CH 84

The Emperor entered the indoor garden, not the office.

It’s indoors, but the scale was amazing. 

To illuminate the surroundings, five large spheres of light floated on the domed ceiling that was embossed with colorful patterns.

The surrounding trees were all large, their long and short branches stretched coolly in all directions.

They served as resting places for birds flying around.

The colorful flowers below showed off their elegance. The scent from it was very good.

This was dedicated to the only person the Emperor had in his heart.

It was a place created for Empress Belia, which was much more cozy and beautiful than what was seen in the original.

She, who is also Falden’s mother, closed her eyes after suffering for several years because she had become very weak since giving birth to him.

It happened when he was only five years old.

Potions, wizard’s healing spells, and even the priest’s divine power were all useless.

Rumors circulated that the young prince might have been cursed because of that, but the Emperor dismissed it.

As rumors spread, the atmosphere around the Imperial Family grew more disturbed.

Because internal conflict is similar to exposing good prey to external powers.

The Emperor covered up all the questions.

‘Even in the original, there was no mention of the cause of the death.’

“Sit down.”

The Emperor pointed to the table in the middle of the garden.

“What do you think I will ask for?”

As soon as they were seated, the Emperor bluntly asked.

The question was directed not to Cartal, but to her. 

She had to act here with confidence. 

The Emperor now looked at her with a look of willingness to discuss while maintaining the proper arrogance of a ruler.

“What and how much will you ask for?”

“You’re so bold.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Responding as calmly as possible, Serdel slowly changed her momentum, her atmosphere was unlike before.

Because the emperor had designated himself as the negotiator to represent the Count, she needed to present herself suitably and use the atmosphere to her advantage.

The emperor’s eyes, which had previously been apathetic, revealed a shallow contrast.

“Bring it out.”

The chamberlain placed the pile of papers in front of Serdel.

The emperor beckoned her to open it and read it.

“….” 

[Proposal for Elbash Forest Mine Priority Trading Rights]

Serdel, who immediately remembered Count Maient, skimmed down the page one by one without changing the expression on her face.

Tsk, she clicked her tongue inside and closed the papers.

“The Count of Maient is still chasing after such an unreliable thing.”

“That’s why I refused.”

Serdel didn’t have to say thank you.

“Should we start with the mining rights negotiations?”

The Emperor’s mouth was fixed with a fierce smile. 

“We will only receive 20% of the total revenue from the three mines.”

For a moment Serdel thought her ears heard wrong.

Usually, when a mine is discovered, 25% to 35% must be paid back to the imperial family as tax, based on the size, condition of the mineral, amount of mining, and total profit.

In the case of Elbash Forest, three mines were discovered, which was overwhelming in every way.

Additionally the imperial family was lending aid from the expedition to the subjugation so, there was nothing strange if the imperial family had asked for more than the usual 35%.

“Instead of trading with me, it would be better if you used the corpses of the monsters that Young Lady has retrieved and make a deal with the wizard tower. I don’t know if it’s possible, but no more, no less, we need three Imperial Wizards of circle 4 or higher.”

She was going to do that anyway.

‘Anyway, because I have the power of Radun.’

It is true that his future as an Emperor has become a little heavier, so she wanted to reward him in some way.

“As you know, the Imperial family and the Wizard Tower are not on good terms. I asked for cooperation before, but it was rejected.”

She knew that. 

So there was not a single wizard in the royal family.

“Can you deal with them?” 

“I can do it.” 

“That’s a good spirit. I like it. I look forward to your kind cooperation. Young Lady. Count.” 

Cartal and Serdel nodded at the same time.

*****

After returning to the county Serdel immediately sent a message to Maro, a wizard who was deployed with one of the subjugation teams in Elbash forest.

As the communication device connected the background Serdel could see grew clearer and clearer.

The previous battle seemed quite fierce.

The situation in the forest behind and around Maro was very brutal.

It was the definition of devastation itself.

Even the sights she had seen before during her time in the forest could not be compared.

The blood that covered the floor was pitch black, the sky, overcast with gray clouds, was gloomy, and there was a rippling—.

It was raining, too.

[…Ha]

Maro’s appearance was so disheveled that she was concerned that the dark circles under his eyes would spread to his mouth.

[I’m not dead, I’m alive.] 

It was the first time he had said such weak words.

[It was a fierce fight. I’ve never seen so many monsters in my life. I might have died a long time ago.] 

He seemed to be losing his mind.

Smiling, he swept away the rainwater dripping from the tip of his chin with his hand.

His fingertips trembled as if he had run out of magic power.

“You’ve worked hard.” 

.She was sorry that this was the only thing she could say to those who had just fought for their lives.

Seeing Serdel’s bitter expression, Maro shrugged his shoulders with a gloomy face.

[Yeah, really, really! It was hard work. So today I’m going to make a brief report. That’s all. Then, bye~]

“No, wait! Even if it’s short, it’s too short without context! Don’t hang up! If you hang up, I will call you again!”

Serdel, embarrassed by he who was about to end their call without a hitch, shouted.

Sorry is sorry, work is work.

[….]

Maro’s eyes widened.

“I know you’re annoyed, but will you listen to me first?”

[…Was it obvious?]

“Well, always, every time.”

[What business is it? I also need to rest a bit, so please tell me quickly and finish it, okay?]

“I want you to connect me with the Wizard Tower.”

[You’re telling me you want to see the Lord of the Wizard Tower, right?]

“Yes.” 

The Lord of the Wizard Tower was a difficult person to meet unless it was through another high leveled wizard.

If she contacted them herself, perhaps the most powerful person she can meet is the youngest elder.

[Ha, I understand. I’ll hang up then.]

But before he could finish his words, a huge figure approached and grabbed his head with one hand.

[Ugh!]

Surprised, Maro screamed and raised his eyes.

[Young Lady, long time no see?]

It was Falden.

From head to toe the decorations of the leather armor Falden was wearing could barely be seen through all of the monster blood clinging to him, it made for a terrible sight.

“Are you all right?”

[How have you been?]

Their greetings for each other came out at the same time.

“I’m fine.”

[Oh, I’m fine.]

This time, they answered almost at the same time.

As if it was funny, he chuckled.

It was a bit weaker than usual.

Is he annoyed by the wet hair that clings to his forehead in the rain?

The way he raised his hand and swept at his hair roughly was like seeing a handsome actor in a foreign movie.

“Oh, are you hurt?”

The back of his hand, soaked in red blood, caught her eye later.

When she looked closely, the split flesh was severely gashed and still bleeding.

“Aren’t you hurt? Aren’t you supposed to get treatment right away? The blood is still flowing.”

[Are you worried about me?]

“No… well…”

He grinned and then licked his hand with his tongue when she hesitated.

Even though he had humor in his eyes, he was full of sensuality probably because of the atmosphere.

It’s nice to see it, but,

“Are you a pervert? Why do you lick dirty things?”

[…You make me speechless.]

“Why don’t you treat it with a potion? And you look very tired, so stop and go rest.”

[Yeah, yeah. Oh, Dame Addis and Sir Redan are safe. And the two of your servants are also safe, and after this subjugation is over, the squires will have improved their skills so much when they return. You can look forward to it, Young Lady.]

“Thank you.” 

[Yeah. See you next time]