This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 260

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 260

Even after the hour for state affairs had passed, Bloden was nowhere to be seen in the conference room.
Raven alone emerged and relayed the Emperor’s words in an even, measured tone.
“Ahem. His Majesty has designated today as the ‘Northern Gate Closure National Holiday’ and, in commemoration, has proclaimed the next four days—including yesterday—to be public holidays.”
“……I beg your pardon?”
The ministers who had received this announcement exchanged bewildered glances before turning to Raven with questions.
“A-a national holiday designation? What on earth do you mean by that?”
“And four days of public holidays at that?”
“Precisely as you’ve heard. The threat of the Northern Gate has been ended, and the entire Empire rejoices so greatly—surely it is only fitting that we commemorate this with a national holiday, or so His Majesty believes.”
“Well, that is true, but…”
“It’s so sudden.”
“From yesterday’s festival onward, all expenses for food and drink that the people incur shall be covered from His Majesty’s personal coffers. You’re all dismissed to return home and enjoy these days with your families.”
The ministers rose, tilting their heads in uncertainty. But soon one of them clenched his fist with a stern expression.
“Lord Raven.”
“Yes.”
“While it’s true the state affairs schedule isn’t greatly affected and that a national holiday is warranted, proclaiming a public holiday so abruptly seems… questionable.”
One of Raven’s eyebrows twitched slightly upward.
Yet the black aura that had rippled around him yesterday did not stir. He looked merely impassive on the surface, though something in his bearing suggested he was in quite a good mood.
To the ministers’ eyes, Raven seemed to think this was not a matter worth pressing as forcefully as yesterday.
‘Yesterday the momentum was certainly against us.’
‘But today, shouldn’t we be able to push back our way?’
‘The issue itself doesn’t matter. We need balance—give one thing, take one thing our way.’
Thinking thus, the other ministers chimed in one after another.
“I too believe it’s far too hasty. Setting aside yesterday, the people will have two more days without work—what then?”
“Prolonged idleness reduces productivity. What if a poor harvest should strike?”
“Precisely. And however much His Majesty claims these are his personal funds, if we spend so recklessly, the Imperial Treasury will surely suffer.”
With consensus building, an emboldened minister rolled up his sleeves.
“I was thinking of stepping forward to petition His Majesty to reconsider. What is your view on this, Lord Raven?”
“Yesterday’s proposal had been under discussion for some time, so I bore considerable responsibility. Today I merely conveyed His Majesty’s command. So if you truly wish to go, you’re free to do so, but…”
Raven spoke while casting his eyes left and right, then slowly stepped back with a slight smile.
“I should warn you in advance—approaching His Majesty during these two days could be construed as treason.”

* * *

After spending the night in Bloden’s chambers, unable to resist his temptation.
I had honestly expected someone to come knocking once morning arrived. Reality is reality, after all, regardless of one’s wishes. So I was tense at heart, yet—quite surprisingly—no one came.
And Bloden would not release me even through the following day, and there was no one to disturb us.
We whispered words of love with Bloden, ate delicious meals together, and spent time alone with each other.
To be honest, these moments were far too wonderful. Still, I did not forget that Bloden is the Emperor.
By the fourth day I could not ask him to neglect his duties any longer, and I had matters of my own to attend to.
“I meant to stop by Count Enox’s domain and then head to Snoril.”
At my words, Bloden assigned Kimarise to accompany me as an escort.
After leaving the capital, I first sought out Count Enox’s annex. Bernard, who had received word of my arrival and come to meet me, guided me to Maji’s annex while reporting on her condition.
“Her recovery is progressing remarkably well.”
Through Count Enox, Bernard had requested the medicinal herbs necessary for Maji’s treatment from Raven.
“I was truly astonished. The cost of the herbs we needed was substantial enough, but some were so rare that even money couldn’t easily procure them. He told me to simply request anything, so I ventured to ask…”
And Raven had actually obtained those herbs and given them to Bernard.
‘Wow, Raven. Handling all this without making a fuss… I’m really grateful.’
It was likely done at Bloden’s direction, but still, the effort expended to acquire them must have been considerable.
I decided I would need to thank Raven separately as I continued listening to Bernard’s report on Maji’s condition.
“…The external wounds have also improved greatly. In about a year, most of her bodily functions should be restored. These days she’s been taking up the sword again each morning.”
“That’s wonderful news indeed.”
Then Maji’s annex came into view. Her maid was hanging laundry to dry, while Maji sat in a rocking chair positioned in a sunny spot, stroking Toto and watching her maid.
“Meow.”
Toto spotted me first and cried out, and Maji turned to look at us.
“Goodness! My lord!”
Maji, startled, hastily smoothed her hair and rose from her seat.
“Have you been well?”
The maid stopped what she was doing and hurried before me, bowing respectfully.
Toto greeted me with unbridled joy, leaping into my arms. I held her close, stroking her fur while studying the complexions of Maji and her maid.
Their color had improved noticeably since before.
“How have you been? How’s your health?”
.
.
.
Soon I settled across from Maji at the prepared tea table and listened to her account.
“I’ve recovered wonderfully, my lord. It’s all thanks to your careful attention. How have you been faring?”
“Well, Lord Roelden. It’s quite a long story, and truthfully…….”
I told Maji honestly about everything that had transpired.
Everything, that is, except that I was a Possessor and that Baron was Bloden.
“You’ve annulled your marriage to the Emperor of Ilpein and decided to remarry him?”
Maji’s face showed she didn’t understand the point. Her expression suggested that if they were going to marry anyway, why bother with the annulment process.
‘I know, I know. I can see how it might look like needless trouble, and I’m aware our values differ on this.’
At the same time, I brought up some of the discussions I’d had with Bloden during our time together.
Bloden had listened carefully to how I wanted to live.
And he’d lifted from me in one stroke the burdens that weighed on me—the politics I’d need to handle as Empress, the governance of Meridian, such things as those.
No more Monsters would emerge from the Northern Gate.
Bloden had Commanders reduce their numbers in Meridian, but some Monsters still remained. As for Tillan, it could scarcely be called anything other than a Monster kingdom.
Bloden intended to eradicate every last Monster and bring Tillan under the dominion of the Ilpein Empire. At my request, he’d also agreed to place Meridian within Ilpein’s territory.
“It may seem like I’m deciding things on my own, and you might be somewhat disappointed, but I thought it would be the better reality for the people of Meridian.”
“Isn’t it enough to drive out the Monsters and reclaim our land? If we can rebuild Meridian under Ilpein’s protection, that would be far better.”
When I broached this subject, I’d worried a little that you might be disappointed in me and grow angry. But Maji simply bowed respectfully.
“Besides, I am only your servant, my lord. If you, the master of Meridian, have decided thus, then I shall follow.”
“Thank you for understanding. In any case, we’ll need new lords after all this.”
In such circumstances, the recovery of Lord Margie Lowelden was all the more welcome news.
“I’ve already discussed it with His Majesty. I intend to grant you a Count’s rank and send you to Meridian.”
“……Pardon?”
“Lord Roelden.”
I wrapped my hands around Maji’s.
“You’ve served the Meridian Royal Family with your whole heart, and you know that land better than anyone. If you were to govern a portion of that territory and restore your honor, I’d feel most assured.”

* * *

When I arrived in Snoril, something felt different than usual.
‘That’s strange. What’s different?’
I tilted my head in puzzlement until I drew near my house and finally understood.
Today, everyone seemed to be walking about with contented expressions, clutching newspapers.
‘What’s happened?’
Just then I spotted Ben, minding the shop in Susan’s stead.
“Hello, Ben.”
“Oh, Miss! Welcome, welcome. My wife just made some strawberry juice, and I was about to have some. Come, join me.”
I naturally sat down with a glass of strawberry juice before me and exchanged pleasantries with Ben.
“I hear from Raven that his younger brother has already gone abroad to study? Ha, that boy was remarkably sharp from the very first.”
Ben praised Baron with such effusive words that I could hardly get a response in—and since the subject of Baron required delicate handling, I smiled and nodded, which naturally carried the conversation along.
“And you, Miss—I hear you’ve been swamped with business. How’s it going? Things working out well?”
“Ah, business?”
“I’ve heard rumors you’re moving the entire rice-cake skewer business to the Capital.”
“Really? Who said that?”
“Oh, some traveler mentioned it. He said the rice-cake skewer business would obviously do better in the Capital.”
“Haha, work has certainly been hectic, but I haven’t heard that rumor. Rice-cake skewers belong in Snoril, no matter what. But speaking of which, everyone seems to be reading newspapers—what’s the occasion?”
“Ah, seems there’s good news afoot.”
“Good news?”
“Yes. Haven’t you seen it yet? The whole Empire’s been buzzing about this lately.”
Ben unfolded his newspaper and showed it to me, and I spat out the strawberry juice I’d been drinking.

<All the Gossip of the Empire: Special Feature on “His Majesty”!>
His Majesty the Emperor was spotted strolling unaccompanied through the crowds of Festival-goers alongside a woman presumed to be his lover, hand in hand, becoming quite the talk of the town. When a reporter asked how anyone could identify him, the informant scoffed, “Who in the Capital doesn’t know the Emperor’s face these days?”

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