Chapter 29

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 9

Chapter Title: Triumphant Return

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It was three days before the new year.

Under a clear sky, the imperial capital buzzed with excitement.

Crowds of people swarmed around the city gates and the central boulevard.

They were the capital's residents gathered to welcome the Crown Prince, who had crushed the savage barbarians and returned victorious.

Everyone clutched flowers they had prepared, barely containing their thrilled anticipation for the Crown Prince's appearance.

A long trumpet blast echoed from atop the city walls.

The triumphant Crown Prince had finally entered through the gates.

Cheers erupted from the gates and spread throughout the city like wildfire.

Countless blue petals fluttered through the air.

The Crown Prince, clad in silver armor, led the Blue Hawk Unit in a victory parade.

At that moment, Leona was entering the imperial palace's east gate alongside Barts and Jahankun.

After passing identity verification and entering the palace, the three headed straight for the Crown Prince Palace at East Lake Court.

Gerard, the Chief Servant Supervisor of the Crown Prince Palace, and Cindy, the Chief Maid Supervisor, came out to greet them at the palace entrance.

Jahankun gave a brief nod of acknowledgment and brushed past Gerard and Cindy, entering the palace first.

Gerard and Cindy warmly praised Leona and Barts for their hard work before granting them a week's paid leave as a reward.

Leona wanted to decline the vacation, but she didn't have the chance.

Gerard and Cindy, clearly swamped with tasks, left swiftly as soon as they finished speaking.

Barts followed Gerard to report on Noel's situation.

Left alone, Leona stood there blankly, surveying her surroundings.

The Crown Prince Palace was in a state of utter chaos at the moment.

Everyone was rushing about to prepare for the Crown Prince's arrival.

Yet amid all this, an endless procession of gifts continued to arrive at the palace entrance.

They were congratulatory offerings from the nobles celebrating the Crown Prince's victory.

The servants and maids of the Crown Prince Palace were frantic, decorating the grounds while handling the influx of new items.

Leona, unaccustomed to the palace bustle after so long away, dazedly watched the people hurrying to and fro.

"Leona!"

Miranda came running toward her with a radiant smile.

"Miranda!"

The two embraced and spun around in a circle.

"Let me see. No injuries, right?"

Miranda scanned Leona's body.

"None. What would I have to get hurt over?"

"Your face looks tanned."

"Does it? When did that happen?"

Leona touched her cheek.

"Your clothes aren't worn out at all? I put in a request for a new maid uniform just in case."

"I wore servant attire outside. It seemed more practical, so I prepared it in advance."

"Oh, ever the thorough one."

Miranda teased playfully as she pushed Leona toward the annex where her quarters were.

"I have so many questions, but we'll talk later. Go rest in your room first."

"What about you?"

"There's a victory banquet at White Sword Palace tonight. The whole palace is on high alert for preparations. I snuck out just to see you, so I have to head back."

"Need any help?"

Miranda waved her off.

"What are you saying? You've just come back from hardship outside. Go rest."

Under Miranda's urging, Leona made her way to the annex. After a few steps, she glanced back to see Miranda hiking up her skirt and rushing off somewhere.

Leona started toward the annex but suddenly veered off toward the main palace.

The Crown Prince arrived at the palace's main gate.

The guards lined up at the entrance bowed deeply toward him.

The Crown Prince dismounted Nacha and handed his sword to the sentry.

His personal guard waited at the palace gate while the Crown Prince passed through the main entrance into the palace first.

In the Revival Palace square connected to the main gate, central nobles and officials stood in orderly ranks.

As the Crown Prince strode confidently down the center path of the square, the nobles and officials bowed in unison, reciting poems celebrating his victory.

Kamin looked up across the square.

Atop the steps at the far end stood the aged Emperor.

The Emperor looked frail with age, yet the Revival Palace looming behind him exuded an aura of eternal grandeur.

Kamin sneered inwardly.

In just a few years, all this glory would turn to ashes and vanish.

Flinging a cold sneer at the Emperor and the empire, Kamin stood at the base of the steps.

As Kamin knelt, the Emperor raised his arm high.

The Emperor commended the Crown Prince's achievements and bestowed upon him two hundred chests of gold.

He also proclaimed generous rewards for the imperial army that had fought alongside the Crown Prince in the war.

Finally, the Emperor addressed the assembly in a resounding voice.

The Crown Prince's victory was an expected outcome, and soon the empire would drive out the ferocious barbarians completely, elevating its glory even higher.

In response, the officials and nobles praised the great Emperor as one.

Kamin watched the ridiculous farce before him with an impassive face.

Once the Emperor's lengthy speech of aspirations ended, the triumph ceremony concluded.

With the Emperor's permission, Kamin ascended the steps and faced him.

Up close, the pungent scent of perfume assaulted his nose.

Kamin furrowed his brow slightly before smoothing his expression.

"I'm back."

"Mm. You did well."

The Emperor patted Kamin's shoulder in praise.

Kamin sensed something odd as he looked at the Emperor's face.

Just a few months ago, the Emperor had been so frail and listless that death seemed imminent at any moment.

His skin had been rough, his eyes cloudy like a dead fish's.

Yet today, the Emperor brimmed with vitality, his eyes sharp and lively—he looked years younger.

It was also the first time the Emperor had treated Kamin with such leisure.

"You've just arrived after a long journey, so you must be exhausted. Return to your palace and rest first. A commemorative banquet celebrating your victory will be held tonight. We'll speak then."

"Thank you for your consideration. And Father Emperor, I return this."

Kamin drew the military command token from his bosom and offered it to the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled contentedly and accepted it.

"I won't forget your merits this time. I have great expectations for you going forward. I believe you won't disappoint me."

"Father Emperor, about the promise you made then..."

"We'll talk later. I'm tired from your triumph ceremony."

The Emperor waved him off and turned his back.

Kamin felt unsettled but had no choice except to withdraw.

Upon arriving at the Crown Prince Palace, the Chief Servant Supervisor and Chief Maid Supervisor bowed deeply to him in unison.

Kamin acknowledged their greetings and headed straight to the lounge.

As he unfastened the straps of his armor, close attendant maids approached to assist.

Kamin left the undressing to them and instructed Gerard, who stood by the door.

"Nacha is at the palace gate. Bring Nacha to the rear garden and give a basket of fruit."

"Understood, Your Highness. Earlier, the Prime Minister requested an audience. What shall I do?"

"Decline. I need rest until the banquet, so refuse all other visitors."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The close attendant maids finished removing the Crown Prince's armor and brought his uniform.

Kamin waved them away irritably.

"I don't need assistance. Gerard stays; everyone else, out."

As the servants and maids filed out, Miranda entered carrying tea for the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, I've brought tea."

"Mm."

Kamin sat on the sofa, and Miranda set the teacup on the table.

Kamin lifted the cup, sniffed it, and took a sip.

The familiar, satisfying taste spread through him.

He pondered briefly before calling for Gerard.

Leona delivered the peppermint tea she had personally prepared via Miranda and returned to the annex.

During the journey from the border fortress to the capital, the Crown Prince had only accepted service from Barts.

He had kept his distance from Leona, not even glancing her way.

Throughout the trip, the Crown Prince's mood had been low, a chill permeating his surroundings.

Glenn's unit had suffered greatly trying to appease him.

"Phew... What now?"

Though she had steeled herself for it, actually facing the Crown Prince's cold shoulder left Leona feeling downhearted.

She worried she might be chased out of the palace like this.

Leona racked her brains.

She needed to find a way quickly to soothe the Crown Prince's feelings.

"Lady Leona!"

As she entered the annex, someone called out.

Turning, she saw one of the Crown Prince's close attendant servants running toward her.

The out-of-breath servant delivered the Crown Prince's message without pause.

"His Highness has revoked your vacation. He said... your conduct was outrageous, so report for duty starting tomorrow morning."

The servant subtly gauged Leona's reaction.

He didn't know why she had fallen out of favor, but he was curious how dejected she would be upon hearing the order.

Contrary to his expectations, Leona's face lit up.

The servant couldn't fathom why she rejoiced at the punishment.

The sun set, and evening arrived.

Many people headed to White Sword Palace, located in the eastern outer court of the imperial palace.

The banquet hall inside was filled with high-ranking imperial nobles and officials, as well as honored guests from neighboring kingdoms.

The gold-plated ceiling and walls sparkled under the lights, while elegantly dressed noblewomen glided through the hall, exchanging pleasantries.

It had been a long time since the imperial palace hosted a banquet.

People waited with slightly flushed anticipation for the Crown Prince's entrance.

At that moment, as Kamin, dressed in a deep blue uniform with his attendants, headed to White Sword Palace, Leona, resting alone in her room, received a visitor.

The unexpected guest was a senior maid under Supreme Maid Chief Odel.

"The Supreme Maid Chief is summoning me?"

"Yes. She's in her chambers now. Follow me."

Leona, puzzled but compliant, followed the senior maid.

The senior maid led her to West Lake Court, where the Maid's Quarters were located.

To go from East Lake Court, home of the Crown Prince Palace, to West Lake Court, there were three routes.

The first was via the outer perimeter path; the second crossed the outer court to enter West Lake Court; the last passed directly between East and West Lake Courts.

The shortest was the last one.

However, that direct path between West and East Lake Courts lay between the Emperor's Palace and the Empress's Palace.

Maids and servants could not use it unless on urgent business.

Thus, Leona naturally planned to take the outer path.

But the senior maid grabbed her.

"Let's cut through the inner court."

Meaning through between the Emperor's and Empress's Palaces.

"But..."

"It's fine. Say it's on the Supreme Maid Chief's orders—no problem."

The senior maid flashed her maid token and winked.

"Hurry. Odel is waiting."

Leona shrugged and followed.

The central inner road connecting West and East Lake Courts was extremely wide.

Stone lanterns lined both sides of the paved path at regular intervals, their soft lights illuminating the way.

Being banquet night, more servants and maids used the central road than usual.

Leona glanced toward White Sword Palace and thought.

Ah... right. It's tonight.

Tonight, the Crown Prince would meet his future Crown Princess Consort.

Leona's lips twitched upward.

It felt strange.

The smile didn't come naturally.

Why is this?

As Leona touched her awkward lips, the senior maid suddenly spoke.

"Odel has talked about you a lot."

Leona shook off her thoughts and quickened her pace to walk abreast.

"Has she?"

"Yeah. At first, she wasn't thrilled about a maid going to the battlefield, but as days passed, she grew curious about you. She admired a woman venturing into battle and worried if you'd struggle among rough men."

The senior maid giggled conspiratorially.

"She seems eager to hear about your exploits. Odel might keep you all night. Brace yourself."

"What do I do? I didn't do much, so I have no stories..."

The senior maid stopped at Leona's response.

"No way. Embellish if you must to please Odel. Her mood's been foul lately."

"What's bothering her?"

"Not that, but..."

The senior maid whispered in Leona's ear.

"The new Palace Mistress has quite the presence, giving Odel headaches."

(*Palace Mistress: Title for the Emperor's consorts*)

Leona felt as if struck by lightning.

"A... new Palace Mistress?"

"You didn't know? Two weeks ago, His Majesty took his 30th consort."

Leona couldn't believe it.

The 30th consort—in her previous life, that was 'Biota Helsian'.

But she couldn't have entered the palace yet.

It wasn't time.

"Even this banquet's dress for her cost a fortune. As you know, all Palace Mistresses get a monthly allowance to manage expenses. But the new one preemptively used three months' worth on a single dress. Odel grilled the Treasury Department over it, but His Majesty reprimanded Odel instead. She's heartbroken. So tonight, keep her company and cheer her up. Got it?"

(*Treasury Department: Department managing inner court finances*)

Leona stared blankly ahead without responding.

A woman leading a group of maids was approaching from the front.

Even from afar, her beauty was dazzling.

Leona couldn't tear her eyes away.

Leona gazed at the woman in a daze.

Her heart pounded.

It was as if time had stopped; everything grew hazy and dreamlike.

Only that woman stood out sharply, asserting her presence vividly.

Her light blonde hair swayed in the breeze, her violet eyes sparkling with luster.

It was her.

Biota Helsian.

The woman who had been Leona's mistress in her previous life.

As the woman drew nearer, memories of that life flooded Leona's mind.

Suddenly, her vision went white.

Leona stumbled, losing her balance.

The startled senior maid quickly supported her and pulled her to the roadside.

The senior maid had also noticed the Palace Mistress and stepped aside per protocol.

Biota drew ever closer.

Leona barely regained her composure and straightened her posture.

She clasped her hands and bowed deeply in proper maid fashion.

As Biota passed in front of Leona, she suddenly halted.

"Oh? You..."

A clear, gentle voice tickled Leona's ear.

"How unique. First maid I've seen with a headband."

Leona realized her blue headband had caught her eye.

"She is His Highness the Crown Prince's favored close attendant maid."

A maid beside Biota reported.

It was a voice familiar to Leona's ears.

'Chloe', her assistant maid in her previous life.

"Oh, really? I've heard a bit about you. Lift your head."

Leona raised her head with eyes downcast, then met Biota's gaze directly.

Biota's eyes sparkled at Leona's boldness.

"Indeed, worthy of His Highness's favor. Your name is..."

"This lowly one is Leona. I formally pay my respects to the Palace Mistress of Peony Palace."

Leona bowed deeply to Biota.

The senior maid wondered inwardly if she'd mentioned the new Palace Mistress's residence.

"Rise. I don't have much time today. I look forward to seeing you alone sometime, Leona."

"...I eagerly await that day as well."

Biota gazed at Leona a moment longer before resuming her walk.

Leona watched her retreating figure as she slowly straightened.

Her expression remained calmly composed, but her palms were drenched in sweat.

From the moment he entered the banquet hall, Kamin scowled.

The nobles filling the hall eyed him hungrily, eager to approach.

Kamin openly showed his irritation.

The nobles hesitated to approach directly and circled warily instead.

As they eyed the Crown Prince for an opening, a handsome, dignified man boldly approached Kamin.

"I pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am Dennis Kirk, heir to the Kingdom of Huda."

Kamin narrowed his eyes and gave a curt nod.

Despite Kamin's rudeness, Dennis kept his smile.

"I heard you achieved a great victory against the barbarians. Your Highness's feats will echo through the empire's history and..."

Kamin cut him off irritably.

"Get to the point. Skip the flattery."

Dennis laughed heartily before awkwardly broaching the subject.

"This isn't the place for such talk, truly. But the matter is urgent... I apologize in advance for my impertinence."

"The point."

"...Your Highness, Huda Kingdom is in dire straits. Strange phenomena have struck our lands, slashing this year's crop yields. We barely met this year's tribute, but next year..."

Dennis's expression darkened.

"Tribute will be impossible. Not just Huda—Jera and Powden face the same. An unknown blight has withered many crops. We've tried countermeasures, but with little success. We scraped by this year, but next will worsen. With tribute on top..."

"I understand. We'll discuss at the state council."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Dennis bowed joyfully.

As he withdrew, the next person appeared as if waiting.

"Congratulations on your victory, Your Highness."

It was Prime Minister Sujen Dorian.

Kamin forced a smile to greet him.

"Prime Minister. It's been a while."

"I cannot express my joy at Your Highness's safe return."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

As Kamin subtly tried to excuse himself, the Prime Minister pressed on.

"Your Highness, I have someone special to introduce. Come here, dear."

The Prime Minister called a young woman standing behind him.

Kamin clicked his tongue inwardly.

Before the war, to pressure the Emperor, Kamin had tried pulling the Prime Minister to his side.

He had promised to make the Prime Minister's daughter Crown Princess Consort if he lent support.

The Prime Minister had agreed, and secret betrothal talks had ensued.

Then, opportunely, the Katago Tribe invaded the border.

Kamin seized the chance, striking a direct deal with the Emperor.

If Kamin repelled the Katago and won, the Emperor would yield the 'Chamber of Emperors'.

He had won decisively.

Thus, the Prime Minister was now useless.

"Prime Minister."

"Your Highness, this is my daughter."

Before Kamin could speak, the Prime Minister stubbornly presented his daughter.

A refined girl with dark blonde hair and brown eyes curtsied cautiously.

"Pleased to meet you, Your Highness. I am Rose Dorian."

"Lady Rose."

Kamin responded tepidly.

The Prime Minister interjected, urging Kamin.

"Please, call her 'Rose'. You'll be close soon enough."

Kamin sneered coldly.

"Prime Minister, a word. About our prior discussion..."

Then it happened.

Majestic music announced the Emperor's entrance.

The Prime Minister and all guests bowed toward the dais with the throne.

Kamin gave the Prime Minister a icy glance before heading to the throne.

As Kamin stood at the base of the dais, the entrance doors opened, and the Emperor entered.

The Emperor walked the white carpet with a beautiful young woman at his side.

Kamin lowered his posture in courtesy as the Emperor passed.

The Emperor ascended the dais.

The woman followed.

The banquet hall stirred in confusion.

A consort had ascended the dais reserved for Emperor and Empress.

Exchanges of meaningful glances rippled among the nobles.

The Emperor calmly declared the banquet open.

Beautiful music filled the hall, and guests began mingling, conversing, and dancing freely.

Kamin stood still, timing his approach to the Emperor.

Then, the young woman beside the Emperor descended the dais.

She greeted Kamin with a brilliant smile.

"I formally pay my respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am Biota Helsian, Palace Mistress of Peony Palace."

Kamin flinched.

Leona's words flashed in his mind.

'Biota Helsian. Soon, Your Highness will see her too. In my previous life, she gained His Majesty's favor and became Empress. And I... was the Chief Maid Supervisor of the Empress Palace and her confidante.'

Just as Leona said.

Concrete proof of her story's truth stood before him.

This woman had dethroned him as Crown Prince?

Kamin eyed Biota with interest.

She possessed beauty worthy of the Emperor's favor.

She appeared his age, but her smile held allure, her gaze enigmatic—not one to underestimate.

Leona intended to fight this woman to protect him?

The banquet, once boring, suddenly intrigued Kamin.

"I look forward to working with you, Palace Mistress."

"As do I, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Kamin swept Biota with a meaningful gaze and ascended the dais steps.

Midway up, a middle-aged servant from behind the Emperor descended to greet him.

He was Gilaboh, head of the Attendant Command Department.

(*Attendant Command Department: Department dedicated to constantly attending and assisting the Emperor*)

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Gilaboh, I wish to speak with Father Emperor."

"Please wait a moment."

Gilaboh swiftly ascended and relayed to the Emperor.

The Emperor gestured for Kamin to come up.

Kamin climbed the remaining steps in one breath and knelt on one knee before the Emperor.

"Father Emperor."

"Mm, what is it?"

"Father Emperor, when do you plan to give it to me?"

"Give what?"

"The 'Chamber of Emperors' you promised after my victory."

"Ah..."

The Emperor slapped his knee as if just remembering.

"I meant to announce it here anyway."

As the Emperor rose, Gilaboh hurried to support him.

Gilaboh signaled a subordinate.

A servant shook a small bell.

Its chime rang softly, and the orchestra halted immediately.

Music ceased; movements and chatter stopped.

All eyes focused on the dais.

The Emperor looked down at the assembly sternly.

"The Crown Prince fell ill as a child and had to recuperate outside the palace, so I could not watch over him closely. This remains a pain in my heart. Fortunately, he has grown admirably and achieved great merit for the empire—I am overjoyed."

Long preamble, Kamin thought, staring bored at the Emperor's back.

"The Crown Prince has been of age for some time, yet remains unmarried. This is my failing as a father."

Kamin felt an ominous premonition.

The Emperor continued.

"I proclaim here today: Next year, we will select a Crown Princess Consort for the Crown Prince."

The banquet hall erupted.

Unbetrothed young ladies and girls gazed at the Crown Prince with excited eyes.

Kamin's head throbbed as if struck.

"Father Emperor..."

As Kamin tried to rise, the Emperor pressed his shoulder firmly.

He announced to the assembly.

"On the day the Crown Prince weds, I shall bestow the 'Chamber of Emperors' as a wedding gift. Normally, it is granted only upon ascension. But to honor his achievements, I grant it early. Any objections?"

All voiced approval, of course.

Rage surged in Kamin. He wanted to upend everything, Emperor be damned.

The Emperor, satisfied, released him.

Kamin forced a smile and stood.

"Father Emperor... This differs from what you told me."

The Emperor laughed it off casually.

"It's for your sake. Marrying will solidify your position. Heed your father's deep intent."

"Deep intent... Then you've already chosen my bride in your heart?"

Kamin gritted his teeth, voice low.

The Emperor revealed his intentions to others instead.

"After careful deliberation, I have personally selected Crown Princess Consort candidates. It may surprise the Crown Prince, so I'll give him time."

The Emperor extended his hand toward the Prime Minister.

"Henceforth, the Crown Prince shall meet my chosen candidate often to get acquainted. Rose Dorian, come forward."

Hearing her name, Rose looked startled at her father.

The Prime Minister nodded and pushed her ahead.

Nobles and officials exchanged shocked glances, caught off guard.

Rose descended to the dais base amid all eyes.

Envy and jealousy clung to her.

Rose stood below the steps, shrinking inwardly.

The Emperor brought Kamin down and placed him beside Rose.

"Rose Dorian, the Prime Minister's only daughter, boasts excellent lineage, talent, and virtue—none more suitable for Crown Princess Consort. Crown Prince, I trust my choice pleases you."

Biota approached the Emperor's side, chiming in.

"Chosen with His Majesty's utmost care, it will surely suit Your Highness."

Kamin glanced at Rose, staring at her feet, then at the smug Prime Minister.

He knew the Prime Minister orchestrated this.

A deal with the Emperor in his absence, no doubt.

Damn, played.

All awaited Kamin's response.

Kamin pondered briefly.

Overturn it, or endure?

Clenching his fist, he scanned the room and locked eyes with the Prime Minister again.

The Prime Minister's smile faded under Kamin's cold gaze.

Kamin found the entire farce laughable and pathetic.

A massive wave loomed to sweep them all away, yet they bickered blindly over petty gains.

Fine, let them revel in their sweet dreams as much as they want.

"I accept Father Emperor's profound will."

Kamin bowed slowly with an expressionless face.