episode_0029

As I whispered in Teodora’s ear, she looked at me with a bewildered expression and said, “What? The knight is Lady Mary?”

Startled by her reaction, I quickly replied, “Shh! What if someone overhears?”

Lowering her voice hastily, I continued, “At the ceremony, you’ll have to take off your helmet…”

Teodora, with her red eyes wide, seemed to be gauging the aftermath, even though she lacked political experience, of how sincere the tournament was to the people of the empire.

“Please. Just help me this once, and I’ll use the wish ticket I won in the bet.”

Teodora pondered my words for a while before responding, “Fine, but…”

But what? Using the wish ticket won in the bet?

How absurd.

“I have a question too. Tell me the truth about something.”

I expressed my disbelief at her words, “Where is that coming from? Using the wish ticket won in the bet?”

She responded with a wry smile, “Then, why don’t you do it yourself?”

If I were to do it myself… the people of the empire might resist.

Currently, there are two main evaluations of me within the empire.

The innocent man who fell in love with Teodora, known as the most beautiful woman in the empire, and married her.

While most women in their late teens to mid-twenties think this way, the majority of the empire’s people see me as a new intruder.

Therefore, I believe that if I intentionally ignore the imperial family here, their backlash will intensify.

What should I do?

Teodora’s request was simply to tell her one fact.

It’s not asking for power or authority, but if it’s a sensitive topic…

I need to consider whether to listen and lie or not.

I should put out the urgent fire first; otherwise, I might end up lying.

Of course, if it’s not a sensitive topic, I’ll just tell the truth.

“Phew… alright. You won.”

My heart raced as I saw Teodora smile brightly for the first time.

“Huh? Is this your first time?”

At her seemingly pleased words, I replied nonchalantly, “What?”

“I beat you.”

– Snicker.

Should I consider this a victory?

“Isn’t it more like you threatened me?”

“Isn’t threatening your specialty?”

At her words, I was momentarily speechless.

I did indeed marry her by threatening her and took away her rights.

So, my words became awkward, and I changed the subject.

“Speaking of that, why are you suddenly so affectionate?”

Teodora, with a slightly thoughtful expression, replied, “I’m not affectionate, but how is Ipha still alive?”

Continuing, she said, “And why did you lie about Ipha’s death? I was curious.”

“Could it be that Ipha has returned?”

Teodora weakly nodded at my words.

“Yes, and not only that, but I was surprised to see Ipha saying that she’s been doing well.”

I had asked her to let Ipha go, but I never expected her to return to the palace.

I thought she would go back to her hometown since I had given her enough money.

“Ugh.”

– Wow!

As the audience erupted into enthusiastic cheers, I tried to say something, but Teodora turned her gaze towards the arena and said, “Let’s discuss everything calmly, Grand Duke.”

Seeing her say that, I smiled inwardly.

Well, I thought she was going to ask a very sensitive question, but thankfully, it seems that’s not the case.

***

Slowly, the full moon began to rise.

The moment when the blue sky turned red.

The awards ceremony was held to present the prizes to the winners.

Teodora and I stood on the stage, waiting for the winners.

“In the team battle, General Agrippa will receive the award on behalf of the Grand Duchy of Francesco.”

A blond handsome man slowly ascended the stage.

– Wow! He’s handsome!

– Who is he? Which noble family is he from?

– Didn’t he have a title? Then is he a commoner?

– A commoner becoming a general in the Grand Empire? No way.

People cheer like a swarm as they look at the handsome Agripa.

Mostly women, though…

Is it just my imagination that Maryan, the winner of the swordsmanship and spear fighting divisions, seems to be floating behind me?

As I think that, Agripa stands in front of me and Theodora, and Theodora speaks in a solemn voice.

“You are recognized as the group battle champion of the 978th tournament for your outstanding strategy and command.”

And as Agripa receives the imperial certification and trophy, he nods his head in gratitude and steps down from the platform.

“And next, we will have the award ceremony for Maryan, who excelled in both swordsmanship and spear fighting.”

I feel annoyed as I watch the spirited Maryan’s demeanor.

You just wait and see later.

I suppress my anger inwardly.

The announcer, unaware of my feelings, speaks to Maryan.

“You are in front of His Majesty, please remove your helmet.”

As expected, Theodora and I exchange glances as we watch the announcer trying to stop Maryan.

“It’s okay, isn’t it? You are not just a champion in one division but in two. Don’t take off your helmet, come up.”

With a gentle voice, Theodora says that, and the announcer looks embarrassed…

“Then… please come up! Player Maryan!”

At those words, Maryan steps up to the platform.

Our eyes meet slightly through the helmet.

Those eyes quickly avert mine without meeting them.

They must have realized that I noticed?

Reckless actions are not criticized within the Grand Empire.

At this moment, Roman sees enemies all around, and it’s not surprising.

Johannes, who is only an ally in name, and Charles, who is always looking for an opportunity to push me out.

And Theodora, who clearly wants to annul the marriage.

The imperial citizens who see me as a usurper.

The fact that I appear to be the ruler of the empire is simply because I have control of the army.

That’s why, at such a sensitive time, I will reprimand Mary for her rash actions later.

“Maryan, for displaying overwhelming skill and bravery in both swordsmanship and spear fighting, you are recognized as the champion of the swordsmanship and spear fighting divisions of the 978th tournament.”

Phew…

I think it was a good idea to ask Theodora in advance not to remove the winner’s helmet as a wish.

If I had done it, there would probably have been a lot of jeers.

And although I saw my younger sister running wild in the tournament, I wonder if I was relieved because it was resolved without becoming a major incident or if it was because of the concern as a family.

I feel a bit relieved.

And so, the award ceremony comes to an end.

***

On the night the tournament ended.

The capital of the empire, Roman, shines brightly at night.

I sit on the cafe terrace and leisurely look around.

Families enjoying parties and lovers on shy dates.

I feel good watching children eating candy apples made from melted sugar and apples.

I feel the satisfaction of the hard work I put in to prevent war.

Seeing people living their lives in peace, I feel a little of the fatigue I’ve been carrying around is lifted.

I didn’t know their smiles would be such a source of strength for me.

“Hehe, how’s married life?”

I glance at Johannes sitting across from me and casually ask.

“It’s just fine.”

After getting married, we don’t accompany each other when there are no official events.

We haven’t even had our first night as a married couple.

“Oh? That’s surprising. Wasn’t she the most beautiful woman among all the empresses in history?”

“That may be true, but I don’t judge based on looks alone.”

Theodora.

The goddess of power that I saw in the original.

The woman who entered the harem to seduce the hero for revenge and successfully brought down Valoran.

And then, when describing the hero.

It was said that he ruled the empire through tyranny rather than justice by modern standards.

A fair number of people must have died, right?

In the original work, Valoran dies, captured by Theodora and tortured to death.

In reality, I only appear in the novel for just two lines.

Valoran’s son was captured, tortured, and killed.

I remember these three facts in a bit more detail.

“Hmm… then what do you see? Are you looking at the heart or wisdom?”

Why are you so curious? This old man…

Just says it roughly because he’s lazy.

“I see the heart of a person.”

Saying that, I observe the people I saved.

Sometimes, isn’t this kind of undercover work okay?

Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, we decided to meet with Johannes in a location other than the palace.

Both Johannes and I only brought minimal guards and wore ordinary clothes to blend in.

So there shouldn’t be many people who recognize us.

Now, let’s get to work.

I straighten my posture and hand Johannes two scrolls sealed with the double-headed eagle emblem.

“This is a document stamped with the Emperor’s seal, transferring the authority over Epirus and Ejev. I have already informed the local officials, so once you send it, they will hand over the governing rights.”

Taking the scrolls I handed over, Johannes chuckles.

“Thank you, but does your wife know about this?”

I shake my head and reply.

“There’s no need for her to know, as I am the one in control of everything now.”

“Is that so? She might still resent you.”

It doesn’t matter. I’ve already received plenty of resentment.

Although she seemed to have softened a bit during the tournament earlier, once she finds out that I handed over Epirus and Ejev, she will likely be angry again.

“I’ve already received plenty of resentment, haven’t I?”

Johannes laughs at my words and says.

“If I take the aphrodisiac I gave you and sleep with the Emperor, I might fall in love with you.”

-Snort.

I’ve seen too many noble fantasies.

The idea of a woman falling in love with a man who raped her is something that only happens in erotic novels.

No matter how chaste a man may be, the woman will be left with scars that cannot be washed away.

Theodora might use those scars to fuel her revenge instead.

“That won’t happen.”

“Hehe, understood. But what’s the point you’re trying to make?”

I look at Johannes and say.

“We are trying to create legislation to control the empire together.”