Chapter 99

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 99

Chapter Title: Eight Thousand Kilometers

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"Long time no see!"

Duke Ballua forced a hearty laugh as he greeted my dad.

Even in my second life, he'd grind his teeth murderously at the mere sight of Dad's shadow. For him to act this friendly now was as transparent as it got.

He was clutching a mid-range teleportation circle in his hand, arrogant enough to believe it could surpass House Duvered's might.

Compared to other noble houses, the Ballua family certainly wielded considerable influence, but among the Five Great Ducal Houses, they ranked dead last.

Their ancestors had always prioritized honor above all, scorning any noble who chased after coin.

But these days, money was the foundation of everything.

You needed funds to raise an army, and leisure to gather a faction.

That was why Ballua lagged behind in finances, military strength, and even faction power among the Five Great Ducal Houses.

And yet, according to the Ballua ancestors' standards, Duvered—those "pests with eyes bulging only for golden lumps, discarding noble honor"—had risen to such prominence. How much must that have gnawed at Duke Ballua's gut?

'They're the ones who threw away their own honor and history to collude with the temple.'

Duke Ballua curled his lip as he eyed my dad.

"When I sent word last time asking to arrange a meeting, you were too busy for it, Duke Duvered. Yet here you are at today's party. Got time for a chat now?"

It was a jab implying he'd only shown up because I held the teleportation circle.

But Dad didn't spare Duke Ballua a glance. He was checking on me after my earlier dizzy spell.

Dad knelt on one knee to meet my eyes and gently lifted my eyelids to check my pupils.

"Doesn't seem like it hurts."

Duke Ballua's lip twitched at the utter dismissal.

"No time today, either, I take it."

Only then did Dad flick his gaze toward him.

"If you know that, why cling? Just go."

"...Sounds like pride's making you ignore the goldmine right in front of you."

His expression screamed that he knew what I had and Dad still wouldn't bow.

Dad straightened up. Towering far taller than Duke Ballua, he now loomed over the duke.

"A starving stray doesn't get it. It thinks the predator—who's got food hanging from its own jaws—is after its scraps."

"W-what did you say?"

"That pathetic teleportation circle? Whether it's three kilometers better or thirty, it means nothing to Duvered. We can buy up every last one already on the market."

"...!"

"If you're looking to do business, peddle it to those trembling at the cost of even a single sheet."

So spoke the continent's richest man, my dad.

Duke Ballua's face flushed crimson. But he couldn't muster a word.

'He's right.'

I giggled inwardly.

Without Ballua's circle, we could just use two from the Magic Tower!

'Not that a mere thirty-kilometer upgrade means much to my moneybags dad anyway.'

Of course, only Dad could toss around thirty-franc-per-sheet teleportation circles like child's playthings.

Duke Ballua pursed his dark lips and spun on his heel.

Whether he left or stayed, Dad went back to fussing over me. When he sent a servant for the doctor, I grabbed his hand.

"I'm fine!"

"But just now..."

"It was just nerves."

Then Ishak chimed in with a straight face.

"Little one. No need to stress. Anyone who messes with you? I'll kill 'em all."

"No killing!"

"Fine, I'll rip their limbs off then."

As I opened my mouth to yell that was no good either—

"His Imperial Majesty the Emperor arrives!"

The announcement parted the crowd like the Red Sea, everyone lining the walls.

I grabbed Yohan and Henri's hands and scurried to the wall, bowing my head.

Peeking at the center, I saw the Emperor in his lavish red robes, flanked by a navy-haired young boy and a stunning lady with matching navy locks.

'Empress Yvonne and the First Prince.'

I eyed Empress Yvonne's elegant smile and the smug grin on First Prince Andre beside her.

Yvonne Luerge, eldest daughter of Duke Marsch.

With the Empress Dowager's help, she'd spent the night with a thoroughly drunk Emperor and borne the First Prince.

But unless it was from the Empress or an official consort, an imperial seed couldn't claim prince status. So for his son's sake, the Emperor had named Yvonne Empress.

Thus Andre became First Prince—but in name only. Five months later, Empress Elsa's Adrian was born and dubbed the Imperial Heir, the Emperor's eldest legitimate son.

Naturally, Adrian held the superior claim.

Empress Yvonne was desperate to rewrite imperial law—colluding with nobles to slap the "eldest imperial son" title on her boy.

'That's why she'll back House Ballua this time.'

If Ballua's circle eased the nobles' breathing room, even those obsessed with legitimacy would have to side with her on the law change.

"My thanks to all who graced the First Prince's birthday celebration."

Empress Yvonne beamed as she surveyed the hall, and the nobles bowed deeply.

"Glory to the Luerge Imperial House!"

"Glory!"

After the formalities, the Emperor spoke.

"Rise."

The nobles straightened.

Empress Yvonne immediately cooed, "Oh my," eyeing the Ballua contingent.

"Duke Ballua."

"I greet Your Imperial Majesty."

"I heard your house has joyous news. Must be hectic, yet you grace the hall."

"No matter how busy, we can't miss the Empire's grand day."

She tittered, glancing at the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, did you hear? Ballua's produced an astonishing magic tool."

'Right on cue...'

I hadn't expected such blatant promotion, though.

The Emperor looked intrigued too.

"I've heard the rumors. Ballua's advanced the Empire's magical prowess another step?"

He turned to Duke Ballua, who strode forward and knelt on one knee before him.

"'Tis Your Majesty's grace that allowed my house to earn your trust."

Empress Yvonne asked,

"Rumors abound, but I haven't heard confirmation from you yourself, Duke Ballua. Everyone's dying to know—care to tell us about this teleportation circle?"

Seizing the moment, Duke Ballua smirked.

"We've succeeded in crafting a new teleportation circle, extending the range by nearly three kilometers over the existing models."

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

"So the rumors were true."

"Three kilometers? We haven't gained even three hundred meters in the last century."

"House Ballua's about to take flight."

Nobles were already sidling up to the duchess.

The Emperor murmured, "Hoo... three kilometers, eh." Duke Ballua bowed, then rose.

"I, William Ballua, humbly offer Your Majesty the pinnacle of Ballua's technological might first."

He drew a bundle of teleportation circles from his breast—easily ten sheets, by the look.

He knelt again, presenting them. The Emperor laughed heartily, accepting them.

"I won't forget Ballua's gesture."

"An honor, Your Majesty."

His face, red from clashing with Dad earlier, now flushed with anticipation of imperial favor.

'Now's my chance.'

I cried out, "Ah!"

All eyes snapped to me.

Ballua's people, the Emperor, Empress Yvonne, even First Prince's gaze.

I clutched Dad's hand, feigning panic.

"Sorry..."

I mumbled, and the Emperor stared before nodding. "Ah."

"The Child of Destiny."

Henri gave my back a gentle nudge and nodded. I spread my skirts wide and curtsied.

"Leblain Reset Duvered. I greet the Sun of the Empire."

"Yes."

The Emperor nodded, and Empress Yvonne glanced my way.

"But is something troubling Duke Duvered's precious little one?"

She clearly resented the attention shifting from Ballua to me.

"Well... I prepared a gift for Your Majesty too, but Duke Ballua brought the same thing."

"A teleportation circle?"

Duke Ballua burst into laughter.

"One from the market, I presume. Yes, the current ones are fine indeed."

His face said but not as good as mine. The Emperor glanced at Dad, then smiled kindly.

"A fine gesture. Your sincerity is gift enough; no need to present it."

"Um... it's not from the Magic Tower. I made it with Duvered's mages. If Your Majesty doesn't need it, I'll keep it."

I wilted on purpose, and the Emperor's eyes widened.

"You made it, milady?"

"Yes. I chatted with the mages, mentioned a few ideas that popped into my head, and they were shocked. They finished it and said it was amazing, so I thought it'd suit Your Majesty... The best belongs to the Emperor, after all..."

I babbled childishly, and Duchess Ballua snickered from the crowd.

"Maybe it extends the range a bit?"

"Yes!"

The Emperor chuckled warmly.

"So, how far does milady's circle reach?"

I slyly pulled out two sheets and fiddled with them.

"Well, eight..."

Whispers rose: "Eight meters?" "Eighty meters?"

Ballua's retainers smirked arrogantly; my clueless family eyed my hands curiously.

The Emperor asked,

"Eighty meters?"

"No."

"Then."

"Eight thousand kilometers."

"...What?"

I stared straight at Duke Ballua and enunciated clearly.

"Eight! Thousand! Kilometers."

Your circle barely hits eight kilometers? Mine goes eight thousand, punk.

Then, the Emperor's hand slackened, and Ballua's circle slipped to the floor with a thud.

"Wh-what? What did you just say?"

I drooped my brows innocently.

"But if Your Majesty doesn't need it, I'll give it to Daddy."

The Emperor's jaw dropped like a fool's.