I Became The Younger Sister Of A Dying Woman - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: For 500 Years?

500 years ago, where the vast territory of the Kleman Empire would eventually stand, there were numerous small kingdoms.

These kingdoms had been engaged in endless wars for nearly a century.

There was no prominent kingdom among them, and they all had relatively equal power, which made it difficult for them to unify.

Eventually, more people died than were born…….

However, there was one being who deeply lamented this situation. That being was Apophis, the Silver Dragon who founded the Kleman Empire.

Unlike other dragons, Apophis had a human-loving nature that extended beyond his own species. 

Apophis did not desire for humans to die meaninglessly. Thus, he transformed into a handsome man with silver hair and worked towards ending the war.

Because no one could defeat him, whether in his human form or as a dragon, he conquered most of the kingdoms.

Of course, Apophis did not conquer the kingdoms solely through warfare. He also used humanitarian methods to assimilate the kingdoms…

“…And that method was none other than marriage.”

Hernan concluded his words with a heavy tone. Hernan returned from his morning training, and his complexion looked healthy.

On the other hand, Linzel, who did not look well, was lying down and listening to his story, struggling to stay awake. Yawning was inevitable.

The history of the Kleman Empire was interesting, but she had no means to fend off the drowsiness that overwhelmed her.

She must have pushed herself too hard at the wedding yesterday.

Linzel felt even more sleepy today.

“Are you sleepy? If you are, I’ll explain it to you later.”

Hernan’s large hand stroked her forehead affectionately.

“No, please continue with the story.”

Hernan smiled at her as Linzel forced her eyes to fight back the sleepiness.

“So, there are some ancestors of the Kleman nobility who married Apophis. They were originally royalty from small nations and were granted nobility when they were integrated into the Empire.”

“Ah, I see.”

Hernan finally explained the reason why he talked about the long history of the Kleman Empire.

“You do realize that you need the permission of Apophis, the Silver Dragon, to enter the Royal Archives, right?”

“Yes.”

“To meet Apophis, you first need to gain recognition from those nobles who married him. Recognition means being evaluated on whether you are qualified to meet Apophis.

If you gain recognition from the descendants of the nobles who married Apophis, they will provide information about Apophis’s whereabouts,” Hernan added.

Apophis’s whereabouts change each time and are not limited to one place.

Linzel raised her right hand eagerly, like a curious student.

“Question! Question!”

“You may ask.”

“Does that mean Apophis has been alive for 500 years?”

“Ah. I have never seen him myself, but…… my father told me that he had seen him once before.”

“Did His Majesty the Emperor ever enter the Royal Archives?”

“Yeah. I don’t know the exact reason why he entered.”

Why did Delta enter that place?

If Linzel ever met him again, it wouldn’t hurt to ask indirectly.

And the fact that Delta had received permission from a dragon… It suggested that the dragon was likely still alive. A silver-haired handsome man who lived for 500 years.

For some reason, Linzel felt a slight desire to meet him. It was definitely not because he’s a handsome man.

Anyway, she couldn’t quite imagine what a dragon would look like.

It had been quite a while since she had become Linzel, but she didn’t have the opportunity to explore the corners of the empire.

This place was like any other ropan novel, where magic, dragons, and different species existed.

Linzel pondered over this unfamiliar reality.

“Another question!”

Hernan nodded as if encouraging her to speak.

His fierce eyes, slightly raised at the corners, were filled with warmth as he turned to her.

“So, who are the nobles that need to grant permission?”

“Those nobles are…….”

* * * 

Aside from the imperial family, there were a total of three families that bore the blood of the Silver Dragon.

(There were originally more, but over time, some bloodlines were severed due to broken ties or treason, causing the downfall of those families.)

First was the prestigious ducal House Sevia, known for their magic.

Next was the renowned ducal House Cardis, famous for their swordsmanship.

Lastly, there was the influential House of Marquis Hawkins, known for their commerce.

The imperial citizens often referred to these families collectively as the “Three Houses.”

‘Which family should I target first?’

Linzel had never met any of the three families before, so she couldn’t fathom their moods and personalities.

If only it could be resolved easily.

Was she overthinking it?

At that moment, Hernan, dressed in exquisite formal attire, approached her and spoke.

“Don’t worry too much. We’ll get their approval.”

Hernan seemed to have noticed that Linzel was concerned about gaining the recognition of the Three Houses.

“But why ‘we’ instead of just me?”

“So, you…… were planning to go into the archives by yourself?”

“Haha.”

In fact, she was planning to enter alone, but oh well.

I didn’t think there would be any scary monsters in there…… but it would be good to have Hernan, who is a martial artist.

“……Linzel.”

Hernan’s voice brought her to her feet. She had a feeling she was about to be scolded.

Linzel took the initiative to speak.

“It would be great to enter together with Your Highness Hernan.”

After saying that, she lightly bumped her body against Hernan’s as they walked side by side.

“…….”

Hernan’s lips closed on the words that were about to reprimand her.

“Your Highness, we’ve only been married for a day, and it hasn’t quite sunk in that I’m with someone.”

“I feel the same way.”

“But don’t we gradually adapt now?”

“Yes, we’ll adapt. We are a married couple, after all,” Hernan replied with a softened voice.

“I really can’t stand the idea of you hating me,” Linzel chuckled softly.

She was relieved that my efforts to avoid Hernan’s scolding had not been in vain. While conversing with Hernan, they had arrived at their destination.

Linzel looked up at the large golden doors.

Tonight, there was a banquet held by the imperial couple at the palace. They had invited several nobles who couldn’t attend the wedding.

And among them, the three families that they needed recognition from were also in attendance.

“Linzel. Before you attend the banquet, I have one word of caution.”

“I am ready to listen and comply!”

“If you suddenly have trouble breathing, be sure to let me know. If you play it off like yesterday, I will truly get angry.”

“Yes. I will keep that in mind.”

Hernan seemed satisfied with her determined response.

She had to put up with it because there was a wedding yesterday…… but Linzel didn’t want to hide her pain again by acting like everything was fine until after the banquet.

And perhaps due to taking a nap until late afternoon, her condition was good.

The imperial couple refrained from summoning her, out of consideration for her poor health, and also because they would be meeting tonight.

“I’m looking forward to dancing with you tonight,” Linzel smiled.

“……Dancing?”

“Yeah, I um…,” Hernan stammered, a little embarrassed. As if he had never danced properly with a woman before.

“Am I your first dance partner, by any chance Your Highness?”

“I don’t want you to treat me like a fool who’s never had a dance.”

“Really?”

“It’s not my first time, but… I haven’t danced properly before.”

Hernan added that noble women tend to avoid him. He speculated that it was because of the intimidating atmosphere emanating from him.

“That was a precursor for a fate-like event to occur.”

“Linzel. What do you mean by that?”

“That I was the proper dance partner for your Highness – that it was meant to be!”

Hernan chuckled as if he had heard something unbelievable.

But seeing his face relax gradually, it was clear that he didn’t mind her deterministic statement.

Linzel grinned like a man with a screw loose, then suddenly realized the unspeakable.

‘Oh my God. I can’t dance!’

It was the first time she’d even been in a banquet hall.

Linzel couldn’t help but be taken aback.

“Your Highness. Um, but about dancing…”

Linzel was about to lay the groundwork by saying that she hadn’t danced much and might not be good at it.

However, her response was drowned out by a voice that came from behind them.