184 – 188
An unusual incident was reported from the Ejib.
There were stories of recent attacks by swarms of locusts.
Preparations had been made in advance, but the late-night attack resulted in significant damage to a large area of farmland.
“Food prices are going to rise. Consequences…”
Food is crucial here.
Distribution is slow, and there is still quite some time until tax reform is implemented, making food relatively expensive.
“Should we temporarily purchase from overseas?”
According to the report…
“Ouch!”
My left eye is throbbing severely.
“Phew… Phew…”
With a blink, lost in thought for a moment,
It’s clear that the locusts have taken advantage of the situation.
In the end, the feared reality has come to pass.
Locusts, who should have spread their wings in Babylon, have turned towards the Empire.
This means that things will definitely not go as planned in the future.
And meddling with the food supply… is it because of Amon?
Amon, working to overthrow the Empire.
Leaving Rome, he travels to other cities, building my infamy and encouraging protests among the imperial citizens.
But the rural areas are too busy trying to survive, seemingly uninterested in protests, which is somewhat fortunate.
As the harvest season approaches, livelihood is more important than protests, I suppose.
But once the locust swarms start devouring the crops they should be harvesting, it seems they were trying to induce them to participate more actively in the protests.
Anyway…
It seems increasing food imports from abroad will solve this issue.
Leaning back in my chair as the pain slowly subsides, lost in thought, I muse,
“Come to think of it, our first wedding anniversary is not far off.”
Next month will mark a year since I married Theodora.
Other than gathering with family to eat, there’s nothing special planned.
“I guess I have to get another gift…”
Right after the birthday, it’s the first wedding anniversary, so I have to bother with getting another gift.
“I should prepare for the operation today.”
There are a few more reports from the Information Department, but I prepare to go out for the operation today.
***
Today is the day of his operation.
Although it’s not even 5 o’clock in the afternoon, seeing that he’s not at the Imperial Study, it seems he’s already prepared to leave.
“What should I do?”
The news of his operations is no longer a secret.
If any suspicious group attacks him…
Anxious thoughts keep flooding in.
Shouldn’t I have said something earlier if I knew this would happen?
But… does he enjoy these operations too much?
I get the feeling that for him, who leads a tiring daily life, these operations are a valuable hobby.
But apart from that, if information about the Emperor’s faction is leaking, then other suspicious factions might also know about it.
At least he seems unaware that the demon worshippers are plotting.
If the demon worshippers target him…
“That can’t happen.”
If he is found as a cold corpse, I must prevent it at all costs, even if it means risking my life.
But seeing him go for the operation without any guards…
“Ugh… this won’t do. Is anyone out there?”
-Your Majesty! Did you call?
Continuing the voice of the guard beyond the honeymoon suite, I speak up.
“Commander Agripa has urgent matters to attend to. Deliver the message that he needs to see me immediately.”
– Yes! I will convey the order.
With that said, I let out a sigh.
“You really need to appreciate how well you’ve married.”
It’s rare to find a wife who supports her husband’s modest hobbies.
Shortly after, the door to the honeymoon suite opens, and Agripa enters.
“Your Highness! Did you summon me?”
Bowing with one knee, he greets me, leaving me flustered.
“General, feel at ease when we’re alone.”
Agripa nods in response to my words.
“Am I allowed to act so casually towards the Emperor of the Empire?”
Exhaling, I reply, “You are my benefactor, along with my troops and my only younger sister. Despite being an emperor, I should obey my husband as a wife. Hearing you speak like that puts me in a difficult position.”
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
“Enough, if you say it like that, I will issue the order. Privately, you need not be so formal, but this is an imperial decree.”
Speaking with such authority, I give the command, prompting Agripa to rise, his face showing a mix of embarrassment.
“But… what brings you here?”
“Do you know that he engages in clandestine activities?”
Agripa flinches at my words, rolling his eyes, and I sigh.
“I understand you are aware. Concerned upon learning that he is involved in covert activities, I called you for advice.”
Agripa’s face stiffens upon my words.
“The Emperor knows…?”
“An official saw him wandering with me and Joy. Hence, I worry that hostile forces might attack him.”
“That… is a serious matter. I should inform the Grand Duke promptly to prevent…”
I shake my head in response.
“He is someone who does his best for this Empire. Also, I wish for his small moments of happiness to continue.”
Agripa’s expression becomes blank as he asks, “Then… what should I do?”
“I inquired if we could select exceptional soldiers to discreetly guard him without his knowledge, to ensure his safety.”
Agripa nods in agreement, saying, “That shouldn’t be too difficult. However, moving troops without the Grand Duke’s orders…”
“If he learns of this, due to his nature, he may refrain from his activities.”
– Flinch.
Agripa trembles at my words.
“I want to protect his small happiness. Is there a way?”
As I make this request to Agripa…
“I… I do have troops under my authority that I can mobilize. But… if we get caught, and the Grand Duke reprimands us…”
Fearing he might change his mind, I nod.
“If that happens, I will take responsibility and protect you.”
Agripa nods in agreement with my words.
“His Grace… really made a good marriage.”
I respond to those words with a bright smile.
“I hope he thinks so too.”
Agrifa chuckles at my words.
“I believe His Grace also thinks the same. That he made a good choice in marriage. Well then, I shall take my leave to attend to your orders.”
“Yes. I apologize for burdening you with difficult tasks.”
“No need for apologies. It is only natural for a vassal to protect their lord. I am grateful for being informed of such matters.”
As Agrifa turns to leave the room,
he stops in front of the door.
“But Your Majesty… I have one thing I’d like to ask. May I?”
I nod in response, “Please go ahead.”
“I’ve heard that Your Majesty aims to ruin His Grace. But why do you hold such thoughts towards His Grace?”
-Sigh.
“Though he may be quite detestable, isn’t he my one and only husband? Despite his many flaws, he is still my one and only husband. So if I don’t take care of my husband, who else will?”
Agrifa remains silent at my words.
“I see.”
“Yes, but this matter is a secret to him. He leads a complex life, so I wish for him to have peace when he can.”
Agrifa nods at my words.
“Understood.”
-Click!
***
I browse through items at the department store to find something to gift her.
“Hmm… I bought a ruby ring, but would a ruby necklace be too common?”
Honestly, nothing really strikes my fancy.
And gifting perfume based on preferences seems a bit risky.
Hmm… What should I do?
Before I know it, it’s almost time for dinner with Agrifa. I decide to ponder until the next meeting and head towards the restaurant where we agreed to meet.
“You’re early?”
Agrifa is already at the restaurant in casual attire.
“Yeah, Devian. You really did well in your marriage.”
Agrifa’s sudden remark leaves me puzzled as I ask, “Out of the blue?”
“Yeah, you really did well in your marriage.”
“What’s gotten into you?”
I inquire, but…
“Forget it. Ah, to think there’s such a kind wife.”
My wife, Theodora, is a notorious villainess. To call such a woman a kind wife…
“What are you talking about?”
She says as if pitying me.
“Ah, what’s the point of talking to you. Let’s just eat.”
They had dinner like that, had a drink, and then headed back home.
***
“Strange… they had prepared holy water.”
The King of Locusts, Rocust, tried to devastate the farmlands of Ejeob but failed.
They watched in wonder as the villagers prepared holy water to spray on the locust swarm, wiping them out as a defense against their own locusts.
Holy water, water imbued with the blessings of the gods.
Though holy water itself wasn’t extremely rare, seeing the Empire prepare for their arrival and take action left Rocust feeling perplexed.
“Hmm… it’s hard to see this as mere coincidence.”
Rocust, who had descended on this land in the past.
Having witnessed the Empire’s power multiple times, this situation was quite different.
The sight of holy water being expertly sprayed as if anticipating their arrival, swiftly eradicating the locust swarm, left Rocust, who had lived for eternity, feeling unsettled.
The discomfort of knowing that there was someone in the Empire who anticipated their coming.
“To think I, an immortal being, could be predicted by mere humans…”
It was discomforting to be predicted by beings who couldn’t live even a hundred years.
“I wonder whose face I’ll see.”