Chapter 210
Translator: Prime Works
Chapter: 210
Chapter Title: The Difference Between Orders and Requests (2)
“Ahem, hmm! On this day of deepening autumn abundance, as all grains ripen fully, I sincerely congratulate the marriage of the groom, Julian, and the bride, Serazad. I also extend my congratulations to the parents of both families who have lovingly raised and taught these two to reach this day.”
Count Ventura, the celebratory envoy from the Magentano Royal Family and the officiant of today’s ceremony, spoke in a solemn voice.
His tone was calm yet resonant, befitting a professional diplomat.
The garden fell silent as he read the marriage declaration.
The eyes of the gathered guests turned to the stars of the day, the young man and woman.
The groom, Julian.
The bride, Serazad.
The fresh-faced pair stood before the officiant, hands clasped tightly.
Lloyd, watching them, felt a warm smile spread across his lips.
*Whoa. So this is really happening.*
Suddenly, he recalled the events from about two months prior.
It had been the day after he’d played cupid, shuttling between Julian and Serazad.
Chaos had erupted in the manor in the dead of night.
Past midnight, Serazad had gone to the count and countess’s bedroom.
She’d dropped to her knees before the count and unleashed a bombshell.
*“Please give me your second son.”*
That declaration from Serazad back then.
Even now, it was mind-blowing.
So shocking it drew a hollow laugh.
Just the day before, they’d barely started flirting.
Serazad hadn’t even realized her own feelings yet.
He’d gone to her himself, counseled(?) her, and helped her recognize her emotions.
*Who could’ve guessed she’d drop that bomb in just one day?*
Even he hadn’t seen it coming.
It was the kind of reckless action you’d see in a crazy morning soap opera from Korea.
And the destructive power of that statement was just as insane.
The count’s manor had turned upside down.
The count, utterly shocked, had collapsed in the hallway in his pajamas.
The countess had stood frozen, hand over her mouth.
The guards on night patrol had spotted the couple.
Startled, they’d shouted urgently.
“What’s wrong, my lord?”
Only then did they notice Serazad.
*Even then, she’d stayed kneeling, staring at the count with resolute eyes.*
If he hadn’t given permission to marry?
She’d looked ready to turn to stone right there.
In any case, the commotion had woken every servant and maid in the manor.
Lloyd had been roused too.
No, he’d been summoned by the count and countess before he could even rub the sleep from his eyes.
He’d had to attend a family meeting without a chance to wash up.
In the count’s study, he’d heard the second bombshell.
*“I feel the same as Lady Serazad.”*
...That was Julian’s declaration.
The pair’s bulldozer-like barrage of reckless bombshells.
And before them, the Frontera Count had shown an unexpected reaction.
He hadn’t panicked further.
He hadn’t floundered.
He’d sunk into thought for a moment, then seemed to make up his mind. With a grave gaze, he’d asked Julian and Serazad in turn.
Was it sincere?
*Of course, they’d nodded. And that was it.*
The Frontera Count had simply said he understood.
He hadn’t asked another question.
Instead of needless inquiries, he’d silently taken up his pen.
He’d written two heartfelt letters.
And sent them to two places.
One to the royal palace in the capital, Magenta.
The other to Ahinsha, the capital of the eastern Sultanate.
In other words, after confirming their sincerity, the count had immediately informed the Magentano royal family and the sultan’s palace of the pair’s intent to marry.
Without further questions or probes.
Trusting the two who’d shown their true hearts, vowing to support them.
He’d even volunteered for the heavy task of seeking permission from both royals and mediating their interests.
That resolve from the count must have paved the way.
Things had progressed smoothly after that.
*Of course. Neither the Magentano royal family nor the sultan had reason to oppose the marriage.*
Their reactions matched his predictions exactly.
It came right after a peaceful accord had been reached.
Both royals welcomed the union.
They even promoted it as a symbol of harmony between the two nations.
The second son of the Frontera family, victim of the monster domino crisis.
The sultan’s daughter, perpetrator in the same incident.
That’s why their marriage carried such weight.
*Plus, the sultan had been desperate to make me his son-in-law from the start. He must regret not snagging me right away, but figure Julian’s a fine alternative. To him, it’s like chicken instead of pheasant.*
Thanks to that, the sultan was now in-laws with the Frontera family.
He’d likely use this connection as a foothold to push for Lloyd as a son-in-law later.
Not that Lloyd planned to play along with that scheme.
*Anyway.*
Lloyd snapped out of his reverie and lifted his head.
Under the bright autumn sun.
Like most weddings, the ceremony raced toward its end far quicker than the endlessly complex preparations.
“...Thus, before these many guests, the two have solemnly vowed to share life’s joys and sorrows as husband and wife. As officiant, I hereby solemnly declare this marriage duly consummated.”
Boom! Bang!
The marriage declaration ended.
Fireworks burst everywhere.
Colored petals and confetti filled the air.
The new bride, Serazad, tossed her bouquet.
Empowered by an upper Sword Expert, it flew fiercely.
The guests didn’t dare step forward, merely gulping dryly.
The bouquet soared across the venue, hundreds of meters through the sky, before finally losing momentum and dropping neatly into a workshop as if by chance.
Thud.
“...Huh?”
In the corner of the workshop, Red Dragon Solitas, engrossed in gem polishing, twitched an eyebrow.
He’d been deep in concentration.
Then suddenly, a bouquet plopped onto his workbench.
As if someone had deliberately gifted it.
“What’s this?”
Could it be from that wedding he’d heard was happening today?
The legendary bouquet toss, then?
Solitas’s eyebrow twitched even more.
*I’ve heard of this. Catch the bride’s tossed bouquet, and you’ll marry soon. Tsk. Humans and their stupid superstitions without basis. Did they think I’d be happy with this?*
If so, correct.
Solitas slyly tucked the bouquet under the workbench.
A secret, pleased smile played on the young dragon’s lips.
The wedding concluded splendidly.
Julian and Serazad, faces flushed, boarded their carriage.
The count and countess dabbed at joyful tears.
The sultan, unable to attend, watched through a magic mirror relayed by his envoy, overcome with emotion from afar.
Deep down, Serazad had been his favorite daughter.
But he’d treated her coldly on the surface.
He couldn’t show favoritism openly.
He feared it would draw intense envy and scrutiny from her dozens of siblings.
That jealousy might harm her.
In truth, there was ample risk of her getting caught in palace intrigues.
That’s why.
The sultan had deliberately hidden his fatherly feelings.
Someday, when Serazad became a Swordmaster.
When she gained the strength to overcome her siblings’ envy and slander. When she could protect herself without his worry.
Only then would he keep her close and show his heart.
That had been his vow as ruler. No, as a father first.
“...Hoho.”
Alone in a distant palace chamber, the sultan chuckled warmly.
Guests filled the Frontera garden with applause.
Thus, the newlyweds Julian and Serazad departed on their sweet honeymoon amid everyone’s blessings.
♣
“Phew.”
After the wedding, Lloyd let out the deep breath he’d been holding.
*We did it.*
Julian and Serazad were finally official husband and wife.
They’d secured congratulations and recognition from both the Magentano royal family and the Sultanate.
Everything had gone exactly as he’d hoped.
*You rascal.*
The receding honeymoon carriage.
Julian, the new groom riding inside.
Thinking of him brought a smile to Lloyd’s face.
For becoming a useful puzzle piece?
Not just that.
*It just... feels good.*
Julian was supposed to have died long ago.
In the novel *Iron-Blooded Knight* that Lloyd had read.
Recalling the original plot, it was true.
*The Frontera family falls, his tuition cuts off, he’s expelled from the academy.*
That day, wandering the capital’s back alleys for a place to sleep, Julian is killed by nameless thugs.
That was the original story in *Iron-Blooded Knight*.
But it had changed.
Julian hadn’t died.
He’d graduated the academy brilliantly.
Now, he’d found his own bond, becoming one woman’s husband.
Off on a happy honeymoon.
Utterly opposite to his miserable, futile end in the original.
*All thanks to your big bro, kid.*
Serazad was the same.
Without him?
Without the qanat in the Kandara region?
She’d have been swept up in the rebellion, her talents unbloomed, and killed.
But that original fate had changed too.
Not only spared, but off as a happy bride on honeymoon.
She’d even recorded a lullaby from him last night!
*She’s my sister-in-law now, ahem.*
So, Julian, Serazad.
When you return, treat me well.
Become my trusty knights from here on.
Savoring the warm feeling, Lloyd watched the carriage fade.
But the sentiment was brief.
He tucked the warmth away.
Now wasn’t the time to indulge in feelings.
It was time to check if the foundation of his new picture was solid.
With that thought, Lloyd turned and walked.
He passed guests leaving the garden.
He greeted Count Ventura, today’s officiant and the Magentano royal envoy.
“Thank you for your hard work today, Count.”
“Oh? Who’s this? Young Lord Frontera.”
“Yes. I was too busy before the ceremony to greet you properly. I hope you’ve been well.”
“I’ve been fine, of course. And you?”
“I’ve been well too. Thanks to you, Count.”
“Hoho? Such a smooth talker.”
Count Ventura’s smile toward him was affectionate.
Like facing a honey-drizzled lucky charm.
It was understandable.
Last time, on the Sultanate trip, Lloyd had helped him clinch the negotiations. He’d even received great rewards from the queen after.
But today, that wasn’t the point.
Lloyd smiled subtly and asked Count Ventura.
“By the way, Count, do you have any message for me?”
“What?”
“I’m sure you do.”
“...Hoho.”
A wry chuckle mixed into the count’s smile.
His eyes said, *What kind of guy is this?*
“You already caught on?”
“Well, roughly.”
Lloyd shrugged.
It was true.
He’d anticipated it.
The queen Alicia’s true reaction to this marriage.
Count Ventura was the messenger to deliver it.
Lloyd’s gaze grew more knowing as he urged the count.
“Shall we move somewhere else? Too many eyes and ears here.”
“Good idea. Let’s do that.”
They left the venue together.
Pretending casual chat, they entered the manor.
They sat face-to-face in a parlor away from prying eyes.
“Since you’ve already guessed, I won’t beat around the bush. You’re right. Her Majesty has a special message for you.”
Count Ventura spoke solemnly.
“First, Her Majesty made no official statement on the marriage. She just muttered quietly to herself with a wry smile.”
“What did she mutter...?”
“*‘Tsk, that mangy mutt—bring him here at once. I have work for him.’*”
“She has work for me?”
“Indeed.”
Count Ventura nodded.
“You remember the black mage Cannavaro you subdued in Namaran City, right?”
“Yes.”
“Interrogation ended long ago. Based on his confession, Her Majesty launched a subjugation operation. While you were building the qanat.”
“A subjugation?”
“Yes. It succeeded.”
“...”
Lloyd inwardly exclaimed in admiration.
As expected of Queen Alicia.
Not content with interrogation, she’d wiped out the black mages’ remnants.
It fit her perfectly.
“But what’s the link between subjugating the remnants and summoning me to the capital...? Do you know why?”
“No idea.”
“Then, is this summons a royal decree?”
Lloyd swallowed dryly after asking.
This was the crucial part now.
Why the queen wanted him didn’t matter.
Her attitude in summoning did.
He didn’t want to be treated like a mere worker forever.
That’s why he’d connected Julian and Serazad.
Used it to gain a foothold in the Sultanate.
If she treated him poorly, the sultan might snatch him away.
He’d aimed to make her wary, instill crisis, secure better treatment.
He’d tried reshaping the board.
*This is the chance. Her response will reveal how she plans to treat me.*
Still barking orders like a dog?
Or more respectfully now?
He could gauge it.
Lloyd watched the count.
The count shook his head.
“A decree? No.”
Count Ventura’s expression grew earnest and solemn.
“Her Majesty specially emphasized this. Summoning you this time isn’t a decree or one-sided order.”
“What did she say?”
“It’s a polite and earnest ‘request’ from one ruler to you.”
Hearing Count Ventura’s answer,
Lloyd clenched his fist in secret.
*Success.*
He’d turned one-sided orders
into polite requests.
A small-seeming, yet monumental shift had begun.