Chapter 156: Side Story 12 

Ysildus walked down the quiet corridor. Alexa was preparing to head to the physician.

In the meantime, there was someone Ysildus needed to see. The heavy stench of humans stung his nostrils. Ever since a separate wing had been designated for the humans, even the wolves had made it a point not to come near.

The scent was especially pungent to those of the direct bloodline. Essellia and Carlisle, who had spent long years with humans on the battlefield, seemed to have grown somewhat accustomed, but not him.

Ysildus rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Hoo…”

He had at least gotten used to Jeremiah, but the smell of the others was still unbearable. Clicking his tongue softly, Ysildus picked up on the bustling movement of the humans, each sound reaching his sharp ears with clarity.

“Heading out again today?”

“That’s the plan.”

Such trivial exchanges passed between them.

Ysildus knocked on the door that reeked of Jeremiah’s scent. He had come here personally to stay as far away from Alexa as possible. The last thing he wanted was for Alexa to overhear his conversation with Jeremiah.

“Jeremiah.”

The chatter from inside cut off abruptly at his voice. When Ysildus took a step back to wait, the door soon opened. Jeremiah stared at him, surprised.

“Ysildus? You actually came all the way here?”

Ysildus shrugged.

“I need a word with you.”

“I figured. Should we step outside? It’s not great in here for you.”

Jeremiah gestured toward the room behind him, his own version of courtesy. Ysildus glanced sideways, then gave a short nod. No reason to subject himself to discomfort unnecessarily.

Jeremiah led him to the most secluded corner of the annex. It wasn’t hard to guess why Ysildus had come like this. Still, Jeremiah spoke up, pretending ignorance.

“I was planning to help out at the clinic again today. You’re coming too, right?”

“You know that’s not what I’m here to talk about.”

Of course, Ysildus wasn’t the type to play along. Jeremiah let out a bitter laugh.

“I’m getting ready to leave, Ysu.”

“If you don’t want to go, say so. If you don’t want to be Emperor, we can start looking for another candidate now.”

Ysildus cut in coldly.

“You know we can’t keep that seat vacant forever. Even as you hesitate, chaos grows.”

“…I know. I’m almost ready. I’ll leave within a week, promise.”

Ysildus narrowed his eyes. There was no sign of evasion in Jeremiah’s expression.

“A week. Fine. I’ll wait a week. But if you haven’t left by then, I’ll put someone else in that position. You understand how easy that would be, don’t you?”

Jeremiah nodded heavily. He knew Ysildus was entirely capable of that. In fact, Ysildus was probably showing him more patience than anyone else ever would. Jeremiah quietly swallowed the sense of urgency bubbling inside him.

“I know. Don’t worry, Ysildus. I’m fully aware of that.”

“Good. I’m glad you do.”

Ysildus had confirmed everything he needed. Contrary to the rumors, Jeremiah seemed to be preparing to leave properly. There were no signs that he had secretly met with Alexa either, not according to the informants.

“Keep your head down, and leave quietly. You know what I mean, don’t you?”

“Of course, Ysu.”

Jeremiah smiled as he always did.

Ysildus gave a brief nod. Even that simple gesture stirred something warm in Jeremiah. Perhaps it was regret, longing for something he never had, and would soon lose.

‘Still, I won’t go alone.’

Jeremiah swallowed the gloom rising within him, as if it were second nature.

* * *

There was no shortage of nobles demanding an audience with Violeta. Many also sent her meaningless gifts.

“To think they actually believe this kind of thing could win over Thersion.”

Violeta let out a cold smile. She tossed all the gifts into the central courtyard of the imperial palace, right where anyone passing by could see them. Those who had sent the gifts would surely notice too.

Ever since taking on this role, she felt her patience was constantly being tested. Watching humans bow and scrape in front of her while still chasing their own interests made her feel like a fire was burning inside. Even the man standing before her now was subtly gauging her reaction while pursuing his own agenda.

“We’ve come only out of concern for the Empire’s future. Whether it’s Thersion or anyone else, don’t we all share the same concern for this country?”

Not at all.

“So, what is it you’re really trying to say?”

Violeta asked, clearly annoyed. Her furrowed brows made it obvious she was in no mood to entertain pleasantries.

To the nobles, Violeta seemed nothing more than a clueless country bumpkin. The man here now was supposedly standing as a representative of the nobility, allegedly to aid her. And yet, this was his attitude. Sensing her irritation, the man’s pride was visibly bruised.

“Lady Violeta, I am here as a representative of the nobility. Could you not show a bit more respect?”

Violeta let out a quiet chuckle.

“Respect?”

He really had no idea. She slowly rose and walked toward him. The man flinched and stepped back. Violeta didn’t hesitate. Pushed back by her presence, the man stumbled and fell to the floor. 

Looking down at him, Violeta said, “You really don’t know anything, do you? The only reason you’re still standing on your two legs is because I respect you. Just come out and say it. Say you want the power that comes with the Emperor’s throne. Why bother dressing it up?”

“Lady Violeta!”

The man barely managed to grab her sleeve as she turned away. His smile was awkward, but Violeta showed not a hint of fear.

“If you turn me away like this, it won’t end well for you. All the nobles have their eyes on the imperial palace right now. No matter how much power you gain, you’ll be helpless without their support!”

“Ah, I see.”

Violeta nodded, as if she finally understood.

“I suppose you’re worrying over nothing. There are plenty of others willing to side with Thersion even if it’s not you.”

“The regional nobles won’t be enough! What do they know? They’ve done nothing but stand back with their arms crossed until now!”

Violeta looked amused.

As the man grew desperate and began yelling, she stared down at him with contempt. Then she bent down and asked, “So what is it you want in return? What are you asking for, in exchange for your support?”

“…That, I’ll tell you later.”

He hadn’t heard any news of Jeremiah’s death yet. The Ninth Prince had to die first before they could reveal their ambitions. What they really wanted was to seat their chosen Emperor on the throne. If he failed to win Violeta over now, Count Jertho would never forgive him.

‘Maybe I should’ve held out a little longer.’

The man swallowed hard.

“But joining hands with us will definitely help you. Isn’t it time for Thersion to come to the capital? How long will he stay in that backwater province?”

“You want to help us move to the capital?”

“Yes. If we help, that’ll be no trouble at all. We could get Thersion into the capital as early as tomorrow.”

“Ah.”

If the wolves heard this, they’d be appalled. They cherished the freedom and lush greenery of the Thersion territory. The suffocating capital was the last place they wanted to be. The overwhelming stench of humans alone was enough to torment their sensitive noses. And not being able to return to their beast form only added to their frustration.

Violeta let out a quiet laugh.

Even if she drove this man away, others would follow. This foolish and belligerent one might actually be easier to handle. Dealing with those sly, calculating types was far more exhausting.

Ysildus would’ve been better suited to this seat. He probably would’ve made those clinging fools suffer. This nephew of hers was a fox, just like his father Carlisle. One of the rare moments she actually missed her hopeless nephew.

“Is that so? Well then, I’ll look forward to this so-called help.”

Violeta stepped back. The oppressive air surrounding her finally lifted. She extended a hand to the man.

This was a temporary ceasefire, meant only to monitor the nobles’ movements. This underhanded political maneuvering was entirely unlike the way of the wolves.

The capital was a place too complex, too full of headaches.