Chapter: 823
Ferentz picked our honeymoon destination. A couple going on a trip that their child chose!
What an incredibly rare experience that many would want but can’t have! So, I was looking to get the Emperor’s blessing to head to the northern Hauzentz. That way, later on, when Ferentz grows up, he can say something like, “I chose Daddy and Mommy’s honeymoon spot!”
But I guess I’ll have to bail on that plan. I could see the Emperor slowly losing it even over the communication link. His eyes were blazing with the same hostility they had when he was first crowned as Crown Prince, and his lips were twitching like they were possessed.
I remembered how, every time the Emperor got that fiery reaction, he wielded the Information Department like a sword.
‘Let’s drop this idea.’
Sorry, Ferentz. It’s a precious spot you picked, but your dad can’t keep its value intact.
At this rate, it seemed like a storm of blades was going to sweep across the Empire. Not just the northern Hauzentz, which was untroubled by the royal family, but also the Eiselons, who’d been living like they were already dead, were about to get dragged into a wild mess.
‘That can’t happen.’
If it were back when the Eiselons were still at their peak, I would’ve dashed in and socked it to them before the Emperor could even issue a command. The Eiselons deserved every bit of punishment, and I would’ve relished just how badly I needed to beat them up, wondering when the Emperor would say, “Alright, that’s enough.”
But the current Eiselons are quite different from their predecessors. They inherited titles, lands, and riches, but they also inherited the burdens of their family. However, the head of the current Eiselon family isn’t even closely related by blood to the last one.
This is the fella who suddenly inherited the title after I dealt with the former head and the sub-lord. Sure, he’s an Eiselon, but he’s distanced from their previous misdeeds.
‘Just look at how hard I fought to get him on the throne!’
For a moment, my blood ran cold. What a pain it was to find a sane person among those lunatics! In the world of nobility, the current head of the Eiselon family is the rare gem—sharp-witted, fast-thinking, and with a conscience.
But the Emperor’s gone crazy and is going to hammer the Eiselons again? What if the current head ends up getting caught in that crossfire? I dread to think who would follow next. As far as I remember, the current head’s child isn’t even ten yet! If the head position were to be vacant at this time, all of Eiselon’s remnants would be lining up to claim it.
“Your Majesty, I misspoke. Hauzentz is but a speck of dust compared to the vast Empire. Why bother to make the trek to such a speck?”
I hastily changed the topic to avoid a disastrous calamity. I promised not to so much as glance at northern Hauzentz.
– …Minister.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
– Regardless, northern Hauzentz was the last place incorporated as a direct territory, apart from the northern regions. And it was made a direct territory not from newly conquered land but from what was once a noble’s domain.
I gulped involuntarily at the Emperor’s cold voice.
– Of course, direct territories are managed by loyal governors. I can’t imagine Eiselon, having received an adequate punishment, would presume to harbor any ambitions.
“Well then—”
– However.
His eyes were now less fierce than before.
Yet now, instead of hostility, they bore a heavy coldness that bore into me.
– I do not doubt everything, but I certainly won’t fully trust Eiselon’s loyalty.
With a clear command to investigate even the slightest possibility, I internally sighed. He may not doubt everything, but he doesn’t fully trust Eiselon. In other words, it’s saying, “I trust you to investigate Eiselon.” The buttons for the Emperor’s explosive reactions and his trust were both activated—I couldn’t ignore it.
“If anyone is causing disarray in the Empire, it’d be truly disheartening! As your subordinate, I shall properly look into any signs of treachery.”
– Right. A minister like you should be able to sniff out treachery hidden in even the most obscure corners. I trust you.
With that, the Emperor’s face faded from the communication link. What began as seeking permission for a honeymoon turned into an official order.
‘This is totally insane.’
I clicked my tongue as I stared at the faded communication link. When the Emperor is like that, I can’t refuse his orders as a subordinate.
Refusal would only intensify his wrath and, if I’m unlucky, he might extend his suspicions toward me. Even if the chances are slim, it’s best to avoid anything that could turn troublesome.
“Your Majesty.”
– Oh, Minister?
Of course, it meant I couldn’t refuse as a subordinate, but that didn’t mean I would follow without a hitch.
“I apologize for the rudeness of not visiting directly and greeting you over the communication link. I have something urgent to discuss; forgive my intrusion.”
If I could not fend it off myself, I could seek help from someone who is equal to or above the Emperor. I had to play my only card that could calm the Emperor’s storm.
‘How dare you ask me to work when I’m going on my honeymoon?’
It’s one thing to happen upon a job while on a trip; though unfortunate, that’s still a matter of fate. I’ll accept it with a sigh.
But receiving an official command before I even embark on my trip? That’s a whole different ballgame—I’m going on vacation, not for work!
– Speak freely. You’re practically family to the royal house; there’s no such thing as rudeness.
I bowed my head slightly at the Empress’s gentle reply.
Damn that Emperor! He loved barking orders but wouldn’t dare get an upper-hand himself when the shoe’s on the other foot.
*
About three hours later, I received a message from the Emperor.
– I may have slightly lost my cool and issued a command that didn’t make much sense. Please forget what I said earlier.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
– You can visit Hauzentz at your leisure, or don’t go at all; I should not meddle in your honeymoon as the minister. It should be left entirely to your decision.
The Emperor, having forcibly calmed himself, spoke in a gentler and softer tone than ever.
That’s the Empress for you. Her influence is evident.
*
Though a small ruckus had occurred, it was decided that my honeymoon spot with the Minister was to be the northern Hauzentz.
Thanks to our little Ferentz, we will never forget this trip! He provided such a precious memory for Mommy!
“I’ll buy you a gift when we come back!”
“Woo-woo!”
So, before heading off with the Minister, I went on a kissing spree on Ferentz’s cheeks and made promises.
I’d better get something that Ferentz would like. Whether it’s a toy or a doll, I’ll get him whatever he enjoys!
‘They’ve got to have something!’
Before it became a direct territory, northern Hauzentz was the territory of the mightiest marquis household. In such a region, I should be able to find plenty of gifts for the kid! If I can’t, that would be even weirder!
If not, maybe I could buy a building or a farm? While owning an entire region might be a pipe dream, a small piece of land should be manageable.
‘But a toy would be the best, right?’
Watching Ferentz still holding that toy sword, I couldn’t help but plant another kiss on him.
Little Ferentz, you’re already showing interest in weapons, like daddy! Mommy’s so proud of you!
I’ll get a toy sword! A spear! A bow! An axe! Anything!
“Stop bothering Ferentz, would you? He must feel overwhelmed.”
“Overwhelmed? Our Ferentz loves his mommy so much! Right?”
“Uh-huh. Love!”
“See?!”
When I confidently turned to the Minister, he smiled and knelt in front of Ferentz.
“Our Ferentz. Daddy loves you too?”
Then he opened his arms wide, as if asking Ferentz to come hug him.
“Uh-huh!”
“Ack.”
At that moment, Ferentz, who had been in my arms, hopped down and sprinted towards the Minister.
How unfair! He must be tired of holding me for so long! If I hadn’t held him for two seconds longer, he’d have chosen Mommy over me!
“When Ferentz grows up big and strong, we’ll all travel together, okay?”
“Love!”
“Alright. Daddy loves that too.”
But seeing the Minister and Ferentz together was so cute that I let it slide! I’m just going to let it pass this time!
*
Northern Hauzentz is a key location under the watchful eye of the royal family.
It borders the Tiraph Kingdom to the north, is adjacent to the marquisate linking the two kingdoms to the east, and to the south stands the Eiselon family, the Emperor’s bitter rivals. It’s a region you cannot ignore politically, economically, or geographically.
‘It’s a direct territory that ranks among the top five, excluding the royal lands.’
Being appointed the chief governor of such a crucial place is indeed a wonderful thing. It means my capabilities and loyalty have been recognized.
However, joy and pressure come hand in hand. Northern Hauzentz was once a place rightfully called “traitorous,” and those traitors are still holding out to the south. How can I feel at ease?
‘If even a little commotion happens, all eyes will be on me.’
What might be an ordinary occurrence in another region could attract undue attention here. What could end as a light warning might be escalated to severe punishment.
Such is northern Hauzentz. A place where immense power and honor come with overwhelming duties and burdens.
Of course, as the chief governor, I could get away with just doing moderately well. As long as I don’t cause a colossal mishap, I could gracefully retire and enjoy a comfortable life.
But if I dream of aiming higher, I have to pour my body and soul into it. For instance, if I were to set my sights on the Commoners’ Council, I would need to manage this vital area perfectly and earn praise from the Emperor.
‘So far, so good.’
Under the protection of Enen and the Great Emperor, I’ve been managing quite smoothly until now. In fact, taxes from northern Hauzentz sent to the royal family have even shown a significant increase.
So, if I can hold out for a few more years, I thought I might even step into the Council—something I never dared to dream of!
“…Who’s coming?”
“Count Tailglehen and his fifth wife are on their way!”
Something worse than a volcano erupting in Hauzentz or an earthquake just occurred.
The Minister of Information, Count Tailglehen. The fifth wife, previously section chief under the department’s reign. Both are descending upon northern Hauzentz.
‘Why?!’
My hands started trembling uncontrollably. Why, of all reasons, is the head of the Information Department coming here?
Could there be something lurking in northern Hauzentz that I’m unaware of? Did the Information Department pick up on something that the chief governor didn’t know?
And is the Minister coming to deal with it himself while on leave?
‘Oh.’
In an instant, my vision went white.
I wished someone would smack me in the head hard. Just knock me out for about two months.
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