Chapter: 778
The Crown Princess’s tour of the capital is not something that can be decided easily.
For the Emperor, the Crown Princess is not just the first in line for the throne; she’s a precious daughter that he cherishes so much that he wouldn’t even flinch if he had to insert her into his eyes. Leaving such a daughter in danger is simply out of the question.
But then, how do we arrange a proper escort that matches the Crown Princess’s status? The entire city would bow their heads when the Crown Princess appears, and she’d never get to experience the local culture she wanted to see. If that happens, it’s obvious she’d throw a tantrum.
Of course, reducing the escort is not even up for discussion. If something happens to the Crown Princess because of negligence, it’d be a catastrophe of epic proportions.
– Minister.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
– What if we clear all the routes the Crown Princess will take and have royal attendants and knights pretend to be everyday folks?
“Pardon me, but shouldn’t we let the legendary asset of Aiman-kah 14th remain a top-notch underworld figure?”
What’s worse is that the Emperor’s mental state is already at the level where “disaster” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
What? Clear the Crown Princess’s route? Use commoners for the royal entourage? This isn’t some small village; such nonsense in the capital would make even the most tyrannical ruler shake their head. What ruler in the world would want to potentially upend the morale of their capital? The two pillars supporting his regime are the capital and the central army!
– That’s impossible!
It seems the Emperor, temporarily flustered with daughterly concern, quickly regained his senses after my reprimand—
– I should create a city near the capital. If we teleport there, the Crown Princess will think she’s still in the capital.
Oh no, he’s gone even crazier.
The idea of building an entire planned city for the Crown Princess’s outing? It’s laughable enough to make me want to choke on my own curses.
‘Is it really okay for me to curse this out now?’
As I debated whether to voice my opinion or hold it in, I realized that honestly, the Chief Justices would probably nod along if they heard this justification. Instead of being seen as a traitor for the Emperor, they’d consider it sound advice directing him down the right path.
“Your Majesty, I understand how you feel as a father, but this seems like a rather excessive worry.”
After much deliberation, I picked the latter option. The Chief Justices might still have a chance to acquit me, but if I let my frustration spill out, I’d certainly find myself in hot water.
And right now, it was more important to calm the Emperor down than to provoke him.
‘…Maybe we could just use magic?’
Plus, the more I thought about it, we do have magic—the ultimate key! We could disguise the Crown Princess with a spell, and while behind the scenes, we could use tracking and defensive spells, allowing the knights and wizards to follow her discreetly, ensuring her safety.
I momentarily forgot this obvious solution under the Emperor’s mounting pressure. After all, that brat sure knows how to create a fuss.
“Trust in your flawless soldiers and loyal citizens, Your Majesty. As long as we do that, the Crown Princess will return to the palace smiling without any issues.”
At my words, the Emperor fell silent for a moment.
Fortunately, it seems my suggestion struck a chord. Good, if it doesn’t work out after saying that, are you even human?
– Minister.
And when the Emperor finally spoke again, his tone softened.
– Does this only seem like my problem?
“…What?”
– When the Crown Princess goes around the capital, do you think she’ll be the only one there? Can I guarantee that the Minister’s children won’t ask to join her in showing off?
In that moment, I felt my blood run cold.
The Emperor was right. If the Crown Princess embarks on an adventure through the capital, it won’t be an adventure just for herself. How on earth did I forget such a basic fact?
“I shall go to the Sun Palace first thing tomorrow at dawn. Shall we discuss it with the commander of the First Imperial Guard and the city’s security chief?”
– That’s a good idea, Minister. Let’s do just that.
With those words, the transmission ended.
‘Let’s bring Trixie along.’
This matter involves the Crown Princess and the well-being of our children. Having Trixie, the pinnacle of magic, brainstorming with us will yield even better results.
*
From the early morning, the Emperor called for me.
He wasn’t summoning me as a commander of the regional army or a chief of any department; I was being summoned by the Emperor himself. No matter how optimistic I might hope, an emperor’s call meant something significant was afoot. Thus, I took a few deep breaths.
‘This is my chance.’
Yes, this is an opportunity. If the Emperor personally seeks me out, it implies the matter is important, and if I successfully address it, I could earn the Emperor’s trust.
Just like when I rose through the ranks to become the commander of the First Imperial Guard after successfully quelling the Twilight Cult. This situation could also become a stepping stone for me to shift into a significant role, be it as a regional commander or in the Ministry of War.
“My name is Francis Neville, commander of the First Imperial Guard. I’ve come upon Your Majesty’s summons.”
Thus, I steadied my composure and spoke to the palace knight in charge of the Emperor’s office,
“Please enter. Duke Marcilio and the head of the Prosecutor’s Office, along with the city’s security chief, are present.”
‘What?’
I realized too late that I was facing a matter far more serious than I had anticipated.
My previously steady heart began to tumble again. Had it just been the security chief, I might have thought it was merely about maintaining order in the city. The roles of the First Imperial Guard and city guards revolve around the safety of the capital and its citizens.
But now, with not just the city’s security chief but also the chief of the Prosecutor’s Office? Not to mention the Duke, who hasn’t even ventured to the Magic Tower since marrying him?
‘What on earth is happening?’
The head of the Prosecutor’s Office is the continent’s greatest swordmaster and oversees everything domestically. The Duke is a vital figure in defending the capital region, including the area around the capital.
For figures of such stature to have been summoned by the Emperor signifies that a tremendous threat looms over the Empire and the city.
Perhaps it’s related to the Twilight Cult purge from five years ago. Or it could be a threat of even greater magnitude.
‘This isn’t just a matter of trust.’
It’s about the Empire’s safety. This is about preserving peace for the city and its citizens.
In that case, I must put away my ambitions and come to terms with the situation. It’s time to act as a soldier of the Empire rather than Commander Francis Neville.
—A thought I silently promised myself.
“The majority of the citizens are unaware of Your Highness’s face. If we hide your violet eyes, they won’t be able to recognize you.”
“That does make sense.”
“Also, it would be wise to have one or two adults accompany you as guardians.”
“Is that all?”
“The rest of your escort should hide along your routes. We should deploy those skilled in stealth and pursuit.”
Until the Emperor and the Minister starting talking about this strange topic.
Before it was just the two of them exchanging serious talks.
“I’ll strengthen the boundary magic of the Magic Tower. While the guards maintain security within the capital, the Magic Tower will keep an eye out for any external intrusions.”
No, there’s the Duke, too?
I found myself in a situation where I could hardly speak as silence enveloped the room.
Then my gaze met the head of the city’s security, who sat across from me.
‘Shall we grab a drink tonight?’
‘Absolutely.’
It wasn’t a conversation exchanged in voice, but there was a clear dialogue through our eyes. We understood each other’s plights well enough that we could communicate like that.
“Commander of the Imperial Guard, security chief.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Command as you see fit, Your Majesty.”
“The role you both carry is significant. Do not create unease among the people, but pay closer attention to security.”
It was all so confusing. Stronger security will inevitably dampen the mood. It’s like asking for hot ice cream.
“I will keep that in mind.”
But having heard the Emperor, the Minister, and the Duke’s discussion, I couldn’t show my discomfort.
With the Crown Princess and the Minister’s children planning to roam the city, I, too, must push beyond the limits I set for myself. I must break away from my preconceived notions of what couldn’t possibly happen and reach for a higher state of consciousness.
If the Emperor desires hot ice cream, then I should retrieve ice from lava! That’s the duty of a soldier and the obligation of a noble!
*
The plan for the Crown Princess’s grand adventure in the capital began to take shape with the collective intelligence of the involved parties.
First, the First Imperial Guard and the city guard would maintain their daily routines while enhancing security to allow the Crown Princess to experience the capital as it truly is. It’s a request so elegant yet fundamental that it feels almost avant-garde—yet I trust that the commanders will manage it well.
‘It wasn’t like they got into their key positions through poker faces.’
Additionally, we’ll be casting spells on the Crown Princess and our kids to disguise them as regular citizens. This alone would wipe away 90% of the unwanted gazes directed at them.
Crucially, I’d be the only protector and close guard for the children. Trixie would observe the whole city from the Magic Tower. The rest of the escort would carry out their duties distanced from them, overseen by the chief executioner, who has experience in assassination from our earlier days in the Information Department and would be adept at discreet actions.
‘If someone were to get past this and commit an act of terror, they would be just as lethal as the Kagan.’
If such a scenario were to arise, we’d have to prepare for a defensive battle that could determine the fate of the Empire. Just imagining it sends chills down my spine.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!”
“Yes, Your Highness, please speak.”
“I’m going to see the capital!”
Indeed, the heart-racing tension dissipated thanks to the Crown Princess’s bright voice.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. The capital has plenty to see, play with, and eat. It’ll be a delightful excursion.”
“Right!?”
As my words made the Crown Princess beam, she looked left and right before glancing back up at me.
“Your Highness! Where’s Pedi?”
“She’s playing in the rear garden with Titi. Now that you’re here, I’m sure she’ll come soon.”
“Pedi! If I ask her to go see the capital, will she like it?”
Like the Emperor and I had earlier predicted, the Crown Princess didn’t want to go alone. Had we heard this without being prepared, I might have been shocked, but knowing we’re fully ready, I felt quite pleased.
A little heartwarming sentiment—wanting to spend even a small tour with your sibling. How commendable!
“Just Pedi?”
“No! All my siblings!”
What an impressive thought!
But all? That would be a problem. I already have to be on high alert just dealing with the Crown Princess; now adding eight more children under five? Even I can’t handle that alone!
‘With luck, it could just be the triplets and Friedrich.’
Honestly, having only Pedi go would be the easiest…
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