Chapter 128
Alter was observing the construction of a building near the west gate of the capital.
Building materials were continuously being transported from outside, and workers moved busily as they pressed on with their work.
Since the noble who had purchased the land was personally establishing a merchant company, it was bound to be on quite a grand scale.
'I received much more than I expected. With this, I can afford to prepare my own dowry.'
Alter had sold the land located in the capital to a count.
Previously, he had told Duke Illenat the location of a goldmine, and in return, had been granted land on the outskirts of the capital.
He had been weighing when the right time to sell would be, and when the buyer came to him first, the negotiations had wrapped up quickly.
'I couldn't possibly place all the expenses of the dowry on someone else.'
Since it was a political marriage, he had to spend a considerable amount of money on the dowry.
If he failed to put in sufficient care, it would be seen as an offense to the other house.
Thus, even if it seemed slightly extravagant, he had no choice but to buy costly gifts.
'I don't have many people I can rely on...'
"In the end, you really did sell that land."
"I didn't have to go through much trouble. I believe I got a pretty decent deal."
"I won't ask you how much you got. You didn't suffer a loss, did you?"
"I got more than the market price."
"Then that's enough. You should save it for an emergency."
"I'm not sure if I'll ever have an emergency, considering I'm only an extra resident."
"That's exactly why you need to save. You never know what you'll need money for as you live."
"I can't just keep taking forever, can I?"
"That's not necessarily true. Isn't it already a profit for our family just by having you stay with us?"
"Are you referring to the title of 'next great mage'?"
"That's right. You're adding that title to the reputation of our house, aren't you?"
Brillie eventually came to understand her father's intentions.
He had shown significant interest in the title of great mage.
After all, it was rare for their house to be honored for magical achievements.
Furthermore, since they were trying to form a connection with the grand duke's house through a political marriage, he was investing even more effort.
"If that's how you see it, don't I benefit as well?"
"I'm not sure if my title will carry any weight in the northern territory."
"You're not the same as me, Brillie. Aren't you the Sword Flower and the next head of the family? If I become the duke's husband, that would be a great honor."
"The duke's husband? Hmm..."
Brillie mulled over those words, soon wearing a slightly ambiguous expression.
Though she had resolved to become Duke Illenat herself, the idea still felt strangely foreign.
She, who had once wanted to break away from her family, found herself inching closer to its center.
"Will that really be enough for you?"
"How could I ask for more?"
"Alter, do you not want to become the Northern Grand Duke?"
"As I said before, I don't want to become the Northern Grand Duke. If my father were to appoint me as successor, I would consider it for a moment."
"Is there another reason?"
"If I have to name the most important reason... I simply prefer warmth over cold."
"Ah... You said your body was always cold since childhood."
Brillie found herself readily accepting that answer.
Until he was freed from the curse, Alter had always suffered from the cold.
Moreover, since it was connected to his mother's death, he could only help but feel repulsed.
"And the position of Northern Grand Duke is quite burdensome. I couldn't lead the northern army without any experience, and I'd always have to stay in the northern territory, carrying out countless duties. What could I possibly gain by going so far?"
"Well... You would receive the treatment due to a grand duke, but it wouldn't be easy."
"My siblings already stand above me. Unlike me, they have dedicated their entire lives to the defense of the north. What do you think would happen if I suddenly inserted myself?"
"They probably wouldn't welcome it. They could resist... or maybe..."
Brillie glanced at him hesitantly, holding back her thoughts.
Alter, after a brief silence, finally let out a bitter smile.
"They might even start a rebellion. Someone would die because of it... And wouldn't we just find ourselves fighting all over again?"
"Until only one remains?"
"Yes. How many soldiers would lose their lives just to reach that outcome? And what would my father think? Throwing away lives for a mere title."
"......"
Brillie sided with Alter as she recalled the sequence of recent events.
The current Emperor seized the throne through treason, personally suppressing the revolt of her own siblings.
She and Alter had witnessed everything firsthand and played pivotal roles as the Emperor's closest aides.
Perhaps Alter, feeling jaded by these experiences, wanted to give up before being swept into such matters again.
"I just want to live a quiet life if possible. Causing trouble would only tire me out. So, I think it's better to live in the capital."
"I don't particularly want to force you, either. You're right. Even if they're half-siblings, you shouldn't harm one another."
"It seems I'll have to rely on you, Brillie. Once I become great mage, I'll do what I can to contribute."
"There's no need to think about that. I just want you to stay as you are. Like I said before, you're already doing enough."
Brillie tried to console Alter, her eyes filled with complicated emotions.
Alter would not let greed take hold if it endangered peace in the grand duke's house.
Perhaps that was why he trusted her and chose to distance himself from the northern territory.
'After all, I have to protect this person. Body and heart... he's too fragile.'
It wasn't that she thought of Alter as weak.
After all, he had defeated the Knight of True Flame—a level of strength greater than her own.
He just always tried to step back, which made him seem unnecessarily pitiful.
'How can I get stronger than I am now?'
Even in the battle in the southern region, she had been completely overwhelmed by the Knight of True Flame.
Of course, Alter had protected her, but the deeper issue did not go away.
Only if she reached a higher realm could she truly shield Alter.
'Whether it's a dragon or the Knight of True Flame—I will overcome them. For your sake....'
* * *
Yuria was enjoying the Harvest Festival from her office.
Ordinarily, she would have finished work early and sat down to a lavish banquet.
However, urgent business remained, and as the ruthless Emperor, she had to make clear-cut decisions.
'... So it's come to this in the end.'
Yuria absentmindedly reflected on her own crimes.
In her bid to control the Imperial Army, she had assassinated the Commander-in-Chief.
Simultaneously, she had the imperial palace guard surround both the chamber and grand hall, and then personally killed the Emperor with her own hand.
After casually ascending to the throne, she was now filling out orders for the execution of her siblings.
'I have to kill even the collateral lines... Let alone the nobles...'
Yuria mocked herself and set down her pen.
She had hoped it would end quietly, but a catastrophe had already unfolded.
Now, killing just a handful would not be enough to resolve anything.
She would have to crush everything completely, until not a trace remained.
'How much more do I have to kill? Why do they keep making me out to be the villain?'
Yuria was certain of the rightness of her decisions.
But the reality of massacring her own kin was undeniable.
How many among them had truly been innocent?
'No, don't think about that. I can't let myself waver at a time like this.'
Yuria took up the pen again, reviewing the documents.
As Emperor, as ruler of the Agnes Empire, she had to thoroughly suppress any emotions.
She only needed to judge rationally and strengthen her position.
'I'm just executing those who must die, making them pay the price for defying the Emperor.'
Yuria ignored her momentary hesitation and turned the file.
As one who ruled over all, she had to be more special—superior—than anyone else.
Unless she transcended the bounds of humanity, she could not truly reign as Emperor.
'If I handle this matter well, maybe things will finally quiet down for a while.'
The forces that threatened her were being eliminated legally.
Now, no one would dare covet the throne, and only her loyalists would fill the palace.
Even if she couldn't rule peacefully right away, surely she could avoid further turmoil.
'An Emperor has to endure things like this. It's not a position just anyone can attain, is it?'
* * *
Alter was enjoying a plentiful meal in celebration of the Harvest Festival.
A large roast turkey, pies filled with nuts, salads tossed with fresh vegetables, finely mashed potatoes, sweet apple juice, and more.
Since it was the duke's house, meticulous dishes made from the finest ingredients kept coming.
'This is definitely different from the northern territory.'
Savoring the crispy roast turkey, Alter glanced around.
Taking in the spacious table, dozens of dishes were neatly arranged in their places.
At the grand duke's house, such an excessive display of food would have been unthinkable.
'There's never much to eat in the north. Father treats food as something precious.'
Taking a sip of the apple juice, Alter unconsciously frowned.
It was too sweet, and even a faint tang rose in the aftertaste.
He thought it would be better to drink plain water or tea instead.
'Just living in a different place makes even a meal feel this different...'
"Is something wrong? Does it taste bad?"
"It tastes fine, but it doesn't suit me."
"Is it too sweet?"
"Yes. I think I'd prefer tea."
Alter reached out for the teapot.
But Brillie quickly snatched it up, soon pouring tea into his teacup.
"Sorry. I always eat like this, so I didn't realize."
"I must be the strange one. I came from somewhere else—our tastes are bound to be different."
"Hmm... There's probably not a lot that isn't sweet, though..."
Brillie began looking over the table, picking out milder foods.
Alter tried to stop her, but eventually just let her be.
'Because it overlapped with Harvest Festival, the wedding was postponed. I guess that means I'm just unlucky.'
Alter found it strange, but Brillie seemed completely unconcerned.
Although they were obviously living together, their wedding kept being delayed.
Perhaps it had something to do with the destined fate his mother once spoke of.
'If a dragon appears, it'll just get delayed again.'
For a moment, Alter worried, then emptied his teacup.
After all he'd been through, it was time for him and Brillie to be released from all this.
Once the wedding ceremony was over, nothing would stop them from facing dragons or monsters together.
'This time, we'll really be able to marry. There's no way a dragon would attack before that, right?'