Of All Things, I Became a Crow

t.
The impression of Rainelle-nim, who gathered all the birds in the Capital and commanded them, was spreading fast like a rumor in the Empire.”

The nobleman, who took a deep breath, said again,

“So, why not hurry up with the wedding as soon as possible? I don’t think there’s a woman more suitable for the position of empress than Rainelle-nim.”

At those words, Karmeut smiled quietly.
…But as if to break the atmosphere, a voice came out from the other side.

“I think that may be premature.”

It was Duke Howard.
He looked at Rainelle for a moment, then bowed to the Emperor and opened his mouth,

“Right now, the most urgent thing is not the marriage, but what to do with Marquis Namuel.
Isn’t he the person who attempted to kill the Emperor?

Karmeut nodded his head.
It was natural.
The priority in the current situation was to make decision about Namuel.

’

“I would like to hear your opinion.”

Hearing such words, Duke Howard cleared his throat.

He was intimidated by the flashing wolf's eyes and showed a weak appearance, but he was bound to be bitten.

‘Well, that’s not what will happen’

Promising so inwardly, Duke Howard said,

“Your Majesty's attempted murder is serious.
No matter how much Imperial blood flows in him, I think he should set an example and be beheaded.”

The Emperor listened to him without speaking.
When the silence continued, Duke Howard slightly raised his voice,

“There were often those who ate Crobanlock and couldn't stand the power.
Of course, there were also rampaging mages like Marquis Namuel.
But this one is very different from the past cases.”

His eyes swept through the crowd.
The nobles belonging to the aristocratic faction were nodding their heads slightly as if agreeing.

“That's not how a typical mage's rampage works.
It normally starts and ends in the same area.
—They didn’t cause destruction on the move and didn’t aim for Your Majesty the Emperor’s life like Marquis Namuel.”

Since what he said so far was true, some of the Imperial nobles nodded their heads.

“However, when the wolf blood was mixed in, the situation changed.
He moved toward the Capital as if he had only one goal, and tried to kill Your Majesty.”

Duke Howard's eyes lit up.

“Isn’t he violent and dangerous? The instinct of a predator is also added. It is natural that the damage increases exponentially when magic is wielded with such instinct.”

He concluded his speech with his arms lightly outstretched, like an actor on stage.

“We don't know when the beast's instinct will wake up and reveal its fangs again.
So I think it's the right thing to behead Marquis Namuel.”

At those words, the surroundings stirred a little.
—But that atmosphere did not last long.

“—Hoo-oh, so, Duke Howard, do you mean to say that His Majesty the Emperor is a violent wolf with bestial instincts?”

The Duke's head jerked.

It was none other than Rainelle who said that. With purple eyes flashing, she curved the corners of her mouth.

“A weak human who has lived on the wolf’s side is so good at talking. Why, do you want to curl up your tail and bark like a scared doggie because you think it's a little dangerous?”

“—This is the meeting room, Rainelle-nim.
Please keep the minimum courtesy.”

“Ah, of course, if you're polite, I have to be polite too. After all, etiquette was also taught in the empress class.
But…”

The eyes of the Queen of all birds flashed.

“There is no need for courtesy for a treasonous criminal who is plotting treason.”

Hearing that, some members of the aristocratic faction jumped up from their seats.

“Rainelle-nim! What are you talking about! What do you mean by treason?!”

“Do you know what kind of repercussions those words will have?!”

’

A cold gaze scanned them.

“…I know what you guys think of me.
Thank you for letting me know how you've been judging me as stupid all this time.”

The shoulders of the two nobles, who responded loudly, shrank.
Seeing them like that, Rainelle slowly rose from her seat.

“Of course, I know very well.
His Majesty the Emperor praised you for your hard work during his recuperation, but there were some who were just sitting around doing nothing…”

The gazes of several nobles turned to the floor.

“Despite this incident which has caused so much trouble…”

Rainelle's black wings swayed slightly.

“Also, there are some who have plotted treason because wolf blood is dangerous, and have shown ambition to create an empire of humans by rebelling against His Majesty the Emperor.”

Rainelle's eyes were on Duke Howard.
Then Duke Howard straightened his shoulders.

“You're speculating too much.
Rainelle-nim.
You don’t seem to be fond of me that much.”

“Not fond of you?”

“Yes.
Of course you can make that argument.
But as this is important, evidence is needed.”

Saying that, the duke tilted his head.

“I wonder what made you say there is a traitor.
Can you convince us?”

At those words, Rainelle’s shoulders seemed trembling.
Soon after, she started giggling and laughing.

Most of the nobles were puzzled by the laughter that did not fit the situation, and Duke narrowed his eyes.

Laughing, Rainelle spread one of her wings.

“Duke Howard, you don't seem to know, so let me tell you.
I am the Queen of all crows and birds.
Did you think that your conversation would not reach my ears?”

Saying that, Rainelle continued to laugh.

“Even if it’s a rare bird that is confined in a cage which was gifted by your son, they are all my people.”

At the words, Duke Howard's body stiffened.
Seeing that, Rainelle said with a smile,

“Of course, you can't understand the birds' conversation, so you can say I made it up.
Well, you even doubt, deceive, and betray your own kind, so of course you will say so.”

Rainelle's gaze scanned the nobles.
Some of the nobles flinched and averted their gaze, or glared at her fiercely.

Leisurely accepting all such gazes, Rainelle continued her words,

“So, since I've gathered the evidence, I hope you guys enjoy watching it.
Oh, maybe it's boring.
It will be boring to see what you already know.”

With a charming smile (but witch-like smile for Duke Howard), Rainelle clapped lightly twice.

*Clap clap-*

Then the door opened and a wizard entered.
He had several crystal balls in his hand.

The moment the people in the room realized that those were memory spheres, the recordings inside began to play in front of them.