Chapter 174: Sound of spring coming (2)

‘It sure is possible. They must be on the move already, waiting to see what we will do. Who will they send?’

Jackson began thinking. It was something he missed, so his mind was racing with thoughts. Joonbum then grinned and turned to the window. The road was filled with numerous people walking by. It was freezing cold, but people seemed to be happy and energetic. Joonbum was especially happy to see kids running around, playing with each other, free from starvation.

“Heeyah! I am Knight Joonbum Khalodian!”

“I am the duke of the empire! Bow before me! Surrender! UGH! NO!”

They shouted Joonbum and Sunsook’s names and played happily with each other.

‘But it was too successful.’

The party that went on for more than a month was a huge success. It had more results than what Joonbum and Jackson expected. The party was planned to be short, but it had to be continued as more and more nobles joined in after they heard the news of the party. It even made ambassadors from the empire join in the party.

The effect of the party was immediate. Various cafés were filled with nobles trying to enjoy tea and various desserts while listening to music. It was an extraordinary experience for them.

“The café is a huge success.”

“Yeah?”

Joonbum turned to Jackson. He was now looking at the pile of papers in front of him.

“Yes. The most popular items are coffee and chocolate. Third is ice cream. Why would this be so popular when it’s this cold!”

Jackson shook his head but Joonbum smiled.

“It’s amazing that they still have all that money to spend while rest of the kingdom is starving to death.”

Jackson was disgusted by the nobles. The sales from those café were that high. The nobles here were uneducated of any ethical value of modern Earth. It was very natural for them to keep their way of life as is. It was normal.

“So have you decided?”

Jackson suddenly changed the subject. Joonbum blushed awkwardly.

“There- there’s too many.”

“Right. I didn’t expect so many either, sir. But isn’t it good that you have such a wide selection to pick from?”

‘It’s not like picking what I want from the grocery store!’

Joonbum thought about it and didn’t want to speak about it.

“You need to pick at least three. I guess that will make four wives if you count Miss Mayze. I think daughters from the Margrave families will be valuable assets. But neighboring noble families will do great too.”

The distance was very important in an alliance. Jackson was pretty much asking Joonbum to take control of the entire land around Khalodian.

‘It is like a man’s fantasy alright…’

Joonbum sighed but could not stop himself from grinning. He began to fantasize about having four wives including Mayze, and Jackson smiled. Then he continued, “And what will you do with that proposal?”

Joonbum snapped out of his daydream. One of the results of the party was a marriage proposal from the royal family of the empire. It happened right in the middle of the party that shocked every attendee.

“I know they are powerful, but to think to make a demand like that…”

Joonbum mumbled and Jackson nodded.

“They represent justice. No one in this world will dare to oppose them, YET.”

Jackson emphasized ‘YET’ as he spoke. Joonbum glanced at Jackson.

“Hmph. It seems they don’t have any political powers in the empire. Just a line of royal blood. I see where they are going with this proposal, sir.”

They were trying to use Joonbum as their puppet.

“If we refuse?”

“Then we will face war.”

“If we accept?”

“Then we will be used until we die.”

“Ugh.”

Joonbum frowned.

“That’s the empire. We will have no choice but to accept since we need to buy more time. We might lose everything if we refuse now.”

Joonbum nodded but began thinking differently.

‘Is it really so? Do I really need to do as they want?’

Thoughts began to race in his mind. It was a realistic choice to accept at the moment, but he did not want to do it.

‘Isn’t there any way? Refuse it but also buy time?’

Joonbum fell silent, deep within his thoughts. Jackson stood up and began filling up his cup with fresh hot coffee.

‘What is he up to now…?’ Jackson thought as Joonbum’s facial expression changed constantly as he was thinking about something.

‘OH! The method I used against the Donian! Why did I forget that?’

Joonbum began to plan a scheme.

‘What if the emperor dies? What if I assassinate the emperor and all the powerful nobles around him?’

Like Donian, that would mean total disaster for the empire. It was certain that they would not care about Toria after that.

‘They will be too busy to come for us then! I can send that damn pope with the others to hell. That will do!’

Horun was pretty much the same. The religious group was solely controlled by the pope and the death of the pope would mean a great disturbance within the group.

The fight over leadership was always the prominent reason for the downfall of many powerful empires and kingdoms on Earth. It was the same was for religious groups.

‘Earth’s long history proves it. Let’s go. I will make quick work of it and come back.’

Joonbum began finalizing his thoughts.

“Jackson, how long will it take to travel down to the empire’s capital?”

“It will take about two months on a horse, sir.”

“I need to go there.”

“Huh?”

Jackson seemed confused, but Joonbum was determined.

“I’m going to the empire.”