73 – 73. Production
The day after Siena was summoned.
A ceasefire agreement between the Empire and the Great Forest was signed at the City Hall of Antrem, a border city.
The Emperor represented the Empire, and Marcela represented the Elves.
In theory, it was a ceasefire, but in reality, it was a declaration of surrender by the Elves.
The conditions were heavily tilted towards the Empire. Although they avoided becoming a vassal state, the actual impact was even more severe.
“From the moment this treaty is signed and 40 days have passed, the territory from the Great Forest border to the Santa deir Basin will become the Empire’s territory. Both sides will make special efforts to maintain peace until the demarcation line is established. Furthermore…”
Half of the Great Forest had fallen into the Empire’s hands.
They had occupied half of the enemy’s territory with only two minor casualties (already recovered).
Not only that, they had established an embassy on the outskirts of Medelin and stationed troops to guard it.
In return, the Elves obtained only the prohibition of slave capture and the restriction of access to the World Tree.
Marcela’s expression was not good throughout the reading of the treaty.
“Chief Justice of the Elves, thanks to your decision, we were able to put an end to the long-standing conflict.”
Even though the Emperor spoke to her in a relatively friendly manner, it was the same for Marcela.
“I don’t know if it’s really over. I still can’t trust the Empire.”
“I understand. I want to hold a modest banquet to break down the accumulated hatred. If it’s alright, I hope the leaders of Medelin can also attend.”
“I’ll pass.”
Marcela declined the invitation to the banquet, but she did not refuse the handshake offered by the Emperor. It was a formal gesture, shaking hands up and down while holding the Emperor’s hand.
She knew that it wouldn’t be wise to assert her pride in the midst of agreeing to a ceasefire. The knights who were watching Marcela had tense expressions, but she was aware of that.
Anyway, the signing ceremony concluded without any issues.
Right after the event.
I was the last person Marcella sought out.
“I’ll be receiving a significant reward. Alan Maydoff.”
Saying this, Marcella’s expression as she left didn’t reveal any resentment.
It’s not that she forgave me just because I helped with the family’s remedy; it’s more like she doesn’t want to waste her time expressing anger towards me. Now, as the leader who ‘transferred half of the sovereign rights to humans,’ she has to govern the elves.
‘A reward.’
In reality, I had already been promised a reward.
Business rights in the hinterlands, a title of at least a viscount, and an opportunity to become a member of the imperial family.
‘With the treaty signed, I’ll now make my moves public. Subdue the ambitious elves, induce a rebellion, and discredit the leadership. …After that, it’s the engagement.’
However, the Emperor’s plan was not going to proceed as intended.
Right after the signing ceremony, a private gathering among a few individuals, including the Emperor, enjoying themselves after sending the elves away.
“Second Princess, you have submitted… Oh.”
“Step aside.”
At this moment, Siena appeared.
…
“Siena, what brings you here?”
The Emperor scolded Siena, who suddenly intruded, while trying to maintain composure.
‘Surprising, though. He knew.’
There’s no way the Emperor wouldn’t know that Siena had even entered the hinterlands. She used teleportation magic, causing a commotion among diplomatic and military bureaucrats to the point of near tyranny.
Sienna ignored the emperor’s summons and approached me slowly.
Then, with an incongruent graceful smile, she spoke.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it, Alan.”
I sent her a reproachful look as I dragged out my words. It seemed like I had communicated why she shouldn’t have come this far.
In response, Sienna, with an expression that said she couldn’t take it anymore, nestled into my arms.
I pretended to be surprised but embraced her.
The face of the emperor watching us contorted horribly.
**
Alan is shameless as always.
Sienna barely managed to contain her laughter.
“My lord, you shouldn’t speak like this.”
Alan’s voice, embarrassed and restraining herself. Trying to pull her away in a hurry but hesitating to touch her as if she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Judging by her actions, it seemed like she was genuinely surprised by the sudden physical contact.
Of course, all of this was an act.
An agreed-upon performance to show her father, who had tried to hide her and control Alan, that she was in on it.
The effect was quite impressive. Glancing around while in Alan’s embrace, the expressions of those watching us were truly absurd.
Especially the emperor.
“Sienna…?”
The emperor was staring in this direction with a vacant expression.
More like a soldier than a ruler, he had a stern appearance. In his younger days, he had endured many siblings to ascend to the throne, and to the small nations under the empire’s influence, he was known as a ruthless ruler.
But now, he was just a father shocked by his daughter’s actions.
A pallid face, clenched fists, yet tightly sealed lips. It was an expression of forcibly restraining oneself in front of ministers when there were so many things he wanted to say.
Having already delved into her father’s thoughts multiple times, Sienna could guess how tumultuous his feelings were just by looking at that face.
“Indeed, it’s getting through.”
A way to prevent the engagement between Alan and Anais.
The quickest path among them was for Alan to proactively engage with another princess.
As foolish as snatching away a perfectly eligible suitor to rescue a daughter who had already failed and was confined to a monastery.
Perhaps the empress expected this much. The situation where either she or Victoria intervenes, and Alan is claimed first. Victoria might only consider Alan as a loyal subject, but her close associates would recognize Alan’s value.
Yes, breaking off the engagement itself was relatively easy.
“Then what does that woman really want?”
Sienna pondered, burying her face in Alan’s chest. At this moment, Alan’s hand gently caressed her head. They had embraced for so long that it was probably time to let go.
Sienna slowly withdrew from Alan’s embrace, pretending to resist.
Even in front of the watching emperor, it would be entertaining to stage a play, but now was not the time to be immersed only in acting.
“Your Majesty.”
“I understand, Alan. This can’t continue.”
However, she didn’t forget to grasp the hem of Alan’s ceremonial attire with her hand, lifting him affectionately. For a tender conclusion.
Moreover, she even took Alan’s hand, guiding it to caress her face.
This was not something we had agreed upon beforehand; it was done on a whim. Alan’s face, with a surprised and bewildered expression, was quite amusing.
But this human was also extraordinary.
The fleeting expression of surprise quickly turned into a look of pity towards Sienna, and Alan began to gently stroke her plump cheeks and chin as if soothing her. It seemed as if they had already had this kind of interaction several times before.
So far, so good. But…
“This… is better than I thought.”
The sensation of Alan’s rough and calloused hands caressing her was unexpectedly not bad.
Why was that? Why did it feel good?
Fortunately, she soon grasped the reason.
When she thought about it, Alan’s hands were not ordinary hands. They were the hands that had created morphine, heroin, and ephedrine.
In a sense, this human had a lethality surpassing any master on the continent, or even all of those masters combined.
And Alan’s hands were now gently touching her face with just the right amount of force.
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It felt like playing with a delicate little animal, tickling her chin, wiping away tears that hadn’t even formed, and even stroking her hair.
Even though it was nothing, a strange excitement arose with every touch. It wasn’t appropriate given the situation, but it could be described as a tickling sensation.
Still, Sienna had to draw the line at an appropriate intensity because she had a lot to do.
If she continued like this, her father might truly explode.
“…I’m sorry for putting you in a difficult position, Alan.”
“No, it’s not your fault. It’s because of my own improper conduct. Your Majesty has made a very fair and reasonable decision.”
“You keep blaming yourself… sigh.”
For now, Sienna distanced herself from Alan.
Immediately after, she cast a resentful gaze at her father, King Edmund III.
I didn’t pour out my resentment wholeheartedly. After all, Siena’s true enemy was not the emperor but some fancy old lady in the system.
“How dare you.”
“Your Majesty, let me go first.”
“…Speak.”
“I heard that after reinstating Lord Allen to the system, you plan to bestow honors and rewards. But considering the relationship with Madeline, who just signed the treaty, wouldn’t it be better to postpone it a little? …Of course, it’s just my opinion.”
“That’s not important right now.”
“Then what is important?”
A standoff between the two women continued for a while.
Siena never even considered refusing. And she had no intention of relieving her father’s doubts and anxieties that were buried in his heart.
It was more advantageous to leave her in confusion rather than seeking revenge for deceiving his daughter.
“I believe you will listen.”
The emperor’s pupils shook violently at Siena’s announcement.
She didn’t feel particularly sorry for his pitiful appearance. If she had intended to consider her father’s emotions, she wouldn’t have stepped forward in the first place.
…
In the end, the emperor succumbed to Siena’s pressure.
“…Alan Maydoff will be temporarily appointed as ambassador. Return to the system, but make discretionary efforts to enhance friendship with the elves until there is another suitable candidate. …And I will reconsider the award for you at an appropriate time.”
The emperor postponed the award for Alan, half-dazed.
Though Siena succeeded in getting Alan back, she didn’t show it. She still maintained a gloomy expression.
“It’s not the right time to be pleased, not at all.”
Empress Yeonhwa.
“Now it was time for her to go meet him.
While breaking off the engagement with Alan was a simple matter, it was not enough once she realized that the Empress had other plans. How dare Siena try to play a prank on her most cherished confidant?
No matter what the Empress wanted, Siena had no intention of giving her anything.
Of course, if that were to happen, their harmonious mother-daughter playtime would come to an end. The strangely alluring seven-stringed instrument, the pipa, and the enjoyment of playing with salt would no longer be possible.
However, she didn’t feel any regret.
Because Alan was there.
As long as she could have that human by her side, Siena didn’t care about her connection with the Empress.