The Empror's Trap

Ch 56 - The Emperor's Visit

Seeing Pluvia personally come to check on him, Kenji quickly sat up straight: "This subject behaved inappropriately while drunk, I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

"Oh stop, you passed out right after drinking - what's there to forgive?" Pluvia waved her hand helplessly. "Besides, rumors about your low alcohol tolerance have been circulating in the military for ages, one more incident won't change anything."

Kenji's poor drinking capacity was well known among the troops. When he previously led armies, soldiers would absolutely never give him a chance to drink before battle.

But after winning and returning home, they'd deliberately try to get their superior drunk.

However, since Kenji started regularly keeping Lina by his side, basically no one dared to make him drink anymore. This time was a rare occasion when Lina wasn't around, so everyone naturally remembered their traditional pastime.

"How did the reward ceremony go? Everything smooth?"

The first thing Kenji thought about was the reward ceremony. For Camelot, after every victory, the soldiers always focused on such ceremonies.

On one hand, the rewards could bring a decent income to their families. At the same time, bearing honors bestowed by the Emperor was quite prestigious.

"Don't worry, everything went fine. General Balinos received a gold-threaded cotton robe and was promoted to Grand General, with 500 Camelot Gold in rewards. The fifty thousand troops each received 100 silver, with additional merit-based rewards for distinguished service. Though Dani didn't directly participate in battle, his deployment and operations were appropriate, so I rewarded him with a large tract of land in the northern territories."

"Mm, sounds good."

Kenji said, holding his still-aching head.

Balinos had always been a great general, just shy of reaching the Grand General position, stuck there unable to advance. Now he'd finally become Grand General, which was really quite a...

Wait!?

Kenji's foggy brain suddenly snapped to attention.

What does this mean? Promoting general-rank officers requires nomination from me as Grand Marshal. While legally the Emperor can directly promote someone... but this involves many behind-the-scenes interests.

Now Pluvia had just gone and promoted General Balinos, who'd been stuck for so many years, straight to Grand General?

Kenji felt his headache intensify.

He understood Pluvia's thinking - General Balinos now had both seniority and ability. If you wanted someone who could counterbalance him among military commanders, promoting General Balinos was really the only choice.

But the problem was... she really wasn't afraid of him causing trouble?

"Your Majesty, was General Balinos' promotion to Grand General discussed with the court officials?"

Amusing - trying to provoke me with this method, making me actively take the bait? Fishing for lawbreakers isn't the way, Your Majesty.

Like hell I'm going to bite.

Seeing Kenji actually comply so obediently, Pluvia couldn't help feeling disappointed.

"Since you also agree with my decision, I can rest easy. General Balinos is a meritorious official of our empire, as are you. I hope you two can work together with one mind toward great achievements."

"But of course."

After saying this, Kenji suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Lina, quick - have the steward brew tea for Her Majesty!"

"Ok," Lina stood up. "Oh right, Young Master, which tea?"

"Her Majesty honors our humble home - naturally the best!"

Kenji was exasperated by his guard's behavior.

"Alright."

"Are you two... really master and servant?"

Pluvia expressed doubt.

What kind of guard and master acted like this?

"Tch, make do with what you've got, right? Not like I can fire her," Kenji said, spreading his hands.

"Haha, I've truly never seen anything quite like you two."

They chatted idly about some domestic policy matters, then shortly after heard footsteps outside.

The old steward walked in elegantly, arranged the delicate ice porcelain tea set, and poured tea for both of them.

Pluvia elegantly lifted her teacup and took a sip.

That familiar fragrance, that familiar sweetness...

Waaah, my imperial tribute tea, my Mountain imperial tribute tea...