Chapter 146

Empress Lianhua had thought she would be much like everyone else.

Until now, there had been many people I had suggested make a choice.

Of course, it wasn’t really suggesting; rather, it was about creating situations where they couldn’t refuse or couldn’t but accept then proceeding to notify them unilaterally.

With every choice offered, the intent was to send them off with peace of mind or settle things as quickly as possible.

The choice presented to Empress Lianhua was no different.

‘After all, Empress Lianhua is also a sinner in Chinguk.’

What if Lianhua returned to Chinguk to see her father on his deathbed?

No one would admire her filial piety. More likely, she wouldn’t be able to attend his passing or even the funeral proceedings and would instead be immediately detained upon arrival. Eventually, she would be questioned and likely receive punishment after the funeral.

Perhaps execution. If the new Cheon-ja hated her enough, there was even a possibility of being demoted to a slave.

Compared to that, living prosperously in the empire would be the best option. A smart woman like the Empress wouldn’t choose death driven by petty emotions, right?

Perhaps I could obtain her answer right here, right now.

However, Empress Lianhua’s reaction wasn’t entirely as expected.

“Alan Medoff, let me ask you something. Do you ever intimidate important people… like family, lovers, or friends this way?”

“Your Majesty, Empress.”

“It’s not a complaint about fairness but merely a question. If you need my assistance, surely you could answer such a basic inquiry?”

“…”

What was the intent behind this question?

Was she criticizing me harshly for treating her, who might soon become my mother-in-law, in such an unfair manner? Or was she genuinely curious? I couldn’t tell. After all, a woman as accustomed to palace politics as Empress Lianhua wouldn’t rely on trivial sentiments.

Still, despite the uncertainty, certain figures did come to mind.

“Do you treat family or lovers this way?”

Indeed, I had. Not in this world, but in my previous life.

My parents who believed in the safe-deposit box theory and tried to siphon money from me, the seniors from the lab who naively tried to extort money, a girlfriend who once accepted free medicine from me and even attempted to sell it. Before cutting ties or taking any actions against them, I had given them what I considered gentle, reasonable choices.

It was a matter of principle, at least in my view.

If they refused, I would take immediate action.

Surely the Empress wasn’t aware of this. However, she did seem to have figured out why I had suddenly appeared and presented her with a binary choice. Her gaze, as if pitying me, only added to that conviction.

“Come to think of it, you are quite a pitiful man.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. …However, I finally understand why my eldest values you so much. A person who can accomplish even the most difficult orders effortlessly and does not fear being condemned for it is naturally admirable.”

“I understand your meaning. Then, what about Siena?”

“Her… I’m not so sure. That girl is… isn’t she?”

“Yes. She is.”

“Regardless, it’s certain that you cause misunderstandings among people. Everyone judges you by their own standards, either loving or distrusting you. I mistook you too and attempted to suppress you, which led to my present state.”

“…”

I came here seeking assistance and instead received a character evaluation.

Still, there was no falsehood in her words. I felt anew how high Empress Lianhua stood compared not only to her daughter but also to someone like Siena.

However, her critique didn’t last long.

She was already broken.

“If only I had realized now what I know then… No, it’s too late to dwell on it now. I just wish to forget.”

“Yes, understood.”

“So… Do you expect an immediate response to your offer here and now?”

Empress Lianhua asked, her hand resting on her chin.

A glimpse of her delicate forearm caught my eye as her sleeve fell. I could sense her fragility.

Even now, after recovering somewhat in health, she was still far from robust compared to her bedridden state.

‘Does she really need time for deliberation?’

Or does she just need space to plot further strategies?

Perhaps detecting doubt from my expression, Empress Lianhua faintly smiled and murmured, “I am different from my daughter.”

This was an undeniable fact, so I decided to grant her a moment to gather her thoughts. Betraying her country of origin is no simple matter to decide on the spot. Still, I wasn’t planning to give her too much time.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you. Let us proceed.”

“Nevertheless, I’d appreciate it if you could provide your answer within a day. A person as brilliant as you, Empress, does not need more time.”

“Very well.”

Empress Lianhua nodded gracefully.

After observing due formalities, I left the reception hall of the Empress quarters. There was much to do, beyond merely waiting for her decision. If Empress Lianhua agreed to cooperate, it would all proceed much more smoothly, saving both time and effort.

I could only hope she would make a wise choice.

*

What if Alan Medoff had truly been son-in-law material?

A few hours after Alan Medoff’s departure,

this was the solitary comment murmured with a smile by the Empress sitting alone in the reception hall.

She had, in fact, once tried.

An attempt to bring Anais and Alan together.

The main purpose was to have some leverage over Alan Medoff, but she also harbored a desire to provide her daughter with a capable consort.

If only Anais could let go of her grudge and serve Alan as her husband, surely she would be promised a life of wealth.

“Needless to say, it failed miserably.”

But what if… what if she had approached it more subtly?

If she had reached out to Alan first, vowed to thoroughly discipline Anais, and then gradually discussed the plan, would it have worked?

Perhaps it could have been successful.

How wonderful it would have been if it had succeeded.

Anais could have enjoyed psilocybin without worry and perhaps received even better gifts from Alan in the future.

And Alan could have been persuaded to contribute his talent to his husband’s governance.

Had it worked that way, her husband would have been remembered as an excellent ruler instead of abandoning his responsibilities and plunging into wine. Although she understood his mental struggles, it was inappropriate for the ruler of a nation to indulge in liquor this way…

‘Enough. It’s not His Majesty’s fault.’

The Empress let out a bitter laugh and shook her head.

But she immediately startled at the realization that she had smiled. Even a bitter smile is still a smile.

With her father on the brink of death and her homeland in crisis…

Yet here she was, worrying more about her own wellbeing than the nation that had abandoned her. While it was rational to focus on preserving the status she still held, it was undoubtedly selfish.

Could it be too vulgar to think that survival justified any means?

“Upon reflection, I am quite a deplorable woman.”

“Your Majesty Empress!”

The few remaining maids were shocked at her declaration.

Ignoring them, the Empress repeated similar sentiments: “A pitiful woman I am, deserving to lose my title, unworthy to criticize my daughter’s dullness…”

But her self-recrimination didn’t last long.

Empress Lianhua soon cast off her melancholy.

And after a few more hours…

She made a rare excursion.

Empress Lianhua’s destination was Temseug Palace.

The residence of Siena, her second daughter.

A palace large enough to rival an imperial retreat, even by Chinguk standards.

Part of Medoff Pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing equipment was also housed here. It was also where her only surviving daughter, Anais, resided under others’ protection. However, Empress Lianhua wasn’t here to casually check up on her daughter.

“Surprisingly quick, isn’t it?”

Siena, though surprised, had still come to greet her mother.

Alan Medoff stood by her side.

Notably, Alan had a hickey on his neck – something that hadn’t been there the last time I saw him. Despite being burdened with responsibilities as the newly ascended privy council president, Siena didn’t seem deterred from indulging her desires. Though tempting, it made me chuckle involuntarily.

“Did you come to see Anais? I can guide you.”

Siena’s cheerful suggestion followed.

Empress Lianhua was curious about how Anais was doing, of course.

A meeting might even be arranged if they chose. But it wasn’t the right time for a mother and daughter who were falling from grace to reunite leisurely. Considering Anais’ temperament, she might conceive baseless hope upon seeing her mother.

“Let us hope for a future meeting.”

“Really? I could arrange a private meeting if you want.”

“Thank you, but the time isn’t right.”

“Suit yourself. I’ll take good care of her.”

Would Siena truly care for her younger sister so well? Who knows?

The Empress exhaled and then looked at Alan Medoff standing beside Siena.

A tall, handsome young man. His gaze may have been somewhat sinister, but he didn’t appear as a great villain capable of committing unimaginable crimes. Certainly not someone influential enough to challenge the most powerful nation in the world.

‘That’s precisely what makes him so terrifying.’

Though she had committed to provide a response, it was best to follow through.

Siena was already clinging to Alan Medoff, but Empress Lianhua didn’t bother to ask them to step aside.

Siena would naturally join the cause against Chinguk wholeheartedly, more so with great enthusiasm.

The Empress spoke slowly now.

“Alan Medoff.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Let me be brief. In the impending conflict between the empire and Chinguk, I will fully align myself with you. Regardless if this leads to my name becoming the most infamous in Chinguk’s history, I will not hesitate.”

Empress Lianhua declared with what appeared to be calmness. Though she may not be genuinely unbothered if her intentions were noble, her break from her homeland had hardened her resolve.

It was necessary to protect what little she still held onto.

**

Empress Lianhua’s defiant declaration of betrayal for survival seemed too audacious but was rather welcomed by me. What I needed now was someone capable of compromising with injustice.

“Yes, Your Majesty Empress. I shall honor our agreement.”

I gave her a respectful nod.

I was grateful not to have to purge Anais’ mother after sending away Anais. That much was sincere.

Now was the time to formally begin estimating how to approach Chinguk.

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