Chapter 94
“…Seriously, that kid.”
Lloyd smiled faintly.
A wry grin slipped out without meaning to.
Standing right in front of him was Julian.
Just seeing him gave Lloyd a warm, proud feeling.
But at the same time, his hands and feet curled up in secondhand embarrassment.
Especially when he thought back on what Julian had just said.
“So, you’re saying you’re not gonna hate me anymore?”
“…Uh, yeah.”
“So you hated me a lot before.”
“Yeah. I did.”
“Then how are you going to treat me now?”
“Uh, well…”
“Real affectionate?”
“Um, not that far.”
“Then what? Friendly?”
“…”
“All warm and fuzzy and sweet and cuddly?”
“…Ah, crap.”
Julian’s face scrunched up hard.
A teasing smirk tugged at Lloyd’s lips.
“Now you realize what you just did?”
“Huu, yeah.”
“Your skin’s crawling, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“My toes curled so hard I thought I had goosebumps on my kneecaps, man.”
“…”
“Don’t ever say something that cringey again.”
“…”
“Ugh, I almost had a spasm in my duodenum, seriously.”
Lloyd exaggeratedly rubbed his stomach.
He was being annoying on purpose, but truthfully, he wasn’t mad.
In fact, to be honest, he was overwhelmed with joy.
Was it just because he earned a ton of RP?
Not quite.
Sure, the RP was a great visible reward, but what warmed him more was the emotion that came with it.
It suddenly reminded him of when he was young.
‘Back then, I wished I had a younger sibling too.’
It was the kind of wish anyone with siblings might roll their eyes at, maybe even beg him to take it back.
But he’d meant it sincerely.
He grew up an only child—he couldn’t help it.
So sometimes he would pester his parents.
Saying he wanted a little sibling too.
That he wanted to play with one like the kids next door.
And then when he was around eight?
One day, he even went so far as to draw on the living room wall with crayons.
A wobbly rendition of the robot Taekwon V, familiar to all Korean boys.
He drew it just a little shorter than himself at the time.
Even posed it with both arms raised heroically.
Then meticulously colored it in.
That evening, as his parents looked on in shock at the sudden living room mural, he had proudly declared that the drawing was his new little brother.
Back then, his parents didn’t scold him. They just smiled awkwardly.
So he never knew at the time.
That even he had only been born thanks to a long and difficult in vitro procedure.
‘…Yeah, let’s not dwell on that.’
Sometimes, out of nowhere, those old memories would well up like that.
Dragging him into random sentimental nostalgia without warning.
Lloyd let out a soft sigh and tucked the dangling thread of that memory deep inside his heart.
Then turned to Julian.
“Anyway, I’m heading back to the barony tomorrow. Well—after tonight’s evening plans, that is.”
“Evening plans?”
“Yeah. Her Majesty mentioned earlier there’d be a smashing party tonight. Said I had to attend.”
“A party?”
“Yep. A royal banquet celebrating the completion of the suspension bridge. You know how it is. Some orchestra playing in the background while nobles size each other up, trying to build connections. Then some arrogant young noble stirs things up, and someone shouts, ‘I demand a duel!’ The usual cliché stuff.”
“Wow. Your imagination’s gotten pretty vivid.”
“I’ll take that as you saying I got smarter. Anyway, you’re coming too.”
“Huh? Me?”
Julian’s eyes went wide.
Lloyd chuckled.
“Of course. You’re the Master Builder’s little brother. That alone makes you qualified. Plus—”
His tone turned pointed.
“Like I said, you’ll run into plenty of high-ranking nobles at that banquet.”
“Hmm, so then…”
“Yeah. Some of the same nobles I tattled on this afternoon will probably be there too.”
“Wouldn’t that be awkward?”
“Nope. That’s exactly why you need to go. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re the victim. Hiding? That’s ridiculous.”
It was true.
If anything, this was the time to show up with confidence.
Hold your head high and slap on a titanium shield of composure.
“So take this chance and grow a thicker skin. Got it? That’ll make things easier for you.”
“Yeah, I got it.”
Julian nodded, clearly understanding what Lloyd was saying.
Smart kid, as expected.
Lloyd felt another wave of fondness rise up.
And at the same time, he renewed his own resolve.
‘That banquet tonight—it’s probably not just a celebration.’
Her Majesty wasn’t the type to throw a party just for fun.
She’d likely use it as an excuse to keep him nearby.
By offering him some grand government post, or a reward so big it’d make his jaw drop—she’d try to get him to stay in the capital.
That was probably her plan all along—summoning him here, testing his abilities.
‘Not that I’m going to be that easy.’
After all, his current dream in life was to be a lazy, honey-sipping slacker.
No more suffering.
He wasn’t interested in a life of constant effort anymore.
Now, he just wanted to go back to the barony, pay off the debt, and live the sweet life.
And so it was time.
Time to pull off one final sleight of hand to secure a clean return to the barony.
♣
A slow, elegant melody glided across the marble floor.
The glitter of chandeliers rained down like starlight.
This was the royal palace banquet hall—The Hall of Glory—in all its grandeur and splendor.
Lloyd stood in full dress uniform at its center.
As Her Majesty approached, he offered a formal bow.
And opened with a sudden strike, like a sucker punch.
“Long live the great Queen. And though I am deeply honored… I must decline.”
“…Decline what, exactly?”
Queen Alicia Termina Magentano arched a sharp eyebrow. As always, she found this man both shameless and fascinating.
She asked again.
“I have yet to say a word. And yet you are already declaring your refusal. Just what is it you’re so eager to turn down before I’ve even spoken?”
“You were about to say you’d grant me a fitting fief and noble title, were you not?”
“Was I?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
“And why would I do that?”
“You were about to offer me a royal post, were you not?”
“Hmm… have you perhaps learned to read minds?”
“Not at all.”
“Then how?”
“Intuition, Your Majesty.”
“Hah.”
Clink.
Queen Alicia let out a short laugh and set her crystal glass down.
She picked up a fresh one from the steward’s tray.
Over the rim of the tilted glass, her downward gaze landed squarely on Lloyd.
“At this point, I must admit it—I cannot deny it. Your guess is correct. Tonight, I intended to grant you an appropriate fiefdom and title, as well as a substantial amount of gold. And naturally, a government post befitting your achievements.”
“So this banquet was arranged to make that announcement?”
“Indeed.”
The second glass tipped.
First, a dry, high-acidity sparkling variety.
Then, a series of subtly aromatic reds.
This was Queen Alicia’s preferred drinking routine.
She followed it faithfully as she continued.
“And yet, I am curious. I offered you a title, land, wealth, and a government position. Why is it that you say you refuse all of it?”
“There is no particularly grand reason. Merely—”
“Merely?”
“I simply prefer a quiet life in the countryside, far from the court.”
“…That is your only reason?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lloyd bowed even deeper.
By now, the Queen was silently sipping from her third glass.
Watching her response closely, he thought to himself:
‘Good. It’s going just as I planned.’
He recalled his thoughts from earlier that day.
Even on the way to the banquet, he had wrestled with indecision.
The Queen’s offer would come—no doubt about it.
How best to decline it?
Even as he dressed in his ceremonial uniform, fixed his hair, and climbed into the carriage, he kept mulling it over.
Eventually, he made his decision.
A straightforward approach was the best answer.
‘If I try to make up a flimsy excuse, I’ll just get cornered.’
There were plenty of ways to bluff.
He could claim poor health. Or trouble at home.
Or say he was too busy. Or that he wasn’t mentally prepared.
Excuses were endless—like lying to leave school early or take a sick day from work.
But didn’t someone once say:
“The only guy who ever got ahead with an excuse in Korea was Kim Geon-something”?
Lloyd figured that quote applied perfectly to this situation.
‘The moment I give an excuse, I’ll get tangled in my own web.’
If he said health was the reason, then getting better would just land him back in duty.
If it was family trouble or being busy—that too would pass.
And once those excuses disappeared, he’d be out of options.
Especially since the one he’d be making excuses to was the Queen.
If he gave her a half-baked excuse, it would only delay the inevitable—he’d be forced into government service anyway.
‘Just like that story of Prime Minister Hwang Hui.’
Back in the late Goryeo period.
He was a classmate of Yi Bang-won during the state exams.
But in the end?
He was recruited by King Sejong, Yi Bang-won’s son, and worked to the bone until his dying breath.
He pleaded countless times to retire.
Didn’t matter.
He tried using health as an excuse. Family obligations too. Still no escape.
He worked. And worked. And worked.
Until he died—working.
‘Ugh. Gives me chills.’
Lloyd shivered slightly.
Getting sentenced to a lifetime of forced labor? No thanks.
So rather than risk falling into that trap with a bad excuse, it was better to just go all in and be direct. That would give him the best shot.
And so, he made his move.
And finally, got the reaction he was hoping for.
“Very well. For you to flatly refuse me like that—it must be something you truly dislike.”
“I am sorry, Your Majesty.”
“No need. Forcing someone to stay by my side when their heart is not in it benefits no one. How can a man faithfully carry out his duties when his spirit is elsewhere?”
A faint bitter smile curled on the Queen’s lips.
“I am no tyrant. You are a meritorious servant of the crown, having rendered great service both here in the capital and in Cremo. I want to respect your wishes. So return to your homeland and live the peaceful life you desire.”
“I am eternally grateful for your grace, Your Majesty.”
“Truly?”
“…”
“I know you’re inwardly relieved. I can tell. So let me say this: if ever your heart changes, I hope you will return to the capital.”
“…Does that mean the offer of office will always remain open?”
“Of course.”
Clink.
Queen Alicia raised her fourth glass and spoke.
“By my name, I swear that your fief, title, and position shall always be ready for you.”
“I am unworthy of such kindness, Your Majesty.”
“I hope someday you’ll be truly grateful for it. That is all.”
The sound of the Queen turning away.
The echoing clack of her heels faded into the distance.
Only then did Lloyd slowly raise his head.
“Phew.”
At last, the breath trapped in his chest came out in a gust.
His clenched fist, pressed to his heart, trembled slightly.
‘Success!’
Lloyd cheered inwardly.
Thank goodness—his strategy of being direct had worked.
‘Even a Queen can’t force someone to serve if they openly refuse.’
He suddenly thought of the famous Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage story from Romance of the Three Kingdoms. How much did Liu Bei struggle to recruit Zhuge Liang?
This world was still a world of people—similar enough.
Thankfully, his prediction hit the mark.
‘And I even got her promise of a title and fief if I ever need them. That’s basically my retirement plan secured.’
A contented grin tugged at his lips.
Now everything was settled.
The debt was paid.
All that was left was to enjoy a sweet, carefree life.
It was like having secured a brand-new 34-pyeong apartment in Gangnam without a mortgage, buying a German import car outright with no installments, and having your kids’ academy fees, university tuition, wedding funds, and even your own retirement pension all completely set for life.
‘Phew. Just thinking about it makes me want to hurry back to the barony.’
So for tonight, he could finally relax.
Might as well enjoy the delicious food like a proper palace banquet guest.
With that thought, he started walking.
Like a man who hadn’t eaten in three days stepping into a buffet.
He made his way toward the attendants carrying food trays.
But just then—
A completely unexpected sentence made him stop dead in his tracks.
“The banquet will continue until the moon begins to wane.”
‘Huh?’
The phrase sounded so ordinary, so unremarkable.
There wasn’t even the faintest trace of anything suspicious about it.
But the moment he heard those words, Lloyd felt as if he had been doused in ice water.
He swallowed dryly without realizing it.
And the reason was simple.
‘Why… is that line coming up now?’
Suddenly, a scene from the novel Iron Blooded Knight flashed through his mind.
Two and a half years from now in the story’s timeline.
A tragic incident would strike the capital.
An attempted regicide.
On that day, the conspirators who poisoned Queen Alicia and cost her an arm had exchanged a particular code phrase.
An incredibly mundane sentence.
So plain that it didn’t raise the slightest suspicion.
‘That phrase was: “The banquet will continue until the moon begins to wane.”’
Which meant—he wasn’t supposed to hear it now.
That line wasn’t supposed to appear until two and a half years later.
And yet, he just heard it now.
Lloyd turned toward where the voice had come from.
His eyes met Sir Cherny, the captain of the Royal Guard, who was smiling beside the steward.
A chill ran down his spine.
In that moment, Lloyd became certain.
The perpetrator behind the attempted assassination—whose identity had never been fully uncovered in the novel—
He might have just found him.
