Chapter 29
“Why are you trying to find out about the Reynolds family?
Henry looked up and asked. It was an unfamiliar family he had never heard of before. Henry couldn’t even guess why Eric was looking into such a family.
Eric watched Henry with a languid expression.
“I don’t need to know the reason. Find out more details. What kind of family it is. How are they doing these days? Tell me everything in detail.
At Eric’s request, Henry furrowed his brow as he looked over the documents again. He soon tilted his head.
“I know quite a bit about most families, but since I’ve never heard of this one before, it doesn’t seem to be a family from the city area. It won’t be easy to find out.
“Maybe.”
Eric quietly lowered his eyes at Henry’s answer. It was a momentarily contemplative expression.
As Henry said, finding the Reynolds family might be not just difficult but possibly impossible.
But I had to find out. If I dig into that family, I will eventually uncover the secrets about Aria as well.
Eric tilted his head slightly towards Henry.
“So I’m asking you for a favor. Can I expect the abilities of the empire’s top intelligence agent?
“Yes…? Right now, that nickname isn’t very pleasant to me. Somehow, it sounds like a threat rather than a request to me.
As Henry’s eyes widened, Eric, who had been chuckling softly, lightly patted his shoulder and murmured.
“Then I’m glad. You saw it correctly.
“I look forward to seeing the abilities you will show soon. I should get going now. The aide’s face is starting to turn pale over there.
Leaving the bewildered Henry behind, Eric hurriedly headed into the imperial palace. Henry, who was watching his back, quietly murmured.
“I thought you came to take over the deputy commander position. Why are you suddenly investigating the family…You’re someone whose intentions are hard to read.
With a face that clearly showed he couldn’t understand at all, Henry shook his head and turned around, putting the documents Eric had given him into his arms.
“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”
Eric knelt before Emperor Carlos and paid his respects.
As the sunlight streamed through the window and cast a glow on the table, the figure of the emperor draped in a golden mantle became even more dazzling.
A gentle smile appeared on Emperor Carlos’s lips as he looked at Eric.
“Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Eric.”
“I apologize for not being able to visit you until now.”
“Weren’t we supposed to ditch that kind of formality when it’s just us? Sometimes, that excessive formality is downright creepy. Especially, in front of those with whom I open my heart.
“You’re still a withered old tree, aren’t you? What do you expect? First, sit down.”
Eric sat across from Carlos, who greeted him warmly with a gesture. Carlos’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Eric.
Oh dear. I thought you would have a hard time at the Bailey house. You’ve already gained weight. You didn’t get a girlfriend in the meantime, did you?
“Isn’t it…?”
Carlos’s suspicious gaze sparkled at Eric’s response. He looked at Eric for a long time and then smiled confidently.
“Even though he seems gruff, he has quite an interesting side. It seems like they haven’t taken a liking to you, have they?
“If you’re a man, you need that kind of patience and pain. Even if you’re a noble lady, you’ll regret it greatly. By the way, you have an idea of why I called you, right?
“I’ve already heard about the guards’ matter. I apologize for causing you concern, Your Majesty.
As Eric bowed his head, the emperor’s perfectly straight forehead slightly furrowed.
“Oh dear. Did you think I called you to interrogate you? Then you’ve misjudged me for quite some time.
“I am well aware that my position carries a heavy responsibility. It’s still too early for me to take on such a responsibility…
“So that’s why I called you.”
“What do you mean?
“I’m trying to give you support externally. Thus, you will not only have no trouble with the position of deputy commander, but also with leading the ironworks in the future.
The emperor is empowering me. It carried a lot of meaning. At those words, Eric’s eyebrows twitched.
Carlos stood up with a bright smile, as if he was confident in his thoughts.
“I once promised you a marquisate, a graph, and a fief. But you chose the difficult path of returning to Bailey.
“I made a promise to you, who stood by me until the end in the arduous war. I promised to give you my full support in everything you do.”
Carlos, with a smile on his lips, took the documents from the table and sat back down.
“As per the letter you sent, in order to transport the iron produced in the Bailey estate by sea not only to the empire but also to various other countries, imperial external support will be necessary.”
Carlos, who was briefly choosing his words while reviewing the documents, continued speaking.
“For the smooth distribution of iron, I am considering independently opening the route to the Atill Kingdom for Count Bailey.”
The Atil Kingdom, one of the five subordinate kingdoms of the Orhen Empire.
This place was more convenient for large-scale transportation by sea than by land.
Especially the Atill Kingdom, which used ironworking to cultivate land and produce weapons, considered iron an indispensable and essential resource.
To grant that route exclusively to the Bailey family. It was like Emperor Carlos entrusting a significant task to Count Bailey.
As Eric’s gaze wavered at the surprising proposal, Carlos’s eyes quietly settled down.
“What are you hesitating for? This is definitely an opportunity.”
“I’m honored, but the opposition from the nobles won’t be easy. The transportation business is already with Count Cecil…
Eric started to speak but then trailed off. If it’s the Earl of Cecil, isn’t it the family that Edward is supposed to marry into?
Eric finally seemed to understand the emperor’s thoughts and lifted his head.
No matter how much of an earl Cecil is, it won’t be easy to take the lead in opposing the Bailey family’s business, which is related by marriage.
But Carlos’s thoughts were not simply limited to this.
While Commander Eric was away, the commander of the Imperial Guard needed a solid justification to not dismiss him arbitrarily.
Carlos, who had been pondering for a long time, came up with a plan to enhance Eric’s public standing.
It was about strengthening Eric’s position through a marriage with a distinguished family.
“Hmm…, it should be time to arrive now.”
At that moment, when Carlos was staring at the clock on the wall, a knock was heard from outside the door. Soon, the aide stepped inside.
“Your Majesty, Duke Charles Stuart has arrived.”
“Finally arrived! Eric, there’s someone you absolutely must meet. Just wait a moment.”
As Carlos shot a glance, the aide hurriedly ushered Duke Charles inside.
Soon, a middle-aged man with neatly styled gray hair and a young girl dressed in a pink dress entered together.
Seeing this, Emperor Carlos warmly welcomed them.
Welcome, Grand Duke. You must be tired from the long journey!
In the quiet stillness, only Carlos’s voice echoed through the air.
Duke Charles Stewart and his daughter calmly entered the audience chamber, guided by the attendant.
Soon, the Grand Duke’s field of vision was filled with Emperor Carlos sitting in the seat of honor and Eric sitting opposite him.
Eric stood up from his seat at their sudden arrival.
They bowed in unison to the emperor.
“Your Majesty, thank you for inviting me.”
“Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you. I am Sierra Stewart, the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Charles Stewart.
Carlos, who had been watching them, smiled and stood up. He immediately introduced Eric to the Grand Duke.
Welcome. First, let me introduce myself. Here is the commander of the Imperial Guard, Eric Bailey. He is the knight who helped me during the war and achieved remarkable feats. Captain, this person is Charles Stewart, the Grand Duke and the only brother of King James from the Atill Kingdom. He is also someone who greatly helped Count Cecil with his current endeavors.
In response, Eric greeted first with proper etiquette.
“I am honored to meet you, Your Grace. Eric Bailey here.
“Lieutenant Colonel Eric. It’s an honor to meet someone whose reputation precedes them. Seeing you in person, you’re even more impressive.
The corners of Grand Duke Charles’s mouth stretched wide as he stared at Eric for a long time. Soon, when Siera greeted Eric’s father, Eric bowed his head and then raised it.
Sierra carefully looked Eric up and down.
Sierra was a charming young lady with a fair and round face. Especially her large, clear pink eyes made her loveliness stand out even more.
As Eric was about to leave, Carlos urgently gestured.
“Eric, you should join us too. Grand Duke, please have a seat.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As everyone settled into their seats, the maid brought out the tea. The sweet aroma of black tea filled the surroundings.
Carlos, who was holding the cup, gazed at Grand Duke Charles and a smile appeared on his lips.
“We must acknowledge Duke Charles’ flexibility. How did he manage to secure that difficult deal so quickly? The Grand Duke’s connections abroad are truly impressive. Thanks to that, Count Cecil also greatly benefited.
The role of Count Cecil was also significant. You’re too kind. I don’t know how to express my gratitude for being treated so well over something so trivial.
“While you are in the empire, we must treat you with the utmost respect. Please make yourself comfortable.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Carlos, who had been nodding, shifted his gaze to the other side. Carlos glanced at Eric and Sierra sitting across from him and subtly asked.
“How old is Young-ae this year?”
“You will turn twenty, Your Majesty.”
“Has it really come to this already? You’re no longer a naive girl. You’re a proper lady now. Choosing a good husband is no small matter, Your Grace.
“Haha. Indeed, I’ve been struggling to find a man who really pleases this girl, Your Majesty.”
“Oh dear. She seems to be a more difficult lady than she looks.
Sierra blushed and smiled at Carlos’s joke. Carlos, who had been looking at her, tilted his head slightly towards Eric.
“How does Young-ae Stewart view Captain Eric here?”
“Yes…?”What do you mean
Carlos nodded towards Eric and said.
“How about him as a groom?”
