PLQYM | Chapter 33

The history of Lucian’s missed vacations was nothing short of tragic.

As the Emperor’s aide, Lucian was entitled to two vacations a year, each lasting a month.

A benefit so coveted it was said to be the only thing that could sustain aides through the grueling schedule, along with their lavish pay and the prestige of the position.

Some jokingly called it the Emperor’s “benevolent schedule,” meant to let aides “work themselves to the brink of death for five months, recover their strength for a month, and then work like crazy until they were near death again.”

Even so, compared to the head attendant, who had to be at the Emperor’s side year-round, it was considered a luxury.

Unfortunately for Lucian, in nearly two years of service, he hadn’t taken a single vacation.

When his first vacation approached, Lucian meticulously submitted his application according to protocol and even contacted his family through the townhouse—a rare occurrence.

“I’m taking a vacation. I’m coming home.”

Though not the warmest son, Lucian felt it was time to head back after months of storms in the Imperial Palace. But on the very morning he was to leave, an uprising broke out in the borderlands.

Ignoring it wasn’t an option, as the Emperor’s schedule suddenly became hectic.

As Lucian agonized over whether to go or stay, the Emperor’s offhand comment sealed his fate.

“Go ahead. It’ll be fine. Just take Cliff with you.”

Whether it was deliberate or not, Lucian couldn’t justify leaving an elderly head attendant to manage the border turmoil on his behalf.

“That’s just you being overly conscientious,” Nils Bowman had said with his usual bright smile.

Whenever Lucian recalled that comment, he couldn’t help but laugh. It was true, but what could he do? He couldn’t bring himself to disregard the head attendant, who had looked after him more than his own parents since arriving at the palace.

How many times had he been saved by the head attendant while working under Heraith?

To Lucian, forgetting someone’s kindness was a crime worse than being an arrogant tyrant like the Emperor himself.

“What can I say? It’s just who I am.”

Following Heraith to the border region, Lucian endured sleepless nights, barely keeping up with the Emperor’s relentless pace. By the time they returned, it was too late to reschedule his vacation.

That was how his first vacation slipped away.

When his second opportunity came around, Lucian had been working at the palace for nearly a year.

The very day he applied for his second vacation, disaster struck: the Imperial Palace was attacked.

It was an assassination attempt on the Emperor, orchestrated by a disbanded faction that had opposed Heraith’s authoritarian policies and attempted a coup.

Heraith had scoffed at their incompetence, but the palace was thrown into chaos, and emergency protocols were activated.

The ringleaders were caught swiftly, and the remnants of the faction were obliterated within three days.

Still, Lucian’s vacation was once again lost.

“Our mages made a mistake in maintaining the palace barrier,” apologized the Tower Lord.

“We should have strengthened the palace’s defenses. It’s the priests’ fault,” added the High Priest.

Lucian dismissed their apologies with a polite smile.

“What are you saying? It’s thanks to both of you that His Majesty is safe. His Majesty will surely reward your efforts.”

As soon as they left, however, Lucian’s face twisted in frustration—not at the mages or priests, but at his boss, who stood smirking in the background, clearly amused.

“Lucian, what’s more important—me or your vacation?” Heraith teased.

“My vacation.”

“Hah? Didn’t I give you a consolation bonus? That money could buy you a house in the capital.”

“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty. I deeply appreciate your generosity, but my heart just doesn’t feel the same, Majesty.”

“Oh? And how does your heart feel?”

Lucian clenched his mouth shut before he could say something regrettable. Heraith chuckled.

“I don’t get a vacation either.”

“That’s because you’re the Emperor, Your Majesty. The Sun of the Empire, ruler of the great continent, master of knights, sovereign of truth—”

“Wow. You’ve memorized all that?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Shall I recite the rest?”

“No, no. Forget it.”

In the end, it was Heraith who relented first.

“Next time, I’ll make sure you can take a vacation. I resolved the matter as quickly as possible this time, too.”

Lucian knew that was true. Heraith had resolved the situation so quickly that he’d put himself at even greater risk. Knowing that, Lucian couldn’t complain any further.

“Not that I have high hopes, but surely nothing else will come up next time. Right?”

Despite his words, Lucian sighed deeply. No matter what, the Emperor’s safety came first.

“I’m glad you’re safe, Your Majesty,” he said sincerely.

Six months ago, Lucian applied for vacation again.

“There shouldn’t be any issues this time. The border has been secured, and His Majesty dealt with everything thoroughly last time,” reassured Cliff, the head attendant.

Cliff had felt guilty about Lucian’s missed vacations, thinking his initial mishap had caused the cascade of problems.

“Don’t worry, sir. It was inevitable. I’ve learned so much from His Majesty in the process.”

Cliff noticed Lucian’s expression didn’t match his words but chose to laugh it off.

“Just take care of yourself, Lucian. I’d hate to face Count Astro feeling responsible for your exhaustion.”

Lucian smiled faintly.

“What could possibly happen? Unless a beast falls from the sky, I’m definitely going on vacation this time.”

And yet, the unthinkable happened.

The day before his vacation, an enormous creature emerged from black storm clouds above the palace. With a 10-meter wingspan, the beast circled menacingly.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

As the Imperial Knights rushed to handle the monster, Lucian let out a defeated groan.

“My vacation…”

The creature turned out to be a giant bird from the highlands, but by the time it was dealt with, Lucian’s vacation window had passed yet again.

Now, standing before Heraith, Lucian declared firmly, “This time, I’m really going on vacation.”

Heraith, barely suppressing a laugh, replied, “Who’s stopping you? Go.”

Lucian squinted suspiciously at him. Despite everything, Heraith looked as carefree as ever.

It wasn’t just bad luck that his vacations had been interrupted. Saying he’d rest for a month in front of someone who never rested was no easy task.

“This time, I’ve already submitted my vacation request,” Lucian said, unwavering.

“For a month.”

“Fine,” Heraith replied casually.

“The border investigation is complete, the palace barrier has been reinforced, and I’ve prepared manuals for dealing with any strange creatures.”

Finally, with a mix of defiance and desperation, Lucian added, “Please, Your Majesty, don’t cause any trouble this time. Just let me enjoy my vacation.”