Belau’s Ello stared at the paper he had just received with an incredulous look. Unable to hold onto the paper any longer, he handed it to Nos.
[Delrose’s Knight Commander claims he is Viscount Biflten.]
“…”
“…”
Nos returned the paper with a bewildered expression.
“The Knight Commander only knows how to spill blood, and now he’s finally gone mad.”
Ello gestured, indicating that they should examine it further. Nos lowered his gaze thoughtlessly and then opened his mouth in astonishment.
“It’s confirmed that the leader went to Belau with the Lord of the Manor.”
“The Lord of the Manor attended a reception at Duke Loen’s, and the Knight Commander accompanying him revealed himself as Duke Biflten.”
“The Knight Commander and the leader are presumed to be the same person. We are currently verifying the truth.” Nos dropped the paper he was holding.
****
The atmosphere in the palace was somber. If the master wasn’t in a good mood, it was only natural that those below him would have to hold their breaths. Somehow, on this particular day, the knights seemed even more nervous than usual as Duke Loen’s carriage approached, its wheels rolling silently.
“Welcome.”
Duke Loen opened the window and greeted the palace knight.
“I usually send someone ahead to announce my arrival, but I thought it might cause a disturbance with people coming and going.”
“Oh, thank you for your consideration.” The palace knight bowed his head.
“Since Your Highness has many concerns, we wouldn’t want to disturb the minds of those below.”
Duke Loen smiled and lowered the carriage window. Duke Loen’s carriage passed through the palace gates quietly.
****
Emperor Biodor II of the present Atanbel Empire was a person who constantly sought to reaffirm loyalty. His father, Biodor I, had been the one who seized the throne through rebellion long ago. Beyond subjecting others to humiliation for the sake of consolidating power, Biodor I enjoyed nothing more than humiliating his own brother, who fought desperately not to die. The power of the throne had weakened as a result.
Since then, Biodor II had only witnessed the throngs of people who sought to tighten their grip on power—those cunning like a cat. Those who only looked after their own interests—that’s why he disliked Viscount Biflten.
“Your Highness, Viscount Loen, is requesting an audience.”
“Oh, the appointed time has already arrived. Show him in.”
Despite his words pretending to have forgotten, he had been sitting in the audience chamber for several minutes. Duke Loen truly was a leader of an ancient and distinguished lineage, distinct from the Biflten in every aspect.
Emperor Biodor II nodded slowly. Until recently, while his father still occupied the throne, Biflten had not been such a thorn in his side. The previous Duke of Biflten had maintained a continuous relationship with the royal family, even during the tumultuous times of Emperor Biodor I. Not only that, but he had also taken care of all the monsters that could disturb the borders during the civil war. Thanks to him, Duke Biflten was highly esteemed by Emperor Biodor I. The previous Duke of Biflten frequently visited the palace, even though it must have been quite difficult to leave the Biflten domain.
“…”
Biodor II was different from his father, and the current Duke of Biflten was different as well. The current Duke of Biflten, Aden de Biflten, had no respect for the royal family. Having too many powerful and independent factions was poison. Biodor II was not pleased with the independence granted to the winter region. He knew that knights couldn’t move in a land filled with monsters without the permission of the royal family. In that case, shouldn’t they show respect to the royal family in return? How could they know what the knights were thinking or doing while turning their backs and trusting faceless subordinates? There was no greater foolishness than that.
“How have you been, Your Majesty?”
In that sense, Duke Loen perfectly suited Biodor II’s thoughts. He had even come to greet him just three weeks ago. How rare was it for him to frequently show himself without causing inconvenience to his lord while demonstrating his complete loyalty to the royal family?
“Of course. Your visit, Duke, somewhat improves my mood.”
“It is an utmost honor that my humble existence can be of help to the Emperor and the Empire.”
Biodor II smiled at Duke Loen’s reply. Indeed, he was incomparable to anyone else.
“I heard that you have been feeling uncomfortable lately. I was worried and came to see you, hoping to bestow upon you the glory of being able to take retribution on those who dare to distress Your Majesty.”
Eventually, the Emperor burst into joyful laughter. What had truly disturbed his mind was the news he had heard at the banquet held by Duke Loen—news that Duke Biflten had made an appearance. It was not only displeasing that he had revealed himself to the nobles before the ruler of the Empire, but there was something else that further upset Biodor II. Duke Biflten had violated the Empire’s laws and introduced a woman as his wife into high society, even though the rumors had spread throughout the palace and beyond, and even though the marriage of an imperial noble required the Emperor’s approval.
Belau’s Ello stared at the paper he had just received with an incredulous look. Unable to hold onto the paper any longer, he handed it to Nos.
[Delrose’s Knight Commander claims he is Viscount Biflten.]
“…”
“…”
Nos returned the paper with a bewildered expression.
“The Knight Commander only knows how to spill blood, and now he’s finally gone mad.”
Ello gestured, indicating that they should examine it further. Nos lowered his gaze thoughtlessly and then opened his mouth in astonishment.
“It’s confirmed that the leader went to Belau with the Lord of the Manor.”
“The Lord of the Manor attended a reception at Duke Loen’s, and the Knight Commander accompanying him revealed himself as Duke Biflten.”
“The Knight Commander and the leader are presumed to be the same person. We are currently verifying the truth.” Nos dropped the paper he was holding.
****
The atmosphere in the palace was somber. If the master wasn’t in a good mood, it was only natural that those below him would have to hold their breaths. Somehow, on this particular day, the knights seemed even more nervous than usual as Duke Loen’s carriage approached, its wheels rolling silently.
“Welcome.”
Duke Loen opened the window and greeted the palace knight.
“I usually send someone ahead to announce my arrival, but I thought it might cause a disturbance with people coming and going.”
“Oh, thank you for your consideration.” The palace knight bowed his head.
“Since Your Highness has many concerns, we wouldn’t want to disturb the minds of those below.”
Duke Loen smiled and lowered the carriage window. Duke Loen’s carriage passed through the palace gates quietly.
****
Emperor Biodor II of the present Atanbel Empire was a person who constantly sought to reaffirm loyalty. His father, Biodor I, had been the one who seized the throne through rebellion long ago. Beyond subjecting others to humiliation for the sake of consolidating power, Biodor I enjoyed nothing more than humiliating his own brother, who fought desperately not to die. The power of the throne had weakened as a result.
Since then, Biodor II had only witnessed the throngs of people who sought to tighten their grip on power—those cunning like a cat. Those who only looked after their own interests—that’s why he disliked Viscount Biflten.
“Your Highness, Viscount Loen, is requesting an audience.”
“Oh, the appointed time has already arrived. Show him in.”
Despite his words pretending to have forgotten, he had been sitting in the audience chamber for several minutes. Duke Loen truly was a leader of an ancient and distinguished lineage, distinct from the Biflten in every aspect.
Emperor Biodor II nodded slowly. Until recently, while his father still occupied the throne, Biflten had not been such a thorn in his side. The previous Duke of Biflten had maintained a continuous relationship with the royal family, even during the tumultuous times of Emperor Biodor I. Not only that, but he had also taken care of all the monsters that could disturb the borders during the civil war. Thanks to him, Duke Biflten was highly esteemed by Emperor Biodor I. The previous Duke of Biflten frequently visited the palace, even though it must have been quite difficult to leave the Biflten domain.
“…”
Biodor II was different from his father, and the current Duke of Biflten was different as well. The current Duke of Biflten, Aden de Biflten, had no respect for the royal family. Having too many powerful and independent factions was poison. Biodor II was not pleased with the independence granted to the winter region. He knew that knights couldn’t move in a land filled with monsters without the permission of the royal family. In that case, shouldn’t they show respect to the royal family in return? How could they know what the knights were thinking or doing while turning their backs and trusting faceless subordinates? There was no greater foolishness than that.
“How have you been, Your Majesty?”
In that sense, Duke Loen perfectly suited Biodor II’s thoughts. He had even come to greet him just three weeks ago. How rare was it for him to frequently show himself without causing inconvenience to his lord while demonstrating his complete loyalty to the royal family?
“Of course. Your visit, Duke, somewhat improves my mood.”
“It is an utmost honor that my humble existence can be of help to the Emperor and the Empire.”
Biodor II smiled at Duke Loen’s reply. Indeed, he was incomparable to anyone else.
“I heard that you have been feeling uncomfortable lately. I was worried and came to see you, hoping to bestow upon you the glory of being able to take retribution on those who dare to distress Your Majesty.”
Eventually, the Emperor burst into joyful laughter. What had truly disturbed his mind was the news he had heard at the banquet held by Duke Loen—news that Duke Biflten had made an appearance. It was not only displeasing that he had revealed himself to the nobles before the ruler of the Empire, but there was something else that further upset Biodor II. Duke Biflten had violated the Empire’s laws and introduced a woman as his wife into high society, even though the rumors had spread throughout the palace and beyond, and even though the marriage of an imperial noble required the Emperor’s approval.
