Episode 14
Given that Callisteon wasn’t the type of character to sketch out such a clever groundwork in such a short time, the refugee problem must indeed be real.
‘I probably got some hints from the argument I overheard between him and Len earlier.’
Of course, the Grand Duke of Babenberg was as cold and calculating as anyone when it came to extracting payment. Even before he became Grand Duke, he had earned the nickname ‘The Serpent of Babenberg’.
‘Though, of course, I was the one who gave it to him.’
As the Emperor looked troubled, Rurik appropriately stepped in and asked Callisteon,
“It seems the refugees who fled by sea during the war are unaware of the Empire’s peace policy. Would it be acceptable for us to conduct appropriate publicity and assist them in returning to their homeland?”
Callisteon agreed immediately.
“If you would be so kind, it would be a most grateful matter for us.”
The Emperor’s expression finally relaxed.
“Thank you for your understanding. I will promptly select and send officials to resolve the issue.”
The Emperor, who was busy using his second son to play the part of a conqueror, seemed sensitive to population matters. Babenberg enjoyed easy wealth due to its immeasurably vast deposits of magic stones, but Brentani was based on agriculture, making population numbers crucial.
‘A population decrease directly affects production output.’
So, when the wealthy Grand Duke, instead of focusing on settling the already arrived refugees, promised to simply send them back, the Emperor had no choice but to be satisfied.
Rurik briefly met my eyes and then knelt on one knee before the Emperor.
“If you would permit it, I would like to go myself, combining it with my leave.”
The Emperor burst out laughing.
“Your intent is admirable, but if I send my son, who just brought news of victory after three years, back to the border without even a chance to cool down, what would others think of this father?”
Working him like a dog and then pretending to consider his well-being.
Seeing my chance, I cautiously interjected.
“Isn’t Heim just north of the Caesarea Monastery? It might be good for Brother, who must be weary from the war, to visit the monastery on his way, for the healing of his mind and body.”
The Emperor suddenly looked at me.
“It’s been a while since I heard your voice, youngest. You want to strengthen your sibling bond while you have the chance, is that it?”
Did I stick my nose in for nothing?
Just as I started to regret it, the Emperor tilted his head slightly and said,
“Then again, Friar Didio is there, isn’t he?”
Typical of the Emperor, who loved to feign piety.
I too performed my utmost acting, bowing my head.
“I humbly request it, Your Majesty.”
Perhaps because Rurik bowed his head alongside me, the Emperor soon let out a hearty laugh and granted my plea.
“It is too far a journey to take leisurely under the pretext of rest. Travel with the Lord of the Magic Tower.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As Rurk gave his answer, Len silently bowed his head behind him.
It was then that Callisteon spoke up again.
“Since His and Her Highness are gracing Babenberg with their presence, might I invite you to the Grand Ducal residence for a short while?”
The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched for a moment, then he smiled slyly and replied,
“Now that I think of it, you and my youngest daughter graduated from the academy together, didn’t you? Are the two of you acquainted?”
“If there is ever an opportunity to deepen that acquaintance, I have no intention of letting it pass.”
The Emperor smiled so contentedly in that moment that I immediately realized he was eager to sell me off to Callisteon at a high price.
‘Now I understand the expression Phoebe made when I mentioned getting married.’
Although I could feel Chirila’s intense gaze from not far away, the journey to meet the female lead was confirmed nonetheless.
Before leaving the banquet hall, I slowed my pace, putting some distance between myself and Rurik and Callisteon. I then approached the Emperor and bowed deeply.
“Your Majesty, there is actually one more thing I wish to say…”
Back in my room, Len exploded with the fury he had been holding back.
“You cowardly bastard! I wanted to chop off the hand I was about to shake with you earlier.”
We didn’t even shake hands…
Although Len’s tirade was, of course, directed at Callisteon, the latter didn’t even scoff.
“Are you upset that I mentioned my friendship with Lou? Or are you upset that His Majesty only questioned me so directly, Lord of the Magic Tower?”
“What?! You vile bastard…!”
I struggled to prevent Len from setting Babenberg or the Grand Duke on fire again, but Callisteon continued to provoke him.
“It seems you’ve forgotten the meaning of the ‘truce’ established long ago. Were its terms not precisely two?”
But at those words, my ears perked up as well.
‘To be honest, I’ve been curious every time they mention this “truce.”‘
The terms were surprisingly straightforward.
“First, do not formally request courtship from Lou. Second, do not submit a marriage proposal to the Imperial family.”
Callisteon, puffing out his chest triumphantly, declared loudly,
“As you’ve just heard, I have not yet proposed. However, should His Majesty himself suggest marriage… I would not refuse.”
I told you I can’t marry you right now!
I wanted to scream at that point, but before I could, a knock was heard.
—Knock knock.
I would have welcomed anyone who could save me from this chaos…
However, standing outside the open door was Rurik, his face as fierce as Len’s.
“Grand Duke. I need a word with you. In private.”
So, wanting to deepen his ‘friendship’ with me was considered such a transgression in this world?
‘I mean, the Earth is round, can’t we all just get along?’
Of course, the Emperor, upon hearing it, had smiled slickly like a multi-level marketer trying to sell his most expensive jade slab, so perhaps Callisteon had been too hasty.
Anyway, if Callisteon wanted Rurik as a brother-in-law, now was the time to agree to the talk.
“Sigh…”
After the two of them left, I took out the medicine box Callisteon had sent me, right in front of Len. I then opened the jar labeled ‘For When You Miss Len’ and popped a yellow candy into my mouth.
Immediately, Len became docile, coming to sit opposite me like an obedient child.
‘He was just angry and had low blood sugar…’
It seemed he had firmly misinterpreted something upon seeing the jar’s label.
‘You think I’d miss you just because I’m looking at you right now?’
I’m a pacifist, for goodness sake!
Unaware of my inner frustration, Len, with a shy hand, lightly touched my sleeve and spoke.
“Lou, about me getting angry earlier…”
Before he could make an excuse, I fired back sharply.
“It was very bad for the prenatal education. For me and our baby.”
Len gulped.
A few strands of his glossy black hair fell loose and stuck to his forehead.
‘He’s definitely reacting to me saying “our” baby.’
The Lord of the Magic Tower, who had been flying into a rage as if he feared nothing in the world, hung his head the next moment with a dark expression.
“I’m sorry, Lou. I was wrong…”
Satisfied that I could manage the Lord of the Magic Tower, I opened the candy jar again. I took out a red candy and offered it, but instead of his palm, his lips approached. And then they parted unnecessarily, precariously.
‘Good heavens…’
Compared to how he’d been earlier, grabbing Callisteon like he was catching a rat, this was quite the act.
I hesitated for a moment, but eventually slipped the small candy between his red lips.
In that brief moment, Len seemed to become a completely different person, his ears turning bright red as he lowered his gaze.
Sitting face-to-face with him like this, thankfully, a sense of mental stability quickly returned.
‘Well, prenatal education involving handsome men was a trend back in Korea too.’
I rationalized my fickle heart in that way.
