Chapter 170 - The Grand Duchess's Visit

Though his face twisted, he did not lose his composure.

"Don't play dumb. The Imperial Princess alone couldn't have pulled something like this off."

"You're right. I went to that man's estate."

"And then?"

"He tried to make me drink tea laced with drugs, so I made him drink it instead. He flew into a rage, summoned his men to search the place, and that was how the filth hidden there came to light."

"Hm. I see."

Valdemar let out an intrigued hum.

For someone who had just lost his right-hand man, his reaction was strangely calm.

"So... someone finally triggered him? That couldn't have been easy..."

"I know those sinister perverts quite well."

There was one trait common to most Mages.

Once they advanced to a higher Circle, they began looking down on everyone beneath them.

They firmly believed that those of lower Circles could never surpass them, and that conviction established an unquestioned hierarchy.

That sense of superiority inevitably led to carelessness.

Ferda had exploited that blind spot dozens of times.

"What a pity."

Valdemar stroked his chin and muttered,

"I knew the day would come when I'd have to discard him... but I thought he still had some use left."

Ferda had wondered why Valdemar's reaction to losing his right-hand man had been so lukewarm.

Now he understood why.

"Shall I tell you what my plan was?"

"I'm not interested."

"Originally, I intended to bring that Magitech Engineering expert from your territory over to my side."

Even though Ferda already knew, hearing it spoken aloud still grated on his nerves.

He felt an overwhelming urge to wipe that smug expression off Valdemar's face.

"I would've given him the perfect environment for research. Money, rare resources—anything he wanted. And that's not all. Nobles from every corner of the Empire would beg him to marry their daughters. He'd have a wife, children... Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

"It would simply give him things to lose."

"Exactly."

Valdemar smiled.

"That's the whole point. You hang one thing after another around a man's neck—things he could never abandon while still sane. At first he'll gladly accept every gift. But before long, he'll realize how unbearably heavy they've become."

His emotions would begin to outweigh his reason.

His judgment would dull.

Eventually, he would lose the ability to think rationally.

The very fact that Valdemar was explaining all this meant one thing.

He already knew there was no way he could recruit Vernel Marquis.

"And then... he would become my new right-hand man. That was the plan."

"So the reward for Marquess Dvelung's loyalty was to become a boiled dog?"

Valdemar chuckled.

"Loyalty to me has no meaning. The only thing that matters is what one can do for this nation. Dvelung no longer has anything left to offer the Empire. Vernel, on the other hand, still has much to contribute."

Akard had certainly deserved to die—from Ferda's perspective.

But that was only from Ferda's perspective.

Akard's father had stopped the ambitions of the Third Prince.

And Akard himself had devoted his efforts to protecting the Empire from the plague.

"Since we're on the subject..."

Valdemar's eyes sharpened.

The atmosphere grew so tense it felt as though swords might be drawn at any moment.

"Do you think you'll be any different?"

"..."

"How many people stand behind you now? At the moment, perhaps it's a number you can still bear. But judging by your accomplishments, your following will only continue to grow. Before long, there will come a day when you've gathered more people than you can possibly carry."

"..."

"In the end, you'll have to give something up. Will you live as a ruler... or merely as an emotional human being?"

"Are you saying you're a ruler?"

"I am."

"And yet, for someone like that... you do a poor job of hiding how ugly you truly are."

Ferda mocked him without hesitation.

"The real reason you're this angry... isn't it because you failed to obtain Olivia?"

Valdemar's expression faltered once again.

For that brief instant, he looked nothing like a ruler.

He looked like an ordinary man ruled entirely by emotion.

"...Yes."

He admitted it without resistance.

"If that weren't the reason... I wouldn't be nearly this furious."

Having acknowledged it so readily, he continued,

"You've gone this far. If I simply let you walk away now... I'd lose all face."

"So what are you going to do?"

Ferda refused to back down.

He wanted to hear what kind of scenario Valdemar had devised.

Come, then.

Just like Akard did...

I'll answer every move you make until I squeeze the life out of you.

Just as Valdemar was about to speak—

The commotion outside suddenly erupted.

Hurried footsteps raced through the halls.

Noticing it, Valdemar ended the conversation and gestured toward the attendant standing behind him.

"What's happening outside?"

"I'll find out."

The attendant left.

"We'll pause our conversation for a moment."

"Very well. Care for a cup of tea?"

"..."

Valdemar said nothing.

A short while later, the attendant returned.

He leaned in and whispered something into Valdemar's ear.

Ferda quietly strained his hearing and caught the conversation.

"So... it seems I was the one being arrogant."

Valdemar's eyes were anything but ordinary.

Within them lingered both the greed of someone who had glimpsed a priceless jewel...and the regret of realizing it could never belong to him.

"Take care on your way back."

"I intend to."

Valdemar stood and released him.

A beat later, Ferda's own attendant hurried inside.

"Regent. We must prepare immediately."

Ferda interrupted before he could continue.

"Is Grand Duchess Valdrova on her way here?"

"Y-Yes... How did you know?"

How could I not?

I just heard it myself.

***

Having received word from the Spirits, Luri reported the news.

Valdrova asked,

"Is it good news?"

"Yes. Everything is proceeding according to plan."

"Mmm... I see."

Meanwhile—

Inside the Red Dragon's Lair, within the territory of Grand Duchess Valdrova.

"...Regarding Lord Ferda... Understood."

Valdrova's fingers fidgeted as her cheeks flushed crimson.

Luri found that impatient expression rather displeasing.

If anyone ought to be anxious and trying to win someone's affection, it should have been Ferda.

Yet here was the Monarch herself, completely unable to sit still.

She was so restless that the elegant handwriting she'd been practicing gradually deteriorated into childish scribbles.

Ignoring that, Luri continued her report.

"The Far East has been granted greater autonomy because unusual situations frequently arise there. No one now has any justification to interfere with the Magitech Engineering research. No one will be able to touch Hestia Village."

"They could have interfered before?"

"If Master had personally intervened, the matter would have been resolved much more quickly."

"I-I see... So that's how it was..."

Embarrassed, Valdrova turned her face away.

"Of course, had Master acted personally, the situation would likely have become much worse."

"Maybe... I'm not very good at talking... and I don't handle criticism very well..."

"That's not what I meant. It would have undermined Lord Ferda's authority."

"Why Ferda?"

Luri answered calmly.

"Lord Ferda has only served as Regent for a single year. Even though he has achieved remarkable accomplishments in that time, many still believe his rise is merely beginner's luck. Had Master stepped in personally, Lord Ferda's influence would have diminished considerably."

"...So, simply put... staying out of it accomplished half the work?"

"No."

Luri shook her head.

"It means Lord Ferda deliberately chose the harder path to preserve not only his own authority, but Master's as well."

Though Ferda was her fiancé, he was also Valdrova's subordinate.

If a subordinate resolved the problem without requiring the superior to intervene, it demonstrated that the superior possessed capable judgment as well.

That was how dragon society worked.

"I'm truly relieved Lord Ferda handles his responsibilities so well."

"Mm-hmm. Lots of people like Ferda now... and Luri likes him too."

"...Excuse me?"

Luri questioned her, wondering if she'd misheard.

Valdrova's innocent golden eyes looked straight at her as she smiled brightly.

"Luri likes Ferda now too, doesn't she?"

Luri felt her heart drop.

She struggled to hide her widened eyes behind a frown.

"...Whatever do you mean?"

"Hm? Well... when you said Ferda had brought good news, I could tell how happy you were."

"Isn't it only natural to be happy after bringing good news?"

"You looked much happier than that."

Luri had always hated humans.

Especially after the Third Prince's incident, she had trusted no nobleman whatsoever.

"I was worried at first because you were so wary of Ferda. But now... it seems you've truly begun seeing him for who he is and opening your heart to him. That makes me happy."

"Ugh..."

Heat crept into Luri's face.

For two reasons.

First—

Valdrova had momentarily mistaken her feelings for romantic affection.

Second—

There wasn't actually anything wrong with what she'd said.

That's exactly why she's troublesome.

That innocent smile...

With that gentle face, she saw straight through people.

Even Luri's carefully maintained composure shattered under that gaze.

Master has always been like this.

Like a hidden dagger tucked inside a sleeve, her true nature surfaced when least expected.

She was, after all, a Monarch.

Those eyes possessed insight rivaling that of Silverwind, Luri's father.

She simply spoke little and forgot things quickly, which made her seem absent-minded and as though her head were filled with nothing but flowers.

Master is right.

If she were honest...

She did have affection for Ferda.

But not as a man.

If someone asked whether she loved him romantically...

She could confidently shake her head.

If she had to define those feelings...

They were closer to familial affection.

Family...

Ferda felt like family.

Whenever he was around, she found herself glancing at him again for no particular reason.

Whenever anxiety crept into her heart, he was the first person she thought of.

If he said something would work out...

Somehow, she genuinely believed it would.

Until now, only one person had ever made her feel that way.

Silverwind, the father she admired.

...Exactly the same feeling I had toward Lord Silverwind.

The realization filled her with embarrassment.

Ferda was far younger than she was.

Yet she saw him as mature, admired him, felt at ease around him...

And now, she had even begun wanting to rely on him.

The more that happened, the stricter she ought to become as Valdrova's attendant.

Yet it was becoming increasingly difficult.

At the very least...

Master must never find out.

Because if she did...

The image Luri had maintained all these years as the perfect attendant would crumble.

"I'll inspect the handwriting you've practiced."

Flustered, she forcibly changed the subject and examined Valdrova's writing.

Graceful, noble handwriting filled the page.

Only the final lines had become crooked.

She chose to overlook it, knowing Valdrova had simply become flustered after hearing about Ferda.

"You've become quite skilled."

"Really?"

"See? I told you that you could do it."

"Mmm... You're right..."

Even Valdrova herself couldn't hide her amazement.

"So this is what it feels like..."

She looked down at the page with a warm smile.

"...Learning can be this much fun."

"I want to show Ferda my handwriting."

"I hope he comes back soon."

"If it's something you've done, Master, he'll praise it no matter what."

"You think so? Hmm... Then perhaps I should try earning his approval as the Armored Knight."

Unlike Valdrova, Luri viewed the situation objectively.

It was actually an excellent idea.

There was only one problem.

"I won't stop you if that's what you truly want, Master... but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Why?"

"Think about it. What if Master and that Armored Knight happened to have exactly the same handwriting?"

"...Would anyone really notice?"

"You think they wouldn't?"

"...Would they?"

"You're talking about the man who has counted every single Monster you've slain since becoming his fiancée."

"I-Is that true?"

Luri found his attention to detail genuinely unsettling.

Valdrova, on the other hand, blushed happily at the thought that he had watched over her so carefully.

Luri couldn't understand that sort of sentiment, but decided not to dwell on it.

"Besides, the handwriting you've been practicing belongs to noblewomen. If a large man suddenly started writing with a woman's script, that would be rather strange. You should learn a separate handwriting style for men."

"Mmm... Then I'll keep this one... and learn another."

The thought of having to study all over again bothered her a little.

But knowing she'd receive even more praise made her smile.

And Ferda had good news too...

That'll give us something to talk about.

She had a feeling they would finally have a proper conversation like an engaged couple.

When he returns...

Let's have a tea party.

Let's talk about everything.

"...Mm."

Valdrova quietly closed her eyes in thought before speaking.

"Luri."

"Yes, Master?"

"...Do you think Ferda is satisfied?"

Luri tilted her head.

"What do you mean by 'satisfied'?"

"We haven't really been together... We've mostly lived apart like this."

"You're still only engaged. By human standards, Lord Ferda is essentially a live-in son-in-law. Even when a couple shares the same room, it's quite common for them not to have physical intimacy."

"I-Is that so?"

"Of course, you have no obligation to follow such human customs, Lady Valdrova. If there's something you wish to do, you should simply say so."

At Luri's encouragement, Valdrova hesitated before finally speaking.

"So..."

She asked timidly,

"...What if I went to the Empire myself to welcome Ferda home?"

***

The grand avenue stretching from the outer walls of the capital of the Arken Empire to the Imperial Palace was famous for being the widest road on the Cerdes Continent.

Even with eight carriages traveling side by side, there was still plenty of room. From sunrise until sunset, it remained crowded with people.

It led to the Imperial Palace, but it was also the great root from which every road in the Empire branched.

There was only one time that avenue could ever be cleared.

When those bearing the blood of the House of Arken—the Imperial Family—were passing through.

Not even Valdemar had the authority to control that road.

Yet today, it had been emptied...for someone who was not royalty.

Across the Cerdes Continent, only one existence was acknowledged as standing even above the Emperor.

"The Red Dragon, Lady Valdrova, is coming!"

"Shouldn't she still be in the Far East? Why is she coming to the Empire...?"

The Empire was already in an uproar because of the Demon Followers.

The legendary crimson tyrant of the Far East choosing to appear at a time like this could only mean something extraordinary.

People abandoned their work and rushed toward the grand avenue.

A Dragon.

Ever since the Dragon-Demon War, interactions with dragons had become exceedingly rare.

An entire generation had grown up without ever seeing one.

Even if dragons were terrifying creatures, no one could suppress the desire to witness one with their own eyes.

Who knew?

Perhaps telling the story of having greeted a Dragon would earn someone free beer at the tavern.

Before long, tens of thousands of spectators crowded both sides of the emptied avenue.

"Show your respect!"

Luri's voice thundered across the heavens.

Every citizen of the Empire placed both hands on the ground and pressed their foreheads against the earth.

It was the same protocol reserved for the Emperor's procession.

After all...

Someone who stood even higher than the Emperor had entered the Imperial Capital.

Everyone had expected a carriage pulled by six white horses.

Instead...

Two small, slender legs stepped onto the avenue.

A broad-brimmed bamboo hat concealed the figure beneath it, with a long strip of thin crimson cloth hanging from its brim.

The sunlight filtering through the cloth revealed only the silhouette of a woman.

Dressed entirely in crimson...

She walked forward with quiet dignity.

Those who had come expecting nothing more than an amusing story for the tavern found themselves unable to raise their heads.

It was as though their instincts had become absolute dictators, forcing their bodies into submission.

An invisible pressure seemed to press their heads into the ground beneath heavy boots.

The Grand Duchess walked down the center of the long avenue with only a single attendant accompanying her.

At the end of that road stood the one she had come to meet.

Ferda.

The Regent.

Her fiancé.

He waited there with a carriage and a company of Knights.

Never before had Ferda carried himself with such impeccable composure.

Hidden within that crimson silhouette...was the Red Dragon, Valdrova.

The woman who made his heart race more than anyone else.

Contrary to his expectations, he did not tremble.

His heart was calm.

As she approached, Ferda respectfully knelt on one knee and lowered his head.

"I pay my respects to Your Grace, the Great Grand Duchess."

Valdrova answered his greeting.

"Raise your head."

Her voice carried a gravity unlike her usual self.

For the first time...

She truly sounded like a sovereign.

"You are the one destined to become My companion."

"...Yes."

"I have received word that you would return bearing joyful news."

"It was nothing worthy of such praise."

Through the crimson veil, she extended her hand toward him.

"Come. Let us return together."

Ferda stared at that outstretched hand for several moments before gently taking it.

"Yes... my Queen."

Led by her hand, he rose to his feet and escorted her.

Valdrova ascended the carriage with graceful elegance.

The Empire's reporters hurriedly sketched the scene, unwilling to miss what looked like a painting brought to life.

The door of the Grand Duchess's carriage closed.

It began to move.

The moment it passed beyond the city gates...

The oppressive force dominating the area disappeared.

The commoners, who had kept their heads pressed against the ground, finally breathed again.

Only then were they able to stand.

Every single one of them shared the same thought.

Would anyone actually believe the terror we just experienced?

***

Inside the Grand Duchess's carriage, beyond the city gates.

Ferda looked at Valdrova.

She had already removed the broad-brimmed hat, allowing him to see her face clearly.

Noticing his gaze, she smiled.

"Hehe... What is it? That expression of yours looks as if—"

"Ghk!"

Her words were abruptly cut off.

Ferda lunged across the carriage.

His hand wrapped tightly around her throat.

"Shut your mouth."

His voice trembled.

Not from fear.

From rage.

"Speak."

His eyes blazed with an icy blue light.

"Who are you?"

"I-I am... Me, of course. Your fianc—"

"There won't be a second mistake."

His blue eyes burned fiercely.

"Her face is still engraved in my mind."

"Someone like you can't confuse me."

She was a Monarch.

But she was nothing like the true Monarch.

The woman before him possessed sharp eyes and a slender physique.

The appearance suited the title of Tyrant Dragon...

But it was not Valdrova.

"Who are you?"

If she said the wrong thing...

She would truly die.

The woman screamed.

"Eeeeek! It's Penelope! Please spare me!"

Her crimson hair faded back into pink.

The two pairs of horns upon her head reverted to those of a demon.

It was Penelope.

Oddly enough...

Seeing her true face did nothing to calm Ferda's anger.

Instead, it grew even stronger.

"You insolent little demon."

Ferda ground his teeth.

"You actually dared to impersonate her?"

His fury wasn't merely because of the impersonation.

As the figure had drawn nearer...

For a moment—

He had genuinely believed it was Valdrova.

Only afterward had he noticed that every little detail felt subtly wrong.

And when Penelope finally spoke...

His suspicion became certainty.

The very fact that she had fooled him for even that long made his blood boil.

"B-But... I-I was asked to do this!"

"And who exactly asked you?"

"There is no way she would ever ask you to do something like this!"

"Surprisingly... she really did!"

Ferda couldn't believe it.

He slowly looked up at Penelope.

She closed her mouth and let out a long sigh through her nose.

Ferda couldn't understand.

"...Why?"

He asked like a man watching his world collapse.

"Why would she ask someone like you to do something like this?"

"Uh... well..."

Penelope scratched her cheek awkwardly.

"It's because... the Grand Duchess and I are friends."

For a moment...

Ferda seriously wondered if he'd just heard the greatest nonsense imaginable.

"Well... it's a rather long story, and I'm not sure we really need to—"

"Tell me everything."

Blue flames flickered in Ferda's eyes.

"Leave nothing out."

"Tell me everything that happened between you... and her."

Read more chapters here - Apexnovelhub.com