Chapter 9: The Loyal Lackey

Chapter 9

His constant attempts to manipulate others, treating them as mere pawns in his schemes, hardly fit the image of a tyrant who had been poisoned in enemy territory only to be resurrected. Even possessing the magic of ‘immortality,’ he couldn’t possibly be indifferent to death. Even with a body capable of resurrection, being assassinated by a political rival should have sent him into a furious rampage. It wouldn’t have been unusual for him to detain and interrogate everyone involved. Yet, he had done no such thing.

‘He was the culprit himself.’

Initiating a search for the perpetrator would only expose his own vulnerability. Only by harboring no grudge over the poisoning could he speak with such casual indifference. If he truly believed Margrave Flam had sought his life, he would never be able to feign affection for the margrave’s daughter. The realization that Margrave Flam’s prediction had been accurate left her utterly overwhelmed.

‘…This is dangerous.’

Truly perilous. She had mistakenly believed Erich to be a cunning man, entering into a political marriage merely to expose the suspicions of his rivals and exploit their weaknesses as hostages. She was entirely mistaken. He was a tyrant.

‘He intends to kill me, no matter what.’

This wasn’t some vague animosity, like ‘finding a pretext.’ To have thought that proving her lack of rebellious intent would resolve everything was an act of profound naiveté. This man intended to dismantle the anti-imperial faction, even if it meant fabricating reasons to find fault. Despite his noble upbringing as a crown prince, he was prepared to embrace death, even to the extent of scorching his own esophagus and stomach.

‘So, everyone truly was worried about me…’

How many tears had her family and servants held back during her journey here? Even for a political marriage, marrying a handsome emperor, she had thought their sorrow excessive. Yet, it seemed everyone but her had known Erich’s true nature to their very bones. Only Evening had completely misjudged the true depth of the resentment Erich had accumulated. One wrong step, and she would surely plummet into the abyss. Erich Winb was a far more dangerous individual than she had ever imagined. Even armed with knowledge of the future, her anxiety refused to subside.

“Must I still wait?”

As Evening agonized over her next move, Erich, growing impatient, recrossed his legs and pressed her. She felt as if she were being choked. Evening weakly slid from her seat, dropping to her knees before Erich, who awaited her compliant submission.

“Hmph.”

Erich gazed down at Evening, who knelt demurely between his widely spread thighs. The Emperor’s carriage was spacious, so kneeling before the seat did not feel cramped.

“To go that far already seems rather bold—”

“I was mistaken, Your Majesty.”

Evening cut him off, bowing her head like a loyal retainer.

“I was far too… presumptuous in my assumptions.”

To think she could serve as both his Empress and his retainer. It was a delusion born of ignorance regarding her true standing. Having firmly grasped her precarious position, Evening clasped her trembling hands and raised her gaze. His clear blue eyes, reflecting her image, held a subtle, mocking glint. Yet, Evening did not falter. Clutching the family motto from her past life to her heart, she made a resolute vow, her face set with determination.

“I am not your wife. I am…”

“Hm?”

Erich narrowed his eyes at the negative phrasing, which Evening had employed to dramatically emphasize her impending declaration. Before he could interject, Evening swiftly delivered her resolve.

“I am Your Majesty’s most faithful lackey.”

She had abandoned all notions of elegant titles like Empress or retainer. Only by adopting an infinitely humble posture, serving as his lackey, could she hope to even marginally win his favor. Thankfully, Evening excelled at being a devoted lackey.

“Lackey…?”

However, Erich, having been raised within the confines of the palace, had no concept of what a ‘lackey’ was. The usually stoic Erich furrowed his brow, mulling over a word he had never encountered before.

****

“His Majesty has returned!”

With the resounding proclamation of the guard, Erich and his retinue returned to the Imperial Palace. For a party returning from an engagement ceremony in a distant margravial territory, the procession was remarkably humble. The number of guards and attendants was meager, and the carriage itself lacked the splendor befitting an Emperor. There were no musicians or dancers to herald the imperial grandeur. Were it not for the Emperor’s banners at the vanguard and rearguard, one might have assumed a mere viscount was traveling. Upon witnessing the Emperor’s unbefitting return procession, officials gathered in small clusters, gnashing their teeth in indignation.

“Tsk, how could he possibly…”

“To receive the Margrave’s daughter in such a state. Does he truly comprehend the strategic importance of Margrave Flam’s territory?”

“Is it not precisely because he understands its importance that he seeks marriage with the Margrave’s house?”

“Is that the attitude of someone trying to foster good relations? It’s a transparent ploy to take her hostage. How can he be so utterly ignorant of the unwritten rules among nobles…”

“Does he not know? He acts thus, fully aware!”

A heated debate erupted over the procession, deemed utterly unfitting for the reception of the noble daughter of the Margrave’s house, a family that had steadfastly defended the borderlands adjacent to Ailebarn.

“Even if he were bringing in the daughter of a humble baronial house, he would have shown more decorum than this.”

The Chancellor, a pillar of the nation and court, scowled, making no effort to conceal his displeasure.

“To have reduced the nation to such a state within just two years of his ascension, tsk!”

It had been two years since his ascension, following the demise of the previous Emperor. Erich Winb reigned, in every sense of the word, as a tyrant. He was no conventional tyrant, one who would indiscriminately swing a sword at commoners in the marketplace or execute anyone who displeased him. Erich Winb was far more cunning, and several times more problematic, than that. A blood-crazed madman could simply be deposed and cast aside. For no one would follow a lunatic who had strayed from the path of humanity. Yet, he was rational and cunning. He would disregard noble opposition, using his privileges to force through unreasonable demands. He would exploit their weakness for justification, even taking a rival’s daughter as Empress, as he was doing now. And then, he would deliver such indirect insults. Not by striking first, but by provoking Margrave Flam into a furious outburst. Alternatively, he might compel Margrave Flam, anxious for his daughter, to submit, thereby destabilizing the core of the anti-imperial faction. Perhaps he harbored ambitions even grander than these. Rumors also circulated that he intended to rekindle the flames of a great war with Ailebarn, a nation long since defunct. Such an endeavor would demand immense sacrifice, yet for an Emperor possessing the magic of ‘immortality,’ his own life held no precious value.

“Tsk! His Majesty descends. Everyone, hold your tongues.”

The carriage halted, and the attendants formed a long line. Upon witnessing a bandit-like guard knight open the carriage door, the Chancellor raised a hand, silencing his faction. The hushed whispers concerning Erich gradually faded.

“Welcome back, Your Majesty.”

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

As the Chancellor bowed, the court nobles trailing behind him bowed in unison.

“To personally greet me? Thank you for your consideration, Chancellor.”

Erich, alighting languidly from the door held open by the grim-faced guard, offered a casual greeting. The Chancellor’s gaze was fixed intently on Erich, who continued to exhibit little behavior befitting an Emperor.

“It is none other than the engagement between Your Majesty and the Margrave Flam’s daughter; thus, I could not fail to make an appearance. Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Receiving congratulations from the Chancellor who most strenuously opposed it makes this moment feel all the more delightful.”

“It will not be easy for one from the borderlands to adapt to the capital, so my concerns persist. However, what good would it do to find fault with an engagement already finalized? I merely hope the two of you fare well.”

If Margrave Flam served as the focal point for the provincial nobility, the Chancellor was the undisputed leader of the anti-imperial faction within the capital. Veins visibly bulged on the back of the Chancellor’s hand, a man who, as the foremost figure of the anti-imperial faction, had vehemently opposed the marriage of Erich and Evening. He gnashed his teeth at the thought of the Emperor, who had, under the flimsy pretext of ‘loving Evening,’ relentlessly pushed through the engagement.

“As the capital and the margravial territory are far distant, she will undoubtedly suffer physical fatigue, and the differing customs and climate will surely cause her much emotional distress. I feel remorseful that she has been compelled to marry so far from her homeland due to matters of state, and thus, I must offer a word of caution.”

It was a remark that transparently conveyed the sentiment: ‘Did you truly lure a woman thriving in her homeland with lies, only to drag her all the way here, you scoundrel?’ Erich, standing with a casual lean, feigned indifference to the Chancellor’s words as he extended a hand into the carriage. A hand, considerably smaller and fairer than a man’s, emerged and grasped Erich’s.

“The people of the borderlands have their own unique customs. In those harsh lands, frequently beset by war, strength, whether in men or women, is considered a virtue. They do not smile readily, nor do spouses often show overt affection.”

The Chancellor, originally a noble lord from the southwestern region, had ties to Margrave Flam, who governed the southwestern border. He had seen Evening several times in her childhood and again when she became popular in society as an adult. Unlike her brother, whose specialty was healing magic, Evening possessed a natural ability to chill those around her, and she proudly maintained a cool and haughty demeanor befitting her power. Revered as a warrior destined to protect her territory, she was fiercely proud and meticulous in noble etiquette. The platinum-haired girl had been raised with the flawless treatment of a perfect princess. How much emotional torment must she be enduring, caught in an unwanted marriage? She had tearfully accepted the marriage for the sake of her family, but surely she wished to bite her tongue rather than endure Erich, who lacked imperial decorum. The Chancellor wished to ease Evening’s burden as much as possible. All he could do to help her in the Imperial Palace was to offer excuses for her brusque demeanor.

“Evening is a fine daughter of the borderlands. Having inherited strong magic, she also firmly embodies the spirit of the Margrave’s heroes. It will take time for her to adapt to the capital, and Your Majesty will have to be understanding.”

“There’s no need to say all that. Despite everyone’s worries, Eve and I get along splendidly. Come here, Eve.”

Erich wiggled a finger at Evening, who had stepped out of the carriage, holding his hand. The Chancellor snorted at the gesture, which resembled calling a dog or a cat.

“Evening? Haha, Your Majesty.”

The Chancellor, knowing how haughty Evening Flam was, couldn’t help but scoff. She was famed for not even offering a ceremonial smile at parties she disliked. Even if she had accepted the marriage for her family, her steadfast spirit surely remained. Evening Flam, possessing both elegant beauty that suited her stoic face and powerful magic, was a proud warrior. That was the Evening Flam they knew.

“Yes~”

However, to their disbelief, Evening trotted obediently after Erich’s gesture, like a puppy.

“…Your Majesty still misunderstands women. A noblewoman, contrary to outward appearances—”

“Is far more loyal.”

Evening cut off the Chancellor’s words. A bewildered silence fell among the Chancellor and his faction, utterly taken aback by her unexpected response.