Chapter 54: Butterflies and Jewels
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 54: Butterflies and Jewels
The Grand Council had adjourned, and the banquet was now in full swing.
The atmosphere felt even more strained than it had before the meeting. If the pre-council mood had been one of relaxed information-gathering, the various factions were now busy making blatant displays of solidarity.
They’re like children.
It was no different from children picking sides after a playground spat. The only difference was that these people held the swords that commanded countless lives.
The Empire was no exception. As befitted a massive power, there were over thirty individuals holding the rank of Duke or higher. Rather than acting as a unified front, the various internal factions were busy mingling exclusively among themselves.
Alexander, who had previously shown boundless interest, spotted Ferda and approached him with a practiced, friendly air.
“Did something happen?”
“I was just discussing the matter of Valdrova.”
“Ah, right. I didn’t expect you to be so ambitious about conquering the Far East. If you need anything, just say the word. I’ll go out of my way to help you!”
“Thank you.”
With that, the conversation ended. Alexander immediately returned to playing the leader of his own circle.
Jed, who was quick to read the room in noble society, noted Alexander’s shift in attitude.
“Did you have a falling out with the 1st Prince? You two seemed fine before the council started…”
“He’s ignoring me because he’s decided I’m no longer useful.”
Ferda left the group without a second thought. He had never intended to mingle with them in the first place.
Soon after, another man approached Ferda with a deep bow.
“President of Escoleia, Bernard Wayne. It is an honor to meet the spouse of the Great Aspect of Power.”
“I greet the President of the Treasury of Human Knowledge.”
This was the man who had raised the agenda regarding the appearance of Demon Followers. Ferda reflexively furrowed his brow.
“Is something the matter? Your expression…”
“No…” Ferda trailed off. Bernard’s slick, bald head reflected the light from the chandeliers with blinding intensity. “It’s just that your head is quite dazzling.”
“Ahem… let’s move past that. I wanted to thank you for today.”
“Thank me?”
“The Imperial Prince almost derailed the agenda with his interference, didn’t he? Thanks to you stepping in, I was able to finish what I had to say.”
Ah, that.
“Don’t give it a second thought. I simply loathe those who play politics using monsters as pawns. I prefer people with actual competence.”
“It isn’t easy to treat people with such conviction. That is why I feel I will get along well with the Regent of Valdrova.”
President Bernard gave an awkward laugh. It was a sound that made one feel uneasy, as if he were plotting some grand scheme. However, Bernard was a man far removed from such things. He was a man who was pointlessly diligent and overflowing with a sense of responsibility.
“Speak your mind.”
“I had originally planned to announce a new technology alongside today’s presentation. But seeing how things went today, the timing didn’t feel right.”
“Technology?”
“Something I’ve spent my life researching: the mechanism for a Monster Appearance Prediction Device.”
“A Monster Appearance Prediction Device… I feel like I’ve heard of that somewhere.”
“How could that be? It’s being developed in secret at Escoleia.”
Though it was a secret project, Ferda, possessing knowledge of the future, had indeed heard of it. He finally remembered who had mentioned it.
Thesalos Wolcher.
He had said it—that a Monster Appearance Prediction Device had almost been created, but ultimately vanished. He had lamented that if it had existed, the duration of their task could have been cut by more than half.
At the time, Ferda had considered Thesalos’s obsession pathetic. But looking back now, it was Ferda himself who had been pathetic.
“President.”
“Yes?”
“When do you plan to showcase that technology?”
“Soon. Do you know Halim? I’ve rented a hall there and plan to hold an exhibition and briefing for merchants from all over. Of course…” The President glanced around before leaning in with a sly whisper. “We’ll be unwinding and enjoying some entertainment together as well.”
“I suppose I’ll have to stay alive until then.”
“Of course. Wouldn’t it be a shame to die without enjoying what life has to offer? If you are able, Regent…”
“If you invite me, I shall attend.”
“Haha, a man of culture, I see.” The President shot him a look of camaraderie. “Understood. I shall have an invitation prepared for you. I must go and greet the others now, so I will take my leave.”
“Safe travels.”
The conversation with the President of Escoleia was a significant gain for Ferda. He now knew that an exhibition was being held in Halim for merchants, and more importantly, that the Monster Appearance Prediction Device was a real technology.
And the fact that I can put the President in my debt.
He hated politics, but if there was something he needed, he would obtain it by any means necessary. That was the reason Ferda had attended the Grand Council.
“Jed, Arwen.”
“Yes?”
“Yes!”
The same answer, but with very different inflections.
“From now on, keep a secret watch on the President of Escoleia.”
“That bald guy? What did he do to deserve that?”
“He’s a man who lives like there’s no tomorrow. Keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish, and watch for any suspicious activity around him. This is top priority.”
“Understood.”
Unlike Arwen, Jed didn’t answer immediately.
“I’ll do it if you say so, but what’s the reason?”
“You talk too much for a knight.”
“I’m a knight in name only. The person I swore loyalty to won’t even throw me an appointment banquet.”
“Just do it. I’ll make sure you’re compensated.”
“Tsk, fine.”
Jed’s complaints vanished the moment compensation was mentioned. He had likely only complained to hear those words in the first place.
After sending the two away, Ferda scanned his surroundings again. As he was gauging the power dynamics, he spotted Olivia. She was mingling with clerics dressed in white priest robes trimmed with gold.
The Holy Kingdom of Odograsado?
It was a strange sight. The Holy Kingdom of Odograsado and the Arken Empire were supposed to be at odds, operating under the principle that two suns cannot coexist. Furthermore, it was odd to see a woman in a dress with a plunging neckline mingling with priests.
Just then, as if sensing his gaze, she locked eyes with Ferda. She gave a playful smile and gestured for him to come over.
It was uncomfortable. However, if he had to socialize with someone, Olivia was probably the most manageable option. With that thought, Ferda walked toward her.
Olivia’s eyes held his gaze intensely. As always, she wore a bright, perfect smile. She placed a hand on Ferda’s shoulder.
“Allow me to introduce you.”
There were two men there. One was a frail old man wearing a crown. The other was a middle-aged man with a scarred face, standing as straight as a soldier.
“This is Ferda, the Regent of Valdrova and the future husband of the Red Dragon, Valdrova. You’ve already met, haven’t you?”
“Ho-ho, indeed. It was impossible to miss him.”
The old man chuckled, stroking his snow-white beard. As his sleeve shifted, his forearm was revealed. It was so thin that the phrase 'skin and bones' seemed perfectly apt. Though he wore high-heeled shoes, he was a frail old man, significantly smaller than Olivia, making him look quite precarious. Even the clothes he wore seemed heavy enough to collapse him.
However, that impression changed the moment one looked at his face. His wide-open eyes seemed to pour out a golden radiance. Even Ferda, who had burned away every last shred of faith in his heart, could feel that a god dwelt within those eyes.
Ferda showed his respect.
“I greet the Son of Miracles, Father of the Holy Kingdom, Holy Emperor Gregorio.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Regent Ferda. I heard this is your first Grand Council.”
“It is.”
“For a first-timer, you made some quite bold statements.”
“Yes. I imagine they were not to your liking.”
Gregorio shook his head.
“Not at all. The questions you raised are ones this old man has occasionally pondered himself. Whether the Evil Dragon Valdrova, whom everyone despises, might actually be the guardian of the East.”
“Is that so?”
“I have come here to represent the will of Lady Odograsado. Therefore, I have a duty to be cautious in all matters. Thus, I cannot support your opinion immediately.” He let out a regretful sound and lightly patted Ferda’s arm. “However, if you show the will to clear that misunderstanding, I will have no choice but to support you in the name of the Golden Scales.”
The name of the Golden Scales. It was the absolute oath taken by those who followed Odograsado. For the Holy Emperor to make such an oath meant he truly intended to follow through.
On the surface, at least. But Ferda didn’t take the words at face value. In the end, even the Holy Emperor of the Holy Kingdom prioritized interests above all else.
“I am simply moved that you would think so.”
“Go forth and spread your will. If you believe in the god within your heart and take a step forward, He will surely answer you.”
As the greetings concluded, Olivia, who had been watching the conversation, stepped in.
“We shall take our leave now, Holy Emperor. Please take care of your health.”
“May the golden grace follow the Flower of the Empire.”
After the formal farewell, Olivia naturally linked her arm with Ferda’s. She moved so seamlessly that Ferda had no chance to refuse.
“Let’s go.”
She moved Ferda with subtle gestures, making it look as though he were leading her. Once they had gained some distance, Olivia asked a question.
“I heard what happened during the meeting.” Her gaze was disapproving. “Was that agenda your own idea, Lord Ferda?”
“Yes.”
“It was truly a foolish thing to do.”
Despite the cold words, Olivia was smiling brightly. From her face alone, one couldn't tell what kind of conversation they were having.
“It was a conversation that needed to happen.”
“It wasn’t something to bring up at your Grand Council debut. If anything, those words could only have a negative effect. It was a moment where the unestablished image of the Far East could have been negatively decided, you know?”
Her tone held a sharp edge, unbefitting a flower raised in a greenhouse.
“Is an Imperial Princess, who was just chatting with a foreign Holy Emperor, lecturing me?”
“Oh my? Please don’t compare yourself to me. This is just who I am. I am like a butterfly.”
“A butterfly?”
At Ferda’s question, Olivia smiled brightly. She gently let go of his arm and walked a short distance away. No, she fluttered away, her dress billowing.
“I flutter here and there, hovering around. I seem within reach, yet I cannot be caught, leaving others to chase after my tail. I carry weight without being frivolous, yet I am light without being an impenetrable wall.”
She truly was like a butterfly. Her movements were like a tightrope act. Then, she landed softly back toward the hand Ferda was holding.
“Still, it wasn’t all bad. Your declaration to conquer the Land of Demons didn’t just leave a bad impression.”
“Is that so?”
“Look at those old, cowardly faces. It’s proof that they clearly remember your face, even though you were supposed to be a mere extra in this play.”
That was something Ferda had felt as well.
“You have no allies now, but once you show your capabilities, they will soon bow their heads to you. If you show them even a one percent chance of realization, they definitely will.”
“What makes you so certain?”
“The Archduchess of Valdrova possesses a right that others do not: territorial expansion.”
There was only one place where territory could be expanded: the Far East, the Land of Demons. A land that no one else dared to covet. But if one were to tell others that, they would have laughed it off as a joke. In reality, the Archduchess’s territory was shrinking, let alone expanding.
“If you can purify that wasteland and make it our land again, it will become the Second Capital.”
“The Second Capital…”
“The Empire is currently saturated. There are many young people who abandon their orchards and fields to move to the capital for success. They call it the Empire Dream.”
“There’s nothing wrong with having a dream.”
“True. There’s nothing wrong with it. But in the Empire right now, they are nothing more than discarded rags. Do you know how many people enter the Empire and die?”
“No matter what you say, it’s none of my concern.”
“Anyway, if you prove the value of that land, the Far East will be reborn as a land of new opportunity, not just a remote wasteland. As the territory grows, the population will increase, and your voice will carry more weight.”
The East would grow. At those words, Ferda asked Olivia.
“Do you think the Empire will just stand by?”
Olivia replied, “Of course not. They will try to keep you in check, as if it doesn’t matter what happens to Valdrova.”
The Arken Empire would not give up the powerful grip it held over the capital. Even if it meant someone had to die.
“So, you must help me.”
Her tone grew heavy. Ferda focused on her words, sensing that what came next was important.
“Help you with what?”
“I am a butterfly, but at the same time, I am a jewel put up for auction. A jewel that will one day be sold off to the central nobility.”
The title of Imperial Princess that elevated her was a stepping stone, but also a shackle. It wasn't a surprising story. This tragedy wasn't unique to Olivia; it was the reality for most daughters of prestigious families. The better their education and the more they refined their beauty, the higher the chance they would be married off to an even more prestigious family. Men sought social advancement in their way, and women in theirs.
An Imperial Princess was the ultimate card held by the Emperor. Hearing this, Ferda suddenly realized why she was cultivating a friendship with the Holy Kingdom of Odograsado.
“I must become a Saintess.” Olivia smiled deeply. “If I become a Saintess, I can be free from the price tag of an Imperial Princess.”
“Because no one would want to claim a devout Saintess and face the wrath of God and the people.”
“Exactly.”
Olivia was someone who possessed the seal of the vow, devoutness, and the respect of those around her. However, her critical deficiency was her status as an Imperial Princess.
If she sheds the title of Princess and becomes a Saintess…
Olivia would cease to be a mere tool of the Emperor and instead become a child of God, shifting the power dynamics. She would no longer be just a pretty flower, but a savior who could rescue the weak. She would gain the support of the clergy, and in doing so, escape her fate as a jewel on the auction block. She would form a stable support base in an unstable power structure.
It sounded like a good plan, but Ferda already knew the truth.
Olivia fails to become a Saintess.
Because of that failure, she would eventually abandon her vows and flaunt her charms. She would seduce her own kin into her bed, become the femme fatale who brought the country to ruin, and ultimately take her own life. Ferda remembered it vividly.
“Can you do it for me?”
A hidden message echoed from her eyes, one she didn't speak aloud. For my sake. Her fragile voice stirred a protective instinct.
Ferda looked straight into her eyes and spoke.
“Of course I will.”
But not for your sake.
“As long as you cooperate sufficiently.”
For the sake of my fiancée. This was strictly a business matter based on a contract.
“Of course.”
Olivia, looking into Ferda’s eyes, was momentarily flustered. Her voice came out with a very slight tremor. Her face threatened to turn red from the embarrassment, but Ferda didn't notice.
Ferda unlinked his arm from hers and said, “I’ll be going now.”
“Where are you going?”
“I feel like it’s about time I find a lost kid.”
“A lost kid?”
Ferda let go of Olivia’s hand and walked away. The men who had held Olivia’s hand were always the same. When their eyes met, she had to face the possessiveness within them; they wouldn't let go, forcing her to be the one to break away.
But Ferda was different. He walked away without a single regret or a backward glance. Though she was praised as the greatest beauty in the Empire, she wasn't even on Ferda’s radar. On the contrary, Olivia couldn't take her eyes off him until he disappeared.
An ally who isn't swayed by emotion.
Someone who doesn't focus on useless things and can eliminate variables through rational judgment. She had told herself that such a person would be her greatest ally.
Even though I said that…
Being ignored was not as pleasant as she had thought. A wave of disappointment washed over her, but she had no time to indulge in such sentiments. Nobility began to flock toward her.
“I greet the Rose of the Arken Empire, Lady Olivia.”
“I am Ken, the son of the Duke of Hus…”
As soon as Ferda vanished, the 'flowers' gathered toward the butterfly. No, they were beasts holding dirty money to buy her body.
Olivia smiled at them. Like a rare and precious jewel.