CH 8.22

I quickly unwrapped the paper after noticing a piece of parchment hanging there. Inside, there was a little inquiry written in exquisite handwriting that immediately reminded me of someone.

Found Liang 999. Where do you want it to be dropped tomorrow afternoon for a grand entrance?

It is Sir Aragon.

I was puzzled for a moment, then squinted my eyes and read it again.

He’s ‘dropping’ it off instead of dragging it from the port?

“Then… there is only one place.”

I took out my magic fountain pen and wrote it down. Then, I tied the note to the crow’s ankle, who was waiting patiently.

“Be careful on your way back.”

Caw, caw. The crow squawked as if it understood me.

There was only one word written on the note I sent back.

Imperial Palace.

‘I’m not sure what method he’s going to use to drop it off.’

But if one is planning on making their business grow, it would be better to have the emperor’s protection.

Besides, if I devour all of Cyphellion’s treasure, it’s going to cause a lot of trouble.

Voluntary tax payment painted a positive picture from both my and the imperial family’s perspectives. Of course, the most valuable item inside would be mine.

“Let’s go to the princess’s palace.”

I need to go acquire authorization since this is going to happen tomorrow. I can’t just pitch a plane in front of the Imperial Palace without getting permission.

As I got on the carriage, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

‘By the way, how is he going to earn his share if he drops the plane in front of the emperor’s palace tomorrow?’

Sir Aragon agreed to take 20% of the treasure inside the plane, but that is after paying taxes to the Emperor.

‘Hmm. He’ll let me know if he has any issues, right? ‘

Perhaps half would have to go to the Royal Family, and the rest would be mine.

I’ll arrange it like that.

That alone must be a lot of money; I’m curious how much it’s worth.

My body couldn’t sit still because I was so intrigued.

* * *

On the afternoon of a magnificent day, all the media outlets in Terran were gathered together. Newspaper reporters, magazine publishers, everyone.

Scholars researching antiquities, and even wizards were present.

There were also knights in charge of public order, as well as a considerable number of nobility.

The desert clan, which had yet to return, had taken a seat as well.

“You are really interesting. Where on earth did you find it?”

“I guess it’s luck. I didn’t know I was this lucky.”

I evaded the question with a shy smile as the princess peered at me surreptitiously.

Everyone must be curious, but I have nothing to say.

If they ask me, I can only say that my ancestors appeared in my dream and foretold its location.

Finally, numerous ministers appeared with His Majesty the Emperor.

Lacius was standing behind the emperor in golden robes.

“I haven’t slept a wink since yesterday, after hearing that you were bringing Cyphelieon’s plane here.”

The Emperor smiled broadly, clearly satisfied.

However, the ministers’ expressions were expressionless, and some did not appear happy at all.

They probably think it’s a bluff.

I was also a little nervous.

Many people gathered, so what if the plane did not appear?

What if Sir Aragon decided to monopolize all those jewels?

Because a variety of issues could arise, the insides of my hands began to sweat.

How would the plane appear? What would it look like?

Curiosity and expectation gradually grew.

Looking up, I murmured softly to the emperor, who was waiting for the jet to arrive.

“Your Majesty, have you enjoyed playing Hwatu?”

“Thanks to you, I had a good time. Actually, last night I was playing Hwatu with the chancellor—”

“Ah, Your Majesty! Please refrain from speaking such informal language outside!!”

“The chancellor is so narrow-minded*. Well, it’s understandable since I won straight in a row!”

*(It was used in this statement to define the chancellor as someone who cannot accept defeat graciously or who becomes upset when they lose a game.)

Ha ha ha!

As the emperor burst into laughter, those around him joined in.

A man with a bald head then snorted.

It was a man wearing dark gray clothes and holding a writing instrument in his hand. Overall, he seemed dull, but his eyes seemed very intelligent.

He must be the chancellor.

After taking note of his appearance and face, I returned to the main topic.

“Then, Your Majesty, may I receive a very small gift as compensation for the enjoyable time you’ve had?”

I asked cautiously, but with a clear meaning.

“Could you please give me the honor of being the first to enter the plane?”

“Hehe, do you have something you want?”

“Yes! Among the treasures inside, I want to take the prettiest one first.”

Innocent and bright.

It was also somewhat mischievous and assertive, but by showing it, she was reducing his guard.

“Of course, shouldn’t you enjoy that much? After all, you have returned Terran’s property.”

“Oh my God, I’m so glad! Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The emperor agreed, as expected. Most likely because he doesn’t expect me to know anything about the compass.

Cyphelion was so brilliant that he created dozens of identical compasses, and only I, who have read the original, know which one is genuine. It’s my edge over others, but I had to be the first to enter the plane.

Despite the fact that the emperor’s personality and position made it difficult for him to refuse.

“Ooh, look!”

It was then.

One of the knights who stood guard pointed somewhere and raised his head.

Everyone else looked there at the same time, as if in agreement.

The sky above darkened, as if a black cloud was approaching, and a strong breeze caused the hems of their clothing to flutter.

It was a plane.

A plane was carrying the enormous and rusty Liang 999!