TGW Chapter 27 Part 2

 

Kuhn sat on the sofa and pressed his hands against his tired eyes. The dim light of dawn filtered through the window. His head felt heavy. He had too many thoughts, and he had barely slept through the night.

After disembarking from the ship yesterday, he went straight to the trading company. There, he heard more detailed information from Levan.

---

"The Iron King went to see the Emperor and brought an elderly man with him. He wasn’t a government official, and no one had seen him before. That day was also the day he entered the palace."

Levan relayed the news from the informant embedded in the Sun Palace. The informant likely did not recognize Jeffrey.

That person wasn’t one of Kuhn’s subordinates, and even among his subordinates, only a few knew what Jeffrey looked like. This was to ensure strict security and safety.

"I didn’t expect it to come in handy like this."

Kuhn smiled slightly and removed his hands from his eyes.

The informant planted in the Solar Palace was of the lowest rank if categorized by importance. It was too dangerous to attempt planting anyone in the Sun Palace, so Kuhn hadn’t even tried. He had only recruited a few low-ranking palace workers and officials to keep an eye on things.

These people likely weren’t even aware they were spies. They were not tasked with stealing state secrets but were only asked to relay whatever they saw or heard, for which they were handsomely rewarded.

Dian didn’t know about these operations. Since it wasn’t intended to spy on him, Kuhn didn’t feel the need to tell him. But as it turned out, it had become a form of surveillance.

How would Dian react if he found out someone was watching his movements and that Kuhn had seen them through that person’s eyes? Would he feel betrayed?

“In the end, both Dian and I do not reveal everything to each other.”

The alliance between the two was strong yet fragile. As long as their opinions aligned and they moved in the same direction, they could be friends, but the relationship could break at any moment.

Kuhn had a mental scale. Dian was on one end of that scale. Kuhn carefully balanced weights on the other end to ensure it never tipped toward Dian. To Kuhn, the clan and his mission were far more important than Dian.

But...

Kuhn sighed deeply and buried his face in his hands.

A new scale had appeared in his heart. Sienna was now on one end of it. The scale had lost all balance and was tipping more and more toward her.

He could no longer confidently say that his clan and his mission were more important than that woman. His inner turmoil grew deeper, and with each passing day, the answer seemed further away.

“Kuhn.”

There was a knock at the door, followed by a quiet voice. Kuhn lifted his head and looked at the door. It opened slowly, and two people entered. The first, Levan, looked at Kuhn and spoke.

“You’re already awake... Did you not sleep at all?”

Kuhn silently gestured for them to sit. Levan and a young man with a hunched posture sat down across from him.

“Anton, you said you have something for me?”

“Yes, yes, K-Kuhn.”

Anton fumbled through his clothes and pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper. Anton did not hold a particularly high position within the clan, but he had a special privilege. No matter what task he was assigned, he always reported directly to Kuhn.

“While I was attending to his clothing... on his belt...”

Anton’s stuttered report was lengthy and difficult to follow. Levan, who preferred concise and clear communication, found listening to Anton nearly unbearable. Kuhn, however, listened attentively, without showing any sign of annoyance. To Levan, this was Kuhn’s greatest strength—his genuine regard for people.

‘Is that why Kuhn is surrounded by so many loyal people?’

Anton had been selected because of his unique but useful abilities, even though they didn’t seem practical. When Anton volunteered, he was mocked for his timid mannerisms and stuttering habit. No one could have guessed he possessed such remarkable skills.

Kuhn personally interviewed every volunteer. Levan happened to assist him on Anton’s interview day.

Levan had tried to dismiss Anton, who was stuttering badly and giving a rambling self-introduction. Even when asked what he could do, Anton responded with irrelevant answers.

But Kuhn insisted on continuing the conversation, so Levan could only grumble inwardly.

That day, Anton spoke for over an hour. When he finally stopped talking, he burst into tears. No one had ever listened to him like that before. From that day on, Anton became a devoted follower of Kuhn.

“...He p-put it under his pillow when he slept... so...”

Anton’s explanation took a very long time. In summary, Jeffrey had a leather pouch he never parted with since returning from his trip. Anton, with his keen eye, noticed this.

On the day before Jeffrey entered the palace, when he bathed, he had to part with the secret item just once. Anton had found it cleverly hidden among books on a shelf.

Anton had quickly skimmed through several letters he found and committed them to memory. Then he transcribed the contents. The bundle of papers Anton brought was his transcription.

Kuhn unfolded the papers. He found something noteworthy. The seal at the end of the letters wasn’t drawn with complete accuracy by Anton but was still recognizable. It was a seal with a complex pattern of intertwined branches, representing the sacred tree—the Emperor's insignia.

“You’ve done well, Anton. I will not forget your contribution. Your achievement is great.”

Anton beamed with pride and joy. After sending Anton away, Kuhn showed the papers to Levan. Levan took them and examined them, his brows furrowing.

“This isn’t the imperial language.”

“This is the ancient language of the Empire, a language that has fallen into disuse.”

“An ancient language? How did you know? Can you read it?”

“I only know a few words. Have it translated. Prioritize this. And on your way out, tell Walter to come in.”

“Yes, Kuhn.”

A moment later, Walter entered the room.

“I need to go to the palace. Prepare for an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Yes, Kuhn.”

 

***

 

While Sienna was being attended to by a maid as she changed clothes, Beth moved around her, pushing the wheelchair's wheels with her hands.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, Your Highness. It's truly an amazing thing. With this, I could go from the palace to my house by myself."

Though it was probably an exaggerated joke, Sienna spoke with concern.

"Be careful not to strain your wrist. Always take a servant with you."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Beth started moving again, spinning the wheels. She looked as excited as a child with a new toy. Sienna, watching her, felt pleased as the giver of the gift.

A maid quietly opened the door, approached Sienna, and said in a low voice:

"Your Highness, Sir Stus requests an audience."

"I will meet him in the study. Tell him to wait there."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maids, having finished attending to her, withdrew.

Turning to Beth, Sienna asked:

"When did Sir Stus return?"

"I am not sure. He has not entered the palace during the time."

Then he must have heard of Sienna's arrival through Patricia.

"Who knows that I was away?"

"I think most people do not know."

Even though Sienna rarely engaged in external activities, she was actively involved in state affairs. If she had continued to be absent from the meetings she regularly attended, rumors would have spread.

If her absence had not been noticed, it was clear that someone had covered it up, and she could easily guess who that person was.

Sienna gave a small smile.

"It seems Mother would rather pretend my journey never happened."

‘It’s not the journey itself that is the problem, but because Kuhn accompanied me.’

If it became known that the Silver King had gone on a long journey with the Marquis of Raad, the relationship between the two would be seen as irreparable. Even in a liberal empire, a journey involving an unmarried man and woman was considered quite scandalous.

"Your Highness, in that regard, I think the Red King did the right thing."

Sienna smiled silently in response, and Beth’s expression darkened.

Although she had not shown it, Beth had been surprised the moment she saw Sienna. The princess had changed. Sienna herself may not have been aware, but Beth, who saw her every morning and evening, immediately noticed the difference after not seeing her for a month.

Her precious young lady had returned as a woman. The flower that had slowly begun to bloom was now in full blossom, radiating mature beauty. The happiness of a woman who had been loved and who loved in return was palpable.

"Countess, could you tell Sir Stus that I will first visit His Majesty in the Sun Palace and to wait?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

As Sienna walked through the corridor of the Sun Palace, she met Kuhn coming from the opposite direction. Both of them paused for a moment. Kuhn greeted her first with a respectful bow.

"Lord Rad, have you just come from seeing His Majesty?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I paid my respects and reported my return."

Until yesterday, they were closer than anyone, but now there was a line they needed to maintain. If Kuhn had been a man who could not distinguish between public and private matters, Sienna would not have kept him in her heart.

Yet Sienna felt a sense of regret as she looked at Kuhn standing at a distance. The memories of the journey were still fresh. She missed the comfort she felt when she was tightly embraced by him.

He was the only man who had held her, and she wanted him to remain the only one.

As Sienna passed by him, she slowed her pace. Her hand briefly touched one of Kuhn's fingers before releasing it.

Kuhn turned around in surprise, watching her receding back with trembling eyes. He stared endlessly after her and was startled again. He thought she would just leave, but she turned her head slightly. Their eyes met for a moment before she turned back and walked away.

His heart pounded wildly. As the blood surged from his heart, his whole body grew hot. He wanted to rush after her and trap her in his arms.

‘What am I supposed to do?’

He resented the situation he was caught in. His insides were burning. Just when she had finally started to truly notice him.

He could neither move forward nor retreat. He was caught in an inescapable trap.

Sienna was unexpectedly happy to see him. A faint smile appeared on her lips. At the Emperor's study, she composed her expression. The servant who had gone in to announce her presence returned and bowed.

"Please enter, Your Highness."

Sienna entered the study. The Emperor was seated on the sofa, and the table in front of him was piled high with documents awaiting his approval.

"I offer my greetings, Your Majesty."

The Emperor, who was reading a document, looked up.

"What brings you here?"

"I came to report my return yesterday, but I also have matters I couldn’t mention then."

"Will this be a long conversation?"

"Yes. If it’s inconvenient, I will come back later."

The Emperor set the document down.

"It is not urgent. Speak."

Sienna took a deep breath and began to speak. Her main concern was the widespread exploitation by moneylenders she had observed during her journey through the Duchy of Bless and the irresponsibility of the local lords who either turned a blind eye or supported them.

Kuhn had said there was no immediate solution and that the issue required consistent policy over several decades. He emphasized that strong willpower from the leadership was crucial. Sienna agreed with his view.

She hoped that the Emperor would at least acknowledge the plight of the suffering people.

When she finished speaking, the Emperor nodded gravely.

"Your journey was not in vain. What you saw and felt was not a waste of time."

Sienna could not detect any emotion in the Emperor’s face. He was not someone who often showed his feelings, but this did not seem to be new information to him.

‘Of course, there’s no way His Majesty is unaware of the Empire's situation.’

Sienna felt a mix of relief and confusion. Why would His Majesty, knowing this, do nothing?

"Your Majesty, may I seek your counsel? I have yet to confirm if similar situations exist in the territory you entrusted to me, but if they do, what should I do?"

The Emperor stroked his chin in silence for a moment before speaking.

"Silver King."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"You do not need to overly concern yourself with the affairs of the fief."

Sienna was shocked and looked up.

"Do not think you can do everything. It is not feasible. How could you intervene in every aspect of the people's lives? Each person should fulfill their inherent duties. Your responsibilities do not lie in such trivial matters."

"…Yes, Your Majesty."

As she left the study, Sienna’s face was expressionless. Her hands, trembling, were tightly clenched into fists. Even when she learned of her mother’s betrayal, she had not been this shocked.

The grand pillar that had supported her had collapsed. The perfect ruler of the Empire had never existed; it had all been a facade she had created herself.

‘Trivial matters?’

Resentment surged within her. The Emperor had described the life of the Empire's people, suffering under moneylenders and unable to escape the shackles of debt, as such.

He defined that looking after the lowest strata was not the Emperor's role. It was not that he was unaware of the moneylenders’ tyranny; he simply believed it was not his place to intervene.

Kuhn had said, “If Duke Bless were Emperor, the Empire would have been in much better shape than it is now.”

Kuhn was right. How could a country where the majority of its people suffer be considered a proper nation? Everything about the Empire was fundamentally flawed.

‘What does the Iron King think?’

The opinion of the next in line to the throne was important. The current Emperor's reign would not last much longer.

Sienna’s steps quickened. She left the Sun Palace and headed toward the Iron Palace.

When she arrived at the Iron Palace, there was already a guest. It was Kuhn, whom she had met earlier at the Sun Palace. He stood up from the sofa. Dian greeted her with a sly smile.

“Did you two plan to meet here?”

Sienna calmed her excited heart. In her haste, she had come unannounced. It wasn’t even during an afternoon break.

“I seem to be interrupting. I will return later.”

“No, it’s fine. Lord Rad just dropped by for a visit after a long time.”

Dian waved his hand and looked at Kuhn. Kuhn nodded.

“Since Your Highness the Silver King seems to have urgent business, I will take my leave.”

“There is no need. You can stay.”

As Sienna approached, Dian stood up and moved to sit next to Kuhn. After Sienna sat on the sofa, Kuhn also sat down again.

“Iron King, the servant didn’t mention that there was a guest.”

“Ah, that’s because there are three guests whom I have instructed should be let in without question. Now that Violet is no longer considered a guest, the remaining two are Lord Rad and Your Highness, the Silver King.”

Sienna responded briefly, "I am grateful." It was as if she had sipped sweet tea, her mood lightened.

She felt she understood why the Iron King could mingle with wary nobles without trouble. Dian’s goodwill seemed pure, like a child’s smile, with no ulterior motive.

“It would look insincere if I pretended otherwise. You must have guessed that I know anyway, right? That you two went on a journey together.”

Sienna nodded.

“Did you enjoy the journey?”

Dian’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Since probing Kuhn would yield no answers, he aimed to get Sienna to talk.

“It was enjoyable.”

“I heard it takes over ten days just to get there. Weren’t you bored?”

“Both the boat and carriage journeys were pleasant.”

Seeing Sienna answer so candidly, Dian’s expression turned mischievous.

“If the most tedious part was enjoyable, it seems you both had a meaningful time.”

“Yes, just as the Iron King spent quality time with the Iron Queen.”

Dian’s playful expression froze. It was unexpected that Sienna would respond that way, leaving Dian’s mind blank.

‘What was that? What does she mean? Like me and Violet? Could it be? No way.’

Sienna calmly sipped her tea. Kuhn subtly turned his head to hide his laughter. From Kuhn’s perspective, the hierarchy between the siblings was clear. Sienna always held the upper hand.

“Iron King, during my journey to the Duchy of Bless, I witnessed something quite troubling in His Majesty’s direct territory.”

Sienna summarized the lengthy discussion she had with the Emperor earlier.

“I haven’t yet checked the condition of my own fief. How about yours, Iron King? If you have any good solutions, I would like your advice.”

As Sienna spoke, Dian’s expression grew increasingly serious.

“Hmm. Even in His Majesty’s direct territory? I wasn’t aware.”

‘He didn’t know?’

Sienna’s eyes briefly shifted to Kuhn before returning.

‘So my hunch was right.’

Kuhn and Dian didn’t seem to share all their information.

“After hearing Your Highness, I realize I must look more closely at the condition of my fief. Moneylending is not inherently bad.”

Sienna nodded.

“The problem is the exploitation through high interest rates.”

“Right. Then, what about using the tax collection law?”

“The tax collection law?”

“Since we’re discussing it, shall we take a look?”

Dian instructed a servant to fetch the legal code from the study. Shortly after, the servant returned with the book, and Dian opened it.

“This clause here.”

Sienna read the clause Dian pointed out. It stated that if a person could not pay taxes, they could delay the payment with added interest. However, the clause was so vaguely written that it could be twisted to limit all forms of interest.

“How did you come across such a clause?”

Sienna prided herself on her knowledge of the law. Yet, this was her first time seeing this clause.

The rule that the right to succession was forfeited if a divine descendant married a lord was also a long-forgotten clause. In the dream-like future, it was Dian who used this rule to justify her marriage to Kuhn.

“I don’t particularly enjoy reading books, but I find legal codes fascinating. If used properly, this one clause could be a powerful weapon.”

‘Ah… So this was how the Iron King fought.’

Sienna could imagine how fiercely Dian must have fought in the dream-like future. As an Emperor without much power, there would be no stronger shield against his attackers than the law itself.

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