Chapter 21
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Embarking on the Pilgrimage Journey
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I washed up feeling refreshed and changed into the clothes the Wet Nurse had given me.
I stepped into the Emperor's office where Orpheus was waiting.
"Sit down, dear. You must be exhausted after your first time, right?"
"Not at all. It was enjoyable."
I sat facing Orpheus and gave an awkward smile.
Talking about sex with my parents felt embarrassing and strange.
"I'm glad to hear it was enjoyable. I was worried those bitches might not do their jobs properly."
Orpheus smiled softly, even crinkling her eyes.
Her voice was merciful and warm, but her word choice was so violent it threw me off.
I'd acted similarly in bed myself, but this was a bit...
"They're both precious and excellent companions. You know that too, Mother."
"Of course I do. Neither falls short as escorts."
Orpheus nodded lightly.
Getting the approval from such a demanding emperor made me swell with pride.
"Exactly. That's why I trust them all the more."
"Enough to keep them by your side at all times?"
"Naturally."
I nodded confidently.
With over ten years of bond, plus the attachment from our baby-making practice.
I trusted them as much as the Emperor and the Wet Nurse.
"That's reassuring. Finding trustworthy people is far harder than finding capable ones—especially for those close to you."
A bitter emotion flickered over Orpheus's eyes.
I didn't know her past well, but it seemed someone had stabbed her in the back before.
"Yes. I'm truly fortunate."
"You created that fortune yourself. You can boast about it all you like."
"Thank you. So, what did you call me here for? Is something serious going on?"
I boldly cut to the chase, wanting to get to the point.
It was rudeness allowed only because I was the Emperor's beloved son.
"Yes. It's an important matter."
As expected, she nodded without any sign of offense.
If anything, she looked even more downcast.
"I'm listening."
"Hm. My son, have you ever heard of the Pilgrimage Journey? I might not have mentioned it before, so you may not know."
"Pilgrimage Journey?"
It rang a bell somewhere. I closed my eyes briefly, sifting through memories, and a certain book came to mind.
It was during liberal arts lessons.
I recalled the tutor and the Wet Nurse teaching me.
"Yes. I think I read about it in a book, and my old tutor might have taught it too. It was so long ago, I don't remember the details."
"I see. And that doesn't scare you?"
Orpheus gave me a sidelong glance as she asked.
It made sense for her to worry—her gently raised child heading out on a harsh trip.
Of course, I'd been scared back then too.
I'd thought of it as a near-naked cross-country march.
But that fear was in the past.
Over time, I'd come to accept it calmly—even look forward to it.
"I'm a bit scared, but it's something I have to do. If I want to enjoy the privileges of power, I have to fulfill the duties too."
"My son has grown up so much. I'm truly proud."
Orpheus gave a bittersweet smile.
She seemed happy, yet sad at the same time.
As I smiled wordlessly, Orpheus smiled back before speaking.
"Since you don't remember well, let Mother explain it simply once more."
"Yes, Mother."
I perked up my ears and focused on Orpheus's voice.
Broadening one's horizons and achieving personal growth through it.
That was the purpose of the Pilgrimage Journey.
And since the purpose was the purpose, there were a few rules...
Mainly bans on excessive luxury and limits on companions.
And most importantly.
Refusing the Pilgrimage meant stripping of imperial status and demotion.
You'd even be erased from imperial records.
No exceptions, even for a rare-born male after centuries.
Moreover, if the Emperor refused, there was a law to overthrow that Emperor.
In short, if you wanted to taste the sweet nectar of power, it was unavoidable.
Yet if the Emperor still refused?
It was as good as admitting defeat the moment the issue arose.
"The rule was made to let you experience the people's lives firsthand. If you approach with pomp and ceremony, they'll only show you facades."
"I understand."
It wasn't exactly a king's incognito tour, but similar.
Thinking of it that way made it easier to grasp.
Strutting around with grandeur and luxury would only reveal pretense.
Hard to see people's true faces that way.
"So, do I need to disguise myself or something?"
"No need to be that thorough. Being recognized is part of the journey too. But changing clothes would be wise."
Ah. So rumors were fine?
Definitely different from a full incognito trip where you'd hide completely.
"It's not as tough as I thought."
"The journey itself is just walking it all, but even that's no easy feat. You might face all sorts of dangers along the way."
True enough.
Like a chaebol heiress doing manual labor—never easy.
And dangerous to boot.
"I'll be careful."
"Injuries are common, and very rarely, lives are lost. It'll be tedious at times too. So please, be cautious."
Orpheus's voice trembled faintly.
She seemed reluctant, like someone being dragged to military service.
'It's better than I expected, though.'
If I'd been born noble from the start, adapting might be hard, but my roots were those of a lowly slut.
In other words, a commoner.
Plus, thinking of it as my first cross-country trek was exciting.
I was tense, but not afraid.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry."
So I placed a hand on my pounding heart and smiled.
I let my relaxed anticipation show openly.
Thanks to that, Orpheus smiled more brightly too.
The Pilgrimage Journey had no preparations since its purpose was the purpose itself.
All I did was pack a few changes of clothes in a big bag.
Fortunately, I could bring weapons and money, but not in lavish amounts.
A step up from a beggar's trip, maybe?
My companions were just Antiope and Ekyon.
They were sworn escorts, so bringing it up was easy, and their resolve was firm.
Especially touching was their answer: escorts step up in tough times; pretending only in peace is deception.
'Ah, thinking about it makes me want to tear up again.'
I rubbed my eyes lightly and checked the cart.
It was a plain wagon, the kind even average merchants could use.
I'd planned to ride horseback originally, but riding long makes your butt sore.
And it's harder than pulling a cart.
So a slow but unassuming wagon was better.
'Regular carriages are luxuries anyway—this fits.'
Even the plainest carriages were for merchants or nobles and up.
Hard to use for the Pilgrimage.
"Your Highness."
As I inspected the cart, the Wet Nurse approached quietly.
Her eyes brimmed with worry and anxiety.
"You're here? I told you it'd make you sad—why not rest?"
"It's only natural to see you off on this harsh road. I wanted to go too..."
The Wet Nurse shot me a reproachful glance.
She must have been deeply hurt when I asked her to stay at the palace.
"Sorry. You're my woman now, but also like a mother to me. It sounds weird, but... you get what I mean, right?"
"I do. That's why I accepted, but I can't help feeling a bit resentful."
"I'll bear that burden."
I wrapped an arm around the Wet Nurse's waist and kissed her soft forehead.
A show of affection and a mark of ownership.
"...Your Highness."
She sighed, composing herself after the glare.
Her resentment had eased a little.
"I'll stay to respect your wishes, but let me say it once more: please return safely."
"I definitely will."
I nodded, releasing my arm from her waist.
Time to depart.
'Here they come.'
Just then, Antiope and Ekyon appeared from afar, leading the horses.
One horse each—for pulling the wagon.
"Your Highness. We'll tie the horses to the cart and head out right away—is that okay?"
Ekyon spoke up as representative today.
The noble lady showed no aversion to playing coachman.
"Yes. Thanks."
"Understood."
At my request, Ekyon and Antiope sprang into action.
One steadied the horses, the other pulled the cart over and hitched them up.
Horses aren't cars—they can't back up easily or be guided precisely.
So they positioned the horses first and brought the cart to them.
"All done. We'll take turns driving, so please board the cargo area, Your Highness."
Antiope, having finished hitching, looked at me.
Ekyon stood at the front of the cargo area, waiting for the later shift.
"Thanks."
I nodded and climbed into the cargo area.
They'd both trained in handling horses, so I could trust them.
"Everyone, take good care of him, please."
Once we were all aboard, the Wet Nurse earnestly asked the two women.
Her politeness bordered on reverence.
"Yes, Wet Nurse. Leave it to us."
"I'll protect him even if it costs my life, so don't worry."
The two gazed at the Wet Nurse with sparkling eyes.
It looked burdensome to me, but reassuring to her.
"Thank you."
"Yes. Then we'll be off."
Antiope, now in the driver's seat, lightly gripped and shook the reins.
Prrr!
The horses began moving slowly at the cue.
'Let's see... nothing forgotten?'
I'd said goodbye to Orpheus before coming here.
Packed everything needed.
Even after double- and triple-checking, nothing was missing.
"Fortunately, no one's come to see us off."
As we headed slowly toward the gates, Ekyon murmured while looking at me.
I wholeheartedly agreed.
"Good. It's not meant to be a big fuss anyway, and I'd feel burdened."
I nodded, leaning back against the wagon's edge.
It was high and sturdy enough to feel secure.
The Pilgrimage was to be sent off quietly—no fanfare was etiquette, or law.
Coming out to curry favor was rude.
A few who'd heard last-minute had visited yesterday...
That alone had been exhausting.
"Your Highness. Which way shall I drive?"
As the gates came into distant view, Antiope glanced back.
Even slowly, looking away while driving was dangerous.
"Keep your eyes forward when driving. Please."
"Ah, yes...! My apologies."
Antiope snapped her head forward.
Now I could relax.
"Phew."
I caught my breath, then spoke while facing ahead.
"Mother said to head north first. So that's the plan."
"North? Any special reason?"
"She looked conflicted but didn't say why. Said I'd find out when I get there, and it's better not to know until then for peace of mind."
It felt a tad off, but I let it go.
Not telling was her way of being considerate.
"Understood. North it is. Capital's central, so no wasted travel."
Antiope nodded ahead.
She even mentioned routes—clearly planned ahead.
"Thanks. You know directions, right?"
"Your Highness. Directions are the first thing taught in liberal arts. I've practiced too."
Antiope's lips puffed out ever so slightly.
She thought I was teasing.
"Ahem! Sorry."
"If you're sorry, will you pull out your cock during breaks?"
Good lord. One fuck and she's boldly demanding cock outright?
I loved it.
"As much as you want."
"Then I'm first."
A wicked smile crept onto Antiope's lips.
Meanwhile, Ekyon in the cargo area stared wide-eyed, lips twitching.
She looked like she'd been struck in the back of the head.