hotmtlnovel Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Ahwin’s surprising self-awareness left Penelope momentarily stunned. Even more astonishing was the realization that he had always been capable of this but simply chose not to exercise it.
‘Ahwin must be the type who always lets people he likes have their way.’
Penelope couldn’t help but acknowledge that it was difficult to stay upset with someone who cared about her so genuinely.
“I’m not upset. Should we go check out the school now?”
“Really? Alright!”
Ahwin’s face brightened immediately. Just then, Sain, who had been watching them, spoke up.
“I want to see the classroom. Can I go?”
“Of course. Shall we go together?”
“Yes!”
Excited, Sain practically hopped in place before dashing off toward the classroom. One of the escorting knights, startled, hurried to follow him.
Penelope and Ahwin walked side by side in the same direction.
Ahwin glanced at Penelope, his expression tinged with concern.
“How are you feeling? No fever, right?”@@@@
“I think I’m fine now.”
“You went through a lot, drinking those potions for a whole month.”
Ahwin’s tone carried genuine sincerity. Penelope couldn’t help but recall the ordeal.
Drinking those vile potions had been absolute torture. If she were asked to do it again, she might strangle Ahwin on the spot.
‘But it was worth it. Now I probably won’t get poisoned so easily.’
Ahwin had assured her of that, and she trusted him. It truly felt like she had gained an extraordinary advantage.
Stealing a sidelong glance at Ahwin, Penelope hesitated before asking,
“Do you think Sain could take the potions too?”
“Sain’s body wouldn’t be able to handle it. He should wait until he’s older.”
“Ah, that makes sense...”
Penelope readily agreed. Even from her own experience, she could tell that consuming the potions required immense mental and physical fortitude. Especially enduring their horrific taste—it wasn’t something just anyone could attempt.
‘Giving Sain those potions now would be child abuse.’
Penelope concluded firmly in her mind.
Ahwin chuckled softly, seemingly entertained by the myriad expressions flitting across her face.
Penelope broke the silence again.
“There’s something else I’m curious about. Can I ask?”
“What is it?”
“That day you came back from the Mage Tower, why did you look like you were being chased?”
“...Did I?” Ahwin raised an eyebrow, his voice feigning ignorance.
“You looked like you’d just escaped from a prison, with your hair all disheveled,” Penelope said, waving her hand for emphasis.
“Well... that’s because I was being chased,” Ahwin admitted, rubbing his forehead.
“Your Grace has changed a bit. You seem more relaxed than before.”
“My attendants would rise up in protest if they heard you say that,” Lianel quipped, though his tone suggested it wasn’t entirely a joke.
Bake laughed even louder, but Kael, Lianel’s aide, frowned slightly as he listened to the exchange.
‘You really shouldn’t be laughing so carefreely.’
Kael thought back to his recent responsibilities.
As Lianel’s aide, Kael had been endlessly busy while staying at Halo. He not only managed negotiations for heating contracts between Halo and Pellar but also served as a messenger between the two territories, all while discreetly investigating Halo’s internal affairs.
It was during one of these investigations that Kael discovered Bake had become the headmaster of Halo’s elementary school.
And all of it was because Lianel had been leisurely enjoying his time at the Lord’s manor instead of returning to Pellar.
“Is His Grace still not planning to return to the Grand Duchy?”
“What exactly is he doing there? Are you even trying to persuade him?”
“Tch, he’s taking his little rebellion too far. It’s worrisome.”
Lianel’s retainers pestered Kael endlessly, all desperate for their lord to return to Pellar. Kael alone bore the brunt of their complaints.
Lianel spoke casually, as if unaware of the chaos he caused.
“If only you had informed me earlier, I would have invited you to my territory instead.”
“Your Grace already has excellent educational facilities in your domain. To be honest, I feel that if I meddled in your affairs, I might face the same issues I had at the academy. Ha ha.”
“Who would dare...” Lianel trailed off, his brow furrowing.
‘Issues like at the academy?’
The implication was clear: Bake hadn’t left the academy voluntarily. Lianel’s sharp instincts quickly pieced together why Bake had ended up in Halo.
“The capital must be in quite a state,” Lianel remarked.
Bake’s expression grew somber, and his silence spoke volumes.
At that moment, Kael interjected.
“It seems the Emperor is struggling to control his factions. The ministers appear to be expanding their own power.”
The sudden change in leadership had clearly caused upheaval. Seizing the opportunity presented by the political instability, officials had engaged in a widespread reshuffling to bolster their influence.
This likely explained why people like Bake, who were upright and capable, had become casualties of the turmoil.
The Emperor, tasked with stabilizing the empire, would hardly have the time or capacity to monitor every single academy appointment.
Bake, understanding the Emperor’s predicament, spoke with a tone of resignation.
“Having just ascended, His Majesty must have an overwhelming number of matters to address.”
“And Betty—no, the Empress—what is she doing?” Lianel asked.
“Her Majesty seems overwhelmed managing the internal affairs of the palace,” Bake replied.
Lianel lowered his gaze, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.
He had anticipated this outcome ever since Elizabeth had chosen Julius, the third prince, as her consort.
‘Julius wasn’t unfit for the throne, but the third prince’s faction was always too weak.’
Elizabeth had known this, yet she had still chosen Julius. She had then mobilized every ounce of her skill and influence to ensure the previous Emperor’s downfall.
‘She truly is an extraordinary woman.’