Chapter: 718
A heart-pounding honeymoon (three years after marriage) means more than just playing at tourist spots.
Packing together, chatting about sights and foods at the destination, and discussing how to spend our time—these small yet warm moments are part of the journey. The thrill starts the moment we decide to travel. Excluding that excitement would just be plain boring.
As part of that, we decided to travel from the Empire to Jerano by ship, rather than teleportation. Even the travel time to our destination is part of our journey, so we should cherish it.
“Carl, that fountain is…”
“That’s Leviathan.”
And just before crossing from the Empire’s waters to Jerano’s, a massive fountain erupted from below the surface.
It felt like Leviathan was sending us off with a flourish, showing off since we declined a ride. I can’t tell if it’s its natural disposition or if it’s become peculiar from hanging around the Gold Duke.
‘But who cares?’
Watching Leviathan raise its fins above the water, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Those fins swaying side to side seemed like a farewell gesture.
A whale the size of an island putting on a performance as we leave! With such a grand send-off, it’s irrelevant if it’s naturally cheerful or if it’s just showing off. What matters is Leviathan’s warm heart and sincerity.
“What kind of gifts do whales like?”
“Anything they need, the Gold Duke will provide… Isn’t a simple thank you enough?”
“That makes sense, right?”
Nodding at Mar’s response, I waved at Leviathan.
I don’t know if such a small gesture would be visible to it. But if we’ve seen a magnificent performance, a little acknowledgment is only fair—like an audience applauding after a great show.
‘I’ll be back soon!’
Now that I think about it, choosing Jerano as our tourist destination was all thanks to Leviathan. It had opened its eyes again, and its pressure on Jerano allowed us to travel there with peace of mind.
Thanks, Leviathan. During the trip, I’ll bow three times in your direction every day; two times in the direction of Trika’s institution.
Since it’s a fallen nation, twice should be enough.
—
Narvesia. A representative port city in the southwest of Jerano.
Located on a peninsula that juts out toward the Empire, it boasts a geographical advantage, being the closest city to the Empire and one of the top trade ports in Jerano.
Thanks to its reputation as a mafia zone, I heard it was the city that once fiercely competed with the Gold Duke before Leviathan’s emergence. But those tales are now in the past. Thanks to Leviathan’s powerful presence, it has fallen into the status of a ‘former competitor.’
However, the prosperity and dignity built up by Narvesia haven’t crumbled. What it lost was the power to challenge for maritime supremacy; its position as a trading port is still intact. It remains the hub of inter-Jerano shipping and a centerpiece for trade with the Empire.
“Wow…”
That’s why, when Mar set foot in Narvesia, she let out a small gasp.
“It’s beautiful. A city where glamour and warmth blend seamlessly.”
Though it sounds a bit vague, it’s the most accurate description I can offer. Narvesia melds the prosperity of a trading port with the relaxed atmosphere of a tourist spot.
It’s a fascinating phenomenon. Generally, as an economy flourishes, the laid-back vibe tends to fade, but Narvesia has achieved a remarkable balance of coexistence. Grabbing two hares at once is often considered the toughest challenge in the world.
‘We should have a quiet time here.’
But if Narvesia has captured both hares, then we can enjoy all the benefits. Relaxing in the city’s grandeur and leisurely atmosphere, we can go home satisfied.
‘And I don’t see any other nobles around.’
Plus, it seems the Ministry of Foreign Affairs effectively notified Jerano. There wasn’t a throng of people coming to welcome Mar and me. If Jerano had sent someone, it might have been a bit of a hassle, but thankfully it didn’t happen.
Of course, having a key figure from another nation in your territory is bound to raise some eyebrows. Just having them there makes your heart race. I still remember the feeling vividly from a few years ago. Thinking of those three who came to the academy from another country still makes my heart skip a beat.
But knowing that feeling, I can manage how Jerano’s nobles and civil servants might feel. Mar and I will stick to leisurely sightseeing and return home quietly.
‘There’s no one more harmless than me.’
Though it feels a bit embarrassing to think it, I’m pretty harmless considering the power I wield.
Honestly, I’ve never been the one to initiate conflict. The former Executive Manager, the former lord of Eshilon, the Second Prince—they were all ones who came at me first. All I ever did was retaliate for survival.
So I believe there won’t be any disturbances in Jerano. Unless those Jerano folks are completely insane, they won’t pick a fight with me.
“Well then, my lady. Shall we go?”
After a short internal prayer, I extended my hand to Mar, who was looking around Narvesia’s streets.
My wording and tone were different from usual. Anyone could hear the playful spirit, yet Mar naturally took my hand without any discomfort.
“Sounds good. I look forward to darling’s escort.”
“Uh…”
“Please don’t laugh.”
Mar’s playful “darling” made me chuckle.
Sorry, I didn’t expect “darling” to suddenly pop up.
—
The first city visited by the minister and his wife was Narvesia.
That was exactly what I anticipated. When taking a boat from the Empire, Narvesia is the first port of call. This isn’t just any little fishing village; Narvesia is a renowned port city on the continent, making it an ideal travel destination for the minister and his wife.
“The security must be perfect, right?”
“Yes, Your Grace. We’ve eliminated all potential concerns. While it did slightly dampen Narvesia’s vibrancy, it will assist your private trip.”
“That’s good enough. Right now, complete security is more important than momentary vitality.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
The secretary nodded and quickly departed.
This incident involves a major foreign figure entering our country. Since it’s connected to another nation, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with the Internal Affairs and Military Ministries. Hence, my secretary has been running around tirelessly like an errand boy, punished for being the secretary of an outsider.
I feel bad. Still, when the minister and his wife return, I’ll make sure to grant them a generous vacation, so hang in there.
‘…As long as security is certain, there’s nothing to worry about.’
I sighed softly, staring down the direction my secretary left.
The Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated that the minister’s visit is for private reasons. All circumstances suggest that the minister is entering the country purely for leisure.
So, we have no reason to be anxious. Tourists flock to Jerano every year, and the minister and his wife are just a part of that. If we can maintain strict security, we can send the couple away satisfied.
‘This could even turn into an opportunity.’
And what if, just what if, the minister or his wife takes a liking to Jerano? If the minister—who has more enduring life than the Gold Duke—comes to appreciate Jerano?
Future diplomacy with the Empire would be a lot smoother. Turning what could be a desperate crisis into a chance to serve them splendidly—with minimal cost to our national budget.
“Enen!”
Before I knew it, I found myself calling out to the heavens.
Enen… If everything goes well, I’ll offer thirteen-tithes every week, not just ten. I will trust and follow you more diligently. So please—
“Y-Your Grace!”
“…What is it?”
I instinctively felt uneasy as my secretary hurriedly returned.
Why? Why has the secretary come back like that, with such a frantic expression?
I hope it’s nothing serious; if not, just tell me the minister and his wife had to leave in a hurry.
“The First Princess is headed to Narvesia!”
But my secretary betrayed my hopes.
“What?”
“Ah, it seems she’s rushing over upon hearing the news that the continent’s greatest swordsman, the minister of the Inspection Department, is coming…”
My mind went blank. All my senses felt paralyzed.
I couldn’t see my secretary in front of me; I couldn’t hear his words. I couldn’t tell if I was sitting, standing, or collapsed on the floor.
“Why! Why did we get found out? I should have been more cautious around the First Princess!”
Finally regaining my sense, I shrieked.
The First Princess is particularly lively among the noble royals. Her passion for swords is so strong that she chose the path of a knight. Imagine her even taking part in pirate hunting with the royal navy!
It’s only natural for the First Princess to show interest in the continent’s greatest swordsman. It’s only natural, but…
[ The minister of the Inspection Department, Count Tailglehen, is arriving in Jerano with his Countess. As this is a private trip, please avoid contact. ]
[ As this is a private trip, please avoid contact. ]
[ I will kill you like Leon if you interact personally. ]
‘No way.’
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ notification began to sink in.
No. It can’t be. If the princess interacts with the minister and his wife, it would lead to a catastrophe.
“How much does the princess know?!”
“She only knows that the minister has entered!”
That’s the only hopeful news. She’s rushing over to meet the minister without knowing he’s avoiding contact. If I can explain the situation to the princess, she might understand and return. Though she has a quirk or two, her love for the kingdom and her people is sincere.
Yes, she will likely turn back. After all, she’s patriotic enough to hunt pirates herself.
[ Don’t worry! I’ll just sneak in and contact the greatest swordsman! ]
And, once again, my hopes were dashed.
The urgent message I sent to the princess was rejected with a single sentence.
‘Enen…’
Even if it’s seventeen tithes, I’ll pay it.
Please, bless Jerano’s future!
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