The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 112
“Surely, if Kaluta shapes up as a nation and joins us, it wouldn’t be bad. But the question is whether they have the will to do so.”
“They said they would,” Roxelyn said.
“…What?”
“You said it yourself, Your Majesty. Setting up a capital and shaping a nation was the condition…”
“…I meant that as a fleeting suggestion, but are they really going through with it?”
When the Emperor asked, Roxelyn calmly nodded.
“I also think that it’s necessary.”
“…”
Roxelyn’s adeptness was quite unexpected.
Seeing the Emperor’s surprised look, Roxelyn continued.
“In any case, the only princess of Kaluta has taken a liking to the Second Prince. Perhaps this diplomacy will successfully lead to a royal marriage.”
The Emperor hesitated at Roxelyn’s words.
There was a triumphant smile, almost as if she had anticipated this outcome.
“Ducal Lady, could it be that the reason you wanted to bring the Second Prince was…”
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed.
“…”
Roxelyn just smiled broadly.
The Emperor easily read the meaning hidden beneath her gleeful smile.
“Hah…”
The Emperor let out a scoff.
“What happened with the arson case? I heard from Gerun that… you put out the fire.”
“…Did Marquis Gerun say that?”
Roxelyn frowned, and the Emperor nodded.
“…Damn old man.”
She muttered softly and sighed deeply, her expression souring.
“Ah, by the way, there’s one more thing I need.”
“Something you need?”
“Yes.”
Roxelyn said quietly with a slight smile.
The Emperor looked at Roxelyn and burst into a hollow laugh, then nodded in response.
Roxelyn left the reception room with a bright smile.
It had been a satisfying negotiation.
* * *
Roxelyn had a lot to do, primarily because the Kalutans wouldn’t act without her.
It was only two days ago that the Bellion Ducal House and Kaluta had finalized their discussions about the ‘flowstone’.
After their conversation, the Emperor had written a letter and invitation by hand, welcoming Khan of Kaluta to visit the empire.
The Khan had replied to him as well.
In any case, things were proceeding well, and the Kalutans were scheduled to visit the imperial palace in about a month.
The unprecedented interaction with Kaluta had the empire buzzing. Some were anxious, others soaked in anticipation.
Foreign nations were on edge. Despite Kaluta’s reckless behavior in the past, no one had managed to control them.
They must have been relieved that they did not interact with anyone else.
‘And now that balance has been disrupted.’
The mightiest empire seemed poised to gain that power.
It must be a nervous time for other nations. Kaluta might seem small, but when its tribes are combined, they form a powerful group of more than a hundred.
Roxelyn blinked slowly.
When they entered the empire, she would have to stay at the imperial palace during the Kalutans’ visit.
‘The most urgent thing right now is to solve the disappearance case.’
Roxelyn thought calmly as she set down the teacup she had been tilting.
Lifting her head, she saw Zerti with a stiff expression, contrasting her relaxed demeanor.
“Father.”
“Yes.”
“May I go out soon?”
Roxelyn said this while looking at Zerti, who seemed to never think of letting her go, as if chaining her to his wrist.
It wasn’t heavy, but perhaps there was an Abyss of confinement, as she couldn’t seem to get away from Zerti.
“Absolutely not. You haven’t fully recovered yet.”
“Really? But I have a meeting scheduled with the Second Prince and Marquis Gerun.”
“Yes. Really.”
At Zerti’s firm response, Roxelyn sighed.
“Then there’s nothing I can do.”
As Roxelyn gave up easily, Zerti frowned with a displeased expression.
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s hard to work in a house that shackles me like this. I think I’ll leave the house until the assigned task is resolved. I will stay at Marquis Gerun’s place.”
At Roxelyn’s words, Zerti stopped abruptly.
Zerti, with a stiff expression, looked at Roxelyn with wide eyes.
“…You.”
“It’s a joke.”
Roxelyn smiled slyly.
“…Hmm, was it not funny?”
Zerti let out a hollow laugh.
“My daughter.”
“Yes.”
“You have no talent for jokes, so don’t try it. I thought my heart was going to drop.”
He said very seriously as he quietly released the chain.
“Answer.”
As Roxelyn remained silent, Zerti urged her.
“…Yes.”
Roxelyn finally spoke after a brief pause of disappointment.
“Go then, Roxelyn.”
“Yes.”
She answered calmly and looked blankly at Zerti.
“Anything else?”
“Would it be too presumptuous to ask for a hug?”
Zerti’s eyes widened slightly.
He quickly stepped forward and embraced Roxelyn.
After a short hug, Roxelyn spoke softly.
“I’ll be back.”
Zerti’s eyes widened slightly.
“Yes, go on.”
“…”
As Roxelyn turned to leave, she paused briefly.
“Yes.”
She answered softly and then left the reception room.
