#146. An Unexpected Guest
The news of victory in Kartian was quickly relayed back to the home country. Langrisha, who received a letter from “her younger sibling” even before the official report, widened her eyes in astonishment at the news.
“By the heavens… you really did it.”
Blanche had exaggerated Kartian’s provocations to justify the war and presented them to Langrisha as aggressively as possible. While Langrisha had granted permission for mobilization, thinking that a military clash was inevitable, she had never truly expected Kartian’s entire territory to fall completely into their hands.
At most, she had imagined Blanche putting up a brilliant counterattack against Kartian’s forces, enough to secure a peace treaty. Of course, given the clear difference in national power, that alone would have been impressive enough.
Yet Blanche had done exactly as promised: Kartian was entirely under her control. And she had achieved it even faster than Langrisha had anticipated.
“This truly deserves high praise.”
“It is my honor that Your Majesty recognizes my efforts,” Tula responded politely on Blanche’s behalf, since Blanche was absent.
Tula had been assisting Langrisha with correspondence while standing in for Blanche.
“However, this is something we can discuss after Your Highness returns. It would be best if you focus on stabilizing domestic affairs without concern for these matters.”
The words “domestic stabilization” caught Langrisha’s attention in Blanche’s letter.
[I am handling everything for now, but since I do not hold an official post, I would be grateful if you could appoint a regent as soon as possible. I hope I am not overstepping my bounds.]
This was the part that stood out.
Blanche had no formal training in governance, so it was appropriate to appoint someone to manage internal affairs temporarily while she worked to integrate Lamore and Kartian. Yet from the letter, it seemed Blanche’s hesitation was not due to incompetence but because she felt she was not in a position to rule Kartian and thus declined the responsibility.
“Domestic stabilization… Do you think the burden would be too great if we made Blanche the regent?”
“No, Your Majesty is fully capable of handling it.”
“Then I shall issue a decree appointing Blanche as regent. Honestly, I doubt anyone could do better than her anyway.”
If there had been someone in Kartian capable of governing its vast territory, they would have already been employed. But Lamore lacked such a standout talent.
“You are very considerate. May I suggest, however, that since Your Majesty still commands the Lamore army, perhaps the military title should accompany the appointment? So far, there have been no problems, but one can never predict what might occur in the future.”
Indeed, Tula’s guidance had greatly assisted Langrisha in making a confident decision that Blanche would fill her absence well.
“Ah, of course. Then I shall appoint her both Grand General and Regent.”
As Langrisha spoke, her eyes fell upon a note about Tula.
[Tula is loyal and capable, so she will assist her sister well. However, her low status may limit her influence. I recommend appointing a few high-ranking officials to assist her.]
Even after reconsidering, Lamore had no one suitable even to serve as Blanche’s aide. Therefore, Langrisha decided to raise Tula’s status while she was at it. Tula was both Langrisha’s right hand and Blanche’s caretaker, so there was plenty of reason to do so. Rewarding the family or caretakers of those who achieve great deeds was common practice.
“And you shall be granted the title of Duke. That should silence anyone who might question your authority.”
After the decisive victory at the border, there were those attempting to curb Blanche’s influence. By granting Blanche the titles of Grand General and Regent and Tula the dukedom, any objections based on rank or position would be effectively neutralized.
Langrisha’s face brightened at the prospect of resolving potential issues early. Despite the dramatic promotion, Tula merely bowed her head calmly.
“I am grateful, Your Majesty.”
“Very well, I shall draft the decree.”
As Tula had noted, the full formal recognition would only be possible after Blanche returned to Lamore. For now, Blanche had effectively gained both the position she needed and the promotion for Tula—both well-deserved. Tula allowed herself a faint smile, bowing deeply in acknowledgment of the young princess’s success.
Of course, I intended to consolidate the remaining territories and expand the nation. Conquering a single kingdom, regardless of its size, would not quite justify calling oneself an empire. Yet I had no intention of rushing. Even drinking water too quickly can cause indigestion—how could I possibly attempt to swallow half the continent in haste?
So first, I resolved to deal with internal opponents within Kartian. I would make them bow, recognizing it was better to submit than resist. Given the difference in size and strength, Lamore’s nobles would behave once they saw me bringing Kartian under control.
I also remembered to distribute the first wave of spoils to the army. Immediate rewards were essential to secure loyalty in the next war. Unlike the existing kingdom’s army, the Nikal tribe required their portion to be sent to their respective clans, leading to multiple dispatches of correspondence. Among them was also a query previously suggested to Sharkel: whether they were interested in participating in the upcoming conquest. Naturally, with the odds appearing favorable, the Nikals had no reason to decline.
Amidst the hectic days of stabilizing the populace, checking for potential rebellions, and monitoring foreign military deployments, an unexpected visitor arrived.
“Your Majesty, someone wishes to meet you.”
Requests for audiences came dozens of times a day. The nobles and influential figures of Kartian were all eager to see me—some seeking favor, others daring to evaluate me personally, and still others plotting to see if my surrender could be undone through assassination.
Yet this time, no additional information about the visitor was provided.
Curious, I looked up at the steward. He was the same one I had been using since the Kartian kingdom days, kept in place because there was no immediate need to replace him.
“The visitor has not revealed their identity. But showing this will let Blanche recognize them.”
The steward presented an embroidered handkerchief. Contrary to his hopeful gaze, the embroidery held no apparent meaning, and I had never seen this handkerchief before. Yet the steward was correct—I recognized someone capable of such a method.
I hadn’t expected to meet them again. At least, I had not imagined seeing them in person. I suppressed a bitter smile and rose from my seat.
The guest I received in the parlor was exactly whom I had expected. His Majesty himself. What I had not anticipated, however, was that he had come alone with Liana.
Liana showed no attempt to conceal her boldness, leaving the poor guards struggling to handle a bare-handed visitor. Anyone observing would have thought Liana wielded a sword at her waist while the guards were the ones unarmed and sipping tea.
“Liana, Melchizedek.”
Unlike the palace staff retained from the kingdom era, the military had all been replaced with Lamore personnel. In other words, the ones trembling before Liana were my subordinates.
Feeling sympathy, I raised my voice slightly, silently signaling that there was no need for tension as they were familiar and friendly. The guards relaxed immediately, and both His Majesty and Liana turned their heads toward me.
“Blanche!”
Liana called my name first. Despite the long journey from the empire to Kartian’s capital, her smile remained casual, as if she had just stepped out for a neighborly visit.
“First time here, I assume? Shall I show you the gardens? The flowers are in full bloom and look magnificent.”
I took Liana’s outstretched hand and guided them quickly to a more private area. I did not want the guards’ heavy presence to feel overbearing.
“That sounds wonderful. I appreciate the thoughtfulness.”
“I still have tea left, so it’s fine,” both Liana and His Majesty responded simultaneously, as if rehearsed.
Despite feeling reassured by Liana’s presence, I was now thrown into a private meeting with His Majesty. I forced a shaky smile and led the way.
“…Very well. Melchizedek, please this way. Steward, attend to Liana.”
“Yes, understood.”
Ignoring the steward, whose complexion seemed a shade paler than before, I mentally reviewed the defensive deployment of my forces. We needed a space where neither our movements nor our conversation could be observed.
