Chapter 170: The Archduchess's Visit
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 170: The Archduchess's Visit
His face twisted, yet he remained composed.
“Don’t play dumb. The Princess couldn’t have pulled this off alone.”
“You’re right. I was the one who went to his mansion.”
“And?”
“He tried to serve me tea laced with drugs, so I made him drink it instead. I got a bit angry, so I called in some people to search the place. That’s how we discovered that filthy hole.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Waldemar let out a soft, intrigued hum. For a man who had just lost his right hand, his reaction was remarkably calm.
“Did you provoke him? That couldn’t have been easy…”
“I’m well-acquainted with that brand of insidious perversion.”
Mages often followed a predictable pattern. Once they reached a certain Circle, they looked down on those below them. They held a firm belief that the hierarchy was absolute because those beneath them could never surpass their abilities. That sense of superiority always led to carelessness.
Ferda had exploited that very weakness dozens of times.
“What a pity,” Waldemar muttered, stroking his chin. “I would have discarded him eventually, but he was still a man with some uses left.”
There was a reason his reaction was so lukewarm despite losing his right hand.
“Shall I tell you what my plan was?”
“I’m not interested.”
“Normally, I was planning to bring that Magitech expert from your territory over to my side.”
Even though he already knew this, it grated on Ferda’s nerves. A surge of desire to crush that arrogant expression rose within him.
“I would have provided him with a perfect research environment, unlimited funds, and an endless supply of precious resources. And that’s not all. Nobles from all over would have begged him to take their daughters. I’d give him concubines, and he’d father children. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
“You mean you’d give him things to lose.”
“Exactly. That was the purpose. I’d hang weights around his neck, one by one—things that no human in their right mind could ever abandon. At first, he’d accept them greedily, delighted by his fortune. But before he knew it, his neck would begin to ache from the weight.”
Emotions would take precedence, dulling his thoughts and stripping away his ability to make rational judgments. The fact that Waldemar was revealing this now meant he knew there was no longer any way to recruit Burnell.
“That was the plan—to make him my new right hand.”
“Is the reward for Marquis Debelung’s loyalty to be slaughtered like a dog once the hunt is over?”
Waldemar let out a sharp chuckle.
“Loyalty is irrelevant. All that matters is what one can do for this nation. Debelung has nothing left to offer the country, while Burnell is a man who has much to give.”
He was a man who deserved to die, but that was only from Ferda’s perspective. Akad’s father had thwarted the 3rd Prince’s ambitions, and Akad himself had worked hard to purge the filth from this Empire.
“Since we’re on the subject, let me ask you. Do you think you’ll be any different?”
His gaze sharpened. Tension filled the air, as if a sword might be drawn at any moment.
“How many people are standing behind you? Right now, it might be a number you can handle. But looking at your track record, your influence will only grow. Eventually, it will become so large that you won’t be able to protect them all.”
“…”
“In the end, the time will come when you must give something up. You’ll have to choose whether to live as a ruler or merely as a sentimental human being.”
“Are you a ruler?”
“I am.”
“For a self-proclaimed ruler, you’re doing a pathetic job of hiding your spite.”
Ferda provoked him with a sneer.
“The reason you’re this angry is because you failed to sway Olivia, isn’t it?”
Waldemar’s expression faltered once more. In that moment, he was nothing more than an intensely sentimental human.
“Yes… if it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be this furious.”
Waldemar admitted it candidly.
“After everything you’ve done, if I just let you walk away, my reputation will be in tatters.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
Ferda didn’t back down. He was curious to see what other scenarios this man had drawn up and how he intended to proceed.
Bring it on.
I’ll strike back just as Akad did and choke the life out of you.
Just as Waldemar was about to speak, the hallway outside suddenly became chaotic. The sound of footsteps rushing somewhere reached their ears. Noticing the commotion, Waldemar put the conversation on hold and gestured to the attendant behind him.
“What’s happening outside?”
“I’ll go find out.”
With those words, the attendant hurried out.
“Let’s wait a moment.”
“As you wish. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“…”
Waldemar didn’t respond.
A short while later, the attendant returned and whispered into his ear. Ferda strained his hearing to eavesdrop on the conversation.
“It seems… I was the one being overconfident.”
The look in Waldemar’s eyes was unusual. It held the greed of someone who had seen a precious jewel, mixed with the regret of knowing it could never be his.
“Be careful on your way back.”
“I intend to.”
Waldemar stood up, releasing him. A moment later, Ferda’s own attendant, who was a beat slower, entered.
“Regent, you must prepare quickly.”
Ferda cut him off.
“Is Her Highness the Archduchess coming here?”
“Yes, she is… How did you know?”
I couldn’t help but know. I just heard it myself.
* * *
Meanwhile, in the Archduchess of Valdrova’s territory, inside the Red Dragon’s lair.
“Lord Ferda is… I understand.”
Ruri received the message from the spirits. Valdrova asked, “Is it good news?”
“Yes. He says the plan and everything else is proceeding smoothly.”
“Mmm, I see.”
Valdrova toyed with her fingers, her face flushing a deep crimson. Ruri didn’t like that anxious expression. It was Ferda’s job to be the one pining and courting, yet here was the Sovereign herself, completely helpless. She was so flustered that the letters she had been writing so smoothly were now crooked, like a child’s scribbles.
Regardless, Ruri relayed what she had heard.
“Due to the frequent special circumstances in the Far East, its autonomy has been strengthened. There is no longer any justification for them to interfere with the Magitech research, so they won’t be bothering Hestia Village anymore.”
“Could they have actually caused trouble?”
“It was an issue that could have been resolved much faster if you had stepped in personally, Master.”
“Mmm…! I-I see…”
Valdrova turned her head away in embarrassment.
“Of course, if you had moved, the problem would have become much larger.”
“I’m not very good at speaking, and I’m not good at hearing unpleasant things, so that might be true…”
“It’s not that. Lord Ferda’s status would have been questioned.”
“Why Ferda?”
Ruri answered, “Lord Ferda is still a novice Regent, barely a year into his tenure. Even if he’s achieved much in that year, some people think he’s only rising due to beginner’s luck. If you had stepped in, Lord Ferda’s influence would have been greatly diminished.”
“Hmm… So, in simple terms, I did my part just by staying still?”
“No. It means Lord Ferda chose the difficult path to protect not only his own authority but yours as well, Master.”
Though Ferda was her fiancé, he was also Valdrova’s subordinate. The fact that a subordinate resolved a matter without the superior’s intervention proved that the superior was also capable. That was the way of dragon society.
“I’m very glad Lord Ferda is doing his job so well.”
“Yeah, I agree. Lots of people like Ferda, and even you like him now, Ruri.”
“That’s… excuse me?”
Ruri asked back, wondering if she had misheard. Innocent golden eyes stared at Ruri as Valdrova smiled brightly.
“You like Ferda now too, don’t you?”
Ruri’s heart jolted. She quickly narrowed her wide, moon-like eyes into a scowl to mask her reaction.
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“Huh? I mean… when you said Ferda brought good news, it was obvious how happy you were…”
“Isn’t it natural to be happy when someone brings good news?”
“You seemed a bit too happy for that, though?”
Ruri hated humans. Ever since the 3rd Prince, she hadn't trusted any noble young man.
“I was a bit worried because you were so wary of Ferda at first. I’m happy now that you’re looking at him properly and opening your heart.”
“Ugh…”
Ruri’s face heated up, and she grimaced. First, she had momentarily misunderstood and thought Valdrova meant she liked him as a romantic interest. Second, there was nothing wrong with what she said.
This was why she hated it. That beaming face. When Valdrova looked right through her with that face, the composure Ruri tried so hard to maintain shattered.
Master is truly something else.
Like an awl in a sack, her brilliance couldn't be hidden; she was a Sovereign, after all. Those eyes possessed an insight rivaling her father, Silverwind. It was only because she didn't speak much and forgot things easily that she appeared dull, as if her head were filled with nothing but flowers.
Master is right.
To be honest, she did have a favorable impression of Ferda. But it wasn't as a man. If asked if she loved him, she could shake her head. If she had to define that favor, it would be something like familial love.
Family…
Ferda was like family. When he was around, she found herself looking back at him one more time, and when she felt anxious, his face was the first to come to mind. When he said things would go well, for some reason, she felt relieved, believing they truly would. The only other person who had ever made her feel that way was Silverwind, whom she regarded as a father.
The same feeling as Lord Silverwind…
Ruri felt incredibly embarrassed by that fact. To think she felt a man much younger than her was mature, admired him, felt comfortable around him, and now even wanted to rely on him. She should be getting stricter as Valdrova’s attendant, but it wasn't easy.
This fact…
At the very least, she couldn't let Valdrova find out. It was a shameful secret that could break the image of the attendant she had maintained until now!
“I will inspect your writing practice now.”
She abruptly changed the subject and looked over Valdrova’s handwriting. It contained the elegant script of a noble lady. It became a bit crooked toward the end, but she let it slide, assuming it was because Valdrova had been shaken by the news of Ferda.
“Your skills are top-tier now.”
“Really?”
“See? You can do it if you try.”
“Mmm, I guess so…”
Valdrova couldn't hide her own surprise.
“Learning is so much fun.”
Valdrova smiled contentedly as she looked down at the letters she had written.
“I want to show off my handwriting to Ferda. I hope he comes back soon.”
“If it’s you, Master, wouldn’t he praise anything you do?”
“I suppose so. Hmm… then should I try to get recognized as the Armored Knight?”
Since Ruri was looking at things with an objective eye, unlike Valdrova, it was an excellent choice. However, there was a problem.
“I won’t stop you if you want to, Master, but it won’t be good.”
“Why?”
“Think about it. What would happen if you and that Armored Knight fellow had the exact same handwriting?”
“Hmm… wouldn’t he not know?”
“You think he wouldn’t?”
“Would he…?”
“The man who has counted every single monster you’ve killed since he became your fiancé?”
“R-really?”
Ruri thought his behavior was quite chilling. Valdrova, on the other hand, smiled shyly at the fact that he had been watching her so closely. Ruri couldn't understand that sentiment, but she let it pass.
“Besides, the script you’re practicing now is what noblewomen use. It would be strange for a large man to use a woman’s handwriting. It’s better to practice and use a man’s script separately.”
“Mmm… then I’ll keep using this one and practice a second one.”
The thought of having to learn something all over again was a bit bothersome, but the fact that she could receive more praise made her smile.
And since he said something good happened to Ferda, I can talk about that too, right?
She had a feeling there would be a proper conversation between a man and a woman.
Let’s have a tea party when he returns. And let’s talk a lot.
“Mmm…”
Valdrova closed her eyes and thought quietly before speaking.
“Ruri.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Is Ferda… satisfied?”
Ruri tilted her head. “Satisfied with what…?”
“I haven’t always been by his side, and we’ve been like this.”
“He’s still just your fiancé, and in human terms, he’s essentially a live-in son-in-law. It’s common for partners not to have contact even if they’re in the same room.”
“I-is that so?”
“Of course, you don’t need to follow such etiquette, Lady Valdrova. If there’s something you want to do, don’t hesitate to say so.”
At Ruri’s words, Valdrova hesitated before finally speaking with difficulty.
“So, about that…” she asked. “What if I went to the Empire to meet Ferda?”
* * *
The Great Boulevard leading from the outer walls of the Arken Empire’s capital to the Imperial Palace is famous for being the widest thoroughfare on the continent. Even with eight carriages moving side-by-side, there is plenty of room, and the street is packed with people from sunrise to sunset. While it leads to the palace, it is also the main root from which all other roads branch.
The only time that street is cleared is for those of the Arken bloodline—when the Imperial family moves. Even Waldemar cannot control that street.
Yet, that street was now being cleared for someone who was not of the Imperial family.
On the Serdes Continent, there was only one being recognized as standing even higher than the Emperor.
“Her Highness the Archduchess of Valdrova, the Red Dragon, is arriving!”
“Isn’t she supposed to be in the Far East? Why is she in the Empire…?”
The city was already in an uproar due to the Demon Followers. The news that the Red Tyrant of the Far East, whom they had only heard stories of, had set foot in the capital at such a time was no ordinary event. People eventually abandoned their work and flocked to the boulevard.
Dragons.
Since the Dragon-Demon War, interaction with dragons had dwindled, and this was a generation that had never seen one. No one could stop the desire to see even a fearsome dragon with their own eyes. Who knew? Maybe someone would buy them a free beer just to hear the story of how they had laid eyes on a dragon.
Tens of thousands of people gathered to watch the cleared boulevard.
“Show your respect!”
Ruri’s voice thundered through the sky. Every citizen of the Empire dropped to their knees, pressing their foreheads to the pavement. This was the etiquette used for the Emperor’s procession. After all, someone who stood above the Emperor had entered the capital.
Contrary to expectations that she would arrive in a carriage drawn by six white horses, what stepped onto the street were two small, slender legs. A wide-brimmed hat draped in sheer red silk. The silhouette, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through, revealed a female form.
The woman, adorned in red, walked with dignity. Those who had come thinking it would just be fodder for tavern talk couldn't even lift their heads. It was as if their primal instincts had staged a coup, seizing control of their bodies and pressing their heads down with a booted heel.
The Archduchess walked down the center of the long boulevard, accompanied by only a single attendant. Their destination soon came into view.
The Regent and her fiancé, Ferda.
He was waiting, accompanied by knights and carriages. Ferda had groomed himself more meticulously than ever before. Inside that silhouette was the Red Dragon, Valdrova. The person who made his heart flutter so much.
Contrary to his expectation that he would be trembling, his body was calm. As she drew near, Ferda respectfully knelt and bowed his head.
“I greet the Great Archduchess.”
Valdrova responded to Ferda’s greeting.
“Lift your head.”
Her voice was low and steady, unlike her usual self. It carried the dignity of a ruler.
“You are the one who shall be my companion.”
“…Yes.”
“I received word that you would return with good news.”
“It was nothing.”
A hand reached out to Ferda through the red cloth.
“Come, let us return together.”
Ferda stared at the hand for a long moment before carefully taking it.
“Yes, my Queen.”
Led by her hand, he rose and escorted her. Valdrova walked gracefully and boarded the carriage. The Empire’s reporters were busy sketching the scene of Ferda and Valdrova, determined not to miss a single detail of the picture-perfect moment.
The door of the Archduchess’s carriage closed, and it began to move. As soon as they passed through the city gates, the space that had been under her dominion regained its freedom. The commoners who had bowed their heads could finally breathe and stand up.
To a man, they all thought the same thing: Who would ever believe me if I told them about the terror I just felt?
* * *
The Archduchess’s carriage moved past the city gates. Ferda looked at Valdrova’s face. Since she had already removed the wide-brimmed hat, her face was now clearly visible. Valdrova noticed Ferda’s gaze and smiled.
“Hehe, what is it? Your expression is like—pfft!”
Valdrova’s words were cut short. Ferda lunged across the carriage, his hand clamping around her throat.
“Shut your mouth.”
Ferda’s voice trembled. That trembling was born of pure rage.
“Speak. Who are you?”
“I-it’s me. Your fianc—”
“There won’t be a second time.”
Ferda’s eyes were glowing with a chilling blue light.
“Her face is still vivid in my mind. I won’t let a bitch like you cloud my memory of her.”
She was a Sovereign, but she was a being far removed from the typical image of one. She certainly didn't have the sharp eyes and lithe physique of the Valdrova sitting here now. She might fit the description of a Sovereign Dragon or a tyrant, but she wasn't Valdrova.
“Who are you?”
If she uttered another word of nonsense, she would truly die.
The woman shrieked, “Eek! It’s Penelope! Please spare me!”
Her red hair turned pink, and her two pairs of horns returned to those of a demon. It was Penelope. Contrary to his expectation that his anger would subside once he faced her true self, his rage only grew.
“You arrogant demon wench.” Ferda ground his teeth. “You dared to impersonate her without knowing your place?”
The reason Ferda was so angry wasn't just because of the impersonation. It was because, as her silhouette had drawn closer, he had momentarily mistaken her for the real Valdrova. It was only later that he began to suspect all the elements that weren't like Valdrova, and finally, when Penelope opened her mouth, his suspicion became a certainty.
He was furious at the time it had taken him to reach that certainty.
“T-t-t-that’s because I was asked to do this, okay?!”
“Who asked you? There’s no way she would have made such a request of someone like you.”
“Surprisingly, she did!”
It was unbelievable. Ferda looked up at Penelope. She kept her mouth shut and let out a sigh through her nose. Ferda couldn't understand.
“Why…” Ferda asked, looking like a man who had seen the world collapse. “Why would she ask someone like you for such a favor?”
“Uh, well… that’s…” Penelope scratched her cheek awkwardly before answering. “Because the Archduchess and I are friends?”
He wondered what kind of nonsense this was.
“That… I think it’s going to be a bit of a long story, and I’m not sure I really need to tell it—”
“Tell me everything.”
Blue flames flickered in Ferda’s eyes.
“Every single thing that happened between you and her.”