Caenian loved animals. It started when he was young and got lost in the palace garden, only to find his way with the help of a squirrel. Since that day, unconditional affection for all animals sprouted. Of course, this included beastmen.

“Father. Why do you reject beastmen?”

“They are not good for humans. They may be docile now, but they might try to dominate humans someday. I’m thinking of nipping it in the bud.”

As a result, Caenian couldn’t understand the former emperor’s intention to reject beastmen. As he grew older, he clashed more often with Ruvan III. His heart ached watching the few beastmen in the palace tremble in fear.

“It’s all for you! Caenian Ruvan! If we don’t follow the meaning written in the newly discovered ancient text on the day you were born, you’ll die by their hands!”

“That’s nothing more than an unverified scrap of paper! Even the palace priests said they couldn’t feel any holiness from it.”

“No! I can feel it. Only those with imperial blood can understand. That ancient text contains information about the betrayal of beastmen written in complex code! I deciphered it. And since that day, I’ve been having nightmares!”

Caenian couldn’t serve the former emperor as his lord. It was a separate issue from respecting him as a father. Many vassals turned their backs on the former emperor, whose personality had changed 180 degrees after Caenian was born. Some said he had gone mad after finally having a child past the age of sixty.

“Enough. I don’t want to discuss this anymore.”

After ending the fruitless conversation, Caenian went to meet his mother. He wanted to know if his thoughts were wrong.

“Caenian. Your father is not at fault. He just loves you extremely. Because I… for the sin of loving His Majesty… gave birth to you after sending off too many lives… those children are troubling us.”

The former emperor’s wife, Estina Ray, held her son’s hand as he visited her room. Her faded silver hair was neatly spread out on the bed. Her green eyes were full of sadness instead of vitality.

She didn’t have the courage to tell her son the truth. That it was all because she, a beastman, had deceived a human and tried to live a human life.

“Mother… Still, that’s not right. There’s no reason for innocent beastmen to suffer humiliation.”

The man who failed to see the truth right before his eyes felt bitterness in his mouth. Even if the son born after numerous miscarriages was important. Father was too extreme.

“The day I inherit the throne. I will restore everything to its original state, Mother.”

“My son……”

“So please, Mother, regain your original health soon. I want to stroll in the garden together like before.”

Caenian also couldn’t understand Estina. He didn’t let go of her hand, but his expression was hardened. The scenery of the garden, which they hadn’t walked together since he was four, flashed before his eyes. His eyes stung.

“I’ll be going now. I will make sure that no one in the empire trembles before the emperor’s flag anymore.”

A few months later, Estina’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite all kinds of treatments, she couldn’t hold on for long and passed away. Having lost his beloved wife, Ruvan III also began to suffer from an unknown illness. And without even revealing the name of the disease, he grew weaker day by day and finally passed away.

This happened when Caenian was still a minor. He still had a year to go before turning eighteen, the age of adulthood, but the vassals recognized him as the new emperor. It was a stable ascension to the throne.

Was it because Ruvan III had already dealt with the beastmen in advance?

Or was it a predetermined course of events?

* * *

“Where is the palace veterinarian!”

As soon as Caenian got out of the carriage, he started looking for the vet. The eyes of the loyal subjects waiting for his entry into the palace turned to an unexpected being. It was the duck in the emperor’s arms.

─ Quack…… (I’m dizzy……)

“Right now! Bring the most capable palace veterinarian!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The drooping duck made a sorrowful sound. Caenian’s face turned grim. The servants, who quickly withdrew their curiosity, moved busily.

“And tell Duke Schubien¹T/N: his name is Duke. His noble status is that of a count, the chancellor, to come immediately as well!”

With a resounding command, Caenian headed towards his office, with Potters following behind.

“Why isn’t anyone coming!”

Caenian’s anxious gaze alternated between Bestia and the door.

“Your Majesty! Did you finish the New Year’s Parade safely? Duke Schubien is here to see Your Majesty.”

At that moment, the heavy door swung open and a white-haired man entered. Not only his hair but also his eyebrows were grizzled. He looked quite old.

“Chancellor Schubien! You said your legs hurt too much to join the New Year’s Parade. Yet you walk just fine. Were you faking your illness?”

“W-what? When I heard that Your Majesty urgently called for me, I came running, prepared to cut off my legs. Can’t you see me limping, Your Majesty?”

Duke, who had rushed in unexpectedly quickly for his age, opened his eyes wide. It was an expression that only someone who had eaten the empire’s rice for a full 35 years, including the time serving the former emperor, could show. Even Caenian couldn’t speak casually to him.

“Your Majesty, this old man’s legs are trembling right now……”

With that, Duke even pretended to limp on one leg. He meant to say, how could you say such things when you see my creaking knees due to old age?

“Enough. Anyway… Only the chancellor never fails to counter my words.”

“You’re the only one who constantly picks on this old man, Your Majesty. I should have been stricter when I taught you history as a young prince……”

“Chancellor, I believe you were already strict enough. You were the first teacher to use the cane on a prince.”

“Ahem… But… Why this duck……”

“I picked it up on the way.”

“W-what?”

“Shh! Lower your voice. You’ll startle the little duck.”

Caenian waved his hand. This wasn’t the time for idle chat. The duck was still weak. The veterinarian was nowhere to be seen.

─ Quoack…… (I feel sick……)

If they’re one more minute late, I’ll have their heads.

Caenian vowed, looking at the duck curled up in his arms. If this duck dies, he would hold all the palace veterinarians responsible!

“Your Majesty, the veterinarian has arrived.”

“Lucky for them.”

The veterinarian appeared just in time. Caenian narrowed his eyes. Sensing the tense atmosphere, the veterinarian bowed his head without being told.

“The duck is sick. If you can’t save it immediately, you’ll have to forfeit your life.”

“Eek!”

The veterinarian’s hands trembled at the threat that came without any explanation of the situation. Caenian carefully handed over Bestia. The expressions of Duke and Potters, standing on either side watching the situation, were serious.

It’s the first time since Bonobono that His Majesty has been so obsessed with an animal. What if it really dies?

This was Potters’ thought. It was just a simple worry. And…

This duck is definitely a beastman. I’d like to have a private word with it. How should I get it alone?

This was Duke’s thought. It was a thought that would surprise everyone present if they knew.

“This duck… seems to be carsick, Your Majesty.”

“What? Carsick?”

─ Quack……? (Carsick……?)

Meanwhile, the reason for Bestia’s illness was revealed. The veterinarian, after using a stethoscope and examining inside the beak, announced the diagnosis. Caenian frowned.

“Are you saying animals get carsick like humans?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The fact that it rode in Your Majesty’s carriage, its open-mouthed breathing, and staggering symptoms all point to motion sickness.”

“Ha! So, what’s the treatment?”

Oh! Have you ever seen such a pitiful duck!

Caenian clicked his tongue. The duck’s illness was his fault. His pride at having saved it from danger earlier deflated. His heart felt heavy with sympathy and regret.

He gently stroked the duck that had returned to his arms. The duck that had been quacking loudly before the carriage departed now had no strength at all.

“Yes, Your Majesty. According to my veterinary knowledge, the treatment for animal motion sickness is to feed it water boiled with maggots for three days……”

“Your Majesty, I can cure it right away. Just entrust the duck to me for 30 minutes.”

Just as the veterinarian was about to list the treatment while flipping through a small book, Duke, who had been quietly observing the situation, stepped forward. This was his only chance to talk with the duck beastman.

“Chancellor Schubien, what did you just say? The veterinarian said three days.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I only need 30 minutes.”

Caenian narrowed his eyes. No matter how much more life wisdom Duke had than him, his real opponent was not the emperor but the veterinarian.

“Hmm. 30 minutes……”