"Have all five hundred apprentices from Nuln decided to return to Britannia?" Ryan asked gently, holding Sulia's hand. "I heard Emilia mention it, but I haven't seen any official news."
"If there was any official confirmation, I would have told you already," Sulia replied with a soft smile, resting her head on Ryan's shoulder. The queen's tone was calm. "Emilia is arriving soon, and the five hundred students will be coming with her. You can ask her directly when she arrives. She only mentioned it briefly in passing, without sending a formal letter."
"These five hundred graduates from Nuln University are very important. They represent the future of our nation," Ryan said slowly, nodding in agreement. "Emilia has been quite busy lately, and she's become famous across the world. She's now known as the 'Unifier of the Empire,' 'Great Patriot,' 'Savior of Nuln,' and... 'The Wicked Witch of Nuln' (as some Elector Counts call her). Thanks to her efforts, she successfully prevented the Empire from descending into chaos and splitting into the War of Three Emperors."
"Indeed," Sulia responded, though she seemed less interested in the topic. Her tone was laced with meaning. "Emilia has really risen to power now. She probably won't even recognize me as her sister anymore."
"Oh, it's not that bad," Ryan chuckled and pulled Sulia onto his lap. In full view of Theresa's envious eyes, the king held his queen close and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Why worry, Sulia?"
"Her personal domain is fifty times the size of mine and twice the size of yours," Sulia muttered reluctantly, clearly uncomfortable with showing too much affection in front of Theresa. She struggled against Ryan's strong arms, but when she saw he was insistent, she shyly leaned into him. "You didn't have as much trouble when you married her."
"Hahaha! My lady, you're testing me again," Ryan laughed and playfully tapped Sulia's delicate nose. "I had no idea who Emilia really was at first. I only suspected she might be the daughter of some noble, fleeing due to war or persecution. Who could have guessed she was actually the Duchess of Nuln, the Elector Count of Brescia, and the Grand Duke of Wissenland—the first in line for three of the Empire's most prestigious titles?"
"...So that was your excuse for getting close to me after you already had Emilia?" Sulia knew her slight irritation was unjustified, but she couldn't help it. Her position as Ryan's wife and queen was beyond question, yet the sweet and obedient maid who used to call her "Sister Sulia" had suddenly transformed into a powerful Imperial baroness. Emilia commanded countless elite troops and owned Nuln, the Empire's industrial and academic hub, not to mention the mother of Ryan's son, Frederick von Lebwitz-Bernardino.
"Don't worry, Sulia. Emilia isn't someone with bad intentions. I remember when Theresa wasn't feeling well during one of our adventures, Emilia took care of her. Isn't that right, dear Theresa?" Ryan asked, glancing at the sorceress.
"Ah, yes. Emilia took care of me, though rather clumsily on purpose, trying to get scolded so I wouldn't pay attention to her," Theresa smiled, recalling the memory. "It wasn't exactly the best experience."
"Back then, Emilia didn't trust anyone," Ryan nodded, then continued speaking with Sulia. "My dear, let me tell you a story. When Emilia and I were staying in Marienburg for a while..."
As Ryan recounted amusing stories from their time in Marienburg, Sulia giggled, thoroughly entertained. Meanwhile, Ryan took the opportunity to caress her legs and feet, enjoying their rare moment of leisure during the journey.
Theresa, watching their closeness, couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. She had often imagined what her life would be like if she had become Ryan's wife. Yet, despite her stubborn nature, Theresa wasn't a fool. She knew she couldn't manage Ryan's lands and court as well as Sulia did. If she became Ryan's wife, she'd likely spend most of her time immersed in magic experiments, potion-making, and crafting—hardly leaving enough time for more than two or three days a week with Ryan.
Theresa also remembered Aurora's advice about having a child. Deep down, she knew Aurora's words weren't entirely wrong. Aurora wasn't just looking out for her own interests or those of her witch coven; she was genuinely thinking about Theresa. Theresa's relationship with Ryan was tenuous at best, limited to being his magic advisor and personal lady-in-waiting. It wasn't a solid bond.
In terms of looks, Theresa knew she was beautiful and had a stunning figure. But Ryan now had a kingdom full of people willing to offer him new servants or ladies-in-waiting, should he desire it. In fact, many noble knights had subtly suggested it, though Sulia had turned them all down, and Ryan had clearly expressed no interest. The same went for the Garland Council.
In terms of power, Theresa was still stuck at the peak of the Legendary rank, while Ryan was surrounded by women like Olica, Morgiana, and Veronica, who were all at the Sacred Domain level. Ryan no longer needed her magical abilities.
Over the past two weeks in the ducal castle, Theresa's only role had been...
Well, you get the idea.
Thus, Theresa understood why Aurora was so eager for her to have a child. However, pregnancy for a spellcaster was a rare occurrence, and despite spending a lot of time with Ryan, she hadn't conceived. At over forty years old, Theresa was starting to feel the pressure. If it hadn't happened by now, what could she do?
There was a special ice magic technique that could freeze eggs and then use potions to activate them, a method that made it easier for Kislev's Ice Witches to pass on their bloodlines. But only witches at the Sacred Domain level could perform this, and Theresa wasn't there yet.
"Theresa?"
What should I do? The sorceress's mind raced with thoughts.
"Theresa?"
If I want to secure my place and avoid being sidelined, I need to have a child as soon as possible. But to use the magic and potions, I need to reach the Sacred Domain. So... A terrifying thought suddenly crossed Theresa's mind.
No, absolutely not!
"Lady Theresa!" Ryan's voice grew louder, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Huh? What is it, Ryan?" Theresa blushed, realizing she'd been lost in thought. She smoothed her skirt and crossed her legs, encased in sheer silk stockings. "I was just thinking."
"I was asking when you're leaving and how long the journey will take," Ryan said, looking out the window before turning his attention back to her.
"The Grand Assembly will last three to five days. Mother and I are leaving in three days, and Veronica will teleport there separately," Theresa explained. "After the assembly, we'll stay at the Sky Fortress for one or two weeks to handle some follow-up matters. We might even need to move."
"I see. Understood," Ryan nodded.
After another two hours of travel, they reached their destination. Despite some reluctance, Theresa kissed Ryan goodbye and left on her hybrid elven horse, heading for the Ice Wizard Tower.
Now that it was just Sulia and Ryan in the carriage, the queen immediately noticed the mischievous look in Ryan's eyes. She quickly protested, "No! Ryan, not here!"
"What are you talking about, Sulia? I just want to hold you," Ryan said, embracing his wife so she couldn't escape. "Let me hold you. I love holding you."
Blushing, Sulia nodded shyly. Leaning against Ryan's chest, she hesitated for a moment before asking, "Did Emilia mention exactly when she's arriving?"
"It should be in the next day or two," Ryan smiled, enjoying the scent of her golden hair, which smelled faintly of irises. "She explicitly said not to meet her with any grand reception or ceremony. Since that's what she prefers, we'll just let her be."
"And what about your brother, Fogen?" Sulia asked, nodding as she absorbed the information.
"Fogen won't be here for a while yet. When the time comes, I'll have to go to Bordeleaux to welcome him and his Ashen Legion," Ryan replied.
They chatted for a while longer, discussing various domestic matters and foreign policy issues. As they conversed, Sulia noticed Ryan's hands becoming increasingly mischievous. She quickly stopped him, "Wait... wait! Ryan, if Kislev's situation is really as bad as Beria says, with the nation in such turmoil, why isn't the Empire doing anything? I remember they used to support Kislev financially, didn't they? Why haven't they done so recently?"
"Emperor Karl Franz is too overwhelmed by internal conflicts right now. He doesn't have the resources or time to help Kislev," Ryan explained. "Ostland, however, has always had a good relationship with Kislev. They received a share of wealth from the Norscan Great Expedition. Kislev can't afford to fall, even though the kingdom has been in decline since the Great Holy War. It's still the Old World's first line of defense."
"The Empire's financial troubles are temporary. Emperor Karl spent a lot of money and effort rebuilding Solland, but once it's done, the new trade tariffs and revenues will replenish the Empire's treasury. Plus, they'll gain a new elite army.
In the long run, it's a worthwhile investment. He just needs to get through this rough patch," Ryan continued.
"So, you think the Emperor might ask us for a loan? Everyone knows we're the richest kingdom right now," Sulia speculated.
"It's possible," Ryan said, unsurprised by the idea. "If he comes in person, we could lend him some money. The returns would likely be greater."
"Hmm." Sulia nodded thoughtfully, then tentatively brought up another matter. "By the way, regarding the new tax commissioner, I'm leaning toward Vincent, Sylvia's father. He's honest, hardworking, and trustworthy. What do you think?"
"If my lady says so, how can I disagree? Fine, I'll appoint Vincent as the new tax commissioner when we get back. Gaspard has served me well for nearly twenty years; he can retire," Ryan agreed.
The decision was made. Ryan couldn't help but reflect on how neither his kingdom nor the Empire had encountered the severe tax issues that plagued other nations in history, like the infamous "gentry exemptions" of certain empires.
Since Emperor Ludwig's reforms, both commoners and nobles in the Empire had been obligated to pay taxes. Similarly, in Britannia, even the high nobles had to pay taxes, including the King's shield tax and the tithe to the Lady of the Lake. No noble dared evade the tithe, and Ryan's close relationship with the Lake Church allowed him to tap into their immense wealth directly.
The King's shield tax was also being paid by all the dukedoms, except for the Duchy of Carcassonne, which Ryan had exempted due to its role in defending against southern invasions.
Everyone paying their fair share of taxes greatly relieved the kingdom's financial burden and ensured Ryan's authority. With the full support of the Lake Church and his personal prestige, none of the dukes dared defy his orders—unlike in other historical periods when governments struggled with tax collection.
In contrast, Kislev faced similar problems, with the boyars and nobles refusing to pay taxes.
"Sulia, let me ask you something," Ryan said, breaking his thoughts. "Did Lilith mention a specific time?"
"Time? Yes, she did," Sulia's sapphire eyes twinkled mischievously. "Impatient, my dear husband?"
"Hehe, didn't you make an agreement with Lilith?" Ryan grinned and kissed his wife's lips. "Tell me."
"The Lady said that on this year's Lady of the Lake Day, she'll meet you in the tower... for your wedding night," Sulia's face flushed red. "And I'll be there, too, as a witness to your union with the Lady."
"Got it," Ryan nodded, smiling.
A few hours later, Ryan and Sulia returned to their ducal castle. Hand in hand, they stepped down from the carriage, exchanging smiles, only to hear someone laughing loudly at the castle gates.
"Hahaha!"
"Brother, what's so funny?" Ryan asked curiously, turning to Angron, who was crouched in the corner, laughing uncontrollably.
"Hahaha~!" Angron laughed so hard he was clutching his face. The Primarch of the World Eaters pointed inside the gates, barely able to catch his breath. "Ahaha~!"
"???" Ryan quickly strode inside, curious to see what had Angron in such fits of laughter.
Inside, two children's voices were engaged in a heated argument.
"My dad is the strongest dad in the world!"
"So is mine!"
"No, my dad's the best! He's unbeatable!"
"That's nonsense! My dad's the strongest!"
"No way! My dad's a great hero!"
"So is mine!"
"Hmph! Let me tell you, my dad is so awesome, he could eat dung!"
"My dad could, too!"
"Well, my dad could ride a cactus!"
"My dad could do that and stick a stick in the barrel of a Hochland long rifle. Can your dad do that?"
"Of course! My dad can stick his head into Nurgle's stew and stir it! Can your dad do that?"
"Not only can my dad stir it, he could drink it!"
Ryan's brow furrowed as he listened. Who are these two brats arguing so loudly? And so arrogantly?
Hurrying inside, Ryan soon saw little Devonshire and Frederick clutching toys, their faces red as they quarreled fiercely. Not far off, Emilia, the Imperial baroness, was sitting on a chair, laughing so hard she could barely stay upright.
Ryan felt his blood rushing to his head, his veins bulging.
Oh! So they're talking about the same dad, huh?!
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