Chapter 8

Chapter 8. So I became an Emperor (8).

Even though Haven was a crazy guy of the same kind as Edwin, he seemed to be similar to my younger brother where he didn’t complain on what he was ordered.

You can control him if he listens well.

That’s what I concluded based on years of training the most powerful maniac in Philland.

Let’s write it down.

I lifted the corners of my lips slightly and said softly.

“Haven, if you don’t want to, I’ll reconsider bringing in a concubine.”

I reached out and stroke the back of his hand.

Edwin, who loves to touch, used to nod his head unconditionally to what I said as I stroked him. If this man and that child are of the same kind, this will work.2

“But instead, you must never leave my side and help me. All my life, by my side.”

The last words were spoken with greater emphasis.

It is difficult if the best-earned worker suddenly run away.

Haven looked at my hand resting on the back of his hand, and raised his head. His cheeks, which seemed pale as the northern duke, flushed red.3

“I…will, Your Majesty.”

See? I knew it would work.1

I smiled brightly, not hiding my satisfaction.

After letting out a cough, Haven grinned and his eyes sharpened.

Perhaps thanks to the smooth agreement through a conversation, Haven quickly adapted to life in the palace the next day.

He worked with me in the office in the morning and gave me free time in the afternoon after the meeting. I was worried that if I had already locked him up in the work grave, he would run away.

After the engagement ceremony, I promised to spend the whole day by myself. Even though I had his help only in the morning, I have a spare time.

I still had enough time for a cup of tea, but it seemed to be possible to have a more relaxed life if I organized the urgent work roughly.

Good. This is it.

This is how people live.

I felt sorry for Caleb, who couldn’t breathe properly between me and Haven, but from now on, he will be a little more comfortable.

I consoled Caleb from time to time by slipping through the contract with his sign and thumbprint.

Even if he can’t be a concubine, I won’t let him slip out of my hands.

The break between the bureaucracy meeting and aristocracy meeting is one day where I would relax over tea.

Edwin mixed something else again as the taste of the cake was strange.1

How can he use it when there are so many seasonal fruits? And in cake?

When I was tilting my head and wondering whether I should keep eating it, Cecil, the inspector general, came to see me.

“Cecil. Welcome.”

I set the teacup down and met her.

I remembered in my head when I sent her a letter of encouragement.

The time has come for the medicine to run out.

(T/N: Medicine refers to her encouragement.)1

Don’t tell me you’re going to retire.

“Your Majesty.”

I was a little nervous because her voice calling me was so deep.

“What’s going on?”

“There has been a series of kidnappings in Philland.”

I’m glad you didn’t bring your resignation letter with you, but it’s suddenly an abduction.

“Tell me more details.”

“There have already been seven reported kidnappings in and around the capital. They’re all high-profile names from all walks of life.”

“Their names?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The first victim was a professor of law at the Fiedren Academy, the second is the most sought architect in Kildair, the third is the daughter of Count Gideon, and even the historian Timolis, who is 75 years old. Also–”1

I raised my hand to stop Cecil from going on to explain.

Anxiety crept up.

“Although the kidnapping case is unfortunate, it’s something the inspectors and the magistrates should be working together to resolve. For you to report to me, there is a reason for me to know, right?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. The inspection team has obtained a testimony from someone who witnessed the abduction of the fourth victim.”

“Tell me.”

“The kidnappers who carried the old historian on his shoulder said to the screaming Timolis.”

I’m nervous.

“Her Majesty, the Emperor, wants you.”2

“…”

“…”

I and Cecil faced each other in silence. It was me who avoided eye contact first.

I cleared my throat and lowered my gaze to the half-eaten cake.

It would be great if someone came who would kidnap talents and sell them to me. But I knew who did it even before I heard the criminal’s name through Cecil’s mouth.

A sigh broke out.

Eddy, you crazy bastard…3

(T/N: Refer to Chapter 5, where Laviel said she needed workers instead of medicine.)

“Cecil. Just in case, I have never given such an order. I’ve never wanted a 75-year-old.”

“I never even had such doubts.”

It was fortunate that the inspector general was a person with good judgment.

“So where are they now?”

“It is believed they are currently being confined by Count Sutton and receiving some kind of education.”1

“Yes…”

Come to think of it, Eddy, that guy isn’t quiet at all.

This is the result of forgetting this for a while because I was excited breaking down documents with Haven.

I was fiddling with my fork for no reason, and Cecil, who had a long sigh, asked.

“The victims’ families are strongly protesting. They want their families back. Besides, there’s also a rumor going around in Philland. Your Majesty needs to step up and solve it.”

“Rumor?”

“It is rumored that the Emperor is trying to make a harem.”3

I suddenly laughed.

When people are dumbfounded, they burst into laughter. Even if I tried to make a harem, I will not take in a 75-year-old man.

Hm? No. Did you say historian?

There are several issues that require advice from a historian, but it was a hassle to ask a professor at the Imperial Academy every time.

I think it’ll be okay if I put him in the palace and let him work…1

I stroked my chin while thinking and clicked my tongue.

It’s a harem, but Haven said he didn’t like concubines. A blood wind will blow, a blood wind I tell you.

You are a tricky candidate for a consort. If I had a little less work, I would think about it again, but it was a pity.

“Your Majesty, don’t just click your tongue. You need to take action before the number of victims increases. As you know, Commander Sutton has no control except for Her Majesty.”

“Okay. Where is that guy now?”1

“I’ve just confirmed his return at his residence.”

I got up from my seat. After telling the grand chamberlain to delay the meeting, I headed to Edwin’s palace.

Edwin was sparring with his men.1

He pushed through a fine garden and make it seemed like a training center to train his subordinates.

Edwin’s signature red aura rose on his sword sharply.

Looking at the aura that only slightly envelops the sword, it seems that he is refraining a lot, but the number of men who is dealing with Edwin was barely taking the sword with a billion sound.

All the well-known swordsmen gave their full support, but they stuck their tongues at Edwin’s potential.

I was proud of their lonely retreating backs, saying they had nothing to teach anymore.

I liked to see Edwin wielding a sword because I was sorry that I couldn’t support him properly in my last life when he was so talented. Furthermore, Edwin looked excited the most when he was holding a sword.

I was going to watch quietly until the end of the battle, but Edwin quickly found me.

“Sister!”

He ran towards me while the men lay on the floor behind him. Edwin grinned widely with a dry face that didn’t shed a drop of sweat.

“Eddy.”

“You came to see me, sister?”

“You must have something to tell me.”

This clever fellow’s shoulders sank when I spoke without laughing.

His eyes drooped, giving off his most pitiful expression, and reached for my hand. When I dodged his hand and put mine behind, he looked at me with a wretched face like a new sheep abandoned by his mother.2

“Sister, are you angry?”

I know that this clever man deliberately made that kind of face, yet I can’t help but feel my heart weaken.

Because he looks cute, it means that the accident should also be cute.

“Eddy, didn’t sister say no crimes?”

“I didn’t do that?”

“You kidnapped people and kept them at the County.”

I kept a stern look on my face and the grinning Edwin said.

“It’s not kidnapping, sister. I simply suggested an opportunity to work for the Imperial family.”1

“My brother, it’s called kidnapping when you drag a person somewhere without their consent. And it’s called confinement when you didn’t send them home.”

“But those people should be loyal to sister and won’t sign a memorandum saying they will apologize with their lives if they betray you. How can I let dangerous guys out there who might not be loyal to you, sister?”

Forgetting to pretend to be cute, Edwin’s eyes suddenly closed.

I smacked Edwin’s head without delay.

“Can’t you open your eyes?”

“It’s open, sister.”

Edwin straightened his face and laughed.1

What am I supposed to do with this rascal?

I raised my hand to hit him one more time but I just sighed because of Edwin, who lowered his head to make it easier for me to hit him.1

I told him to find a talented person.

And he really did. I said this to a guy who cuts off the emperor’s throat for a joke.

I said, stroking Edwin’s pink hair.

“Go get them. Be polite. And don’t go around kidnapping people anymore.”

“However, sister can rest when there’s more workers, right?”

“That’s true, but still no kidnapping.”

“Then can I just ask and bring them in?”

Blinking his eyes, Edwin’s question attracted my attention.

Me? I can’t force them to come, but I don’t mind asking and bringing them in. It was about time to fill the secretary or other administrative posts.

It was being delayed because there was no time to deal with the bureaucratic system, which was thoroughly filled with connections.

“Ask if they’re willing to work as the emperor’s direct secretary and let me know if the other person wants to.”

“You’re not bringing them right away? That’s a hassle.”

I asked, tapping Edwin’s grumbling cheek.

“Eddy, you’re not going to listen to your sister?”

“I will. I’ll listen.”

“Okay. Now go to the County.”

“Yes, sister.”

Edwin nodded strongly and ran.

I have to ask them if they want to be compensated and then if they are willing to work for me. It made me feel good to think that I could hold on to one or two of them.

Besides, if I can recruit talents this way, I may not have to bring in concubines.

Look for talents and prevent a massacre.

That sounds nice?

When I arrived at the main palace and walked into the front door, thinking that Eddy’s madness is sometimes useful, Haven stood leaning against a wall in a crooked position.

Finding me, he walked towards where I was standing and bowed his head.

“Haven, do you have something to say?”

Slowly raising his head, he said to me.

“Your Majesty, your greeting is a very speculative one.”

There’s another guy here with a weird look in his eyes.1

You’re crazy, you’re a crazy man.