Chapter 37
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Midnight Ultimatum
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Manes placed her hand on my forearm and spoke.
"Don't you have anything to say? You're the victim here, so say something. Make it feel good to hear."
Me too? It was so sudden that I felt flustered, but an idea did come to mind.
"Just do whatever you want."
"What?"
In that instant, the queen's brow furrowed tightly.
It wasn't displeasure so much as bewilderment.
"No matter what choice you make, it's the worst outcome. So just do whatever you want. Pick the slim chance of survival, or hold onto your pride until the end."
With that, I turned my back.
Seeing the queen's face flush bright red, I knew I'd hit the mark perfectly.
"Whoa? You just told her to do whatever she wants? I figured you'd only say something like 'choose wisely' at most."
Manes's eyes sparkled just a few steps away.
It wasn't that surprising, but she was hyping it up like it was a big deal.
"It's nothing special."
"Your big sisters would've loved that if they'd seen it. They take after Orpheus on the outside—nice and stiff—but inside, they're softies. Like me."
Manes chuckled while stroking her massive tits.
It was absurd to hear, but the mention of sisters caught my attention.
"Sisters?"
"Yeah. They're usually around here, but right now they're dispatched to the east. Mother needed them."
"Your mother... that's...?"
"Orpheus's mother, your grandmother, and the former emperor."
The former emperor. Grandmother.
I'd heard bits and pieces now and then, but honestly, it didn't help much.
Thanks to the imperial family's trait of aging slowly, she still looks like she's in her twenties.
Her hair is white, her personality fits an imperial, and so on...
'Nothing special at all.'
So I'd just let it slide, but here it came up again.
"Ah. Mother mentioned Grandmother sometimes."
"Nothing special, right? And it's true in reality too."
"On the flip side, that means she ruled with remarkable stability."
No incidents meant she managed things well.
There's no chance she covered them up.
Because I don't know about any.
"That's right. My nephew's a smart one."
Manes gently stroked my head with a smile.
It was embarrassing and awkward, but the praise felt nice.
"Thanks. But what if they really gear up for war?"
"War? Let 'em try. They know full well it'd be pointless, though."
War ends with the head lopped off.
Manes's spatial teleportation made that principle brutally efficient.
Even neighboring countries knew it, so they avoided war.
It'd turn into a reverse war where commanders dropped before soldiers.
However.
People backed into a corner can make any bad call.
To soothe their anxiety, even a little.
Or just because they've lost their minds.
"True, but I'm still worried."
"Don't fret. It'll go according to plan. So today..."
At the edge of the snow-covered forest.
Manes slowed to a stop, then brought her lips to my ear.
"Even if you want to, don't spill your load. Be a good boy, got it?"
My ear tickled, electricity shot through my body, and blood rushed to my cock.
It was a sweet, melting low tone.
"Yes, Aunt."
I nodded as if entranced.
The situation was what it was, but I felt no urge to resist.
'Is this why some people like getting punished?'
I gained fresh insight into masochism.
Into how human lust can be so varied.
"Good boy. Now rest up, and we'll move at night. Plots taste best brewed in the dark."
Manes patted my shoulder and stepped off.
The footsteps of someone plotting mischief looked especially light and joyful.
I was part of it too, even the mastermind of the big picture... but.
It didn't thrill me that much.
I just thought, one hit on us, and we'd hit back tenfold.
"I'll set up separate quarters for you. Stay here even if it's inconvenient. Get a feel for the site."
After arriving at camp, Manes personally arranged my rest spot.
It was spacious and comfy, nothing like those A-frame tents.
"No need. Staying in the castle felt weirder. And it looks plenty comfortable, so don't worry. I'm grateful, actually."
"Such a good boy. I'll come get you at night, so catch some shut-eye."
Manes left with Antiope and Actaeon in tow.
The tent fell blissfully quiet.
"Crown Prince. As Her Imperial Highness said, rest well. This is just the beginning."
"Right. You sit and rest too. Or lie down."
"I can't disturb Your Highness before such important business. I'll sit watch, so relax."
"Thanks. Feels reassuring."
I smiled at Ekyon, then flopped onto the bed.
It was pretty firm, but had its own cozy charm.
A few blinks later, sleepiness poured over me.
The northern chill felt comforting now.
"Ekyon. Vigilance is good, but don't be too tense. If you're sleepy, nap. Bored? Call some guards for chit-chat."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Yeah. I'm off to sleep then. Really wiped out."
As I settled in, fatigue hit hard, eyelids growing heavy.
Couldn't lift them anymore.
So I let go, surrendered to the flow—and suddenly, consciousness snapped off.
Like flipping a breaker switch.
"Nephew. Wake up. Time."
Later, a familiar voice pierced the darkness.
My eyelids felt light, mind clear.
"Yes, Aunt. Get some rest yourself?"
I opened my eyes to Manes smiling down at me.
A short nap, and night had fallen.
"I caught some Z's too. You slept well, and she looked fine."
Manes nodded toward Ekyon, sitting beside me.
She'd been at the table when I dozed off. When did she move here?
"She's someone I like and trust."
As I stood yawning, Ekyon's cheeks flushed.
Her face stayed calm, but she radiated joy.
"Good eye, nephew. But you know we don't need her this time? She'd just get in the way."
"Understood."
More people means security, but also clumsiness and slowness.
The group's bulk grows.
Bigger bulk means orders take time to process, reactions lag.
For agility, small numbers win.
—With Manes around, war loses all meaning.
Recalling old tales, I stepped out of bed.
Clothes were a bit wrinkled, but no issue.
"Head out now?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
Manes opened a spatial rift right away, grabbed my arm, and pulled me in.
Being dragged felt odd.
—Be back soon.
Just before entering, I mouthed it to Ekyon.
She smiled silently and bowed.
"Here."
Right after that warm farewell, Manes's voice drew my eyes forward.
Black tents everywhere.
A faint red glow rose from one corner, like a fire.
"This the northern camp?"
"Yep."
Manes's lips twisted.
Spatial jumps are convenient and vicious, but only to places you've seen or been.
Can't go somewhere unknown.
In other words, she'd seen or visited here.
"You've been here?"
"Not just here—I've toured the whole continent. Teleport to the farthest visible point, and a full lap's quick."
"Whoa."
My eyes went wide unwittingly.
Like having ICBMs that could strike anywhere.
"North knows that too?"
"Not just North—anyone with rank knows. That's why no provocations. Scared stiff."
"Ever thought of a preemptive strike?"
"Sneak attack? Never."
Manes blinked, shaking her head.
Her calm face screamed truth.
"Good."
"Good? Not disappointed?"
"Big gets hard to manage. Blind conquest rage is a fast track to ruin."
Unified empire? Sounds sweet, but too big's unmanageable.
Moderation's key.
"Sharp view. Shall we?"
Manes smiled not just with lips but eyes.
A smile like a vibrant flower field.
"Yes, Aunt. But where to?"
"Here."
Manes casually lifted the tent flap right in front of us.
Never imagined the target was this close.
"You...?!"
Inside, our eyes met a wide-eyed man.
One of the guys who'd stood behind the queen.
"Quiet. Not an ambush—we're here to talk. Yell, and it hurts only you."
Her threat sealed his lips before chaos.
No getting caught now.
"Hoo... I get your intent. No immediate attack either. But what talk brings you here?"
The man sighed.
Looked young, but his composed reply impressed.
Well-trained or born gutsy.
'Better stay shut for now.'
Curious about him, but I clamped my mouth, opened my ears.
Judge after seeing how it plays.
"Remember my threat?"
"That absurd one? Of course."
"You know my personality too?"
"Impossible not to."
A heavy sigh escaped his lips.
Pity welled seeing him sigh repeatedly.
'Got the gist.'
A few lines in, I caught on.
Didn't know who he was, but definitely high-powered.
"Stick to that path, and win or lose, your nation suffers. Only one way to avoid."
"You think Her Highness will heed that nonsense?"
"If she cares for her people, she'll decide. Or rather, this reveals her true colors, no?"
Whether ready to sacrifice for country.
Or selfishly self-preserving bitch.
'Kinda vicious.'
I set the frame, but it's a no-win choice.
"That's..."
The man trailed off, speechless.
No counter, just silence.
"No intent, but you erred first. Pay the price."
Air grew heavy; Manes sighed, shaking her head.
Looked stifled.
"...No words on that."
"Good. And again—no changing terms. Comply or refuse. Pick one."
"Needs deliberation. You gave time knowing that, right?"
"Naturally. But ponder what if your queen throws a tantrum like a brat. We want her safe most of all."
Manes placed a hand on my back, smiling.
Her gentle stroking warmed me to burping point.
Ah, suddenly craving to suckle like a baby.
Guzzle her rich tit-milk till my belly bursts.
"We'll consider."
Mid-tit fantasy, his voice snapped me back.
Head cleared instantly.
"Fine. Hand over the queen, and it's settled clean. My nephew vouches."
Manes patted my back lightly.
Urging me forward to speak.
So I stepped up, meeting his eyes.
"Hand over the queen, done. No other demands. Install your new king yourselves."
Informal diplomacy.
He seemed high northern rank, so polite speech.
"You're that crown prince?"
His eyes widened.
Heard rumors but first sight—makes sense.
"Dunno the rumors, but yes, crown prince. First time meeting, right?"
"Yes. Heard tales, but your looks outshine them."
"Embarrassing. Anyway, all sincere."
"You can vouch?"
Of course.
Wouldn't say it otherwise.
"Official document vouch. My authority suffices, but Mother'll approve too. I can pre-approve candidates."
Firm assurance shook his eyes wildly.
If it lands well, plan succeeds.
Manes could say it, but...
Crown prince's word carries more weight.
"Understood. Stay longer, risks noise. Please leave."
"Will do. One week, same brook. Await good news."
Talk ended; Manes opened rift to camp.
Quick on cues.
"Then, excuse us."
We crossed back to our camp instantly.
The rift sealed flawlessly.