99. What I Fear

Marquis Argen came to Edward’s bedroom early in the morning to report the results of his investigation. Edward was just about to leave his bedroom.

“Let’s go to the office together.”

“No. I’ll report here.”

As soon as he sat down, Marquis Argen began lecturing Edward. He had already heard about what happened in yesterday’s meeting hall.

“Your Majesty, why did you suddenly announce tax reform… The magic stone mine is your backing when you have no support base. Why did you reveal it…”

“They will become my backing.”

“Your dreams are grand.”

Marquis Argen shook his head and handed Edward the documents he had prepared. As Edward quietly opened the documents, his expression grew increasingly serious.

“It seems the Layton Merchant Guild was in terrible financial condition due to internal division over succession issues. That’s why they desperately tried to secure the rights to import and distribute relief food… We investigated that part in detail. The person who played a decisive role in the Layton Merchant Guild securing the business rights was Count Lester.”

Edward knew Count Lester well. Count Lester was a close friend of Herwen. Thinking that Herwen was involved again, Edward couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

“Is it really a coincidence? What on earth is Herwen up to?”

Marquis Argen observed Edward’s expression and continued.

“What’s even stranger is that the territory’s residents didn’t rise up on their own. There was a third party who instigated them. By the time the investigation team arrived at Count Briznay’s territory, this person had already disappeared. We tried our best to find him during the investigation, but failed. After he disappeared, the residents were in disarray.”

“Surprisingly, the residents will easily return to their places.”

“Yes. The Young Lord Briznay promised them amnesty and is on his way back after dispersing them to their homes. Briznay County will provide relief food as they demanded.”

“Jayden, do you also think Herwen is connected to this matter?”

“Yes…”

Marquis Argen answered without hesitation. Edward sighed deeply and rubbed his face. It seemed he would have to consider Herwen first in everything that happened from now on.

“Arrest Count Lester and the head of the Layton Merchant Guild. Question them about their crimes, and if their guilt is proven, deal with them according to the law. They must think I’m a joke if they dare to lay hands on state property.”

“Yes. I will handle it as ordered.”

“Make sure to find the person who instigated the residents in Count Briznay’s territory. And I will send a personal letter for the Young Lord Briznay’s succession ceremony.”

“Yes. I will prepare it. But… Your Majesty, regarding the tax reform issue.”

“If you’re going to oppose it too, just don’t say anything.”

“I’m very worried that Your Majesty, who still lacks support, will create enemies rather than supporters. Especially when we don’t know when Duke Nox will return…”

Edward’s eyes narrowed and turned fierce. Marquis Argen knew well that he wasn’t saying this because of tax issues in his own territory. He also knew that the Marquis was genuinely concerned about Edward. But Edward didn’t want to hear more objections about a decision he had already made, even from Marquis Argen.

Seeing Edward’s gaze, the silent Marquis Argen spoke again.

“Very well. I will always follow Your Majesty’s will. I will also apply for my territory to be among the first implementation areas.”

Only then did Edward’s tense expression soften.

“You should apply quickly. It will be very competitive because of the magic stones.”

Edward said playfully and smiled broadly for once.

“Your Majesty, you should prepare plenty of magic stones. I plan to purchase a large quantity at a low price for the twins who will be born soon…”

“Ah, haven’t you heard? There’s a purchase limit. I need that ‘backing’ you mentioned too.”

***

Edward was quite disappointed that not many territories applied for the tax reform implementation. He had been worried about what criteria to use for selection if there was high competition. Compared to about half the nobles who agreed in the meeting hall, the result was dismal. When he said it would be implemented in only 10 territories first, they had all become cautious.

He understood their sentiment of wanting to see the satisfaction level in the implemented territories before following the Emperor’s orders later. From the beginning, small territories like Hedway County, which weren’t central nobles, had no choice but to follow the Emperor’s decree without any options. Considering that, he couldn’t hide his disappointment that only 9 territories applied, not even 10, despite offering magic stones and giving them a choice.

Edward had thought about persuading Count Hedway to include Hedway County to fill the last spot. He mentioned this idea to Larael, but she immediately opposed it. People would later complain about Hedway County receiving different opportunities than other small territories. It was obvious they would only remember that Hedway County benefited because of magic stones and would disparage Larael. And ultimately, it would harm Edward. Edward acknowledged his shortsightedness and withdrew the idea.

Thus, in the end, only 9 territories, including Marquis Argen’s and Count Winters’s, would implement the tax reform on a trial basis. Edward had been racking his brain from early morning until late at night, making detailed plans for it.

For the first time in a while, he finished his work early and headed to his bedroom. Edward’s steps quickened. He arrived at his bedroom in one breath and opened the door. At the sound of the door swinging open, Larael, who was sitting on the sofa reading a book, turned her head to look at Edward. She put the book face down on the table and stood up. Before she could even bow to greet him, Edward strode over to her and embraced her tightly.

The moment he felt her scent at the tip of his nose, all the tension in his body melted away, leaving him languid. He wanted to hold her tight and just sleep deeply right away. With Larael by his side, it seemed all the thoughts troubling him would disappear, and he could sleep peacefully.

“Can’t you come here and stay every day?”

Edward asked, almost like a child whining.

“Of course not.”

Larael replied firmly but gently. She knew well that only the Empress could freely enter and leave the Emperor’s bedroom. Edward shook his head and plopped down on the sofa. He tilted his head back and reached out to Larael.

“I’m tired.”

“Wash up quickly and go to bed. I’ve asked for bath water to be prepared.”

Larael sat beside Edward and looked at him with a loving face as she spoke.

“…”

“Your Majesty, how is the Layton Merchant Guild matter progressing? Since my aide is from the Layton baronial family, I’m concerned…”

Larael explained as if making an excuse when her eyes met Edward’s.

“You don’t need to explain so desperately. Thanks to you, I’m attempting tax reform. You’ve rekindled the determination I had when I first became Emperor, those feelings.”

Larael stared at Edward’s eyes, which looked tired but were full of trust in her.

“No. Your Majesty would have accomplished it even without me.”

Larael said with a smile. Edward frowned and raised his head.

“You have a tendency to lower yourself too much. Don’t constantly belittle and torment yourself. It reminds me of myself before I became Crown Prince.”

“…”

‘Edward?’

This was the first time she had heard this.

‘Well, I never had the chance to hear about him before the regression.’

“Larael, what are you afraid of?”

Larael froze.

‘What I fear…’

Edward’s pupils deepened to an unfathomable abyss. Larael stared into his eyes and suddenly felt dizzy. Her chest tightened as if she couldn’t breathe. She took a deep breath. It felt like a dense wave spreading from his pupils was crashing over her. The intense wave gently engulfed her. Incredibly, her constricted chest felt relieved.

“There’s someone for whom just having you by their side is the greatest comfort.”

Edward grinned and pointed at himself with his finger.