267. A Midsummer Night’s Deep Dream (1)
「Sir Arthur has entered the dressmaking class again.」
Emperor Hodrian looked at me with experienced eyes.
Decades of wisdom and wit were reflected in his eyes.
“Good. I knew he could do it.”
I thought that if the conversation ended warmly like this, my trip to the south would end smoothly.
However, the emperor was not such a gentle opponent.
「But actually, I don’t understand.」
Hodrian, the ruler of the South, slowly stroked the mask he had removed.
His symbol is a black eagle.
「No matter how much we are allies, this is a world where we might end up backstabbing each other someday.」
Although it may be a bird of prey scavenging corpses….
It was like the worst nightmare for a wild animal that was injured and showed ‘weakness’.
“Besides, it’s a bit suspicious that you’re helping our best fighting force when we’re still a verbal ally.”
The emperor has not let down his guard yet.
He was asking me why I helped Arthur, the best sword in the South.
“….”
You have to get through this carefully.
Because this is the final step to peace in the empire.
“It was to show sincerity in the alliance with the Hawthorn Kingdom.”
But that doesn’t mean there’s any need for us to be anxious.
Because we are an empire, and they are a kingdom.
Is there any need for us, the strong ones, to hand over leadership?
“It is difficult for the strong to sympathize with the situation of the weak, so it would be right to show it directly like this.”
The strong and the weak.
The royals looked displeased at the words showing the difference between themselves and the empire.
「….」
However, this was also my intention.
Naturally, good words feel sweeter when they are said after first saying something unpleasant.
“I also started out as a commoner and worked my way up to this position.”
This is wisdom he learned from his adoptive father, who gave him candy as a reward after giving him bitter medicine.
“In the process, I realized that people are less interested in others than we thought. Rather, I tend to be jealous when others do well.”
As if it was interesting to hear that I was from a commoner, the Emperor put down the mask he was holding on the table.
And then, he clasped his hands together and listened to me in silence.
“Having realized the way the world works, I thought that in order to show my sincerity to others, I had to reach out first.”
I looked at Leah who was sitting next to me.
“The imperial family, including Lady Leah, has no intention of making the Hawthorne Kingdom a vassal state.”
She smiled and nodded her head at my words.
“We consider ourselves equal partners and will pursue a healthy alliance.”
The Emperor half-closed his deep eyes at my opinion.
Then, he asked me back with his unique sharp eyes that resembled those of an eagle.
「It’s a healthy alliance…. What does it mean specifically?”
“This is a relationship in which both countries grow together without being biased towards one side. To prove this, I only gave Sir Arthur a little piece of advice.”
He helped a hero from another country to show that he was a sincere ally.
As soon as the writing became more or less correct, the king’s wary gaze subsided a little.
「You are quite a gentle person compared to your skills.」
But.
It was just like that.
「Maybe it’s because I’m still in my twenties.」
Being gentle was not a compliment.
「Meekness is a method used by the weak, but it would be quite harsh for you, the strong, to use it.」
Rather, it meant that my attitude was still questionable.
「What if we take your advice and attack Sir Arthur, who has grown up?」
Hodrian calculated the number of cases like a strategist.
He showed a cool-headed attitude that he could take advantage of the other person’s goodwill.
「What are you going to do if I start a rift between you and the imperial family, citing the fact that you helped Sir Arthur back then?」
Uniting several countries was not possible simply through military power.
The influence of someone as skilled in politics as a king was also necessary.
「You will definitely regret your actions back then.」
After hearing what he said, I didn’t reply for a moment.
Leah is also waiting silently to see what answer I will give.
Everyone stared at me as I stood on the testing table for the experienced old king.
“….”
If I were an ordinary 20-year-old, I would have been taken aback by his speech.
However, this life was different.
The moment I opened my mouth.
Because even Margo, including Leah, had a faint smile on their lips.
“Since you mentioned it, I would like to ask.”
I responded quite confidently to his speech, which was based on numerous experiences.
「Emperor, do you think our empire is easy enough to play a role in the strife of other countries?」
The table became very quiet for a moment due to my strong question.
Enough that even Archduke Luke was nervous.
“Bye, Lord Bale…” ?”
The atmosphere is contrary to the surrounding environment crowded with parties.
I did not pay attention to the Grand Duke’s words and strongly expressed my intention.
「It is not with the light heart of a young child that I helped Sir Arthur and proposed a healthy alliance to the King.」
I placed my hand on my left chest.
And, he declared with a sincere voice.
「Because I have enough power to take responsibility for my words.」
You can take responsibility for your own actions and words.
Emperor Hodrian was speechless for a moment as if he was taken aback by that declaration.
「….」
He burst out laughing, probably thinking of someone in my confident attitude.
Afterwards, he asked me an unexpected question.
「Could it be you…? . Is your last name Andalusia?”
He continued by pointing to his bastard son, Archduke Luke.
「Just like my son Luke, he is Leonhard’s hidden son.」
He resembles him enough to be suspected of being the son of Emperor Leonhard.
It was a huge compliment, but I did not agree with it.
「No.」
Now I just reveal my precious relationship that I can talk about.
「This is Beil Mikhail, who grew up under the former Marquis Berti Mikhail and Hans Cleverley.」
The emperor nodded his head as if in agreement.
Afterwards, I explained why I looked like the emperor.
「It’s fascinating…. “Not only is he a grandmaster, but he also has the same personality as Leonhard’s energetic friend.”
The emperor looked at my face.
The emperor had the appearance of a sturdy lion, but I, with his thin eyes, clearly did not seem like a child.
However, what he paid attention to was the ‘one word’ I left.
「When I tested that friend, I got a similar answer as you.」
Horde Lian said, recalling the Leonhard he met.
A meeting that took place 10 years ago, during the time of the King of Conquerors.
「When you said that if you go through so many wars, you will have the whole world as your enemy. “He gave the same answer as you.”
The emperor covered his face again with the eagle mask.
And then, he spoke while hiding his feelings of admiration after hearing the emperor’s words.
「I am a person who can take responsibility for my actions.」
The Conqueror is the true ruler of this continent.
「And, Leonhard is leading the empire with ease, as if to show off. “I guess he was right.”
The emperor looked at each of his sons in turn, as if asking them to follow suit.
Archduke Luke and Crown Prince Juan also nodded, saying they understood.
“We definitely look alike.”
Leah smiled and gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
Like a friendly lover, she gave strength to my opinion.
“I also sympathize with the feelings the king felt. And, I dare to promise you that.”
The first princess of the empire spoke with blue eyes that resembled her father.
“I don’t think you need to worry about the alliance that Veil mentioned.”
Leia regally covered her eyes with the lioness mask again.
And, like the queen of unemployed people, she added in a noble voice.
“I will guarantee it.”
When the emperor heard those words, his black eyes flashed.
Thanks to this, the deep shadow in his eyes disappeared.
“This man’s breath will soon become the wind of the empire.”
Margot looked blankly at Leah, who placed her hand on my shoulder.
Then, he quietly grabbed my hand that was down.
「Indeed…. If you’re a grandmaster, you’re probably qualified for that. “You underestimated me because I was young.”
Hodrian, covering his face, grinned.
He said, stroking his chin as if he was satisfied with my response and the assurance from the next emperor.
「As the strongest man on the continent, I thought he would be strong in arms, but I never thought he would also have the qualities of a ruler.」
「We are just grateful that you understand our sincerity.」
Hodrian motioned to me, saying it was okay.
Then, he apologized for his rudeness.
「To be thankful. “I hope you understand that just as small animals are wary, border kingdoms like us also had no choice but to be careful.”
I never thought the day would come when I would live and receive an apology from the king of a foreign country.
I shook his hand with a shy smile.
「So, you no longer have doubts about the alliance?」
「Of course, Leonhard, even though that young man had a tough personality, he was loyal.」
The king said, pointing alternately with his finger to me and to his own black eyes.
「I got a similar feeling from your eyes. So, I have no choice but to believe this time too.”
I put down my joined hands.
Then, Hodrian returned with the gentle gaze in his eyes as when he first met him.
「Okay, now let’s have some fun at the party.」
The emperor picked up the wine glass.
And then, he looked at Leah and gave him a respectful look.
「Wouldn’t Princess Leia give a toast?」
The First Princess of the Empire’s lips parted slightly at Hordrian’s attitude of speaking highly of her.
Afterwards, she glanced at me and smiled, as if it was thanks to me that she was able to be treated this way.
“I understand. “Let’s all have a drink.”
The next emperor elegantly picked up his wine glass.
And, she spoke in her unique noble voice.
“I will toast to the hope of eternal peace and cooperation between our two countries.”
――――――!!
The clear sound of glasses clinking echoed across the table.
Afterwards, we greeted everyone and happily drank champagne.
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As alcohol began to enter the body, the atmosphere became more lively.
Emperor Hodrian looked quite excited, as if it had been a long time since he drank alcohol.
「Wow…. It’s been so long. This citrusy apple scent and tangy taste….」
“Father…. It would be difficult to suddenly drink this much without a doctor… !”
The Grand Duke and Crown Prince took turns trying to stop him, but it was no use.
The king smiled and enjoyed his first break in a long time.
「How could he, as a king, abstain from drinking when both countries were in trouble? “Let’s enjoy a day like today a little more.”
The king spoke loudly and stared at me.
Then he clinked his glasses together and added a word.
「But that’s the point. “Our Marquis of Vale turned 20 this year, right?”
「hahahaha…. That’s right. Majesty.”
Hodrian stroked his chin and smiled meaningfully.
Then, he spoke in a low voice.
「I don’t usually say things like this, but….」
As soon as he drinks alcohol and lets his guard down, he becomes very naive.
I wonder if this was the reason he bothered to wear a mask and cover his face.
“I have a daughter about your age and I’d like to ask if she’s interested.”
“… !!”
The moment I heard those words.
I swallowed deeply at the bloody murderous sensation I felt on both cheeks.
I have never been this nervous when dealing with any enemy.
I answered the king with a wide smile.
「I’m sorry, but I already have a prospective partner….」
When I said that the emperor was in trouble, he glanced at Leah.
He obviously couldn’t see his expression because he was wearing a mask, but he could also instinctively feel it.
That bloody aura when facing the conqueror.
「hahahaha…. “I understand. There’s no way the world would just leave someone with talent like you alone.”
Hodrian cleared his voice.
And then, he spoke calmly again.
「I also don’t want to build up my pride in this area. “What about your second wife?”
The king would send his daughter to be his second wife.
In fact, it was difficult to do without giving up your pride.
But, at that moment.
Hearing the word ‘second time’, Leah gently stroked my thigh under her table.
With very naughty and noble gestures.
「I think the second time will be difficult as well….」
Hearing those words, the King’s eyes flashed as if he was surprised.
And then, perhaps because he was embarrassed, he calmed his voice and asked back.
「Okay… ? After all, it’s an empire, so it’s fast in this regard. Then the third… ?」
「The third time….」
The emperor’s lips gradually parted due to repeated rejection.
「Uh… ? Well, the fourth one is….」
I am still silent.
Hodrian was so excited that he spread out his palms and spoke.
「Could it be the fifth time?」
「Yes…. The 6th time is already….」
This time, at the word ‘sixth’, Margot gently placed her hand on his other thigh.
The strange touch of the two women sitting on either side of me eventually made me draw the line at the king.
「I’m sorry, Your Highness. “You gave me a good suggestion, but I think it will be difficult.”
Hordrian eventually nodded his head.
However, he was still so clueless that his lips could not be easily closed.
「It’s okay, it’s okay. I was too greedy. “He’s the strongest person on the continent, so it’s only natural.”
A gentle smile appeared on the lips of the two masked women.
So, I also covered my face with a fox mask and hid my expression.
The Crown Prince and Archduke Luke stared at me like that.
Their eyes seemed very envious of me.
However, I let out an unfair look through the mask I was hiding.
‘Should I receive the marquis’ territory again and go to the countryside…? .’
While I was thinking about that, I felt Leah’s hand that was strangely stroking my thigh become hot.
Stick sweat appeared on her intoxicated palms.