If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 25
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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“We need to strengthen the military power in the north. The best way is to recruit a large number of knights who have long defended the north, Your Majesty.”
“Knights who have defended the north?”
“The knights from the Kristin Order.”
“But aren’t they already under your command?”
“Just because I acquired the Order doesn’t mean we’ve recruited all the knights who left Kristin. Moreover, the most capable core knights who remained until the end left the Order, leaving behind a message that they couldn’t abandon their faith in Lady Kristin.”
“…But what does this have to do with marrying Lady Kristin?”
“To gather the knights who have left, I believed that it’s best to have the authenticity of the Kristin Order. And the only way to restore that authenticity is by welcoming Lady Kristin into my family. I’m confident that becoming family with Lady Kristin will bring us benefits beyond imagination, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm…”
The explanation seemed plausible, but there were undoubtedly some unclear aspects that made the situation somewhat questionable. If Cain’s words were true, he was essentially trying to revive the long-disbanded Kristin Order. Was that Cain’s ultimate goal? And would it truly benefit him? Emperor Blahova pondered deeply.
In the past, Duke Kristin was undoubtedly an exceptional knight, but as a result, he became a thorn in the side of Emperor Blahova. Initially, the Emperor appreciated his loyalty and outstanding prowess, but as time passed, the Duke’s reputation only grew, which became uncomfortable for Blahova.
So when the ‘unfortunate accident’ happened to Duke Kristin, the Emperor secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Even if someone pointed out that it was heartless to harbor such feelings toward a loyal subject who had dedicated himself, there was nothing to be done. After all, humans were inherently cunning creatures.
Hunting dogs were often discarded once the hunt was over. When they had outlived their usefulness and even posed a threat to the Emperor’s position, they could no longer be considered loyal servants. At least, that’s what Emperor Blahova thought.
The Emperor hoped that Cain wouldn’t follow in the footsteps of Duke Kristin. Betraying a loyal subject once was enough in his eyes.
So Emperor Blahova wanted to marry him to his daughter. If Cain became a part of the royal family, his immense popularity and reputation would also be attributed to the imperial family.
“But what’s next? Right now, dealing with the pirates is urgent, and using marriage to boost military strength is a good idea. But what’s your plan after that? I doubt you’re staking your life just to win battles on the frontier.”
“After we eliminate the pirates and open up the sea routes, we can resume trade.”
In other words, this meant accumulating significant profits from the new trade, which would then be added to the imperial treasury.
Emperor Blahova set aside the gaze that had been scrutinizing his impudent subordinate. Indeed, Cain was a wise knight and strategist who could see several moves ahead. After a moment of calculating a few details, the Emperor nodded in agreement.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“His Majesty really granted his approval willingly?”
“Yes.”
Ethan, who had been waiting in the carriage, continued to question as if he couldn’t believe what he had heard just a while ago. He was the vice-commander of the Vernat Knights and one of the loyal knights who always stood by Cain’s side.
“Are you sure? Could it really be that simple?”
“Yes, that’s what I said.”
Why does he keep repeating the same question? After the question had been repeated about four times, Cain couldn’t help but stare at the knight who was badgering him.
“So, are you hoping for me to get scolded?”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Then why do you keep asking the same thing?”
“It’s because I can’t believe it.”
After a few more meaningless exchanges, Ethan finally closed his mouth, glancing at Cain.
The carriage that had left the palace was heading for Count Calvino’s estate, where Agatha was staying instead of his residence. He had promised to return shortly, so he needed to keep his words.
Cain intended to show Agatha the marriage approval directly given by the Emperor and discuss the wedding plans in earnest once he arrived there.
He was in a hurry. It had been a little over nine years since he had prepared to bring Lady Agatha back. He hoped that the promise they had made, to be kept, was not forgotten as time flowed by. Sadly, it seemed like he was the only one who had kept that promise, buried deep within his heart.
Thinking about Lady Agatha, who had blinked her large eyes, wondering what the second proposal meant, he couldn’t help but chuckle. It was a mix of feeling hurt and finding her adorable. Her face remained the same from her youth, but her body had grown, and she seemed quite the refined lady.
“…Do you like her?”
“What?”
“No. You suddenly started chuckling. It’s not like you…”
