Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Sudden Shower
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It was a shower. I hated the rainy season, but I liked these sudden downpours that poured for a moment and then vanished.
I opened the window and perched on the sill. The neatly tended flower garden was being ruined by the rain.
By tomorrow, several landscapers would swarm over it, clearing fallen blossoms and trimming broken branches.
Everything within the palace was maintained in such a dignified manner.
"Tain."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I'm just thinking now—how about we bulldoze the flower garden?"
"If that is Your Majesty's wish, so it shall be."
"But I want to hear your opinion."
"It may be inadequate, but if I may say one word, I believe we should keep maintaining it as we do now. This garden has been preserved since the day the Holy City was established on this land. As a place steeped in history, it should be maintained unless there is just cause to do otherwise."
"What do you think about the manpower being wasted on a flower garden made just for show?"
"If we bulldoze the garden, the landscapers who work here will lose their jobs. Their children under their care will go hungry. Your Majesty is protecting them, not wasting manpower."
Ardhen smiled as he closed the window.
"Have you ever thought my existence is a waste? This country would run just fine even if anyone were put on the throne."
"I have never once harbored such irreverent thoughts. Who else but Your Majesty could rule this place?"
"Even without me, I think you could manage it well."
"That is too much for me to bear. Please retract your words."
Tain spoke with his head bowed.
He furrowed his brow. His friend still didn't know the slightest bit about jokes. He took every one thrown his way completely seriously, to the point where it made him feel unnecessarily guilty.
In some ways, it was an impressive talent. There were few on the continent who could make him feel this awkward.
"When will you and I be able to talk casually?"
"I will try, but it seems difficult."
"You're always so confident about everything, yet you say this request is always too hard for you. I like your consistency, but deep down, it irks me a bit. You're flawless as an aide, but a tad lacking as a drinking buddy. How about getting so drunk you don't even recognize me? Then we could really open up."
"I would sooner refuse the alcohol and accept confinement than show such an unsightly display before Your Majesty."
"Never mind, never mind. If I torment an innocent retainer any further, the historians might label me a tyrant."
"Your Majesty is a sage king greater than any ruler in history. The Empire has entered a period of stability unlike any before and achieved brilliant progress. It is all thanks to Your Majesty's reign."
"No matter how thick-skinned I am, hearing that embarrasses me."
"I mean it sincerely."
"That's exactly why it's more embarrassing. Because I can feel your sincerity."
It was truly admirable loyalty. One had to wonder where it came from. If he could just loosen up a little, he'd be utterly perfect.
"I will strive to change."
"No. There's no need to change. That's just my selfish desire. You're doing more than well enough as you are."
"Thank you."
He sat in his chair. It was a languid noon.
Having just finished all his audiences with the First-Class Nobles, there was nothing left for him to handle. The council elders had apparently decided to stop needling him and fallen silent.
The strife between the mainland nobles and the upstart nobles persisted, but that wasn't something he needed to intervene in.
Competition among nobles had always existed, and through it, the Empire had grown.
As long as no one challenged the imperial authority, he had to stand by and let the nobles settle their own affairs.
"Aide."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Let's have lunch here."
"I will inform the kitchen."
"No, leave it be. I know a guest is coming today."
Tain, who usually responded promptly, hesitated for a moment. He was probably flustered at the idea of a schedule he hadn't been aware of.
"No need to act like you've committed a crime. You just don't know about it yet."
"You're speaking of the Ladder Political Officer."
"You're quick on the uptake. He'll be here soon, bringing plenty of food."
No sooner had he finished speaking than someone knocked on the office door. The knock itself was cheerful.
Before Tain could rise and approach the door, it swung wide open. Tain blocked his path.
He drew his permitted sword and glared at the person outside the door.
"As rumored, he's quite the sensitive one."
"Have you ever seen me make empty threats? More importantly, the food."
"I've packed it all up nice and tight. All the Blue Lion's favorites."
Bank shook the bundles in both hands as he entered. He gently pressed down on Tain's shoulder, who was on guard.
Tain sheathed his sword and said,
"This is His Majesty's office. No one may open the door without permission."
Tain glared at Bank and continued,
"No one? Aide Tain, that's not accurate. From what I know, there are at least five people who can fling open that door without the Blue Lion's permission. No, maybe four now."
"Watch your titles. Using a nickname in His Majesty's presence is unacceptable."
"Oh dear. The aide looks quite angry. My dear Majesty, please calm this fellow's wrath."
Bank said with a smile in his eyes. He laughed aloud and sat across from Bank. Tain briefly showed displeasure before regaining his composure.
"His loyalty is something, isn't it?"
"Yes. You chose well. He's handsome, too."
"There are more than a couple of young ladies smitten with him. Thanks to that, whenever I take him to gatherings, no one even glances my way."
"Not that I know much else, but Your Majesty's looks are a bit lacking. Proof that the gods don't grant everything."
"You're right, spot on."
He slapped his knee and laughed. The chief chamberlain would have solemnly advised him to restrain such frivolous laughter if he saw it.
"Your Majesty."
Tain called softly. His face showed he couldn't quite grasp the chaotic atmosphere.
"Aide. Take a good look. This is the real me—not as emperor, but as Ardhen the man. I like to laugh. I like eating with people who get me. I like trading silly jokes."
"Forgive me. I have been inadequate in serving Your Majesty properly."
"No, you've performed your duties admirably. Among those in my service, few are as meticulous as you. Look at Bank here, right in front of me. A political officer with zero refinement. No class at all. Loves booze and smokes like a chimney. Can't get enough of women. On his own, he's a total deadweight."
Bank, who was unpacking food from the bundles, smirked.
"That's all thanks to Your Majesty's virtue, isn't it? As the saying goes, clear waters flow from clear sources—it's all Your Majesty's will and grace. If I succeed, it's Your Majesty's blessing; if I'm a deadweight, it's Your Majesty's flaw."
"See? He never misses a beat. That's the problem. When you pick the right people for the right jobs, you overlook personality. That's why the Special Inspectorate turned out like that. Kalligo—that guy cost me how many connections?"
"You're the one who wanted that, weren't you? You handed him a blade to purge the incompetents clinging to him. At least he's tame now. Remember when he first started? Storming into the council leader's mansion."
He tilted his head back and laughed. How could he forget? It was so satisfying that the moment he heard, he threw open the window and shouted cheers to the outside.
"It was entertaining. The Empire needs people like that. Stagnant water rots, after all. Stir it up so they awaken and advance."
"Even so, one Kalligo is enough. Two would be a headache."
"I'll take your advice to heart."
He nodded to Tain to take a seat. Bank handed him a fork and said,
"You're including the aide in the conversation now?"
"I wasn't going to, since he doesn't get jokes, but he's too good at his job to leave out. Had to bring him aboard."
"Lucky bastard. Sharing a boat with His Majesty."
"Aren't you aboard too?"
"I've got everything ready to jump ship anytime."
"Oh? What do you think? Does my ship look like it's capsizing?"
"That's the problem. It doesn't. Even if storms hit or sea monsters attack, Your Majesty's ship will plow straight ahead. Just like always."
He speared some pheasant with his fork. The crispy fried skin shattered with a crunch. He dipped it in sauce, popped it in his mouth, and chewed thoroughly.
"If there's one thing they can't replicate, it's this flavor."
"It's the taste of memories. Aide, have a bite. It's His Majesty's favorite."
Tain took the fork. He dipped a large piece in sauce just as he had and put it in his mouth.
His mouth was messy, but he didn't seem to care. He was trying to sense his feelings.
"I like this guy."
"Right?"
Tain, who had been chewing the meat for a while, swallowed and said,
"I'll relay this to the kitchen. So they can make it even better."
"Just savor the taste for now. So, what do you think? To your liking?"
At his question, Tain cautiously nodded.
"It's delicious."
"That's all I need. You'll be dining with my people often from now on."
"It's an honor."
"Doesn't Bank look great?"
Tain looked at Bank with a stoic face. "It's an honor," he said very matter-of-factly. Bank stuck out his tongue.
"Why is everyone around His Majesty such oddballs? This guy won't warm up to me either."
"Do they need to? Even Ladder Political Officers are distant with each other."
"Fair point. One communication hub like His Majesty is plenty."
He accepted the liquor Bank poured. It was a rich fermented brew.
The first taste was heavy, but the lingering aroma was refreshingly clear. He liked this new liquor.
"Looks like you approve."
"It's good. Aide, have a glass. Liquor poured by this guy is rare. He's so busy."
"That's all thanks to Your Majesty. Working nonstop in the outskirts, I almost forget I'm a political officer."
"You told me the Holy City was boring."
Tain downed the liquor Bank poured in one go.
"How is it?"
He asked.
"I'm trying to understand the flavor."
"Doesn't suit your taste, huh."
"My apologies."
"What for? Blame the political officer who brought lousy liquor."
He popped a piece of fruit in his mouth. After all that chatter, it was time for the main topic.
"Still no leads on the 'Residual Roots'?"
Bank set down his fork and replied.
"If their activity was regular, we'd catch them quick, but this one's got a long dormancy."
"It's labor-intensive."
"Our scouting teams are limited. Mages would make it easier, but the Holy City's situation isn't forgiving."
"Even if I wanted to conscript some, the council's eyes are on us. It'll be tough, but put in more effort."
"I'm working on it every day. Oh, and another Magical Beast popped up. Depth 3. You've gotten the report, of course."
"The lab kids raved about how perfectly prepped it was. Did you handle it yourself?"
"You know I'm not that neat. I'd have turned it into mincemeat."
"True enough."
"You can guess whose handiwork it is."
Bank smiled with his eyes. He nodded.
"Who else but that guy? That's why I've been waiting for your regular report."
(To be continued next time.)