Chapter 13

“Hmm… mmm…”

 

In the quiet, affluent neighborhood of Vicentium, at the detached villa of Baron Ratnen. Since the tea party, Itanistad and Elina had been meeting frequently at the estate.

 

That day, as they conversed in the drawing room, the two naturally began to kiss at some point. The sound of wet lips meeting and parting echoed through the silent room, but neither heard it, their minds filled with exploding fireworks.

 

Just as the atmosphere was heating up, Itanistad managed to restrain himself using his last shred of reason.

 

‘No, stop.’

 

He knew all too well that unless he became a powerful noble in Prahenfelt or a trusted minister of the Emperor, neither he nor his people would be safe from the King of Aventador.

 

‘I can’t rush this and drag the innocent Elina into danger. First, I need to be more secure…’

 

Steeling himself, Itanistad finally pulled his lips away from Elina’s.

 

“Terick…?”

 

Elina called out to him, her eyes hazy. Itanistad gave her one more light kiss before speaking cautiously.

 

“Ah, Elina. Something just occurred to me. I mentioned it, didn’t I? I have to go on a business trip to Karsen in a few days. Until I return, please don’t tell anyone about our relationship.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Well, after I return from the trip, I want to speak to Marquis Rodain formally and ask for his permission to court you. I think your father would be disappointed if he heard it through rumors first.”

 

The excuse was made up on the spot, but fortunately, it sounded plausible. Elina accepted it readily enough.

 

“I want to brag to everyone right away, but… alright. I’ll try to be patient. My father likes you very much, so there’s no way he’d object.”

 

Elina’s face was already flushed at the thought of telling her father about their relationship. Itanistad forced a smile back at her.

 

 

***

 

 

It was a few days later that Kaisertern sent a messenger to Itanistad.

 

Not long after departing the Imperial Palace, the messenger sent an urgent report via a communication device.

 

“Your Majesty. The lookout at the Ratnen estate reports that Terick Ratnen left the residence a short while ago. It appeared as though he was traveling somewhere far.”

 

It was as expected.

 

‘I figured Terick Ratnen, who is clearly hiding something important, would eventually leave the capital to hide his tracks for a while.’

 

For that reason, Kaisertern had kept the man’s house under surveillance. He immediately issued an order to every gate in Vicentium.

 

“If a young man named Terick Ratnen—or any handsome young man with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes, regardless of the name—attempts to leave Vicentium, bring him to the Imperial Palace immediately.”

 

And so, within half a day of the order, he was brought before the Emperor. Dressed in comfortable traveling clothes and carrying a somewhat large bag, his face was a mask of fear and bewilderment. Even in his panic, he managed to offer a formal greeting to the Emperor. Despite his efforts, his voice trembled slightly.

 

“To the Sun of the Empire…”

 

“You look like someone headed somewhere far. Where were you going?”

 

Kaisertern cut off Itanistad’s stammering greeting. Startled, Itanistad reflexively raised his head to study the Emperor’s face.

 

However, contrary to the confrontational question, Kaisertern’s face was expressionless, devoid of any particular anger.

 

‘What is his intention in dragging me here? Is it because I bought the title of Baron? Or could it be… No, it can’t be. How could he possibly know…?’

 

Knowing he had things to hide, Itanistad tried to steady his racing heart and answered with feigned composure.

 

“I was on my way to visit my hometown, Karsen.”

 

“Why so suddenly?”

 

“I was going to see my father to discuss business matters and attend to things at our merchant guild’s headquarters.”

 

It was a pre-planned excuse, and since he actually did intend to stop by Karsen, the answer came out smoothly. However, Kaisertern gave no reaction to the answer, merely staring intently at his face. As the intense gaze of the Emperor—which radiated an overwhelming pressure—became unbearable, Itanistad’s eyes began to wander for an escape.

 

“You.”

 

The sudden word pulled his gaze back to the Emperor.

 

“I hear you look nothing like your parents. They say the Baron and Baroness Ratnen have black and brown hair, and both have green eyes.”

 

Baron Ratnen—or rather, Viscount Biston—mainly conducted business in Karsen and only occasionally visited Vicentium. Therefore, none of the nobles in the capital knew the Viscount’s face. If that was true for him, it was even more so for Countess Biston, who lived quietly in Karsen. As people living under assumed identities, they avoided social circles to minimize the number of people who knew them.

 

Of course, Itanistad had intended to do the same. It was only by chance that he had befriended the Emperor’s aide and ended up here.

 

‘The Emperor knows my uncle and aunt’s faces? Did he send someone to verify them? But why…?’

 

Countless questions flooded his mind, but he couldn’t interrogate the Emperor now. He quickly lowered his head and improvised.

 

“Ah, yes. I believe I take after other relatives.”

 

Kaisertern’s expression remained unchanged.

 

“…”

 

He simply watched the man’s eyes, which were trembling with anxiety despite his composed facade. As Itanistad’s tension peaked, Kaisertern spoke again, tossing out a question in a nonchalant tone.

 

“That tattoo I saw on your back previously… is it the symbol of Hertenes?”

 

In that moment, Itanistad’s mind went blank. Hearing the name ‘Hertenes’ come from the Emperor’s lips felt completely surreal.

 

‘What is this? Am I dreaming…?’

 

The Emperor surely had no connection to his family. He thought almost no one in Prahenfelt would know the name Hertenes. Even if someone had heard the name, he assumed no one would know he was still alive!

 

‘Why suddenly? How? Why…?’

 

A tangle of thoughts spiraled through his head.

 

‘Has the King of Aventador reached this far? I thought I had hidden well for a long time. Am I to be handed over to Aventador like this? I haven’t even restored the family or left an heir… Is this how Hertenes ends?’

 

Instinctively, Itanistad glanced toward the door, calculating his chances of escape. Kaisertern saw his blue eyes flicker in that direction.

 

“Your reaction provides the answer.”

 

Itanistad’s heart sank as he looked back at Kaisertern. The fear in his eyes was now sheer desperation.

 

“You mentioned before that your younger sister died. Was her name Roabellin?”

 

“…”

 

He no longer had the energy to be surprised.

 

‘So this is the Emperor’s information network. He’s asking while already knowing everything.’

 

Itanistad bowed his head in silence. Kaisertern took his silence as an affirmation.

 

“Then you are the Young Duke of Hertenes. No, since your father passed away, you are now the Duke.”

 

After a moment of silence, Itanistad finally opened his mouth.

 

“…Given the circumstances, I never formally received the succession.”

 

At the first affirmative response, Kaisertern’s expression softened. Itanistad, his head still bowed, did not see the change.

 

“That is a mere formality. That day… did you personally see Roabellin die?”

 

‘How does the Emperor know about that day? What does he know, and what is he trying to find out?’

 

He couldn’t guess. But this was the heart of the Imperial Palace, the Emperor’s audience chamber. Guards stood vigilantly inside and outside the hall. Most importantly, before him stood the Emperor himself, famous across the continent for possessing magic specialized in combat and slaughter.

 

Itanistad was a skilled swordsman, but what use was swordplay in front of such a terrifying Emperor unless he intended to kill the guards as well? With no magic and no allies, there was no way for Itanistad to escape.

 

He eventually half-resigned himself, closing his eyes as he answered. In a situation where he couldn’t read the Emperor’s intent, he at least wanted to hide his own anxious gaze.

 

“I did not see it with my own eyes.”

 

As if waiting for that answer, the Emperor’s next question flew at him.

 

“Then why did you say she was dead?”

 

With his eyes still closed, Itanistad answered slowly. His mind was retracing the memories of that horrific day.

 

“Eight years ago, one night, our ducal estate was suddenly attacked. I still do not know for certain who was behind it. In the chaos, I was separated from my family, and I barely managed to escape alone. I later heard rumors that the house was burned down and that the intruders gathered the bodies of my family and burned them all. Surely Roabellin died in that turmoil. Given our family’s nature, if someone attacked us, they would have eliminated Roabellin first. I didn’t think that young child, who would have been the intruders’ primary target, could have survived.”

 

Thinking of his sister, who must have died a gruesome death at such a young age, his heart ached anew. His eyes reddened as heat rose within him. Itanistad furrowed his brow, forcing back the tears that welled up behind his closed lids.

 

Even as he watched the man’s emotional distress, Kaisertern continued his questioning. He wanted to hear more from someone who had actually experienced the event he had only seen the aftermath of.

 

“How did you survive? Tell me more about that day in detail.”

 

“That day, some of the intruders used swords, and others used magic. They were all powerful and coordinated their attacks skillfully. I fought back with the family knights, but it wasn’t long before most of the knights were killed and we were overwhelmed. After hearing that all my family members were dead, I fled alone to survive.”

 

Itanistad slowly opened his eyes. The emotion reflected in them was no longer anxiety or fear, but sorrow and remorse.

 

“I was the only direct descendant left, so I thought the only thing left to protect was my own body to carry on the family name. But afterward, I suffered from immense guilt. For a long time, I had nightmares almost every day. I couldn’t bear the fact that I was the only one who survived while I failed to protect my family.”

 

Eventually, a tear escaped Itanistad’s eye. Seeing the face so similar to Roabellin’s weeping, Kaisertern felt a heavy weight in his chest. To think his own brother had slaughtered this family so ruthlessly just to torment him. With a heavy sigh, Kaisertern spoke.

 

“That is also the weight of responsibility for one who must lead a family. Sometimes, choosing to live is a harder choice than dying… I know that as well. Do not blame yourself.

 

…By the way, does that child, Roabellin, also have the same tattoo on her back?”

 

The sudden question brought bewilderment back to Itanistad’s face.

 

‘How on earth does this Emperor know to ask that?’

 

But in his current emotional state, he lacked the energy for deep thought. He simply answered what he knew.

 

“Yes. Our parents gave them to me and Roa when we were children. They said it was so we could find each other should we ever be separated by misfortune.”

 

“Is that tattoo a character? What exactly does it mean?”

 

“…It is an ancient language from the region where the Kingdom of Aventador is located. It is the character for ‘Queen’. It is a metaphor for Hertenes, the family that produces queens.”

 

“…!”

 

With that, the puzzle was complete. Kaisertern felt a rush of clarity, like a fog lifting from his mind.

 

“Ha… Ha, ha. So that was it.”

 

‘If it’s an ancient language from the Aventador region, it would be more surprising if the Archmage—who was a prince there—didn’t know it. The Archmage must have lied to me. I can guess the reason, but I’ll have to summon him later to confirm.’

 

Kaisertern turned his attention back to Itanistad.

 

“Even if such a thing happened, you were the Young Duke—no, the Duke—of a prominent ducal house. Why have you lived under a false name in hiding all this time?”

 

“I have no excuse. I have a personal suspicion about who was behind the family’s downfall, but I have no proof. If they knew I had survived, they could send assassins at any time, so I have lived with my identity hidden.”

 

Itanistad, like Roabellin (Estina), believed the Aventador royal family was responsible for the massacre. Given the circumstances at the time, it was the most logical deduction, and it was partially true.

 

After hearing more details from Itanistad about the immediate aftermath, Kaisertern also surmised that the Aventador royal family had indeed played a part in the fall of Hertenes.

 

‘Yes, I remember meeting them when I went as a diplomatic envoy. I didn’t like them then… Since I’ve already dealt with Heymelic and Radak, I’ll have to make sure that royal family pays for their crimes as well. I’ll make them shed many times the tears my Roabellin did.’

 

A cruel smile played upon his handsome lips.

 

 

***

 

 

That night — the very day the nobles had visited Iskal’s residence — two young members of the noble council and several of their retainers were guarding the front and rear gates of the royal greenhouse, exactly as Iskal had instructed.

 

“Honestly, we could stand watch ourselves. If tonight turns out to be another false alarm, won’t it be pointless for you noble lords to guard this place personally?”
one of the servants whispered quietly.

 

But the noble standing beside him shook his head.

 

“No. If the one coming and going turns out to be a noble, and you commoners tried to seize them, you might suffer for it.”

 

Just then, as they whispered cautiously, a black figure approached — without even carrying a lantern — and slipped silently through the rear entrance of the royal greenhouse.

 

“Ah, over there…!”

 

Not long after, the figure quietly came back out through the same door. The men lying in wait rushed forward and grabbed him.

 

“Huh?!”

 

When they held up a lantern to the captive’s face, one of the nobles recognized him.

 

“Sir Lad?”

 

It was none other than the king’s chamberlain. And in his hands were several uprooted stems of a plant bearing beautiful flowers — Nefaritas, a poisonous herb said to be obtainable nowhere else in the country but here.

 

 

***

 

 

At the same time, nobles secretly hiding inside the temple archive saw the royal couple and the High Priest enter. Though they had clearly dismissed the attendants beforehand, the three still glanced around nervously as they came in.

 

“When… did the Archmage say he would arrive?” Euraxiz asked in a slightly trembling voice.

 

“I informed him when Your Majesties came. He should be here very soon.”

 

Even the High Priest could not hide the unease in his tone.

 

Meanwhile, Margen — the royal palace’s Grand Mage of Aventador — immediately contacted Iskal after receiving the High Priest’s summons to the temple.

 

“What should I do?”

 

“Hah. My uncle and aunt never stray an inch from expectations. Go as slowly as possible. Since neither the king nor the queen of the Huga family can legally open the private audience records, they’ll have no choice but to anxiously wait for your arrival.”

 

---

 

After what felt like a long wait, the archive door suddenly opened. The king, queen, and High Priest immediately turned — expecting the Grand Mage.

 

But the ones who entered were nobles of the council. The nobles who had been hiding inside and relaying the royal couple’s arrival through a communication device also stepped forward.

 

“We greet His Majesty the King. We greet Her Majesty the Queen.”

 

Vice-Chairman Marquis Bahas bowed politely despite the situation.

 

“W-what is this? Why are you here…?” Euraxiz tried to sound calm, but his voice shook badly.

 

Queen Aklis said nothing, only scanning the nobles with sharpened eyes.

 

“It seems we startled you. My apologies. Were you perhaps performing procedures necessary for a formal defense?”

 

“…!!”

 

Euraxiz’s breath caught.

 

“Well…”

 

He wanted to claim it was something else, but at this hour, carrying out something so secretly left him with no believable excuse. While he faltered, Marquis Bahas continued:

 

“A petition has been submitted. If the council demands it, all defense procedures must be made public. I trust you know this regulation. Please continue what you were doing — in front of us.”

 

They could only behave this boldly before the king because they were already certain of his downfall. In truth, they were receiving real-time reports from the greenhouse. Combined with the private-audience documents Iskal had obtained from the palace archive where Estina once worked, they had already reached a tentative conclusion about the poisoning of the late king and the extermination of the Huga family.

 

All they needed now was physical evidence — and the chamberlain had been caught red-handed with the Neparitas poison herb. Marquis Bahas forced down a satisfied smile.

 

In contrast, the king, queen, and High Priest looked stricken. With the nobles watching, they had no chance to coordinate their stories. And there was no plausible reason for the royal couple to visit the archive at night with the High Priest. Anyone could see they were doing something suspicious.

 

“……”

 

Just as Euraxiz stood biting his lip, unable to respond, the archive door opened again and a cheerful voice rang out.

 

“My apologies for being late! I hear you wished to open the private audience records at this hour?”

 

It was Margen — Iskal’s former pupil and the current Grand Mage of the royal palace. His expression was friendly and bright, but his words were nothing short of a bombshell.

 

This should be enough of a hint, he thought with a faint smile.

 

Seeing everyone turn toward him in shock, he bowed politely.

 

“Ah… I didn’t realize so many people were here. Forgive my intrusion.”

 

Marquis Bahas asked, “Are you saying Their Majesties summoned you to open the private audience records?”

 

“Ah… It was Their Majesties’ command. How could I speak of it to others?”

 

Margen tried to deflect, but Bahas pressed him.

 

“It is fine. This is part of a formal inquiry. Nothing about Their Majesties’ orders may be concealed.”

 

“…I see.”

 

Margen glanced subtly at Euraxiz. The king’s expression clearly told him to stay silent. Margen gave him an innocent smile, then bowed again — but when he turned back to the nobles, he wore a hesitant expression.

 

“Um… Their Majesties urgently summoned me and the High Priest to open the sealed coffer containing the private audience records so they could take them.”

 

“What?!” Euraxiz shouted, stunned.

 

“I — when did I ever say such a thing?!”

 

He looked ready to lunge at Margen but restrained himself under the nobles’ eyes.

 

The nobles exchanged knowing looks. Soon the council chairman, Marquis Talon, and several powerful nobles also arrived — Margen had notified the council immediately after receiving the summons.

 

“Very well,” said Talon. “Let us all go together and see what these records contain.”

 

The king and queen remained silent, hoping one of them would find a solution — but none did. Taking their silence as confirmation, Talon ordered: “Please proceed. Council members, escort Their Majesties from behind.”

 

In effect, the royal couple was surrounded. They descended to the underground archive, where a coffer already sat at the center.

 

Euraxiz and Aklis turned pale.

 

“So this is what you meant to open. High Priest, Grand Mage — open it.”

 

The king and queen felt their minds go blank. After frantic thought, the High Priest finally stammered:

 

“Ah… now that I think of it… I didn’t bring my holy relic. I cannot open it.”

 

Just as Talon was about to rebuke him, footsteps echoed down the stone stairs. Everyone turned.

 

“Grand Duke?!”

 

The nobles reacted — but then another figure appeared behind Iskal.

 

Long platinum hair. Pale violet eyes. A dazzling beauty.

 

“Huga family’s daughter…?”

 

“She was alive? How?!”

 

It was Estina.

 

 

***

 

 

About an hour earlier, at home, Estina noticed her communication device glowing.

 

Huh?

 

She assumed it was Iskal, but the signal showed Margen. They knew each other through Iskal, yet weren’t close enough for private contact.

 

Only His Highness should know I have this… why would the royal archmage—?

 

Worried something had happened to Iskal, she answered.

 

“Ah! Thank you for responding. This is Margen.”

 

He quickly explained what would soon occur in the temple.

 

“Technically, I can open it myself. But if the daughter of the Huga family appears alive — and stands beside the Grand Duke — it will prove which side holds legitimate royal authority. I know it is difficult, but your presence would greatly help His Highness ascend the throne.”

 

Her hesitation did not last long. For her family’s sake, she had to do this.

 

She immediately opened a teleportation gate.

 

Moments later, she arrived at the central temple entrance of the Aventador palace, where Iskal awaited her.

 

“Estina!”

 

He greeted her warmly but quickly explained the plan.

 

“Don’t be afraid, Estina. After tonight, the royal couple will be socially dead. Once this is over, live freely and peacefully. I won’t force anything upon you.”

 

She could promise him nothing about the future. She only bowed slightly and entered the temple archive with him.

 

 

***

 

 

Estina came down all the stairs and stood before them. Her eyes skimmed over everyone briefly before lingering on Euraxiz and Aklis. The king and queen looked at her as if they’d seen a ghost. But Iskal immediately stepped forward to block their gazes aimed at Estina.

 

“We’ll open it. We have summoned divine power and arcane power, respectively.”

 

Passing by the people who only had their mouths open, the two of them approached the storage chest. White light emanated from their hands placed together on the chest, and the lock slid open silently, just like last time. The witnesses, already astonished by the sight, opened their mouths even wider.

 

Seeing the chest open, the king and queen’s eyes shook wildly. Opening the chest looked like a simple task, but the meaning behind it was far from simple.

 

“Now, please come and check what’s inside.”

 

After Iskal, who had opened the chest, stepped back and spoke, the Marquis Talon approached and carefully took out the documents inside. After finding the problematic parts among the documents, he handed them to the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Marquis Bahas. Taking the materials, Marquis Bahas began reading aloud the records of private meetings that were in the chest as well as those previously obtained from Iskal.

 

“First, I will read the records of the private meetings.”

 

In this way, the king and queen’s charges were confirmed in front of everyone. The king and queen lowered their heads in despair, and Marquis Talon called the palace guards to take the king, queen, and the royal counselor away.

 

The nobles seemed to have many questions for Estina—whom they had thought dead—but Iskal quietly took her away through the chaotic moment of the king and queen being dragged off.

 

“You’ve worked hard, Estina. Because you came, things went smoothly.”

 

At Iskal’s flattery, Estina looked a little bashful.

 

“The counselor and Margen could have done it too.”

 

“No. Opening the chest today was important, but what was more important was showing the symbolism you carry. It shows that the king and queen’s throne wasn’t legitimate, and even if they were removed, someone could replace them. You must’ve felt uncomfortable facing them, yet you still came. I really appreciate that.”

 

Estina gave a faint smile at his words, hesitated a moment, then offered her farewell.

 

“……Then, I’ll be going now.”

 

But Iskal grabbed her as she turned to walk away. His voice dropped and sped up.

 

“Wait, wait a moment. There’s important news you need to know. The annihilation of Hertenes’ direct line was the doing of Heymelic, the first prince of Prahenfelt. He was the half-brother of the current emperor and the acting emperor at the time.”

 

The news was too big to take in casually, and Estina’s eyes widened as she looked back at him.

 

“Huh? The emperor of the Prahenfelt Empire back then? How did he even know Hertenes? What grudge could there be?”

 

Before Iskal could explain, voices from the crowd emerged—apparently nobles coming out of the temple archive. Glancing back, Iskal quickly said:

 

“Ah, that’s for later. For now, Heymelic is imprisoned in the imperial prison, so don’t worry. Go quickly.”

 

At his words, Estina quickly opened a small gate. A small magical portal buzzed and swirled beside her. Before entering the gate she turned, looked into Iskal’s eyes, and spoke quickly.

 

“Your Majesty, please don’t try to find out where I live. And even if you find out, never tell the emperor. Stay well.”

 

His chest ached again at how much it sounded like a final farewell.

 

“All right. When you need me—whenever you want—contact me.”

 

But Estina only turned with a sad smile and stepped into the gate. The moment she entered, the gate closed, and Iskal stood staring blankly where it had been.

 

Nobles who had gathered nearby approached Iskal with congratulations, but he remained stunned. Even though the throne he had wanted was right in front of him, he felt as if he had just lost the whole world.

 

The next day, in the council chamber connected to the throne room at the palace, Iskal and the high ministers held an emergency national council meeting.

 

Skark, now a criminal’s son, was automatically excluded from the line of succession. Thus, Iskal, now the only duke of the kingdom and first in the line of succession, naturally chaired the council.

 

“Your Majesty, the appearance of the lady from Hertenes at that moment yesterday was truly providential. When did Your Majesty realize she was alive?”

 

While Iskal chose his words, Marquis Talon, chairman of the noble council, spoke up.

 

“We were also really surprised. But shouldn’t we bring her back here instead of having her continue to hide? Shouldn’t she be brought to her proper place?”

 

“…….”

 

Iskal breathed out quietly, reluctant.

 

“That may be true…but I’m not rushing. Bringing her here immediately isn’t necessarily the best. I want to stabilize the political situation first and calm the public’s unrest over the change of throne. Then I want to ask her to come.”

 

Most ministers agreed, but a few still looked disappointed.

 

“But…if the daughter of Hertenes had been by Your Majesty’s side from the start, it would have more clearly proved the legitimacy of Your Majesty’s throne.”

 

“That’s a good point.”

 

“Yes, but legitimacy isn’t only proven by her presence. Is there anyone else who could compete for the throne right now? All other heirs are far removed by bloodline.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Rest assured—we’ll welcome her as queen when the time comes.”

 

Iskal smoothed over the ministers’ complaints. The council continued for half a day, because there was still so much work to do to complete the stabilization and lay the foundation for a new era.

 

 

***

 

 

“Tch…how did everything go like that? It’s all so…overwhelming.”

 

Late at night, Estina quietly returned home and only collapsed onto the floor of her room once the door was closed. Leaning against the door, she sat and stared blankly, lost in thought just like Iskal.

 

‘So now the threat from the royal family is basically gone.’

 

For eight years she’d lived as if pursued by agents sent by the king and queen of Aventador. Just thinking that threat had vanished made her dizzy from relief.

 

‘I’m so happy I’m excited…but it’s also so sudden that I’m confused…’

 

Estina lifted her head, resting it against the door with her eyes closed. As her thoughts cleared, she organized them.

 

‘The threat is gone, but I still can’t live openly. Roa is secretly carrying the emperor’s child… even without that, it’s too dangerous if the daughters of Hertenes are known to be living without protection.’

 

The husband of the Hertenes heir would become king, and the husband of the younger daughter would enjoy wealth. Everyone in Aventador knew this. That much power in two women made it better to stay hidden.

 

‘And to think the annihilation was the doing of the emperor back then… I still have no idea why, but I’m glad the culprit was identified and is imprisoned.’

 

Estina exhaled again and sat blankly until dawn.

 

 

***

 

 

Lately, noble society in Vicentium buzzed with new rumors—about a noble family in exile in the empire.

 

“Hey, did you hear? The Ratnen Barony family?”

 

“Oh, the trade guild? Yeah. I’ve dealt with one of the lesser Barons.”

 

“Right. Not originally Ratnen, though?”

 

“What do you mean? Like they bought their rank?”

 

“That’s the rumor. But here’s the thing—it turns out they weren’t even Barons originally. The Baron was actually a Viscount from the Aventador kingdom.”

 

“What?! But wait, the lesser Baron? Then what about the Viscount?”

 

“Yeah, good question. The Viscount was a distant relative of the Duke Hertenes family. They got caught up in political strife and fled to the empire.”

 

“What could have happened for someone that high-ranking to give it all up?”

 

“I dunno. Just that the whole family was unlucky and wiped out.”

 

“Hmm. If I meet him next, should I call him ‘Your Grace’? Haha, what a thing.”

 

 

***

 

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

It was Terick Ratnen—now Duke of Hertenes—Itanistad, entering the emperor’s private office with a respectful bow.

 

“Oh, Duke.”

 

Kaisertern greeted him warmly.

 

“You changed your title suddenly—how are things with your old trade clients? Any issues?”

 

Itanistad smiled lightly.

 

“If they didn’t accept it… Well, since Your Majesty has backed me, I’ve never been happier. I’ve lived long enough in fear of being tracked or assassinated that being protected by the emperor feels unbelievable. I finally feel safe.”

 

Kaisertern smiled gently at his sincere words.

 

“So have you planned for the trade guild to be jointly owned by the House of Hertenes and the Biston Viscounts?”

 

“No. I gave it all to my uncle and only kept a few new ventures I was pursuing—as gratitude.”

 

“I see. Then the empire will help Hertenes rebuild its former wealth and reputation.”

 

At the emperor’s words, Itanistad’s expression turned serious.

 

“Your Majesty, you’re helping our house not just out of personal friendship, right?”

 

For a moment, a shadow passed over Kaisertern’s face.

 

“I liked Terick Ratnen even before all this, and I wanted your business and house to prosper. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t doing this for the Hertenes lady.”

 

‘A strong home house is necessary for the empress—especially one from abroad, to protect her from those who would slander or bring her down.’

 

This was also something Kaisertern needed. But since neither of them were ready to call Roabellin the crown princess, he kept it quiet.

 

It had only been about a month since Itanistad was suddenly brought before the emperor.

 

‘I was first questioned about the tattoo and then found out Roabellin was alive… and at that moment I felt not joy but shock and grief.’

 

Itanistad had wanted to run to find his sister immediately, but Kaisertern stopped him, saying he was already searching the entire continent.

 

“If Hertenes regains renown, maybe Roa will hear and come find me,” he’d said.

 

Because of that, Itanistad focused on his duties as duke in the capital.

 

At the emperor’s honest comment that he was helping because of Roabellin, Itanistad smiled.

 

“I will do my best to make House Hertenes known throughout the empire and beyond.”

 

“Yes. Consider expanding Hertenes’ strength as loyalty to me. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.”

 

“Ha, I won’t refuse. Thank you.”

 

Soon after, several minor administrative decrees were changed—each subtly favoring Hertenes’ ventures, invisible to outsiders. Around the same time, Hertenes’ trade guild moved into one of Vicentium’s best locations—a building owned by the royal household—which caused a quiet stir among nobles.

 

And that wasn’t all. At imperial parties, Kaisertern frequently conversed closely with Duke Hertenes, showing their friendship. Soon, powerful nobles began flocking to Itanistad.

 

Still, the only thing on his mind was his sister, Roabellin.

 

‘Once I’ve restored the house, will you appear before me? My little precious sister… the thought still aches my heart.’