Chapter 74

Having conquered half of the Great Forest, the triumphant return began.

‘Is this truly the right thing to do, Empress?’

Emperor Edmund III gazed into the void with a worn-out face.

Today, of all days, the weather was unusually clear.

Ordinarily, he would have been quite proud of himself. Being confined to the Imperial Palace to manage state affairs left little time to see the sky, after all.

The citizens might believe the Emperor indulged in all the world’s luxuries, eating, wearing, and enjoying opulently, but in reality, it was a rather burdensome position.

‘Even now, thinking about it makes me uneasy.’

The behavior of Siena continued to haunt the Emperor.

Cuddled in Sir Alan’s arms, rubbing her face wildly, pulling his hand desperately and caressing her own face, and repeatedly whispering apologies while reddening her eyes.

Siena, who hadn’t hugged her father since the age of four, had openly shown affection toward an ordinary knight.

Compared to any of Siena’s previous eccentricities, this was shocking. The days of her hosting fights between criminals and dogs seemed tame in comparison.

“Siena went that far, you say? …In my opinion, it’s slightly more aggressive than expected, but it’s still within the anticipated boundaries. Please overlook her antics and forgive her, Your Majesty. Even if she startles you, do try to bear with her for now. She’ll come visit me immediately upon returning to the Court, and I’ll comfort her appropriately.”

Recalling the Empress’s advice, the Emperor restrained himself forcibly.

‘Even so, isn’t this a bit much?’

To the citizens, it might be cause for criticism, but to him, she was infinitely precious and beloved.

To watch his cherished daughter yearn for Alan’s affection was more painful than anticipated. The Empress would say, “Even so, it’s better than her fighting Victoria, right?” But a father’s heart felt differently.

The youngest, who spends her days knitting lace at the monastery, the oldest who insists on wearing her military uniform even at ceremonial events, and the second daughter who consistently breaks his heart—they were all, in some way, his painful children.

‘I am tormented by their actions, while they likely have no understanding of my frustrations. They might even resent me.’

The Emperor’s complexion darkened. The bureaucrats attending to him could only stand tense, carefully observing his mood.

“Your Majesty, humbly, we must proceed.”

“I’m aware.”

Only after the Chief Steward spoke did the Emperor force a calm expression.

It wasn’t for any other reason but the triumphal parade.

The Emperor was, after all, the ruler who had conquered half of the Great Forest. An achievement accomplished without spilling a drop of the empire’s children’s blood, utilizing only his political prowess. People would gather in astonishment to celebrate, and as a ruler, it was proper to respond. After all, opportunities to boast about such accomplishments don’t come often.

Indeed, the citizens of the State welcomed him enthusiastically.

“Blessings upon His Majesty the Emperor!”

“Hooray!”

“May you reign forever…!”

Women awkwardly throwing roses, elderly men throwing open windows to show their respect, merchants clapping their hands in simple joy.

Though a bit forced, everyone appeared genuinely happy.

They seemed to believe that the vast resources pouring in from the forest would not only strengthen the empire but also enrich the livelihoods of its citizens, even those who were not wealthy.

‘Do they know about heroin?’

Probably not in their wildest dreams.

Those who had connections to high-ranking officers or officials might have heard the name, but no one truly understood heroin. Even the Emperor wasn’t exactly sure what it was.

‘It must never become known. Absolutely not.’

More fearsome than demons, war, or trade deficits with the East, heroin was a terror.

Due to its dread, he had acquiesced to the Empress’s advice, even going so far as using his beloved daughters. While children were precious, the throne demanded prioritizing the Empire above all else.

‘Still, wouldn’t it have been better to use Anais with him… No, no, what am I thinking?’

Forcing a smile, the Emperor waved to the citizens.

Not forgetting royal generosity, he declared:

“Announce that for the next three months, property taxes in the State will be halved. Additionally, review possible tax incentives for residents of neighboring provinces. We can’t hold a festival, but we must extend some gestures.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Tax relief. There was nothing better.

The Emperor glanced behind him, where Siena’s carriage was supposed to be following. But he couldn’t see it. She had presumably opted out of the triumphal parade, acting independently once again.

Once more, he felt a bittersweet ache.

—

As he returned to the heart of the matter.

Naturally, Siena was by his side.

Even after acting in front of the Emperor, her attitude toward him hadn’t changed.

The only difference was that she’d more often been looking intently at his hands with narrowed eyes. Occasionally, she’d rub her cheek and tilt her head curiously. He didn’t pry into her intentions.

Only upon arriving at Temseugung did Siena finally speak.

“Alan, I’ve been pondering what to ask for in return for your help this time.”

“Highness would naturally do so.”

“It seemed fun to make an excessive demand and watch how you’d evade it. Besides… this time, you’re in a situation you can’t refuse me, right? Since it’s either me or Victoria, and your sister doesn’t suit you.”

Had Siena not answered his summons, things could’ve gone another way, but this was not the moment to bring it up. He simply nodded.

Her mouth curved into a sly grin.

“Originally, I intended to request that you teach me the method for making morphine.”

“Would Highness?”

“Yes. I discovered that by heating powdered lime and opium—I mean, the finely crushed kind mixed with water—something happens. But after that step, I got stuck. So, I planned to ask you.”

Impressive progress.

Likely her results during her boredom amidst our stay in the Great Forest. Considering her talents showcased so far, it was fortunate she hadn’t yet made morphine.

Demanding a morphine recipe in exchange for thwarting a betrothal was quintessentially Siena. Her decision to raise it now suggested…

“But it’s fine if you don’t teach me it anymore, Alan.”

“Highness?”

“I doubt you believed you could keep it from me forever. And I imagine you also had plans to establish security measures and delegate production to your staff at some point. …Since I’ll find out eventually, what difference does it make if I learn it now or in six months?”

While slowly approaching, she gazed upward at him.

She didn’t suddenly embrace him but lightly touched his chest with the back of her hand, smiling faintly. “Anyway…”

“Anyway, we’ll be working together for a long time in the future. Right?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

At this point, backing out was laughable.

Involving Siena was ultimately his decision. At this rate, the engagement with Anais was effectively off. That meant avoiding either poisoning or a dagger while sleeping.

However, the cost was far from cheap.

As long as Siena kept her interest in him, the sequence of events was already set.

She would likely meet the Empress soon and engage in a power play. If the Empress acted as expected, the contest could end in a deal. Should preparations for that deal be light guidance for Siena?

While pondering this, a visitor arrived.

“General Hayden Wolphall requests an audience.”

Hayden Wolphall.

One of the maternal uncles of Princess Victoria, and the army general. He was also a leader within Victoria’s faction, handling all political tasks for her busy schedule.

He wasn’t coming for Siena—it was clearly for me, and urgently so.

“You may send him to the reception hall.”

Curiosity sparked in Siena as she readily nodded.

At the reception hall, a middle-aged man in a red coat awaited. Showing proper courtesy to the awkwardly related niece, Siena, he subtly sought his acknowledgment from me.

He likely wanted to negotiate privately, but I declined. Siena wouldn’t leave the room anyway.

“General Hayden, please speak freely.”

“But even so…”

“If there’s something you can’t say in front of Princess Siena, I’ll simply ignore it.”

Upon hearing this, Hayden Wolphall reluctantly produced a weak smile.

“…You truly accomplished a great feat this time, Sir Alan. Credit for the greatest success undoubtedly belongs to you.”

“Thank you.”

“However, there are certain individuals who misunderstand without reason. They believe Princess Victoria helped plan and execute this operation with you. As you know, Princess Victoria isn’t one to steal the accomplishments of her subordinates. Isn’t that right?”

I understood his game before he finished.

‘They want to separate Victoria from me.’

The Emperor and Empress were visibly monitoring me, and even foreign diplomats were reportedly gathering information on heroin like mad. The events staged by Siena in front of the Emperor must have been disclosed.

It wasn’t surprising that Victoria’s maternal uncles would try to split us. They likely assumed I had become Siena’s person. It was more likely a loyal duty driven by her inner circle rather than Victoria herself.

Such transparent actions.

Nevertheless, I gave Hayden Wolphall what he wanted to hear.

“Strange indeed. I have no idea how such rumors spread. I led this operation from start to finish. I sought counsel from Princess Siena, but Princess Victoria isn’t even aware of the specific details.”

Handling this situation this way would make Victoria feel guilty later. Establishing a mental debt with her might prove useful in the future.

“Thank you for understanding. We’ll help clarify the misunderstanding.”

With that, Hayden Wolphall departed.

Looking back, Siena regarded me approvingly.

—

An hour later.

Siena, dressed beautifully, left the Temseugung.

Of course, it was to meet Empress Lianhua.

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