After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 70

The next day.

The Imperial Palace’s main assembly hall, where ornate chandeliers hung and shone everywhere.

Soft sunlight streamed through the large windows draped with red velvet curtains.

Today was the day to hold a regular meeting about the year’s trade with the delegation that had visited to celebrate the founding anniversary.

At the head of the long table sat Emperor Friedrich. To his right was the First Prince, Leomond, who had officially become the Grand Duke of Eisenfelt, and to his left was the Second Prince, Edward, who had just come of age.

Princess Grace, representing the delegation from the Kingdom of Drain, also sat at the upper end, with Ayla beside her.

The Emperor declared the start of the meeting in a dignified voice.

“You have all worked hard to be here. Princess Grace, in particular, thank you for visiting to celebrate the founding anniversary again this year.”

“Thank you for such a warm welcome, Your Majesty.”

“As you have come a long way, I hope the results of this trade conference will be satisfactory. With that said, let us begin the meeting.”

At Friedrich’s declaration, Leomond raised his hand.

“I have something to say before the meeting begins, Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

“As you all know, I was recognized for my achievements in the recent southern subjugation and officially became the Grand Duke of Eisenfelt, did I not?”

Leomond’s gaze slowly swept over the nobles gathered in the hall.

“That means I can no longer help but think as the master of Eisenfelt.”

Most of the nobles cast uneasy glances at his declaration.

Leomond, as if enjoying their gazes, gestured towards Dex, who was standing behind him, and continued.

“To help everyone here understand, I have prepared a map. I don’t know if anyone will recognize it.”

Dex unfurled the map he had prepared.

“The red line here indicates the border of Eisenfelt. The blue line is the border of the Imperial Capital, right here. And this black line depicts the mountain range.”

The corner of Leomond’s mouth curved upwards.

“It should be clearly visible with this marking. That mountain range that extends beyond the borders of Eisenfelt.”

At Leomond’s words, the expressions of a few quick-witted nobles contorted.

However, most of the nobles looked bewildered, not understanding what he was trying to say.

Leomond, kindly, stood up and pointed to a few spots for them.

They were all along the mountain range, outside the Eisenfelt border.

“Until now, we have built border outposts in those areas and hunted the magical beasts descending from the mountains. The subjugation is over, but we cannot stop newly forming gates. Isn’t that right, Duke Antonio?”

“That is correct. His Highness the First Prince has completed the subjugation of the magical beasts in the southern mountains, but a few days ago, I received a report that low-level magical beasts descended from the mountains through a newly formed gate, and our knights dealt with them.”

“So.”

Leomond chuckled and shrugged.

“If I’ve done the subjugation, then it’s only right that each territory handles the subsequent management, isn’t it, Your Majesty? Just as Duke Antonio did.”

Leomond’s voice became even more resolute.

“Once this founding anniversary is over, Eisenfelt will withdraw from this entire vicinity.”

The assembly hall was engulfed in silence.

Friedrich and the nobles all turned to look at Leomond. Princess Grace did the same.

His declaration put the Imperial family in the most difficult position.

However, upon closer inspection, it became the responsibility of the noble families tasked with protecting the Imperial Capital. Moreover, it was no exaggeration to say that the Imperial Knights were comprised of sons from each family. Entry into the glorious Imperial Knights was only possible for the scions of noble families.

“Withdrawal.”

Friedrich, who had been listening, spoke.

“Indeed. It is true that there is no need to dispatch personnel and supplies from Eisenfelt to mountain ranges unrelated to them to guard against monsters.”

At his words, some nobles showed flustered expressions.

Most of them were nobles whose sons were in the Imperial Knights or whose territories bordered the mountain range. They exchanged glances, hoping someone else would speak up for them. Finally, Marcus Everett, the representative of the Empress’s faction, spoke with a frown.

“But Your Majesty, if we suddenly stop doing what we have been doing, how can we manage the resulting chaos?”

“That’s right, Your Majesty. Won’t the imperial citizens living near the mountains be harmed immediately?”

As the nobles echoed their sentiments, Friedrich nodded and said.

“What you say is also true. It would not do for the imperial citizens to be harmed.”

Despite saying so, Friedrich did not seem inclined to side with the nobles. He merely looked around the hall with interest, urging them to find a solution.

“So, offer your opinions. How can we prevent harm to the imperial citizens? The only solutions that come to my mind immediately are to dispatch some of the Imperial Knights to guard the relevant border outposts, or for the lords to take turns having their family knights guard the outposts. One of the two.”

“…”

“Is there anyone with a better idea?”

The Emperor’s question caused a stir in the assembly hall.

According to his proposal, their sons or knights would have to fight monsters in the mountains.

It was by no means a simple matter to consider or take lightly.

Monsters.

Only someone monstrous like that First Prince could deal with such things.

Just then.

“If you’ll excuse me, Your Majesty. May I also be granted the right to speak?”

Ayla raised her hand to ask, and displeasure flickered across the nobles’ faces.

Although she had been allowed into the assembly hall at the request of Princess Grace and the First Prince, it was not a forum for a mere young noblewoman to speak.

Marcus, seemingly of the same mind, reprimanded Ayla in a stern tone.

“This is not a place for you to interject.”

However, Ayla waited for Friedrich’s reply, and he nodded as if there were no difficulty.

“If you have a sharp idea, there is no reason not to grant you the right to speak.”

“Then I shall dare to offer a word.”

Ayla said, looking around the hall.

“I will soon be married to His Highness Leomond through a consecration ceremony, becoming husband and wife. Naturally, I must pursue the interests of Eisenfelt. However, as Lady Everett, who has received much love from many, I cannot help but feel grateful to all of you.”

“That is true.”

“Indeed.”

Some nobles nodded in agreement.

Having confirmed that the stage was set for her, Ayla continued with a triumphant smile.

“I have heard that dealing with magical beasts is truly dangerous and difficult. When I asked His Highness, he told me that countless people die fighting magical beasts, and many lose limbs or become unable to live their daily lives due to the shock. It is a terrible thing. And frightening.”

Ayla, shivering slightly as if truly scared, added.

“With my limited insight. I propose that the knights of Eisenfelt, who are experienced in dealing with magical beasts, continue to stand guard.”

Turning to the nobles who were visibly pleased by this remark, Ayla’s eyes crinkled.

“Of course, since Eisenfelt has no reason to do so, there must be compensation.”

Friedrich picked up on her words with interest.

“Compensation. Yes, what would be appropriate?”

Ayla then looked at Leomond, seeking his agreement.

“Your Highness. May I state my thoughts on that compensation?”

“Do so. I am curious as to what my wife’s intentions are.”

Leomond nodded, amused.

On the other hand, Ayla, startled by the term “wife,” widened her eyes.

“Uh! Yes. First, regarding my thoughts.”

Ayla paused to choose her words before speaking again.

She had asked Leomond to do this for this very moment.

To declare that he would withdraw first once the meeting began.

Leomond had nodded, finding it amusing. Now that he had set the stage she desired, it was her turn to play her part.

“First, I believe it is important for the imperial citizens to properly recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by Eisenfelt thus far. I propose that the Imperial newspaper publish an article detailing these events and express public gratitude. I believe it would be a great gift to the knights who have sacrificed in the north.”

“Very well.”

“And…”

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