Chapter 535
Thanks to Erich’s advice, I realized a truth about relationships.
It’s not just what you say that matters, but the timing of when you say it. And when asking for forgiveness, sincerity beats just plain words. If this isn’t the truth, then what is?
“Leon… The Kingdom?”
Of course, even with a quick confession and a generous gift, whether the other party feels shocked or not is a different matter entirely.
Even now, as I confessed that I would be going on a business trip—which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy term for a military expedition—Rizie blinked at me several times with a dazed expression before quietly asking, “Why?”
It was such a loaded question that I flinched.
Honestly, if she had shown resentment, anger, or sadness, I would have humbly accepted it. She has every right to feel that way, and I have an obligation to acknowledge it. But instead, Rizie looked at me like she couldn’t even understand what was happening.
‘Did I say too much?’
I regretted the words I had just spoken, despite having just uncovered the truth. Would it have been better to wait until after the wedding to say it?
No, let’s not think those weird thoughts. Even if her reaction wasn’t what I expected, saying it now was the right call. What if she had acted like that just before I left for Leon? I could have shattered the mental state of a brand new bride right before embarking on a long journey.
“Brother, you’re the Executive Manager of the Inspectorate. Why are you going to a foreign country?”
However, the solid fact hit me like a cannonball.
If I were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, sure, I could be going there for diplomatic matters. If I were the Minister of War, I could stand in front of military leaders to negotiate treaties or ease border tensions. And if I weren’t a government official but rather a soldier, joining the expedition would be a no-brainer.
But the Executive Manager of the Inspectorate, responsible for domestic stability and maintaining nobles’ discipline, heading to a foreign land? No matter how you slice it, I shouldn’t be going.
“It’s just… I’m going for reasons other than the Inspectorate’s duties.”
Well, if I were strictly doing Inspectorate work.
Unfortunately, the Emperor sent me to Leon not for practical duties but as a showpiece to exert pressure. After earning the title of the continent’s best swordsman, I’ve found a surprising level of respect and reverence from the warriors of the continent.
Because of that, even if I’m just standing with my arms crossed in front of the Armain troops, the Empire can maintain its edge. Although both countries are shaking hands to share Leon’s interests, the exact division hasn’t been established, so that edge directly benefits the Empire.
Simply put, the Emperor valued the benefits of sending me to Leon more than reasons not to. Damn bastard.
“But still, it’s not a difficult task, really. I just need to hold my position, so it’s not dangerous.”
Seeing Rizie’s eyes starting to mist up, I hurriedly added, “…It’s not dangerous even if I’m joining the expedition.”
“Really? You mean it’s an expedition, but not a fight?”
As her disbelief mirrored across her face, I got even more fired up.
It’s an expedition, but fighting won’t be involved. It’s like saying you had a drink but didn’t drive—technically true! The Leon expedition isn’t about fighting like the Northern Campaign. The Leon Kingdom wouldn’t have the capacity or will to resist the Imperial Army.
With their power declining over the past 30 years post-defeat, the royal family crumbled after losing their only heir, while the two most powerful factions are pushing in from both sides. In this miraculous situation, there won’t be a single noble in Leon challenging the Empire. They all likely died in the last war.
“It’s more of a trip than a war.”
I wasn’t just fidgeting about the expedition being a distraction from my honeymoon. Heading to the Leon Kingdom is a job that’s absolutely jarring just by the fact of leaving the country.
Let’s be honest, if the Imperial Army and the Armain troops marched into Leon together, most Leon nobles would gladly cooperate. They’ve been unhappy with the royal family since the last war! Only those isolationists who’d freak out at the mere thought of foreigners or those with delusions of grandeur wanting to be the new king would resist.
And those clueless fools? They’d be squashed with a mere flick of a finger. Just mention to nearby lords that this scoundrel may lose his territory, and they’ll jump at the chance to handle it.
“Bu-but, right after the wedding… Sending only you to a foreign land…”
Luckily, Rizie acknowledged my passionate persuasion that this expedition wasn’t unsafe.
That’s enough for me. If Rizie doesn’t doubt my safety, then it’s all good.
“I’ll be back every evening.”
The disappointment of being apart during my honeymoon was easily brushed aside.
“…What?”
The logical contradiction of saying I’d go on an expedition to a foreign country and still return every evening left Rizie’s expression blank again.
Then, a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes, like she was worried I might get hurt or lose my mind.
Under normal circumstances, that would’ve been a valid concern. But not this time. I will return to Rizie every evening.
“With teleportation, I can come and go as much as I need.”
I said confidently, smiling at Rizie.
During the Leon expedition, I’ll be effectively under house arrest. The borders of a failing small nation can’t keep me away from Rizie.
‘This is the right answer.’
I felt pretty proud of my Solomonic solution.
Honestly, right after Erich’s advice, I thought I’d just bring back a couple of territories as gifts, but knowing Rizie, I doubt she’d be thrilled about receiving land. She’s a pure, gentle wife who values our time together far more than some property.
So, I had to think of a gift Rizie would truly appreciate—a way to have land and time with me.
‘Meh, I’ll just commute.’
Since this expedition is more about logistics than a major military operation, I only need to show up when dealing with high-ranking officials from Armain or Leon.
Of course, this idea just popped into my head, so I hadn’t run it by the Emperor yet. He might just faint at the audacious concept of commuting while on a foreign expedition.
‘What’s it to me?’
Even if he did faint, so what? Just being willing to go to a foreign country while in my honeymoon should earn a bit of gratitude, right? If it’s such a big deal, he should send someone else.
‘If he sends someone else, that’s just better for me.’
I smiled in satisfaction while stroking Rizie’s hair. It doesn’t matter whether the Emperor agrees or disagrees with my plans. If he accepts, it may be disappointing to think about commuting during my honeymoon, but at least I’ll be back home for dinner. If he refuses, I’ll simply pitch a fit.
Knowing how much I’ve done for that bastard, I firmly believe this demands a certain level of entitlement. Besides, I’m not saying I won’t work; I just want to clock in and out on time, and rejecting that would be ridiculously unreasonable.
‘Well, he is a bastard, that’s for sure.’
But at least he’s not a total idiot.
After calming Rizie down, I formally notified the Emperor that I would be commuting back and forth during my time with the Leon expeditionary force using a teleportation mage.
The response came a lot quicker than I expected.
[Approved.]
It was a succinct and solid answer without the “as long as it doesn’t interfere with your duties” or “unless something urgent comes up” qualifiers attached.
‘Sweet.’
Just reading that straightforward approval made me nod in satisfaction. The Emperor may be a jerk, but at least he knows the boundaries.
If only he’d become human instead of a dog!
“What are you smiling about over there?”
As I was enjoying the moment, I looked up at my father-in-law sitting opposite me, voice laced with curiosity.
‘Uh oh.’
It seemed like I’d rubbed him the wrong way by thinking of something else in front of him, as he frowned slightly.
Thinking of something else with my father-in-law present is indeed a little rude. But my commutation from active duty to full-time duty has some serious merit! I’m sure my father-in-law would acknowledge that.
“The Emperor approved my request.”
“Good news indeed.”
Just like that.
Just earlier, my father-in-law had a displeased expression, but hearing the news of my full-time transfer, his demeanor changed.
If I stay on full-time, that means I’ll also be by Mar and Pedi, so it’s good for him too.
“It’s absurd for a soldier to return home before the war is over, but you’re not a soldier, so it should be fine.”
“That’s a reasonable point.”
I instinctively agreed with my father-in-law’s words.
Right, why should I be the one rolling around in a foreign land? The Emperor is the one who shoved me from the soldier’s escape route into the Inspectorate. If I were a soldier, I would have gladly participated, but the Emperor blocked my way.
“However, just as the Emperor granted your request, you too must meet the Emperor’s expectations. I brought this for you, so keep it in mind.”
“Yes, sir.”
At those words, my gaze shifted to “this” in my father-in-law’s hand.
‘He had that in his possession?’
I was somewhat surprised. The item my father-in-law was about to hand over is a seal—not the Duke of Wulken’s seal, obviously. That’s been resting in my brother-in-law’s pocket ever since my half-retired father-in-law passed it on to him, although it seems like my brother-in-law is just waiting for an opportunity to return it.
“It’s quite useful to have. Take good care of it.”
“Of course.”
I nodded as I took the seal with sincere instructions. Honestly, even without those instructions, I would have kept it secure.
‘The seal of the former Duke.’
To be precise, it’s the seal of the only former Duke of the Leon Kingdom.
Why that was in my father-in-law’s possession, I had no idea.
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