Translator and Editor: Ddalgi and Elnie
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Chapter 32
“I heard you’re having a lot of fun these days. But, before I die, I hope you marry a Crown Princess soon.”
“I didn’t know your Majesty cares so much about me.”
“I made a mistake.”
“Yes?”
“I didn’t send Count Jared’s daughter to the North at that time.”
Cassiax smiled bitterly as he saw the king clicking his tongue in regret.
“Nevertheless, I saw a very interesting scene. As I was returning from the villa, the Etoile wagons came down from the north one after another.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m really curious. Why the hell did they cross the border with wagons? I don’t know if they’re secretly communicating with the North.”
“Hmmm.”
The emperor did not show any reaction, but his expression was not good.
“By the way, these days, the Mundo family has been going in and out from the imperial family. Did Mrs. Trisha call in?”
“When the Marquis died and it was difficult for her to be alone, the family helped her both physically and mentally. I want to repay the favor, so I can grant that much.”
Cassiax nodded and smiled meaningfully.
“I’ve met the Mundo family several times at parties, and their social skills are quite good. Unlike Count Jared, who is inflexible.”
“Hmm.”
The king noticed that Cassiax was uncomfortable with him constantly bringing up the story of the Etoile family.
“How about taking this opportunity to change the imperial business partner from the Etoile family to the Mundo family?”
“It’s difficult.”
The king’s answer was unexpectedly firm.
“You know how much the Etoile family contributes to Solstern and the imperial family. If you neglect them, you will receive great reproach.”
“Your Majesty, are you afraid of just one noble family?”
“I’m saying this because it’s not just a noble family.”
At the King’s words, Cassiax spoke in a cold voice.
“Now, keep in mind that the son-in-law of the Etoile family is our enemy, Hellavant.”
“……”
As the emperor’s face showed a complex look, Cassiax added immediately.
“We have to make our move first so that we don’t get stabbed in the back later. Don’t believe that they will be our allies forever. From now on, we must slowly kill their influence in Solstern.”
The King narrowed his eyes and looked at his son Cassiax. He couldn’t completely agree with him, but he’s not completely wrong either. Cassiax was the little boy he had always looked down on. Today, he was saying something serious that was appropriate for his position.
“I know what you mean. Stop it.”
As he left the King’s room, Cassiax muttered so quietly that no one could hear him.
“Rose Etoile. How much fun would it be to step on your house and take you back from that bastard? I’m just waiting until then.”
Just imagining it made him excited, and the corner of his seductive lips rose sharply.
***
An arrow aimed from the top of a running horse was fired and it followed the movement of the bird.
Swoosh!
“I got it!”
The waiting soldier quickly grabbed the rattlesnake with both hands and shouted. On the other side, soldiers formed groups and started herding deer and foxes. Organized lures with no escape holes and captured the prey alive at once.
When Rose first rode her carriage through the Guagimolia forest, it was just a gloomy and terrifying forest of death. To the Hellavants, this infamous forest seemed light and familiar, like the playground of their home. Rose came along out of curiosity, and this hunting competition, which was held every year, was not just entertainment. The knights moved meticulously and in harmony, as if they were doing military training.
“It’s okay to follow the rest slowly.”
No matter how good Rose was on horseback, it was not easy to run after the men who were moving like they were fighting on the battlefield.
Fortunately, Janssen rode alongside her, assisting her.
“I’m sorry that you have to follow me for nothing. It’s because of me.”
Rose felt sorry for Janssen, who couldn’t even actively participate in the hunt because of her.
“No. I’m not interested in hunting at all. It’s good that I can enjoy it leisurely this year thanks to Her Majesty the Queen.”
Rose smiled as she saw Jansen whistling comfortably for her. In fact, even in her eyes, Janssen was an intelligent and scholarly type of man who was more suited to books and pens than swords.
“Are we somewhere between Hellavant and Solstern?” Rose looked around and asked.
“No. We’re still less than a third of the route to the end of the forest.”
“We have been running like this for a while, but we’ve only come this far. Is this just one-third of the distance of the Akapen Valley?” Rose asked, racking her brain.
Janssen opened his mouth implicitly as he looked at Rose, who was engrossed in looking at the map.
“May I ask the Queen a question?”
When she suddenly heard a serious voice, Rose looked at Jansen with a puzzled face.
“Ask away.”
“Actually, I saw what the Queen had dropped last time.”
“Oh……”
“I returned it without asking anything, but if a person from Stern carries such a map of Hellavant in their pocket, it is easy to misunderstand that person.”
“Right.”
“Did you know that His Majesty Maxim first suspected Her Majesty the Queen to be a spy?”
“I know.”
“Then why do you have such a suspicious thing on you? A map that could only be used for military purposes.”
Facing Janssen who was determined to ask, Rose was perplexed because she did not know how to start talking.
“Is the reason you decided to follow along on this hunt because you want to come to the Guagimolia Forest? Do you want to see this area with your own eyes?”
Rose gave up on lame excuses and admitted it frankly.
“I can’t fool you, Janssen. That’s right.”
“Why?”
“At first, I had no interest in hunting. I was just looking for an opportunity to get out of the castle. I was more curious about the Guagimolia forest. I don’t know where to begin, but I think my family’s situation got a lot more complicated when I came here.”
“It’s getting complicated. Are you saying that the Etoile family is in a crisis now?”
“That’s right. Because of my choices, my family is now surrounded by enemies in Solstern. So we have to find a way out.”
“I see.”
“That’s why I’m trying to put up a minimal defense plan.”
“If it’s a defense plan…”
Rose took a short breath and continued.
“I think there is no reason to not settle down here in the northern part of the country, even though the business is expanding overseas.”
“Oh……!”
Janssen let out a short exclamation as if he understood what Rose meant.
“You were even thinking about it.”
It reminded him of what she had asked before, about what was on the other side of the sea. It’s just that I thought she was asking out of curiosity. It was surprising to him that even the answers to the seemingly meaningless questions were used in her plan one by one.
“You were thinking like that. As expected, you’re the daughter of the Etoile family. You’re thinking of expanding your family’s business to the north.” Janssen said playfully, sizing her up.
“Janssen. It’s not just for that reason. I think it’s something that must also be done for His Majesty Maxim.”
“For His Majesty Maxim?” Janssen asked with a curious expression.
If she goes any further here, she would have to explain why she had to come to Hellavant. Rose hurriedly arranged her words.
“There is no other meaning. If Hellavant, a military power, prospers diplomatically and economically, there is nothing to lose.”
Rose smiled brightly as if it was nothing special.
“Well, I didn’t even know that the Queen was thinking like that.”
Looking at Rose, Janssen smiled, but inside he felt complicated. What the hell is she thinking? Every once in a while, she surprises people in this way.
“I can’t tell you how happy I was in my heart when His Majesty Maxim announced that he would pave the way from east to west. It was a natural step for him to become king. If necessary, the Etoile family will be a strong foothold for him in the future.”
With a smile of compassion, Rose recalled that moment.
“It’s still just my thoughts, so let’s keep this a secret between the two of us.”
“All right.” He nodded as if he knew.
“Janssen! I think we’re the only ones behind. Let’s chase after them.”
Rose and Janssen chased the crowd and rode briskly. After they left, a shadow, watching the two of them from behind the tree, came forward quietly.
Looking at Rose’s back, a gloved hand was fiddling with a bow.
***
After the hunt, there was a gloomy darkness in the forest. Soldiers who had camped out on a large expanse lit a fire and gathered together to enjoy a rich meal.
After a quick dinner, Rose dragged her tired body into the barracks. In the midst of dinner, the soldiers had set up perfect barracks to shelter her from the dew tonight. Although she followed the hunt, she didn’t even get to see Maxim the whole day. He led the pack at the front, and she was busy chasing them at the back with Janssen. Since he had left her alone in the castle for a while, Rose wondered if there might be separate barracks set up for him.
‘Oh, I’m really tired today.’
It was hot inside the barracks, which even had a fire lit. The place that she lay down was covered with pure white fleece, and seemed quite cozy, so her body, which had been tense all day on the horse, relaxed by itself. Rose untied the braids that had been rolled high above her crown. Her red hair was waving and cascading down to her waist like a waterfall. She unbuttoned the button that was up to the top of her neck, and a languid breath escaped her lips.
‘I feel like my thighs are going to break.’
She lay down on her fluffy fleece, pounding her fists into her waist. She was so tired that she thought that she would be able to get a good night’s sleep today even with the sound of a bonfire burning. Rose, who had been lying comfortably with her eyes closed for a while, suddenly got up.
‘What is that sound?’
Translator and Editor: Ddalgi and Elnie
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Chapter 32
“I heard you’re having a lot of fun these days. But, before I die, I hope you marry a Crown Princess soon.”
“I didn’t know your Majesty cares so much about me.”
“I made a mistake.”
“Yes?”
“I didn’t send Count Jared’s daughter to the North at that time.”
Cassiax smiled bitterly as he saw the king clicking his tongue in regret.
“Nevertheless, I saw a very interesting scene. As I was returning from the villa, the Etoile wagons came down from the north one after another.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m really curious. Why the hell did they cross the border with wagons? I don’t know if they’re secretly communicating with the North.”
“Hmmm.”
The emperor did not show any reaction, but his expression was not good.
“By the way, these days, the Mundo family has been going in and out from the imperial family. Did Mrs. Trisha call in?”
“When the Marquis died and it was difficult for her to be alone, the family helped her both physically and mentally. I want to repay the favor, so I can grant that much.”
Cassiax nodded and smiled meaningfully.
“I’ve met the Mundo family several times at parties, and their social skills are quite good. Unlike Count Jared, who is inflexible.”
“Hmm.”
The king noticed that Cassiax was uncomfortable with him constantly bringing up the story of the Etoile family.
“How about taking this opportunity to change the imperial business partner from the Etoile family to the Mundo family?”
“It’s difficult.”
The king’s answer was unexpectedly firm.
“You know how much the Etoile family contributes to Solstern and the imperial family. If you neglect them, you will receive great reproach.”
“Your Majesty, are you afraid of just one noble family?”
“I’m saying this because it’s not just a noble family.”
At the King’s words, Cassiax spoke in a cold voice.
“Now, keep in mind that the son-in-law of the Etoile family is our enemy, Hellavant.”
“……”
As the emperor’s face showed a complex look, Cassiax added immediately.
“We have to make our move first so that we don’t get stabbed in the back later. Don’t believe that they will be our allies forever. From now on, we must slowly kill their influence in Solstern.”
The King narrowed his eyes and looked at his son Cassiax. He couldn’t completely agree with him, but he’s not completely wrong either. Cassiax was the little boy he had always looked down on. Today, he was saying something serious that was appropriate for his position.
“I know what you mean. Stop it.”
As he left the King’s room, Cassiax muttered so quietly that no one could hear him.
“Rose Etoile. How much fun would it be to step on your house and take you back from that bastard? I’m just waiting until then.”
Just imagining it made him excited, and the corner of his seductive lips rose sharply.
***
An arrow aimed from the top of a running horse was fired and it followed the movement of the bird.
Swoosh!
“I got it!”
The waiting soldier quickly grabbed the rattlesnake with both hands and shouted. On the other side, soldiers formed groups and started herding deer and foxes. Organized lures with no escape holes and captured the prey alive at once.
When Rose first rode her carriage through the Guagimolia forest, it was just a gloomy and terrifying forest of death. To the Hellavants, this infamous forest seemed light and familiar, like the playground of their home. Rose came along out of curiosity, and this hunting competition, which was held every year, was not just entertainment. The knights moved meticulously and in harmony, as if they were doing military training.
“It’s okay to follow the rest slowly.”
No matter how good Rose was on horseback, it was not easy to run after the men who were moving like they were fighting on the battlefield.
Fortunately, Janssen rode alongside her, assisting her.
“I’m sorry that you have to follow me for nothing. It’s because of me.”
Rose felt sorry for Janssen, who couldn’t even actively participate in the hunt because of her.
“No. I’m not interested in hunting at all. It’s good that I can enjoy it leisurely this year thanks to Her Majesty the Queen.”
Rose smiled as she saw Jansen whistling comfortably for her. In fact, even in her eyes, Janssen was an intelligent and scholarly type of man who was more suited to books and pens than swords.
“Are we somewhere between Hellavant and Solstern?” Rose looked around and asked.
“No. We’re still less than a third of the route to the end of the forest.”
“We have been running like this for a while, but we’ve only come this far. Is this just one-third of the distance of the Akapen Valley?” Rose asked, racking her brain.
Janssen opened his mouth implicitly as he looked at Rose, who was engrossed in looking at the map.
“May I ask the Queen a question?”
When she suddenly heard a serious voice, Rose looked at Jansen with a puzzled face.
“Ask away.”
“Actually, I saw what the Queen had dropped last time.”
“Oh……”
“I returned it without asking anything, but if a person from Stern carries such a map of Hellavant in their pocket, it is easy to misunderstand that person.”
“Right.”
“Did you know that His Majesty Maxim first suspected Her Majesty the Queen to be a spy?”
“I know.”
“Then why do you have such a suspicious thing on you? A map that could only be used for military purposes.”
Facing Janssen who was determined to ask, Rose was perplexed because she did not know how to start talking.
“Is the reason you decided to follow along on this hunt because you want to come to the Guagimolia Forest? Do you want to see this area with your own eyes?”
Rose gave up on lame excuses and admitted it frankly.
“I can’t fool you, Janssen. That’s right.”
“Why?”
“At first, I had no interest in hunting. I was just looking for an opportunity to get out of the castle. I was more curious about the Guagimolia forest. I don’t know where to begin, but I think my family’s situation got a lot more complicated when I came here.”
“It’s getting complicated. Are you saying that the Etoile family is in a crisis now?”
“That’s right. Because of my choices, my family is now surrounded by enemies in Solstern. So we have to find a way out.”
“I see.”
“That’s why I’m trying to put up a minimal defense plan.”
“If it’s a defense plan…”
Rose took a short breath and continued.
“I think there is no reason to not settle down here in the northern part of the country, even though the business is expanding overseas.”
“Oh……!”
Janssen let out a short exclamation as if he understood what Rose meant.
“You were even thinking about it.”
It reminded him of what she had asked before, about what was on the other side of the sea. It’s just that I thought she was asking out of curiosity. It was surprising to him that even the answers to the seemingly meaningless questions were used in her plan one by one.
“You were thinking like that. As expected, you’re the daughter of the Etoile family. You’re thinking of expanding your family’s business to the north.” Janssen said playfully, sizing her up.
“Janssen. It’s not just for that reason. I think it’s something that must also be done for His Majesty Maxim.”
“For His Majesty Maxim?” Janssen asked with a curious expression.
If she goes any further here, she would have to explain why she had to come to Hellavant. Rose hurriedly arranged her words.
“There is no other meaning. If Hellavant, a military power, prospers diplomatically and economically, there is nothing to lose.”
Rose smiled brightly as if it was nothing special.
“Well, I didn’t even know that the Queen was thinking like that.”
Looking at Rose, Janssen smiled, but inside he felt complicated. What the hell is she thinking? Every once in a while, she surprises people in this way.
“I can’t tell you how happy I was in my heart when His Majesty Maxim announced that he would pave the way from east to west. It was a natural step for him to become king. If necessary, the Etoile family will be a strong foothold for him in the future.”
With a smile of compassion, Rose recalled that moment.
“It’s still just my thoughts, so let’s keep this a secret between the two of us.”
“All right.” He nodded as if he knew.
“Janssen! I think we’re the only ones behind. Let’s chase after them.”
Rose and Janssen chased the crowd and rode briskly. After they left, a shadow, watching the two of them from behind the tree, came forward quietly.
Looking at Rose’s back, a gloved hand was fiddling with a bow.
***
After the hunt, there was a gloomy darkness in the forest. Soldiers who had camped out on a large expanse lit a fire and gathered together to enjoy a rich meal.
After a quick dinner, Rose dragged her tired body into the barracks. In the midst of dinner, the soldiers had set up perfect barracks to shelter her from the dew tonight. Although she followed the hunt, she didn’t even get to see Maxim the whole day. He led the pack at the front, and she was busy chasing them at the back with Janssen. Since he had left her alone in the castle for a while, Rose wondered if there might be separate barracks set up for him.
‘Oh, I’m really tired today.’
It was hot inside the barracks, which even had a fire lit. The place that she lay down was covered with pure white fleece, and seemed quite cozy, so her body, which had been tense all day on the horse, relaxed by itself. Rose untied the braids that had been rolled high above her crown. Her red hair was waving and cascading down to her waist like a waterfall. She unbuttoned the button that was up to the top of her neck, and a languid breath escaped her lips.
‘I feel like my thighs are going to break.’
She lay down on her fluffy fleece, pounding her fists into her waist. She was so tired that she thought that she would be able to get a good night’s sleep today even with the sound of a bonfire burning. Rose, who had been lying comfortably with her eyes closed for a while, suddenly got up.
‘What is that sound?’
