“Kael Klauwitz. What are your thoughts on that young man?”
At the Emperor’s question, Isabel felt as if her mind went temporarily blank.
The first thought that came to her was what exactly her father, the Emperor, intended by asking such a question.
Isabel’s mind raced furiously to reach a conclusion.
‘Does His Majesty wish to inquire about Kael’s character?’
With that thought, another natural question followed.
Could it be that my father, the Emperor, suspects Kael Klauwitz?
Does he consider him too brilliant, fearing Kael could harbor disloyal intentions?
Is he concerned now while trusting Kael, but pondering what the future might bring?
‘No. Absolutely not. He is, without a doubt, not that kind of person.’
Though it may be hasty judgment, that’s what Isabel wanted to assert.
Kael is absolutely not that kind of person. Something in her heart cried out.
“Your Majesty.”
Even if the person standing right before her was the Emperor of this empire, even if merely looking at him inspired immense awe—
“Kael Klauwitz is undoubtedly a talent we may never see again.”
“Hmm?”
“And this isn’t just about his abilities. He’s a genius worthy of the name, and at the same time, a man worthy of the title ‘loyal subject.'”
“…Why are you so sure?”
“I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve come to know him closely.”
His abilities are certainly extraordinary—enough to both impress and worry.
But looking at his personality, his goals, his dreams and wishes—it’s all just baseless worry.
“Kael Klauwitz moves solely for the benefit of those around him. He has no sense of self-importance or ambition. He has no desire to promote himself and get others to follow him.”
“….”
“He isn’t the type to betray those who trust in him. If he were, wouldn’t he be leveraging all these strategies for the empire and stepping back for no apparent reason?”
In proper moderation, stepping back could allow one to appear modest while still reaping some benefits.
But Kael has gone far beyond mere modesty—there’s no personal gain.
He has nothing to gain from bending so low—it results in a greater loss.
If he had any ulterior motives or was calculating internally, there’s no way he could act this way.
“Your Majesty, from the clash with Nobogorod to the Eastern Frontline, from the Pavilion Campaign onwards to the subsequent attack on Burkhai—I’ve been with Kael Klauwitz through it all. I dare to say with confidence—he is no threat to this empire!”
By the end, her voice had involuntarily risen, a testament to how distressed she felt.
Ordinarily, it was something she’d never dare to do, but this time was different.
She wanted to erase any suspicion her father, the Emperor, might have.
“….”
However, the Emperor remained silent, merely gazing down at Isabel.
Without any change in expression, his gaze remained calmly fixed on her.
This fact was driving Isabel insane.
‘Could it be… Has His Majesty awarded such incredible honors to Lord Kael…?’
It’s not entirely unthinkable. Such situations have indeed occurred before.
Intentionally giving someone a great reward to ease suspicion while secretly setting up a trap.
Especially if one becomes overconfident, they might make a mistake, completing the perfect trap.
Could it be that the Emperor didn’t really like Kael, after all?
“I will personally vouch for him, Your Majesty. If you’re looking for any issues with Kael Klauwitz, please believe me… there are none!”
The Emperor still didn’t reply.
Instead, his gaze grew even more solemn as it remained fixed on Isabel.
Unable to say anything more, all she could do was bow her head.
—Gulp
Tension gripped her chest, as if it might burst. A second felt like an hour.
What would come out of the Emperor’s mouth? What point would he make?
I hope he’ll listen to my words, but he may not.
After all, while I am just a Princess, the Emperor is the Emperor.
A position where every aspect must be considered, where all possibilities can’t be completely dismissed.
One who must do anything for the future and peace of this empire.
Fate compels him to pull up even the tiniest seed of suspicion.
And Isabel knew this all too well, hence her deepening fear.
If, by any chance, the Emperor views Kael as a threat, what would a Princess like her do?
Would it be enough to merely bow her head and follow the Emperor’s will, as she has always done?
Or should she trust her conviction and plead with the Emperor once more?
‘Oh please, Your Majesty, Father. Please… don’t say that. Please…’
Her chest tightened as if on fire, her heart pounding wildly.
“…Hm.”
However, the words that came from the Emperor were neither what she feared nor desired.
“Haha! Hahahahah!”
“?!”
Suddenly, the Emperor burst into hearty laughter, so loud it left Isabel startled.
Even the Crown Princess, who had remained quietly by, couldn’t help but smile.
After laughing for some time, the Emperor finally spoke.
“It seems there’s no urgent need to rush into matters. Don’t you think?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I agree.”
“Emperor? Sister?”
The Emperor’s words as well as the Crown Princess’s had Isabel utterly confused.
If they’d known this all along, why all the conspicuous preparatory work?
Was it not for honoring simple military exploits that the Emperor had bestowed enormous rewards, even facing opposition from the court?
“Didn’t you think so, Belle?”
“What…?”
“Surely you don’t think the Emperor gave that enormous land purely to celebrate military achievements while overriding objections, do you?”
But wasn’t that exactly the case? Then what was it?
Confused, Isabel stared as the Emperor continued, still wearing a deep smile.
“Princess Isabel.”
“Ee, yes! Your Majesty.”
“If you say so, then I shall trust you. That young man Kael shall indeed be a great blessing to the royal family and the empire.”
“Truly, Your Grace! I am humbled! Your Majesty!”
“However, since you’ve agreed to vouch for him, you must hold to that promise.”
Isabel froze, yet there was no way she could take back her words at this point.
Honestly speaking, she never intended to.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I can assure you that Kael Klauwitz will absolutely not—”
“Have you heard that, Crown Princess?”
“Loud and clear, Your Majesty.”
That was that. With that, the Emperor dismissed her.
Only after departing the presence did Isabel feel some relief.
“Perhaps it’s because of the time spent together, but they have grown quite close.”
“Thus, the human heart truly is a wondrous thing. One may not even realize it oneself, yet the heart has already leaned in a certain direction.”
I originally thought of bringing him in subtly for a nudge.
Even considered the usual political marriage card, pretending to have no feelings.
Yet observing this, it seems there’s no need to push the two together forcefully.
It appears Princess Isabel is already taking initiative.
“Then it’s Kael, that young man next.”
“Would you like me to arrange for them to meet more often?”
After pondering for a moment, the Emperor shook his head with a satisfied expression.
If asked for a reason, the Crown Princess remained silent, and the Emperor spoke.
“Belle, while you’re quite clever, Kael, that young man, is far more extraordinary. A young man of that caliber might realize the forced nature of the arrangement.”
“The feeling of political marriage seems to concern you.”
“Better to avoid bad beginnings. A ‘good process and ending despite an awkward start’ doesn’t linger as strong as one that’s ‘beautiful from start to finish,’ doesn’t it?”
Masterfully handling political matters does not a great Emperor make.
One must also understand the hearts of people. Reading them, comprehending them, and accepting them.
Simultaneously extracting maximum benefit through this understanding.
So here, the Kael matter should avoid any artificial feel.
“Hmm, let it be. Even without your interference, destiny has already knotted their threads, leading them inexorably to meet.”
“The Emperor is wise.”
With a gentle smile, the Crown Princess bowed.
The Emperor watched his heir thoughtfully.
‘Originally, considering him for the position of imperial son-in-law.’
Yet the disadvantages outweighed the benefits.
After all, the position of imperial son-in-law brings more restrictions than power.
It’s unfit for a young eagle just starting to soar.
*
Ahahaha! Of course, home is the best! My room! My bed! Kaaa!
Morning passed into late morning, but I couldn’t care less as I rolled around in bed.
What’s heaven if not this? Such a comfortable weekend like this. This is heaven!
“Goodness, Master. A person destined to follow in the Lord’s footsteps shouldn’t act this way.”
In the middle of all this, Alexei appeared with some news to deliver, exclaiming ‘Goodness!’ repeatedly.
Oh Alexei? This is who I really am. This is me.
I don’t have grand ambitions or lofty desires like some men do.
As long as my family and close ones stay the way they are now, that’s more than enough for me.
“So, what’s this urgent news you mentioned? What could it be at the start of the weekend?”
“It seems that Nobogorod will soon send an envoy.”
“Envoys? From Nobogorod?”
What is this about? As I mumbled while lying face down in bed, Alexei continued.
“Apparently, they wish to congratulate the empire on its victory.”
“Whether this is the real reason or just the surface reason, only time will tell.”
The empire and Nobogorod have a mutual peace agreement.
So sending an envoy to congratulate on military victory is not impossible.
But given how recently the armies were facing off and growling at each other, and before that, even fought several wars between them—it’s improbable they’d do it purely out of goodwill.
“If the northern region gets restless in this state, it could become a serious problem.”
“Alexei.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Let’s get prepared to leave anytime.”
“Eh? Do you have an appointment?”
“Not immediately, but I have a hunch that someone will call for me soon.”
A hunch, which is secretly almost a certainty.
Hunch. Hunch. Ah, I feel like snacking. Who develops food in this world?
