Chapter 162: Side Story 18 

Despite the sudden decision to head to the capital, Essellia remained unshaken and helped pack without a trace of panic. She had only one concern.

“Ysildus. I ordered some books you absolutely need to read, but they haven’t arrived yet.”

A look of regret appeared on Essellia’s face.

“Then please have them sent to the capital.”

Ysildus replied with composure, as if he already knew exactly which books she was referring to.

“What kind of books are they?” 

Alexa asked, her expression curious. She wondered if they were textbooks for his training as heir. After all, Ysildus was the successor, but… 

‘Wait a second.’

In the novel, Ysildus became the Grand Duke right after Carlisle’s death. But what about now? Carlisle was in perfect health. Not only that, weren’t wolves supposed to live much longer than humans?

At this point, it was impossible to imagine anyone other than Carlisle as the Grand Duke. Besides, judging by the look of Carlisle, death seemed like something far, far away.

‘Then what happens to Ysildus? Is he going to live his whole life as the Young Lord?’

Alexa suddenly found herself dazed by this unexpected realization. Once again, it struck her that life didn’t just end when the story did. It went on. Her lips parted slightly in thought.

As Alexa was getting carried away with unnecessary thoughts, Essellia spoke.

“Of course they’re essential reading for Ysildus, don’t you think?”

“Essential reading?” 

Alexa blinked out of her thoughts and tilted her head in confusion. Essellia answered with a fond look, as if finding Alexa utterly adorable.

“He’s about to marry Alexa, after all. There’s a lot he needs to study. He must learn the virtues of being a wonderful husband.”

“…Sorry, what?”

“The book we’re most excited about this time is <An In-depth Report on Marriage: How to Overcome Boredom>. There’s quite a bit for Ysildus to learn.”

Alexa’s expression went blank. That title… Was it just her imagination, or had she heard something incredibly outrageous?

Essellia hugged the stunned Alexa tightly.

“Take care of yourself out there, Alexa. And never trust anyone. No one.”

Held close in Essellia’s warm embrace, Alexa gave a nod. Then she hugged Essellia back.

“If anything happens, contact us right away. And if Ysildus ever bothers you, run straight back here. Got it?”

“Yes!”

Alexa responded cheerfully. It felt like she had finally found the warmth of parents she had lost so long ago. A soft, comforting breeze seemed to blow through her heart.

“I’ll be back safely!”

She didn’t know why her throat tightened as she said that.

‘I’ll be back safely.’

It was one of the things she had longed to say most since her parents died.

“Yes, come back safe.”

Back then, it had hurt so much that there was no one left to reply to her like that. Alexa bit her lip hard and smiled brightly. Carlisle, who had been standing silently, smiled too. He reached out and gently patted Alexa’s head.

“Eat well, sleep well, and don’t get hurt.”

“I promise! I absolutely will.”

Carlisle turned his head to look at Ysildus. The two, who had always only observed each other sharply, turned their heads away at the same time. As if silently agreeing that this was good enough. Only Essellia held Ysildus’s arm and comforted him.

Truly, what an awkward father and son pair.

Alexa let out a quiet laugh.

The last to appear was Jeremiah. Carried on the backs of knights, Jeremiah briefly exchanged farewells with Essellia and Carlisle before boarding the carriage. And just like that, their short parting came to an end.

The carriage carrying the three of them departed for the capital.

* * *

Count Jertho had once again gathered the nobles. This came after he heard that Prince Jeremiah had departed for the capital with the successor of Thersion.

He had already selected daughters from various noble houses to pair with Prince Jeremiah and the Thersion heir. Their opinions didn’t matter. What mattered most were the benefits to the Count’s family and his house. And more than anyone gathered here, Count Jertho himself was the most important factor.

He slowly opened his mouth to speak.

“I trust everything is proceeding well with the tasks you’ve been assigned?”

“Yes, Count. But from what I’ve heard, Prince Jeremiah managed to board the carriage safely for the capital. He was attacked, yes, but apparently survived. Were you aware of this?”

“Of course. I’ve confirmed it. And thanks to that, I had to make some… adjustments on another front.”

Count Jertho exuded a chilling aura. Those who caught the implication in his words fell silent. Once again, they were reminded that Count Jertho was more ruthless than anyone in this room.

“Huu. I’ll admit this one was on me. The fact that Prince Jeremiah survived was clearly my mistake.”

“Then do you have another plan in place?”

“Naturally.”

Count Jertho’s expression shifted into a gentle smile.

“It may no longer be possible to stop Prince Jeremiah from becoming Emperor. But that doesn’t mean we let it end there.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Prince Jeremiah’s foothold in the capital is weak. His true power base lies in the provinces. Unless he brings all of them to the capital, it’ll be difficult for him to take root.”

“You’re right.”

“Exactly.”

“No matter how great the Emperor is, what can he do alone? All we need is to find our own way forward. It’ll be a long battle, yes, but the rewards will be immense.”

After briefly scanning the room, Count Jertho declared, “I intend to make my niece the Empress. And with your support, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Upon hearing that, the nobles’ eyes lit up.

They had momentarily forgotten that the position of Empress would soon be vacant. It stung to realize Count Jertho had beaten them to the punch, but it was unavoidable. If Count Jertho felt the plan had failed, he wouldn’t hesitate to discard even his own people.

“Her Majesty the Empress will support us! And once that happens, it won’t be difficult to seize power!”

“Exactly. Fortunately, the Temperchi Empire places no restrictions on the Empress’s involvement. It should be easy for us to claim all the power we want.”

Count Jertho’s tongue flowed with polished ease.

Of course, he had no intention of sharing the spoils with those present. Jeremiah wasn’t a fool and he surely knew who had attacked him. Jertho planned to use their lives as bargaining chips in negotiations with the new Emperor.

He wasn’t one to take roundabout paths. Even if the road ahead was blocked, he’d break through it head-on. No one compensates you for the losses you suffer while going around.

“Which brings me to this: today, I’d like to put our intentions in writing.”

“Is that really necessary? What matters most is our loyalty.”

“That loyalty is exactly what I need. I’ve staked everything on this. I’m even willing to send my niece to the imperial palace. If this fails, my entire family will collapse.”

“Ah…”

The nobles exchanged glances and nodded with expressions of reluctant acceptance. This was a world teeming with betrayal. Today’s ally could become tomorrow’s enemy. No one dared to oppose Count Jertho’s decision, and they signed the ledger.

Count Jertho tucked the signed document into his coat. It would serve as a new weapon for him. His heart felt noticeably lighter.

* * *

Alexa let out a bright, delighted laugh.

It was her first time outside of Thersion. And this far, at that! Until now, she had always been restricted to a certain range around Thersion. She had never known just how vast the world truly was. But now, those restrictions were gone.

She’d once thought she might never be able to leave. Maybe she was using Jeremiah’s injury as an excuse to satisfy her own curiosity.

“Jeremiah, are you okay?”

“You look like you’re in a good mood, Alexa.”

Jeremiah smiled gently as he spoke. Thankfully, it seemed Ysildus hadn’t said anything to Alexa.

If she ever found out what he was really thinking, she might look at him with nothing but contempt. Alexa was pure and sincere. She treated people with genuine warmth and cherished receiving that same sincerity in return. She was nothing like Jeremiah or Ysildus, who were steeped in worldly schemes.

“It’s just… It feels like I’m traveling. And it’s a relief to see the poison has mostly left your body.”

Alexa examined Jeremiah’s wounds. For his and Alexa’s sake, their party was moving slowly. Better to be delayed than to risk aggravating Jeremiah’s condition.

“You still need to keep taking your medicine. Master Karrolf said you’ll need it for at least three more months.”

“Then I guess I’ll be in the capital for three months,” Jeremiah replied with a soft chuckle. 

Alexa nodded, her expression full of concern.

“You better be. Don’t get sick again, Jeremiah.”

“Would you be upset if I did?”

“Of course! You’re my friend and you’re stuck lying around like this.”

That alone was enough for Jeremiah. If risking his life meant he could receive this sincere concern from Alexa, then it was a price he would gladly pay.