Chapter 10 – Part 1 (Fate)

Clip-clop, clip-clop. The horse moved, and the carriage shook violently.

Suen was busy sticking her head out of the small window to catch some air due to her nausea, and Heas, concerned about the son she had left behind, did not look happy.

Moreover, it seemed that Evelyn, unaccustomed to such long journeys, was also slightly lowering her head, trying to soothe her discomfort.

Inside the carriage, there was only one person who was unaffected.

Anne was meticulously reading through the newspapers she had brought along.

The letters didn’t come into focus properly in the shaking carriage, but she was determined to read every corner of the pages, even those in the margins.

As she was reading, Anne noticed a small article.

[Pint’s Weekly]

The Fall of Carl Brent Field Hospital.

Thirty-four medics lost their jobs at the ceasefire.

According to insider testimony, illegal acts committed at the field hospital were discovered, and the medics’ compensation and severance pay were clawed back.

Other field hospitals will also be investigated.

Reading this, a sense of unease crept into Anne’s mind.

What about the Carl Hessentz Field Hospital?

Would the medical supplies recorded in the ledgers match the supplies used?

Every day had been so busy caring for patients that it would have been impossible to record everything accurately.

Furthermore, she had often used her own money to bring in more supplies, which was also illegal….

Anne nervously pressed her thumb against her fingertip.

‘Kyle, what on earth is happening?’

***

“It looks like it’s going to be another long day.”

Baron Vanessa’s words were met with a nod from Joseph.

The nobles’ assembly had been ongoing for a week.

The first two days saw those who had made notable achievements receive titles from the emperor.

From the next day until yesterday, there had been a series of celebrations, including banquets, a hunting tournament, and the autumn herring fishing festival.

While it seemed like nothing but festivities on the surface, the heads of each family were constantly gathering to share opinions.

And today, the final day, was set to feature a real meeting attended by the emperor.

“Joseph, where are your family members?”

Edwin, who had grown quite close to Joseph, asked.

“They said they would go in first.”

Edwin tilted his head slightly as he spoke.

“Aren’t you supposed to be there as the representative of your family at the meeting?”

“Well, I’m the youngest son, so I’m out of everyone’s attention.”

“The Dane family is known for having many sons.”

After finishing his conversation with Joseph, Edwin soon got busy greeting others who approached him.

When they finally entered the central hall, it was bustling with people. The main agendas had already been discussed and mostly concluded during the intermittent gatherings over the previous days.

Many eyes turned toward Evan, who was sitting upright in his seat.

“I thought Duke Davis would be too busy….”

Evan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

“I managed to find some free time.”

“Did you see this? This issue is causing a stir right now.”

Evan was also troubled by the news about the ceasefire that Joseph had told him.

During the past few gatherings, they had already agreed to proceed with the ceasefire negotiations, but the emperor’s sudden involvement made them suspicious.

“Ah, His Majesty will be here soon. He will probably address this matter.”

Shortly afterward, the emperor entered the hall.

“I can no longer bear to see innocent people shedding blood.”

With this sigh-like remark from the emperor, the meeting began and proceeded astonishingly quickly.

Nobles who had not yet heard the news couldn’t hide their bewildered expressions.

Why had the war even started?

It had been a war begun on the pretext of adding another line of accomplishment to the emperor’s history books, with various other parties contributing to prolong the conflict for their own reasons, only for it to end so suddenly.

The emperor was notorious for his violent and capricious nature, so while the abrupt end to the war was absurd, a ceasefire was not unwelcome, and acceptance came quickly.

The ceasefire negotiations were swiftly discussed.

However, unlike in his previous life, the war ending sooner made Evan bite his lip in unease.

In his previous life, the emperor had reasons to continue the war.

It allowed him to control the unpredictable nobles under the guise of wartime, and it helped Ailon Terrosa establish himself as a crown prince by demonstrating military prowess.

Ailon, now an irritant to the emperor, had once been a favored successor. By using the war to solidify Ailon’s position, the emperor could wield absolute power even after passing on the throne.

However, the current emperor seemed to have lost hope in Ailon. The very act of proposing ceasefire negotiations indicated as much.

‘Has he found a new pawn other than Ailon?’

Evan concluded briefly.

Even amidst these thoughts, Evan’s mind kept wandering back to Anne. If the war truly ended, Anne would never have to return to the military.

The scenario of Anne’s forced reenlistment, which had been looming in Evan’s mind, began to dissipate.

If that were the case, maybe, just maybe, he could dare to dream of a future with her.

As a small glimmer of hope began to blossom in Evan’s heart, the emperor’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“Commander and Baron Vanessa, follow me; Ailon, you come too.”

Exchanging glances, the two men stood up from their seats.

Following the emperor, they arrived at one of the palace’s reception rooms.

“Let me introduce you. This is Lady Anne Vanessa.”

Anne, unaware of who was in front of her, performed the etiquette she had learned and greeted them as politely as possible.

“Hello, I’m Anne Vanessa.”

After completing her greeting, Anne looked up to see Evan Davis, the Duke.

‘Why is Duke Davis here?’

The sight of his blue eyes looking at her caused her heart to stir.

Anne couldn’t hide her surprise as she gazed at Evan.

He looked different in his luxurious formal attire compared to his combat uniform.

Seeing his slightly gaunt face and the dark shadows under his eyes, all the repressed longing came rushing back like a tide.

Anne bit her lips hard, feeling as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

The emperor chuckled and chided, “What are you doing? Not greeting this beautiful young lady.”

As Evan started to step forward, Edwin grabbed his arm and shook his head.

Instead, Edwin Vanessa stood up and walked steadily towards Anne.

“Anne, my dear. Why are you here?”

Edwin began to act as if Anne were truly his daughter.

“This is my daughter. She should be at our mansion.”

“Ah, yes. I brought her. I sent an invitation to your daughter.”

“Why on earth….”

The emperor turned, his cloak billowing. He then looked at Ailon, who was always in the shadows, and gave him a kind smile, which he rarely showed.

“Do not worry. She was not properly blessed when she was born, so I invited her to the palace. The time for the blessing is approaching, isn’t it? I thought the crown prince might take charge of this important task.”

“Father.”

“I believe you will do well.”

Ailon clenched his fists tightly and spoke.

“I have other duties scheduled.”

“Are you saying you can’t even handle this? This girl has accomplished much at the field hospital, and you want to avoid such a task? The blessing ceremony is usually conducted by the emperor. I am giving you a great opportunity, my son.”

The emperor gave a sinister smile. This was, in fact, his final gift to Ailon, a mischievous trick aimed at his unsatisfactory son.

During the blessing ceremony, Ailon would realize who the child he had been searching for was.

Anticipating Ailon’s reaction, Javier added with excitement.

“Will you do it?”

“…….”

As the tension grew, Edwin stepped in, clasping his hands respectfully.

“If that is the reason, we are deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Edwin frowned slightly, finding the emperor’s words suspicious, but if true, it was a significant favor.

While he was unsure if the superstition about the blessing ceremony was real, it was an important ritual wishing for good health.

“Very well. I believe that explains everything. Ailon, guide them. The ceremony will start immediately.”

Watching Anne leave, escorted by Ailon, Evan’s face grew serious.

Noticing this, the emperor spoke again.

“She is indeed a beautiful lady. And I hear she is quite capable too. The royal family has been keeping an eye on her. If she were a man, she might have already enjoyed fame and fortune. Don’t you think so, Baron Vanessa?”

“…….”

Unable to respond, Edwin could only clench his fists tightly.

“What about you, Duke? You must have encountered her often on the battlefield. Did she not stir your heart?”

Standing next to him, Evan maintained a calm expression, but inside, he was devastated.

He had finally understood the source of the unease he had felt since his private meeting with the emperor before the assembly.

The war was about to end. After that, it was time to assign blame for the bloodshed caused by the war.

The emperor was using Anne to threaten Evan.

He wanted Evan to take the fall for the war.

“What do you truly want?” Evan asked.

The emperor smiled broadly.

“You already know, don’t you? And if I told you, would you follow my orders?”

“Have I ever disobeyed Your Majesty?”

“If you were called a dog, I suppose not. But what can I do? The rabbit hunt is over, and a starving dog that can’t recognize its master is no longer needed.”

“Just tell me what you want!”

The emperor slowly approached Evan, brushing his shoulder as he spoke.

“What I want is for you to say it, not me. Duke Davis, please keep quiet. Then I won’t break what you hold dear.”

Evan was tired of playing the mad dog. However, the emperor was sending a clear warning to remember his place even now.

Holding the one woman he wanted to protect as a hostage!

But if it meant Anne’s safety, Evan was willing to fall into the trap.

“If you plan to continue manipulating me, do not cross the line.”

“A line? How disappointing. Haven’t I always been the only one on your side?”

“…….”

The emperor’s hearty laughter echoed in Evan’s ears.

“Unlike with your mother, I’ll take care of this.”

Evan’s expression hardened at the emperor’s continued words.