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After a while of Burgai desperately pleading for their lives to the Empire…

The Empire, steeped in contemplation after contemplation (even though plans were already laid out), finally reached a conclusion.

They brushed aside various opposing opinions (which were, of course, just formalities).

“Your Majesty, I shall go. I will fulfill their request for the Empire’s mercy and show them His Majesty the Emperor’s grace.”

It was none other than the Crown Princess herself who boldly spoke those words.

Naturally, countless Ministers and Nobles gasped in shock and tried to dissuade the Crown Princess.

Why should the Crown Princess go when others could easily be sent instead?

Though they cried for their lives to the Empire, they had only recently been the enemy.

Those who had even declared war might act unpredictably now that they were begging for mercy.

As those worries poured in, the Crown Princess smiled gently and spoke.

“If they have the energy to harm me, then it would be better for them to take care of their own people.”

How can they dare to use such filthy tactics when they are the ones asking for help from the Empire, having lost all power and energy?

With that statement, the Crown Princess put pressure on Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand alike.

Upon hearing that news, Polrand pushed Burgai even harder, as if to bring them to their end.

They were already struggling due to the floods.

If there was even a hint of foolishness from them, they would face demise together.

From their perspective, this was understandable; they were only just beginning to thrive after getting close to the Empire.

If their former enemy were to do something foolish and ruin that, their eyes would surely turn red with rage.

Before the Empire could consume them, Polrand would definitely step up to tear them apart.

Kaden felt no differently. They had gained quite a lot without losing much in return.

Now, if they managed things well, they would be fine unless Burgai put a spanner in the works, in which case it would be quite infuriating.

Lastly, of course, Burgai had no intention of doing anything so insane.

It was a world where even a somewhat prosperous noble family would not harm each other.

They understood well that when one person breaks the order, chaos would ensue.

Above all, they realized that the one holding the reins was not themselves but the Empire.

They were not foolish enough to stir up a massive bloodbath.

Still, the reason the Crown Princess said these words was simple.

Just like Kael had done. To give them no chance to unite even a little.

To divide. And further divide. Splitting until nothing is left but one.

After that, they would be embraced by the Empire, feeling comfort within and slowly melting into it.

“Go and return.”

Finally granted permission by the Emperor, the Crown Princess headed toward the eastern border.

Thanks to that, one more justification emerged: the movement of the Eastern Legion.

How could the Crown Princess, the second-in-command of the Empire, travel without the military following her?

Immediately, two of the existing waiting legions began to follow behind the Crown Princess.

Normally, the three eastern kingdoms should have been shaken to the core by such movements.

However, because the justification set forth by the Empire was to quell the confusion in the east and provide help…

And because none other than the Crown Princess was accompanying them…

It was a reality that they could not even express the question of ‘Why is the military coming with her?’

“All three eastern kingdoms, especially Burgai, are practically paralyzed and could neither stop the troops.”

Isabelle had a brief tea time sitting across from the Emperor.

She had many things she wanted to discuss, as the Emperor had called for her as well.

“You’ve sharpened your perception of the changing situation.”

“It’s thanks to the person beside me who is so outstanding at that. Unknowingly, I’ve learned a lot. Your Majesty, thanks to that, I can contribute even more to the Empire.”

While saying this, Isabelle had no choice but to keep an eye on the Emperor’s reactions.

Though Kael had told her not to worry, it was only natural to be concerned.

What if she was recognized as a rival to the Crown Princess, her sister?

“Second Princess.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“…”

Having called for Isabelle, the Emperor fell silent, only gazing at his second daughter.

Why is he acting like this? Just as concern was about to creep in for Isabelle…

“…Bel.”

When the Emperor called her by the affectionate name, Isabelle flinched in surprise.

She knew all too well there was no bad meaning or intention behind it.

That said, it was only natural to be flustered when it came from the Emperor himself.

“I heard you recommended your brother for the journey south.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“May I ask why?”

“I believe the Crown Prince, my brother, would be better suited for it.”

She had been the one to bring the southern kingdoms under the Empire’s shade.

But when it came down to it, Isabelle herself was a figure belonging to the Empire’s faction.

It would be better for the branch that was less influential to take on future matters.

“Thus, the southern kingdoms would feel more reassured.”

Though she pretended otherwise now, they would surely feel uneasy behind the scenes.

If the influence of the Empire grew too strong, the Kingdom People might rise up.

Rather, it would be much better to live under the Empire’s protection than resist it, she thought.

Then the Empire could just pretend not to notice and accept that.

Gnaius would surely provide a good answer to such concerns.

“I assure you that you will remain good friends with the Empire for as long as you wish.”

The truth was, the Empire had no intention of completely absorbing the southern kingdoms.

“Not now at least. And for some time, there is no such plan.”

Kael had told her that the order of the Empire must be maintained as it was.

That is, in order to clash with Dedorant in the west and fully subjugate their territories.

They were not to show signs of greed in other areas.

For now, the Empire takes care of Dedorant and Atria. That’s as far as it goes.

Absorbing, managing, and finally converting that territory into the Empire would take quite a lot of effort.

As long as the south was willing to surrender their nations voluntarily, friendships were enough.

“It seems there is a reason for all this.”

The Emperor seemed to already know everything with Isabelle’s response.

He wore a faint smile as if to express pride in his daughter.

“Indeed. As you said, it would be best to leave the matters regarding the trade nations and the nearby southern kingdoms to your brother.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Then, what do you intend to do? Do you plan to remain in the system quietly for a while longer?”

“…Originally, I thought that was the right approach.”

After a brief moment of thought, Isabelle finally decided to express her true feelings.

“Rather, I want to be with Prince Kael. I want to accompany him and, just as I have before, contribute to the Empire. Your Majesty.”

“Hm.”

The Emperor looked at his daughter, tilting his head slightly.

“Is that all?”

“Your Majesty?”

“Are you saying you want to help the Empire solely for that reason?”

In that moment, Isabelle felt cold sweat running down her back.

She remembered Kael telling her not to worry, yet those words blurred as she heard the Emperor’s question.

The Emperor was asking if there were no other reasons.

Was this about moving? About achieving various accolades solely in service of the Empire?

Or was he wondering if there was a hint of personal ambition, however slight, for the position of successor?

To Isabelle, the Emperor’s question seemed to lean in that direction.

“That’s the only reason, Your Majesty. I just want to serve the Empire…”

“It doesn’t seem that way to me.”

Is this pressure? Is he giving her a chance to be honest?

But this is my genuine intention. I truly only wish to serve the Empire.

What should I say to dispel his doubts?

As Isabelle internally groaned and pondered, she was interrupted.

“He’s a good person, indeed.”

“Your Majesty?”

“Kael Clausewitz. That young man told me. Told me, your father. ‘Bel, your sister is a good person.’”

“…”

Silence. Silence. And silence.

Even after the Emperor finished speaking, Isabelle could not utter a single word.

Only the Emperor should be allowed to remain silent, yet she knew this was a grave disrespect.

Her rationality had completely shut down, leaving her utterly paralyzed.

“Hm.”

The Emperor seemed quite pleased with Isabelle’s reaction.

“Good to hear.”

“Wha, what does that mean?”

“What if you had answered calmly, saying, ‘Is that so?’ My heart would be quite heavy.”

The Emperor didn’t joke around. He rarely did, but when he did, it wasn’t for enjoyment.

Thus, every word he said to Isabelle now was entirely sincere.

“Hence, I will ask you again, Bel. Is that truly all? The reason you wish to be with Kael Clausewitz.”

“Th-that…”

“There are many other ways to be of help to the Empire. If that’s what you desire, speak it. I am the Emperor of this Empire, and I should be able to grant that much.”

Loyal servants of the Empire. Children who work for the Empire.

All of them were truly precious to the Emperor. They were welcome individuals.

But that’s one thing; this frustrating scenario was another.

No. If they were a bit dull, she could understand.

Why were these clever children falling into folly when it concerned one another?

The Emperor had no intention of tolerating this vexation.

“Why the silence? Is it something you truly need to say?”

“Oh, n-no! Your Majesty!”

“If not, that means there’s some reason beyond merely helping the Empire.”

No more silence would be tolerated.

With that energy, the Emperor gazed at his daughter.

Realizing the implications of that energy, Isabelle struggled to speak.

“I, I too…”

“You too?”

“I too… think he’s a good person, Your Majesty.”

“Is that all? Are you merely going to repeat the same words?”

In response, Isabelle quickly shook her head.

“Not at all! I mean, Kael is truly a good person. He’s smart, deeply loyal, and as a noble of the Empire, he’s outstanding above anyone else. But apart from that, he’s warm-hearted, cares for others, humbly lowers himself, and is considerate of those around him…”

Mid-sentence, Isabelle caught a strange feeling and looked up.

There was the Emperor, smiling with deep satisfaction, seemingly pleased for some reason.

“It’s been reported that the only daughter of the Duke of Bertier Empire has gone to Nobogord’s Council.”

The eyes and ears of the Imperial Family were everywhere.

The Emperor was well aware of what could be allowed and what could not.

 

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