Chapter 273
Royal Road, Magenta. The capital and political, economic hub of the Kingdom of Magenta. This city, with its long history, was built right after the mythological era’s great war. The Giant King Oculrus had established his palace here, dominating humans for a long time until they were finally pushed out during the Human Independence War. The victorious humans built the first royal palace of mankind here, naming the city ‘Talia’ after a proud leader.
Since then, Talia flourished until it clashed due to a greedy king. Because the king was chosen by the dragon twice. After the fall, a new dynasty took over the city. The city’s name naturally changed to ‘Magenta.’ The semi-buried, egg-shaped royal castle, which is now a landmark of the kingdom, was also constructed during this period. Today, inside an office within the egg-shaped castle, Queen Alicia Termina Magenta was sighing, forgetting the raw egg she was holding.
“Ah…” Alicia wiped her wet hair with a towel, sipping the raw egg provided by a staff member. Yet, the furrow between her eyebrows didn’t smooth out due to an unresolved feeling of suffocation. ‘What a mess,’ she thought, frowning at the cluttered desk in her office. Among the mess were reports on the restoration work of the Termina Grand Garden, which had been ravaged by a wild attack from a Bone Dragon. ‘Thankfully, the restoration went smoothly and was concluded without causing a significant drain on the royal finances. But…’
The damage caused by the Bone Dragon’s rampage wasn’t fully repaired, especially the intangible damage was severe. ‘The royal family lost a lot of face.’ It was a vast garden built to show off the nation’s power, and a commemorative event was planned to broadcast this achievement internationally. Essentially, this event was meant to be a grand showcase of the Magentano royal family’s authority. However, the showcase was a disaster.
The skeleton of a dragon erected in the center of the Grand Garden moved unexpectedly, causing chaos and a riot. Attendees of the opening ceremony had to flee in disarray, and the capital’s defense forces had to mobilize quickly. Even the king had to take up arms. ‘At least that wasn’t the worst part.’
‘The real worst part… is that the royal family failed to capture the Bone Dragon.’ Alicia’s frown deepened. On that day, the royal family couldn’t subdue the Bone Dragon. More precisely, they couldn’t publicly reveal a shattered Bone Dragon. The royal family’s prestige hit rock bottom, becoming an international joke.
‘The royal family decorated the capital with a threat. They failed to properly address a menacing enemy. Despite that, the royal family tried an unbelievable self-defense… with the label of being strangers as an added insult.’ Her eyes flashed with intense emotion. After the Bone Dragon’s rampage, after Lloyd and Javier had left for hell.
She had poured all her energy into resolving the situation. Commemorating the victims caught in the accident as heroes, ensuring proper compensation was distributed. A significant amount of money was poured into restoring the extensively damaged Grand Garden. Meanwhile, she struggled to restore the lost authority of the Magentano family. The king of the Magentano family fought at the forefront against the threat of the Bone Dragon, it was said. He, along with Lloyd Frontera, Javier Asrahan, and others under his command, bravely stood up. Eventually, he supposedly subdued the Bone Dragon. They tried to illuminate the truth using testimonies from the guards who witnessed it. But what about the international community?
‘No one believed that story.’ Alicia smirked bitterly at the thought. It was a natural outcome. The overwhelming of the Bone Dragon that day was an undeniable truth. Despite Javier’s crucial involvement, the Bone Dragon was indeed subdued. However, there was no external evidence to prove it. ‘Because Lloyd took the Bone Dragon away.’
It would have been great if the damaged Bone Dragon could be displayed to the public. Unfortunately, no such evidence remained. That’s right. The narrative surrounding the Magentano royal family ended up becoming an international laughingstock. Was it because I couldn’t control it? Did the Bone Dragon simply get bored and fly away? If we truly subdued the Bone Dragon, why couldn’t we present evidence? Everyone started questioning the authority of the Magentanos. Not just foreigners.
‘Even the domestic nobility began speaking behind the scenes.’ Of course, his royal authority was strong and unwavering, so it wasn’t a major concern. This wouldn’t shake his legitimacy. But it still didn’t feel good. ‘I must restore the lost royal authority.’ The authority in the international community. What if it’s lost? It would mean a reduction in diplomatic influence. Conflicts, confrontations, negotiations that arise frequently among conflicting international interests. It meant I would struggle to handle all these matters. It’s like a wounded lion being scorned by hyenas.
“But…”. Restoring that authority to a noticeable degree seemed difficult. That was precisely why Queen Alicia had been frowning all day. “Tsk.” She grabbed the towel with a tense motion and vigorously rubbed the remaining moisture from her hair. Yet, her worries didn’t dissipate. “…”. Normally, after sword training followed by drinking raw eggs and taking a bath, her body would feel refreshed. Lately, that wasn’t the case. It felt like a problem that persisted no matter how much she pondered it.
“Should we just restore the broken garden and hold an event? That’s not enough. A restoration celebration won’t change anything. I wish there were a minor military conflict, no matter which border.” If such an event occurred, it could capture the attention of both domestic and international eyes. That would be an opportunity to showcase overwhelming military strength and recover authority.
“But it hasn’t come to that.” She didn’t like the idea of sending her pathetic soldiers into battle just to reclaim authority. Protecting and caring for them was the real display of authority. Thus, the Queen’s dilemma deepened.
How long had passed? When the Queen’s hair was halfway dry from frustration, the warm voice of the Chamberlain reached her. “Your Majesty, someone has requested a special audience, so I dare to inform you.” The voice of the Chamberlain came from outside the office. The Queen, momentarily escaping her world of worries, asked from across the door, “A guest? WHO?”
“The eldest son of Count Frontera, Lloyd Frontera.” Upon hearing the response, the Queen involuntarily clenched her fist. Because of the unexpected name? Or perhaps due to unexpected anticipation? But before she could answer herself, she already knew the answer within. “Let him in.”
“I will respect your command.” The Chamberlain’s footsteps receded. Apparently, he was going to bring Lloyd here. As Queen Alicia waited for the unexpected audience, she rested her chin on her hands. “Ah.” Worry? Or surprise? She wasn’t sure why she sighed. But one thing was certain: she welcomed Lloyd’s visit.
‘Lloyd Frontera.’ Always acting with sincerity. Despite being a subject, he had somehow acquired more power than even herself. Yet, for some reason, she didn’t feel particularly guarded against him. ‘Probably because my political interests align with his.’ She thought it fortunate that Lloyd wasn’t ambitious. “Thank you for choosing a simple life in the countryside.” Yet, she also felt a bit uneasy. ‘Why has he come all this way?’
Alicia licked her lips. Lloyd Frontera. The man she knew was never one to act without reason. It wasn’t like him to travel here without a significant benefit in mind. ‘It must be awkward to reach out and contact yourself. No, is this the first time he’s come to me like this?’ Reflecting on the past, it was always she who had contacted him. And then, reluctantly, he would come before her, frowning fiercely as if forced into labor, twisting his whole body, and begging for liberation while dousing himself in water. “Tsk.”
He came here on his own today? There must be a regrettable matter, a request, or something to be done. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense. ‘So, what’s the request?’ What great favor had driven him to come all this way? She was extremely curious. Simultaneously, she felt hopeful. ‘He’s a clever man. If he’s seeking something from me, he knows it won’t be for free.’ So, he must have brought something he desires as a bargaining chip. She also thought this card would greatly benefit them. ‘Because he’s clever.’ In this situation. When every day is filled with worries. What if he comes and makes a request, offering a negotiation card? ‘Perhaps you’ve noticed the crux of my worries. I hope you can help solve my problem. Perhaps they’re using it as a bargaining chip for assistance or support.’ Thinking about it, it was a simple issue.
Thus, Queen Alicia swiftly drew out the underlying meaning and intent behind Lloyd’s unexpected visit as if pulling a proverbial rabbit out of a hat. As her hair finally dried, the Chamberlain’s voice was heard again. “The eldest son of Count Frontera, Lloyd Frontera, has arrived for Your Majesty.” “Let him in.” The office door opened. And then, she saw a familiar figure.
“Long live the Queen. I, Lloyd Frontera, the eldest son of Count Frontera, am delighted to meet Your Majesty, the rightful ruler of this land.” Lloyd bowed, showing respect, his rugged back of the head exposed. Instead of accepting the courtesy, should she strike him once? Such a bizarre urge was invoked by the sight of his roundly exposed back of the head.
“…” Alicia quelled the ludicrous impulse that momentarily flitted through her mind. Instead, she looked down at Lloyd with a frosty gaze. “It’s been a long time, Lloyd Frontera.” “Indeed, Your Majesty. Have you been well?” “Quite. Unfortunately, thanks to your disobedience to my commands.” “…Pardon?” Lloyd looked up at her, confusion etched across his face.
Alicia offered a sardonic smile. “You promised, before venturing beyond the gates of hell, before stepping into hell itself. Don’t you remember?” “If you’re referring to… before going to hell…” “Did I not tell you that you could return to my side only if you ventured into hell in a manner of your choosing?” “…Ah.” “Furthermore, I requested of you. If you truly cherish my favor, return safely to my side. How did you respond?” “I will keep it in mind… called out.” “You responded quite brashly.” “…” “So why did I hear of your return from hell through reports from others, not from you directly?” “…” “Thus, I was informed one day, out of the blue. During the chaos incited by the Bone Dragon in the capital, you had suddenly returned to Frontera territory.” “…” “And then you went to see Count Cremo?” “…” “Fine. I understand that Count Cremo should warmly welcome you,” “…” “Any response?” “…Please forgive me, Your Majesty.” “Really? Am I to be thankful?” “Not exactly…” “What if?” “It pains me to say this, but I had no choice but to return due to urgent and challenging circumstances that arose.” “Is that so?” “Yes, Your Majesty. Despite this, my loyalty has always remained by your side.” “Ah, up to now, there was no way for me to know that your heart stayed by my side.” “That’s… …” “But I was keenly aware of the unfortunate fact that your footsteps reached Count Cremo before me.” “That’s… …” “How did Count Cremo greet you? Did he host a grand welcome banquet? It would be difficult otherwise. The first place you sought after setting me aside was precisely there. It would have been disappointing if Count Cremo hadn’t received you with genuine warmth after you visited him with such sincere intentions. Am I right?” “…Please, Your Majesty.”
Lloyd was at a loss. The sardonic smile that graced the Queen’s lips turned into a smirk of relief. In her eyes looking at Lloyd, there was a subtle blend of joy and satisfaction. “That’s why I like you.” “…Pardon?” “Have you settled the issue of going to hell?” “Certainly, Your Majesty.” “Any injuries?” “As you can see, I’m speaking quite well, Your Majesty.” “I suppose I have you to thank for being blessed with such happiness?” “…” “Good. Enough with the pleasantries of this welcome reunion. Shall we get to the main topic?”
The Queen’s eyes grew colder. She extracted what she had surmised and directly inserted it into Lloyd’s ears. “I’m sorry, Lloyd Frontera. Did you request an audience today to solve my problem and claim your reward?” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Lloyd did not deny the Queen’s speculation. In fact, he always appreciated how straightforward their conversations were without beating around the bush.
And he remembered. A month ago. The jewel base discovered in the Merfolk Kingdom. The blueprint obtained there. The core material indicated by the blueprint. What should be done now? Keeping everything in mind, he replied. “Your Majesty, everything you speculated is correct.” “Is that so.” “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then, you’ve devised a plan to dramatically elevate the lost royal authority due to the failed inauguration of the Grand Garden and the rampant behavior of the Bone Dragon?” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Lloyd nodded. Indeed. He had somewhat guessed the Queen’s concerns. The person who thought of a method to resolve the issue instantly was him. Queen Alicia almost precisely understood his intentions. ‘Additionally.’ Lloyd Frontera was the same. Always seeking benefit, which is why he wouldn’t have come if he wasn’t sure of the project’s success. ‘Thanks to that, I can entrust him with this task.’ Alicia felt reassured. Is there another person as intelligent and trustworthy as him? Watching Lloyd’s confident demeanor, she felt as if her worries had already been resolved. That’s right. Queen Alicia’s voice softened. “Sleep well. If your plan is that certain, you can expect to receive the reward you desire from me, right?” “That too, of course.” “Then, tell me in advance what reward you desire.” Let’s find out what interests you early on. Ultimately, you are the one solving your problem. You’re trusted enough for that. Even the most unreasonable request will be considered. The Queen had made that promise. She hoped to save some grace, always wishing you would follow her commands. She decided, resolute and generous in her offering.
And then, “My humble request is quite simple,” began Lloyd, as he finally spoke. “Please allow me to extract the royal castle.”
