Chapter 22
Suddenly interrupted by the fierce voice of his father, Ishuder showed a hint of surprise, but he was not someone who would act cautiously or be quick to react in front of anyone.
If he thought something was right, even if it meant losing his life, he would speak his mind. His stubborn nature made itself apparent once again, without hesitation.
“Father, you were once a brave general in your youth, renowned for your courage. You possess all the military strategies and tactics that have made this empire what it is. Surely, there is no doubt about the decisions you make, but I’ve never once heard that Tatullai has children. This is an unnecessary risk. Please, issue a command and have him removed immediately.”
Astrahan listened to his son’s words, but did not respond.
At that moment, Arghana, sitting directly opposite, met Ayur’s gaze. She realized the meaning behind his look and sighed quietly.
“Ishuder, there must be a successor in Tatullai’s line.”
“Arghana, I did not tell you this. I am now speaking to Father about…”
“This is something I’ve already brought to Father directly. So please, hear me out first.”
Ishuder’s face reddened. Always calm and reserved, he seemed to think Arghana was completely mistaken in her judgment this time.
“What makes you so sure? Haven’t you never even seen Tatullai’s child?”
“Of course, I haven’t. But don’t you know, Brother? Tatullai fought a brutal battle with his brothers to become the king. He killed not only his half-brothers but even his full brothers without hesitation. There’s a rumor that he even displayed their corpses at the palace entrance so that no one could believe that any of them might still be alive. Are you not aware of this?”
Tirselan, who was sitting beside her, quickly covered his mouth, stifling a gasp. He was so scared that he hiccupped.
Arghana gently patted her brother’s back before continuing.
“Tatullai may have secured the throne through swift decisions and tactics, but he couldn’t kill every person related to his brothers. As you know, the Sidan people were once pirates and thieves, struggling to survive.”
“So?”
“So, even though Tatullai currently sits on the throne, there are certainly those who wish to take him down. If they learn that he has a child, do you think they would just ignore it?”
“Is that supposed to be proof? What does having a child have to do with anything?”
For a moment, Arghana couldn’t hold back a sigh.
Ishuder’s lips pressed tightly together as if he had been humiliated, but seeing that they were in front of the Khan, he dared not raise his voice. He only glared at her.
“Imagine if you were Tatullai. Would you give up the throne—taken through bloodshed and struggles—just like that, to someone who is not a successor but your enemy?”
Ishuder didn’t answer. He was taken aback, realizing he had been caught up in Arghana’s argument.
“Tatullai must have a successor hidden away because he’s earned many enemies. When the time comes, he will reveal them.”
“But all of this is just speculation, Arghana. It’s no better than guesswork!”
“Enough!”
The Khan spoke in a serious tone, and Arghana immediately turned towards her father and respectfully apologized.
“I apologize for disturbing your mood, Father.”
“It’s fine. You are my children, the future leaders of this empire. It’s good to see you seriously discussing issues that threaten the empire. But today, since you’re all gathered, let’s set this aside and enjoy our meal with a lighter heart.”
“Yes, Father.”
At this point, Ishuder too had no choice but to abandon the argument, just like Arghana.
The Khan ordered the food to be brought, and servants began entering in sequence, placing plates on the table.
At that moment, the outside of the tent became noisy, and the flap was thrown open.
“Ah, Father, I’m sorry I’m late…”
“Sit down.”
Yoshmut, trembling, sat down in one of the empty seats. His hasty movements and furtive glances as he looked around made him resemble a rat. His disheveled clothes and hair were an eyesore.
“Straighten yourself up. You’re a prince, and this is disgraceful.”
The Khan glared at Yoshmut, but he didn’t dare speak further. Yoshmut scrambled to tidy up his clothes and hair.
When he moved his arms, a faint floral scent lingered, the kind you’d expect from someone who spent time in a brothel.
“Yoshmut, you smell lovely.”
Tirselan said innocently, and Arghana couldn’t help but laugh. Ayur’s face, too, showed a mocking smile, which made Yoshmut’s face turn bright red.
The Khan, seemingly aware of Yoshmut’s actions and the scent, glared at him with distaste before changing the subject.
“Now, everyone is here. Let’s raise our glasses. Who will be the first to raise a toast for your father?”
Arghana softly spoke up.
“As Father said, we are all gathered here. How about we take turns raising a toast, one by one?”
Ishuder’s expression was almost imperceptibly contorted. Fortunately, the Khan didn’t seem to notice, and with a subtle smile, he responded.
“You are indeed wise. Let’s start with Tirselan.”
The youngest, Tirselan, stood up, trembling, holding his glass tightly.
“Ah… Father, I pray that you, who worry so much about overworking, please preserve your health and rest when needed.”
Everyone laughed at his childish way of speaking.
Even the Khan, seeing his youngest son, chuckled and nodded.
“Well done, thank you.”
Next was Arghana’s turn.
With unwavering elegance and the bravery of a general, she firmly raised her glass, slowly looking at her father and brothers before speaking.
“The reign you have established, Father, will be remembered for ten thousand years by the descendants who will one day walk these lands. Please…”
A moment of uncomfortable silence fell.
Not only the others but Arghana herself lowered her gaze in embarrassment.
At the same time, a tear fell, silently, onto the table, staining the silk.
“Arghana, what’s wrong?”
Her father’s concerned voice didn’t reach her.
The words she had intended to say, “Long live the emperor,” suddenly felt so shallow. The thought of the illness that was still raging inside her father made her throat go dry and her speech falter.
But soon, Arghana regained her composure and wiped her eyes.
With a smile as though nothing had happened, she spoke.
“I’m sorry for showing such weakness. It’s just that, with all of us gathered here, my heart feels so full.”
“Girls are always so dramatic.”
Yoshmut muttered without realizing the situation, but Arghana didn’t even look at him and raised her glass once again.
“The emperor, the sun of our empire, may your grace extend beyond the far plains and touch the heavens. Father, please preserve your health.”
“Thank you. Your words bring comfort to this old father.”
Afterward, the rest of the brothers took their turns, each offering a toast in turn. Everyone drank from their glasses of mare’s milk.
