After leaving the imperial palace, I returned to the Jedo mansion with Alexei.
During the ride, Alexei didn’t bother me much with conversation. He must have noticed a change in my expression after meeting the Crown Princess. The man truly knows his place as a servant—an impressive one at that.
Even the way he drives the carriage is cautious, almost to a fault. You can tell.
“Need to give Alexei a raise when we get back. He’s earned it.”
I let my thoughts drift as I leaned against the carriage window, recalling the recent conversation.
“Behold, I shall be the perfect emperor, and thou shalt become the genius strategist they speak of. Aah, this isn’t a command but rather, a proposition. No undue pressure, I assure you.”
With a smile so unwavering, it felt more like a joke exchanged between old friends. Yet, there was undeniable comfort in her presence—and simultaneously, an aura that warned not to get too close.
“Together, let’s build an empire no one can casually meddle with. Driven by our shared ambitions, will you not join me in this endeavor, Lord Kael?”
I stared at the hand she extended, delicate and pale, but unwavering.
“Not exactly a leash, nor bait… But your highness, it sure feels that way.”
Much contemplation followed. Conflicting thoughts, doubts—plenty of them—but my answer had been decided long before the offer.
I’ve already done far too much to turn back now. And, truth be told, ambition has a way of creeping into your heart without warning.
It wasn’t like some grand movie moment, like falling to my knees with declarations of loyalty or finding myself moved by someone’s persistent courting. No, simply that a shift occurred, one that leaned more towards her vision.
“The Empire. The Klawitz Family. My name.”
Could anyone truly remain indifferent to such grand prospects? Even if I wasn’t one to seek the limelight, I still yearn to leave my mark in this world. Even family, the very essence of leaving your legacy—it’s no different.
“Truly extraordinary, yet terrifying.”
Princess Isabel, the second princess, and Prince Gnaius, the crown prince—both exceptional individuals. Talented elites groomed since childhood in the ways of the imperial family. Yet, standing next to the Crown Princess, they pale in comparison.
Her selection as the future emperor came early. Studies in everything from imperial governance to politics, management, linguistics, and humanities—she’s a true master. It’s no surprise the most capable people find themselves captivated by her charisma.
“Be wary. People like the Crown Princess might be the most dangerous of them all.”
Her words were sincere, her expectations genuine. And that’s exactly why caution is paramount. Ambition discussed, boundaries acknowledged—all within the context of being both a servant and a noble. Betray her trust, and she’ll not see you as a subordinate but as an adversary.
The highest perch demands caution against those who draw near. Her hopes for my ambitions are tempered, limited to those that pose no threat to the empire—a delicate balance of trust and wariness.
No ill feelings arise from it, though. Quite the contrary, her openness in laying out her expectations is oddly reassuring. For someone of her stature to reveal even a fraction of her thoughts? That’s rare.
“I’ve heard the second wave of forces is heading to the eastern front.”
“That’s correct. Thinking of joining them again?”
“Yes, I wish to see how far I can push myself. Your highness.”
Pavilion operations intrigue me, as do the Three Kingdom Alliance updates. Secondhand reports are fine, but there’s nothing like being there, seeing it all firsthand.
“The second wave will go beyond just combat. Lord Kael, you will have the authority to make certain decisions regarding the Three Kingdom Alliance, among other matters.”
“Your words imply I’ll have the flexibility to act upon any diplomatic changes swiftly, should they arise?”
Instead of answering, the Crown Princess graced me with a knowing smile. She expects—or perhaps knows—something big will soon unfold within the alliance.
Things could change drastically. Thus, certain unprecedented powers have been placed in my hands.
“Does it sound that way to you? Given that you are the architect of such transformations, it’s understandable.”
True as that may be, my plans didn’t foresee this turn of events.
That concluded our second, rather impactful meeting. Brief rest awaits in Jedo before new assignments begin.
“Master! We’ve arrived!”
“Ah, thanks, Alexei. Comfortable ride, as always.”
“Heh heh. In carriage-driving, I’m the best in the empire, sir!”
“Your raise’s coming. You can count on it.”
“Ah! If that’s the basis for the raise, then…”
For a while, we exchanged playful banter. Until I noticed a peculiar look on his face.
“Speak up.”
“Master?”
“You’ve got something on your mind. Your face says it all.”
“No, it’s nothing, master! I assure…”
But how? After all these years together, Alexei knows me as much as I know him.
“Spill it. Is something wrong?”
“Well… Master, your demeanor seems different this time.”
“Different from?”
“Yes. The last time you met the Crown Princess, you weren’t like this.”
True, it was a whirlwind then, with so much going on.
A white lie isn’t fooling him.
“Alright, fine. She’s intimidating. The way she handles people—so precise, so controlled. Not aggressive, but… commanding.”
“A good emperor, but perhaps not the easiest boss?”
Exactly. The throne demands sacrifices—of others and oneself. Break promises, burn bridges—it’s all for the good of the empire.
History repeats itself. Factions splinter, allies betray, schemes unravel. And here I am, trying to navigate this minefield.
“She spoke of ambition, but you know, Alexei, my family means everything to me. If it came down to it, I’d step aside from this successor role.”
“Nonsense! You shouldn’t be giving that up so easily, Master!”
“Not saying I will, just stating the possibility.”
Ah, but thoughts drift to Princess Isabel. Despite not measuring up to the Crown Princess in sheer competence, her transparency and earnest expectations shine through. Her bright-eyed hope for the future was charming.
“Then you’re… planning to keep your distance from Her Highness?”
“What nonsense! She’s the Crown Princess, and I’m a noble of the empire. We mustn’t forget our roles. My duty is to serve with loyalty.”
Her perfection as a ruler makes me think of the great statesman, Mangu. But make no mistake—she’s not Zhao Cao. No need to manipulate emperors or resort to underhanded tactics. She simply performs her duty as the future ruler of this empire.
And I? Merely a noble, the Klawitz heir, must uphold my responsibilities.
“Even if I’m no true strategist, I can manage to this degree.”
Once again, gratitude flows to my past life for its invaluable lessons.
“Whew. This is tough. Truly, tough.”
“Oh, me too! Just hearing such talk gives me a headache.”
Just as we joked about it, an attendant rushed towards us from the mansion.
“Oh, master, you’ve returned.”
“Yes. Any news?”
“It’s… urgent communication from the Duke came through recently.”
“Here, to the Jedo mansion? Father sent it??”
“Yes, Master.”
Hmm. Is there trouble at home?
Or maybe just a simple greeting upon hearing of my return?
Expectations swirling, I stepped inside to read the message.
[Kael, if you receive this, head straight to the war office.]
[And while you’re there, send my son home already! Please!]
Ah… my younger brother, causing trouble again?
