Chapter 126
Chapter 126
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: The Sleepless Emperor
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“It's the first time I've had a restless night since the day you left. I felt more embarrassed than angry. Like the master who handed over his own bedroom to the enemy—I wanted to tell the Recorders not to record this. Don't leave any trace of this incident.”
The emperor lifted his chin and slightly pursed his lower lip. It was an expression never seen in public.
A habit that subtly appeared only before close confidants. He seemed thoroughly pissed off.
Lander gave his old friend time to compose himself.
Even Ardhen, called the Iron Ruler, was no different from an ordinary person once one layer was peeled back.
He laughed, got angry, cried. He just never showed it to the public.
…Come to think of it, he couldn't be compared to an ordinary person. He was quite different, after all.
The emperor, who had been silently staring at the painting on the wall, let out a slow sigh.
“What's done is done. At least I'm venting to you, so it's a bit better.”
“If you're tired, should I come back tomorrow?”
“There was Kalligo's report yesterday, and you're here today. There must be something important about this incident. If I push it back because I'm tired, I'd have to step down from this seat altogether.”
The emperor gulped down some cold water and looked at him. As if ready to listen.
“I heard through Kalligo. That you're considering my return.”
“It's more than considering—I'm planning to formally discuss it at the next council meeting. The old fogeys in the assembly will probably scream about deception and make their veins bulge, but what can they do? Once you show your intent to return, they'll all quiet down.”
“Wouldn't it look bad politically if the emperor reverses his position?”
“There will be noise, sure. Was it a plot to purge the First-Class Nobles of Azantus? Aren't you just propping up someone who looks like the dead Corps Leader? Isn't this a lowly grab for military power? And so on.”
The emperor recited all the predictable motions. It wasn't an illusion—his face was growing paler.
Dealing with the assembly, the military, and the upper nobility would overwhelm even Ardhen.
“You'll suffer for a while, but once you return, things will settle quickly. The rear commanders in the military still follow you. They wouldn't believe even your death announcement. Well, those who served you wouldn't believe it. I wouldn't have either.”
Lander said while sipping his tea.
“Regarding that, I'd like to put off my return for the time being.”
The emperor crossed his legs.
“Kalligo said the same yesterday. That it's premature for the Corps Leader's return. Kalligo always opposes me but always gives convincing reasons. But not yesterday. For the first time, he refused to explain.”
“I had something to discuss with him first.”
“So I'm second fiddle. The emperor's not all that special.”
His friend asked with a pleased smile. What was the reason he couldn't return immediately?
“You've probably heard the gist, so I'll keep it brief.”
He recalled the conversation with Kalligo yesterday and conveyed only the essentials to the emperor.
Gilliod, the prophecy, and the derailed future.
“What about exposing it to pressure Gilliod?”
The emperor asked back.
“I would have agreed before this incident blew up.”
“Well, true. Since they infiltrated this heavily secured place, going public might backfire.”
“Not just those who can enter the Holy City, but the administrative offices, military, assembly, and each Think Tank. Now we have to suspect them all.”
Lander said. The emperor scowled fiercely and waved his hand.
“Why do you think I couldn't sleep? I was finally forgetting, and now you've reminded me. My stomach's acting up again. I'll end up in the ground from ulcers before they chop off my head for treason.”
Ardhen was a clever friend. He'd have started internal checks the moment he grasped the incident's scale. Starting with those he trusted and delegated to.
A man at the top was always lonely, and always in pain.
“To be honest, I want to ignore all that and push for your return. Think I'm ridiculous if you want. Your presence made me uneasy, but your absence despaired me.”
“I heard from Jun-gong. You whined like you were ten again and got scolded.”
“I only have two places to lean on in the empire. You and Jun-gong. Saying it like that makes me miss Naria even more. At least that friend would take my side.”
“How about giving your heart to the empresses?”
The emperor made a bored face.
“I can rest to some extent. Being with those women lets me let go a bit. But not to the bottom. After all, what ties me to them is political. The First-Class Nobles, the assembly, the military. It's the precarious result of a tug-of-war for my ruling power.”
“I think it every time, but that seat isn't meant to be sat in.”
“I know. I know, but I covet it and scramble because I don't want to lose it. The thing I want to protect, even feeling relief when my only friend leaves, is this seat.”
“You must be having a hard time. Making self-deprecating jokes and all.”
“I'm doing it to look good to you. It was only half a year, but I realized a few things. My vessel is still only bowl-sized, but it won't shatter even if you come. Now I have one goal. To make a place for you to return to, your sanctuary.”
“An honor. For the emperor himself to say such things, and no one else.”
“If words aren't enough, I can kneel too.”
“Terrifying just to imagine.”
“Is it? I'll remember that and use it later. If I crawl to you on my knees begging for help, your face would be priceless.”
Ardhen, laughing out loud, looked out the window. The mirth faded, replaced by his usual tormented expression.
“If you need support, say the word. I can't help with force, but for information warfare, I'm better than you.”
“I'll relay through Kalligo.”
“Seeing that guy often is a chore, but unavoidable.”
The emperor handed over an ID plaque. A free citizen's certificate engraved with 'Lander'.
“I've fabricated your past records in the Holy City Archives convincingly. Even someone with top security clearance won't spot anything suspicious.”
“No need to ask now.”
“The day I met you with Jun-gong, I prepared it myself. I wanted to hold you back, but since it might not work, I did it in advance.”
He tucked the ID plaque into his bosom.
“What do you think? Do you see Gilliod reaching into the empire's depths?”
“We have to keep the possibility open. Those who've directly seen the power the Realm provides would find it hard to refuse him. Once they collaborate even once, it's treason, so they'd ride the same boat.”
“Headache. Kalligo said the raid's target might be Charlotte?”
“He did.”
“If that's true…”
The emperor's one eye twitched.
“Then someone in the 8th District Think Tank is feeding info to Gilliod.”
He said.
“The 8th District was openly built as a strategic ploy. Think Tanks are scattered throughout the Holy City beyond that. Even under this castle. If targeting the 8th District pinpointed Charlotte's location and dumped mana on it, this is a prolonged war. How many rats have snuck in?”
“We might have to suspect even the Ladder Political Officer.”
“Better to cut off limbs.”
Lander watched the emperor pressing his brow and stood from his seat. He raised a fist salute and turned.
“Huss. One thing I want to ask.”
“Shoot.”
“Kalligo's hiding something. If he'd concealed it subtly, I might not notice, but he outright said it's not time to tell, so it bothers me more. Got any guesses?”
Guesses. He had one.
“From the two-story house to Sir Elder's mansion, and Kalligo followed Gilliod's note to somewhere else.”
“That it. He didn't tell me what he saw there. Did he tell you?”
“No. I haven't heard either.”
“It's like he's begging to be suspected, but that's Kalligo, so I don't want to bother.”
“He's trustworthy. You gave him First-Class Noble authority to suspect and check everything—not anyone else, but you. If he's hiding and acting, there's reason.”
“You might survive a backstab, but I'd die. That's why I'm more worried. In this situation, I can't even trust those I should.”
“Trust your judgment. Or torture him to lose his loyalty and get the info you want. Which loss is bigger is for you to decide.”
“That guy's not the power-hungry type, at least. A colt bucking from unchecked curiosity—better to watch him a bit.”
He nodded once. Someday, Kalligo, who chased Gilliod's note, would reveal what he saw and gained.
If he'd wanted to hide it, he'd have lied, but Kalligo said it wasn't time yet.
“A guy who doesn't blink at most secrets was sparkling-eyed when he spoke. If it's nation-toppling info, I'd prefer he kept his mouth shut. If my workload increases more, I might really hand this seat to my son and retire.”
“As a senior who's stepped down first, one piece of advice: being empty-handed isn't so bad.”
“Empty-handed? You saying that with a sword at your side suddenly feels futile. Go on. I need to sleep. Have to bicker with the vultures this afternoon.”
Lander left with a “rest well” and opened the door. When it was half-closed, the emperor spoke.
“Later, take a look at my sons' faces. I want your opinion on if any are worthwhile.”
“Pick the one who takes after you as the next king. He'll do well.”
“What helpful advice. Fine, we'll draw lots for successor. More importantly, drinks tomorrow? With Jun-gong.”
“If I have time.”
“Damn. I misspoke to someone busier than the emperor. Go. I'm a loner anyway.”
Lander stepped out. Tane, waiting in the corridor, bowed his head.
“His Majesty seems weary. Please watch over him well.”
He said.
“I'm too inexperienced to be of help. My apologies.”
“If you were truly inexperienced, His Majesty wouldn't keep you. Just give him time to breathe. That friend… he'll manage.”
He gave an eye salute and headed to the entrance where servants came and went. Tane followed and grabbed him.
“I have one request for the Corps Leader. I know it's rude, but I must ask.”
Tane's gaze fell on the sword at his waist.
(To be continued in the next installment)