“Greetings to the successor of noble blood.”
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“Come on in, Dame Iris.”
Renato greeted Iris with a smile as she saluted him respectfully. Beckoning her to sit down, he glanced at her in slight amazement. Now that they met again after a few months, she had a completely different look compared to when he first saw her.
“Long time no see. Is it worth living as an apprentice knight?”
“Thanks to the grace of His Majesty the Emperor and Your Imperial Highness, I am living well.”
Iris answered with a smile. As she had long dreamed of becoming an imperial knight, her expression and mood were now very bright unlike before. Perhaps it could be described that her look itself had become brighter.
“You did a good job in many ways while I was away. Thank you.”
“I just did what I had to do.”
“Your apprenticeship will come to an end in around half a month, right? You will be officially appointed as my second guard knight right after that.”
“Thank you. I will continue to serve you with all my heart in the future.”
Hearing that her knight appointment was nearing, Iris bowed her head with a resolute expression. Unlike her twin sister who immediately became Renato’s aide, she, a knight, had yet to have a chance to serve Renato directly. However, her loyalty to him was no less than that of Arche.
“I called you because I have a few questions.”
“Please ask me anything.”
“In the report you gave me……”
Renato asked in detail what he was concerned about in Iris’ report. It was because he had to take action based on her information. Iris immediately answered his questions. While the two were talking, they heard Luna’s voice which seemed a little perplexed outside the door.
“Your Imperial Highness, it is announced that His Majesty the Empress and Marquis Medus are coming to the Prince’s Palace.”
“His Majesty the Empress?”
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Renato slightly frowned when he heard about the unexpected visit. Marquis Medus indeed made an appointment with him today, but he couldn’t help but question why Blanche was suddenly coming.
“Prepare to take them to the guestroom.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
After telling Luna to prepare to greet Blanche and Marquis Medus, Renato looked at Iris apologetically.
“I guess we have to stop talking for today because of this unexpected interruption. Go out through the back door to avoid running into them.”
“I will leave quietly so as not to be noticed. Please contact me through Arche if you have any further questions.”
Iris got up from her seat, courteously paid respect to him, and quietly walked out. Renato also stood up and prepared to meet Blanche and Marquis Medus. It wasn’t long before Luna informed him that the two had arrived at the Prince’s Palace.
“Please come on in, Your Majesty.”
“Yes.”
With the help of Louis, Renato straightened his clothes and hurried out to greet Blanche and Marquis Medus. Blanche looked at him up and down before nodding. That was the end of their conversation.
“I offer my greetings to Your Imperial Highness.”
When the brief greeting between Renato and Blanche ended, Marquis Medus took a step forward with a friendly face.
“Did you sleep well last night? You somehow don’t have a good complexion.”
“Can you tell? I couldn’t sleep well, perhaps because my bed changed……”
“It can happen. I will prescribe medication later to relieve your fatigue.”
“Thank you. Please go inside. The tea has been prepared.”
Renato led the two to the guest room. As they entered, the tea and desserts Louis had prepared were placed on the table. Blanche sat at the top seat, while Renato and Marquis Medus sat facing each other.
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“Did you see off his highness the grand prince yesterday? Did you feel empty since you two parted after staying together?”
“Pardon? Ah, yes.”
“I am glad that you two have become very close. Did you explain our situation to the grand prince?”
As soon as Marquis Medus sat down, he directly talked into the matter. He couldn’t hold back as he had wanted to ask since yesterday.
“I didn’t say in detail, but…… I asked if we could get military help later.”
“How did the grand prince react?”
“He felt a bit burdened at first. It could become interference in domestic affairs if done wrong, after all. But after that, he said he would try to help as much as possible. Even if he couldn’t come forward, he would support us in secret……”
“That’s great!”
As he heard a satisfactory answer, the Marquis’ face glowed up. What he asked Renato before he left for the kingdom for his engagement ceremony was to get closer to Khalid, to explain the political situation in the Empire, and to ask for military help. It was also the reason why the Marquis allowed Renato to be engaged in the first place.
However, he was also worried that Khalid might not accept it. Although the man was head over heels for Renato, he was the grand prince of a foreign country. It would inevitably become a burden even if he was given a title and became an Empire citizen.
If Tristan and Trudy won, war or political friction might arise between the two countries resulting from Khalid’s actions.
But Marquis Medus needed Khalid’s military force. Particularly, he had recently felt the need even more. It was because Tristan was showing signs of recovery.
If Tristan succeeded in recovering just like this, his preparations to make Maximo the next Emperor would likely be down the drain. In that case, all that remained was an armed conflict. Khalid’s help was essential to overcome the military disadvantage, which was considered his biggest weakness.
“It must have been difficult, but you did a good job.”
“No. His highness hasn’t said that he would come forward yet……”
“We would never be full with just the first bite. That is enough for now.”
“Is that so?”
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“Of course. We just have to slowly draw him in more deeply. The fact that the grand prince said he would help us is great enough of an achievement for now.”
“Then I’m glad.”
“Your Imperial Highness also worked hard to get the Black Wolf Knights Order to step down from the position of the royal family’s Special Knights Order, right? I heard not many left the Knights Order thanks to Your Imperial Highness’ offer to help the knights and their families settle in the Esteban territory.”
“I was lucky.”
“It’s not luck, it’s Your Imperial Highness’ skill. You did well, really well.”
Marquis Medus smiled and praised Renato. He had been nervous about Tristan’s actions lately. As the saying goes ‘A toothless tiger is still a predator’, when Tristan began to fulfill his Emperor duties again after being away from governmental affairs for a while, the power he had worked hard to achieve over the past few years was shaken.
Furthermore, Maximo, who was supposed to manage his image, had recently lost his reputation due to emotional instability, while Blanche was as passive and foolish as usual. The Marquis couldn’t help but sigh.
However, as Renato, whom he never had expectations, had continued to do well from several months ago, he naturally smiled.
“Things keep getting messed up these days and make me anxious…… But thanks to Your Imperial Highness, I can smile again.”
“Father, aren’t you exaggerating too much?”
Blanche intervened in the conversation with a forced smile when Marquis Medus praised Renato. He didn’t like how the Marquis had continued to highly evaluate Renato for several months.
“How could it be exaggerating? His Imperial Highness deserves praise for what he has done.”
“He has only been eating without doing anything properly all the time, and now he’s only doing the part of one person……”
“That’s why he deserves more praise. Your Majesty does not seem to like how I praise His Imperial Highness’ achievements?”
“It’s not that……”
“Oho. If you’re going to say that, please just stay quiet.”
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Marquis Medus frowned and interrupted Blanche’s words as if he didn’t want to hear anymore. Blanche, who interrupted for no reason and couldn’t say anything more, closed his mouth with an angry expression. Looking at him, the Marquis clicked his tongue.
“By the way, what about that Fairy Tears’ matter? What do you mean that you disguised Snake’s Breath as Fairy’s Tears?”
Having taken a sip of tea to calm his momentary irritation, Marquis Medus questioned what he wanted to ask the most.
“It’s exactly what I wrote in the letter. I urgently used the Snake’s Breath I received from you for the Khan Kingdom’s Queen Consort, but I had to reveal the medicine’s identity. I couldn’t tell the truth, so I said it was Fairy’s Tears.”
“Hmm, what did His Majesty the Emperor say? He must have brought this up yesterday.”
“I actually want to discuss that as well. When asked by His Majesty yesterday, I said I used the emergency medicine given by you, Marquis. But……”
Renato deliberately trailed off his words, pretended to be anxious and wiggled his hands. Then, he continued in a slightly trembling voice.
“His Majesty already knew about Snake’s Breath.”
“Pardon?”
Those unexpected words made Marquis Medus open his eyes wide. Blanche, who was sitting with a sullen face, also looked at Renato in surprise.
“What did you just say? His Majesty knows about Snake’s Breath?”
“Yes, he suddenly asked me if I saved the Queen Consort by using a medicine called ‘Snake’s Breath’…… I lied that I didn’t know, but he didn’t seem to believe me.”
“Hmm.”
“Still, he didn’t seem to know that I had provided blood yet. Though he kept asking if I knew anything about the special medicine made by the Marquis……”
“This is really troublesome.”
Marquis Medus, whose smile had disappeared, clicked his tongue with a serious face. Knowing that a secret couldn’t be kept forever, he didn’t think he could fool Tristan’s eyes and ears until the end, but this timing wasn’t good. If Tristan was determined to investigate Snake’s Breath, it would only be a matter of time before it was found out that Renato’s blood was used to make the medicine.
Now is the time. Observing Marquis Medus’ deeply agonized face, Renato cautiously opened his mouth.
“As His Majesty has suspected us, I think it would be better to stop making Snake’s Breath for a while…… What do you think, Marquis?”
“Greetings to the successor of noble blood.”
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“Come on in, Dame Iris.”
Renato greeted Iris with a smile as she saluted him respectfully. Beckoning her to sit down, he glanced at her in slight amazement. Now that they met again after a few months, she had a completely different look compared to when he first saw her.
“Long time no see. Is it worth living as an apprentice knight?”
“Thanks to the grace of His Majesty the Emperor and Your Imperial Highness, I am living well.”
Iris answered with a smile. As she had long dreamed of becoming an imperial knight, her expression and mood were now very bright unlike before. Perhaps it could be described that her look itself had become brighter.
“You did a good job in many ways while I was away. Thank you.”
“I just did what I had to do.”
“Your apprenticeship will come to an end in around half a month, right? You will be officially appointed as my second guard knight right after that.”
“Thank you. I will continue to serve you with all my heart in the future.”
Hearing that her knight appointment was nearing, Iris bowed her head with a resolute expression. Unlike her twin sister who immediately became Renato’s aide, she, a knight, had yet to have a chance to serve Renato directly. However, her loyalty to him was no less than that of Arche.
“I called you because I have a few questions.”
“Please ask me anything.”
“In the report you gave me……”
Renato asked in detail what he was concerned about in Iris’ report. It was because he had to take action based on her information. Iris immediately answered his questions. While the two were talking, they heard Luna’s voice which seemed a little perplexed outside the door.
“Your Imperial Highness, it is announced that His Majesty the Empress and Marquis Medus are coming to the Prince’s Palace.”
“His Majesty the Empress?”
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Renato slightly frowned when he heard about the unexpected visit. Marquis Medus indeed made an appointment with him today, but he couldn’t help but question why Blanche was suddenly coming.
“Prepare to take them to the guestroom.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
After telling Luna to prepare to greet Blanche and Marquis Medus, Renato looked at Iris apologetically.
“I guess we have to stop talking for today because of this unexpected interruption. Go out through the back door to avoid running into them.”
“I will leave quietly so as not to be noticed. Please contact me through Arche if you have any further questions.”
Iris got up from her seat, courteously paid respect to him, and quietly walked out. Renato also stood up and prepared to meet Blanche and Marquis Medus. It wasn’t long before Luna informed him that the two had arrived at the Prince’s Palace.
“Please come on in, Your Majesty.”
“Yes.”
With the help of Louis, Renato straightened his clothes and hurried out to greet Blanche and Marquis Medus. Blanche looked at him up and down before nodding. That was the end of their conversation.
“I offer my greetings to Your Imperial Highness.”
When the brief greeting between Renato and Blanche ended, Marquis Medus took a step forward with a friendly face.
“Did you sleep well last night? You somehow don’t have a good complexion.”
“Can you tell? I couldn’t sleep well, perhaps because my bed changed……”
“It can happen. I will prescribe medication later to relieve your fatigue.”
“Thank you. Please go inside. The tea has been prepared.”
Renato led the two to the guest room. As they entered, the tea and desserts Louis had prepared were placed on the table. Blanche sat at the top seat, while Renato and Marquis Medus sat facing each other.
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“Did you see off his highness the grand prince yesterday? Did you feel empty since you two parted after staying together?”
“Pardon? Ah, yes.”
“I am glad that you two have become very close. Did you explain our situation to the grand prince?”
As soon as Marquis Medus sat down, he directly talked into the matter. He couldn’t hold back as he had wanted to ask since yesterday.
“I didn’t say in detail, but…… I asked if we could get military help later.”
“How did the grand prince react?”
“He felt a bit burdened at first. It could become interference in domestic affairs if done wrong, after all. But after that, he said he would try to help as much as possible. Even if he couldn’t come forward, he would support us in secret……”
“That’s great!”
As he heard a satisfactory answer, the Marquis’ face glowed up. What he asked Renato before he left for the kingdom for his engagement ceremony was to get closer to Khalid, to explain the political situation in the Empire, and to ask for military help. It was also the reason why the Marquis allowed Renato to be engaged in the first place.
However, he was also worried that Khalid might not accept it. Although the man was head over heels for Renato, he was the grand prince of a foreign country. It would inevitably become a burden even if he was given a title and became an Empire citizen.
If Tristan and Trudy won, war or political friction might arise between the two countries resulting from Khalid’s actions.
But Marquis Medus needed Khalid’s military force. Particularly, he had recently felt the need even more. It was because Tristan was showing signs of recovery.
If Tristan succeeded in recovering just like this, his preparations to make Maximo the next Emperor would likely be down the drain. In that case, all that remained was an armed conflict. Khalid’s help was essential to overcome the military disadvantage, which was considered his biggest weakness.
“It must have been difficult, but you did a good job.”
“No. His highness hasn’t said that he would come forward yet……”
“We would never be full with just the first bite. That is enough for now.”
“Is that so?”
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“Of course. We just have to slowly draw him in more deeply. The fact that the grand prince said he would help us is great enough of an achievement for now.”
“Then I’m glad.”
“Your Imperial Highness also worked hard to get the Black Wolf Knights Order to step down from the position of the royal family’s Special Knights Order, right? I heard not many left the Knights Order thanks to Your Imperial Highness’ offer to help the knights and their families settle in the Esteban territory.”
“I was lucky.”
“It’s not luck, it’s Your Imperial Highness’ skill. You did well, really well.”
Marquis Medus smiled and praised Renato. He had been nervous about Tristan’s actions lately. As the saying goes ‘A toothless tiger is still a predator’, when Tristan began to fulfill his Emperor duties again after being away from governmental affairs for a while, the power he had worked hard to achieve over the past few years was shaken.
Furthermore, Maximo, who was supposed to manage his image, had recently lost his reputation due to emotional instability, while Blanche was as passive and foolish as usual. The Marquis couldn’t help but sigh.
However, as Renato, whom he never had expectations, had continued to do well from several months ago, he naturally smiled.
“Things keep getting messed up these days and make me anxious…… But thanks to Your Imperial Highness, I can smile again.”
“Father, aren’t you exaggerating too much?”
Blanche intervened in the conversation with a forced smile when Marquis Medus praised Renato. He didn’t like how the Marquis had continued to highly evaluate Renato for several months.
“How could it be exaggerating? His Imperial Highness deserves praise for what he has done.”
“He has only been eating without doing anything properly all the time, and now he’s only doing the part of one person……”
“That’s why he deserves more praise. Your Majesty does not seem to like how I praise His Imperial Highness’ achievements?”
“It’s not that……”
“Oho. If you’re going to say that, please just stay quiet.”
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Marquis Medus frowned and interrupted Blanche’s words as if he didn’t want to hear anymore. Blanche, who interrupted for no reason and couldn’t say anything more, closed his mouth with an angry expression. Looking at him, the Marquis clicked his tongue.
“By the way, what about that Fairy Tears’ matter? What do you mean that you disguised Snake’s Breath as Fairy’s Tears?”
Having taken a sip of tea to calm his momentary irritation, Marquis Medus questioned what he wanted to ask the most.
“It’s exactly what I wrote in the letter. I urgently used the Snake’s Breath I received from you for the Khan Kingdom’s Queen Consort, but I had to reveal the medicine’s identity. I couldn’t tell the truth, so I said it was Fairy’s Tears.”
“Hmm, what did His Majesty the Emperor say? He must have brought this up yesterday.”
“I actually want to discuss that as well. When asked by His Majesty yesterday, I said I used the emergency medicine given by you, Marquis. But……”
Renato deliberately trailed off his words, pretended to be anxious and wiggled his hands. Then, he continued in a slightly trembling voice.
“His Majesty already knew about Snake’s Breath.”
“Pardon?”
Those unexpected words made Marquis Medus open his eyes wide. Blanche, who was sitting with a sullen face, also looked at Renato in surprise.
“What did you just say? His Majesty knows about Snake’s Breath?”
“Yes, he suddenly asked me if I saved the Queen Consort by using a medicine called ‘Snake’s Breath’…… I lied that I didn’t know, but he didn’t seem to believe me.”
“Hmm.”
“Still, he didn’t seem to know that I had provided blood yet. Though he kept asking if I knew anything about the special medicine made by the Marquis……”
“This is really troublesome.”
Marquis Medus, whose smile had disappeared, clicked his tongue with a serious face. Knowing that a secret couldn’t be kept forever, he didn’t think he could fool Tristan’s eyes and ears until the end, but this timing wasn’t good. If Tristan was determined to investigate Snake’s Breath, it would only be a matter of time before it was found out that Renato’s blood was used to make the medicine.
Now is the time. Observing Marquis Medus’ deeply agonized face, Renato cautiously opened his mouth.
“As His Majesty has suspected us, I think it would be better to stop making Snake’s Breath for a while…… What do you think, Marquis?”
