SPB 2

chapter 2

Erdene’s uneasy feeling did not disappear until she passed through the gates of the Hirschsten Empire’s capital. In fact, it only intensified. Moreover, now even the knights, their officers, and the soldiers began murmuring in strange, uncertain tones.

“Your Highness, what on earth is going on?”

“How should I know, Telma?”

Before passing through the city gates, the lively and noisy atmosphere had stirred the hearts of the soldiers returning home after a long time. The scent of freshly roasted meat from street vendors, who bought meat from the market, mingled with the fragrant aroma of fruit wine wafting through the city streets—typical for a nation fond of drinking—excited everyone.

The soldiers, returning with news of their victory, were eager to dive into piles of roasted meat and wine cups offered to them.

However, the moment they passed the city gates, each and every one of them sensed something was wrong.

Aiman spoke first:

“Perhaps the message got mixed up? Maybe the messenger mistakenly reported that we were defeated instead of victorious. That fool… I’ll make sure he gets a hot lesson when we meet again.”

But Princess Erdene remained silent… her expression even more serious than before. Aiman’s remark was just wishful thinking.

This wasn’t a simple mix-up like confusing pheasant with quail for lunch; it was impossible to mistake a hard-won victory for defeat, no matter how many heads one had.

So what, then, was this strange atmosphere?

The people along the streets, instead of welcoming the soldiers with food and drink as usual, avoided making eye contact altogether. Some hastily stepped aside, while others ducked into shadows as if they had committed a crime.

Merton whispered:

“Your Highness, what… is this atmosphere?”

“I said, how should I know?” Erdene replied irritably.

But something was seriously wrong. Erdene’s expression grew even more grim as she steered her horse briskly through the streets.

Her ominous premonition proved accurate: even after entering the capital, there was no cheer, no celebration for the soldiers. The commanders and officers hesitated, unsure whether to return their troops to the barracks or lead them into the large hall, traditionally prepared with food and drink.

“Merton, Telma.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”

Erdene led her horse—a massive creature far taller than herself—calmly like handling a gentle lamb, and handed it over to the stablemaster. She then commanded:

“Take the soldiers and provide them with food and drink. If the cooks claim they have nothing prepared, tie them up until I return.”

“Understood.”

“Won’t Your Highness accompany them?”

Erdene, her gauntleted hands still stained with the blood of the enemy, looked up at the golden pillars of the Imperial Palace with hostility.

“I will first go meet His Majesty.”

She entered the emperor’s residence without removing her armor or weapons. Though she had repeatedly vowed not to show her anger, seeing the imperial throne occupied by her twin brother made her stomach twist with disgust.

“I bring news of our victory, brother. We have secured fertile plains, logging grounds, and parts of mines rich in gold and coal from Biotin. Some wetlands were included, which we can discuss with the officials to determine whether they can be drained for cultivation.”

Erdene bowed and finished her concise report, awaiting acknowledgment.

Her brother, Emperor Tenek, remained silent for a long moment before speaking in a bored tone:

“Very well, good work. Why not go wash up?”

Erdene’s eyes blazed. Tenek, dressed in ill-fitting imperial robes and a golden crown, looked absurd, like a clown seated on a throne.

The empress beside him, Roellica, a daughter of a noble family, had long since lost any feeling toward him, her face expressionless.

Erdene’s gaze swept the palace interior. New, gaudy luxury items had appeared, and even the grand tapestries from the conquest era of the previous emperors had disappeared.

Clenching her teeth, she said:

“The imperial palace has grown ever more extravagant, Your Majesty.”

At the entrance to the hallway, women in flashy dresses scattered as she met their eyes, clearly Tenek’s concubines.

“…And more beauties as well,” Tenek said, grinning like he’d had a few drinks.

“After seeing nothing but grim warriors on the battlefield, isn’t this refreshing?”

Erdene glared at him in silent disdain.

He chuckled like a child finding a prank amusing, then shrugged as if bored with the world.

“True, you’re not a man, so no use,” he said.

“And Father…”

Erdene felt a hot surge rise inside her. Seeing her brother seated on the throne, looking small and ridiculous, her long-held anger boiled over.

That seat was originally hers. She clenched her gauntleted fists. While she was out on the battlefield, Tenek, without any solid support, had somehow seized the throne. She fumed at the thought: I wish I could make him confess every trick he pulled here. Every time he spoke nonsense, I’d snap a tooth, and he’d spill everything immediately.

The metallic sound of her movements cracked Roellica’s stoic expression slightly.

Tenek spoke:

“Don’t be too sad. Father has passed peacefully.”

“He was in perfect health when I left for the campaign,” Erdene muttered.

Suddenly, Tenek’s eyes flashed fiercely.

“What do you mean by that?” she bit her lip and clenched her fists tighter.

Roellica, sitting beside him like a ghost, subtly shook her head as if to say: Don’t… do this. No, don’t…

Erdene sighed, lowering her gaze slightly.

“I misspoke, brother. My apologies.”

But her apology only fueled Tenek’s anger. He sprang up, almost struggling under the heavy emperor’s robes, and descended the steps.

If only he had tripped and broken his head… Unfortunately, the accident Erdene hoped for did not occur.

“Did you think the world truly belonged beneath your feet just because Father favored you? You, not a man, even imagined taking the imperial crown ahead of me, your brother? Delusion has limits, Erdene!”

Something snapped in Erdene’s mind.

She burst into laughter at her brother’s flushed, feverish face.

“Delusion? The funniest thing I’ve ever heard. Delusion is for those who dream of the impossible. Who dreams of something as ordinary as breathing or eating?”

Though weak, Tenek was no fool. He understood her meaning clearly: sitting on the throne was as natural for her as breathing and eating.

Tenek fumed:

“Erdene! Mock me with that mouth, and even though we are family, it will cost you your head!”

“Well said, brother. After a year fighting like dogs on the battlefield, this is all I get to see? Better to lose my head than witness this! Not being a man kept me from the crown? That seat was mine—promised to me by Father!”

A light clang! resounded. Her greatsword, always at her side, plunged into the hard floor of the Golden Palace right before Tenek’s feet.

Roellica shrieked pitifully, and the color drained from Tenek’s face.

Erdene’s voice rang out with anger:

“Do not mistake my restraint for weakness! I refuse to stain the foundations, built with Father’s and our ancestors’ blood, with your filth. So stop your delusions and leave me be.”

She withdrew her sword, spun swiftly, and assumed a combat stance.

Tenek shouted at her, eyes bloodshot:

“Stand there, Erdene!”

Maybe I should just kill him…

Erdene halted, closing her eyes briefly, tilting her head slightly. Any nonsense from him and she would strike, breaking ribs if needed. She should have done so sooner. Seeing Tenek begin his sly, smiling grin, she regretted holding back.

Tenek said:

“Control that temper. Even though the war is over, no man will look twice at you if your temper keeps flaring like this.”

Erdene let out a wry laugh between clenched teeth:

“Stop your nonsense. Keep it up, and I won’t hesitate to thrash you like when I was a child on rainy days. Then at least I had Mother to protect me. Now? Or will you hide under the Empress’s skirts and cry?”