Chapter 83

It was a sudden proposal.

The Chancellor held out her hand.

“We’ve done all we could within the Empire. Now it’s time to sail far away and gain valuable experience.”

She smiled.

“If you wish, I can assign excellent knights to escort you. You’ll be able to thoroughly observe the conditions of other nations.”

Ameris’s words flowed smoothly.

“At the Academy, they said the same—when graduating, one must learn by comparing the state of the Empire with other countries, didn’t they?”

“Ah.”

At that, Rodella’s face turned red.

Had it been ten years since she’d confidently spouted off at the Academy?

“From the Empire’s standpoint, the nearby kingdoms are nothing compared to the noble faction that’s rotting us from within. Still…”

The Chancellor nodded.

“There are certainly things to be learned. If someone like you—who understands this well—tours foreign lands and broadens her perspective, the Empire will take another step forward alongside its next Chancellor.”

Rodella blinked.

“The next Chancellor?”

It would be nice if it happened, but Ryan Diepelt wouldn’t sit still.

In truth, the competition for the next Chancellor was essentially a showdown between the Azure and Red Knight Orders, and the winner had yet to be decided.

But then—

“Thanks to you, we uncovered a heretical cult. It turns out there were many missing persons involved. Because of you, they were found and returned to their families.”

Ameris smiled. Rodella hesitated.

“That was…”

She was captured by coincidence.

And if Aivert hadn’t come to rescue her, it would’ve simply been a tragic incident.

“Those who can turn fortune to their advantage are the ones who claim greater things.”

As if reading her mind, Ameris shrugged.

“Rumors are spreading like wildfire. They say the Quartermaster of the Azure Knights risked herself to infiltrate and gather intel on the cult.”

It wasn’t infiltration—she was captured. But rumors… are tools to be used.

Who spread those rumors?

The Chancellor? Or… Aivert?

As Rodella considered that, Ameris gave a curious smile.

“And His Majesty has taken great interest in your deeds.”

Whoever it was clearly had an agenda for spreading those rumors.

“Other departments are also recognizing the Azure Knights’ overwhelming edge.”

Ameris smiled again.

“Wouldn’t it be strange if Ryan Diepelt became Chancellor in this climate?”

“Ah…”

Rodella felt a strange sense of unreality.

It was true. Everything was going well.

Too well, in fact.

As if months—or even years—had passed since she fell ill. Everything had changed so quickly.

“The overseas tour is only if you want to go,” said Ameris, rising to her feet. “But from my perspective, now is the perfect time.”

Their eyes met.

And that’s when Rodella realized something was off.

If everything was going in her favor, as Ameris claimed, there was no need for her to leave the country.

Combining that with what she said earlier about a coming bloodbath—

“The noble faction’s movements… won’t be stopped just because I become Chancellor, will they?”

The noble faction intended to use the Chancellor’s seat to shake the foundations of the Empire.

Rodella never expected them to surrender quietly.

“Correct. They’ve seen the scale of Royden and are in disarray.”

Ameris narrowed her eyes.

“They thought they could match us militarily, but they were wrong.”

When faced with a sudden wall, people fall into three types.

They give up, find a way around…

Or break through.

But the noble faction had come too far to give up or turn back.

And there was no clear detour either. So that left only destruction.

They would attempt something reckless.

And would the imperial faction, led by His Majesty, just stand by?

That was probably the “bloodbath” she meant.

“It wouldn’t be wise for you to be caught in the middle.”

Ameris said quietly.

Rodella pressed her lips together.

She would need more detailed information, but based on what she’d just heard…

“To become a clean Chancellor, without hidden backers, I have to remain unaffiliated.”

With neither the Emperor’s faction, nor Royden.

“Exactly.”

Ameris nodded.

“Besides, you’re a key player—both sides see you as a crucial piece. If either side captures you, it’ll be disastrous.”

So perhaps… leave the Empire before civil war breaks out, for your own safety.

That was what Ameris was really saying.

“If I go, how long would it be?”

Rodella asked cautiously. Ameris tilted her head slightly.

“Let’s say… two to three years?”

She smiled.

“Of course, it’s not just about future troubles. I truly believe your talents will be a great asset to the Empire, and that’s why I want to send you.”

She spread her hand as if to say, don’t overthink it.

“This tour abroad will raise your perspective to an entirely new level. I hope you’ll give it serious thought.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

It was all reasonable. Rodella nodded slowly.

“When should I let you know?”

“The sooner the better. Just contact me when you’ve made up your mind.”

The Chancellor rose fully.

Even after she gathered her belongings, pulled up her hood, and waved farewell, Rodella’s thoughts remained tangled.

It was certainly a good opportunity.

There was no reason to refuse.

And yet her heart felt strangely heavy.

Was it because the Empire was about to descend into chaos?

That, yes—but mostly because of Royden…?

No.

Many would bleed. And yet, all she could think of was one person.

Aivert. Aivert Royden…

The one person closest to her.

‘Rodella.’

‘If only I truly were a clueless troublemaker—how much easier that would be.’

‘Then you’d sigh at me, scold me helplessly, and still take care of me.’

‘And I’d shamelessly joke my way out of everything, pretending nothing’s wrong.’

‘That way, I could stay just your fun, harmless friend. One who never shows you anything bloody.’

Aivert had left the western island and was back near the capital.

He wanted to go to Rodella right away—but there was something he had to do first.

The Royden family has always been one of bloodshed.

“……”

This was simply a continuation of that legacy.

From the beginning, they had removed those who didn’t align with the family. So this was only natural.

Of course, Rodella had no way of knowing any of this.

Could she ever accept someone like me?

If she only ever wanted a cheerful, mischievous friend, and if she could be safe—he would’ve hidden the truth forever.

But the situation had changed.

This incident was not entirely the work of the noble faction, and thankfully, Royden had found her before they did.

The cult was eliminated. Everything might seem fine now.

But it wasn’t.

“……”

As Royden, Aivert knew the noble faction all too well.

They would see this incident as proof of “possibility.”

The possibility that Rodella Syveric could be dealt with.

They would target her whenever she was alone, and focus especially on Bran—the one who had once tried to assassinate her.

So before they tried anything foolish, they needed to be warned.

Royden’s military strength was already exposed in the act of rescuing Rodella.

“Have we reported the full extent of our forces to the Crown?”

There were rumors within the noble faction, but what truly concerned him was—

‘Rodella, what will you think?’

‘You still haven’t woken up.’

‘So before you open your eyes—’

‘Let me do one more terrible thing.’

From the shadows, he moved without a sound.