Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: A Friend's Distant Departure
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It hadn't been that long since that friend left the Holy City, yet it felt like an event from ancient history.
My friend, whom I felt sorry for, grateful to, fearful of, and longed to see.
Ardhen recalled the trumpet blasts that had echoed during the funeral.
"Are you doing well?"
"That man's the type who thrives anywhere, as long as he wants to."
"You're right. If that friend wants it, any place becomes a haven."
If asked which was safer—the heart of the Holy City or his friend's side—he wouldn't hesitate to say his friend's side.
"I figured you'd pass through Conne on your way to Naria's hometown, so I expected we'd meet. I'm relieved it was you, not some other political officer."
"When His Majesty issued the decree, I was puzzled. A ghost, he said. And sure enough, a ghost appeared. Anyone who knew him would have realized the grand funeral was all a sham. It's hard to believe. The Supreme Commander, dead?"
"What choice do we have if we can't believe it? The state funeral happened, and his death was officialized. Thinking back still gives me a headache. From the council elders to the heads of the First-Class Nobles, everyone demanded an audience. Some even outright accused me of killing him. Ridiculous. As if I'd ever kill that friend. The other way around, maybe."
"That's because you don't know him well."
He looked at Taine. The man seemed eager to speak.
When necessary, he could prompt first, but this loyal subordinate was the embodiment of etiquette and rarely spoke out of turn.
"Aide."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"From now on, speak freely if you have something to say. Don't wait for my cue."
"I couldn't possibly. How could I open my mouth without Your Majesty's command?"
"You're rigid to the bone. Are you trying to make me beg, 'Please, I implore you'?"
"Heavens, no."
"Then speak without reservation from now on. That's how my people should be. If I make a wrong choice, call me out without hesitation. If I'm about to do something foolish, stop me in time. If you can't, you don't deserve to be by my side. I'm not sentimental enough to keep incompetents around."
"Our Your Majesty is famous for being unsentimental."
Bank chimed in. Taine shot the political officer another glare.
His eyes strongly urged: Fix that irreverent behavior.
"We need a moment alone. Taine, say what you want."
"Thank you for granting me the time."
Taine turned toward the political officer.
"I've heard of your reputation as a Ladder Political Officer. You're closer to His Majesty than anyone. But surely the rites between sovereign and subject must be observed?"
"Rites between sovereign and subject."
Bank crossed his arms.
"Aide. Let me ask you something. Do you truly understand proper etiquette?"
"I've been trained not to err."
"No. You haven't learned a thing. Court etiquette is so petty and bizarre, it's baffling why we bother. If we followed every procedure, do you know what would happen?"
Taine admitted he didn't.
He liked that about the aide. Someone honest enough to admit ignorance could learn and improve.
"From the ancient Nara Kingdom that birthed the empire to the present day, outdated court etiquette hasn't been reformed—instead, only weirder rules get added. If we strictly adhered as you say, you and I couldn't even sit here like this. Right, Your Majesty?"
He answered Bank honestly.
"If we followed every rule, the two of you couldn't even glance at my face, your knees couldn't touch the ground, and you'd have to affirm every word I say.
Not just that. You'd need to change into conquest attire, wear every badge of honor received, reverse word order when speaking, and avoid a slew of forbidden terms—it's a hassle. And that's not even the end; audience procedures are entirely different, so delving into that..."
He trailed off and looked at Taine. Now it was the aide's turn to defend himself.
"I understand. Strictly following all etiquette is impossible and impractical. But there are lines that must be observed. And they directly concern Your Majesty's safety."
"For example?"
Bank pressed.
"You mustn't open the office door without permission. It requires clearance from inside."
"So, Aide, are you admitting your own incompetence to me? That you can't handle sudden situations?"
"That's not what I mean."
"To add, when the Supreme Commander guarded His Majesty, anyone could open that door freely. What does that imply?"
Taine fell silent. The political officer was a sly one. Was teasing people like this any fun? In the end, he intervened.
"Bank."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Enough. And Taine. Just being comparable to him is impressive. He's not mocking you, so don't be disheartened."
"I will protect Your Majesty without retreating from any threat."
"I know. I know you will."
He speared fruit with his fork and offered it to Taine. He urged the flustered, honored aide to take it.
"Following rules is good. Necessary, even. But don't get too bound by them. I won't ask you to be as free-spirited as the political officer, so relax a bit."
"Understood."
"You answer well. I'm not ordering you to change right away, nor do I expect it. Just stay by my side, observe my people, and pick up what you can. Diversity is valuable. Having someone like you around will change me for the better."
"Your Majesty has no flaws."
"Do you truly believe that?"
"Yes."
Unwavering eyes, unhesitating words. His righteousness was so pure it drew a hollow laugh.
Bank, watching, remarked.
"One of the Think Tanks is researching brainwashing, apparently. This must be the result. Impressive."
"Don't disparage a subject's loyalty. Tell me more about him instead. It's my only chance to hear, through you."
Bank lifted his glass. It was empty. He poured for him.
"As Your Majesty said, he was traveling. But rather sloppily. Didn't even pack proper travel funds."
"That friend has his naive side. A brilliant commander in the military, but clueless outside. Why didn't you help?"
"I issued him a guild credential. As you know, there were issues at the Dull, making entry difficult. It's resolved now."
"He must have been grateful."
"Quid pro quo. Thanks to him, we handled the magical beasts well."
Bank downed his drink and continued.
"I can't read his deepest thoughts, but he seemed unchanged. Solid as ever, untouchable. Though, in a way, it felt like he'd locked himself away more than necessary. Just my personal take, but the Supreme Commander might not return. His fake funeral could become real."
"Did Hus hint at that?"
"Just my gut."
"Your instincts are always spot on."
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
He gazed out the window. The rain had stopped.
"He's strong. Stronger than anyone I've known. Not just physically. His true strength lies in that unshakeable heart. But even humans can't stand alone, can they? For him, Naria was his sole support. Only she could comfort him."
He wanted to help as a friend. But he wasn't vessel enough to contain Hus. He could give everything as a friend, yet that terrified him.
"When he said he was leaving everything behind, I was honestly glad. Truly. He was my finest shield, protecting me—yet the only sword that could kill me.
While Naria lived, Hus seemed beyond human, so I wasn't afraid. But after her death, he wavered briefly, and that不安 filled me with dread. That's when I realized he was human too. Gods inspire awe; humans inspire fear."
He closed his eyes briefly.
He owed his position to Hus. Dragging out the 15-year war instead of ending it swiftly bought time for him to ascend the throne.
Hus fulfilled his requests perfectly. The result: the imperial throne.
"When I took this seat, I promised Hus: Just as you protected me, I'll protect what's precious to you. I'd be emperor for that. But I failed. Naria left this world so helplessly.
I mobilized the entire empire, to no avail. If he drew his sword in resentment, I'd have accepted death gladly. But he chose to leave, reassuring my anxious self."
'Fear not, Your Majesty. I have no designs on that place.' He recalled Hus's words upon departing the Holy City.
Hus understood him better than anyone. That shamed him more, made him sorrier, angrier at his own shortcomings.
"You asked what I think? I promised him: When you return, I'll be a vessel worthy of you. So he must visit me once before dying. Even if resolved to death, he must come check my vessel. I won't allow him to die on his own terms. It's a promise."
He looked at the two in turn.
"So I must grow further. Eliminate flaws, become perfect, so when we meet, I can say confidently: How about it? Now I'm a vessel fit for you."
He poured the remaining wine into his mouth.
"I'll become the greatest emperor. Only then can I comfort my friend's grief. Only then! So I'm not ashamed."
He grinned broadly.
"Aide. This is your emperor's true heart. So next time you meet Hus, don't be prickly—be friendly. Surprisingly, he's not bold with people."
Intoxication surged. He gestured for them to leave.
"I'll continue the report later."
"Do that."
"And it's no longer Sir Hus."
"What do you mean?"
Bank said as he gathered his things.
"He changed his name."
"His name?"
"Yes. To..."
He raised a hand to stop Bank.
"Not curious?"
"I am. But I won't hear it. I'll ask him myself."
"My thinking was shortsighted. Stories are best from the source. Then I'll take my leave. Tomorrow, dull business matters—look forward to it."
"I'll be drunk."
"That's not bad either."
He leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window. Clouds parted; the sun rose.
"My friend, how are you? I hope the clouds in your heart clear like that sky."
(To be continued in the next installment)