Chapter 21

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 21

Chapter Title: The Envoy Departs

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Mainucor Empire, Imperial Capital.

From early morning, Second Prince Fernando Mainumconti of the Mainucor Empire meticulously adjusted his attire before stepping into the grand hall.

Today was the day they would finalize who would be dispatched as the envoy for the negotiations with the Roxiba Empire—negotiations to which he had devoted nearly a month of intense effort.

"Second Prince Fernando Mainumconti presents himself!"

The ministers already gathered in the hall offered their formal bows.

The emperor's displeased gaze and the crown prince's suspicious stare turned toward him, but Fernando paid them no mind.

"You summoned me, Father?"

"Indeed. I've heard your request and consulted with the crown prince and the ministers. After giving it thought..."

Fernando couldn't hide his joy at the emperor's ensuing words.

"I think it would be fine for you to lead this negotiation as the representative."

"Thank you! I will return with results worthy of your trust!"

"Before that, there's one thing I must ask of you."

The emperor attached various conditions.

He would assign capable diplomats from the Foreign Affairs Bureau, and they must use this opportunity to restore relations with the Roxiba Empire and secure certain rights over the islands...

"But above all, to achieve that, you must first resolve the grudge with the Noblesse family heiress. There's no way relations with the Roxiba Empire can be mended while you're on bad terms with your former wife. You understand what I mean, don't you?"

"I do. That's why you've permitted me to go, isn't it?"

The emperor still didn't fully trust his second son but ultimately gave his approval. The Roxiba Empire's prestige was currently soaring to the heavens.

They had won the ten-year war against the kingdom, gaining new ports, territories, and enormous war reparations.

A young marquis known as a god of war and genius of battle had emerged like a deity.

And the person who had married that war hero was none other than Agatha Noblesse, one of the continent's premier heiresses.

'If only this fool hadn't divorced Agatha!'

The emperor once again found his son irksome but held his tongue.

If he could at least formally mend ties with his former daughter-in-law in the process, there was no reason to clash with the Roxiba Empire at the height of its ascent.

"How is your son faring?"

The emperor asked on a sudden whim. Fernando, who had been beaming with delight, instantly stiffened.

"...He's still of imperial blood, isn't he? He's managing on his own."

"Tch. Be on your way. Heed my words."

"I won't disappoint you."

Beaming with joy, Fernando exited the hall and immediately assembled his entourage.

His luggage was already packed, and the Foreign Affairs Bureau would handle the negotiations, so all he needed to do was bring himself, body and soul.

'Ten years already. I wonder how Agatha has grown up for real. That brutal marquis isn't treating her too roughly, is he...?'

"We depart, Your Highness."

Carrying the elated Fernando, the delegation set off for Palavi Island.

And from afar, in a annex of the Second Prince's palace, someone watched their departure.

"......"

The man silently stared at the carriage emblazoned with the imperial crest for a while before drawing the curtains and turning away.

Snow-white silver hair and dull violet eyes.

The somehow gloomy man bore a striking resemblance to Second Prince Fernando.

The day after the wedding dawned exceptionally clear and bright.

Confirming the presence of clear sunlight filtering through the swaying bed curtains, Agatha unconsciously reached for the empty spot beside her.

Enoch's belated words from earlier came to mind.

-I need to inspect the knights before we leave, so I'll be out for a bit.

-Sleep a little more.

Her voice in that half-asleep murmur had sounded so very daddy-like.

Agatha blinked quietly for a time before tugging the golden cord.

"You called, Madam?"

"I need to wash up."

The maids soon bustled in to attend to her washing and dressing.

As the departure time for the honeymoon approached, the grounds outside the mansion grew increasingly bustling.

Agatha received a visit from Esel Maso, her First Aide, who would accompany her on this journey.

"My lady."

Spotting him through the translucent partition adorned with ornate floral branches, Agatha spoke while having her breakfast.

"Has the delegation roster been announced?"

"Not yet. I expect the relevant documents will arrive around the time you reach Castle Anthrar."

The emperor seemed intent on delaying the announcement until after she departed on her honeymoon, to prevent any contingencies.

"His Majesty must know I've already half-guessed it."

The aide bowed deeply.

"Never mind that. Since you've arrived, the Noblesse household goods must have been delivered as well."

"Yes. I just handed them off to the Aratus family head steward."

"Then I should go see. You've done well. You're dismissed."

Dismissing the aide, Agatha finished her breakfast, completed her preparations, and left Enoch's room.

From the third-floor outer corridor with a clear view outside, the voices of servants busy with honeymoon preparations drifted up.

"Finished checking the foodstuffs? We won't run short on drinking water, right?"

"Double-check the carriage wheels for any issues."

"Where'd the tent we packed go?"

Looking down, she saw luggage prepared in advance from both mansions being neatly loaded onto the carriages.

The carriages from the Noblesse side, arriving with their retainers, contained—as pre-arranged—Agatha's clothing, jewelry, shoes, the retainers' belongings, and items needed for the negotiations.

Ben, the steward receiving reports from the servants while checking the inventory for anything missing, turned around.

"Madam, you've come."

"Good morning, Ben."

Agatha, now on the first floor, stepped out lightly.

She waved off the knights and servants who immediately bowed in greeting and took the Noblesse deployment list, pre-approved by her First Aide, Esel Maso.

The most crucial assets were the Noblesse subordinate navy and warships set to join at Castle Anthrar's port.

"As planned, one transport ship, three warships, and 600 naval personnel will rendezvous."

It was going according to plan. Agatha nodded quietly at Esel's report.

'If the weather holds, the ships will arrive first.'

This journey's negotiations with the Mainucor Empire—with whom relations had long been strained—applied to the trip itself, but reaching the island for the preliminary talks by the deadline would be tricky.

The fastest route passed through newly conquered territories, unfamiliar paths where unforeseen variables could arise.

'I doubt anything major will happen, but...'

"My lady. You're early."

Still, preparing for contingencies was wise.

Agatha turned with a smile.

"Enoch."

Her new husband, the famed war hero Enoch Aratus, had approached her side before she knew it.

His familiar yet firm hand escorted her.

"We still have a little time before departure."

"I was curious how the preparations were going. Who's the one behind you?"

Agatha's eyes lit up at the knight standing behind him.

Judging by his epaulets, about vice-captain rank?

A remarkably young knight for his rank smiled and saluted.

"Pleased to meet you, Madam. I'm Huber Carwen, Second Vice-Captain of the Aratus Knights. I'll be accompanying you on this journey. I look forward to serving you."

"Nice to meet you, Sir Huber."

She had met nearly all the Aratus retainers at the wedding, but this was her first time encountering the knights in person.

The cheerful vice-captain was visibly thrilled.

"You know, Madam, Leon was so jealous—er, envious—that I'd be the first to serve you. Do you know I beat the fifty-fifty odds in the draw, Madam?"

"Huber Carwen."

"No, my lord. You have to tell her these things. How else will she think fondly of me if she doesn't know the fierce competition I overcame for this spot?"

Enoch pinched his brow in exasperation, but Agatha just smiled faintly.

The Aratus household generally held favorable feelings toward her.

Unlike other nobles, they didn't hesitate to show it openly.

Perhaps because they had spent nearly ten years on the battlefield?

It was a bit bewildering, but not an unpleasant feeling.

Meanwhile, the steward Ben approached after finishing his inspection and reported.

"My lord. Madam. Preparations for departure are complete."

"Huber. Enough. Go rein in the knights."

"Yes, my lord. Then, Madam, until next time."

Sir Huber saluted smartly and hurried to the front to line up the knights. They were the hundred or so Aratus knights assigned to escort this journey.

Receiving Enoch's escort, Agatha boarded the carriage and whispered softly.

"He seems like a good retainer."

"...I'm glad you see him that way, but if he ever feels too noisy, be sure to tell me. I'll caution him."

"It's fine. It's refreshing, actually."

She might even hear stories about him through Sir Huber now and then?

Agatha smiled as she settled onto the sofa inside the carriage. The luxurious four-horse carriage, fitted with the finest materials, featured plush sofas and a large bed in the back for sleeping or resting comfortably at night.

Soon, the knights mounted their horses and solemnly surrounded the carriage.

"We depart."

"Understood."

Enoch, seated opposite her, nodded to Huber Carwen, who had returned after final checks.

"Move out!"

"Safe travels, my lord."

"Have a safe trip."

The Aratus household procession departed the capital's Aratus mansion amid the retainers' respectful farewells.