19. The Kingdom of Hashiya (2)

Herwen lowered his gaze, chuckled dryly, and remained silent for a while. He looked at Edward’s unbuttoned shirt, and the sight stirred a sudden surge of anger, causing his teeth to grind. However, he soon exhaled and reported the situation in the north.

“It’s reported that a large military force from the Kingdom of Hashiya has entered the entrance of the Kayaneuman Mountains.”

“Suddenly? Have there been any other movements?”

“No, not that I’m aware of.”

“Not that you’re aware of? Are you unsure?”

Edward’s voice rose. Herwen frowned. He suddenly recalled a recent report about farmers rebelling in several territories of Hashiya, which had been suppressed. However, he couldn’t find any connection between the farmers’ rebellion and the current situation, so he dismissed it from his mind.

“Trix, summon all the advisors and convene a council meeting. Herwen, head to the north and prepare for war. Send a messenger to the Hashiya Kingdom’s camp to see if they are willing to negotiate.”

Edward issued commands and left Abella Palace. Herwen, following Edward out, felt a mix of helplessness and rising anger.

“Your Majesty, you seem to have a good relationship with the Empress Consort.”

Herwen’s venomous words pierced Edward’s heart. Herwen looked at Edward with cold eyes, rendering him speechless. As Edward’s face hardened, Herwen’s chin slowly lifted.

“Herwen, I have nothing to say about Larael, even if I had two mouths.”

Herwen chuckled lightly. The two walked to the main palace without exchanging further words. Herwen boarded his carriage waiting at the main palace to head north.

The council meeting was convened at dawn. Except for a few nobles who had returned to their territories, everyone gathered in the imperial palace’s meeting room.

Opinions clashed between those who believed they should wage war to show the Kingdom of Hashiya a lesson and those who thought they should appease Hashiya and send them back to their country. However, most agreed that discussing war without understanding why Hashiya suddenly broke the peace treaty and invaded the Kazel Empire’s territory was meaningless.

While Edward, as a prince, had led the empire to victory in war, the losses the empire suffered were significant, so no one insisted on war recklessly.

The northern region of Kalia was known for its rugged terrain. Moreover, Herwen, the lord of Kalia, had never fought a proper war. He wasn’t in a position to lead a war. This was also his critical weakness, which had caused him to be overshadowed by Edward for the position of crown prince.

Ultimately, the opinion to send a negotiation team to return them to the Kingdom of Hashiya gained traction. The plan was to send them back first and then hold them accountable.

“Contact the magic tower and summon the wizards. I will lead the negotiation team.”

Wizards were needed to travel to places without teleport portals installed. The imperial palace’s magic tower operated independently but prioritized the emperor’s orders when issued.

After the council meeting adjourned, Edward and his advisors gathered in Edward’s office for another meeting. The advisors opposed Edward personally leading the negotiation team into enemy territory.

“Since he is also the lord of Kalia, I suggest appointing Grand Duke Vellaus as the representative of the negotiation team.”

“Herwen lacks war experience. He might mess things up.”

Edward recalled Herwen shouting in excitement. Herwen was overly emotional. Although Edward could understand and overlook it, would anyone else be forgiving if such behavior was displayed at a negotiation where the fate of the nation was at stake?

“Let’s wait for Herwen’s response to the messenger before making any moves.”

—

Larael made her first outing since entering the imperial palace. She was accompanied by Sasha, Joanna, and two escort knights. Invited by the Marchioness of Argen, she headed to the Argen estate. Last night, the Marchioness had sent a letter apologizing for her previous rude behavior and announcing her pregnancy, expressing her desire to invite Larael if she was willing. Larael gladly accepted the invitation and sent a reply to the Marchioness with a small request.

As Larael’s carriage, bearing the imperial seal, entered the garden of the Argen estate, the staff and Beatrice came out to greet her.

“I greet Her Highness the Empress Consort. I didn’t expect you to visit so soon.”

Beatrice smiled brightly and held Larael’s hands tightly. Larael was taken aback by the warm welcome, something she hadn’t experienced before. She instinctively smiled and hugged Beatrice tightly.

“Congratulations.”

Beatrice held Larael’s hand with both of hers and led her inside the mansion.

“Your Highness, how did you know? Even I wasn’t aware. I’m so oblivious…”

Tears welled up in Beatrice’s eyes again. Lately, just thinking about children made her eyes water. Beatrice held Larael’s hand tightly until they reached the drawing room.

In the drawing room, Beatrice sat beside Larael instead of across from her. She still held Larael’s hand tightly until Larael awkwardly smiled and looked at her hand, prompting Beatrice to let out a short exclamation and quickly release her grip.

“When I was at the Count’s estate, you reminded me of someone who was pregnant.”

“Oh, Your Majesty has sharp eyes. How did you know it was twins?”

Instead of answering, Larael smiled and handed back the gift Beatrice had previously left. Beatrice carefully opened the box Larael had repackaged. Unlike her sharp words before, she now exclaimed in admiration.

“Oh my!! It’s so luxurious and lovely. Will a boy and a girl be born like Your Majesty’s gift?”

Beatrice looked at Larael with bright eyes, as if waiting for her answer. If Larael said yes, Beatrice felt it would truly happen. She lowered her gaze and sent a pleading look as she awaited Larael’s positive response.

“My lady, a guest has arrived.”

“Oh!! They must be here.”

Beatrice reluctantly stroked the baptismal gown once more, closed the box lid, and pushed it aside. She then bowed lightly to Larael before leaving the drawing room. She returned shortly with a stranger.

The man accompanying Beatrice was tall, with neatly combed black hair and handsome features. He stopped upon seeing Larael as he entered the drawing room with Beatrice. Larael stood up from the sofa upon seeing him.

“…I greet Her Highness the Empress Consort.”

Larael watched him with satisfaction as he greeted her.

The request Larael had made in her letter to Beatrice was to meet him.

‘Count Dean Winters, Beatrice’s cousin.’

“Marchioness, could you please give us a moment alone?”

Beatrice had firm trust in Larael, so she left the drawing room immediately without asking any questions. Left alone with the Empress Consort, Winters looked at the door Beatrice had exited with an incredulous expression.

Knowing the rumors about the Empress Consort, he couldn’t believe Beatrice had left him alone with her. Winters clenched his teeth, deciding he wouldn’t let Beatrice off easily.

“Please sit down. You must be curious about the reason.”

“To be honest, yes.”

Count Winters swallowed dryly as he sat on the sofa. He had a bad feeling. He started looking around, wondering if someone was hiding and watching. Getting involved with the Empress Consort would be a headache. While he didn’t mind women coming and going, the Empress Consort was an exception. Winters decided this right at that moment. No matter how beautiful she was, she was off-limits.

‘Did she hear rumors about my appearance? If she asks me to become her lover, I’ll refuse immediately.’

Winters’s thoughts began to wander in an unexpected direction.