Chapter 144: What Would You Like to Do

"M-My liege."

Derval looked to be on the verge of tears. When I reached the salt farm on Bebeto, he sent a blast of passionate emotion my way.

'All this fuss for nothing. Ahem ahem.'

Derval wasn't the only one moved. The territory's important figures, including Aramis and Igis, as well as all of our knights, were in attendance and completely touched. An endless field of white jewels was laid out in the salt farm. Everyone was excited by the sight of an enormous quantity of salt produced using a method that was the first of its kind on the continent. The color of the salt showed it was far more pure than thermal or rock salt.

"The preparations?"

"We can begin as soon as you give the order, sir."

"Then let's begin."

"As you command!"

Just like how it took more than just pearls to make a necklace, the salt needed to be put into bags to be useful. Hundreds of robust soldiers were standing with sweepers instead of swords today.

"Begin!" shouted Derval loudly.

"As you commaaaand!" came the drawn-out response from the soldiers.

Grrrrrrrrrgk.

At the same time, the soldiers began to energetically pile up the salt using their wooden sweepers.

"Ohh...!"

"Y-You're telling me that's all salt?!"

Every time the sweepers of the soldiers moved, piles of salt were formed.

In the fields that weren't completely dry yet, the salty seawater was swept up along with the salt, making loud swishing noises and creating a nice foam as the white jewels were tossed forward.

'Huhuhu. It's money, all money.'

I was still hungry for more. The money we earned by using the dwarves was astronomical, we had netted an enormous profit from the trade with Kesmire, and we'd made a fortune thanks to the enemies that kept coming to the territory, but I was always hungry. There was no sin in making money like this. This valuable reward was realized through the sweat of me and Nerman's people. It was absolutely a praiseworthy matter.

"Kyre hyung, did you really make that?" asked Razcion, who had gone from a well-to-do prince of the Bajran Empire to my little brother. He asked me a question to confirm what his eyes could not believe.

"Of course. There's nothing in this world our liege cannot do."

Derval was exaggerating. I wasn't a god, how could I possibly do everything in the world?

"It's truly astonishing. To think that you figured out the mass production of salt, an issue that even magic could not solve, so easily..." Igis' eyes sparkled as she looked at me with awe.

"You are a person overflowing with the blessing of wisdom," said Aramis, flashing me a smile that exposed teeth more brilliant than the salt.

'Why're you all making such a fuss with just this? Jeez.'

Not just them, but all of the knights and soldiers were staring at me with eyes of respect.

"Sir Derval, do not forget to stack them all up in the warehouse and extract the rest of the moisture."

"I have already instructed it, my liege."

Grrrrgggk.

After piling the salt into a small hill, the soldiers began to move it using sturdy wooden shovels into small carts. They began to move the salt to warehouses built all over the salt farm.

'It's a relief that everything ended smoothly.'

Around tomorrow, a large convoy from the Rubis Merchants would be arriving. They were able to come because the two empires hadn't formally blocked the passage of merchant groups yet.

'As long as this trade goes off well, we'll be good to go for several years.'

The Rubis Merchants were coming this time as a large-scale convoy, bringing an entire assortment of goods ranging from approximately one thousand dairy cows for the health of the residents and animals like pigs and sheep, to various kinds of seeds and clothes. We had purchased enough goods to sustain the people even if they didn't farm for several years.

'At least 10 dairy cows will be allocated to each village, and I'll have them milk the cows.'

There was a lot of unused land. It would be perfect to pasture cows and sheep on that land and get milk and meat. We had supplied the villages plenty of flour in the last year, but we hadn't been able to meet the recommended nutrient levels yet.

'I should also distribute fruit trees on a large scale.' Of the land that was left, there were low hills too. I planned on planting various fruit trees, like apples, on such hills. 'Just thinking about it made me feel full.'

Thinking about a peaceful Nerman made my heart feel at ease. We had planted plenty of seeds on cultivated land, salt production was underway, and we had over 200 wyverns. It would be a little sad when the prisoner soldiers returned, but one day, Nerman would have plenty of elite troops of her own. As long as I didn't give up on Nerman, such a future would definitely come.

'Aren't those Havis royal family wyverns?'

While I was thinking, I spotted a group of wyverns flying from the direction of Denfors. They were bearing the royal flag with five spears and a shield drawn handsomely upon it.

'Rosiathe's come as well.'

I spotted Rosiathe. She was making a personal visit to Nerman even though she must be busy, despite her claims that the rebellion was settled and done with.

Flap flap flap flap flap.

Upon spotting me, the wyverns landed with slow flaps of their wings. Everyone's gazes turned to the new arrivals.

Click.

Rosiathe unclasped her safety ring and lightly sprang to the ground, then removed her helmet and approached me.

'Did something happen?'

TN: Of course something happened. Rosiathe only comes for Sugardaddy Kyre when she wants something from him lmao.

Her face was stiff and serious, as if something had indeed happened.

"My humble greetings to Your Imperial Highnesses," greeted Rosiathe with respect, having recognized Igis and the little prince.

Igis greeted her back with a big smile. "Nice to see you, Princess Rosiathe."

"Haha, welcome," I said, receiving Rosiathe warmly with the attitude of a territory owner.

"Surely that isn't all salt, right?"

I was sure she had seen more than enough from the sky, but Rosiathe couldn't help but seek confirmation.

"Yes, it's all salt, Your Highness," affirmed Derval.

"Ah! What a truly massive quantity of salt," said Rosiathe in wonderment. "To think that salt so clear and transparent exists... How astonishing."

Rock salt and thermal salt made by pouring seawater into an earthenware pot and lighting firewood under it could not compare to sun-dried salt. Rosiathe stared dazedly at the growing salt mountain. I was sure that such a large amount of salt had never been seen before in an inland country like the Havis Kingdom.

"If you need any, we can sell some to the Havis Kingdom at a low price."

"Your kind intent is enough for me."

I made the offer since our allied kingdom, Havis, held the important role of acting as the only channel for the rest of the continent to access Nerman.

"Sir Derval, did you prepare anything for such a celebratory day?"

The knights and all of Nerman's guests were gathered in one place for the first time in a while. I couldn't send them back like this. Or rather, my body was itching for a party.

"It's nothing grand, but I did prepare a small celebration."

As expected of Derval, my perfect partner in crime. He wasn't at all lacking as the mistress of Nerman.

"Hahaha. Then guide us there. We cannot go without a glass on a great day like this."

"Huhu. Naturally. I've run my morning patrol, so let us have a proper rest for once today."

When it came to having fun, Ryker was always the first in line. His eyes sparkled as soon as the topic of alcohol came up.

"Hmph. Since when did you go on patrol? As if."

"Come now, I caught two orcs while flying here. If that isn't a patrol, what is? I've earned my keep twice over today, y'know."

"Such a show-off, seriously."

I was amused by Ryker and Janice's bickering. Even though they fought each other fiercely every day, they didn't try to escape each other's company.

'Could it be that they're going out?'

A mother-in-law type like Janice suited the playboy Ryker very well. It looked like affection had blossomed while fighting.

'But did something really happen? Why does she look so depressed?'

Rosiathe had a dark expression on her face. Her appearance gave me an ominous feeling.

* * *

"The Crown Prince was found?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. This one is merely sorry that it has taken so long to relieve Your Majesty of this worry."

"Hooh, it's pretty impressive that he hasn't died yet with that personality of his."

"......"

The man who spoke as if talking about the son of a neighbor upon hearing about the Crown Prince's survival was just barely in his 50s. He had a generous face, curly blue hair, was half-bald to the point that his forehead was clearly visible, and eyes that gleamed with playfulness.

This was the person at the head of the Opern Empire, the ruler of the southern continent and a nation that could go toe-to-toe with the two empires of the northern continent. He was the Emperor of the Opern Empire, called Rubert von Opern III. The emperor made an expression of marvel rather than gladness at the news of the Crown Prince, his son.

"Y-Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince is still the next person who will lead the great empire, so saying it like that is..."

The person responding felt cold sweat go down his back upon hearing the words of what appeared to be a very eccentric emperor. Duke Yarvaison was the emperor's friend, the Opern Empire's strongest person, a Blade Master—no, it was rumored that he was at an even further stage—and the Crown Prince's sword instructor.

"Nonsense. I'm just saying that because he was the one who said he would go out into the continent and survive for 5 years. I didn't do anything wrong here. A kid who was dallying with the butts of the court ladies in the palace every day runs away from home just because his father said a few words? Jeez..."

He might be friends with the Duke, but Emperor Rubert was spitting out a barrage of words that were, no matter how you looked at it, unsuitable for the mouth of an emperor. He smacked his lips, as if enraged by the mere thought of the runaway Crown Prince.

"That's all because he has inherited his father's blood, is it not? Your Majesty also went on a "beauty tour" all the way to the Araktch Empire with me back in your youth..."

"W-When did I do any such thing. And that wasn't a beauty tour! That was an educational trip I undertook at the risk of danger in order to sound out the situation in the eastern continent."

The Emperor of the Opern Empire fumbled for words at the retort of Duke Yarvaison, who knew more about the emperor than one might have expected.

"Ahem ahem. That sounds well and good... but did Your Majesty forget how many women you romanced while visiting the Araktch Empire and Doveth Kingdom? The eldest daughter of Count Piarias of the Araktch Empire, the twin sisters of Viscount Antimioson, and let's not forget the young widow of the Duke Tepiaren family..."

"Shh! Why are you being so difficult today, Yarvaison? What would you do if the Queen were to hear this?"

As Duke Yarvaison counted out the names of women on his fingers, Emperor Rubert paled, at which the Duke secretly smiled.

"Why not forgive His Highness the Crown Prince already? It's said that the situation in the northern continent is not good. Moreover, the place where the Crown Prince is now has seen multiple large battles already."

Yarvaison took issue with the safety of the Opern Empire's one and only Crown Prince of legal descent. He had raised the Crown Prince like his own son from a young age, so he was sincerely worried about him.

"What is he doing?" asked the Emperor, realizing the seriousness of the situation from the words of Duke Yarvaison, who did not make it a habit to lie.

"He has become a Skyknight in a dangerous territory of the northern continent."

"A Skyknight? Who could possibly become that boy's lord? That lad refuses to lower his head even in front of me..."

Emperor Rubert was astonished that the Crown Prince whose thoughts were filled with only women and himself had become someone's Skyknight.

"He is the person I recently gave a report about to Your Majesty."

"To me?"

"Yes. I am talking about the one who defeated a force of two Laviter armies with the strength of a territory."

"Ah..." exclaimed the Emperor.

He remembered. The Laviter Empire was the true master of the northern continent, a difficult foe even for the mighty Opern Empire. He remembered the legendary hero who had repelled two armies of such a powerful empire with the military power of a mere territory.

"Count Kyre de Nerman is the person the Crown Prince has been serving."

Count Kyre's fame had traveled all the way to the southern continent, and that was the same name that Duke Yarvaison carefully said now.

"Kyre de Nerman... I'd like to meet him once. To think he's a fellow so charismatic that he could control that rascal of mine..."

The playfulness in Emperor Rubert's eyes had disappeared, replaced by interest.

"What would you like to do, Your Majesty? Your Majesty need only give the order and I can have the Crown Prince escorted back."

The empire could afford to mobilize over a thousand wyverns to escort the Crown Prince. Duke Yarvaison quietly awaited the Emperor's command.

"It's fine. When the time comes, that rascal will return on his own. We can just relax and wait until then."

"Still, it is too dangerous, Your Majesty. According to our information, it's not just the Laviter Empire, but the Bajran Empire, every temple, and nearly every merchant group that is after the territory called Nerman. If something were to happen to His Highness in such a dangerous situation..." the Duke trailed off, unable to continue.

"Yarvaison." The Emperor quietly called out the Duke's name.

"I am at your service, Your Majesty."

"Believe in the Crown Prince. He's undoubtedly the child of the strongest lion in history."

The proud male lion, Emperor Rubert, quietly showed his trust in his son.

"By your will."

The Duke lowered his head at one sentence from the Emperor. He was worried, but he knew the Emperor was right.

The Crown Prince was still inexperienced, but he had achieved Blade Master faster than anyone in the history of the empire.

Duke Yarvaison knew that, at the very least, such a person could easily keep his life...

* * *

"Kyaa, there are many beauties in the world, but my eyes have never been as happy as they are now. With Princess Igis, a beauty of noble dignity like a lily, Saintess Aramis, who can be called the epitome of purity, and even Princess Rosiathe, the Flower of the North... On top of that, how can Countess Irene be so darn charming? It really gives me the zest for life these days."

We were at the small outdoors celebration party Derval had prepared. The thoughtless Ryker knocked back his glass, flapping his mouth without being able to read the mood.

'What is the Reaper doing these days, not taking this guy with them?'

The more I looked at him, the more amazed I became. He claimed he was a well-to-do mercenary, yes, but I was amazed that Ryker had the nerve to blatantly speak of beauty in front of royalty. He was going on 30 years of age, but it seemed there was a long time to go before iron could turn into steel.

"Like I said, our liege sure has skill. No matter how you slice it, he doesn't seem any more handsome than me..."

"S-Sir Ryker, how could you say such a thing..."

"Sigh, here we go again."

Everyone was immune now and paid no heed to Ryker's words, but Derval's face still stiffened and Janice shook her head.

'If I wasn't fond of this guy, I would've...'

Ryker was a big help to me when I was in a pinch. With his power as the Guildmaster of the Nerman Mercenary Guild, he brought in the mercenaries, beat them down, and turned them into territory troops for me. In addition, the way he charged forward without fearing death in battles was an example for the other knights. It was just his big mouth and lustful disposition that left more to be desired.

'Whoever he is, I'm curious about who this guy's father is. There's no way he could be happy about having a son like this.'

There was no doubt that Ryker's dad also had a pretty formidable lecherous way of thinking.

"Rosiathe-nim."

"Y-Yes?"

Even though she was at a celebratory party, Rosiathe was sitting with a slight frown, clearly lost in thought. She was startled awake by my call.

"Let's have a quick chat."

"Yes..."

I knew she had come to see me, so I offered to chat in advance.

"I will go have a short conversation with Princess Rosiathe," I said, excusing myself from the guests and knights who were eating the food that had become the formal feast item of choice, grilled pork belly.

"Have a good talk."

And then, I walked with Rosiathe to the embankment that spanned the salt farm and sea. No matter how busy this time was, I couldn't just stand by after seeing a girl look so troubled. Moreover, I was deeply acquainted with Rosiathe. I wasn't the type to act cold-hearted to a person who had come all this way to see me.

I walked with Rosiathe along the embankment, from which the sea could be clearly seen. The gazes of curious onlookers followed us.

Whoooooooosh.

The light spring wind flipped over the waves and raced towards us.

"Is something the matter?" I asked, looking at the waves crashing in front of me with a froth of bubbles.

"Sigh..."

Instead of responding, Rosiathe sighed. I quietly waited for her to continue. It had to be something troublesome, because it seemed difficult to talk about.

"I apologize. I've caused you to worry," said Rosiathe at last.

"It is alright. Even if you weren't here, Rosiathe-nim, I'm not fated for an easy life anyway, so you need not worry."

I spoke with sincerity. I was someone who lived while flipping the bird to the gods that had their fun putting me through the ringer. It would actually be strange if I could live every day in comfort.

"The Emperor sent a letter."

'Emperor? Poltviran?'

A certain ass' name popped up at the mention of an emperor.

"The letter invited me to a birthday party occurring in the Imperial Palace on the first day of the month of Romero."

As Rosiathe revealed the contents of the letter, I could feel the anxiety dripping from her words.

'You jerk, who do you think you are to call a busy person over at your whim.'

It was obvious what had happened. Poltviran had become the emperor, and now he wanted to realize whatever depraved thoughts he had. He wasn't someone who would leave the beautiful Rosiathe alone.

"I-I don't know what I should do now. The strength of the kingdom is still weak, so it's difficult to refuse the empire's command... but to obey the Emperor's words is also..." Rosiathe stumbled to a halt.

"What do you want to do?"

I looked at Rosiathe with a gentle smile, and her blue diamond eyes trembled under my gaze.

"I-I..."

Her dainty red lips stuttered, then halted.

'Why is she struggling so much?'

Rosiathe was clearly showing me the sorrow of the powerless. A tinge of regret for her went through my heart, and Rosiathe's characteristic pansy fragrance drifted along the wind right into my soul.

"Do what you want. I will help you."

This was all I could do for this trembling woman.

"Sob..."

As soon as she heard me, Rosiathe bit her lips as the tears she'd been holding back burst out.

My hand went naturally to the crying woman's shoulder, and her slender body came right into my embrace, as if she had been anticipating this moment. Rosiathe's wavy golden hair went flying into the wind, tickling my face.

"Sob sob... T-Thank you..."

In my arms, she gave me a tearful thank you. Not everything could be felt since we were wearing airplates, but the sound of her racing heart rang on my chest.

'Sigh, what should be done about that messed up bastard?'

I cursed the bad seed that made such a kind girl cry. He was a tyrant of the ages who used his tiny rat's tail of power to harangue kingdoms all around him. If he was in front of me right now, I would want to kick him in the mouth.

'Now, I can't even back out.'

I had briefly lent her a shoulder to cry on since I couldn't turn away a crying girl, but the choice of location was wrong. The events happening on the oceanside embankment were clearly visible from every which way. I could keenly sense the gazes of hundreds on me.

But I firmly blocked off those feelings. What the crying Rosiathe needed right now wasn't their gazes, but my chest, and my chest alone.