Book 10: Chapter 48


    I didnt chat with Sisi for long. Anyway, we reached amon conclusion; however, she didnt n to stop me from going to the South. I left the pce in the afternoon. The imperial pce was most lively at night, yet it was evidently tense this time. I didnt know if it was due to my arrival or not.


    As I went to get on the carriage, someone pressed their hand on the door all of a sudden. He was a strange man wearing a hat and a dusty windbreaker. I thought he was a beggar at first nce, but I doubt thered be a beggar with a notepad and pen.


    Apologies for holding you up, Count Lin Dongqing. If you do not mind, would I be able to ask you a few questions? The man with the messy beard bowed.


    The coach checked for my reaction. Since I didnt disy too much hate, he didnt chase the man off. I didnt think there were journalists in the era we were in. He mightve just been an errand boy for some official, though. I had plenty of experience dealing with journalists and the paparazzi, and they were much worse than the man in front of me.


    I nodded: What do you want?


    Thank you very much for listening to me, Count Lin Dongqing. I came to ask about the war in the South. Her Majesty has not made anyments on it all this time. She has not drafted men or enforced martialw. She, as a matter of fact, has not made any preparations. Lots of people are looking to do leverage the war for business, but it has not started. The nobles are also wondering when to flee the imperial capital. You are a high-ranking official; you would not be back here solely for a honeymoon, would you? Do you have any news you could share with us?


    I called it. I have to give credit where its due: he was a brave soul. If Count Lin Dongqing was an unreasonable man and a cold-blooded killer as Veirya was, hed be dead already. He either had to be someone who could do anything for money or he knew me incredibly well.


    This concerns national politics; its not your business. Theres no need for you to ask, is there?


    Count Lin, I believe you know that information is money.


    He kept his hand pressed firm on the door. I didnt mind sharing the news. In saying that, I had to avoid inciting panic. Sisi and Veirya were pregnant. Therefore, I couldnt live in a chaotic city with soaring prices. I had to be cautious.


    Im sure you already know that a war has started. We dont decide if theres a war or not. Its already started. The moment they invaded ournds with hostile intent was the moment the war started.


    So, you mean to say that Her Majesty will continue the war and kill all of the enemies at all costs?


    No, I never said that. Im not a military general, and I certainly cant decide if the magnitude of the war will worsen. I only provide suggestions. Her Majesty makes the decisions. If those are the sorts of questions you have, youre better off asking Her Majesty personally.


    I made sure to quickly shoot down his im. He spiced up my statements on his own ord. All I said was that a war at started, Her Majestys political decisions werent my business.


    I had no need to continue talking to him, so I pressed my hand on his. I must be on my way now. If youre done asking questions, you should get going, as well. I dont know much more than you do. See you.


    Ah, oh, sure, sure. I wish you a happy marriage, he expressed, releasing his hand.


    I ced my cane into the carriage then got in. He shut the door and then tapped on the carriage, signalling for the coach to go. I buried my face in my hands and began to think.


    I couldnt let the two kids go yet for I had some questions to ask. I was unsure if others from their ce couldmunicate with me. Nevertheless, I had a trantor around. I couldmunicate with the boy, which meant that his people couldmunicate with us. In other words, they werent barbarians. They mustve had their own culture that just happened to differ from our own. I needed a spectacr victory to attain the power to start negotiations. I could also bring Leah, who could help me negotiate with them. She had a passive ability to win peoples trust and make them friendly with her, which was my security measure. I needed to go to the South. All I hopped was that there wouldnt be any danger and take too long.


    When I reached our house, the steward took my cape from me and courteously asked, Count Lin, did you meeting with Her Majesty go smoothly?


    Oh, yes, it did. Thanks for asking.


    I am d to hear that. Would you like some tea and rest now or do you have other ns?


    Ill take a break.


    When I reached the stairs, I caught Ross peeking out from the corner, ears up as straight as des. He looked grumpy as though he was bullied. He ran over to me and in a loud voice, inquired, Count Lin, is there something you are not pleased with me about, or are you sick of my dull self?


    Huh? No. I didnt know what Ross was talking about. I had just returned and had yet to say anything.


    Th-then why did you bring a boy back?! Is he your pupil, too?! Why do you need another pupil when you have Ross already?! Is it my fault?!


    Hang on a second. Ross, one, youre a boy. Second, hes not my pupil. Third, in the scenario that he was my pupil, you have no reason to be jealous! Theres a monogamyw, but theres now against having two pupils!