The King's Desperate Escape
‘Meeting your family is far more important than you think. Especially at a time like this.’
Only now did Medrup’s words truly sink in. This was precisely why, even without claiming the throne, it was necessary to once again demonstrate to the other nations that the hero remained closely tied to the Ayman Kingdom.
Politics and diplomacy were different from war.
If it came to open conflict, the outcome was never in doubt—the Ayman Kingdom would prevail, regardless of casualties or aftermath. No army could stand against Rowell.
Yet the Empire had countless ways to pressure Ayman without resorting to war.
Ayman was a small kingdom, nearly half its borders shared with the Empire. Trade with the Empire was naturally brisk, and even commerce with other nations often relied on imperial roads.
Of course, the Empire could not openly sever ties or impose outright trade embargoes. But they could delay shipments through endless procedural hurdles or quietly restrict goods under the guise of legal enforcement. Legitimate administration and petty retaliation often wore the same face.
Even without direct retaliation or demands, simply stoking public sentiment would yield enough benefit for them.
Since there would be no overt hostility, Ayman would lack any formal grounds for protest. The only way to stop such measures was through sheer force—Rowell and Aegina making a display of power. But they were not street thugs. They would never do such a thing.
Those who crushed dissent and eliminated whatever displeased them, wielding their immature egos without regard for consequences or righteousness, were tyrants no matter what ideals they proclaimed. They were disasters.
They were nothing more than insignificant fireflies, drifting aimlessly through the dark. Anyone who followed their light would lose their way and, in the end, lose everything.
If they had truly been such petty creatures—and they could never have defeated the Demon King’s army in the first place—then the moment Nix fell, this world would already have been ours. A simple threat to the rulers of the remaining nations would have sufficed: submit, or become like the Demon King.
Yet ironically, because Rowell and Aegina were not such petty beings, the Empire was acting this way now. They hid behind hollow justifications and ambiguous standards, desperately averting their eyes from the sun.
‘…Well, that in itself could be called a kingly quality.’
Prioritizing one’s own nation’s interests without ever cowering. Exploiting one’s strengths while targeting the opponent’s weaknesses. Whether this came naturally or had been honed through years ruling the Empire, it was undeniably the mark of a true sovereign.
“So what do the two of you intend to do?”
“We’ll settle this by adjusting the distance criteria used to calculate tolls on the trade routes to their advantage.”
“That would effectively raise the tolls.”
“Until now, we’ve enjoyed unusually low rates under the name of courtesy. Even after the increase, the fees would still be lower than those charged to other nations.”
They probably hadn’t made any outrageous demands either.
“Have the envoys already returned?”
“They have. They’ll all need quite a bit of rest.”
…Just how thoroughly had the queen beaten those envoys?
“What about the treaty details?”
“A negotiation team from their side is scheduled to arrive in a few days.”
“Then we’ll attend the negotiations as well.”
Aegina had spoken first, but I had already reached the same conclusion.
“I would be grateful.”
Ed’s expression made it clear he wanted to hand over the entire matter.
“Then please bring us all the previously used conditions and related documents. Also the proposals and demands they’ve sent, along with the kingdom’s current financial situation.”
Aegina’s eyes were shining. Though she disliked life in the palace and had little interest in succession, no one was better suited to leadership than her. She was righteous, cared for the people, despised injustice, and remained fair and compassionate. Having grown up watching her father—the revered Sage King—and her brothers, she possessed a solid understanding of governance and politics. Above all, she possessed the strength and ability to realize ideals alongside Rowell.
Unlike imperfect beings, she had no need to compromise with harsh realities or make sacrifices. Even if those who followed her commands were imperfect, their choices might not always produce the best results—but at least they would have a standard to follow.
A standard that guided everyone toward the right path. That was what a true leader should be. Not merely ruling or managing, but becoming a beacon that naturally led others toward righteousness and made them ashamed of the darkness within themselves.
Just like the sun.
…Of course, there would always be those who justified their own darkness and turned away from the light. And such insignificant creatures would have to pay the appropriate price to someone.
“I’ve already had everything brought to your room.”
The king looked at her with proud eyes. Come to think of it, both Ed and the king had probably anticipated this outcome once the initial shock of the queen’s actions passed.
“Then I’ll check everything after I see Mother. Ah, and please prepare the same materials for Anak’s room as well……”
“That’s already been arranged.”
Huh? Why my room too?
“Read through them and give us your thoughts as well, Anak.”
“No, Aegina, I really don’t think that’s necessary. You can just summarize the contents for me later……”
I still remembered. After the Great War, when we had stayed at the palace for a while, mountains of documents—only slightly exaggerated—had been delivered to the king’s office and chambers every week, along with dozens of specialists.
I had no intention of examining everything in detail. The king had ruled wisely for many years and was praised as the Sage King, while Ed already had an excellent reputation for competence. There was no need for me to scrutinize every minor detail; basic information would suffice.
Besides, I didn’t have the time. The personal hours I had left were few, and I needed to spend them in Denatel’s Library. Even though only five days had passed, I hadn’t visited the cabin since, so Rofena was surely waiting.
“It’s not like you have anything else to do. After that parade, you’re hardly going to wander around outside anyway.”
“Well, that’s true, but……”
Perhaps sensing my troubled expression, Sir Levrant intervened.
“Princess Aegina, if you don’t mind, it might be best to begin tomorrow. My wife will be expecting to see all of you as well.”
At his words, Aegina’s cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment. She had probably forgotten amid the sudden events. She gave both Sir Levrant and Rowell an apologetic look.
“Of course. I want to see her soon too. I’ll visit right after seeing Mother.”
Sir Levrant responded with his characteristic gentle yet slightly mischievous smile. Afterward, Rowell chatted with his father, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, while Aegina headed off with Ed to meet her mother. Rowell had wanted to go too, but Aegina refused with a polite yet pointed remark that things might get rather intense.
Knowing the personalities and abilities of both mother and daughter, we could all tell it wouldn’t be just words.
“Well then, shall we head home first?”
“Ah, then I’ll come along too.”
Sir Levrant had asked us, but the one who answered quickly was the king.
“It would be an honor to have you join us, but……”
Sir Levrant hesitated briefly at the unexpected response, though his reply remained perfectly natural.
“There are security concerns, and the meal preparations are somewhat lacking.”
“What need is there to worry about security when the saviors of the world are with us? Besides, I’m not picky about food.”
That attitude. The king clearly knew exactly why Sir Levrant was troubled.
“You want to escape, don’t you?”
It had just slipped out—a thought spoken aloud.
“Exactly right, Anak!”
The king grabbed both my hands, his eyes gleaming with melancholy.
“It’s almost lunchtime! Those two will sit there in complete silence, and a cold wind will blow across the table for an entire hour! It’s a full-course meal, so leaving early won’t help! If you try to slip away saying you’ve lost your appetite, they’ll order you to wait while they prepare a new dish—and you’ll have to sit through that silence again! Please help me. Must I issue a royal command?”
We looked at each other. We couldn’t turn away.
“Understood. Let’s go together.”
“Thank you. Now, let’s hurry!”
The king smiled brightly and led the way. But the moment we left the temple, that smile vanished.
The Royal Guard had blocked the king from leaving the palace.
“W-what is the meaning of this? I’m going with Sir Levrant……”
“Prince Ed personally ordered us not to let Your Majesty leave the palace under any circumstances.”
For a moment, Ed’s face—wearing a rather dark, satisfied smile—flashed through my mind. So he wasn’t going to let the king escape and leave him behind.
“I am the king!”
The king’s voice was solemn enough to recall the ceremony at the sanctuary, yet the guards didn’t budge.
“Princess Aegina also gave strict orders not to let you leave.”
“……”
Resignation came instantly. Hadn’t he just proudly declared himself the king moments ago?
“……”
The king looked toward us as if clinging to his last hope, but there was nothing we could do. In the end, we—including Sir Levrant—walked past the guards while deliberately avoiding the king’s pitiful gaze. The king was surrounded by the Royal Guard and led back toward the main palace, as if under arrest.