TOPWL 247

‘I am a ghost of the past. Please, do not hesitate; move forward toward the future.’

Darham could not hide his grief at the words of the Royal Guard Captain, who now welcomed death. Finally, Darham closed his eyes and spoke.

‘Take this man to the dungeon. I shall carry out the execution tomorrow.’

‘……Thank you.’

“He was sentenced to death, yet he wore the brightest smile I have ever seen.”

Yudit spoke as he watched the somber Darham.

“I know you are occupied, but I have come to you because I have a proposal.”

“What kind of proposal is it?”

Darham listened with a posture that suggested he would grant any request. Yudit smiled at the sight.

“Lend me your troops.”

“Of course I shall,” Darham replied readily. Although Prince Valterian had tried to destroy the evidence, proof that Darham had rightfully inherited the throne continued to surface. Valterian was dead, and his followers were either imprisoned or disbanded. A minimum number of soldiers was necessary to stabilize the capital and the estates after the war, but Darham could easily spare the rest.

“I do not ask for them as a suzerain asks of a vassal state.”

“Then……?”

“I ask for them as an ally.”

Darham’s expression became complicated as he processed Yudit’s words.

“If you lend me your strength, I intend to treat the Gotha Kingdom as an ally rather than a vassal once I become Emperor. Fight alongside me for the sake of freedom.”

The difference between a vassal state and an ally was vast. A vassal state was a one-sided relationship where the Empire dictated diplomacy and military affairs; the kingdom would be forced to provide tribute and manpower in total submission. An alliance, however, was a relationship of equals where both nations maintained their sovereignty. Darham looked back and forth between Yudit and Khalid in disbelief. Since they had already agreed on this matter, Khalid remained silent.

“…… I do not know how to thank you.”

Even if they were a vassal state, a levy of troops would have been mandatory. However, Yudit believed such a status would ruin the soldiers’ morale. The Imperial Army and the Gotha Kingdom had pointed blades at one another only a short time ago. If they were now told to fight for the Empire as subjects, psychological resistance was inevitable. Deserters or betrayals might even follow.

Purpose is vital in war. Few men remain sane after they take lives for no reason. But when the purpose is clear, the story changes. Once Yudit became Emperor, Gotha would be an ally. For that cause, the soldiers of Gotha would fight willingly.

Beyond pragmatism, Yudit simply did not wish to reduce the Gotha Kingdom to a vassal. He respected their religion and their way of life. Even with such respect, decades of life as a subject state would inevitably erode their unique culture. Yudit felt more at ease with an alliance.

“I look forward to our partnership.”

“As do I,” Darham replied.

Yudit reached out his hand first. Darham reverently took it.

“Soldiers are gathering in the capital as we speak. I will lend you every man available, save for those required for basic security.”

Darham hesitated for a moment, then spoke while gauging Yudit’s reaction.

“Forgive my over-caution, but I ask that you treat them with as much humanity as possible.”

When a nation took prisoners from a former enemy to use as soldiers, they rarely treated them as equals. Fear of betrayal often led commanders to deploy those men as disposable shields in hopeless battles. Darham feared his men would be treated as expendable tools.

“I shall make no distinction between the Imperial Army and the Kingdom’s army. You have my word.”

“Since it is you who says so, Your Highness, I believe it.”

Darham patted his chest, his expression much more relaxed. Before the conversation could continue, Khalid spoke up.

“Prince Yudit will be here tomorrow as well. Discuss the details then; we shall take our leave for now.”

“Khalid……?”

Yudit looked at him with wonder as Khalid took his hand and stood up. Darham nodded obediently.

“I have taken up too much of your time. I will escort you to the finest room. No one shall disturb you until tomorrow.”

“I appreciate the consideration. Let’s go, Your Highness.”

Khalid urgently pulled Yudit up, he nearly lifted him off the ground. Yudit felt a bit embarrassed by the man’s haste. Even so, he did not wish to pull his hand away. Yudit rose from his seat, and the Chief Chamberlain, who had been listening from within, guided them to their quarters.

The room was as grand and opulent as Darham had described. People said that while the exterior was weathered, the interior was the height of luxury, and the sight lived up to the reputation. Masterpieces, sculptures, and ornaments crowded the wide walls. Not a single item, from the bed to the tables, chairs, and even small trinkets, lacked an embedded gemstone.

Was this the King’s own chamber? Even the Empire would not go this far, Yudit thought, stunned by the extravagance. Khalid looked satisfied as he stared at the massive bed, which seemed large enough for four people to lie in. He turned to the servant.

“We require no attendance. Leave.”

“Understood. If you need anything, please pull the bell cord.”

“I will. We have no need for guards either, so see to your own duties.”

Khalid waved off both his and Yudit’s guards before he closed the door. The bluntness made Yudit’s face turn red with embarrassment.

“Khalid, you did not have to dismiss them so curtly.”

“There was no need for a long conversation,” Khalid replied dismissively as he swept Yudit up into his arms. He did it so effortlessly, even though Yudit’s belly had grown heavy.

“Am I not heavy?”

“Not at all. You are light as a feather.”

They entered the bathroom to find a steaming tub. Three separate pools occupied the space, each large enough to seat twenty people; the scale was nearly double that of a standard public bath. Yudit marveled again at the jewels encrusting the tub’s rim. Khalid set him down, dipped his hand into the water, and sniffed it.

“It is spring water.”

“Really?”

Yudit curiously looked at the water. Up close, it possessed a milky, translucent hue.

“Arms up.”

As soon as Yudit raised his arms, Khalid untied the fastenings and stripped his clothes away. When he moved to remove the boots and trousers, Yudit flinched.

“I can do that myself.”

“I know. It is simply faster if I do it.”

Khalid pulled off the boots and trousers. He guided Yudit into the bath and quickly disrobed to join him.

“Is it too hot?”

“It is perfect.”

The spring water felt slick, as if oil had been mixed into the pool. Yudit toyed with the water, fascinated by the sensation. A window was open to the outside, and the breeze was cool, but the contrast made the warmth of the water feel even more pleasant.

Khalid naturally pulled Yudit into his embrace. Yudit let go of all his tension and leaned back against him.

“Haaa……”

It felt as though hid fatigue was dissolving into the water.

“Your neck is very stiff,” Khalid noted as he massaged Yudit’s neck. He was so gentle that Yudit chuckled.

“I do not think you will work out any knots that way.”

“I am afraid. You feel so delicate that I fear I might break you if I use too much force.”

“You can use a bit more.”

“……This much?”

“A little more.”

After a few attempts, Khalid found the right pressure. He kneaded from his neck to his shoulders, arms, and back. Muscles that had been hard as stone gradually softened under the warm water and the massage. Yudit closed his eyes.

***

“……Dit. Yudit.”

Yudit awoke to the sound of his name. He remembered being in the bath, but he now lay in bed, fully dressed.

“Did I sleep long?”

“About an hour. Eat something, then go back to sleep.”

Khalid is leaving soon; how could I fall asleep like that? Yudit was appalled at himself. However, he had no time for self-reproach before food arrived. It was a rice porridge mixed with finely minced boiled eggs, and the mild flavor was pleasant. Khalid kept bringing the spoon to his lips, making Yudit feel a bit self-conscious.

“I can eat by myself.”

“I know. I simply wish to feed you. May I?”

“……Yes.”

Khalid had a knack for picking out exactly what Yudit wanted to eat. Yudit leaned against the plush pillows and accepted the food like a fledgling bird. He knew Khalid wanted this, but the situation felt unfamiliar, and it weighed on his conscience to have a man who was about to depart wait on him.

“I will just eat on my…”

Yudit lifted his head just as Khalid moved the spoon, causing the porridge to spill. It landed, unfortunately, right upon his chest. Both men stared at Yudit’s chest before their eyes met. A subtle, heavy tension began to drift through the room.