Silence lingered for a moment, but that was it. The Emperor instructed those around him to get lost, and the eunuchs and guards were flabbergasted.
But the Emperor just seemed indifferent.
“There are three superhumans here. And a martial artist from the Hongseong clan. If they really want to kill me, can you lot stop them?”
Why are they called superhumans? Because they’ve transcended human limits.
The Emperor glanced at the eunuch and asked, and the eunuch replied seriously.
“If all the Golden Guards and Dongchang personnel here join forces, there’s nothing we cannot stop.”
You’re not seriously suggesting we throw down, are you?
It wasn’t hard to understand the Emperor’s worries.
As he said earlier, the strategic and tactical value of three superhumans is nothing to scoff at. Just like when Hongryeon wiped out the Gangshi army with her Bi-Dragon technique. If one superhuman has the right conditions, they could single-handedly topple a castle.
Having not just one but three such beings under his control would have anyone fretting as the Emperor undoubtedly was.
Still, the Emperor simply looked at me with curiosity.
“Yu Wol. Shinsan Seonja. And the one who manages the cases.”
“Yes.”
“What’s your thought process behind helping the people of the world?”
It wasn’t wrong for the Sayoon Corps to work for Sayoon. But saying that out loud would only stir up trouble, so it was better to respond properly here.
“I’m merely utilizing my abilities as a subject of the Empire and as a citizen of Your Majesty. It’s only natural for those with strength to protect the virtuous, and for the Emperor’s subordinates to care for the realm.”
“Hm.”
By providing information about the evil monsters to the martial arts world, I gained their trust.
By sharing ways to avoid the monsters, I earned the trust of the merchants.
By lending land at a low price and distributing food to the needy, I gained the favor of the common people.
Also, being friendly with the world’s strong…
Wait, isn’t it odd for the Emperor not to think of me as a dangerous individual?
“If it’s a mistake to do what’s natural, then I shall stop.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ve benefited greatly from your actions…”
The Emperor chuckled lightly and shook his head, then looked around at the eunuchs before standing up.
“Come with me for a moment. Let’s have a drink.”
The garden already had a table of drinks set up. The Emperor invited not just me but also Sword Saint, Hongryeon, Chaejin, and even Sayoon to join the drink, personally pouring for us.
“Since it’s not poisoned, feel free to drink.”
He poured himself a drink as well and raised his glass, and I lightly lifted mine too.
Slowly, I took a sip.
It must be the palace wine; it tastes quite good.
Isn’t there any way to sneak some of this out?
I sneak a glance at Sword Saint Na Yerin. Since she has a refined palate, I wonder if I could tell Yohwan about this flavor so she can whip something up.
“If you’re in a high position, you sometimes feel lonely.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. I can’t even enjoy a drink properly, and danger lurks wherever I go. I apologize for just saying that.”
“Hahaha…”
It wasn’t particularly strange. Being in the position of an Emperor naturally restricts one’s freedom of movement.
The Emperor took a sip of his drink with a bittersweet expression and glanced at me with a smirk.
“So, the only thing I can do is listen to stories from the outside. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”
“I haven’t done much. I’ve just done what I could.”
“There are many who don’t even do what they can. Well, let’s get to the point.”
The Emperor tapped the table and smiled brightly.
“Join me.”
“As a subject of Your Majesty, I already…”
“No, not that.”
The Emperor looked me straight in the eye.
“Enter the royal family and use your knowledge and influence solely for the royal family.”
Many people were after me. My knowledge, influence, and reputation.
Those who wanted to secure those to bolster their own power were abundant, whether they came from the martial world, the government, or among merchants.
While many proposals had dwindled after learning of my good relations with Sword Saint, Hongryeon, and Chaejin, there were still those in the government and trading circles hoping to win me over.
And so did the Emperor.
“If I had a daughter, I would want to attach her to you, but… unfortunately, I have no daughter. And I can’t just hand over one of the royal family members either. Most of them are already married or engaged.”
The Emperor, looking genuinely disappointed, licked his lips, and I shook my head with a smile.
“Isn’t it only natural for a bird to fly in the sky and a fish to swim in the water?”
“Are you saying you dislike it?”
“I’m already grateful for Your Majesty’s grace, living by brewing alcohol and trading. Having received aid from the military for a long time, I’m performing the duties of the military’s case officer to repay that kindness. If the royal family wants, I am more than willing to utilize my knowledge. However…”
“You’re saying you don’t wish to live under me for the sake of the royal family.”
“I’m sorry, but yes.”
The Emperor’s expression hardened. Did he not expect someone to outright refuse him? So, I continued with a smile.
“However, if Your Majesty needs me, I am always ready to lend you my strength. I don’t know if my humble knowledge will be of any help to you, but I can at least offer some advice.”
“Then give me the title of Imperial Teacher.”
“The position is a big deal.”
An outrageous proposal.
The position of royal mentor.
While its actual power is minimal, if you’re talking about prestige, it’s literally a throne in the sky compared to the bureaucrats.
After all, it’s a position above the noble-blooded royals.
Furthermore, if you look at the records, there have been instances where even the Emperor had to bow his head for advice from the royal mentor, which means the Emperor proposed the highest-ranking position possible.
“I’m sorry.”
But the royal mentor had to reside in the palace and avoid meeting others as much as possible.
Well, that makes it tough to live the life I want.
“How many bureaucrats want to be the royal mentor?”
“Not everyone can have the same taste.”
The Emperor glanced at the Sword Saint. She subtly averted her gaze.
“Well, that does make sense.”
Looks like I’m getting dissed here and there.
I held the Sword Saint’s hand, who was awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact.
“I honestly expected you to say that.”
“Hahaha…”
I nodded at the idea of suggesting the royal mentor position, thinking it was like poking a persimmon I can’t eat.
The Emperor probably knows.
If I had any grand ambitions for a government position, I would have already been appointed.
They must have received reports about me in the military. I had been offered appointments from Cheonilhwa for a long time but kept declining until the last moment when I finally accepted.
“Each person has a needed position and a suitable position.”
“There’s also the saying that a position makes the person. If you climb higher, you would be able to do more tasks.”
“If I climb higher, I’d be too afraid of falling to move. His Majesty, who is in a position of great regard, should be overseeing and protecting the realm from above, but I need to operate from the ground. How could someone like me go up there and boss others around?”
“If it’s Shinsan Seonja, wouldn’t it be better to give orders from above rather than cleaning tables in an inn?”
“Haha. Cleaning tables in an inn and watching over people is also for the Empire, right? There’s no greater loyalty than doing what you’re supposed to do in your assigned position.”
The Emperor stared at me for a moment before shaking his head.
“You’re pretty stubborn, aren’t you?”
“If you say I have principles, I’d sincerely appreciate that.”
“Not a word of agreement, huh?”
“The people who trust and follow me mostly handle agriculture. If that’s the case, I should take care of this aspect; it wouldn’t make sense for me to fall behind in my own field, would it?”
The Emperor laughed in disbelief before nodding.
“I guess a bird is only a bird when it’s in the sky… If you put it that way, I have no choice. The truth is, I called you here partly to see what kind of person you are. Everyone around has been saying you’re a dangerous individual that needs to be kept close for monitoring and whatnot.”
“There were things I wanted as well. Everyone around me keeps talking about how I’m a dangerous person that needs to be monitored closely, you know?”
The Emperor glanced around. Some court officials appeared startled.
“Well, it’s not hard to understand why I’d be considered dangerous among the students, so let’s just overlook that.”
“But meeting you in person, it’s hard to see you as a threat. Your tastes are quite unique, though.”
“What does my taste have to do with anything?”
“Got it. If that’s your intention, just remember your place as you move forward.”
The Emperor wiped the smile off his face and tossed a small token from his robe.
“It’s the Hwang Eun token. I suppose Shinsan Seonja Yu Seonsaeng knows a bit about this?”
I do. In Heavenly Bright Moon, it’s a token received after attending royal events, granting one wish from the royal family and, just once, immunity from prosecution.
In other words, even if I commit treason, they’ll let it slide this one time, and if I need something from the royal family, I can ask for it.
In Heavenly Bright Moon, this was linked to other event-related items, but right now it also signifies the trust the Emperor has in me.
And it’s also a chain the Emperor has wrapped around me.
He was likely aware of almost everything I’d done until now. So, he wants to give me this debt and prevent me from acting recklessly.
Like colluding with other royals to start a rebellion.
Or gathering martial artists to become the Wulin King or any other pointless venture. He’s basically saying, just ask him if I need something.
I chuckled and lowered my head, staring at the Hwang Eun token.
“Thank you very much.”
“Hahaha, indeed. And one more thing to propose.”
“Go on.”
“I hear you’re getting married? I’ll pick a good date for you. There happens to be a fine day coming up soon. How about we do it then? Unless you’ve already decided…”
He counted the dates and grinned.
“Sooner would be better, right?”
“Isn’t that a bit too soon…?”
Planning a wedding is one thing.
And since we’re at it, I was thinking of making it a grand affair. Just preparing for that will take quite a bit of time…
Seeing me flustered, the Emperor smirked.
“If you wish, the royal family will support you.”
That could work… but his intentions are clear as day.
He’s probably thinking of fattening up the support to draw in three superhumans to his side.
The Emperor truly is an Emperor, isn’t he?
To weave connections so naturally…
I turned to look at the three, who were observing me with strange expressions.
It was a bit odd how they didn’t blink at all, but they all looked satisfied.
In that case…
“I gladly accept with a happy heart.”
I should accept it.
There’s nothing bad about it.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
