Empire of Ice

by Hyougetsu

  That was my fault, wasn’t it...? But to think Prince Ashley would try to test me like this. I didn’t know he had this mischievous side to him.

  “Your Highness, do you enjoy watching me get flustered?”

  “It’s the opposite, Lord Veight. You’re so unflappable that it scares me sometimes. Even if you were able to reason that the berry was safe, wouldn’t you normally hesitate somewhat still?”

  I smiled ruefully.

  “There are plenty of people back in Meraldia capable of taking my place. Even if I were to die here, the Commonwealth would be no worse for the wear.”

  “Surely you jest.”

  “Not at all.”

  I’m just a lowly vice-commander. Prince Ashley’s expression softened a little and he said, “You truly are an interesting man.”

  “I hear that a lot. My peers think me a strange man who acts independently far too often for his own good.”

  “That was not what I meant. At first glance, you appear to be a simple scholar, but at the same time you have the wits of a master strategist and the martial might of a swordmaster.”

  I knew it was just flattery, but it felt good to be praised by a prince.

  “Incidentally, you noticed this was no mere greenhouse the moment we entered, did you not Lord Veight?”

  “I did indeed. You clearly are more interested in gathering a wide variety of plants than making this greenhouse pleasing to the eyes. Furthermore, every plant you’re growing here has some medicinal purpose.”

  Prince Ashley smiled mischievously.

  “Don’t you mean... they’re all poisonous?”

  Even I didn’t have the balls to call the prince’s greenhouse a poison farm to his face. Time to diplomatically avoid the question.

  “Depending on the dosage, a poison can become medicine. And if you over-administer a medicine, it becomes poison. Poison and medicine are one and the same.”

  That wasn’t my quote, but it was the truth. After that, Prince Ashley opened up quite a bit to me. His prank had been in pretty poor taste, but he’d only done it because he’d believed I wouldn’t get mad over such petty things. As a result, he trusted me now, so I wasn’t really that hung up over the snowberry thing. Besides, it’d been a tasty berry.

  The first thing Prince Ashley did was bombard me with questions.

  “According to the reports I’ve read, Meraldia’s flour is whiter than ours. I find that tidbit quite fascinating. Would you happen to know why, Lord Veight?”

  I thought back to what I’d learned back in Japan.

  “People tend to prefer whiter grains. Because Meraldia is blessed with large swathes of arable land, there’s a lot of food and people can afford to be pickier about which crops they buy. This in turn incentivizes farmers to plant more white-grain crops. Though in truth, it’s the darker wheat which has more nutritional value and is more resistant to insects and disease.”

  I’d read that there were some parts of East Africa where people only ate white corn, and as a result, they were deficient in vitamin A. The yellow corn was considered inferior and only used as feed for livestock. Rice was the same way in Asia.

  “Originally, we grew black and red rice in southern Meraldia. Occasionally there would be a mutated white rice crop though, and because people preferred that to the colored rice, farmers started actively cultivating it and now there’s only white rice in Meraldia. In general, people tend to prefer the taste of white grains.”

  Fascinated, Ashley pulled a scrap of paper and a pen out of his pocket.

  “I see... so there’s no need to go out of my way to obtain a sample of Meraldian wheat. After all, what Rolmund needs right now is a stable crop, not a delicious one.”

  “Are you worried about Rolmund’s agricultural situation?”

  “Yes, it’s quite a serious problem.”

  Sighing, Prince Ashley looked up at the sun through a glass window.

  “This empire sustains itself on the labor of serfs. If we make any errors in our governance and incite serfs to revolt, crop yield drops that year and the empire starves.”

  “So you’re searching for crops that provide higher yields.”

  “Precisely. Ensuring his subjects do not starve is the emperor’s duty.”

  This guy’s pure, through and through, huh. I kind of want to punch his too-handsome face, though. As I was mentally cursing the handsome prince, I suddenly remembered something.

  “I have heard from Princess Eleora that you have a profound knowledge of plants, Your Highness. Though few, I have brought seeds native to my homeland with me to Rolmund.”

  “Truly!?”

  Whoa, is it really that big a deal? Prince Ashley’s eyes were sparkling. If this was an act, I’d want to recommend him to Veira’s theatre troupe. He started shooting furtive glances at my pocket every few seconds.

  “So, where are these seeds?”

  “I’ve left them with one of my attendants. He’s wonderful at managing things. I can have them delivered to you later, but for now, let me tell you which ones I’ve brought.”

  I handed Prince Ashley a small catalog, and he started poring over it immediately. He was clearly more interested in domestic affairs than international ones. Before we’d left, I’d asked Mao to pick out a few crops that could grow even in cold temperatures for me. I’d also double-checked with Eleora that these crops didn’t already exist in Rolmund. It was possible the crops wouldn’t take, or that some other incident would destroy the first harvest, but that wasn’t my responsibility. Ashley carefully folded and pocketed the catalog, then shook my hand.

  “On behalf of Rolmund’s citizens, I thank you, Lord Veight.”

  You don’t need to lean in that close, man. If he got too close, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold back from punching his perfect face. Regardless, Ashley was a surprisingly open prince. We continued walking through the greenhouse, discussing various plants and animals.

  In my old life, I’d dreamed of becoming a biologist. But that dream had died a dream. Still, while I didn’t have a college degree in biology, I was still pretty familiar with living things. I told the prince stories I thought he might find interesting, like my battle with the giant octopus, or how I’d solved the assassination case in Veira by tracing the poison the assassins had used. However, I avoided telling any stories that might disclose military information. For example, I didn’t mention that I knew the terabirds Rolmund’s cavalry used couldn’t stand heat, or that the wyverns dragonkin rode were carnivorous and thus couldn’t be fielded in large numbers.

  In return, Prince Ashley told me a few stories of his own.

  “In truth, the emperor could die any minute now. His condition is quite critical.”

  So that’s why I’m not allowed to meet him. As we walked, Prince Ashley would occasionally stop to pluck a leaf or fruit from a nearby plant.

  “His disease causes healing magic to worsen his condition, so the only thing that can treat him is medicinal herbs. However, the only herbs that have any effect are poisonous ones that would normally kill a healthy person.”

  “I see, so this is why you’ve created this garden of herbs.”

  It was too early to be sure, but it seemed Prince Ashley genuinely cared about his father. Alright, it’s about time I got going. I’d learned something about what kind of person Prince Ashley was, and had also earned his trust. While we were destined to stand on opposite sides eventually, I didn’t have to fight with him just yet. I needed to negotiate with the other major players in this game of thrones and make myself known as the leader of the moderates within Eleora’s faction. Though of course, I’d be crushing all other contenders when the time came.

  * * * *

  —A Swordsman’s Resolve—

  As he had every day since his duel, Viscount Schmenivsky had gone to the imperial palace to seek an audience with the emperor.

  “You have to understand, that man is a werewolf! A demon who’s come to destroy our noble empire!” />
  I sighed and pretended not to hear him. My master had assigned me to both protect and keep an eye on the viscount. I had spent a long time serving my current master, because I owed a great debt to house Doneiks. Which was why I was currently standing here listening to the Count of Slaughter prattle.

  Occasionally though, I did wonder. Were the viscount’s claims truly nonsense? During the duel, I had served as the viscount’s second. Lord Veight’s movements had been extremely polished, and unbelievably quick. They’d been the movements of a fighting master.

  But what had truly terrified me was what I’d seen when I went to inspect the grounds after the duel. I’d found traces of footprints being carved into the hard-packed ground. Whether in sword-fighting or in boxing, one needed to kick off the ground to put any force into their lunge.

  Just how much force had Lord Veight kicked off the ground with to leave such deep footprints? My fist could fit neatly into one of them. Lord Veight’s strength was immeasurably immense. Had he struck the viscount directly with all his might, the viscount would have died. The fact that he hadn’t meant that this visitor from Meraldia had found the duel so easy he’d even been able to hold back.

  This foreign gentleman warranted utmost caution. Naturally, I’d reported as much to my master as well. I was expecting a return message from the Doneiks manor soon.

  Just as I thought that, I heard a faint knock at my door. I ignored the viscount, who was still going on about Lord Veight being a werewolf, and walked into the hallway. Waiting outside was the Doneiks family’s personal doctor, and two assistants/guards.

  “Lord Doneiks is worried about Master Schmenivsky’s health and has ordered us to provide him with medicine.”

  So the same as usual then. Though I wanted no part of this, I still accompanied the two men. I felt as though I had to at least fulfill my obligations to the viscount. The doctor bowed politely to the viscount.

  “Master Schmenivsky, my lord has requested that these ‘painkillers’ be delivered to you.”

  The viscount paled.

  “Wh-What do you mean?”

  The doctor took a small vial out of his bag and poured a few clear drops of some liquid into it.

  “Go on, drink this. It will put you to sleep for a while, but when you awaken, your pain will be gone.”

  However, the viscount shook his head.

  “W-Wait... Why are you doing this to me... It’s not supposed to...”

  The doctor’s two assistants grabbed the viscount and pinned him in place. Both were skilled warriors who I’d trained myself. Meanwhile, the doctor grabbed the viscount’s jaw and, with practiced movements, wrenched his mouth open.

  “Baagh! Aaagh!”

  Even as the viscount was screaming, the doctor poured the vial’s contents down his throat. The viscount struggled desperately to free himself, but it was too late. I kept my hand on my sword, just in case, and waited for the inevitable.

  Finally, the assistants let go of the viscount. The doctor inspected his eyes, then put a hand to his throat.

  “Good night.”

  All of us put our hands to our breasts and prayed for the viscount’s soul. Then, the two assistants lifted the viscount’s corpse and carried it out of the room and toward a waiting carriage.

  “Will it be ‘recuperating’ again this time?”

  “Yes. We will escort him to one of Lord Doneiks’ mountain villas, where he will spend some time ‘recuperating.’”

  In this country, nobles continued to live on even after their deaths. In order to avoid sowing confusion among the populace, their death would only be made public after enough time had passed and the proper preparations had been made. Now that the assassination was over, I could discuss my future plans with the doctor.

  “The imperial court magicians have determined that the honorary count is human. Lord Doneiks, too, is part of the imperial family. It would not do to have one of his followers questioning the emperor’s judgment.”

  I sighed in response to the doctor’s words.

  “So that was why you decided to put him to rest.”

  “Correct. Lord Doneiks is tired of cleaning up after the viscount’s blunders. Enough is enough.”

  “I suppose so.”

  Had the viscount just been a little humbler and wiser, he might still have been a landed count. In the end, he was simply reaping what he’d sown. The doctor pulled a letter out of his pocket.

  “These are your new orders. Please read through them immediately.”

  “As you wish.”

  Chances were, I would be stuck doing someone’s dirty work again. My master was a prudent man. He assigned dangerous jobs only to those who had his absolute trust. Which was precisely why I made sure to always live up to his expectations.

  “Hmm.”

  “Is something the matter?”

  The doctor had known me for quite some time, and he was able to sense something was wrong from my tone alone. I smiled ruefully.

  “The young lord has joined a group within the palace. My job is to guard him.”

  For security reasons which young lord wasn’t specified in the letter. However, I had known my master long enough to know who he was referring to. Whenever Lord Doneiks used the words “my beloved son” he was referring to none other than his second child, Lord Woroy. His eldest son, Evan, was referred to instead as “my child.”

  While I was up to the task requested of me, I was still a little anxious. I needed to ensure I did a perfect job of protecting Lord Woroy. The doctor repacked his bag and smiled at me.

  “Fear not. There is not a man alive who doesn’t cower when he hears the name of the Sword Saint, Barnack.”

  “Please drop that ludicrous title. I’m just an old man from a fallen family of knights.”

  It was only thanks to Lord Doneiks that I could maintain my current lifestyle despite having lost my land. And it was in order to repay that debt that I would complete any mission assigned to me. Even if it meant crossing swords with a legendary werewolf.

  * * * *

  I had hoped to return to East Rolmund as soon as possible and start winning over Eleora’s uncle, Lord Kastoniev, but for the moment I was still stuck in the capital. The reason for that was simple.

  “Lord Veight, please tell me more about your duel.”

  “Is it true your name has spread across all of Meraldia?”

  Ever since my duel with Viscount Whatever-sky, I’d become famous. Honestly, it felt like I was being treated like an animal in a zoo. Then again, there probably weren’t too many visitors who challenged a viscount to a duel on their first day here. Plus, I beat him in a single blow, which added to the novelty. On top of that, I was the first visitor in a long time who’d come from a foreign country. And lastly, rumors were starting to spread that Prince Ashley trusted me even though I was part of Eleora’s faction. Though of course, that wasn’t quite true.

  The emperor was in poor health, and it was thought that Prince Ashley would ascend the throne in the next few weeks. As it was, the prince was already performing most of the emperor’s duties in his stead. Naturally, there were plenty of people who wanted to get on his good side now. Not that befriending me would help anyone in befriending Prince Ashley. After all, I’d come here to make Eleora empress.

  * * * *

  —Airia’s Reply: 2—

  Dear Veight,

  Did you say you dueled someone? Are you unhurt? Well, I suppose that’s a foolish question. Knowing you, you would never be defeated or even injured in a fight. Though I understand that in my head, I cannot help but worry. Please don’t do anything reckless. You may think you’re being cautious, but try to understand that what you consider normal, everyone else sees as reckless.

  I’m certain you had your reasons for this duel of course. Nothing you do is without reason. Incidentally, you said before you left that “I may just be a simple vice-commander, but occasionally I feel like doing something flashy.” I hope this doesn’t mean you’r
e planning something even more reckless than... No, never mind. I believe you’ll return home safely, Veight.

  Ryunheit is busy preparing for its annual harvest festival. Our farmers are looking forward to the end of the harvest season. We had quite a good crop this year. It was even better than previous years thanks to the assistance of the demon army’s agricultural specialists. I can’t wait to see how much better next year’s crop will be. Regardless of how it turns out, I’ll be happy so long as I can spend it together with you.

  Incidentally, I know that diplomacy is a costly affair. This might be presumptuous of me, but I convinced the council to send you some supplementary funds. Feel free to use them to buy your attendants new winter clothes, or for any other expenses you might have. Do send another letter if you get the opportunity.

  Sincerely, Airia.

  PS: While I’m sure you won’t stop at just one duel, please try not to fight too much.

  * * * *

  Every morning before breakfast, I met with a messenger from a different noble house. Most of them were inviting me to their respective master’s manor for lunch. Deciding which invitations to accept and which to reject took up far too much time each day. The worst part was that after lunch, I had invitations to tea and then dinner, all from different nobles. While the food was all delicious, the constant meetings were starting to exhaust me. But they weren’t the biggest nuisance.

  “Lord Veight. It is a stain on Rolmund’s honor for one of our own to have been defeated so one-sidedly in a duel. Please, accept my challenge so that I can restore Rolmund’s honor.”

  There was a subset of nobles who would challenge me to duels day in and day out. Viscount Whatever-sky had been a crazy enough dude that he’d earned the nickname the Count of Slaughter. But at the same time, he’d been the head of a prestigious family, so the fact that I’d beaten him in a single blow had hurt the pride of some of the more patriotic and ambitious nobles. According to the rumors I’d heard, the viscount himself was currently recuperating in Lord Doneiks’ mountain villa.

  “Hmph.”