The Chief Justice didn't say another word thereafter. He wanted Ilya to realize the gravity of his words sans the influence of his sentiments. By the same token, he wished to allow the Lady to express her excitement over the recognition.
In actuality, the Emperor didn't have to involve himself in the deliberation. As long as the Court of Justice conferred with the Royal High Court and the Noble Tribunal, they could make a verdict by themselves.
The Emperor got wind of the fact that the courts couldn't come to a decision even after a week's time. On account of that, His Majesty decided to step in, much to the bewilderment of the representatives.
Though it might seem improbable, most of the nobles among the upper echelon agreed to bestow Ilya the title of the heir. Adversely, nearly all of the royals vocalized their disagreement. Unfortunately for them, their political power wasn't sufficient in swaying the Emperor's will.
The Chief Justice was informed of the Emperor's decree yesterday. Hence, he sent Vanerheim and Yaverneil to be updated on Ilya's condition, giving him the soonest opportunity to relay the news.
Contrary to the Chief Justice's expectations, Ilya only showed indifference. She didn't even bat an eye to the news, almost as if she had anticipated receiving the Emperor's recognition from the very beginning.
His eyebrows furrowed slightly. He then opened his mouth to ask about her lack of reaction, but ultimately opted not to. The Chief Justice let out a small cough as he straightened his suit.
Once she was ready to speak, Ilya looked at the Chief Justice straight in the eye, "Seeing that only one among the three representatives came to meet me, I surmise the formal declaration is scheduled for another day. Am I not mistaken?"
"Yes, the formal declaration will be held a week from now. The ceremony will take place inside the Rottherschon Palace. It's a three-part event wherein the first and third part will be dedicated to a gathering."
"Do you mean a celebration?"
"Yes, a grand one."
Ilya exhaled heavily as she answered, "Your Honour, what's the most important part during a ceremony?"
The Chief Justice pursed his lips at the query. He forthwith understood what she wanted, but it put him in a rather delicate situation.
"Your Grace, one of the royals requested for a celebration to be thrown. After all, your advent caused quite a commotion within the high society. Many nobles are eager to get acquainted with you."
Ilya leaned back on the headboard, diverting her gaze towards her feet. She then motioned for the physicians and nurses to begin what they have to do.
In the intervening time, the Chief Justice and the judges watched the scene in silence. They couldn't just barrage Ilya with their opinions and questions since she was still in recuperation.
"Your Honour," llya uttered, "Why should that matter?"
Caught off guard by the query, the Chief Justice couldn't respond. With one of his eyebrows raised, he stared at Ilya.
"I don't have the same eagerness as those nobles. And I don't see the need to appease the royals unless they're the Emperor, the Empress, or the Crown Prince. I am having a difficult time with my body as it is, yet you're forcing me to attend a lengthy celebration?"
"That's not what I meant, Your Grace. We're only following the Royals' orders. We won't in-"
"Enough,"
Though she didn't raise her voice, Ilya's seriousness managed to intimidate her visitors. She went on and closed her eyes, taking another deep breath for the uncountable time in a row. For a good few minutes, Ilya ignored everything that she could sense.
No, it's more like she attempted to.
While she was preoccupied with her thoughts, the nurses took it upon themselves to give the Chief Justice and all of the judges chairs to sit on. At first, the people of the Court of Justice were reluctant to sit. Only when the Chief Justice himself sat down did they do the same.
Latterly of another minute of waiting, Ilya finally opened her eyes.
Absent giving the Chief Justice a look, she spoke, "It is not your duty to inform me about the Emperor's decree in person, Your Honour. You could have sent someone in your stead, but here you are. I suppose it's because you have something necessitous to say. Please speak about it now and take your leave immediately. I want to rest."
The Chief justice debated on whether to tell Ilya at that moment or not. He started caressing his beard with his hand, smacking his lips all the while. The second he made a decision, someone barged in the room all of a sudden, making their presence heard with their loud footsteps.
That very someone was no other than the representative of the Royal High Court, Marquis Herkel Benedict.
"If the Lady insists she doesn't want a celebration, who are we to oppose that?" He said as he stood beside the Chief Justice, consequently giving Ilya a bow as a greeting.
The Chief Justice was quickly on his feet, facing the Marquis as he asked, "Marquis Benedict, what brings you here?"
"What else than to prime Lady Ilya Gertrude of the prerequisites of being an heir? You weren't planning to, were you?"
Marquis Benedict received no reply, so he just went on and addressed Ilya.
"We haven't been introduced to each other, so I'll go ahead and do so. I'm Herkel, the Marquis of Benedict. I'm also the Emperor's representative for the Royal High Court."
"It's to my delight to be acquainted with you, My Lord. I'm Ilya von Bismarck Gertrude."
Upon hearing her introduction, a smile slowly crawled up the Marquis' face.
"I apologize for my impetuous visit. In return for being a disturbance, I will make sure that the ceremony will be over once you acquire your peerage. The ceremony will also be done in private. Do those conditions suit your preference?"
"Yes, very much so. I'm indebted to you, My Lord." Ilya responded as she straightened her back.
"Since that's sorted out, why don't we move on and discuss the first part of your journey?" The Marquis said, taking the Chief Justice's seat, "Which do you prefer? Education, public service, or national defense?"