The Male Lead Is Trying To Tame Me With Money - Chapter 49

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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49.

“Flare, a dragon?”

The Emperor’s pupils visibly shook upon receiving the report.

‘This is an era when dragons are viewed as mythical beings.’

The highest-ranking species among magical beasts, their name last appeared well over 200 years ago.

In particular, the Flare Dragon was known to be hibernating in the uninhabited wilderness adjacent to the border between Snowland and the Empire, so people managed that area consistently while remaining half-skeptical.

“That damn King of Seolkuk, does he dare mock me?!”

As expected of an emperor, he grasped the situation quickly.

After the Second Consort sent her letter, she had angrily told me about the King of Seolkuk’s reply that came contrary to her expectations, saying “Thank you for giving me an excuse.”

‘No matter how I look at it, it seems Brother didn’t deal with the magical beast subjugation that Seolkuk should manage while organizing Seolkuk’s internal affairs.’

Having faced the King of Seolkuk several times in his youth, the Emperor seemed to grasp the truth without the Second Consort’s words.

And I…

‘I thought it was possible.’

Although the timing differed somewhat from the original work, the same thing had happened there too.

‘However, in the original work, it was an incident that occurred in a side story.’

At that time, Seolkuk kept hiding it until they couldn’t handle it anymore and requested help from the Empire.

Casian, who had just ascended to the throne, pondered greatly but decided to personally lead the expedition, thinking the country itself could be in danger if left alone.

Of course, since the original Casian was competent in swordsmanship alone, he defeated the dragon without major injuries.

So I wasn’t too worried about this expedition either.

Since the Emperor was stepping forward, even if the Empress withdrew here, the expedition force’s size wouldn’t decrease.

“Casian!”

The Emperor looked at my superior as if calling upon a universal cheat key.

“Do you have something in mind?”

“If the Flare Dragon truly awakens from hibernation, it would be difficult for Seolkuk, having just suppressed internal strife, to put it back to sleep on their own.”

“Hmm, my thoughts are the same.”

“Therefore, the Empire should dispatch troops, but since we haven’t sent a definitive answer to the King of Seolkuk’s envoy yet…”

Casian’s eyes drew a cunning arc.

He glanced at the Empress briefly, then looked at the Emperor and spoke.

“How about we reply telling them to stop talking nonsense and think carefully about how to repay the Empire’s grace?”

At Casian’s words, the Emperor nodded while stroking his chin with satisfaction.

Of course, the princesses who had come worried about the previous incident also looked relieved.

“Yes! As expected, having traveled many battlefields, you know well how to deal with Seolkuk.”

The Emperor looked at the Empress with a subtle expression and spoke cheerfully.

“The Empress said we should quickly send an envoy to Seolkuk for the country’s sake, but this time it was hasty.”

At the Emperor’s mocking words, the Empress’s cheek trembled slightly.

“It’s because I was ignorant and didn’t understand Your Majesty’s great intentions.”

“Hahaha, I understand everything! The Empress couldn’t know, since you don’t know what war is like.”

When the Emperor acted like this, I would think that he was indeed Casian’s biological father.

He resembled him slightly in such nasty personality traits.

Though the nature was somewhat different. Perhaps…?

“Hmm, then I should grant what the Empress requested in advance? The prince who will accompany this expedition-“

“Your, Your Majesty!”

As soon as the Emperor spoke, the Empress turned pale and opened her mouth.

“They say a Flare Dragon might awaken, and Your Majesty intends to go personally? How can you make such a dangerous decision!”

“I already said this in front of Seolkuk’s envoy, Empress! Do you intend to make me a coward before the world?”

The Emperor barked, then immediately spoke languidly to the Empress.

“And don’t worry, would the prince accompanying me allow me to put myself in danger?”

It was the Emperor’s warning to try pushing Charley forward.

Though the Emperor usually overlooked the Empress’s minor schemes, determining the crown prince’s position ultimately depended on his own will.

“So Empress, is your heart still unchanged?”

“I, I am…”

The face of the Empress, who always maintained a calculated expression, was trembling.

She hesitated, clenching and unclenching the hem of her dress.

Because she understood too well what the Emperor meant.

The cunning Emperor had essentially declared to the Empress that he would put the prince in the most dangerous place.

The Emperor had plenty of words to package that well.

Rather, Prince Charley himself was composed, while only the Empress couldn’t make a decision and swayed like duckweed.

No matter how much she schemed, if Prince Charley, who would actually fulfill her dreams, died by any chance, it would all be meaningless.

Since the Second Prince had gone to the Kingdom of Anden, the only prince left to her was First Prince Charley.

Then Casian quietly bowed.

“Please forgive me for interrupting your conversation.”

“Casian.”

“How could I send Father alone on such a dangerous path? Of course, I believe Father is stronger than anyone in the Empire and will surely return victorious.”

He even used the word “Father,” which he usually avoided mentioning, and looked at the Emperor with respectful eyes.

“Though I am lacking, if Father permits, I wish to accompany you on that path.”

“…Are you making this request knowing it’s an expedition where your life might not be guaranteed?”

“That’s precisely why I make this request. Please remember that I volunteered when the King of Seolkuk first sent his envoy, Father.”

I have no ulterior motives and truly only wish to be of help to the Emperor.

Casian spoke earnestly, displaying his characteristic acting skills.

The Emperor’s gaze, which had been aggressive toward the Empress, softened considerably.

“Yes, there’s no one more suitable for this task than you anyway.”

The Emperor tapped his armrest a few times, then asked the Empress as if confirming.

“Is the Empress also fine with this? I’m willing to follow your words about maintaining balance.”

The wavering Empress’s eyes repeatedly met those of the Emperor and Casian.

Especially toward Casian, she sent searching glances as if trying to detect any sinister intentions, but she soon nodded as if resigned.

What her gaze finally settled on was none other than her own son, Charley.

Prince Charley merely looked at the Empress as if telling her to do as she wished.

“…Of course, since it’s a dangerous battlefield, it’s right for the experienced Prince Casian to accompany you. I only regret that other princes will miss the opportunity to learn from Your Majesty.”

“There will be other opportunities, Empress.”

“Yes, I believe so.”

Thus, Casian and I came to depart for the northern snowy mountains of the Empire with great justification in hand.

*

While preparing for the expedition in earnest, the Fourth Prince and Second Consort helped the Winter Palace generously.

“While we’re away, the Second Consort will have to stay with the Empress, will that be alright?”

Even to my worried question, the Second Consort answered as if it was fine.

“I too am someone who has survived in this palace for over 20 years. You don’t need to worry so much. I’m not so weak that I can’t protect myself even while holding my child.”

“I will also be careful to ensure there are no supply problems at the Imperial Palace, Salice Advisor.”

The Fourth Prince, who was helping alongside her, also spoke to me maturely.

I respected both their intentions, but prepared for any contingency by writing and giving Ashwood Aide several documents containing backup plans.

Looking at the documents I gave him, he spoke with an expression unsure whether to be impressed or call it ruthless.

“…When did you even write these?”

“I didn’t write them because I don’t trust Ashwood Aide, it’s just that I can’t have my office that pays my salary disappear while I’m gone.”

At my words, Francis Ashwood just let out a hollow laugh.

‘Working this hard because of salary…?’

I heard the puzzled muttering of someone who hadn’t tasted money’s bitterness, but decided to cherish the hothouse flower and let it go in one ear and out the other.

Thus, another full week passed.

Though various things seemed to be happening at the temple side upon news of the dragon’s appearance.

[Saint’s expedition still under discussion, considering reinforcement of priests.]

[Despite the Pope’s dissuasion, the Saint strongly desires to join the expedition…]

Well, various incidents seemed to be occurring, but nothing that would significantly hinder the expedition.

Although the Saint wouldn’t participate in the first expedition force, the Temple had mentioned that she would definitely be included in the second expedition force.

‘And with that personality of hers, she’ll definitely come out.’

I recalled the Saint’s personality in my mind, using His Majesty the Emperor’s grand speech before departure as background music.

Thus, on that chilly autumn day, the Imperial Army set out on their expedition.

*

“H-how are you so perfectly fine…?”

“I just came here carried in a carriage, you know?”

I shrugged my shoulders while distributing motion sickness medicine and nutritional supplements I had prepared in advance to several aides and administrators.

“As expected of the Winter Palace demon…”

Should I not give them the medicine?

Though I was exasperated, I didn’t do something as petty as withholding medicine, considering we were on a battlefield.

‘The real demon is over there!’

It had already been a week since we set out on the expedition.

Demonic beasts began frequently blocking the army’s path, and the snowy mountains that had only shown their edges now filled our entire field of vision.

And my superior.

“Rose, seeing how they struggled against those small fries, move the 3rd squad to the rear and add extra training.”

Was alone, stretching his arms and shoulders as if feeling somewhat stiff, fully displaying his demonic nature.

After fighting demonic beasts to the death, a New Knight who had been hastily shoving food into his mouth while drenched in sweat pitifully dropped his spoon.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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