69 – Unexpected
I won.
But something was strange.
A robust middle-aged man. Emperor Edmund III of the Empire sat on the edge of the bed, blinking his eyes.
“I never thought a day would come when I’d be troubled by such matters.”
The self-destruction of Dae Sulin. And practical reconciliation.
It was an achievement that could rival the accomplishments of the ancestors who allowed the Britannia Empire to reign as an empire.
In the process, the damage to the empire was almost negligible.
Only two casualties, was it?
But the process of victory was somewhat perplexing.
“Your Majesty. At first, I was also uneasy, but it was easier than expected. Despite having the assistance of insiders, in the middle of enemy territory… there was no significant resistance. I, who thought it was a reckless operation, felt like a fool.”
“Oh, the new leader of the elves seems to have a close relationship with Allan Matedof.”
“But, Your Majesty. The problem is undoubtedly heroin. That substance is truly terrifying. If such a dru*g spreads in the empire… I can’t even imagine.”
It was a report from Grant Jajak, the deputy commander of the escort knights. The elven elders blinked their eyes with expressions of disbelief.
Thanks to that, the emperor was burdened with many concerns.
Heroin with peculiar effects.
Marcella Woodrina, the new leader of the elves.
And Allan Matedof, who played an excessively significant role.
Honestly, the last one was the biggest cause for worry.
The person who created the heroin, and the mastermind who turned Madeline upside down in a short period of time, is ultimately Alan Maydoff.
How should I reward him?
No, is that the end of it? I can’t give him a punishment either.
“Well… Yes. I should summon him and listen to his explanation first.”
That’s the proper procedure.
There was someone who opposed the Emperor’s soliloquy.
“Your Majesty, Alan Maydoff is not someone who should be dealt with in that way.”
A slender Asian beauty. Empress Yeonhwa.
They had spent many years in a loveless marriage, but lately, they had become more harmonious than their honeymoon days.
Honestly, during their honeymoon, it was difficult to build marital affection while conversing through an interpreter. But these days, they were getting along relatively well. The Emperor even found it somewhat endearing to see the Empress sipping Silovin and playing the piano.
“Empress, what are you saying?”
“That friend probably already knows what doubts you have, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm.”
“You have prepared all the explanations… right? Since you don’t know about the heroin, but he knows it well, you will eventually get caught up in his flow. You’ll end up just nodding your head awkwardly after calling him for questioning.”
Her tone was gentle, but somehow it pricked the Emperor’s heart. He cleared his throat.
“How foolish. Shouldn’t we ask more if we don’t know?”
“Is there a guarantee that he will honestly explain?”
The Empress, lying on her side, continued to ask the Emperor one after another.
A languid expression and a very comfortable posture.
The Emperor couldn’t understand why he found the words coming from the mouth of this petite woman, who seemed like she could fall asleep at any moment, so resonant.
It was clear that, compared to most bureaucrats, one had to pay attention to the Empress’s voice. The Empress had a discerning eye for something.
“So, what should we do?”
“Think simply.”
“Simply?”
“If you belittle Alan or intensify the conflict, Victoria will stand up for him… Sienna will use that as an opportunity to gain something from Her Majesty or my sister. Meanwhile, Alan Medov will quietly disappear.”
“It doesn’t seem that simple.”
“No, it is. Just place him where he can’t hide or escape, where it’s clearly visible. Put a leash on him under the name of a reward.”
The Empress, Yoonhwa, said this with a subtle smile.
The Emperor didn’t demand further explanation. He was inspired by the word “leash” mentioned by the Empress.
“It might be advantageous not to inquire about heroin for now.”
“For the time being. Dealing with tricky deities is usually done that way.”
Subsequently, the two discussed carefully how to handle Alan Medov, exchanging thoughts back and forth.
At a glance, it seemed like a casual conversation between a couple in their 40s and mid-30s in their nightwear. However, it was an important matter.
Dealing with a meritorious subject who single-handedly brought down an enemy nation.
In the end, the Empress added, “It’s better to keep it a secret from the daughters, if possible.” She mentioned that Alan Medov might manipulate through the princesses.
The Emperor willingly agreed to this advice.
“Thank you.”
“I can’t tolerate a subordinate playing with emotions. It’s beneficial for that friend to be caught at least once.”
Although Alan, the person who facilitated the Empress’s astuteness, came to the Emperor’s mind, nothing would change. He was the ruler of the empire, not a husband responsible for a woman’s happiness.
The Empress gave his shoulders a reassuring pat, as if encouraging her husband.
The next day, the Alhyun Chamber in the imperial palace.
The imperial princesses sat with a slight distance between them, awaiting the emperor.
Victoria, the first princess, with light blonde hair neatly tied up in a red-and-white conquering attire. Sienna, the second princess, dressed in a black gown.
Both were formidable candidates for the imperial throne, despite differences in reputation and appearance. Victoria, supported wholeheartedly by her prestigious maternal family, while Sienna, even distancing herself from some paternal cousins, was from a respected but less influential branch.
Victoria spoke first.
“Sienna, when Abamama arrives, lend your support.”
“What support do I lend?”
Sienna absentmindedly replied, running her fingers through her silver hair.
“It’s about Alan Kye. You’re smart enough to guess that Abamama called us to discuss Alan Kye. …Specifically, about the heroin.”
“Probably, yeah.”
“He’s still your personal guard, not like any other man. …No, forget it. Either way, if we just leave it be, Alan Kye will not only escape punishment but might even face inquiries. It’s different from being hailed a hero for beheading hundreds of elves in battle.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“I get it. What my sister is talking about.”
“Knowing all this, you still act so indifferent?”
Victoria, frustrated, tapped her chest.
In truth, she was a bit impatient.
She had already been working on a draft of a highly advantageous armistice treaty for diplomacy.
Even after widely publicizing the fact of defeating the elf in hundreds of localized battles and preparing a victory celebration, the emperor remained silent.
The victory achieved through the use of heroin packaging was indeed a delicate matter. The expected outcome was clear.
“Sienna, Allen’s contribution will eventually be buried.”
“Well, naturally.”
“If one cannot receive proper recognition even after making a significant contribution… it is truly unjust.”
“Sorry, but that’s what Allen intends, at least from my perspective.”
Upon hearing these words, Victoria momentarily paused.
Is there a knight in this world who does not desire public recognition?
Even if Allen is a person, he should possess a sense of justice, at the very least. It is too unfair for someone to achieve remarkable accomplishments and yet be overshadowed.
“Ah.”
“Now, do you finally understand, sister?”
“Yes. I now understand what Allen is concerned about. Once Madeline’s actions are made public, neighboring countries will intensify their efforts to suppress heroin. It will likely also burden the royal family in various ways… Allen must be worried about that.”
“…”
Sienna’s crimson eyes stared blankly in this direction.
“Am I correct in my assessment?”
“It’s not entirely wrong, but it’s not as noble as you think, sister. From my perspective, I believe Allen is concerned because the influx of heroin into the empire would also make things difficult for him…”
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be noble intentions, Sienna.”
Victoria spoke sincerely.
Allen’s actions could be calculated.
Although she had no doubts about his sincerity, Victoria was aware of Allen’s cunning nature.
Nevertheless, she was certain that his concession would benefit the empire. Understanding Allen’s strategy would alleviate Victoria’s own burden as well.
Certainly, I felt sorry. The debt of sincere feelings this time was something I would never forget. I was determined to repay it when the opportunity arose.
Without fail.
Victoria clenched the fist she had placed on her firm thigh, making the vow.
While Sienna raised the corner of her mouth and glanced this way, she didn’t seem bothered. After all, it was because of her that Alan Kyeong had achieved a shining major.
“Unni, when Dad brings up heroin, you should defend it appropriately. Don’t belittle his merits because of that—something like that.”
“Then what about you, Sienna?”
“I’ll just stand by and laugh. I’ll grab some benefits later on.”
“…Alright.”
The sisters peacefully reached an agreement.
The emperor appeared right after that.
Although the two princesses exchanged glances as agreed beforehand, it was meaningless.
Surprisingly, the emperor didn’t even mention heroin.
Instead.
“I realize your contributions are significant.”
“Yes?”
“First, Victoria. You devised this operation with Alan Maydof, right? If it weren’t for your decision, we would still be continuing in a futile battle. …And Sienna. Come to think of it, Maydof is not your bodyguard?”
“…Abamama?”
“However, the one who made the greatest contribution is undoubtedly Maydof himself. He captured the war hero Marcela and induced a rebellion. It’s regrettable, but the deserving recipient of the reward is not you two but Alan Maydof. Understand this.”
“……”
“If you’ve made a contribution, it’s only right to give praise.”
He was an emperor who never even mentioned the heroine until the end.
Victoria wore a bewildered expression, nothing more.
Sienna hesitated, then asked with a playful tone, “How do you plan to reward me?” But the emperor just smiled and said nothing.
Even when Sienna invoked her father’s title, it didn’t make a difference.
“We plan to announce the details of the commendation for meritorious service along with the armistice agreement.”
Just a simple notification like this.
The two princesses forgot what they were going to say and just stared at each other’s faces.
**
Victoria delivered unexpected news.
“The emperor didn’t mention the heroine. Instead, he said he would give a remarkable reward to Gyeong.”
… It was unbelievable.
Just to be sure, Sienna checked with her, but she seemed clueless too. She could only speculate that the empress might have said something. Still, it didn’t change the fact that they couldn’t understand the emperor’s intentions.
What could the emperor be thinking?
Even with the upcoming commendation, there was an inexplicable unease.