Chapter 20

I blinked continuously, my eyelids fluttering meaninglessly. I couldn’t recall how many times I opened and closed my eyes as I held the apple that Asulin had given me.

Despite this meaningless action, my mind continued to perform calculations rapidly.

If I unexpectedly received an apology, it was only natural to first think about why I received such an apology.

But…

“An apology…”

Even though I heard her sincere words, all that came out from my mouth were incoherent fragments.

Usually, when receiving an apology like this, one would first thank them even if it’s just a formality, and assure them that their words won’t be held against them to ease their mind.

“One question, though.”

“Speak.”

“What could you possibly have to apologize to me for?”

No matter how hard I thought, the only thing I could come up with was that Asulin was the one who created this abnormal marriage. Thus, all I could do was ask this rhetorical question.

Moreover,

“If you’re apologizing because of this marriage, there’s no need.”

My words were firm enough to say this.

“You know, don’t you? When the former head of the Sword Mansion spoke recklessly at the height of the civil war, just before his own side seemed to gain the upper hand. Now that he’s dead and the responsibility falls on me, I should be grateful for just being alive.”

I firmly refused to accept Asulin’s apology regarding this marriage.

It wasn’t a matter of accepting or rejecting it; anyone who knew the whole story would understand that I, representing the Sword Mansion, should apologize to Asulin.

She had no reason to apologize to me.

The former head of the Sword Mansion, my biological father, had said things so reckless with his tongue that the consequences were severe.

In a large-scale civil war, where there was no clear victor, those who joined late and were intoxicated by the slim chance of power, would naturally argue strongly for rewards once their side won.

And even the former head of the Sword Mansion, who was responsible for the largest faction within the anti-Princess camp, would do the same.

If the anti-Princess camp won the civil war, the victorious party would demand to be ennobled instead of the Commander, and request to solidify their position as the leader.

Although these demands might seem outrageous, they were understandable given their ambitions.

“…This is a conversation I can hardly bring myself to speak about. It makes me feel hot just thinking about it.”

“…You don’t have to say it.”

Fortunately, thanks to Asulin’s consideration, I didn’t have to utter those terrible words.

Though I didn’t say them, the memory played vividly in my mind.

…When this happens, my consciousness accelerates infinitely, making time seem to pass slowly.

It’s not something I particularly want to remember.

When was it? During the gradual escalation of the civil war, when the army of the Sword Commandery headed towards the southern part of the Zakarat Mountain Range.

Initially neutral, the Sword Mansion joined the anti-Princess camp at the right moment.

To celebrate joining, they extended a long supply line near their territory, cutting off and brutally destroying the advancing army’s supply lines.

This victory tilted the scales of the civil war in favor of the anti-Princess camp.

At the celebration banquet after the victory, the former head of the Sword Mansion, standing proudly in the center of the hall, drank the liquor in one gulp after finishing his speech, and then said more.

After the civil war ended and the new emperor ascended the throne, he would personally decapitate Caladborg Duke, take his severed head, and carve out its top. Then, he would gild it and use it as a cup. Finally, he would drink the wedding wine mixed with the ashes of his daughter.

…Such crude and venomous words were meant to smear the opposing camp, but they were so public that no one questioned their authenticity.

Of course, some people still doubted that such an unchivalrous statement could come from the mouth of the Count who was responsible for the Sword Mansion.

This isn’t a lie. That madman said it in front of everyone at the banquet, and Andymion heard it, as did I, who shadowed him.

Though I’m physically weak and lack talent in swordsmanship, my courage matched the battlefield’s stench. My face turned pale for the first time seeing Andymion’s reaction.

Even with my mask hiding my expression, I knew my face must have turned white too.

‘Mad. He’s mad.’

Just recalling it made me dizzy, and the madness of the former head of the Sword Mansion was beyond imagination.

Amidst this madness, instead of trying to stop him,

– Dominus! Dominus! Truly your words are bold! Who among us could speak as boldly as you?

– Hahaha, truly fitting for the Baron who governs the Sword Mansion. I hope such respect is realized and we can drink together!

Most nobles echoed the former head’s name, driving the atmosphere in that direction.

It goes without saying how vulgar the atmosphere at that banquet was.

‘They were nothing but beasts gathered together, and that’s why they lost so spectacularly in the civil war.’

Such thoughts naturally arose in my mind.

They lacked vision and responsibility for leading a great nation toward a better future. They were merely beasts struggling for power.

Honestly, they deserved to die, and the new emperor’s mercy in sparing their lives was generous.

…Even if I were the emperor, I would show mercy to a few examples, excluding those necessary.

The empire is vast. Even if the previous emperor laid a strong foundation, the central bureaucracy can only manage most regions imperfectly.

As an emperor, managing such a vast territory means balancing between appeasing other nobles and lords who support you and dealing with those who don’t.

Step over the line, and you’ll be crushed. Stay within bounds, and you’ll maintain your dignity as a noble.

This much leniency is more than enough.

…Ah, I’ve been rambling.

With the power of accelerated consciousness, even such long reveries felt short.

If I took any longer, Asulin would look at me strangely tomorrow.

“Ahem.”

I cleared my throat and returned to the point.

“Let me reiterate. Regarding that incident, I believe it’s right for me to apologize to you.”

Nevertheless, I emphasized that Asulin’s apology regarding the marriage was unnecessary.

“No.”

Asulin shook her head slowly, denying my words.

“What is not?”

“Superficially, it may seem like this situation is due to your father, but half of it is true and half is false.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Would you listen to my story?”

“Even if I listen, I doubt it will change my thoughts, but I see no reason to stop you. So, I’ll listen quietly.”

With my permission, Asulin moved away from her attentive listening posture and looked at me directly, preparing to tell her story properly.

Unlike before, when she avoided eye contact and trailed off her sentences uncertainly, now she looked determined, as if her resolve was shining through her eyes.

“Huh…”

Before speaking, Asulin took a deep breath to steady herself.

Then, her words reached my ears as she began her story.

“At first, when I heard the words your father spoke, I was truly angry.”

Though she spoke as if she was angry, her tone remained calm.

—

Andymion listened to Asulin recount her experiences during the civil war, her voice calm yet trembling.