Chapter 120: The Empire's Prospect

Chapter 120: The Empire's Prospects

“Well now, dear Mr. Gray, does it hurt? Would you like me to fetch a priest for you? Oh, wait, you must be some kind of doctor, right? This little wound should be nothing you can’t handle yourself,” Reicina said with a teasing smile, crossing her legs and sipping her tea, then glanced at a gloomy Ye Tian beside her.

“I say, Your Majesty, you could have just hit me, but why the biting too?” Ye Tian raised his arm helplessly.

“Hmph, that was mild!” Reicina’s cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her gaze to pretend to sip her tea.

“Has your anger subsided?” Ye Tian asked.

“No!” Reicina set her teacup down heavily.

“Why?” Ye Tian scratched his head.

“Why? You tell me why!” Reicina spread her hands. “Is this the freedom you promised me?”

“Isn’t it good?” Ye Tian asked.

“Not at all!” she snapped.

“Why not?” he inquired.

“Forget it, you wouldn’t understand anyway. By the way, tell me about yourself. What brings you here? And why are you playing the role of a steward?”

“I’m here to wait for someone,” Ye Tian scratched his cheek. “As for the steward role, I’m just filling in.”

“I see,” Reicina smiled. “Looks like I’m lucky after all. Hmph, since you’ve fallen into my hands!”

“Uh.” A chill ran down Ye Tian’s spine as his mind raced.

“Are you planning to disappear without notice again? Fine, if I don’t see you for a day, I’ll put out a nationwide warrant for your arrest. The charge? Harassment of the queen! How does that sound?” Reicina set down her teacup and continued, “One day won’t be enough to reach the border from here, don’t you think?”

“You devil!” Ye Tian sighed silently. “Reicina, you’ve fallen!”

“Who pushed me to this?” Reicina snapped. “You put me on the throne—a clueless girl facing a den of old foxes, hmph!”

“Looking back, maybe it’s not all bad,” Ye Tian quickly extended his hand. “Don’t move. Look, at least you got the freedom you wanted, didn’t you?”

“I’d rather not have such freedom!” she sighed.

“What about Mikey?” Ye Tian asked.

“Kana’s pregnant. I didn’t let him come. Besides, with him guarding the capital, I can have some free time here.” Reicina sighed.

“Is it troublesome?” Ye Tian frowned.

“Do you think otherwise?” Reicina glanced at him. “Father’s dead, my brother’s dead, and I’m the only clueless girl left. Another brother vowed never to return to the capital. I don’t have a single relative here. Kana married Mikey and visits often, but I don’t even have someone to talk to. What do you expect me to do?” Reicina’s voice broke as she began to cry.

“It’s alright, you’re doing well,” Ye Tian comforted, pulling her into a hug. At this moment, she was no longer the lofty queen but just a girl full of grievances. Ye Tian’s heart ached; placing so much on her was cruel, but what choice did he have? Should he have stayed in the capital instead?

“I’m just a girl. Those high-ranking ministers don’t take me seriously. I have no prestige, only Mikey. Though he’s formidable, he’s still outnumbered. See the guards I brought? They’re called protection, but really, it’s surveillance!” Reicina sobbed.

“How outrageous!” Ye Tian frowned. “They probably think Prince Dilufi won’t return to the capital, so they act up. Looks like they need a lesson!”

“Help me, please?” Reicina looked up pitifully.

“Alright, but I won’t go to the capital. My friend might arrive anytime, and one day I’ll leave again. But during this time, I’ll help you deal with those schemers. Don’t worry,” Ye Tian said firmly.

“Thank you!” Reicina hugged him tightly and took a deep breath. “I’m so tired!”

“By the way, let me check your health. You look a bit haggard,” Ye Tian said.

“I’ve been staying up late lately. Do I have dark circles?” Reicina asked in alarm.

“No, no, you’re fine. I’ll get you some snowflake cream to keep you looking beautiful. And take some for Kana too—as a gift from me!”

“Of course! If Mikey knew you were here, he’d be delighted to come,” she smiled.

“No, better let him stay in the capital. His task is arduous now.” Ye Tian patted her shoulder, then released her. She extended her fair hand, and Ye Tian placed his fingers on her pulse.

“Hmm, a bit weak, but nothing serious,” Ye Tian said, satisfied, withdrawing his hand.

“I’ll prepare a medicinal meal for you at noon to restore your strength. Now, while we have time, tell me about the current situation of the empire,” Ye Tian said.

“All right.” Reicina collected herself and began to detail recent events.

“I see, I see,” Ye Tian nodded. “First, send a letter to your brother telling him you’re dying and to come to Feipuli Academy. This place isn’t the capital, so it doesn’t break your oath,” Ye Tian smiled.

“You’re crazy!” Reicina exclaimed. “The border is restless, and you want your brother to return now? What if it sparks a war?”

“It won’t. It’s precisely because your brother is at the frontier that they dare act up. If he returns, they won’t move a finger,” Ye Tian said. “Then send General Bradis to guard the border. I’ll make sure he goes, even if I have to force him!”

“What are you planning?” Reicina was dizzy.

“Gambling. Betting on your future,” Ye Tian grinned. “Don’t worry, your future is bright.”

“Why can’t I see it?” Reicina sighed. “Fine, I’ll send the letter now.”

“Tell Mikey, no matter what happens, don’t act rashly. Endure, then sweep them all up!” Ye Tian clenched his fist. “The net must be carefully spread so none escape.”

“All right, I trust you,” Reicina sighed. “Are you sure there won’t be war at the border?”

“No. With General Bradis there, they won’t dare. Afterward, we’ll reinstate him. Their roots are deep; they can’t be cut off in one go. So it’s better to use this situation to our advantage.”

“By the way, who leads your guards? Not Mikey’s men?”

“He’s Nick, son of Prince Gistark and a power player,” Reicina explained.

“Does he have troops?”

“Yes. The palace guards are under Prince Gistark’s control. The city guards are still Mikey’s, but Gistark’s troops are more elite,” Reicina sighed.

“Private army?”

“Yes, at least five thousand,” Reicina said. “Many princes and ministers have private troops; it’s just a matter of numbers.”

“Ha! Interesting. If he wanted, he could take the capital’s city guards in a flash, wouldn’t he?” Ye Tian smiled.

“Indeed. Actually, he has close to thirty thousand private soldiers, according to my subordinates’ intelligence.”

“The city guards number about ten thousand, palace guards five thousand, and he has thirty thousand. Add other nobles and princes—interesting, very interesting. What relation is he to you?”

“Probably a distant cousin. His father and my grandfather were distant brothers,” Reicina thought.

“Interesting. Looks like the capital is quite lively.”

“Yes. The empire seems calm on the surface but is rife with undercurrents. I’m really tired, facing so many unpleasant faces every day. I just want to abandon everything and live for love alone!” Reicina sighed.

“By the way, you haven’t told me why you came here. Don’t say you came to hide; that wouldn’t suit your character,” Ye Tian said.

“You know me well?” Reicina smiled.

“A little,” he admitted.

“I came to find another relative,” Reicina said with a smile, “and put him on the throne. After that, I can leave everything else behind!”

“Really? You’re bold!” Ye Tian laughed. “Aren’t you surprised?”

“Surprised? Terrified!” Reicina said.

“How did you know he was here?” Ye Tian asked.

“I secretly inquired. Originally, he was supposed to be fostered in a village, but that village was destroyed by bandits later. It took me quite some effort to find out he was here. Don’t tell anyone; no one knows this. People think I came to the academy to study magic, not to find family.”

“Understood,” Ye Tian sighed. “Another scandal caused by Charles V’s illegitimate children. What’s his name? I’ll help you find out.”

“Layton!” Reicina said.

“Layton?” Ye Tian was surprised.

“Yes. Do you know him?” Reicina asked eagerly.

“Yes.” Ye Tian picked up his dropped jaw. “Let’s go. If I’m not mistaken, he’ll only be in one place.”

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” Suddenly, a crowd of young men and women swarmed around them, all excited. Although Feipuli Academy enrolls students from across the continent, the largest group comes from the Layton principality. Seeing their queen, they were all thrilled.

“Listen, everyone!” Ye Tian quickly raised his hand. “Dear ladies and gentlemen, Her Majesty wishes to tour the academy. Please consider her feelings. If she’s surrounded like this every day, how can she study in peace? Don’t you agree? So, if you have questions, please come during breaks. Let’s let Her Majesty enjoy some pleasant personal time.”

“Alright!” Though reluctant, the students dispersed. After all, if the queen joined the academy, there would be plenty of opportunities to meet her later. Messing things up now would ruin everything. These young nobles weren’t fools; once they understood, no one wanted to bring trouble.

“This way, please,” Ye Tian gestured respectfully. In his role as steward, he had to perform his duties excellently to avoid future troubles—he still wanted to stay here.

“Your Majesty, this way!” Ye Tian led Reicina to a training ground, where a young man was sparring with a girl.

“Oh great elemental god, your faithful servant prays here. Grant me the power of fire—fire serpent!” The girl waved her staff, summoning a two-zhang-long flaming serpent that lunged at Layton.

“Oh great elemental god, your devoted servant prays here. Grant me the power of wind—whirling wind blades!” The young man waved his staff, creating two spinning vortices of wind, one clockwise and one counterclockwise. The fire serpent collided with them, scattering the flames as it hissed and vanished.

“Clap, clap, clap!” Suddenly, applause sounded at the door. The two turned to see a man and woman standing there.

“Remi!” Layton dropped his staff and shouted, unable to contain himself. Reicina could no longer hold back. “Brother!” she exclaimed, rushing forward.

“How did you find this place?” Layton held Reicina tightly. “I’ve missed you! Do you know how hard it was to find you?”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Layton hugged her tightly.

Ye Tian closed and locked the door to keep others out.

“Been a while. Are you alright?” Ye Tian greeted with a smile.

“Gray, you’re back!” Layton was surprised to see Ye Tian, then stood awkwardly. “Uh, sorry, really sorry!”

“It’s fine, I was just curious,” Ye Tian smiled.

“Kanone, sorry,” Layton turned to the stunned girl beside him.

“Your Majesty, brother, you’re a prince?” Kanone felt faint.

“No, I’m illegitimate,” Layton whispered. “An unacknowledged existence.” Hearing this, Reicina clung tighter to his arm. “Sorry, brother.”

“It’s not your fault,” Layton said softly. “Are you alright? How did that old man let you leave?”

“Father passed away. Didn’t you know?” Reicina asked in surprise. Layton was stunned.

“He probably didn’t. He’s been consumed by revenge and ignored everything else,” Ye Tian explained. “Except for the one beside you—that’s the only thing that can distract him.”

“And you are?” Reicina asked.

“I am, Your Majesty, Kanone—Kanone Emily Lu Dias,” the girl said respectfully. “Also your future sister-in-law!” Ye Tian interjected.

“Gray!” Kanone’s cheeks flushed. “Don’t listen to him.”

“Miss Kanone, please just call me Reicina!” Reicina sized up the girl. “Brother’s in your hands now!”

Kanone blushed deeper but nodded gently.

“Shh!” Ye Tian whistled, earning a death glare from the girl. “This isn’t the place to talk. Shall we find somewhere quieter?”

The End of Chapter 120.