I wanted to rest for a little while.
After sending Leon Rothe Dale’s body to the State first, this thought came to mind.
If I hadn’t dealt with it, Leon Rothe Dale would have died in a far more gruesome way—tied to a stake or torn apart limb from limb.
‘But such a death would not have been something Leon would easily accept.’
Instead of deploying hundreds (or more) elite personnel to deliver a fitting punishment, I simply resolved the issue quietly using narcotics.
Even now, I don’t regret this choice.
After all, it was relatively fast and safe. Still…
“I’m tired…”
“Sir…?”
“No, it’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”
I was utterly exhausted, and my mind wasn’t functioning well.
It was a sensation I had often experienced in my previous life.
Like when the mudslinging fight to send my father to prison was at its peak, or when my mom’s connections ended up backfiring when she tried rescuing him, or even when my younger sibling betrayed me, leaving me seated at the doorway in despair. It had been a tough battle indeed.
My father was a cunning swindler who managed to evade the law despite his numerous scams dating back before the dot-com bubble, and my mother was a broker who took requests from badge-wearing politicos seeking re-election.
However, life had been comparatively easier since I was reincarnated.
Though I had indulged in heinous actions with the intention of surviving, everything generally worked out smoothly.
It wasn’t because I was particularly talented, but rather because the residents of this world were ignorant about narcotics, making my task significantly less complicated.
Yet, this time was different.
Was it because I had killed someone for the first time?
No, that wasn’t it. In my previous life, I had also caused deaths, albeit indirectly.
To trap my father, I needed to inform the prosecution about the project he was handling at the time, which would lead to the downfall of his investors.
Even knowing what a person might do after losing all their assets, I went ahead with it regardless. When the investigators at the Southern District Attorney’s Office hesitated, I worked behind the scenes to ensure there was no turning back.
And several people actually…
‘No, wait a moment.’
While reflecting, a sudden feeling of unease swept over me.
I hadn’t dredged up such long memories of my previous life before.
After all, it was a world I had abandoned; reminiscing wouldn’t serve any purpose. I had long since shed the grudge against my family and had no lingering attachment to my past life.
Yet today, these random musings persisted.
As I analyzed the reason, a suspicion began to form.
‘This is similar.’
Attempting to live safely only to find the stress mounting, and in the process, hurting countless people—this was surprisingly akin to my past life. Though it wasn’t a new feeling, it felt especially heavy this time around.
I couldn’t even stop reflecting.
I had anticipated a freer life after sending my father to prison, but instead, more and more people began targeting me. When I distanced myself from my mother, requests for help started flooding in. And my younger sibling? Better to leave that alone for now.
“Comte? May I cast the spell?”
The wizard’s question finally interrupted my reverie.
Currently, I was standing on a teleportation magic circle.
It was one maintained by the Military Affairs Ministry. I didn’t know exactly what kind of scene would greet me upon arrival at the State.
Still, indecision was not an option.
“Yes. Let’s return.”
A brilliant light obscured my vision.
…
Returning quickly after completing the mission, I was met with an unexpected sight at the State.
Instead of the expected lineup of anxious soldiers and officials, the reception was led by a small group of high-ranking members.
Leading them was Victoria.
“Sir Alan. You have completed a most difficult task.”
Dressed in snug military uniform with her hands behind her back,
Victoria’s outfit featured insignias from five military units, indicating her role as senior advisor across four brigades and one independent artillery battalion.
Apparently, she had acquired control of one more division during my absence.
However, Victoria’s expression lacked any hint of relief or joy.
“Your safe return is a great relief. I believed you would succeed, but to return so swiftly… You’ve managed to stabilize the northeastern territory, which was otherwise teetering due to a single deserter.”
“Whether it truly stabilized, I cannot say.”
“Naturally, there will be scars.”
Too many deaths had occurred. Catching a superhuman who could easily kill hundreds alone had only claimed over twenty lives, which might seem like a decent outcome. During inter-country conflicts, such a number would have been negligible.
But it was a different story when it came to deserters.
Especially a deserter who was a world-famous drug-addict genius like Leon.
Killing Leon wouldn’t erase the consequences of his actions. It was Victoria’s responsibility to console the families and comrades of those who died on duty.
This must have been the most unsettling incident for Victoria, who was trying to launch the Empire’s golden age.
And these worries were not her only concerns.
“Who could possibly bless our engagement during such chaos?”
“…”
We were originally set to announce our engagement as soon as the embassy delegation from Jin-guk returned. We also intended to hold the engagement ceremony as soon as possible. The Chief Steward, along with a small team, was already preparing the ceremony, adhering to all relevant protocols, despite the unusual nature of the affair.
It was a fact that this schedule was now significantly disrupted.
“One of the officers Leon killed was Captain Dayven. His father is a retired major general, a righteous and incorruptible military man unlike the rest of my maternal family. He approached me today, filled with grievance.”
“…”
“Even more, alongside the families of other fallen officers.”
“Seems like they’re questioning why such a dangerous person was placed in the penal battalion.”
“Yes. Placing Leon in the penal battalion was my decision.”
Why save a crazy drug addict to create such trouble? The bereaved probably vented their sorrow knowing Leon was neither an honorable warrior nor met a fitting death.
‘If he came to Victoria directly…’
He must bear greater resentment towards me, albeit hidden from my sight for now.
Even the Minister of Military Affairs by Victoria’s side was merely observing the situation cautiously. When our eyes met, he awkwardly smiled and mumbled some praise. The faces of other generals were also marked with fear.
And if we announce the engagement in such an atmosphere?
Certainly, it would be unrealistic to expect any blessings.
“But, Sir Alan?”
“Speak your mind.”
“My heart has not wavered, even for a moment, from the desire to postpone national affairs due to this unfortunate incident. By national affairs, I naturally mean our engagement. As soon as the Jin-guk delegation departs the Empire, I intend to officially announce it.”
“…”
“I’ve considered waiting for things to calm down. But will such a day ever come? The Empire will remain restless in the future.”
A statement that peace was not forthcoming. I agreed.
So Victoria decided to announce the engagement regardless of blessings or curses. Waiting for the situation to settle down would only invite more accidents.
Though it might seem like stirring unnecessary controversy amidst unrest, it could also be considered a wise choice.
“Your thoughts on this?”
“I agree. We don’t need to change the plan unnecessarily.”
“Good.”
At last, a faint smile crossed Victoria’s face.
I was struck by how beautiful she was once again. Her angular shoulders, the curvaceous figure unable to be fully concealed even by her uniform, her platinum hair tied neatly.
‘Engagement, it’s fine.’
Engagement to beautiful women of wealth and power.
Of course, it was not so simple. Marrying two princesses wouldn’t necessarily guarantee a comfortable life, but I decided to look positively on it. Considering it as another duty would only lead to endless complications otherwise.
Yet first, we had matters concerning Anais.
“Victoria. Let’s go to the Audience Chamber. We must report to His Majesty.”
“Yes.”
We immediately took action.
…
His Majesty the Emperor, whom we met in the Audience Chamber, did not look pleased.
It felt cruel to add another burden to someone already under strain, but it was necessary since he was one of the few protecting Anais.
To send Anais away, I needed the Emperor’s permission.
“Your Majesty, we have pursued and executed the rebel Leon Rothe Dale. Although a major criminal, he showed remorse at the last moment, and thus we dealt with him gently.”
“By drugs, I presume?”
“Yes.”
“The effort was significant.”
“I am honored. Your Majesty, before executing Leon, I received his confession.”
“Speak.”
“Last year, before Her Royal Highness Anais went into exile at the monastery, she allegedly induced Leon to commit crimes.”
“…”
“Ashameful demand, I know… She ordered him to break into the place of her exile and rescue her, promising a superior syrup in return. Leon claims he refused after careful consideration.”
“…”
“However, as soon as she regained her position, Anais sent Leon a letter obstructing the supply of drugs. Leon took it as retaliation and claims his uncontrollable outbursts were due to this.”
The Emperor appeared momentarily dazed upon hearing this.
Of course, Leon left no such final words.
I fabricated it. Without embellishment, even a pre-censored remorseful letter from an addict might seem suspicious, so I needed to twist it accordingly.
Anais would deny it, of course.
But Leon, who could have authenticated her statements, was dead.
“Leon claimed he fled because he was seeking leniency for Her Royal Highness Anais.”
“Leniency…?”
“Yes. Leon believed that Her Royal Highness Anais would not limit her actions to drugs but would endanger her family as well. Based on his sincerity, it seemed he wasn’t lying. If he aimed to reduce his own crimes, he wouldn’t have submitted to death so easily. Additionally…”
The Emperor looked disheartened, but I paid no attention.
Right now, using Leon’s death to capture the living Anais was the most efficient way.
All I hoped was for the Emperor and Empress to quickly let go.
Only then could their daughter’s life, as uncomfortable as it might be, be spared.
