Chapter 39

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 16-2

Chapter Title: The Katago Horse's Testimony

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After Phil unveiled his new fragrance, the Emperor finally left his bedchamber.

The shock of losing White Sword had been immense, but the emergence of the "Guardian's Fragrance" restored the Emperor's vigor.

Biota suggested to the Emperor that they go for a walk together.

The Emperor gladly agreed and followed her lead.

Biota took the Emperor's arm and guided him to the garden of Anu Palace.

"It's been so long since you've gotten some sunlight, hasn't it, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, it feels wonderful. You've worked so hard taking care of me all this time."

The Emperor felt remorse for having neglected Biota lately.

"Not at all, Your Majesty."

"Is there anything you need? Tell me. I'll grant you whatever it is."

"As long as Your Majesty remains strong and healthy, that's all I ask. I desire nothing else."

The Emperor's face lit up with deep emotion as he caressed Biota's cheek.

"I feel the same. I have mountains of gold and jewels, but the most precious treasure among them is you, Biota. With you by my side, I need nothing more."

"Your Majesty..."

Biota gazed at the Emperor with touched eyes, soft and warm.

Inside, though, her heart was as cold as if she'd swallowed ice, but her gaze and smile toward the Emperor remained tender.

"Your Majesty, let's head over that way."

Biota linked her arm with the Emperor's and led him toward the maze garden.

The Emperor signaled to his following guards, attendants from the Servant Oversight Department, and maids not to interfere.

Understanding his intent, the entourage kept a respectful distance.

The Emperor and Biota strolled through the maze formed by garden hedges.

The Emperor's eyes were fixed solely on Biota, while she exchanged glances with him and occasionally felt her way toward her goal.

Upon reaching the flower bed at the maze's center, Biota positioned the Emperor at a pre-designated spot and spoke.

"Your Majesty, please wait here just a moment. That flower I saw earlier was so beautiful. I'll go pick it for you."

"I'll do it."

"No, it's right there. I'll be back in a flash. Just wait here."

Without giving the Emperor a chance to respond, Biota quickly slipped away.

She backed away while maintaining eye contact with him, then crouched down in front of a bush.

Pretending to search for flowers at her feet, Biota stole glances at the Emperor.

He stood still in place, watching her.

Biota bided her time.

Moments later, she flashed a bright smile at the Emperor, only to suddenly pale and scream.

"Eek! Your Majesty, behind you!"

Startled, the Emperor whipped around.

A massive red horse was charging straight at him.

The Emperor cried out in terror and fell backward.

Nacha reared up on its front legs right in front of the Emperor's nose before abruptly halting.

The Emperor flailed in panic.

"Argh! Someone, anyone!"

Nacha sniffed around the ground near the Emperor.

As it drew closer, the Emperor thrashed even more wildly.

Nacha then nudged him lightly with its head.

The Emperor yelled and writhed on the ground.

At that moment, the guards rushed in.

"Your Majesty!"

Several knights grabbed the Emperor and pulled him back, while the others surrounded Nacha with swords drawn.

"Get rid of that thing right now!"

At the Emperor's command, the knights lunged at Nacha all at once.

Nacha, which had been rubbing its nose on the ground, didn't flee but met the attack head-on.

It dodged the swords nimbly and kicked out at the knights with its hind legs.

Several knights were sent flying by Nacha's powerful kicks.

In the meantime, Biota threw herself into the Emperor's arms, trembling dramatically.

"Your Majesty, it's so scary."

"Don't be afraid. I'm here, aren't I?"

The Emperor rampaged verbally, berating the knights.

"What are you doing? Can't the imperial knights handle a mere beast?!"

Stung by the Emperor's rebuke, the knights attacked Nacha even more fiercely.

Nacha fought back just as vigorously.

Chaos erupted throughout Anu Palace, with the clamor echoing far and wide.

Biota sniffled as she asked the Emperor,

"Where did that monster come from all of a sudden? This is Your Majesty's palace—how could such a beast invade here?"

Biota's question heightened the Emperor's unease.

Just then, archers arrived.

The Emperor pointed at Nacha and bellowed,

"Kill it! Shoot it down!"

The knights withdrew at the call, and the archers nocked their arrows.

Bows were drawn taut, arrowheads trained on Nacha.

The archer captain was about to give the signal.

"Urk!"

The captain, arm raised high, suddenly screamed and tumbled forward.

The Crown Prince appeared behind him.

Kamin strode boldly into the open space in front of the archers.

Ignoring everyone else, he headed straight for Nacha.

The startled archers hastily lowered their bows.

"Nacha, you okay? Hurt anywhere?"

Nacha stamped the ground as if protesting its innocence.

"Good, looks like you're unharmed. Alright, calm down now."

As Kamin stroked Nacha, it quickly settled down.

Everyone watched in stunned silence.

Biota whispered softly to snap the Emperor out of it.

"Your Majesty, is it really okay to let that beast go? What if it attacks you again?"

The Emperor immediately shouted,

"Crown Prince, get out of the way! Archers, what are you waiting for? Kill it!"

Kamin stepped in front of Nacha and said firmly,

"No."

"What?"

"It's my horse. Don't touch it."

The Emperor's face darkened menacingly at the Crown Prince defying him.

"That thing tried to kill me, and you're still saying not to?"

"No way. My horse doesn't harm people recklessly. Must've been a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding? It's in my palace right now—how can you call that a misunderstanding?"

"I have no idea how my horse got here without any restraint."

Kamin shot a sharp glance at Biota.

Biota lowered her eyes slightly and pressed closer to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, please don't get upset. His Highness is just shaken because he cherishes his horse, but he'll ultimately obey you. Doesn't His Highness always show utmost filial piety?"

The Emperor nodded in agreement.

Biota looked at Kamin and said,

"Your Highness, I saw it clearly. That horse definitely attacked Your Majesty. Even if it were my beloved pet, if it harmed my family, I'd never let it slide. How can you be so indifferent? Worrying more about an animal than Your Majesty... Your attitude looks awfully suspicious. I'm worried others might question your filial piety if they hear about this. Don't you agree, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, exactly."

The Emperor chimed in, then ordered Kamin,

"Crown Prince, kill that horse with your own hands. Prove your loyalty here and now. Otherwise, I'll deem you harbor treasonous intent."

All eyes turned to the Crown Prince.

Everyone held their breath, watching his next move.

As Kamin stood motionless, the Emperor pressed him.

"What are you doing? Kill it now!"

Kamin clenched his fists tightly.

He glanced first at the bloodshot-eyed old man, then at the young woman smirking beside him.

Today, they were particularly irritating.

"Crown Prince, are you truly harboring treason against me?"

So noisy.

Time to shut that mouth.

As Kamin took a step toward them,

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

A booming voice rang through the garden.

All eyes in the area turned toward the source.

There stood a maid with a blue headband—Leona.

Leona hurried forward, bowed deeply before the Emperor, and shouted again,

"Congratulations! This event will stand as proof of Your Majesty's great achievements and shine eternally in the empire's history as a miracle."

The sudden congratulations left the Emperor and everyone else baffled.

Sensing things going awry, Biota snapped at Leona,

"How dare a mere maid butt in? Step back!"

Ignoring her, Leona raised her voice to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty! His Highness's horse is a breed from the lands of the barbarian Katago Tribe. Not only does it have exceptional appearance, but it possesses a unique ability."

"Unique ability?"

The Emperor showed interest.

Leona replied swiftly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Katago horses have highly developed senses of smell, even better than dogs'."

"Hmm... I think I've heard that before."

Leona lifted her head and looked up at the Emperor with reverent eyes.

Then, in a voice filled with emotion, she said,

"Your Majesty...! His Highness's horse was drawn here by your scent."

"Drawn by my scent?"

"Yes! How else would a Katago horse know to seek you out? It smelled the fragrance emanating from your noble person. Legends say animals adored the 'Guardian's Fragrance' and always followed the Guardian."

Leona subtly turned her head and winked at Nacha.

Reading the signal, Nacha emerged from behind Kamin and approached the Emperor.

The Emperor flinched in surprise, and the knights went on alert.

Nacha didn't get too close.

It simply circled near the Emperor, sniffing the air demonstratively.

Then, it bent its legs and bowed toward him.

Admiring exclamations erupted from all around.

Perfectly timed, Leona added loudly,

"What does this mean? It means the Guardian's Fragrance emanates from Your Majesty's person. Proof that the legendary Guardian has returned. Since Katago horses represent the barbarians, it's an omen that they will soon kneel before you."

Leona straightened up, raised both arms high, then prostrated herself.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! With the Guardian's Fragrance upon you, this is truly the empire's glory."

Finally, the Emperor's face broke into a full bloom of joy.

The others swiftly bowed and echoed Leona's words.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

The Emperor burst into hearty laughter.

Kamin watched the Emperor with a furrowed brow, then caught Leona's eye.

He sighed inwardly and knelt on the ground.

"Congratulations, Father Emperor. It seems today's mishap was merely a prelude to this auspicious omen."

"Hahaha... Yes, now I see it's not the beast's fault. Fine, I'll let today's incident slide. But nothing like this should happen again."

"I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Father Emperor."

Biota glared at Leona, grinding her teeth.

Her stomach churned, but she couldn't contradict Leona now without undermining the Emperor's dignity.

"I... congratulate Your Majesty."

Biota bit her lip hard and prostrated herself.

Elated, the Emperor departed.

As everyone followed, only Leona, Kamin, and Nacha remained in the garden.

Leona, forehead to the ground, lifted her head with a cold expression.

She glanced in the direction the Emperor had gone, then stood and approached Nacha.

"Good job, Nacha."

Nacha snorted and shook its mane.

"The Emperor's smell wasn't great, huh? You endured well. Thanks to your quick thinking and playing along, we got through the crisis. You saved us."

Pleased by the praise, Nacha proudly reared its head.

Leona went with Nacha to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was crouched, examining the ground nearby.

"What are you doing, Your Highness?"

Kamin sniffed his dirt-covered hand, brushed it off, and stood.

"Fool's parsley powder."

Leona's face darkened upon hearing that.

"Definitely Biota's doing. I never expected something like this today. To think she'd use Nacha..."

"I didn't see it coming either."

"We need to get rid of her as soon as possible. Your Highness, let's start tomorrow."

"Got it. Summon the ministers tomorrow."

After parting from the Emperor and returning to her residence, Biota hurled whatever objects she could grab.

The maids quickly prostrated themselves and held their breath.

Invaluable treasures shattered mercilessly.

After venting her rage, Biota slumped onto the sofa.

Panting heavily, she sank into her thoughts.

The maids silently cleaned up the mess.

"That girl is the biggest obstacle..."

Biota clutched her head, deep in thought, then remembered something.

"Didn't His Majesty mention meeting the Prime Minister earlier?"

One maid quickly replied,

"Yes. The Prime Minister is currently in the audience chamber, conferring with His Majesty."

"Is that so? Go wait outside the audience chamber. When the Prime Minister emerges, tell him I have urgent private words for him."

"Yes, Palace Lord."

The ordered maid left the room, and Biota rose to change her clothes.

After freshening up, word arrived that the Prime Minister had come.

Biota met him in the reception hall.

"I greet the Lady of Moran Palace."

The Prime Minister, Sujen Dorian, bowed politely.

Biota returned the courtesy and invited him to sit.

She held her tongue until tea was served, and Sujen didn't press for the reason of her summons.

The two exchanged idle chatter, each gauging the other.

"I hope my sudden summons didn't startle you."

As the tea arrived, Biota eased into the main topic.

"Well... it was unexpected. We've had no prior connections."

"I called you because I wanted to offer advice for Miss Rose's sake."

"What do you mean...?"

"Are you aware the Crown Prince favors a certain maid?"

Sujen furrowed his brow slightly but neither confirmed nor denied, countering,

"What advice do you have for me, Palace Lord?"

"Prime Minister, if you truly care for your daughter's happiness, remove that maid from the Crown Prince's side."

Seeing Sujen's silence, Biota added gravely,

"Don't dismiss the rumors lightly. That maid will be a great threat to Miss Rose's future. Better to act before she becomes Crown Princess Consort."

Sujen sipped his tea before speaking.

"...I appreciate your advice, but it seems unnecessary."

"Prime Minister."

"So what if His Highness favors a maid? When he ascends the throne, he'll have dozens of concubines. Will he still fancy her then?"

"That's..."

"Moreover, imperial history shows it's rare for a favored maid to be elevated to concubine. She needs to bear a child for justification, but as you know, Hamel Empire's imperial family prizes heirs. It's not easy."

"...So you won't heed my advice."

"I'll never forget your concern for my daughter."

Sujen expressed calm thanks and left the reception hall.

Biota clenched her fingers, suppressing her frustration.

The next day.

Around noon, Leona slipped into the Crown Prince Palace's study, avoiding prying eyes.

The Crown Prince had never used the study since moving into the palace.

Thus, servants only occasionally cleaned it, leaving it mostly empty.

Leona locked the door upon entering and approached the window.

Standing by it, she overlooked the opposite palace gate and pulled out a prepared red cloth.

She cracked the window, draped half the cloth over the sill, then closed it again.

The protruding part fluttered in the breeze.

Confirming it, Leona swiftly exited the study.

Her action was an emergency code signaling urgent intel to Biota's spy.

A guard on duty at the palace gate, colluding with the spy, would relay information outside.

Soon, he'd spot the marker and retrieve the note from the designated spot.

Leona arrived there first and hid at a distance.

Moments later, a soldier appeared at the concealed spot by the palace wall.

After confirming he took the note, Leona headed to the Crown Prince's office.

The noose she'd cast was flying toward Biota.

On her way to meet the Emperor, Biota received word of an urgent spy report.

She turned back midway and returned to her chambers.

The covertly delivered intel reached her hands.

Biota checked the paper's fold, then carefully unfolded it.

"...Lifetime Oath?"

The spy's note contained brief but crucial information.

The Crown Prince had secretly summoned the Military Affairs and Foreign Affairs Ministers to the palace, and they were set to swear loyalty to him that afternoon.

Biota paced the room with a hardened expression.

If true... no, it must be.

The handwriting and fold showed no anomalies.

Moreover, the Crown Prince had met those ministers secretly often.

It was also whispered that they harbored grudges against the Emperor.

So today, they truly planned to swear loyalty to the Crown Prince...

Biota smirked darkly, her eyes gleaming coldly.

Her chance had finally come!

Biota hurriedly summoned a maid.

"Bring Gilabo here immediately."

"Yes, Palace Lord."

The maid scurried off, and Biota disposed of the spy's note.

After lunch with Biota, the Emperor moved to the tea room for drinks.

Biota chatted amiably with him, occasionally glancing at the door.

As the teacups emptied,

Gilabo entered quietly.

He approached the Emperor swiftly and whispered in his ear.

The Emperor's expression gradually chilled.

Biota sipped her tea innocently.

"What?!"

Midway through Gilabo's report, the Emperor exploded in fury.

"Say that again! What? Loyalty oath?"

Gilabo prostrated himself and replied in a trembling voice,

"Yes, yes. According to the intelligence I received."

The Emperor shot up from his chair.

He glared coldly at Gilabo.

"If true, this is treason. Gilabo, can you take responsibility for your words?"

Gilabo blinked and glanced sideways at Biota.

She feigned shock and subtly nodded to him.

Gilabo swallowed dryly, then slammed his forehead to the floor.

"How dare I speak recklessly about His Highness? I just confirmed it—moments ago, the Military Affairs and Foreign Affairs Ministers entered the Crown Prince Palace secretly."

"Those scoundrels..."

The Emperor's face flushed with rage.

"Guards! Imperial Guards!"

The knights outside rushed in at his call.

"You summoned us, Your Majesty!"

"Assemble the Imperial Guard immediately, surround the Crown Prince Palace, and fetch the Guard Captain."

The attendants by the door widened their eyes at the order—except for Ember.

"Understood!"

One knight dashed out.

Biota clutched the Emperor's arm with a frightened look.

"Your Majesty, what's happening?"

"Don't worry—just wait here."

The Emperor reassured her, then rallied the remaining knights.

"I'm heading to the Crown Prince Palace now!"

"We shall escort you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor strode out confidently, followed by dozens of knights, Servant Oversight attendants, and maids.

The Imperial Palace Guard raided the Crown Prince Palace.

The palace plunged into chaos like a bolt from the blue.

The Guard surrounded it, blocking all movement inside.

As the palace's chief maids and servants cowered in confusion and fear, the Emperor arrived under the Guard Captain's escort.

"Where is the Crown Prince?"

A knight who had arrived first and secured the palace answered,

"In the reception hall."

"The ministers?"

"With His Highness. Soldiers are watching the hall inside and out."

"Good. Time to see the traitors' faces."

The Emperor muttered chillingly.

The knight bowed and led him.

Chest filled with murderous intent, the Emperor entered the reception hall.

Everyone inside knelt to greet him.

The Emperor's stern face changed upon scanning the room.

He couldn't hide his bewilderment.

Contrary to reports of only the Military and Foreign Affairs Ministers, all six departmental ministers were present.

The Emperor eyed Gilabo.

Gilabo looked flustered, then hastily averted his gaze.

Then, the Crown Prince lifted his head and asked,

"Father Emperor, what is the meaning of this? Why has the Guard invaded my palace?"

The Emperor surveyed the ministers.

They too looked full of questions.

Something felt off to the Emperor.

"Father Emperor."

"...There was an accusation against you."

"An accusation? What of?"

The Emperor scowled and spoke heavily.

"That the ministers were swearing loyalty to you... That's the report."

"What?"

The Crown Prince looked incredulous.

The ministers raised their heads in unison.

"Preposterous!"

"Impossible!"

"Your Majesty! Who spread such lies?"

As the ministers protested vehemently, the Emperor's face turned ashen then flushed.

Unable to bear it, he roared,

"Then what are you doing here? What plot brings you sneaking into the Crown Prince Palace?!"

As the ministers hesitated and eyed each other, the Emperor assumed conspiracy and flew into a rage.

"You wretches! Plotting treason?!"

"No, Your Majesty! Absolutely not!"

"Then what? Explain yourselves!"

The Treasury Minister reflexively replied,

"We were preparing a surprise gift for Your Majesty."

"...What?"

Silence enveloped the room.

The Crown Prince sighed audibly before speaking.

"Your birthday is soon, isn't it, Father Emperor? I summoned them secretly to prepare a gift without your knowledge."

The Crown Prince pointed to the long table in the reception hall.

"Please check those documents. We haven't touched them since the Guards burst in. They'll prove what we were doing."

The Emperor looked at the table.

Ember quickly gathered the papers and brought them.

"Here they are, Your Majesty."

The Emperor examined the stack page by page.

As the Crown Prince said, they all pertained to the birthday celebrations.

Proposals for grander events filled the pages, along with required budgets and timelines.

"Moreover, loyalty oaths involve blood rites. Look around—no silver cups for sharing blood? Check the generals' hands. Check mine. Not a single cut."

The Crown Prince delivered the finishing blow.

The Emperor's hand trembled holding the documents.

Suddenly, he hurled the stack at Gilabo's face.

The papers struck and scattered everywhere.

Gilabo paled and froze.

"You bastard! Daring to sow discord between me and the Crown Prince?!"

Gilabo's knees buckled, collapsing to the floor.

"Y-Your Majesty... I, I..."

"Guards! Lock this wretch up immediately."

"Your Majesty! Mercy!"

The Guards dragged the pleading Gilabo out mercilessly.

His cries faded, leaving silence.

The Emperor cleared his throat awkwardly and bade the Crown Prince and ministers to rise.

"I was briefly deceived by Gilabo's scheme. Crown Prince, I'll punish him severely."

Shifting all blame to Gilabo, the Emperor soothed the Crown Prince.

The ministers, nearly branded traitors, weren't so easily appeased.

"Your Majesty, Gilabo insulted your dignity and slandered His Highness. This can't be taken lightly. There's clearly a conspiracy against the imperial family. We must investigate thoroughly."

"Indeed. Gilabo couldn't have orchestrated this alone. Disloyal elements lurk in the palace. Interrogate him and root them out."

"Entrust the investigation to the Justice Department, Your Majesty."

"Yes, hand Gilabo over to the Justice Department."

The ministers demanded in unison.

The Emperor had intended to assign it to the Servant Oversight Department's inspectors.

But facing their firm stance, he reluctantly agreed.

That day, the Servant Oversight Department was thrown into uproar.

Justice Department officials searched Gilabo's quarters, and his subordinates were hauled to prison one after another.

Soon, rumors spread that the Servant Oversight Chief had slandered the Crown Prince, souring the palace atmosphere daily.

Palace workers shrank in fear of involvement.

The Justice Department uncovered substantial illicit wealth in Gilabo's quarters.

Gilabo endured intense interrogations daily.

Eventually, "Moran Palace" slipped from his lips.

His confession accelerated the probe, revealing the Palace Lord of Moran Palace as the mastermind.

On the day the investigation report reached the Emperor, the Justice Minister was summoned to Anu Palace for a private audience.

The next day, the Justice Department named Gilabo the ringleader of the plot to defame the Crown Prince and ministers.

The Emperor ordered his execution on the spot.

His head fell outside the palace walls simultaneously, closing the case.

Learning this, Leona felt disappointment mingled with doubt.

Why?

Gilabo wasn't the type to take the fall alone.

He must have named Biota, so how did she escape the Justice Department's net?

The answer to her question came soon through Ember.