Side Story Episode 5. Happiness's Final Destination
Yerikana had somehow become Renisha's aide.
The sight of her beaming smile, saying she'd been waiting for this day, was a bit chilling, and she felt like taking back what she'd said.
In any case, with new wings, Yerikana, it was time to move forward.
"Yerikana, tell me what you saw. Where do you think we should start?"
"The east doesn't have enough room to handle the railroad. I think it would be best to start in the south."
"Hmm."
Renisha checked the report. The railroad wouldn't just connect the old system to Hiloshine.
Its construction would bring about social, cultural, and economic development.
It would create jobs and boost imports and exports.
Renisha believed that this would allow Hientry to advance to the next level.
"If we could bring the resources of the south up..."
"Yes. Industry could develop further, Your Majesty."
It was a project that was bound to require a lot of money.
They might have to focus on the railroad for a while.
“How much money is accumulated in Hiloshine’s coffers, Haylin?”
She knew the profits from mining black snake scales had been quite substantial.
She’d been busy for a while, so she’d neglected that part.
“It’ll be enough to run Hientri for three years.”
Renisha’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer.
“I didn’t just hoard the money.”
Haylin’s clean answer made Renisha smack her lips.
“I think it’s too sad that Haylin won’t stay.”
Renisha and Haylin shared a smile.
It was late summer when Renisha’s lifelong dream of a railroad became a reality.
The day they broke ground, Renisha couldn’t sleep a wink, her excitement overwhelming.
Kassius felt the same.
Using that railroad, they could visit Baryton in three hours.
Although their dreams were different, most people welcomed the railroad.
“If this continues, our empire could be ruined. The Emperor won’t leave the empire alone. She’s destroying traditions and disregarding customs. Marquis Danvers, you must do something about it! If this continues, we’ll be treated like relics of the past.”
Danvers clicked his tongue. How could everyone be so energetic?
Danvers was enjoying watching his daughter, who was just turning two.
He wanted to step back from such political battles. To rush in and say something as soon as the railroad was built? It’s contradictory.
If you truly believe a new civilization is harmful, you shouldn’t even use it.
Marquis Danvers clicked his tongue wearily.
The established nobles of the central government had rushed in on the train.
“Your Majesty has made way for those annoying people, yes.”
Marquis Danvers sighed and began.
“Are you admitting that the people here are relics of the past?”
“Huh? What are you suddenly saying?”
Since it was certain that Renisha would side with the Duke of Lottera, he felt it would be a bad idea to poke the Marquis of Danvers in the side just in case. Did he really think the Marquis of Danvers would backstab Renisha?
“I donated a huge amount to the railroad. I’m not against it like the others here. Besides, I understand you all used it, too?”
“Ahem! That’s not what I’m saying!”
Those who remained in the former empire likely thought Renisha would be defeated and return.
Even so, with the loss of half of the central nobles who supported the Emperor and governed the country, they assumed Renisha would struggle.
However, Renisha had appointed new members to fill the void. They included gentry who had made money through commerce, and they even granted them new titles.
Renisha felt no sense of emptiness.
In fact, it was those men here who sensed a sense of crisis and came running.
The Marquis of Danvers spoke with a tired expression.
"Your Grace, please hold onto the hem of your trousers. Who knows if they'll find you pitiful?"
"You're insulting me, a bloodline of one of the founding fathers!"
"I'm telling you that times have changed. We need to throw away all the old and useless things and replace them with new ones. There's not enough time left."
"The Marquis of Danvers!"
"Don't tire yourself out and go back. A distinguished guest is scheduled to arrive at the mansion today. Stop wasting time here and proceed to the palace!"
Today was the long-awaited return of Clugh. He rarely visited during vacations, so he suddenly showed up during the semester.
Clugh Danvers was the son of his father's second wife.
As a result, there was a significant age gap between him and the Marquis Danvers.
It would be more fitting to call him his son.
"You're in good spirits, old man."
He must have poured all his energy into it, because he died not long afterward.
Thanks to him, the Marquis Danvers raised the child, like his own.
He heard he's been hanging out with Crown Prince Baryton lately...
"What are you hoping for? He's not sick, is he?"
Marquis Danvers sighed.
He called the butler.
When you're worried and tired, you need a tonic.
"Where is our Rossi?"
"The young lady is in the garden with her maid."
The Marquis of Danvers stepped outside with fleeting steps.
His beautiful daughter, as potent as a tonic, greeted him.
“Rossi!”
“Uppa!”
“Oh my goodness, did you just hear that? Madam, Rossi just called me daddy!”
“That sounds right...”
The Marchioness of Danvers laughed, her expression bewildered.
The Marquis of Danvers hugged his wife tightly and then let go.
Happiness overflowed throughout the Marquis of Danvers’s household.
And the palace was no different.
Renisha and Kassius, who had fully adapted to their new palace, were still as close as needle and thread.
They never parted except when something happened.
When Renisha looked at a document, Kassius took it and sorted it, a gesture he had become accustomed to.
“Aren’t you busy today?”
“Not even a little.”
Kassius quickly shook his head.
Renisha handed the document she had checked to Kassius.
“I’m going to destroy it. It’s useless.”
“What does it say?”
"It's a plea from the remaining nobles. I'm not idle enough to listen to the nonsense of imperialists still living in their dreams."
"If they surrender and come back, do you intend to use them again?"
Renisha pondered for a moment.
Well, would they really be of much use?
They were pathetic, with no intention of learning or improving.
They were just leeches, living off the money others earned.
Laxus had empowered them.
And they persecuted those who worked directly for them, evading taxes.
Perhaps it was a natural choice, as they longed for recognition.
Renisha didn't care at all about their recognition.
She wanted to be an Emperor whom they wouldn't be ashamed of. She hoped that when future generations look back on history, they would remember Renisha and say meaningful things like, "She laid the foundation," "It was a good time to live in," "She was the one who initiated reforms."
“Not at all. They’ve already shown their stubbornness. They covet others’ share, they evade taxes, and then they covet the grain of the poor. They’re useless in the government I’m creating,”
Renisha replied firmly.
“If I had the money to give them, I’d build another railroad.”
“The Marquis of Danvers will be tired for a while.”
Kassius followed Renisha’s advice and destroyed the documents.
Renisha reached out to touch something.
Kassius, seeing her lean forward, fussed.
“Let me do that, Renisha! What if you get hurt!”
Renisha stuck out her tongue.
“That’s not going to work out, is it, Yericana?”
“Well, Your Majesty. It’s beyond my knowledge. However, since the Grand Duke seems anxious, we’ll be out for a moment.”
Yericana tactfully led the others out of the office.
Renisha smiled and grabbed Kassius's cheek.
She gave him a light kiss.
"Our young lady is quite frightening."
"...Don't you think you're being too reckless?"
Renisha kissed Massius here and there on the cheek.
"Not even a little. Reckless, considering how carefully I live."
Kassius's face grew redder.
Kassius pulled away from Renisha's hand and kissed her abruptly.
Renisha laughed and hugged his neck.
Yerikana had somehow become Renisha's aide.
The sight of her beaming smile, saying she'd been waiting for this day, was a bit chilling, and she felt like taking back what she'd said.
In any case, with new wings, Yerikana, it was time to move forward.
"Yerikana, tell me what you saw. Where do you think we should start?"
"The east doesn't have enough room to handle the railroad. I think it would be best to start in the south."
"Hmm."
Renisha checked the report. The railroad wouldn't just connect the old system to Hiloshine.
Its construction would bring about social, cultural, and economic development.
It would create jobs and boost imports and exports.
Renisha believed that this would allow Hientry to advance to the next level.
"If we could bring the resources of the south up..."
"Yes. Industry could develop further, Your Majesty."
It was a project that was bound to require a lot of money.
They might have to focus on the railroad for a while.
“How much money is accumulated in Hiloshine’s coffers, Haylin?”
She knew the profits from mining black snake scales had been quite substantial.
She’d been busy for a while, so she’d neglected that part.
“It’ll be enough to run Hientri for three years.”
Renisha’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer.
“I didn’t just hoard the money.”
Haylin’s clean answer made Renisha smack her lips.
“I think it’s too sad that Haylin won’t stay.”
“You'll miss me more if I leave when you're still longing for me.”
It was late summer when Renisha’s lifelong dream of a railroad became a reality.
The day they broke ground, Renisha couldn’t sleep a wink, her excitement overwhelming.
Kassius felt the same.
Using that railroad, they could visit Baryton in three hours.
Although their dreams were different, most people welcomed the railroad.
***
“If this continues, our empire could be ruined. The Emperor won’t leave the empire alone. She’s destroying traditions and disregarding customs. Marquis Danvers, you must do something about it! If this continues, we’ll be treated like relics of the past.”
Danvers clicked his tongue. How could everyone be so energetic?
Danvers was enjoying watching his daughter, who was just turning two.
He wanted to step back from such political battles. To rush in and say something as soon as the railroad was built? It’s contradictory.
If you truly believe a new civilization is harmful, you shouldn’t even use it.
Marquis Danvers clicked his tongue wearily.
The established nobles of the central government had rushed in on the train.
“Your Majesty has made way for those annoying people, yes.”
Marquis Danvers sighed and began.
“Are you admitting that the people here are relics of the past?”
“Huh? What are you suddenly saying?”
Since it was certain that Renisha would side with the Duke of Lottera, he felt it would be a bad idea to poke the Marquis of Danvers in the side just in case. Did he really think the Marquis of Danvers would backstab Renisha?
“I donated a huge amount to the railroad. I’m not against it like the others here. Besides, I understand you all used it, too?”
“Ahem! That’s not what I’m saying!”
Those who remained in the former empire likely thought Renisha would be defeated and return.
Even so, with the loss of half of the central nobles who supported the Emperor and governed the country, they assumed Renisha would struggle.
However, Renisha had appointed new members to fill the void. They included gentry who had made money through commerce, and they even granted them new titles.
Renisha felt no sense of emptiness.
In fact, it was those men here who sensed a sense of crisis and came running.
The Marquis of Danvers spoke with a tired expression.
"Your Grace, please hold onto the hem of your trousers. Who knows if they'll find you pitiful?"
"You're insulting me, a bloodline of one of the founding fathers!"
"I'm telling you that times have changed. We need to throw away all the old and useless things and replace them with new ones. There's not enough time left."
"The Marquis of Danvers!"
"Don't tire yourself out and go back. A distinguished guest is scheduled to arrive at the mansion today. Stop wasting time here and proceed to the palace!"
The Marquis of Denvers issued an expulsion order.
Clugh Danvers was the son of his father's second wife.
As a result, there was a significant age gap between him and the Marquis Danvers.
It would be more fitting to call him his son.
"You're in good spirits, old man."
He must have poured all his energy into it, because he died not long afterward.
Thanks to him, the Marquis Danvers raised the child, like his own.
He heard he's been hanging out with Crown Prince Baryton lately...
"What are you hoping for? He's not sick, is he?"
Marquis Danvers sighed.
He called the butler.
When you're worried and tired, you need a tonic.
"Where is our Rossi?"
"The young lady is in the garden with her maid."
The Marquis of Danvers stepped outside with fleeting steps.
His beautiful daughter, as potent as a tonic, greeted him.
“Rossi!”
“Uppa!”
“Oh my goodness, did you just hear that? Madam, Rossi just called me daddy!”
“That sounds right...”
The Marchioness of Danvers laughed, her expression bewildered.
The Marquis of Danvers hugged his wife tightly and then let go.
Happiness overflowed throughout the Marquis of Danvers’s household.
***
And the palace was no different.
Renisha and Kassius, who had fully adapted to their new palace, were still as close as needle and thread.
They never parted except when something happened.
When Renisha looked at a document, Kassius took it and sorted it, a gesture he had become accustomed to.
“Aren’t you busy today?”
“Not even a little.”
Kassius quickly shook his head.
Renisha handed the document she had checked to Kassius.
“I’m going to destroy it. It’s useless.”
“What does it say?”
"It's a plea from the remaining nobles. I'm not idle enough to listen to the nonsense of imperialists still living in their dreams."
"If they surrender and come back, do you intend to use them again?"
Renisha pondered for a moment.
Well, would they really be of much use?
They were pathetic, with no intention of learning or improving.
They were just leeches, living off the money others earned.
Laxus had empowered them.
And they persecuted those who worked directly for them, evading taxes.
Perhaps it was a natural choice, as they longed for recognition.
Renisha didn't care at all about their recognition.
She wanted to be an Emperor whom they wouldn't be ashamed of. She hoped that when future generations look back on history, they would remember Renisha and say meaningful things like, "She laid the foundation," "It was a good time to live in," "She was the one who initiated reforms."
“Not at all. They’ve already shown their stubbornness. They covet others’ share, they evade taxes, and then they covet the grain of the poor. They’re useless in the government I’m creating,”
Renisha replied firmly.
“If I had the money to give them, I’d build another railroad.”
“The Marquis of Danvers will be tired for a while.”
Kassius followed Renisha’s advice and destroyed the documents.
Renisha reached out to touch something.
Kassius, seeing her lean forward, fussed.
“Let me do that, Renisha! What if you get hurt!”
Renisha stuck out her tongue.
“That’s not going to work out, is it, Yericana?”
“Well, Your Majesty. It’s beyond my knowledge. However, since the Grand Duke seems anxious, we’ll be out for a moment.”
Yericana tactfully led the others out of the office.
Renisha smiled and grabbed Kassius's cheek.
She gave him a light kiss.
"Our young lady is quite frightening."
"...Don't you think you're being too reckless?"
Renisha kissed Massius here and there on the cheek.
"Not even a little. Reckless, considering how carefully I live."
Kassius's face grew redder.
Kassius pulled away from Renisha's hand and kissed her abruptly.
Renisha laughed and hugged his neck.
"Yes, sometimes this kind of leisure is fine. Renisha's capable aides will fill your need."
Kassius kissed Renisha's skin.
Feeling his warm breath, Renisha slowly closed her eyes.
Happiness was in Renisha's hands.
Baryton would be here soon. With him, Renisha's happiness would be complete.
Anticipation welled up within her.
"Hey, hurry up and pack!"
What on earth are you doing?
The academy students glanced at Baryton and Clugh.
They had been close friends since their first year, and now they were partners in everything.
Clugh, with his striking appearance, had become the envy of the academy. He was a good student, and his swordsmanship was admired by the other students.
But today, they were acting strangely.
Baryton's cheeks were flushed, and he couldn't stay still for even a moment.
“What’s wrong with Strawberry?”
“I don’t know... His cheeks are so red, he really looks like Strawberry. Ugh, I really want him to be my man.”
“Hey! I made the first move!”
The girls grumbled.
Even Baryton, who would normally have been embarrassed listening to the conversation, was currently frantically busy.
Just harassing Clugh to pack was overwhelming.
“I told you to hurry up! Are you running away because you’re late?”
Baryton's nostrils flared.
“If you keep doing this, I won’t show you!!”
“Are you going to be petty? Yes, I got it!”
Clugh stood up and packed his bags.
It had been impulsive to decide to accompany Barryton to Hiloshine.
When Clugh stood up and started packing his books, the students’ curiosity deepened.
“It’s strange that even Clugh is like that. Is something wrong?”
“You ask him.”
“No, you ask him.”
Someone was pushed through the squabbling students.
A short-haired schoolgirl approached the two with a shy face.
Baryton, already carrying his bag and urging Clugh, grabbed his clothes.
"Hey, Strawberry."
"...It's Baryton."
"What's going on? Everyone's curious."
Baryton replied with a bright smile.
"My little sister is due soon! So I'm going to go see her!"
A splendid summer descended upon the children.
And the time for the blessed gift from heaven to arrive was drawing near.
Feeling his warm breath, Renisha slowly closed her eyes.
Happiness was in Renisha's hands.
Baryton would be here soon. With him, Renisha's happiness would be complete.
Anticipation welled up within her.
***
"Hey, hurry up and pack!"
What on earth are you doing?
The academy students glanced at Baryton and Clugh.
They had been close friends since their first year, and now they were partners in everything.
Clugh, with his striking appearance, had become the envy of the academy. He was a good student, and his swordsmanship was admired by the other students.
But today, they were acting strangely.
Baryton's cheeks were flushed, and he couldn't stay still for even a moment.
“What’s wrong with Strawberry?”
“I don’t know... His cheeks are so red, he really looks like Strawberry. Ugh, I really want him to be my man.”
“Hey! I made the first move!”
The girls grumbled.
Even Baryton, who would normally have been embarrassed listening to the conversation, was currently frantically busy.
Just harassing Clugh to pack was overwhelming.
“I told you to hurry up! Are you running away because you’re late?”
Baryton's nostrils flared.
“If you keep doing this, I won’t show you!!”
“Are you going to be petty? Yes, I got it!”
Clugh stood up and packed his bags.
It had been impulsive to decide to accompany Barryton to Hiloshine.
When Clugh stood up and started packing his books, the students’ curiosity deepened.
“It’s strange that even Clugh is like that. Is something wrong?”
“You ask him.”
“No, you ask him.”
Someone was pushed through the squabbling students.
A short-haired schoolgirl approached the two with a shy face.
Baryton, already carrying his bag and urging Clugh, grabbed his clothes.
"Hey, Strawberry."
"...It's Baryton."
"What's going on? Everyone's curious."
Baryton replied with a bright smile.
"My little sister is due soon! So I'm going to go see her!"
A splendid summer descended upon the children.
And the time for the blessed gift from heaven to arrive was drawing near.
- End of side story -
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