Chapter 149

Factory tour, and an explanation of the concept of synthetic narcotics.

Victoria immediately nodded once I had finished speaking, then added:

“Sir, you must be busy. I’ll be going now.”

She’s leaving just like that?

‘There’s still much to explain.’

I had intended to go into specific details regarding drug manufacturing and deployment methods, but honestly, honest export was impossible anyway.

Of course, both Victoria and I were busy. She was occupied representing the Emperor, who had withdrawn into his patronage, and I was busy rapidly improving our equipment to produce narcotics without plant-based raw materials.

But if she could carve out time to visit me in the middle of her busy schedule, wouldn’t it be strange for her to leave so meaninglessly?

I couldn’t help but feel suspicion creeping in as I stared at Victoria.

As usual, she stood with her hands behind her back.

Her sleek, black naval uniform clung to her body.

It might seem unusual for Victoria, an army officer, to wear the naval uniform, but there was a valid reason — she had recently been appointed the Navy Honorary Lieutenant General and had promised to wear the uniform periodically, so as not to alienate her new colleagues in the navy.

Under normal circumstances, worrying about attire during such a dangerous period would be unnecessary, and from her choice, I could tell how burdened she felt.

Her haste to leave must stem from her belief that she shouldn’t infringe on my time.

Though her thoughtfulness was appreciated, it wasn’t necessary. Managing Victoria’s mental state was my responsibility now.

“Very well, then. I shall take my leave.”

Before she could turn to go, I gently grasped her wrist.

“Victoria, I will accompany you.”

“Hm?”

“You’re heading to the audience chamber, correct? I shall follow.”

“But aren’t you busy?”

“Of course, I am. I need to synthesize narcotics without plant materials, so why wouldn’t I be? But I also require a short break. During that break, I’d like to observe my fiancée handle her official duties.”

Her gaze asked, “Is that really a rest?”

However, her eyes softened shortly after, as if she’d realized I only wished to comfort her.

“Alright. You have my permission.”

Was merely my presence enough to bring her slight relief?

Regardless, I had no intention of merely observing her. Now that I had taken the time, I intended to ensure that she could confidently manage her state of mind going forward. With the impending future trials in mind, a firm mental protection was imperative.

***

At the start, I merely observed.

Victoria, who had seized excessive power rather abruptly, clearly showed signs of being a novice while handling her duties.

“Your Highness, the Heiress Apparent? I apologize for the insistence, but we must have your answer now. Lord Marquis Culrodon once again requests to step down from his position as the Imperial Hunting Master. He wishes to pass the position to a worthy relative with a good reputation and diligent work ethic.”

“Shouldn’t His Majesty decide this matter?”

“Lord Culrodon assures us he will personally discuss his retirement with His Majesty once Your Highness provides an answer.”

“…”

Victoria paused, seemingly in deep thought after receiving the resignation request from a distant imperial relative.

The role of the Imperial Hunting Master, traditionally reserved for collateral family members of the royal family to enjoy while receiving subsidies, came with a rank equivalent to a minister. Culrodon, the gentleman currently holding the position, wished to voluntarily relinquish it.

Naturally, Victoria’s hesitation was understandable.

After observing her for a while, I offered my opinion.

“Victoria, he doesn’t genuinely wish to step down.”

“What?”

“He wants to show his presence during this opportunity. His Majesty has abandoned direct rule, and Your Highness is still adapting to your new status. If he sees an opportunity to wield influence, why would he hesitate?”

“But the Culrodon I know isn’t that kind of person?”

“Which is why he’s making the request indirectly. It’s an effort to avoid offending you.”

“Ah…”

It seemed she finally understood.

Victoria smiled wryly upon realizing the subtle intent behind her cousin’s request.

I proposed a solution.

“Rather than Lord Culrodon, why not consider his children?”

“How so? I don’t intend to bestow excessive favors.”

“There’s no need to do so. Simply bestow an honorary but meaningless title to one of his sons or daughters and show you care. There’s no greater gift in this world than getting the attention of a person in power.”

Victoria stared at me, dumbfounded by my advice. She soon regained composure and turned to the Chief Steward.

“Do as the Grand Secretary suggested.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

With that, the issue was resolved.

Of course, whether the problem was genuinely settled remains unclear; but given Victoria’s reputation for violence, the matter would likely be settled quietly.

“Seems you didn’t come here to rest after all.”

Victoria appeared impressed by my insight.

Honestly, it wasn’t a big deal. When dealing with high-status politicians who lack real power, focusing on their children was always the best strategy — something I’d learned from observing my mother in my previous life.

However, her admiration was only fleeting.

A wry smile spread across Victoria’s lips, which I matched with a small grin of my own.

“Victoria, I apologize, but this wasn’t assistance on my part. This was simply my own politics.”

“Huh?”

“In the Darien Kingdom, when a queen ascends, her husband is jointly crowned and addressed as Your Highness as a co-ruler. Though this isn’t the custom of our Empire, I intend to consider our relationship similarly.”

“So you’re treating this as a joint ascension?”

“Yes, that’s my intention.”

This wasn’t about goodwill but exercising my claim to a share of the power.

If others heard this, they would likely think I was already displaying my thirst for power.

But Victoria wouldn’t think so. Instead, she would imagine I was putting on a front to not burden her further, perhaps even believing I was taking on half the responsibility rather than half the power.

True to form, Victoria merely nodded while smiling.

“You’re right.”

It was a statement she often made.

Yet there was something different this time.

“Sir Alan, you truly are remarkable.”

“Victoria?”

Victoria slowly stood up and faced me directly. There was no hint of anxiety in her gaze now.

In its place was an undeniable sense of excitement.

“To be honest, I’ve been struggling lately. I never expected Her Imperial Majesty to abandon state affairs in such a manner. It felt like I was being unceremoniously thrust into this role despite not being fully prepared. I’ve been anxious.”

“Of course, you’ve felt that way.”

“But this anxiety was unnecessary, wasn’t it?”

There was no need to answer. Truthfully, there was no need for an answer at all. From the start, her question seemed rhetorical.

Victoria lowered herself slightly until her gaze was level with mine.

Her cobalt eyes glimmered with desire. I could sense that I had struck a deep chord within her.

“Sir Alan.”

“Yes.”

The distance between us barely stretched a hand’s span. A faint perfume carried to my nose.

A subtle musk lingered as well, though it likely emanated from her natural scent rather than her fragrance. At this moment, we were close enough for each other’s natural scents to be perceptible.

“You truly are an extraordinary person. Only the gods’ blessing could allow one to possess so many talents.”

If it were truly divine blessing, then I must possess quite the twisted set of gifts, being specialized in ensnaring, deceiving, and casting others into ruin. Nevertheless, I refrained from shattering her illusions.

In truth, something did concern me:

The location — the Emperor’s audience chamber.

The very center of the Empire’s power.

Though the Emperor had effectively declared a work stoppage, the authority of the room hadn’t diminished. The bureaucrats’ fear of Victoria remained intact. Yet, here she was, completely focused on me as though nothing else mattered.

What if a steward were to enter?

Ah, right. Someone like Victoria would naturally disregard such concerns.

As I brooded over it, I could feel her breath against my face.

“It’s a relief to have you by my side.”

As if drawn by instinct, Victoria slowly inched closer until our lips almost met.

The sound of swallowing filled my ears.

And then, in the next instant, our lips touched.

At first, it was that and nothing more.

Were her younger sibling more experienced, their kiss might have progressed immediately: alternating between nibbling the upper and lower lips, inserting a tongue aggressively, hands exploring, caressing the earlobes or neck, all in quick succession.

But Victoria only clumsily pressed her lips against mine, retaining an awkward posture.

“Hmm!”

Opening my eyes slightly, I saw hers trembling faintly.

This was evidence of Victoria’s deep focus, despite holding her breath.

‘It’s fitting for Victoria.’

After gently pulling her back by her shoulders, her flushed face showed a mix of affection and regret. Was it because her first kiss ended too quickly?

The regret, however, I could address immediately.

“Inform the steward to ensure no one interrupts us for a while.”

Victoria’s expression brightened at my words but did not act on them herself.

“Sir Alan, issue the directive. Our hearts are aligned; whoever issues the command, it will be gladly followed.”

Following her order, I instructed the steward waiting outside.

As soon as we were uninterrupted, Victoria lunged toward me again.

Her inexperience was on full display again, but it caused no issues now that I guided her.

For about five minutes, we were completely absorbed in our kiss.

For a while, it was only the sound of smooching that echoed through the audience chamber.

After our brief, spontaneous indulgence, I returned to assisting Victoria in handling petitions, exchanging a few glances in the process.

In the end, it proved to be a wise decision.

A few hours passed.

“Your Highness.”

A steward, his expression tense, brought urgent news — intelligence from the Empire.

It seemed they had finally caught on to something.

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