Chapter: 765
The works that beautifully decorated Rizie’s painful childhood. The writers who brought her a momentary smile, even when she had to bid farewell to her family.
Even if the Balkros Kingdom weren’t a cultural powerhouse but a cultural wasteland, the mere presence of these two writers is enough to make it a perfect honeymoon destination. After all, it’s a country that created precious memories for my beloved wife. If not now, when else will we get the chance to go?
But heading there without any preparation wouldn’t do justice to the specialness of a honeymoon. I rushed to the Minister of Culture to make a very personal request for a surprise gift for Rizie, and…
[I’ve received confirmations from the relevant parties. Both authors are looking forward to this honorable meeting, so there should be no issues when you visit.]
I got the answer I was hoping for.
‘Great.’
I let out a sigh of relief as I tucked the communication device away.
If it were an individual within the Empire or a noble from another country, I wouldn’t have been so anxious. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but to be honest, if I wanted to, I could call many nobles who would crawl to meet me.
However, ordinary citizens from other countries are a different story. They’re neither Empire nor nobility, so there’s no strong incentive for them to play nice with me.
‘Connections really are everything.’
Fortunately, thanks to my incredible connection with the Minister of Culture, I was able to arrange a meeting with foreign writers. It makes more sense to leverage the minister, who holds considerable influence in the continent’s literary and artistic circles, rather than relying solely on my reputation, which may not resonate with ordinary citizens.
I couldn’t help but feel proud of my past self for stubbornly pushing through that cultural ministry new employee meeting. If I’d canceled it back then, I wouldn’t have been able to make such a request now.
‘Allen and Rodesa.’
With that little pride aside, I organized the information about the two writers I would meet in Balkros.
Sir Phelon’s story author, Allen. The writer of Wind and Flowers, Rodesa. Among them, Allen is now considered a veteran author who started gaining recognition when Rizie was young. Now entering his sixties, he is still actively creating. On the other hand, Rodesa, who debuted with Wind and Flowers, is still in his forties and is an emerging author.
However, if you look at the published works, Rodesa is a monster of a late bloomer, exceeding both in quantity and quality compared to old-timers.
‘Bringing nothing would be impolite.’
Regardless of the Minister of Culture’s reputation, these are individuals who are taking time out for us. It wouldn’t be right to visit empty-handed.
But what gift would suit a writer? A fountain pen seems pretty standard, right? But I feel like they probably already have plenty of those.
‘Is something that can be liquidated a better option?’
While it’s nice to give a useful gift, it wouldn’t hurt to have something that can fill their pockets in a pinch.
Something useful yet convertible to cash, able to show sincerity while being a valuable item…
– Hm? The minister?
“Lord Krasius, patriarch of the Krasius family, Minister of the Information Department, Carl Krasius of Tailglehen is here to see His Grace the Gold Duke.”
After careful deliberation, I picked up the communication device again.
The best gift for liquidity. Among the items I know, nothing beats Boyar wine.
– I didn’t expect the minister to contact me first. What’s up?
“I have a pressing matter to discuss with His Grace.”
– Oh? If it’s that kind of request, feel free to speak. I’m happy to oblige the Minister’s requests.
Thank goodness the reaction from the Gold Duke isn’t bad; it seems I can easily procure a couple of bottles.
Thank you, Leviathan. Thanks to you, I can make such requests from the Gold Duke without a second thought. You found the flying aircraft carrier for me; what’s two bottles of wine compared to that?
This time, instead of teleporting, I decided to travel across the sea.
– I’ve arrived. I hope you have a pleasant journey.
“Thanks.”
However, unlike last time’s Jerano trip, this time I didn’t solely rely on the ships for travel; I also took advantage of Leviathan’s powers.
The distance to Balkros is quite significant compared to Jerano. No matter how enormous the ship is, fatigue tends to accumulate with prolonged travel. So, I opted to teleport close to Balkros’s international waters with Leviathan’s help, then enter the territorial waters by ship.
It may be a bit complex and cumbersome, but that’s okay. This is all part of the journey.
“Is it asking too much to transport us to the territorial waters with Leviathan?”
After setting the ship adrift from Leviathan’s back, Rizie opened her mouth, watching Leviathan slowly drifting away.
“It’s not impossible to ask for permission ahead of time, but that would likely take longer than actually getting permission.”
“What a pity. It was fun sailing on a whale.”
Seeing Rizie chuckle effortlessly made the corners of my mouth rise.
Even though we haven’t set foot in Balkros yet, Rizie is clearly already thrilled. This is a fantastic way to kick off our journey.
“Once we arrive at Balkros, should we unpack and check out a play right away?”
“Right now? Won’t you be too tired—”
Instinctively worried about my stamina, Rizie blinked at me blankly, and then, feeling a bit sheepish, she smiled.
“I got overly excited and my mind went blank for a moment. There’s no reason why you would be tired, Oppa.”
Her deep trust in me made me feel unnecessarily satisfied.
Rizie is right. Unless I’m completely worn out playing with our kids, I won’t tire easily.
“So, starting with a play is okay then?”
“Sounds good!”
With her bright answer, I wrapped my arms around her waist and gazed at the horizon.
It’s going to take a bit of time to get to the port, so let’s enjoy the nature around us. After we disembark, we probably won’t have the chance to appreciate the sights with all the sightseeing we’ll be busy with.
*
The entire Foreign Affairs Department entered a battle-ready posture.
They packed everyone except for the minimal resting personnel and existing operational staff into the Great Empire Response Division so that they could react promptly in case anything came up. Even I, as the exterior counterpart, was not exempt.
In the past few days, our Balkros’ national fortune has been riding on every one of the Foreign Affairs Department’s movements. If even the slightest disturbance occurs in communication with the Empire, it could result in tremendous losses.
“Your Grace, a vessel has entered the territorial waters.”
“And Leviathan?”
“It is drifting away from the Empire.”
Hearing that the whale, which itself is a nuisance, is strictly remaining in international waters, I let out a sigh of relief. At least it’s a positive start.
If Leviathan had even approached the territorial waters—no, just lingering at the boundary would have been enough to cause a burden for our country. All naval forces would probably have gone into a frenzy.
But Leviathan smoothly returned to the Empire, as if its only purpose was transportation.
‘…That such a monstrous being only came for transportation.’
A laugh escaped me. A creature that could turn the tide in a naval battle, moving merely to transport two people? Unbelievable.
But considering who was on board Leviathan is what makes such a nonchalant visitation understandable. Even if he’s not one of the Empire’s five dukes or marquis, nobody considers him just a mere count.
‘The Minister of the Information Department.’
The Empire’s Minister of Information and his wife. They are the travelers who have just crossed into our territorial waters.
Currently enjoying an extended vacation, yet even on holiday, this peculiar duo leaves quite the impression.
‘How many borders has someone on vacation crossed?’
I recall they had crossed over to the Holy Kingdom to attend the council; they seized Leon with Ainter; and recently there was that honeymoon trip to Jerano. Even seasoned diplomats don’t tend to be that busy.
Yet, the Minister has managed to do it. Under the pretext of ‘vacation,’ and as a private citizen, he comfortably crosses borders.
‘That’s a dandy tactic.’
If he were entering for official duties, we would have been able to respond accordingly. However, emphatically pushing the notion of a ‘private visit’ means we cannot act without cause. If we were to hinder their ‘trip,’ it could provide justification for the Empire’s wrath.
Thanks to this, the Foreign Affairs Department waits with bated breath for communication from the Empire while coordinating with the Interior Ministry to monitor the Minister’s maneuvers from afar. We must be ready to communicate with the Empire without delay if anything happens.
The good news is that the Minister has never wreaked havoc in foreign lands. When he went to Jerano, he simply enjoyed a regular trip and even gifted the Jerano princess something worthy of national treasure.
‘If we keep our heads down, there shouldn’t be any issues.’
I repeatedly reassured myself to calm my nerves.
Yes, as long as we don’t interfere, our country will be safe. The Minister traveled with his wife; there’s no way he’ll engage in a quarrel. Surely no one would use a trip with their wife as a pretext for a conflict, right?
…
‘Probably not?’
Suddenly, a thread of anxiety surged. Unfortunately, there are quite a few nobles who see their families as mere tools or means to an end.
No, no, it can’t be. Have faith. If such a destructive personality, obsessed with personal gain, existed, then the Empire wouldn’t have two dukes marrying into the Minister’s family.
Moreover, the Minister has also reportedly lined up meetings with our country’s writers—wanting to meet the authors of novels his wife read during her childhood. I doubt such a person would ruin a trip with his wife.
Conversely, however, it does imply a monumental disaster could unfold if the country were to interfere with the Minister’s travels. But since I’m not planning to interfere, it shouldn’t matter.
“Executive Manager.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After a deep breath, I called the head of the Great Empire Response Division.
“Remind all the nobles in our country again. Nobles in the regions where the Minister is active can’t be helped, but those in other regions must not approach until the Minister returns.”
“Yes. I’ll relay it immediately.”
“No, this isn’t just conveying—it’s a warning.”
“…Yes, I will certainly ensure it’s a warning.”
Sometimes, if you convey it too gently, crazy people won’t understand the gravity of the situation and may act recklessly. You must assertively warn them for them to grasp the seriousness.
After all, beasts are in a league of their own.
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