Chapter 52
Argana did not back down and responded in kind.
“Then, Brother, what exactly were you trying to do, bringing along someone as vile as that? What on earth was your purpose in attacking Kartak?”
It was only now that Ishuder realized that this commotion had originated from Kartak’s injury.
However, Kartak had only a slight bruise—no fractures or serious damage—while Ishuder’s subordinate had been brutally beaten all over, even breaking a collarbone. Anger surged within him.
“In a duel, anything can happen. Yet you let such a minor incident render my subordinate incapacitated!”
“Hah! I’ll return those words to you. Anything can happen in a duel. If you didn’t want your subordinate to suffer a debilitating injury, you should have trained diligently instead of wasting your time on petty tricks.”
Ishuder’s fist trembled. But his pride restrained him. Raising his voice further here against Argana would surely spread rumors that would reflect poorly on him.
Moreover, he had neither the skill to take revenge on Hojak nor the closeness to Argana to justify defending her with such intensity.
All he could do was seethe with rage at the humiliation inflicted upon his pride by Argana.
“You treat foreign hostages so casually… I suppose I’ve been far too harsh in judging you.”
At Ishuder’s sneer, Argana’s eyes burned with even more intensity.
“Watch your words. The Emperor brought them to the empire so they could understand the formalities and laws of Dahr, preventing any future diplomatic issues. That’s hardly something to belittle.”
“….”
“And you accuse me of coddling Kartak? Of course I do. Unlike my unhelpful brothers, he is my friend and my one true companion. Did you think I would stand idly by while someone I care for suffered such vile acts?”
“…It was merely chance. How could one control the wind?”
“Hah! Try saying that in front of Kartak. I know how desperately you want to get rid of him. Why? Are you afraid he might take your place or even become the Emperor’s adopted child?”
“What did you say!”
A spark seemed to ignite in Ishuder’s eyes. He wanted to strike her, but he dared not. His anger burned, yet he had no proper target.
It wasn’t wrong for him to be wary or suspicious of Kartak. But, as Argana suggested, he was not afraid of losing his position.
What troubled him was the power Kartak might hold in the future.
Kartak was only seventeen now, and in two years he would return to become King of Tahijin.
Though Tahijin was a state under Dahr, it had formidable military and diplomatic power, a nation Astrahan Khan himself called a “friend of the empire.”
If such a force supported Argana, Ishuder could be pushed even further aside in the succession struggle.
Though he was the eldest son, he was illegitimate. By blood, Ayur, born from Ayursiran—brother to the crown prince—was much closer to the true line of succession.
Yet Ishuder could not voice this thought. Doing so would only make him appear pathetic and foolish.
“…If such a thing happens again, I will not stand idly by. I will report it to the Emperor as well.”
“Brother, you too must refrain from using dirty tricks to trouble my people in the future.”
Argana emphasized the words “dirty tricks,” then threw a wooden practice sword at his feet before turning away coldly.
Watching her attendants drape the fine white cloak over her shoulders, Ishuder’s gaze wavered cautiously.
“That cloak… is made from the pelt of the white wolf the Khan hunted himself, isn’t it?”
“They say it was gifted to Her Highness the Princess. Perhaps the Khan values her more than the other princes.”
Memories of overhearing such remarks resurfaced.
At that time, Argana was fourteen, too small to wear a cloak made from wolf fur. The Khan had surely expected her to grow into it, and she had met his expectations.
This was far more than a father giving his daughter a single garment. The Khan personally giving rare, flawless hunted fur to his child symbolized that he could entrust her with anything.
“I will never let it go. Never.”
Ishuder bit his lips until they bled. But the feeling of defeat that struck his chest could not be erased. He began to ponder how he might repay this.
After dining with Bogatena, Argana visited Soya and Tena’s mother alone.
Three years ago, she had been granted the title of Lady Huiju (roughly equivalent to a Western Marchioness) and appeared very fatigued from having met the Khan, multiple empresses, concubines, and close ladies-in-waiting too many times.
Nevertheless, she greeted Argana with a bright smile, warmly holding her hand as she entered.
“Her Highness the Princess remains as remarkable as ever. How graceful and lovely she is.”
Argana held a warm bowl of tangpa, bowing lightly in return.
“Is everyone in good health?”
“Yes. Thanks to the Khan’s careful oversight, everyone is well.”
“That’s a relief. With the western region becoming more stable, your mind can rest more easily.”
Lady Huiju exhaled a light sigh of relief.
“Indeed. That is the greatest comfort.”
Yet, at the end of her words, worry lingered. Argana, perceptive, asked swiftly.
“Yet it seems you are troubled. Is there something amiss in the household?”
“Oh, your Highness’s perceptiveness is truly unmatched.”
Lady Huiju smiled, letting her shoulders droop as she spoke.
“Recently, there has been much dissatisfaction among the peasants and soldiers. If ignored, it could lead to unrest, and my husband is quite concerned.”
“Dissatisfaction… due to what?”
“Taxes have increased, but wages have been reduced. Matters of livelihood are always the most sensitive.”
Argana understood. Projects like improving or developing waterways required tremendous funds, naturally raising taxes. Meanwhile, with the western borders quieter, soldiers’ pay could be reduced to allocate funds elsewhere.
“Doesn’t your uncle oversee the finances? Is there no issue?”
“Well… he seldom discusses outside affairs with me, but there don’t seem to be any problems as of now.”
The concerns mentioned referred to typical embezzlement cases. If the western officials were not exploiting funds, the situation would be far more complex, leaving Argana uneasy.
Sighing, Lady Huiju continued.
“Moreover, the western region… if I may speak frankly, it is practically the Turegen family’s backyard. Even low-ranking officials scramble to form connections within Turegen, and those without ties to the family are often ostracized.”
Argana gave a wry smile.
“Prince Yoshmut… no, the matter of Wangun hasn’t spread that far yet, has it? And yet they still scramble to form connections.”
“Some have caught wind quietly, but most believe the matter will soon be resolved favorably.”
