‘If a prompt is appearing, I guess I have to do my best.’
Recalling the lives from my previous regressions, I wrung out the best possible answer.
Then, I suddenly remembered my time as the Chancellor during my second regression.
I recalled a memory of drinking with Darc, me as the representative of the Imperial Court, and him as the representative of the nobles.
At first, we exchanged heated arguments.
But, as we started to get drunk, the topic of our dreams coincidentally came up…
As expected, people who have achieved everything have similar dreams.
“I don’t have any particular great ambitions.”
I opened my mouth, just like back then when we drank together.
With the weary eyes of one who has weathered the hardships of the world.
“No matter how much property or power one has, it is all bound to disappear someday.”
I took off my uniform hat.
I smiled at the Great Elder, who had maintained The Empire from his own position.
“So, my goal is to safely see my grandchildren and tend to a vegetable garden in the countryside.”
Was it because of the unexpected answer?
For a moment, Darc’s spacious prison cell became incredibly quiet.
Clea, who was listening from afar, almost burst out laughing and opened the door.
Because the answer given to a question about future aspirations was just too simple.
“…”
The blond-haired man standing before me also stared blankly at me.
After hearing my nonsensical answer, he took a sip of his cold tea.
‘It’s all over.’
Clea shut her eyes tightly, thinking he was obviously drinking because his throat was dry.
However, she couldn’t help but peek with the eyes she had just closed.
Because this old man opened his mouth again, his tone gentler than when I first saw him.
“How curious.
I thought you would say something trivial, like asking to be made the head of your family.”
This old man’s face was reflected on the red surface of the tea.
Darc confirmed that the corners of his mouth had risen, then drank the rest of the tea.
“Isn’t it too greedy for a young pup like you to already want to see your grandchildren?”
The Great Elder placed a hand on my shoulder.
He was clearly not a knight, yet I felt a strange pressure from his touch.
The words about wanting to live comfortably in the countryside.
It seems simple on the surface, but in reality, it’s a very extravagant dream.
The usual age for laying down one’s power and going into retirement is 70.
It is incredibly difficult to stand firm on the corpses of one’s enemies until then.
As expected, the Great Elder instantly recognized that bold aspiration.
“Hey, that’s a dream even I haven’t achieved yet.” “That is why I am suggesting we achieve it together.”
I politely adjusted my uniform hat.
And dared to make a proposal to the man who held half the power of The Empire.
“Please think of it as a type of investment.
I will make this a place where you and your family can trust and rest.”
The Berihill Prison Warden can own the land for 20km around.
Darc burst into laughter at the aspiration of the young junior who was leveraging that right.
“In all my life, this is the first time I’ve heard such a negotiation proposal…!!” “I learned that in a negotiation, one must present what the other party needs most.”
What would the 60-year-old Great Elder need most?
Money, honor, love?
He had already enjoyed and experienced everything.
The reason such a man started a civil war was precisely because of his family.
The Great Elder who came here because of his son’s sin.
To him who had achieved everything, family was all he had, and among them was his younger sister, the 2nd Empress.
When she and her daughter, the Princess, were assassinated by the opposition, he became extremely enraged.
He may be acting so magnanimously towards me now…
But his appearance in the previous regression, after losing his younger sister and niece, was terror itself.
“You’re right.
It might just be the sweetest negotiation card.”
Darc lightly clasped the hand I extended.
From his touch, I could solemnly feel the weight of a family head that he shouldered.
“I will give you a proper ‘reply’ soon.”
The first interview with the Great Elder ended successfully.
As I left the prison cell, I thought quietly to myself.
A man who, although he started a civil war, had dedicated himself to the nation before that.
In this life, at least, I want to give him a peaceful repose.
“Hoo…”
As I approached the prison cell door, Clea, clenching both her fists, came into view.
The sight of her turned away, timidly expressing her joy.
When I came out into the hallway, she returned to her cold, expressionless face.
“Did the conversation go well?” “Why are you asking when you’ve been eavesdropping this whole time.”
“Ahem, honestly, I’m curious.
So are you now on friendly terms with Darc?” “No, not even close.”
As I shook my head firmly, Clea tilted her head.
Because my expression after the conversation had become much more serious than before.
“You both looked like you were in a good mood.” “It would have gone over well if I had said I would serve under him.
But, I insolently proposed an alliance.”
Darc never easily joined hands with anyone.
Because he only formed an equal cooperative relationship with carefully selected individuals after thoroughly testing them.
To a man like that, I, with no family to protect and no property, am still an unverified talented individual.
“His inner circle will come to test me soon.”
The envoys of the Imperial Palace are coming.
The vicious Imperial National Tax Service, which has crushed even the high-ranking nobles who fear nothing.
“To see if I am worthy of being kept by his side.”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Clea contemplated deeply.
“We must prepare in advance.” “Right.
I’ll give my first order as Prison Warden.”
She had an expression of anticipation, wondering what reliable order I would give.
However, she soon ended up furrowing her fine eyebrows.
“First, go into town and buy some whiskey.
As much as you can.” “Excuse me?”
The fox-faced woman looked at me with disgust.
Her work motivation, which had soared for the first time in a while, seemed to have completely deflated.
“I have a plan for it.
It’s a very important task.” “…I understand.”
The adjutant left the detention center first with a sullen look in her eyes.
As she left, she muttered, ‘Don’t tell me he’s planning to get by with a drink offering’.
***
And so, the next day arrived.
Worried about Derek being left alone in the prison, Clea set off for work early.
Soon arriving at the entrance, she dismounted her horse, sensing an unusual atmosphere.
Because, just as the Warden had said, a big shot had really come to this always-quiet place.
“Are you the adjutant here?”
A black-haired middle-aged man who looked difficult at a glance was standing at the entrance.
And he was even accompanied by knights in white uniforms, symbolizing the Imperial Court.
“Yes, I am Exclusive Adjutant Clea Lockhart.” “Take me to Prison Warden Derek Minster.”
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Character illustrations & later chapters: