Chapter 69

We won.

But something feels off.

A sturdy middle-aged man, Emperor Edmund III of the Britannia Empire, sat on the edge of the bed, merely blinking.

‘I never thought I’d have to worry about something like this.’

The self-destruction of the Great Forest. And their practical submission.

Compared to the ancestors’ achievements that allowed the Britannia Empire to reign supreme, this was an equally impressive accomplishment.

The empire suffered almost no damage in the process.

Wasn’t it just two injured soldiers?

However, the victory felt somewhat suspicious.

“Your Majesty, I was uneasy at first as well, but it was far easier than expected. Even with the help of insiders, I would have never thought there’d be no significant resistance in the heart of the enemy’s territory… Thinking about it now, I feel foolish for ever doubting the plan.”

“Ah, it seems the new Elven leader, Marcela Urdina, has a very close relationship with Alan Medoff.”

“However, Your Majesty, the problem remains – the heroin. That substance is truly terrifying. If such a drug were to spread across the empire… It’s horrifying to imagine.”

This was the report given by Sir Grant, the vice-commander of the Royal Guard. The Elven elders were apparently just staring blankly.

Thus, the emperor had a lot to consider.

The strange efficacy of heroin.

The new Elven leader, Marcela Urdina.

And Alan Medoff, who accomplished too much.

Frankly, the last was the biggest concern.

After all, the person who manufactured the heroin and orchestrated the quick overthrow of Medelin with Marcela’s help was ultimately Alan Medoff.

How should he reward such a feat?

Or is it even that simple? Yet, he can’t punish him either, can he?

“For now… Very well, we must summon him and hear an explanation.”

That’s the proper course of action.

But someone opposed the Emperor’s mutterings.

“Your Majesty, Alan Medoff isn’t someone to be handled that way.”

A delicate-framed Eastern beauty—Empress Lianhua.

Despite long years of polite, formal relations, these days the royal couple was closer than ever in their honeymoon period.

Truthfully, during their honeymoon, communication was difficult through an interpreter, and building intimacy was challenging. But recently, they were quite the affectionate pair. The Emperor even found the Empress’s psychedelic sessions with her flute and pipa somewhat endearing.

“Empress, what did you just say?”

“That friend of yours likely already has an inkling about whatever suspicions you may harbor, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.”

“He must have prepared all his justifications… Since you don’t know about heroin and he does, you’ll inevitably be led along by his flow. You’ll call him in for an interrogation, and in the end, you’ll just end up awkwardly nodding.”

Though softly spoken, the Emperor felt he’d been hit right where it hurt. He coughed awkwardly.

“You call that wise? If I don’t know, shouldn’t I inquire more?”

“What guarantee do you have that he’ll honestly explain everything to you?”

The Empress continued to question him, lying to the side.

Her lazy expression and relaxed posture suggested she might fall asleep at any moment, yet her words resonated with the Emperor, though he couldn’t exactly explain why.

Still, he knew he should listen to the Empress’s voice more than most bureaucrats. She seemed to have insight.

“Then, what should we do?”

“Think simply.”

“Simply?”

“Will Victoria sit idly by if you alienate or discredit Alan? Siena will use that as leverage to get something from you or your sister. Meanwhile, Alan Medoff will quietly vanish.”

“But that seems anything but simple.”

“No, it is. Just keep him in a visible place where he can’t hide or run. Reward him in a way that ties him closely to the empire—like a leash.”

With that, Empress Lianhua gave a subtle wink.

The Emperor didn’t ask for further clarification. The word “leash,” as mentioned by the Empress, had given him an idea.

“Perhaps it’s better not to inquire about heroin after all.”

“For now. Difficult subordinates are always handled like this.”

Subsequently, the two carefully discussed Alan Medoff’s treatment, passing conversational turns smoothly.

At first glance, it seemed to be a casual night-talk by a middle-aged couple in their pajamas. But it was, in fact, crucial.

After all, handling the sole hero who single-handedly defeated an enemy nation was no small matter.

The Empress concluded the talk by adding, “We should keep this secret from our daughters for now.” Medoff might try some tricks through the princesses.

The Emperor, too, was happy to follow that advice.

“Thank you.”

“It’s simply unbearable to see a single subject playing with the imperial mindset. Sometimes, holding him back is good for him.”

Though it crossed the Emperor’s mind that the person responsible for reviving the Empress’s wit was Alan himself, it made no difference. He was the ruler of an empire, not just a husband.

The Empress gave his shoulder a light tap in encouragement.

**

The next day, in the audience chamber of the Imperial Palace…

The empire’s princesses sat a respectful distance apart, waiting for their father.

Princess Victoria, the first princess, wore her crimson-and-white uniform with her light blonde hair neatly tied up. The second princess, Siena, was draped in black.

Though different in reputation and appearance, both were leading candidates for the heiress presumptive.

Though not even full-blooded siblings might find harmony, these half-sisters were further apart in that Siena was the one avoided by even her cousins, while Victoria was fully backed by her prestigious maternal relatives.

It was Victoria who spoke first.

“Siena. When Mother arrives, offer your support.”

“Support for what?”

“Of Sir Alan, of course. You should already guess since Mother summoned us to discuss him. Specifically, heroin.”

“Likely.”

“Still, he’s under your guard. Treating this as someone else’s concern… No, never mind. In any case, if we leave Sir Alan alone, he won’t be honored but interrogated. He would’ve been a revered hero if he had killed hundreds of elves in battle, but that’s not how this went.”

“I know what you’re saying, sister.”

“Why do you act so indifferent when you know everything?”

Frustrated, Victoria tapped her chest.

She was, in fact, quite anxious.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs already had a draft for the peace treaty (extremely favorable to the empire).

Announcing victory over the elves and preparing celebratory parades would not have been out of the ordinary…

Yet the emperor remained silent.

Pretending that victory, achieved through heroin, was that simple was a difficult task. The foreseeable result was one.

“Siena, Sir Alan’s achievement will be buried.”

“Of course, naturally.”

“Not acknowledging such accomplishments is one of the greatest injustices… right?”

“Sorry, but that’s exactly what Alan intended. From what I see.”

At this, Victoria paused momentarily.

What sort of knight in the world would willingly not wish for public recognition?

Alan was human, after all. He must have had a minimal sense of ambition. It seemed wrong to overlook his accomplishments.

“Ahh.”

“Do you finally see it, sister?”

“Yes, I get it now. What Sir Alan fears is that if the Medelin affair is revealed, neighboring countries will be extremely vigilant against heroin. It will also cause various burdens for the royal family… He must be worried about that.”

“…”

Siena’s purple eyes lazily stared at her.

“Am I right?”

“You’re mostly right, but it’s not the noble intention you think. From my perspective, he just thinks if heroin infiltrates the empire, things will get complicated for him too…”

“Intention doesn’t have to be noble. Siena.”

Victoria was sincere.

Alan’s actions might have been calculated.

She didn’t doubt his loyalty, but she knew he was clever. Nonetheless, it was clear his humility would benefit the empire—reducing her own burden in pushing for his strategy.

Though, she did feel indebted. She made a mental note to repay him if the opportunity arose in the future.

Definitely.

Victoria clenched her fist resting on her sturdy thigh, making this resolve.

Siena gave a slight smirk, but Victoria paid it no mind. After all, this was partly thanks to her that Sir Alan had achieved such brilliance.

“Sister, when Father mentions heroin, you can mildly protest for him—don’t neglect the hero…”

“And what about you, Siena?”

“I’ll just stand by smiling. Grab some benefit later.”

“…Alright.”

The sisters peacefully agreed.

Right after that, the emperor entered.

Having pre-coordinated their plan, the princesses shared a glance, but it was unnecessary.

The emperor, surprisingly, made no mention of heroin.

Instead, he said,

“Upon reflection, you both have great merit.”

“Me?”

“First, Victoria. You and Alan Medoff devised this strategy together, correct? Without your decision, we might still be embroiled in fruitless battles. And, Siena, Medoff is your personal guard, is he not?”

“Ah… Father?”

“Still, the greatest achievement belongs to Medoff himself—recruiting the Grand Knight Marcela and leading the rebellion. We owe you both an apology; this reward goes to Alan Medoff. Understand?”

“…”

“Proper to honor one who has served well.”

Never once did the emperor mention heroin.

Victoria looked bemused.

Siena tried teasingly, “How do you plan to reward him, Father?” But the emperor just smiled.

Even throwing in the ‘Father’ title didn’t help.

“I intend to announce the hero’s rewards alongside the peace treaty.”

Only that much was revealed.

Both princesses lost for words, just staring at each other.

**

Victoria delivered the surprising news.

“The Emperor didn’t mention heroin. Instead, he’s considering an extravagant reward for you.”

…It was hard to believe.

She asked Siena to confirm, but it seemed like she knew nothing either. Their best guess was that the Empress had a hand in it.

Although plausible, the Emperor’s intentions remained unclear.

What is the Emperor thinking?

Even with the imminent reward announcement, there was an unsettling feeling.

***

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