Chapter 57
‘Why is he interfering again? He gains nothing from this.’
Argana ground her teeth as she stared intently at the Prince of So.
But he didn’t even glance her way. With an unreadable expression—halfway between a smile and not—he continued speaking.
“Your Majesty Khan, as far as I know, this man called Tatas is from Tahijin. How could a foreigner be appointed as a royal inspector? Moreover, canal works are not such a major undertaking. They are carried out in many places. It seems Her Highness the Princess is overly concerned simply because she is a woman.”
What?
Flames sparked in Argana’s eyes.
The officials around her instantly felt the air grow icy cold, so much so that it was difficult to even breathe.
They cast reproachful glances at the Prince of So, who had unnecessarily added the phrase ‘because she is a woman’.
Yet, despite the Khan’s silence, the Prince of So kept talking.
“The canal works in the west are progressing without problems. If a royal inspector were sent and started poking about, it would only stir up the people and cause needless unrest.”
If I could just slap that smirking face of his once, I’d have no regrets.
Grinding her teeth inwardly, Argana stepped forward firmly.
“Father, I beg to speak. Our Dar Empire is a nation composed of many peoples. Among them, Tahijin is an old ally—so close that you yourself have called it a ‘nation of friends.’ Though Tatas is of Tahijin birth, he already holds office here, which does not violate the laws of Dar. Yet, perhaps because Your Highness is a man, your prejudice seems rather deep.”
The Prince of So bowed his head slightly toward her.
“If my words offended Your Highness the Princess, then I apologize. However, I see no further reason to discuss the inspector matter. Why waste manpower on something unnecessary?”
“Father, a royal inspector must be dispatched. The Itun River is wide and vast. If anything happens, it will already be too late by then.”
As their dispute threatened to drag on, the Khan quieted them.
From Astrakhan Khan’s point of view, he did wish to send an inspector as Argana suggested. But the Prince of So’s point—that “it will only stir unrest”—was not without merit either.
“What do the others think?”
When he asked, Ishuder stepped forward.
“Father, I agree with the Prince of So. Dispatching an inspector is, in my view, unnecessary.”
At that moment, a lower-ranking official cautiously spoke up. He was not of high status, but like Tatas, he was trusted by everyone for his sincerity.
“Your Majesty, I believe the Princess makes a valid point. Moreover, no royal inspector has been sent to the western region for a long time. This would be a good opportunity to review the state of the garrisons and the people’s sentiments.”
Murmurs began to spread. From what Argana could hear, opinions seemed divided about evenly.
If only there were someone to strike a decisive blow right now…
But unfortunately, Argana was not particularly close with the civil officials.
“Father.”
Just then, a clear, dignified male voice rang out, silencing the hall.
“Ayur, would you also share your thoughts?”
“Yes. I agree with Argana. As for Tatas, I know a little about him. He is upright and would never be swayed by bribes. If another had been recommended as inspector, I might have hesitated. But since Argana chose Tatas, I trust she had her reasons. It is also necessary to properly examine the situation in the west.”
Then Ayur cast a quick glance at Argana, as if to pass the closing words to her.
Argana swiftly flashed him a grateful look and turned back to her father.
“Father, though Bongang and Gosan are calm at present, the west has always been a battlefield. This is a chance to inspect the situation thoroughly.”
The Khan nodded. That small gesture alone was as good as a final decision.
“Very well. Tatas shall be appointed as royal inspector. Within three days, he will prepare his entourage and set out for the west.”
“Wise indeed.”
Ishuder, the Prince of So, Ayur, and Argana all withdrew and returned to their places.
Ishuder could hardly contain his frustration. His lips trembled, his whole face twisted as if he might scream aloud at any moment.
The Prince of So’s eyes flicked toward him.
Quietly, so Ishuder would not notice, he studied him for a long time.
After court ended, Ishuder was the first to step outside. The cool air made him feel a little better, but the knot of resentment in his chest would not loosen.
Why is Argana allowed, but not me?
Has Father already decided Argana will be his heir, and believes the rest of his children are not even worth considering…?
“Prince Ishuder.”
Startled, he turned at the voice behind him—it was the Prince of So.
They usually had little interaction, so Ishuder wondered why he was speaking to him now. But he first offered the proper greeting.
“Your Highness.”
“Mm, I have always thought you a very clever man. But what happened today? One must never show such emotion in court.”
A faint blush rose to Ishuder’s cheeks.
“…I was careless.”
“Haha, there is no need to apologize to me. But the Khan is watching you closely. If he rebukes you, it is because he has high expectations. Always be mindful of your words and actions.”
Is that really so? Ishuder thought bitterly. No—this man understands nothing.
The way he had needlessly remarked to Argana ‘because she is a woman’ earlier was proof enough of how poorly he grasped the Khan’s heart.
“…I will take your advice to heart.”
“Good, good. I wish your aide a swift recovery.”
“On his behalf, I thank you.”
The Prince of So stroked his beard with satisfaction and strolled away leisurely.
Already frayed nerves twisted now into burning rage. If you’re going to speak, at least know what you’re talking about…
At that moment, a familiar palace attendant came running toward him.
“Your Highness the Prince!”
“Are you not from Hangchun Palace?”
“Yes, I am. Your Highness, Her Majesty Empress Marata requests your presence urgently. Please come at once.”
“Mother?”
Ishuder quickly set off, though unease gnawed at him.
It was likely Empress Marata had already heard what happened at court.
If she was summoning him for some other matter, that would be one thing—but if it was truly about that…
This is maddening.
He bit down on a sigh and quickened his pace.
Two days later, Tatas received his appointment as royal inspector and, with no choice but to obey, departed reluctantly for the west.
Argana, meanwhile, felt refreshed. As she ate a warm bowl of sweet goat’s-milk porridge, she began mapping out her plans in her head.
By the time Lady Huiju delivers her information, Tatas should also have returned. Whichever arrives first, combining their findings will give me a clear picture.
As Argana finished the last spoonful of porridge, Barta, who had been waiting, spoke with a teasing expression.
“Even after such a hearty luncheon, Her Highness the Princess still managed to finish a whole bowl of porridge. You must be growing much taller.”
“I hope so. If I get taller, I’ll even be able to look down on Ishuder and Brother Ayur.”
Barta burst into laughter.
“But surely there is someone else who needs to grow taller, isn’t there, Your Highness?”
“What? Who? Don’t tell me you mean Kartak?”
“Of course not. He is tall enough already.”
Just then, the voice of a child chattering outside drifted in.
As Argana peeked over Barta’s shoulder, something small and round, like a baby bear, came tumbling inside.
“Honestly, Barta! How long are you going to keep telling my sister that I’m small?”
