Chapter 56
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Barbarian Queen
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The commoners whispered among themselves.
"Isn't that woman the barbarian tribe's queen?"
"Good heavens, to capture such a ferocious beast alive. Just how incredible are Lord Cheonwi's martial arts?"
"Did you hear? They tried bringing her in chains, but out of Lord Cheonwi's boundless mercy, he let her ride on horseback instead."
In truth, it wasn't a capture but bringing her back as a concubine by mutual agreement, and those chains were something used only in bed. Still, the public propaganda was crucial.
Cheonwi scanned the crowd's reactions from behind his sunglasses, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
'Perfect. Public opinion is solidly in my favor.'
War hero, inventor of new technologies, and a man surrounded by beauties.
There was no greater dopamine rush than this.
Tira snorted from atop the black horse and spoke to Cheonwi.
"Noisy bunch. Your tribesmen sure have strong voices. They'd make perfect hunting dogs."
"Haha, I'll take that as a compliment. Tira, give them a wave. Consider it fan service."
"Fan... what? Hmph, no reason to wave at weaklings."
Tira grumbled curtly but, catching Cheonwi's subtle wink, reluctantly raised her hand and wiggled her fingers. That small gesture alone sent the male onlookers screaming and collapsing.
"Argh! Wild big sis! Trample me!"
"I'm dying! She looked at me!"
Iron Blood clicked her tongue at the sight.
"No dignity at all. Cheonwi, aren't you being too lenient? A prisoner should act like one and keep her head bowed."
"Come on, General. Isn't today a joyous occasion? Besides, that one's not the type to cower easily."
Cheonwi was right. Tira didn't look like a prisoner at all—she had the piercing gaze of a conqueror surveying new hunting grounds.
The procession passed through Zhuque Avenue and entered the palace via the Noon Gate, the main entrance.
The plaza before the throne hall in the Imperial Palace.
Civil and military officials in red court robes stood in formation, assisting the emperor. Their expressions mixed anticipation and wariness in equal measure. The veteran ministers, particularly those displeased by Cheonwi's growing influence, looked as sour as if they'd bitten into a rotten fruit.
Screeech—
The open car came to a stop at the end of the red carpet before the hall.
Cheonwi removed his sunglasses and tucked them away, just as he reached for the door to step out.
Thud! Thud!
Footsteps approached from both sides simultaneously. Iron Blood and Tira leaped down from their horses and flanked Cheonwi as if by prior agreement.
As Cheonwi descended the steps, both women's hands reached for his arms at the same time, only to clash in midair.
Thwack.
The dull sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed.
Silence fell. The assembled officials' eyes widened in shock.
Iron Blood's eyebrow twitched.
"Step aside. Escorting the regent into the palace is the duty of this empire's general."
Iron Blood snapped in her characteristic icy tone. But Tira didn't budge. Instead, she brazenly pressed her ample bosom against Cheonwi's arm.
"Hah, what nonsense. I guarded him better in bed, didn't I? Don't be a wimp—get lost."
"W-what did you say? You... you vulgar wench! Do you even know where you are?!"
Iron Blood's face flushed beet red. To bring up 'bed' in the sacred palace courtyard, in front of hundreds of ministers no less.
The officials buzzed in outrage.
"What did she just say?"
"Bed? Does that mean Lord Cheonwi and the enemy general...?"
"Heavens, what a scandal!"
Tira ignored the stares around her.
"What? It's the truth. I took Cheonwi's final shot. You passed out cold."
"T-that was because you used dirty tricks... Shut your mouth!"
As Iron Blood's hand went to the sword at her waist, Tira reached for the whip coiled around her thigh. The triumphal procession teetered on the brink of bloodshed.
Cheonwi inwardly cheered.
'Excellent. My popularity is skyrocketing.'
But outwardly, he feigned distress with a sly grin, draping his arms over both women's shoulders.
"Now, now, ladies. Calm down."
His deep voice made their killing intent falter.
"There are plenty of eyes watching. Look, those bald old ministers over there are drooling."
At his remark, the Minister of Rites in the corner flinched and wiped his mouth.
"And above all... 'night battles' are for the night. If you start this in broad daylight, I won't have any stamina left."
Cheonwi casually spread his arms wide.
"Fair's fair—one on each side. A symbol of harmony between the empire and the south. Nice picture, right?"
Iron Blood bit her lip in frustration but linked arms for Cheonwi's sake. Tira hummed smugly as she claimed the other arm.
With a beauty on each arm—like thorny roses and carnivorous blooms—Cheonwi strode into the hall with utmost confidence.
Inside the hall.
Emperor Hyeonjong sat upon the jade throne adorned with gold. But his appearance was far from imperial dignity.
His crown sat askew, crumbs dotted the hem of his dragon robe, and dark circles hung beneath his eyes down to his jaw. He looked every bit the gaming addict dragged out after an all-night session.
"Your Majesty, Lord Cheonwi seeks audience."
The eunuch's announcement jolted the dozing Hyeonjong awake.
"Huh? Oh! Cheonwi! You're here!"
Forgetting decorum, Hyeonjong sprang from the throne. His face lit up not like a lord welcoming a vassal, but a friend bringing strategy guides for his games.
"Did you win? Did you crush those terrifying barbarians? Can I finally sleep easy now?"
Cheonwi chuckled and bowed.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I didn't just repel them... I brought them back thoroughly 'converted.'"
"Converted? Ooh, as expected of you, Cheonwi! You talked them into submission?"
"Words weren't as effective as... a more physical conversation."
Cheonwi gestured to Tira standing behind him.
"Allow me to introduce the queen of the southern Amazons, Tira."
Tira stepped forward beside him. Protocol demanded prostrating before the emperor. Instead, she stood with legs apart, chin raised, sizing Hyeonjong up and down.
"You're the head of this land? You look scrawny. Can't fathom why Cheonwi serves a weakling like you."
The air in the hall froze instantly.
The officials' faces twisted in horror.
"How outrageous!"
"A barbarian dares stare at His Majesty's face?!"
"On your knees this instant! Savage beast without manners!"
The ministers foamed at the mouth. Guard warriors leveled spears, moving to surround Tira.
Then—
CRACK!!
A sharp tearing sound reverberated through the hall.
Tira had drawn her whip from her thigh and lashed the floor.
BOOM!
The famed unyielding marble floor of the palace hall cracked wide open. Shards flew, dust rose. The spearmen recoiled in terror.
Blue light gleamed in Tira's eyes.
"Shut up, you weak males."
Her low voice rumbled through the hall like a beast's growl.
"I'd bow if my man ordered it. But not for you lot. Quit barking before I rip out your tongues."
Killing intent.
The genuine article, honed from decades hunting monsters in the wilds, crashed over the officials. Civil servants collapsed, legs giving out; even the military officers sweated coldly, gripping their sword hilts.
As tensions escalated, Iron Blood sighed deeply and intervened, grabbing Tira by the scruff.
"Ugh, seriously... stop causing trouble."
"Let go, you red beetle!"
Iron Blood restrained Tira and bowed to the emperor.
"Haa... My apologies, Your Majesty. As you see, she's a poorly trained beast. I'll take responsibility and 'tame' her."
Hyeonjong's eyes sparkled at the cracked floor—curiosity outweighing fear.
"Whoa... awesome. Isn't that a rare skill? One hit shatters the floor."
Seizing the moment, Cheonwi smoothly continued.
"Your Majesty, as you see, she's got strength to spare. Too valuable to just kill, no?"
"True enough. But she's too feral—how would we use her?"
"That's why I have a proposal."
Cheonwi smiled meaningfully.
"Let me use her and her people as the 'Eunuch Bureau Special Guard Unit.'"
"Eunuch Bureau Special Guard Unit?"
"Yes. We have the Imperial Guard for Your Majesty's protection, but the Eunuch Bureau—that is, a private force to guard my quarters and the royal family's private areas. With this level of power, assassins won't even get close."
In essence, officially registering his harem members. The officials bristled but silenced at Cheonwi's glare and Tira's whip.
Hyeonjong waved dismissively, hating complications.
"Eh, whatever. Handle it yourself. You brought her, so she's your responsibility."
"Your grace humbles me."
"I'm beat—need some rest. Pulled an all-nighter in ranked matches. Oh, and Cheonwi, come to my chambers tonight. Help with the new dungeon clear."
Hyeonjong yawned hugely and vanished behind the throne like a fleeing thief. The officials stood dumbfounded, like dogs staring at the roof after failing to catch a chicken.
Situation resolved.
Cheonwi ignored the stunned ministers, wrapping his arms around the two women's waists.
"Alright, let's go, my fierce beauties."
He patted their rears lightly. A firm, bouncy feel transmitted through his palms.
"Hands off! People are watching!"
Iron Blood shoved him away, blushing, though not displeased. Tira giggled and whispered in his ear.
"Eunuch Bureau? Your nest? Hope the bed's sturdy."
"No worries, Your Majesty. Custom-ordered in steel."
Cheonwi laughed heartily as he exited the hall.
His back exuded the aura of a man who owned the world.
But he didn't notice.
From the shadows of the second-floor terrace high in the hall's ceiling, a pair of chilling eyes watching the entire scene.
Ornate golden hairpin, red lips, and an icy expression.
Empress Yeonhwa.
She gripped the railing hard. The gold bent, leaving handprints. Jealousy's power was truly formidable.
"Added another trophy, have you?"
Her lips twisted grotesquely.
"Such greed. I warned you not to dirty my plate... Time for some education."
Her eyes gleamed like a serpent eyeing prey.