Chapter 89

Chapter 89: The Empress's Test (1)

She already knew about the Grand Duke of the North’s offer to appoint me as his aide.

With a slightly sulky expression, she glanced up at me and said,

“I put in a special effort just for you. Being an aide doesn’t make you a member of the Grand Duke’s house—it’s strictly a cooperative position.”

Echina had realized that I felt burdened by the idea of being affiliated with the Grand Duke’s household.

And so, she had secretly requested the highest position possible within a cooperative relationship from her father.

“This way, you can still protect the Erian Foundation.”

I couldn’t help but let out a short laugh at her clever decision—something I hadn’t even considered.

“That’s true. I’m honored you went this far for me.”

At my sly gaze, Echina turned her head toward the window.

Then, in a voice as cool and composed as always, she added,

“Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s only because ever since you disappeared, people keep trying to suggest marriage candidates, and I need someone to lean on.”

Echina narrowed her eyes sharply, insisting that it was all because people around her were being annoying.

To that, I responded with an even more playful tone.

“Sounds like you really didn’t want to get married.”

The Grand Duke’s daughter scoffed at my teasing remark.

“No. I just wanted to make that kind of important decision on my own.”

She crossed her arms alone, raising one hand as if to emphasize her point.

Then, pointing to my slender eyes, she said,

“And Dalton’s completely out of the question by my standards.”

Her standards for a future husband, huh?

That was top-secret information even I wouldn’t know ten years from now, so I simply shrugged.

“Well, Young Lord Dalton may be skilled in swordsmanship, but he does lack a certain seriousness.”

I narrowed my eyes as though pondering deeply, just like I used to as Chief Secretary.

“If he’s going to satisfy someone like Lady Echina, he’d probably need to be someone who can be thoughtful when it really counts.”

“Exactly. It’s fine if he’s playful most of the time, but in serious situations, he needs to make wise decisions.”

She nodded, agreeing with her own statement.

Then suddenly, as if something about me rubbed her the wrong way, she frowned and said bluntly,

“But that doesn’t mean you need to help me find someone, alright? I’ll choose for myself.”

“Understood. Since it’ll be the wise Grand Duke’s daughter’s decision, I won’t worry.”

The Chief Secretary stared at Echina, who always seemed to talk more when it was just the two of us.

He gave a brief chuckle as if something had occurred to him, then turned to me again and reminded me,

“His Grace instructed that the joint imperial project is to proceed as planned. So, once you arrive, make sure to meet Empress Margaret first.”

“Yes, understood. It’s probably about the redevelopment of the old city, right?”

Debier nodded.

“Yes, and it won’t be easy. Haman has been a slum for a long time.”

“But that just means the rewards will be just as great.”

In contrast, Echina’s eyes gleamed with ambition, befitting the Grand Duke’s daughter.

As expected, she was someone who looked toward success rather than fearing failure.

“Once your name gets known through this imperial project, everyone will naturally acknowledge your position as an aide.”

She was seriously considering my future path.

Debier and I both looked at Echina in silence as she spoke.

“If that happens, you’ll be standing on equal footing with our family... and the justification...”

Echina must have felt our gaze, because she lifted her head.

At that, the current Chief Secretary and I, the former one, both looked away as if scattering our attention elsewhere.

“I’ll head down now. I’ve delivered His Grace’s message.”

“I’ll just greet you and then return.”

These were undoubtedly necessary actions.

However, Echina looked at us—who were tactfully leaving the space—as if we were sulky cats.

「――――――」

The imperial capital was quite far from Nord.

However, the roads were excellently maintained, so by following the main route, we managed to arrive in under two days.

‘So the capital was already this prosperous ten years ago.’

As we passed through the towering outer walls of the capital, beautiful stone buildings spread out before us.

Merchants, citizens, and even foreigners.

Countless people from across the continent were enjoying the splendor of the Empire’s heart.

“It’s beautiful.”

Echina was gazing at the Gothic-style castle that loomed closer and closer.

The pointed rooftops soared far higher than those of the imperial villa in Nord.

Bathed in the view of that antique exterior, even her usually sharp eyes had softened.

“Haven’t you visited the capital often?”

“Yes, but it was always for sparring matches. This is my first time coming like this.”

Leaning her arm on the window frame, she seemed to be enjoying the breeze of the capital.

It was a peaceful side of her I hadn’t seen often in my past life.

“This might even be more nerve-wracking than the sparring matches.”

“I know. But back then I was alone... now it feels a little different.”

Echina turned and faced me.

With elegance, she crossed her legs and spoke.

“So, what kind of plan have you prepared for the joint imperial urban development, Roger?”

She was assuming I had already prepared a solid strategy.

With a look of curiosity and intelligence, she asked what I had in mind.

“Haman is one of the most underdeveloped areas of the capital. It’s where various local specialties from the provinces are brought together.”

She was right.

And because of those gathered specialties, tensions with merchants there tended to be especially high.

“That’s why it has an image of being filled with rough people.”

“But you don’t think that way, do you, Lady Echina?”

I asked with a relaxed smile.

At that, Echina lifted the corners of her mouth with equal ease and replied,

“That’s right. I’ve been there myself. With my father.”

That made sense.

After her matches in the capital, she often entrusted her gear to the blacksmiths in Haman.

In the process, she must have seen their lives up close.

“Haman is a warmhearted city, far more than its image suggests. Not to the extent the Imperial Family worries about.”

“Exactly. However, people who haven’t seen it for themselves tend to judge a city based on a single rumor.”

Especially the reason why Haman had ended up being selected for this urban planning project.

It was because of the knife fight involving a foreign merchant that occurred just a few months ago.

Of course, they were immediately punished and imprisoned, but to the Imperial Family and the upper class who knew nothing about Haman, the city must have appeared as a chaotic place overrun by foreigners.

“We need to strip away that tarnished image.”

As I finished speaking, the carriage gradually began to slow down.

And when it came to a full stop—

At last, we had arrived at the radiant heart of the Empire: Leopold Imperial Palace.

“Welcome, Lady Echina. We are honored to have you at the Imperial Palace.”

As the carriage door opened, imperial attendants lined up on both sides.

Butlers in black suits and the Imperial Guard greeted us formally.

“Her Majesty the Empress is waiting for you at the villa. Allow me to escort you.”

A middle-aged man in a white uniform, who appeared to be the leader, stepped forward.

On his chest were three golden lion badges, symbolizing his rank as Captain of the Guard.

“Thank you, Captain. This is Roger Julius, one of the contributors to the joint project.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. You led Old Luton to success, I believe.”

The blond middle-aged man gave me a firm, masculine look.

True to someone from the Imperial Family, who valued results above all else, he didn’t seem to look down on me in any way.

“You flatter me. I merely did my best to save my hotel.”

“So modest. Let’s go. The additional project lead should already be there.”

‘Additional project lead…?’

I hadn’t heard anything about that.

Then again, this entire project was something I had never experienced in my past life.

Echina and I exchanged a meaningful glance before following the Captain of the Guard into the villa.

We walked down the long corridor, the sound of our steps muffled by the luxurious red velvet carpet beneath us.

And when we passed through the beautiful grand doors at the end of the corridor—

―――――.

A vast marble floor and a magnificent chandelier ceiling unfolded before us.

And at the far end, seated atop a high imperial throne, was Empress Margaret, the Second Empress.

“You’re here, Lady Echina. And Roger Julius as well.”

A middle-aged woman dressed gracefully in a platinum gown.

She gently ran her hand through her thick golden hair as she rose from her seat.

“We greet Your Majesty the Empress.”

Echina bowed her head in greeting.

I also offered my respects alongside her.

“I’ve been waiting. Word of your accomplishments has reached me even from afar.”

A lover of culture and the arts, and the leader of the Empire’s powerful external family forces.

As the matron of the Imperial Household, the aura she exuded was anything but ordinary.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what ideas you’ve brought for this urban renewal project.”

Perhaps thanks to the success of putting Bennet Tolkien back on the stage—

She welcomed us with a surprisingly kind gaze.

“The other planners have already arrived, so we can begin right away.”

However—

The warm atmosphere did not last long.

Among the people standing in the villa...

Tobang Arman and Lucun Fern.

The two newly appointed official secretaries each stepped forward.

“There’s a large festival scheduled at the end of the year in Leonfield, but the ministers are concerned about the public safety of Haman, being a nearby city.”

Empress Margaret turned her gaze to the two secretaries.

“That is why we are borrowing the strength of everyone here, who has made great contributions to Nord’s urban development, to help improve the city’s image.”

With an elegant gesture, the Empress extended her hand to indicate us.

“You may treat this as a competition—or a collaboration. However, I expect tangible results.”

Margaret spoke gently to the participants with a benevolent smile.

But she already knew the truth.

Solid outcomes more often emerged from competition than cooperation.

Moreover, besides Echina, both Eric and Freya had sent those two individuals.

In short, this was a strategic move to ensure that Echina wouldn’t be able to claim the entire credit for the project on her own.

It was clear this wouldn’t be an easy contest.

Because of that, I turned to look at Echina, my gaze more serious than usual.

I figured she might be nervous, as this kind of work wasn’t something she was familiar with.

“I shall carry out Your Majesty’s will.”

But surprisingly, Echina’s expression remained quite composed.

Rather, befitting the daughter of the Grand Duke of the North, she held a calm and calculating look.

“We’ll be sure to produce results that will satisfy the Imperial Family.”

“We shall follow your command.”

Tobang and Lucun also accepted the order in unison.

Seeing their composed demeanor, Margaret smiled faintly and folded her hands behind her back.

“We’ll be providing the budget, so don’t hesitate to make requests to the Minister of Finance.”

“May I ask if there is a limit to the funds?”

Lucun, ever rational and analytical, posed a sharp question.

In response, a middle-aged man with intelligent eyes behind metal-rimmed glasses spoke up.

“There is no set limit. However, it may influence the evaluation.”

They would provide funding—but how wisely it was used would also factor into the assessment.

At that, Lucun slowly nodded, lost in thought.

“If there are no further questions, we will conclude this first audience here.”

The Minister of Finance looked to Empress Margaret, who had risen from the imperial throne.

It was clear the next step would be traveling to Haman to conduct an on-site investigation.

“Before that, may I request a brief moment?”

However, for some reason, Tobang showed no sign of stepping down.

Instead, he stood proudly in his place and spoke with confidence.

“I’ve prepared a small gift for Your Majesty on our way to the capital.”

If Lucun was the rational one, Tobang was exceptionally gifted in emotional intelligence.

By participating in this matter, he had also created a means to gain favor with the Empress.

“That said, I’m not seeking favoritism. I’d simply be grateful if Your Majesty would view this as a humble gesture of loyalty.”

Tobang handed over a large, flat envelope to the Minister of Finance, one he had clearly prepared in advance.

The envelope was sealed elegantly with the black lion crest of the eldest son, Eric.

“……”

The Minister of Finance gave a wary glance toward the Captain of the Guard.

The solemn guard stepped forward and personally opened the envelope to inspect its contents.

“It should be fine to present this to Her Majesty.”

The Minister of Finance proceeded to examine the items one by one.

And in that moment, the calm look on his face widened noticeably.

What Tobang had brought was—

“Your Majesty, here it is.”

A set of original letter paper illustrations by the very artist who recently painted the ceiling mural in Luton Hall.

“These are from Lord Descent’s series.”

Empress Margaret, as expected, recognized the artist immediately.

True to her reputation as a lover of the arts, she seemed pleased, a gentle smile blooming on her lips.

“Yes, that’s correct. They are the original versions of letter paper illustrations soon to be released.”

The artwork beautifully depicted the changing fashion of Nord’s women over the ages.

It was the work of a renowned painter long sponsored by both the Grand Duke of Luton and his eldest son, Eric.

“Looking at such beautiful scenery makes me want to visit Nord again.”

With an impressed gaze, she took her time admiring the images.

Thanks to that, the previously solemn atmosphere in the villa felt a bit more relaxed and warm.

“If there’s an event I can attend, I’ll be sure to stop by for a look.”

Tobang had made a strong first impression.

Even the attendants, seeing the Empress at ease, seemed satisfied.

“As expected of the Luton family’s official secretary.”

“Indeed. He came fully prepared to greet Her Majesty.”

On the other hand, their rival Echina watched the scene with a displeased expression.

She was someone who, as a knight, valued a fair fight.

However—

I, who was no knight, had no obligation to be that honest.

“Lady Echina, may I ask your permission for something small?”

Echina tilted her head slightly as she looked at the envelope I pulled from my inner pocket.

“What kind of permission?”

“There’s something I’d like to offer Her Majesty.”

I smiled slyly, like a proper schemer.

Then, passing by the Grand Duke’s daughter who stood beside me, I stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, may I present a small offering of my own?”

At the appearance of another gift, the Empress lifted her gaze from the illustrations.

“Roger, is it?”

Perhaps remembering the performance at the Erian Hotel, she nodded with interest.

With an overly dramatic flourish, I handed the envelope to the Captain of the Guard.

“……”

Perhaps still reeling from Tobang’s impressive gift, the guard checked the contents with a visibly unamused face.

And then, at that moment—

“This is…!!”

The Captain’s eyes widened in shock as he looked toward the Empress.

He knew it too.

“Your Majesty, please… receive this…!!”

Because he also knew who Empress Margaret—the Second Empress of the Empire—loved most.

“Could this be…”

The Empress, who had been composed until now, pulled the item from the envelope—and her lips parted in surprise.

She quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth, trying to maintain her dignity.

What I had given her was—

「Again, Bennet Tolkien — Cheer Up Nord Concert.」

A large-scale concert ticket for none other than Bennet Tolkien himself.

“If you check inside, there’s also a pre-recorded preview of a new song he’ll perform at the concert.”

With my hands clasped behind my back, I continued speaking in a relaxed tone.

But the Empress—completely entranced—could only stare blankly at Bennet’s dignified face printed on the ticket.

「I hope to see you again soon, Your Majesty.」

Because written on the ticket was a personal, handwritten message from the singer of the century himself.

「I’ll be in even better condition when I greet you this time.」

“What a truly precious gift…”

The Empress smiled with the innocence of a young woman, as if she had returned to her days at twenty.

At the sight of this once-so-dignified woman transformed into a dreamy-eyed girl, the attendants around her were left utterly dazed.

Tip: Tap/click the left or right side of the screen to go to previous/next chapter.