WTSP - 42

Harpin, the Captain of the Imperial Knights and the Emperor’s direct aide, had been going through a difficult time lately.

The moment he and Rovair had discovered the mages’ hideout a few days prior, he couldn’t help but be astonished by its unexpected scale. There were easily over a hundred people imprisoned in iron cages, and various magical tools were scattered throughout the underground levels.

When they had stormed in, the mages and guards seemed to have noticed someone had invaded their space and were hastily trying to destroy evidence.

However, the Imperial Knights of the Carlot Empire were not fools.

Their leader, Harpin, immediately assessed the situation and divided the knights to block all escape routes.

As a result, they managed to capture some of the fleeing party, but two high-ranking mages ultimately slipped through their fingers right before their eyes.

Failing to apprehend them all was frustrating enough, but there was an even greater pain.

Upon returning to the Imperial Palace, Harpin had the captured mages imprisoned in the underground dungeon and awaited Serdel’s instructions.

When the order came to extract the truth by any means necessary, Harpin began the interrogation with Rovair.

Of course, it wasn’t an interrogation through dialogue.

How could one have a humane conversation with those who had killed dozens of hostages?

Following Serdel’s command to use any method, Harpin resorted to torture, a decidedly unethical practice.

There was no need to treat inhumane beings with human decency.

The questioning, accompanied by excruciating pain, continued. Harpin and Rovair judged that it wouldn’t take long to uncover who was behind them.

Indeed, it wasn’t even a full day before one of them broke down and spoke.

The problem was...

“It seems they have implanted bombs within the bodies of those involved. It’s a similar case to the child who died in the lake a few days ago. It is presumed that the bombs detonate automatically when specific words are uttered. ...And it appears they are implanted in the brain. I apologize, Your Majesty.”

“How many perished by their own hand?”

“Since they were all separated into individual rooms, only the one who attempted to divulge the secret died. However, two knights sustained severe injuries. They have immediately begun treatment, but their chances of survival are uncertain. I will accept any punishment you deem fit.”

Harpin bowed, kneeling on one knee with a look of utter shame.

It was fortunate that most of the hostages were saved, but to have casualties on their side during the interrogation process...

Even though it was an unforeseen situation, his remorse did not subside.

Even if he had to relinquish his position as the Captain of the Imperial Knights, it was a burden he deserved to bear as their leader.

However, despite his inner resolve, Harpin’s heart pounded anxiously as he awaited Serdellius’s judgment.

He could only hope that his lord would not notice the frantic beating of his heart.

“Harpin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

There was no anger in Serdel’s voice. He was merely flipping through thick documents, reviewing their contents.

As an emperor of inherently inscrutable temperament, Harpin remained tense, bowing his head respectfully.

But the words that followed were quite unexpected.

“How many years has it been since you stood by my side?”

“I first served Your Majesty, who was then the Crown Prince, when I turned twenty. It has already been thirteen years.”

“Among the living, you are the one who has known me the longest, then.”

Was he perhaps going to say that since he knew too much, he had to die?

A chill ran down his spine for a moment, but Harpin was not naive enough to show his emotions outwardly.

Having protected Serdel for over a decade, he had become as unyielding as steel.

With each passing year, Harpin’s loyalty had only deepened, and few dared to treat him, the Captain of the Knights, lightly.

This was because they knew the Emperor’s nature of cherishing his own people dearly.

“Back then, I was weaker and more precarious than I appeared. You faithfully stood by my young side.”

“From the day I first met Your Majesty until now, my heart has never wavered for a single moment. If my death can atone to Your Majesty, that too would be an honor passed down through generations of my family.”

Harpin replied in a grave voice, bowing his head to Serdel.

His sincerity felt almost solemn. Even if the Emperor were to kill him at this moment, he would never resent it.

Serdel, who had been observing Harpin as if awaiting his sentence, let out a soft chuckle.

“Has life in the Imperial Palace become so dull for you? Why this sudden talk of death? Why not work with the resolve to die, instead?”

“...Yes?”

Only then did Harpin lift his head to study his lord’s expression. It was utterly ordinary and calm.

The moment he realized that the Emperor had no intention of punishing him, a deep sense of embarrassment crept up his spine.

Serdel had truly just been asking him the question to reminisce about old memories.

Feeling unnecessarily awkward, Harpin cleared his throat. He had revealed his inner thoughts to the Emperor, thoughts he didn’t even need to show.

“...Ahem, my apologies. Was there something else you wished to say?”

“It occurred to me that I could confide in you about my troubles. Would you listen?”

“Do you have concerns, Your Majesty? Though I may not be of much help, please feel free to speak.”

Serdel placed the document he had been reading in the center of the table.

Could he express these complex and difficult emotions in words? After a moment of contemplation, he swept his hair back and began to speak.

“It concerns the Empress. Fourth Imperial Concubine Ophelia is also involved.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“...I cannot understand my own feelings at all. I certainly thought I loved Brillin, but I’ve come to believe that those feelings might not have been love after all.”

It wasn’t a particularly surprising statement. Harpin recalled the Emperor’s demeanor from a few days prior.

That day, the Emperor had worn a precarious expression that Harpin had never seen on his face before. He had looked as if he would crumble if he couldn’t find Ophelia.

It was strange.

At least, the Emperor Serdellius Carlot that he knew had genuinely loved Brillin Carlot, who came from a commoner background.

“But Your Majesty clearly loves the Empress. As one who has watched over you most closely...”

At that moment, Harpin stopped speaking, unable to finish his sentence.

Come to think of it, why had he felt that the Emperor loved the Empress?

The moment they had first met was vividly etched in Harpin’s mind as well. He had been present at that very spot.

Their first encounter that day had undoubtedly been a beautiful one, inexplicable by any word other than destiny.

However, it was strange that he couldn’t recall how Serdel and Brillin had nurtured their love after that.

Was it just that he couldn’t remember it suddenly? It felt as if fragments of memory were scattered and wouldn’t connect.

“...In any case, wasn’t it because you loved the Empress that you went against everyone’s opposition and took her as your consort?”

Serdel nodded, his face showing a hint of distress.

“That is why I am confused. In contrast, the Imperial Concubine drew my attention with her utterly rude behavior. What do you think, Harpin? Is it possible that my strong first impression of her is causing me to misunderstand?”

“I am not sure either, Your Majesty. ...I thought I knew, but it seems I did not.”

Harpin shook his head, his expression equally perplexed.

Serdel pictured the Empress in his mind, the woman he had loved dearly, or at least believed he had.

An ordinary appearance, a strong vitality like a wild flower, a charm that was unpredictable.

He had clearly fallen for her at first sight, but when he tried to bring forth those feelings, it felt empty inside.

But it wasn’t as if someone had manipulated his heart to make him love her, so his frustration only piled up.

On the other hand, the emotions he felt for Ophelia were all vividly alive.

Whatever those emotions were, even if it was anger, at least it wasn’t dead like a corpse.

She stimulated the deep corners of his heart. It was a repeated process of touching him just when he thought he was getting used to it.

Therefore, those feelings were unlikely to fade into gray.

“...Difficult.”

Serdel ran his fingertips over his eyes, gazing into the empty air.

In the end, no answer came. Perhaps it wouldn’t be resolved for a long time.

Serdel knew it too. He had simply wanted to confide his complicated feelings to someone.

Serdel lightly patted Harpin’s shoulder, who looked as confused as he was, and rose from his seat.

Dealing with the immediate issues first would be the right course of action. He thought it would be better to immerse himself in state affairs.

“Until we uncover the mastermind, we must not give up, Harpin. If they are employing multiple mages, it means a rather powerful family is backing them. At least a count’s family. The mere fact that they privately hired mages is grounds for treason, so do your best to find out. Using the Imperial mages might not be a bad idea either.”

“Removing the bombs implanted within their bodies should be the priority. I shall carry out your orders, Your Majesty.”

“Very well. You may leave now. Do not worry about my safety and focus on uncovering the truth.”

After Harpin left, a cold silence filled the room.

Serdel, who had picked up the documents to continue his work, let out a deep sigh without realizing it.

If one did not control their own emotions, they would be led astray by them. Eventually, he put the stack of papers back down and tilted his head back, gazing at the high ceiling.

What are you thinking right now, Imperial Concubine?

It was a silent utterance that would never be conveyed.