Chapter 62: The Imperial Court (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 62: The Imperial Court (2)
The Royal Steward's attentive service continued throughout breakfast. I didn't misspeak.
It was literal 'attending hand and foot.'
Damn it.
My conscience prickled. I was receiving lavish hospitality from a blind woman, for crying out loud.
Whenever I tried to say something, feeling it was too much, she would step back as if she possessed uncanny intuition.
Is mind reading a passive skill for everyone in the Imperial Court?
Leaving in the middle of a meal severely violated imperial etiquette. Coming from the streets, I didn't give a damn about such things, but I was visiting the palace as Victoria's guardian, after all.
My rudeness would become a stain on her reputation.
Unlike back in my cadet days, having more responsibilities makes these things a real hassle...
Well, what choice did I have? That's the weight of being an adult. I had to bear it willingly.
At least she didn't try to feed me dessert with a fork, which was a mercy.
Until breakfast finally came to a close, Victoria sat opposite us, watching in silence. Her face turned various shades of red and blue.
She seemed to be watching to see how far the Royal Steward would go, and seeing her go all out only fueled Victoria's rising anger.
Man, this is...
Even a tunnel that felt endless eventually lets in a ray of light. True to a meal adhering to imperial etiquette, the inefficiently drawn-out breakfast finally came to an end.
As a side note, the Emperor was absent from breakfast. We were informed that he would be away from the palace until the afternoon on personal business.
I wonder what the Emperor would think if he saw his closest aide acting like this with me.
Or...
It's most likely the Emperor ordered her to do this on purpose. Is he trying to set up a honey trap?
...Hmm.
I really couldn't tell.
"The Imperial Court sure is..." I muttered absentmindedly.
"Forgive me, Heavenly Sword... I swore to keep my mind blank, but I failed..."
Pardon?
"Reincarnation of the Sword Demon, total submission of all demons. Long live, long live, long live."
The Royal Steward silently mouthed the words before sinking into the shadows as usual. I froze, spoon halfway to my mouth with peach sorbet. It was utterly ridiculous.
They attached a half-wit like that as my watcher?
And she's supposed to be from the Pungsan Clan, no less.
The greatest talent in her clan, just as Victoria said.
Is she really trying to win me over with flattery so transparent it's downright childish?
I shifted my gaze to Victoria. Her expression looked like she was ready to tear the Royal Steward apart right then and there.
"Heavenly Sword, what would you like to do for dinner? A bath first? Or would you prefer to take me first—"
"Royal Steward Garyeon!"
"..."
Spring was in the air.
*
Episode. Imperial Court
From what I'd experienced, the Emperor wasn't such a petty ruler. He was a genuine lunatic, but he was equally capable. Otherwise, he couldn't exude an aura comparable to the Archery Saint's.
Screeech.
As the servants cleared the plates, I quietly stood up. Victoria bounced out of her seat immediately, clearly intending to confront the Royal Steward.
"Wait a moment, Princess," I stopped her.
"I think I should speak with her separately."
"Th-That's..."
"This concerns me, doesn't it? Let the adults handle this."
Those words carried multiple layers of meaning.
For one, a member of the imperial family pulling aside the Emperor's close aide wasn't a good look. It could work against Victoria in future succession battles.
Our diligent Emperor seemed to thrive on a diet of Korean eel and black raspberry wine, considering he had over a dozen wives and children. Victoria was in a position where her right to the throne was constantly challenged. She shouldn't give her rivals ammunition by acting on emotion.
Not that I had any interest in usurping the throne—absolutely not.
Frankly, I don't give a damn who becomes the next Emperor.
The past ten years proved it. Since becoming one of the Seven Stars, I'd lived perfectly fine without even knowing what the Emperor looked like.
However.
"The servants bringing out food are all watching and listening. Don't assume they have their eyes and ears closed. They are adults, too," I whispered into Victoria's ear.
"..."
"Your Highness may feel they're just background noise because you're always surrounded by them, but every single one of them moves according to their own self-interest. It's despicable and petty, but that's what being an adult is."
As someone with decades more life experience, I couldn't just stand by and watch her carry an extra sandbag. Dealing with the Royal Steward privately was the correct move. That was the best conclusion my experience provided.
I was well aware I sounded like a nuisance. To Victoria, I probably seemed like a nagging old-timer. But sometimes, people need a nag.
I looked into Victoria's eyes. Her clear retinas reflected a man who clearly looked stubborn and unyielding.
In Victoria, I saw traces of my younger self.
Boss.
He was living proof of a decent old nag. That man used to deliver long-winded lectures day in and day out. At the time, I thought he was just nagging me. Head-wise, I knew he was saying it for my own good, but I felt a petty resentment anyway. No real reason—I just didn't want to yield to an adult.
And because I didn't listen to him, I couldn't settle down at one restaurant and ended up wandering all over the country.
It wasn't too bad, though.
But it was a thorny path. Even if we weren't extraordinarily close master and disciple, I wanted Victoria to walk an easier road. Especially because she was Victoria.
She was imperial royalty. The repercussions of a single wrong judgment on her part were night and day compared to a commoner's. A future far harsher than the bitter trials I'd experienced in the past would surely await her.
"...Adult." Victoria's fingertips trembled slightly.
"...For now, I will respect your wishes, Heavenly Sword."
Her fierce, glaring eyes calmed down. Having regained her composure, Victoria hesitated before continuing.
"However, please promise me two things."
"Name them."
Before answering, Victoria glanced at the Royal Steward out of the corner of her eye. The Cyclops woman stood waiting silently by the door.
Since her hearing is so sharp, standing far away won't really help...
No sooner had I thought that than the Royal Steward covered her ears with her hands.
Wow, honestly, it was getting scary. Goosebumps spread across my skin, thicker than the chicken skin on the meal I'd just eaten.
"...I know you wouldn't fall for it, Heavenly Sword..." Victoria spoke in the lowest whisper possible. I leaned in, placing my ear close to her. "Still, I'm warning you. Don't fall for that woman's vulgar tricks."
"By vulgar tricks, you mean...?"
"Women of the Pungsan Clan..." Victoria snapped her head away, staring into the distance, and squeezed out the words with difficulty. "...learn the bedchamber arts."
Ah. Bedchamber arts.
So that's why it wasn't even mentioned in Miracle Blessing M. It would shift the game's genre from a mobile gacha game to an R-18 dating sim.
"You don't need to worry about that."
"I'm saying this... because I am worried," she added softly under her breath. "...You beast..."
"...I asked you to forget about that."
"A-Anyhow!" Victoria waved her hand, popping the imaginary thought bubble above her head, and cleared her throat. "Be careful. I don't know much about Royal Steward Ryu Garyeon either. Except for one thing: she will do anything for 'the survival of the Imperial Court.' That's the only fact I know."
"And 'the Imperial Court' here means 'the Emperor.'"
"Yes."
"Understood."
As I nodded, Victoria looked visibly relieved. Then she avoided my eyes, hesitating.
"...As for the two promises..." Victoria took a resolute breath and spoke again. "Please don't treat me like a child. As I said this morning... my birthday passed last week, so I am an adult now."
In this world, one becomes an adult after turning nineteen. It's a year earlier than on Earth.
Unless someone's birthday fell right at the start of winter break in December, most reach adulthood in their third year. The cadets were hero candidates—full-fledged warriors prepared to be deployed to the frontlines as soon as they graduated.
I said, "I didn't mean to treat you like a child. But if it felt that way, I'm sorry. Since we have nearly a ten-year age gap..."
"Eight years," Victoria emphasized. "Not ten, eight. It's not that big of a gap."
"Ah, right."
Right. That's the age.
I smiled faintly and turned around. Sure enough, the Royal Steward opened the door as if she had been waiting for that exact moment.
Right before leaving the banquet hall, I turned my head back halfway toward Victoria.
"...? Is there something more you wish to say...?"
I offered a warm smile to the bewildered Victoria. "It's late, but happy birthday, Princess."
"Ah."
"Being an adult doesn't mean you have to stand alone in everything. Feel free to ask whenever you need help. I'm always happy to help with anything regarding you."
With those embarrassing words, the door closed behind me.
* * *
Victoria was left alone in the empty banquet hall. The servants had cleared the dining table in no time, leaving it desolate and immaculate.
A space cleared of watching eyes and listening ears.
Victoria's hand unconsciously clutched at the front of her collar over her chest.
"My heart feels... so tight."
The nature of this emotion was the exact opposite of what she felt in her father's presence.
Before His Majesty, she cowered and shrank back. In contrast, with the Heavenly Sword...
Victoria cast her gaze toward the slightly open grand doors. The long corridor was silent.
Except...
Perhaps because it was the hallway he had just walked through, the lanterns hanging on the wall seemed to swell.
That this was the weight of her feelings—Victoria did not deny it.
Ten years ago.
Ever since that day.
Because it was a feeling she had cherished like a delicate lamp flame, terrified it might be extinguished. The very reason Victoria was the only imperial royal to enroll in Joaquin was because of that very feeling.
* * *
I was led to a cathedral-like place within the castle grounds.
It was the most extravagant and avant-garde area I'd seen since arriving at the imperial palace. Overall, the palace had been somewhat bland, but this space alone seemed to offer a glimpse of its immense wealth.
After a moment, the Royal Steward stopped walking. She slowly turned toward me, her hands folded demurely.
Walking here, I couldn't help but notice... Was her name Garyeon? Anyway, her steps and turns were so stable I couldn't help but wonder if the Royal Steward was truly blind.
Does dedicating yourself to one path make you like that?
Even so, her movements were remarkably natural. Part of me wished she'd just take off that stifling blindfold.
"Cut the introductions and get straight to the point," I snapped dryly, crossing my arms.
The Royal Steward slowly raised her arm. Using her thumb, she pushed the blindfold upward. Multicolored sunlight filtered through the stained glass, alighting on her long eyelashes. The Royal Steward opened her closed eyes.
"You..."
"I can see."
A distinct radiance shimmered in her pupils.
"Even His Majesty is unaware of this fact. If I were found out, I would likely die by his hand. Hearing what ought not to be heard is the duty of our Pungsan Clan, but sight was never granted to us."
"I've been wondering for a while now, why on earth are you doing this to me? Entrusting your very life to me so suddenly like this."
"Feigning ignorance... Your worldly wisdom is formidable indeed. Very well. If that is the Heavenly Sword's will, I shall gladly comply."
Her eyes gleamed. I flinched slightly. Looking closer, it wasn't just a glint. It was a fanatic glow—the kind unique to those who believe a chosen conviction is absolute truth.
"Our Pungsan Clan pledges loyalty to the Imperial Court, not the Emperor. The survival of the Imperial Court weighs heavier than His Majesty's life."
"The Emperor is the Imperial Court."
"They are comparable, but not equal. At least, according to what I was taught."
"What does any of that... have to do with me? Get to the point, the real point."
"In accordance with the Heavenly Sword's will, I swear to make Her Highness Victoria the Empress."
...Isn't that skipping way too many steps?
"I will take any oath required."
I fell silent, temporarily lost. It was because I hadn't fully grasped the context of what she was blabbering about.
"The moment the Heavenly Sword spared my life, the math became clear. For the survival of the Imperial Court, one must never displease the Heavenly Sword."
"Wait, what are you talking about? When on earth did I spare your life?"
Garyeon's complexion turned pale. "F-Forgive me! How dare I bring up what the Heavenly Sword wishes to remain buried...!"
Ah.
What a headache. Should I argue? Give her the cold shoulder? Just walk away? I was weighing a few options in my head when she spoke up again.
"There are many factions within the palace seeking to assassinate Her Highness."
"..."
That was expected. Those seeking to pull down Victoria, who sat at the forefront of the succession line, were bound to be everywhere.
The Emperor didn't seem particularly inclined to favor or protect Victoria.
Victoria had been designated the first heir simply because she inherited the [Owl's Blessing]. But judging by the Emperor's diligent bedroom activities, it wouldn't be surprising if another blessing wielder emerged among his concubines.
"Only one person is born with the Owl's Blessing per generation. While manifestation can be innate like Her Highness's, if the blessing wielder disappears, it can manifest late in another member of the same generation."
Garyeon tightened the string of her blindfold behind her head as she spoke. It was quite a shock. This information was undoubtedly a top-secret imperial file.
"Do not worry about breakfast. Assassination attempts through poison are commonplace within the imperial family, so royalty possesses a certain level of immunity. Besides, usurping the right of succession through such foul means results in a flimsy base of support."
"What do you want from me?"
"Please do not erase the Imperial Court from history."
"...Pardon...?"
"Ah, of course, the Heavenly Sword has no connection to the Imperial Court. I know. This was merely me speaking to myself."
Isn't she jumping way too far ahead on her own?
"I'm certainly not asking for free. If there's anything the Heavenly Sword desires, I can support him within my power. Isn't that right, Garyeon?"
"..."
"If he wishes, even this body... although I've only learned the techniques and have zero practical experience..."
My head spun. It was a fruitful meeting, but I couldn't keep up with her train of thought. Was it because she'd lived pretending to be blind for so long? She seemed trapped in her own delusion. I almost felt sorry for her.
Her desire for the Imperial Court's survival is genuine, at least.
I could feel her desperate sincerity. That blind obsession was probably what had broken her like this. Just as I achieved my intended goal and was about to leave—
Screeech.
It was right then that someone entered the cathedral.
"There you are, Royal Steward. I have urgent matters to—"
The man was decorated with numerous insignias. Spotting me, he let out an exclamation.
"Oh! The Heavenly Sword is here as well! My, what an honor to meet you. When I heard you would be staying for a few days, I hoped for a chance to greet you!"
He looked like a good-natured man at a glance. His hearty laugh felt strangely out of place in the grim atmosphere of the imperial palace.
The moment I felt that sense of incongruity—
-That man.
"...?!"
Garyeon's voice resonated inside my head.
-He is the main figure behind the faction trying to assassinate Her Highness.
It was a telepathic transmission.
* * *
The Blessing of Telepathic Transmission targeted only the Emperor. Everyone believed this to be true. Even the Emperor himself.
In reality, there was a subtle distinction.
The restriction of targeting 'only' the Emperor actually meant it targeted a single recipient. It was the core essence of the blessing that Ryu Garyeon alone had accidentally mastered within the Pungsan Clan.
Despite pushing her sensory perception to the absolute max, Ryu Garyeon had not lost her eyesight. This was proof of her competence, as well as evidence that she was a heretic within her family.
Thus, as of yesterday, Ryu Garyeon had cleverly switched that single target from the Emperor to someone else. Of course, she could change her designated target whenever she wished.
Heavenly Sword Kang Geomma.
'As long as I serve you, the Imperial Court will not be destroyed by your hand.'
She was completely barking up the wrong tree.
'Even if you act on a whim, I will adapt to it by whatever means necessary.'
Without the Heavenly Sword even offering a crumb, the Royal Steward was drinking bowls of kimchi broth all by herself.
Her name was Garyeon.