The Empror's Trap

Ch 41 - A Private Meeting

Well.

Kenji knew exactly what was going on.

According to his intelligence, this Ban character had been appointed regent by his father. Barring any complications, he was practically guaranteed to secure the Sal Kingdom's throne.

Though, thinking back to when Kenji had met Ban... how to put this...

The guy's fighting abilities were about ten times greater than his governing skills.

Now, Kenji wasn't Sal nobility—he couldn't speak to Ban's current administrative capabilities. But when it came to internal power plays? The man definitely had a knack for it.

At first glance, appointing his sister as a diplomat—correction, an envoy—seemed like a vote of confidence. After all, in Sal culture, women weren't exactly considered qualified for official positions. Getting Uheya appointed as an envoy must have required overcoming significant resistance.

But the reality?

This mission was doomed from the start. The Sal Kingdom hadn't exactly won the war, had they? Coming to Camelot meant signing a defeat treaty, and whoever handled that task was going to take the fall. The Sal people, with their characteristic bull-headedness, wouldn't care who started the war or who lost it—they'd only remember who signed those humiliating terms of surrender.

In other words, Uheya would return home to find herself a universal scapegoat.

The pressure was immense. All she could do now was try to salvage whatever benefits she could for her nation.

"I know why he sent you," Kenji said with a smile, "but I'm still curious. Given how the Sal people traditionally look down on women, shouldn't your brother feel more secure? After all, you hardly seem like someone who could challenge him for the throne. He shouldn't even see you as a threat."

"Heh, that's my dear father's kindness at work."

Uheya's expression cooled. She muttered something in the Sal language to her attendants, who obediently withdrew.

"This person..." she hesitated, glancing at Lina beside Kenji.

Kenji caught her meaning and patted Lina's shoulder gently. "She's one of my own. Don't worry, she knows what not to say."

Uheya paused for a moment before nodding. "Very well, I'll be frank—my father is using me as my brother's punching bag."

"Punching bag?"

Worth it?

The Sal princess lifted her head and scrutinized Kenji, her eyes sweeping over him until he felt distinctly uncomfortable.

"I've never doubted its worth, Kenji. You know me well—I won't abandon my people over internal politics."

Her conviction was absolute as she spoke these words.

"I see. Forget I asked then." Kenji poured himself a drink. The jade-like liquid flowed down his throat, filling it with rich aromatics and mellow flavors.

"Kenji, I was quite happy when I heard you'd become Grand Marshal of Camelot. I didn't expect you'd rise so high."

Kenji looked at the girl before him.

"Just getting by, really nothing that big."

He played it casual, offering her words that were half-truth, half-lie.

"I don't want my country to suffer too heavy a blow. I came here hoping you might put in a good word with Her Majesty. I've heard that many of Her Majesty's decisions nowadays..."

"I'm sorry, Uheya," Kenji cut her off immediately, "When we were chatting earlier, I was speaking as a private individual, not in my official capacity. I am the empire's Grand Marshal—my purpose is to maintain the stability and prosperity of our nation."

Even you?

Uheya stared at Kenji silently, the disappointment in her eyes crystal clear to him.

Kenji met her gaze and finally shook his head firmly.

"Uheya, I know you're desperate to save your country. Your people, the Sal people, they can't leave those fertile grasslands. But I must be clear: this must be implemented, unless you choose to formally go to war with us."

He leaned back in his chair.

"At the negotiating table, there are no personal feelings, Your Highness."