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nCedric did not believe that the Emperor was ill.

nIt wasn’t the first time the Emperor had refused an audience like that. He sometimes made people sit in the waiting room and wait for hours.

nSometimes it’s to humiliate, sometimes it’s to let others know how lowly the waiting person is.

nSo he thought it would be the same this time.

nHowever, the appearance of the Emperor whom he had an audience with two days later looked bleak.

nCedric looked at him strangely.

nConsidering his previous life, the Emperor would have lived quite healthily for the next 10 years or so.

nThe cause of death was a sudden seizure. It wasn’t strange, because he had been suffering from heart disease for a long time.

nBut until he collapsed, he took good care of his health. He was always upbeat and full of confidence.

nBut what about now? His complexion was gloomy, and his skin looked shriveled due to the atmosphere. He seemed to be years older than he was in a month.

n“How about the Southern Conquest?”

nThe Emperor asked first.

nCedric politely bowed his head in reply.

n“After Sir Gayan left the camp, there was a bit of agitation, but the discipline was well established and there was no desertion. I trained them in anticipation that their presence would be prolonged. General Boyden was trusted by the soldiers, so there was no disturbance at all after taking over.”

n“Has there been any rumors about the situation in the South?”

n“I couldn’t hide it completely. But rather than being curious about the details, the mood of anger prevails at the fact that they have been invaded by the Eimmel kingdom.”

nHe deliberately induced such an atmosphere.

nThe reason was that he could not lower the morale of the soldiers anyway.

nThe Emperor spoke slowly.

n“I see. Do you think Sir Boyden can do it?”

n“General Boyden is serious and will be able to live up to Your Majesty’s expectations.”

n“Actually, there were differences of opinion even among the high officials. Although Sir Boyden is from the South Sea, he never served in the Navy, and that he doesn’t seem to be versatile in military strategy.”

n“I am not well versed in the circumstances and geography of the South, so I cannot tell you the tricks of it, but I know how not to be defeated under any circumstances. It is about securing sufficient supplies, not neglecting intelligence, not recklessly increasing the front line, and maintaining the morale of the soldiers.”

nCedric said calmly.

n“General Boyden knows the principle. I think he is a great choice.”

nThe Emperor tapped the armrest with his finger.

n“Your position is not simply a military officer, but you have also continued to serve in the military, so how come you’re only thinking of not losing instead of winning?”

n“Because not losing is the most important thing.”

nCedric replied.

n“Isn’t it Your Majesty’s wish to keep the South from further chaos until the end of the negotiations?”

n“Hmm.”

n“When we put the pirate subjugation as a pretext, we could have asked for support from the Southern Sea Kingdoms. But if it is a war against the Eimmel Kingdom, we should be concerned that they might form an alliance and fight the Empire.”

nIn the event of a war, the frontline will be established within the imperial territories. Whether they win or lose, they will take damage. If so, it was the most important thing to contain the damage to a minimum.

nEven so, it would be foolish to try to conquer the Eimmel Kingdom. There was no valuable resource in the Eimmel Kingdom.

n“Prince Cadriol looks like a warrior, but I know he’s actually a daring strategist. Regardless of the will of Uncle Roygar or King Eimmel, there is a good chance that he will try to divide the Empire.”

nThere will not be just a few kingdoms who agree with it. There was also a considerable amount of power within to respond.

nThe Emperor looked at Cedric with wrinkled eyes.

n“You’re thinking too far ahead.”

n“There are risks. The South is the last region to be subjugated.”

nDue to the convenient transportation, cultural homogeneity spread quickly, but the sense of unity as part of the Empire was not so strong.

nIf the South is now torn into pieces, the entire area around the South Sea will be swept away.

nAlthough the rule of the Empire was a mess, it was better than that state. At least there is no war.

nCedric suddenly thought of Lawrence’s reign that was now gone.

nThe first to perish was the South, not the North. Because there was no firm ruling power like the Grand Duchy Evron in the South.

nEven now, the pirates moved in secret. There was also the rule of the unknown pirate king.

nSevere punishment suppressed the occurrence of pirates. Large cities and relatively inland villages were able to escape the threat.

nThe trades moved safely along the route secured by the Navy.

nBut by that time, the state, the trades, and the pirate were no longer distinguished from each other. Trade and looting have reached a point where there is no distinction between them.

nProtection for civilians was also completely lost. As trade was neutralized, the economy plummeted.

nAs long as Emperor Gregor is alive and well, that will not happen.

nBut as long as he reminisces about that time, Cedric couldn’t help but be concerned.

n“I thought that demonstrating a mighty force was not only to threaten the Eimmel Kingdom, but also to give the Empire a presence throughout the southern regions. General Boyden is the right person for that. Not only is he gifted in battle, but he won’t touch politics or anything like that.”

nThe Emperor nodded. It was also a decision he made because he was concerned about the division in the South. Even if the odds were slim, he had to be vigilant.

nBut he didn’t know that Cedric, who wasn’t even at the meeting, was thinking about it.

n“That’s thoughtful. I thought you would be sad or worried about empowering Roygar.”

n“I know that you entrusted it to me because you thought it was appropriate.”

nIt is a matter of negotiating and reconciling the various interests of the South. In addition, the Duchy of Riagan was entangled.

nIt went beyond Prince Cadriol and had to deal with King Eimmel directly. So, the authority of the Emperor’s special envoy was not enough.

n“Because a lot of things happened.”

n“It is a thing of the past. And even if it’s not, it’s a national interest. My uncle is the right person, would my opinions be important?”

nAs he said that, Cedric clenched his fist once and then loosened it. It was to calm his mind.

nThe Emperor looked at Cedric with a complicated mind.

nIf Lawrence had only grown this far, he couldn’t help but think about it.

n‘Dumb boy.’

nHis heart was pounding again.

nAn unidentified sense of defeat and frustration spread from the bottom of his heart.

nIt seemed that the dead Leopric was smiling inside his grave.

nThe Emperor let out a small sigh and changed his mind. And he asked.

n“Does your wife think the same way?”

n“She promised me that she wouldn’t think about it until after giving birth and finished taking care of herself.”

n“Huh, haha.”

nThe Emperor chuckled.

n“You are holding on tight.”

n“It was me who made her promise, but…….”

n“If you say so, will Tia listen to you?”

n“There is nothing I can do about complicated thoughts, but she is not one to take my promises lightly. She is well aware that it is time to take care of herself.”

n“If you think so, then that’s that.”

nThe Emperor already knew about the inheritance lawsuit of Marquisate Camellia.

nIan Camellia’s background is cleverly hidden. But in the eyes of the Emperor it was clear that Artizea was his backer.

nHe didn’t even feel the need to find a motive.

nHe suspected that she had done it in retaliation for the attempts to assassinate her using Bishop Akim.

nHe had a suspicion that Cedric was involved in such a thing, but apparently Cedric didn’t know.

nIf so, that’s good. Judging by Cedric’s personality, he won’t hold a grudge for long.

nThe Emperor smiled with a pretend smile and said.

n“Treasure your wife.”

nCedric looked at him curiously at the fresh advice.

n“You’re not stupid, even though you’re straightforward, so you know that your temper doesn’t really fit the life of this capital, right?”

n“…… Yes.”

n“To protect your wife and children, you now know that being locked up in the military is not a good thing.”

n“I feel it.”

nCedric said in a cracked voice.

n“Tia is a clever kid.”

nsaid the Emperor.

n“Her body is weak, and there are obviously weak parts. But she has the determination and boldness to make up for that. She will make up for what you lack.”

n“Yes.”

nAt Cedric’s answer, the Emperor nodded his head.

nThen he opened his mouth and then closed it again.

nCedric had no idea what he was trying to say.

nThe Emperor finally waved his hand without saying a word.

n“Return. I am tired and I have to lie down again.”

n“I’m thankful for your grace.”

nWhen it was time for Cedric to step back.

n“…… Do you still have the determination from when you called me your uncle?”

nasked the Emperor.

nInstead of an affirmative answer, Cedric turned and bowed politely to the Emperor once.

nThe Emperor again beckoned him to go away. Cedric stepped out.

nThe Emperor tapped his armrest again. And he buried himself deeply in his chair.

nHe asked Countess Eunice what it would be like for Cedric to sit on this place.

nHowever, Cedric was not decided on with certainty in the Emperor’s heart.

nHowever, he had few options left.

nHe had to keep Grand Duke Roygar in check anyway. Raising Cedric is not a bad choice.

nCedric alone would have been hesitant. Even if he tries to raise Cedric, he doesn’t know if it will work. And if his power grows, he will become an uncontrollable trouble.

nBut there is Artizea by his side. He understood Artizea well. Artizea was also good at figuring out what fit the Emperor’s heart.

nAmong the old servants, no one was as quick-witted and heart-warming.

nAbove all else, Cedric will not threaten the blood of his beloved wife.

nHe would rather be affectionate to Artizea depending on the situation. But even if Cedric hated his opponent, he was a man who would do his best.

n‘Maybe I can give you a little hand.’

nGrand Duchy Evron’s power is not the kind that Grand Duke Roygar can encroach upon. Even a little help from him will quickly increase their power.

nHowever, their base is in the North, so it can be controlled.

nIn any case, it was easy for Grand Duke Roygar and Cedric to collide. Because they already had a grudge once.

nIn the Emperor’s hands, there was also evidence found in the residence of Bishop Akim. It wasn’t a solid proof of the murder, but it was enough to ignite Evron’s anger once again.

n‘First of all, let’s start with that.’

nSuccess in life is known only when it is time to die.

nAnd although he was old, he was not yet old enough to contemplate death.

n＊＊＊

nWhen Cedric came out of the study, the chief attendant was waiting. He stood alone, holding a gold tray with medicine and honey in his hand.

nCedric bowed to him and tried to walk past him.

nThen the chief attendant whispered in a low voice.

n“There is a movement in Sir Lawrence’s mansion. It is Sir Bellon who is putting the information in.”

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