Chapter 186: Side Story 42

Alexa had never once imagined that she would become the center of power. She was simply happy to be loved. She only wanted to end her story in Thersion with a happy ending. But it turned out, Thersion was far more powerful than she’d thought. Truly formidable.

And Alexa came to stand at the very heart of that power.

“I’m truly remorseful. As a medical professional, I’m ashamed of myself. I chose the young Lady not because of her merit, but because I didn’t want to acknowledge His Highness the Prince.”

The doctor spilled his thoughts in a flood of words. The fine wrinkles around his eyes were filled with sincerity, almost as if this was the only truth, and everything else had been a lie. But… would he have said any of this if Thersion hadn’t been standing behind Alexa?

Seeing how the doctor’s eyes darted now and then, the answer was obvious: absolutely not. It was a bit petty, sure, but the world was moved by money and power. Still… 

“It’s all right.”

The fact that he’d apologized at all meant something.

“I’ve heard the medicines you prescribe work exceptionally well. May I ask what your secret is?”

That, at least, was sincere. The doctor now respected Alexa as a fellow physician. He acknowledged her capabilities.

“…I just stuck to the basics.”

“The basics?”

“Every person is different. Each body type responds differently, even to the same illness. I just prescribed what was suited to each individual. Even if the symptoms are the same, the necessary treatment might differ.”

The reason Alexa could focus on this aspect was because she had learned the difference between wolves and humans. Even if the symptoms were identical, the required medications were entirely different. If misused, the medicine could become poison.

The doctor’s face flushed as he listened to Alexa speak.

He was reminded of the fundamentals he had long since let go of, that each person tolerates medicine differently. What a child can take differs from what suits an adult. Every person has their own levels of resistance.

All Alexa had done was pay closer attention to those differences.

“…I see. You remembered something I had forgotten.”

“That’s right.”

Alexa nodded brightly. There was no longer any doubt this round had clearly gone to her. The doctor looked like a man who knew he’d lost.

“Ah. Could you keep my pregnancy a secret for now?”

“A secret…?”

“From everyone here. I’d like to be the one to share the news.”

Alexa blushed.

“I want to announce it in a special way.”

She had received a proposal from Ysildus, but hadn’t yet done anything for him in return. She wanted to prepare a small surprise to express her gratitude.

“You’ll all keep it a secret, right?”

If nothing else, this was the kind of secret people always kept. And Alexa wasn’t the only one blushing. The patients and medical staff who had been watching her were all smiling subtly. A special announcement? How, exactly?

This was precisely why newlyweds had their charm.

* * *

Count Jertho gripped the documents tightly. His belief that the best defense is offense remained unchanged. Whenever someone tried to point a blade at him, a shield was essential.

He toyed with his cane.

Soon, the doors to the audience chamber opened. The Ninth Prince entered, followed by Ysildus and Violeta. The combined force of the three was overwhelming. Count Jertho trembled, his face gone pale.

‘As expected. I was right.’

The moment he heard Jena’s report, he’d rushed here with a formal audience request before they could act first. Submitting an official request was tantamount to raising the white flag. It meant, ‘I recognize Prince Jeremiah as Emperor.’

Now was the time to read the room and keep his head low.

“You wanted to see me?”

Jeremiah crossed his legs. Ysildus and Violeta remained silent. Count Jertho glanced around, trying to read the atmosphere.

“Yes. I requested this audience because I have something to say to all three of you.”

Count Jertho, who had so arrogantly dismissed Jeremiah in the past, now bowed his head humbly before him. Jeremiah was the Emperor now. Jertho had hoped to hold the leash on this young pup, but something had clearly gone wrong. Now was the time to be cautious. Only if he survived would there be a future.

And if he could still make Sylvia the Empress… the day of his revenge was not far off.

“Then speak. I don’t have much time.”

Jeremiah’s tone was relaxed.

He had already anticipated this turn of events. Everything was playing out exactly as planned. From Jena and Sylvia entering the palace, to Essellia openly revealing her heart before them, every step had been carefully laid.

Jeremiah smiled gently.

“I’m sure you’re a busy man. I’m grateful you made time for this meeting. I assure you, Your Majesty won’t regret it. I know you’ve faced countless crises.”

“And?”

Jeremiah tilted his head, thinking: So this is the man at the top of those who threaten me, finally opening his mouth.

Ysildus smiled smoothly.

He never once deviated from expectations. It was almost pitiful, how Jertho so confidently leapt straight into the trap Ysildus had set. A pompous central noble who looked down on regional lords, and yet couldn’t see even a step ahead of himself.

Ysildus clicked his tongue.

Jertho pretended not to know what he clearly did.

“As a loyal servant of His Majesty, I couldn’t stand idly by. I believe those responsible must be rooted out entirely.”

“Well, that’s very considerate of you. So what do you want to say?”

Jeremiah played dumb.

“I have a list of their names, Your Majesty.”

Jertho smiled, feigning composure.

He had deliberately used ‘Your Majesty’ instead of ‘Your Highness,’ signaling his respect and acceptance of Jeremiah as Emperor. Jeremiah scratched the bridge of his nose.

“A list, huh. And you think I can do something with that?”

“Pardon? Of course. There’s so much you can do–”

“No.”

Jeremiah glanced between Ysildus and Violeta. Ysildus looked thoroughly amused.

“Even if I have that list, what can I actually do with it? As you know, the central nobles don’t follow me. That kind of power needs someone with real influence.”

Sure, Thersion could swing a sword on Jeremiah’s behalf. But Count Jertho only grovelled because he wanted something.

“What are you saying?”

Count Jertho’s lips trembled.

These b*st*rds! He’d prepared the table, and now they were asking to be spoon-fed?

“I think you understand.”

“…Excuse me?”

“The central nobles trust you more than they trust me, don’t they? My loyal servant, Count Jertho. Won’t you raise the sword in my place?”

“Your Majesty…!”

“I’ll soon be forming my cabinet. Unfortunately, Thersion wishes to return to his territory. He’s not suited for the central political scene.”

Though the truth was, he simply couldn’t stand being around humans.

“I think you’re the best candidate for the position. And as you know, I think quite highly of Lady Sylvia.”

Those words were enough to sway Count Jertho. Wasn’t that essentially a promise to make Sylvia the Empress? He was on the verge of realizing his dream. The Emperor might change, but Jertho would remain. He would rule from this seat of power.

And if Sylvia became Empress… 

And bore the Emperor’s child… 

Then that child could become heir to the empire!

Count Jertho trembled with barely contained excitement, his shoulders subtly shaking. He quickly lowered his head to hide his expression.

“Then what would you have me do?”

Ysildus lazily parted his lips.

“You need me to set the table too? Seems the Count is less capable than us regional nobles.”

“Lord Ysildus!”

Count Jertho snapped sharply. His feelings toward Ysildus had soured long ago, especially after the incident with Jena. If I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it. Count Jertho’s eyes flashed.

The Emperor had handed him a sword. Perhaps he could use that sword to cut down Ysildus as well?

No. Too soon. He couldn’t be greedy. That only led to ruin. Besides, Thersion wasn’t from some lowly noble house. He held a large, independent territory of his own.

“What’s the matter? Too much for you to handle alone? Do you need me?”

There was no such thing as shared credit in this world.

“Please leave it to me, Your Majesty.”