To the Empire (2)
The endless plains stretching north were all we saw as we rode on, the imperial escort procession shrouded in an eerie silence and taut tension.
Just moments ago at our departure point, I'd witnessed four soldiers' heads rolling after a bit of rowdy laughter—reason enough for the mood.
Yet, surprisingly, my conversation with the culprit herself, Amber White, flowed far more smoothly and pleasantly than expected.
"What's the weather like in the imperial capital? I've lived my whole life in the warm south of Sterling, so I can't quite picture the northern climate."
Riding side by side, I asked, and Amber's eyes sparkled as she replied.
"Oh, the capital's winters are brutally harsh compared to Sterling—knee-deep snow is standard once it starts. But no need to worry. The imperial palace and noble estates have top-grade fire magic crystals regulating the temperature perfectly. Even in the dead of winter, you'll be fine in that light outfit you're wearing now."
"Magic crystal heating? Sounds convenient."
"Right? And when the social season kicks off, the capital turns into a festival thanks to the nobles—the balls are so heated, they chase away any chill. Of course, the Imperial Palace Library is the continent's largest, so Your Highness won't have a dull moment."
Imperial climate, capital vibe, even light gossip on noble society.
For questions from an enemy kingdom's hostage, it was pretty blatant intel-gathering, but Amber answered in detail and with genuine enthusiasm, without a hint of annoyance.
For the first princess's direct knight—who'd worn that terrifying black steel armor and lopped off her own subordinate's head in one stroke—she sure loved to talk.
Drawing on my past life's rep as the go-to guy for love advice in the department, I nodded and chimed in just right, and her chatter noticeably ramped up.
Before long, she was gushing about famous imperial dessert shops. Watching her, I let my lips curve into a sly smile.
"You seem to enjoy talking, Knight Amber."
At my gentle nudge, Amber—mid-ramble—froze, shoulders stiffening. Realizing she'd gotten carried away, she scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
"Haha... That obvious? Embarrassing, but yeah, I love a good chat. Once I get going, I could talk all night."
"So why hold back so much?"
"Well... I'm the first princess's direct knight—a soldier's role. Our captain's so ruthless and bloodthirsty, we underlings have to stay stone-faced and shadowy most days, mouths shut tight. But Your Highness listened so comfortably to my stories today... I guess I let loose without realizing. Sorry if I overstepped."
"No apologies needed. I'm thrilled to have such a great companion on this long haul. No need to force the stern act—chat freely anytime."
"Hahaha, thanks! Don't mind if I do."
At my words, Amber laughed heartily, her eye scar crinkling.
"...You remind me of an academy girl, Knight White."
"Huh, really? Thanks—I take that as a compliment."
"Pardon?"
"Oh, I've never set foot in an academy—barely literate, truth be told. Grew up poor. Joined the army to avoid starving, built up merits over nearly a decade, and somehow ended up as Her Highness's trusted knight."
"Impressive service record. You look young for it."
"...How old did I seem?"
"Early twenties?"
At my answer, Amber fought down a grin, turning her head from her horse.
"...I'm thirty-two, Your Highness. Thanks for the youthful glow-up."
Success!
Getting clocked younger by any woman is a win anywhere.
If she'd been secretly sixteen or seventeen, it'd be fighting words, but calling a thirty-two-year-old early twenties? Highest praise.
About half a day of nonstop riding and chatting later,
a sturdy fortress city, walled on a grand scale, appeared on the horizon.
"We'll stay there tonight," Amber added, pointing.
"It was once a Tour Kingdom lord's castle right on the Sterling Kingdom border... but after our imperial forces conquered it a few years back, it's just another southern provincial town now."
Tour Kingdom—I'd seen it on maps in the royal palace study. A neighbor we'd traded briskly with just years ago, now reduced to an imperial rest stop on the fringe.
Singed scars from siege warfare dotted the walls, testifying to the world's impermanence and the empire's overwhelming brutality.
Inside, Amber led me to the lord's castle's grandest, most ornate restaurant.
"Rough camping ahead, so rest up properly tonight. The castle chefs are renowned even among imperial troops. I've ordered the kitchen to bring out their best."
Entering, she naturally pulled out the ornate head chair at the inner table for me.
"Your Highness, here."
"Thank you."
Soon, the door opened cautiously, and castle maids carried in steaming dishes on massive silver trays.
Thick wild boar steaks seared with smoky char, hearty meat stew chunked with potatoes and carrots, fluffy fresh-baked bread wafting buttery aroma, crisp fruit salad.
True to her word, it was a feast unbelievable for a border fortress.
"Smells divine. Dig in."
I sliced into the thick meat without hesitation and popped a chunk in.
Juices burst on my tongue, pepper and spices delivering a salty, rich punch. Spoiled on noble fare, my palate was picky—and still, it was delicious.
"This stew's incredible too. Meat melts in your mouth."
I tore bread, sopped it up, and raved. Across from me, Amber—poking her salad—gave me an oddly intrigued look.
"...To your taste?"
"Absolutely. Worth the hype. Better than royal palace cooking."
"Honestly, surprising."
She set down her fork, propping her chin.
"I've toppled kingdoms, escorted countless hostages. Most captives to the empire despair—sleepless nights in tears, skipping meals, barely sipping water. Never seen one so serene, savoring every bite like Your Highness."
I swallowed stew, dabbing my lips with the napkin, then flashed a leisurely smile.
"Well, refusing a host's sincere hospitality in their castle? As blue-blood, that's the height of rudeness."
"Rudeness?"
"Exactly. Plus, if I chicken out and leave food, imagine the hurt to the chef pouring their soul into this masterpiece from the kitchen. Disrespect to the ingredients too."
Her eyes widened round at my reply. I carved another bite.
"And... it's genuinely tasty."
She blanked a moment, then roared with laughter that shook the room.
"Spot on! A hundred times right."
The mood softened further.
Between bites, whenever maids approached to clear plates or refill water, I met their eyes with a nod and smile.
"Thanks. Bread's so soft."
"Appreciate the refill. Stew's amazing—tell the head chef my compliments?"
"Y-yes! Th-thank you... Your Highness!"
The maids flushed crimson, flustered. Tense from escorting the enemy army's defeated hostage, they'd braced for royal haughtiness. Instead, a prince eye-to-eye, warmly thanking their work—they beamed, overwhelmed.
Watching quietly, Amber's gaze deepened again. She sipped her remaining wine, voice turning serious.
"Truly, the more I learn, the more fascinating you are."
"In what way?"
"Never seen royalty so kind to underlings—mere maids, no less. Not in the imperial court, nor the neighbor kingdoms I've crushed. Are all Sterling royals this gracious?"
I set down my napkin with a grin.
"Nah, our kingdom's folks are laid-back overall, but this is deliberate on my part."
"Mind sharing why?"
"Simple. Saying 'thanks,' 'good job,' 'delicious' to those serving me costs me zero money or effort."
She leaned in, intrigued, chin-propped. I snapped my fingers lightly.
"But that one word? Sparks loyalty in them. Wouldn't they work harder, happier for someone treating them human over vermin? That maid from earlier? She'll fetch the cleanest, coolest water for my room tomorrow. I invest a phrase; returns in service and devotion skyrocket. Pure profit."
"Hoo..."
"Fits royal dignity too. Generosity and empathy define the elite."
Amber stared, dazed, for a long beat.
"...You've taught me a master lesson. I'll use that on my subordinates from now on."
"Haha, great. Army's army, though—pair it with discipline."