Expectation

The Emperor did not like unexpected things happening.

It was because he was in a position to sway the fate of a vast empire with a moment’s judgment.

He felt at ease only when everything stayed within known facts, and the risks were nonexistent or infinitesimally small.

Therefore, anything that deviated from his expectations was unwelcome.

Today was no different, as the lunch menu he had anticipated was changed to another dish due to supply issues.

The new cook, who had been begging for mercy with his hands clasped together, was beheaded before he could even complete half a day of his term.

However, there were exceptions. The Emperor’s eyes widened at the unexpected news brought by the Cavalry Commander.

“The Cavalry Commander sent a letter?”

The Emperor, who had been trying to soothe his displeasure with a tea time, smiled brightly at the news.

“A letter attached to an arrow was found near the sentry post of the military camp. The informant is communicating in a different way, so it must be from the Cavalry Commander.”

“You didn’t happen to read the contents, did you?”

At the Emperor’s suspicion, the Cavalry Commander bowed even deeper.

“How could I dare to read a letter addressed to Your Imperial Majesty first? I only assumed so because the Cavalry Commander’s name was on the outside of the letter.”

Only then did the Emperor reveal his satisfaction, grinning and showing his teeth.

“Indeed, my loyal Cavalry Commander would never do anything to betray my expectations. Haha, stand up straight.”

“Thank you for your grace.”

“Yes, I’m truly curious about what he wrote.”

He unfolded the paper attached to the arrow. Letters were scattered haphazardly across the creases of the crumpled paper.

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed.

“This isn’t the Cavalry Commander’s handwriting… Did he have someone else write it for him?”

“It seems his injuries haven’t healed yet.”

“Does that mean he can’t even move his hands properly? He seemed fine when I saw him yesterday…”

Concern filled the Emperor’s eyes. The Cavalry Commander kept his mouth shut, gauging the Emperor’s mood.

She read each letter slowly, savoring it as if tasting it.

Although it wasn’t written by the Cavalry Commander himself, the letter, written in a colloquial style, was filled with his essence.

It was a short letter, so it didn’t take long to read.

After finishing the first reading, the Emperor moved his eyes back to the beginning of the letter. Thus, the second reading.

The Emperor’s gaze moved back and forth between the beginning and the end of the letter.

“Hehehe….”

Having imprinted the contents on his mind, the Emperor let out a satisfied laugh, his cheeks flushed red.

“It seems you have good news.”

The Cavalry Commander added, matching the Emperor’s mood.

“The Cavalry Commander wants to meet tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, you say?”

“Yes, tomorrow. At the entrance of the forest.”

The Emperor reread the letter to confirm that he had understood correctly.

The Cavalry Commander muttered, “Tomorrow.” It was the last day the Emperor had shown mercy.

If he were going to surrender, he would have done it today, and if he were planning to fight, there would be no reason to meet the Emperor tomorrow.

‘What is he thinking?’

He found it difficult to fathom the Cavalry Commander’s thoughts.

Even when they stood together on the battlefield, the Cavalry Commander was a man of few words.

He couldn’t understand his thoughts back then, so it was only natural that he couldn’t grasp his intentions now, after several years had passed.

‘There’s a high possibility it’s a trap.’

That’s what the Cavalry Commander thought.

“Your Majesty, are you going to meet the Cavalry Commander tomorrow?”

Therefore, the question was inevitable.

In a situation where he couldn’t know what the other party was thinking, allowing the Emperor to meet him was a very dangerous act.

“You ask the obvious.”

The Emperor, already excited at the prospect of meeting the Cavalry Commander, replied with a beaming face.

“He will be yours the day after tomorrow anyway. There seems to be no need to take the risk.”

The Cavalry Commander swallowed hard and spoke cautiously.

“Cavalry Commander. Know your place and hold your tongue.”

Unsurprisingly, the response was not friendly.

“…I apologize.”

“Very well, I will overlook it because I know your loyalty. But if you say the same thing again, even you will not be safe.”

The Emperor’s face still held a faint smile, indicating that he wasn’t too upset.

If the Emperor had been in a slightly worse mood, even the Cavalry Commander would have had a hard time keeping his head.

“…Your Majesty, then would it be alright if I escorted you only to the entrance of the forest? I would be grateful if you would consider it my foolish worry.”

The Cavalry Commander bowed and pleaded.

“……..”

The Emperor was silent. Imagining the Emperor’s unseen face, the Cavalry Commander continued.

“Only to the entrance of the forest. The Cavalry Commander is upright and would not think of harming Your Majesty, but his subordinates are different. They may have secretly set up a treacherous trap without his knowledge.”

The Emperor’s mind flashed to Anna’s hateful face. That insolent bitch. The Emperor muttered inwardly.

“Very well, I cannot ignore your loyal advice. I permit you to accompany me to the entrance of the forest.”

“Thank you.”

“However, I will spend time with him alone.”

“Of course. I will keep that in mind.”

“Good. I look forward to noon tomorrow. It’s a pity we can’t have a meal together, but we can do that the day after. Hehe.”

The Emperor smiled and read the letter once more. The crumpled paper had the power to make his heart flutter, no matter how many times he read it.

“Then I will take my leave.”

As the Cavalry Commander bowed and was about to leave, the Emperor’s voice stopped him.

“Check on his hand. See if he’s alright. If he’s injured, I’ll have to bring medicine tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

The Cavalry Commander left the Emperor’s tent.

“……..”

The military camp, filled with dust, was bustling with activity.

Watching the soldiers moving in an orderly fashion, the Cavalry Commander shook his head.

Is it right for this great army to move to capture just one person? The question arose, but he quickly dismissed it.

Personal feelings were unnecessary for the Emperor’s sword.

“Anna.”

The Cavalry Commander’s tent. The Cavalry Commander, who had returned from the forest with Yohan, called for Anna.

“Yes.”

“Tonight, someone will leave the camp.”

“…Understood. Should I deal with them on the spot?”

“No. Just confirm if it’s the person I’m thinking of and come back. There’s no need to shed blood unnecessarily.”

“May I ask who you think it is?”

As Anna asked cautiously, the Commander brought his head close to Anna’s ear.

Feeling his breath so close, Anna forgot her situation and blushed.

Then, as the Commander’s lips opened and a familiar name was heard, Anna’s body stiffened.