A Barbaric Proposal Chapter 111

※The Legend of Aliham Palace※

Had the Abbas Royal Family not vanished due to war and the Aliham Palace not fallen into ruin, perhaps proper records regarding the Divine Envoy might have survived.

Unfortunately, everything belonging to the Abbas line had been reduced to ash. All that remained were legends passed down by word of mouth.

[Fermos] "If the technology to pull water from below to above existed at that time, I believe it would have been possible to pull it over a single mountain, even across such a distance. Since this would be drawing water from above to below, a much larger volume could be moved. Enough to sustain an entire kingdom, not just a single palace."

The Kingdom of Nauk had been born from human intelligence—a power that many still believed was the Power of God.

[Weroz] "Then... if that is so, why has all that water dried up!"

Weroz finally spoke, unable to contain himself. He realized a moment too late that it wasn't his place to interrupt, but it was already too late. His heart was racing with uncontrollable tremors, just like the others.

[Fermos] "Isn't it obvious? Because when the Gainers Royal Family vanished, the people who knew how to operate the mechanisms vanished with them."

He let out a cynical snort.

[Fermos] "They killed the goose that laid the golden eggs. Those idiots who could only understand such a magnificent machine as 'divine power' destroyed it all."

[Weroz] "That..."

Weroz bit his lip. He had also believed that a curse had fallen upon the Gainers, so he had no defense.

[Liene] "In the end, this drought really was a punishment for Nauk. It was the price that everyone who sought to eliminate the Gainers line had to pay."

No one could deny her words.

[Liene] "Even if we are never able to make those mechanisms move again, we have no choice but to accept it as our due."

Black embraced her as she spoke those words, which left a bitter taste in her mouth.

[Black] "But that isn't the result you hope for, is it?"

[Liene] "It's true. But... I don't know if I have the right to wish for water anymore. It feels so shameless..."

[Black] "You are more than worthy, Princess."

Had Liene not accepted his proposal, Nauk’s drought would have continued for eternity.

[Black] "This is all thanks to you. There is no need for such painful thoughts."

[Liene] "......"

Liene took a deep breath and leaned into Black.

If the truth about the Gainers family and the dried-up waterfalls became known, everyone would surely feel the same.

[Manau] "Then... does this mean the water can be returned? Will you bring the water back to Nauk, Your Grace?"

Manau asked with a face that looked as if he might cry like a child.

[Black] "No, I do not know the method yet."

King Pembrovin had died before he could pass the secret to his son.

[Black] "But I will find out."

He had to retrieve the ring. The ring, known as the 'Key,' would surely provide a clue.

Fermos smirked, noticing that Black had finally had a change of heart.

[Fermos] "So you’re heading to the Kingdom of Sharka. I shall make the preparations."

---

[Black] "Absolutely not."

[Liene] "No?"

[Black] "No. I mean, why would you say something so dangerous?"

After returning from the Temple, only one task remained: traveling to the Kingdom of Sharka to retrieve the ring from Princess Blini.

As Fermos had guessed, Black had changed his mind. The fastest way to get the ring back was to handle it himself.

Back at the castle, the three of them coordinated the schedule for the departure. They had to select the escort and prepare for any potential conflicts. Amidst this, Liene said something that was bound to meet resistance.

[Liene] "I would like to go as well."

[Black] "I already told you no."

[Fermos] "Yes, it is out of the question."

Both were firm. No one knew how the Kingdom of Sharka would react. A messy power struggle was already unfolding in their royal court; the involvement of another nation could turn the situation ugly in an instant.

[Liene] "Is it really that dangerous?"

[Black] "Danger aside, I simply do not want you there."

[Liene] "Why?"

[Black] "Even if it isn't outright dangerous, it will be precarious."

Liene, who had been sitting in her study chair, stood up and perched herself on the edge of the desk where Black was standing.

[Liene] "You said you were going to see the Queen of Sharka. If I were the Queen, I would find a visit from Tiwakan strange. As long as Sharka has ears, they must know about the relationship between Tiwakan and the Duchy of Alito. They’ll suspect you’ve come to take Princess Blini’s side."

[Black] "......"

Since her logic was sound, Black and Fermos remained silent for a moment.

[Liene] "But I am different. I am the ruler of a neighboring kingdom, and a woman. We can say we are on our honeymoon. There’s nothing suspicious about my wanting to meet the Queen while I'm there. She won't be able to refuse such a visit."

Black glanced at Fermos, who forced himself to speak.

[Fermos] "Mm... I admit the diplomatic appearance would be better if the Princess went. But we don't know how Princess Blini’s side will react. There are too many variables, Your Highness."

[Liene] "We have informants, don't we? Can't we look into things before we go?"

[Fermos] "Even so, there are limits to—"

Just then, news arrived. Knock, knock.

[Mercenary] "Deputy-Commander, are you in there? A letter has arrived from Sharka."

[Fermos] "Talk about bad timing..."

Fermos grumbled as he opened the door. A Tiwakan grinned as he handed over a small, rolled-up piece of parchment.

[Tiwakan] "Weren't you waiting for this?"

[Fermos] "I was, but the timing is... ugh, never mind. Just wait out there."

[Tiwakan] "Yes, sir."

As Fermos turned back, Liene hurried toward him.

[Liene] "What does it say?"

[Fermos] "At least give me a moment to open it. And you're too close, Your Highness."

Fermos instinctively widened the gap. In truth, they weren't even that close, but since Black was clearly in a foul mood, he had to be careful.

[Liene] "I don't agree that I'm too close, but I’ll endure it because I’m curious about the letter."

[Fermos] "How kind of you. Hmm. For now, there’s nothing out of the ordinary, but two of the King’s brothers have stepped up to support the 5th Prince. It seems Princess Blini has made quite a few enemies. The Queen is also helping out, seeing as it's the perfect opportunity. And the King... oh, dear."

[Liene] "Is it bad news?"

[Fermos] "Princess Blini has announced her pregnancy. The King said that once the child is born, he will grant them the title of First Prince. Immediately after the announcement, the Queen left her residence and moved to a separate palace. It’s a complete mess."

The fact that the union between the King of Sharka and Princess Blini had strengthened was indeed bad news.

[Fermos] "If the King acts like this, the royal brothers will eventually turn back to his side. I didn't think the King would cast aside his dignity to this extent."

[Liene] "That's exactly why the Queen will be even more wary and desperate for allies. It's only right that I go."

[Fermos] "Ugh, Princess..."

Fermos scratched his head, unable to find a counterargument.

[Black] "Tell me honestly why you want to go."

Black turned Liene around to face him. As he leaned against the desk, they were roughly at eye level. Liene looked at him, thinking she quite liked this position.

[Liene] "I just told you."

[Black] "I suspect that isn't everything. You aren't the type of person to leave Nauk without a good reason."

It was rare for two rulers to travel abroad at the same time. While Liene’s reason was valid, it wasn't exactly unavoidable.

[Liene] "Mm... It's a bit complicated to explain."

[Black] "Tell me anyway."

[Liene] "I might sound a bit immature."

[Black] "Even so."

[Liene] "What if you’re disappointed in me?"

[Black] "Just talk first. If I feel like I'm going to be disappointed, I'll tell you in advance."

[Liene] "They said you had a talent for negotiation, and it's true."

She turned her head and cleared her throat awkwardly before speaking.

[Liene] "We’re going to find the ring. That ring is the key to bringing water back to Nauk."

[Black] "Whether 'we' are going hasn't been decided yet, but yes."

[Liene] "Regardless, it's such a massive undertaking, and I don't like the idea of the burden being solely on your shoulders. It might not be a fair comparison, but isn't this exactly like twenty-one years ago? I would just be receiving another crown that someone else brought to me."

[Black] "It is indeed not a fair comparison. And we don't even know if the ring is truly a key yet."

[Liene] "But for now, it's something that must be done. And I want to be away from Nauk for a while. It feels like the timing is perfect."

[Black] "Why do you want to leave Nauk?"

His brow furrowed, so she hurriedly took his hand.

[Liene] "It’s not that I don't want to be here... It’s just, I want to step away and see what kind of crown I'm wearing. I always thought this crown was just something I had to wear. But..."

In truth, it was Black’s birthright. The person who should have worn the crown even more naturally seemed to have a different perspective than her. Everyone knew Black was an exceptional leader.

Because of that, she felt the weight of the crown anew. She had always thought it was heavy, but now she felt like she hadn't fully understood even half of its real weight.

[Liene] "I want to see from outside Nauk whether I truly want to wear this crown, whether I'm ready, and whether I am the person qualified to wear it."

Had the late King not died so soon, she would have had plenty of time to grapple with such thoughts. But for Liene, who inherited the crown at eighteen, there were too many urgent tasks at hand.

Worrying about the crown was a luxury. There was an immediate shortage of water, plagues were spreading, and people were starving. The Kleinfelters were sharpening their claws in plain sight.

[Liene] "I don't think a time like this will ever come again if I miss it now."

[Black] "......You are right."

Black mixed a sigh with a smile, as if he had no choice.

Even her delayed anxiety was proof of her ideal character as a ruler. He would have had the same concerns if he were meant to wear the crown.

She was also right about the timing. Once the ring was found, the ruler of Nauk would be far too busy ushering in a new era to even catch their breath.

[Black] "Then let’s go together."

She beamed and stomped her feet in joy.

[Liene] "Really? Thank you!"

Black gripped her arm to keep her from tripping.

He gave a quick nod to Fermos and the Tiwakan. It was a clear signal for them to get out.

The Tiwakan hesitated, not understanding why, until Fermos grabbed him by the hair and dragged him out.

Once he confirmed the door was closed, Black wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

[Black] "If you’re thankful, I’d like a proper 'thank you'."

[Liene] "Mm... well, I am thankful, but really, I'm going so that you won't be in danger. Shouldn't you be the one thanking me?"

[Black] "Then I’ll be the one to give the thanks. Just accept it."

With that, he leaned in and captured her lips.

Feeling the warm pressure against her mouth, she slowly closed her eyes.

Does this man know how good he is at kissing?

He must. There's no way he doesn't.

It felt a little unfair.

I wish I were good at it, too. So that every time he says something ridiculous, I could silence him with a kiss.

...Well, it’ll happen eventually. I’ll learn as we keep doing this.

Liene murmured to herself through the sweet haze of the kiss that she would have to practice as hard as possible until then.

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