."
Coral was pulled away and escorted out of the prince's bedroom. The swords she held in her hands and on her waist were confiscated by the martial officer. Vire's shouts were heard from afar. Unable to turn around due to a sword being pointed at her, Coral couldn't look back.
---
In the designated room, Minister Wang was present. Coral knelt on one knee, bowing her head.
First, Coral was asked how well she could speak the country's language.
"I can speak a little..."
"I see. That's utterly useless."
Judging from his expression, even if she didn't understand the words, it was clear she wasn't being praised. Coral regretted not putting more effort into learning Karetsu's language.
"What's your name?"
Minister Wang spoke slowly to make it easier for Coral to understand. She was ordered to respond in Karetsu's language.
"My name is Coral StadtHilde."
"Hmm. Coral Stadt Hilde, huh? That's difficult to pronounce."
The name was ordered to be discarded like trash. Coral bit down on her molars, enduring it.
"From today, call yourself Zhu Sango. Got it?"
“Sango, my name...?"
"That's right. I chose a word that means the same as Coral."
The new name was Sango. She felt a complex mix of emotions at being told to discard her former self.
However, the situation saved Prince Mericul's life. She decided to live with pride and face whatever came next.
Renamed Sango, Coral accepted the ruthless fate. She possessed the resilience to endure such challenges.
"It seems your determination is set. Now—"
With a bang, the door swung open energetically.
Sango turned around with a surprised expression. Minister Wang squinted his eyes, directing his gaze at the splendid man standing confidently in front of the door.
He was about the same height as Sango, maybe a little taller. His hair was neatly combed, and he wore a black hat with a rounded brim. He appeared young, probably in his late teens.
Adorning the traditional attire with a standing collar were loose-fitting clothes resembling a robe, tied around the waist with a leather belt. A long sword dangled from the belt.
The fabric used for the clothing was a vibrant blue, unlike anything she had ever seen. The sword was adorned with beautiful gemstones and ornaments. The man's almond-shaped eyes had a hint of vermilion.
Compared to the martial officer present, his attire was strikingly different and more glamorous. It was clear at a glance that he held a higher status.
The man addressed Minister Wang.
“Wang Hongyu greets. Brother, what's this urgent news about?"
"Hongyu, you came."
Sango barely picked up on the name Hongyu and the words brother and younger brother.
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The man named Hongyu noticed Sango kneeling on the floor and frowned.
"What's with this person? Strange hair and eye color."
"He's from the West country. Quite beautiful, don't you think?"
"Brother, where did you..."
"There was a little commotion, and I took custody of him."
"Are you going to make him a servant?"
"No, I'll take him to the harem."
"What!?"
Minister Wang instructed his younger brother. He was to take care of the foreigner, Sango. Also, he was ordered to keep an eye on her to prevent any escape.
Sango looked between the two faces. Minister Wang wore a faint smile, and Hongyu expressed surprise.
She could barely understand the content of their conversation.
"The next emperor will be from the Wang family. Have you forgotten your role in the harem?"
"..."
Hearing Minister Wang's words, Hongyu made a bitter expression, as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.
Unable to comprehend the conversation, Sango was left bewildered.
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