NLS Ch1

Prologue

After the long war ended, the Emperor sat on her throne, languidly lost in thought.

She needed to proclaim a symbol of peace.

Not some neglected statue, but something that could unite the entire continent… Preferably a living, breathing symbol of peace.

The Emperor stroked the cat in her arms, racking her brain.

“What would be good….”

Purr.

“Hmm?”

The cat, which had been sleeping peacefully in her arms, suddenly shuddered and made a strange noise. Purr-purr-purrrrr. The Emperor herself leaned down and put her ear to the cat’s whiskers. It was said that cat whiskers brought wisdom. Moreover, the Emperor’s cat was a mystical creature that could even bestow blessings.

Purrrr.

“Will you share your wisdom?”

The Emperor’s lips curved into a slight smile as she rubbed her ear against the soft fur, filled with ulterior motives.

Purrrrrrrrr.

“That’s it!”

The Emperor’s eyes gleamed. She had come up with a plan to solve the problem that had been plaguing her all this time.

Perhaps this was a real prophecy.

Without a second thought, the Emperor immediately decided to marry off her only sister.

Two days later, a royal marriage was announced to the world, without the knowledge of those involved.

It was the first marriage arranged by the Emperor.

They replied to the Emperor’s face, who was smiling broadly for once,

“I won’t do it.”

“I refuse.”

Part 1 Chapter 1

Ashin Judin, the genius sorceress of whom the Riyat Empire was proud.

The heroine who led the long war to victory was, as usual, holed up in the Imperial Palace greenhouse, enjoying a midday nap. During the war, people had flocked to Ashin every minute and every second, but now that the war was over, no one sought her out.

As Ashin lay among the herb gardens, the Imperial Palace’s stray cat stepped on her solar plexus.

“Ugh!”

She rubbed her chest and curled up on her side. But her sleep had been disturbed, and her nap did not continue. As she groggily sat up, a group who had been peeking at her from beyond the herb garden cautiously approached and spoke to her.

“Lord Judin. Congratulations.”

“Huh?”

“Congratulations.”

“Out of the blue?”

“We hear you’re getting married.”

What was this nonsense? Ashin shook her head, wondering if she was still dreaming. But her vision remained the same. Only then did she snap out of it and raise her voice.

“Who?”

“Lord Judin.”

“Me?”

Still not understanding, Ashin asked again.

“To whom?”

As if they had been waiting for those words, the palace staff replied as if shouting.

“To Lord Mur!”

They were already giggling and making a fuss among themselves, while only Ashin was left frowning stupidly.

“Mur? Which Mur?”

“Lord Leotar of Ailem!”

The moment she heard that name, unpleasant memories surfaced. The face of a man she could never forget.

“That annoying bastard… and me?”

“Yes!”

Ashin, who had jumped to her feet, shouted.

“Who on earth said that!”

One of the group slyly produced an Imperial Decree. It was a paper that was posted all over the capital whenever an edict was issued or something was proclaimed. Overcome by a bad feeling, Ashin hurriedly snatched it.

[Rejoice! In celebration of the peace after half a century, I, Vize VIII, hereby proclaim the royal marriage of my beloved sister, Ashin Judin, and the heir of Ailem, Leotar Van Mur. As a royal marriage symbolizing the alliance of the Eastern Wilderness, the Western Vilkan Sea, the Southern Desert, and the Northern Highlands, let all wholeheartedly celebrate this auspicious occasion. From this moment on, all departments of the Imperial Palace shall devote themselves to the preparations for the royal wedding.]

“Th-this!”

Crush. The Imperial Decree was mercilessly crumpled in Ashin’s hand.

“Oh, this isn’t good…”

Someone muttered, but no one dared to stop Ashin.

Ashin ran toward the main palace, clutching the crumpled paper in her hand. Herb leaves mixed in with her honey-colored hair fell in dots. As if she was the last to know, everyone she encountered observed her with great interest.

‘So everyone knew, huh? And I was the only one who didn’t?’

Agitated, Ashin brushed aside the Chief of Staff, who tried to stop her, and threw open the doors to the Emperor’s audience chamber.

Bang.

“Oh, Your Majesty!”

Startled by the commotion, the two people inside turned to look at her.

Vize VIII, sitting on the throne above the platform, and….

The man whose face she didn’t want to see right now.

It seemed the man had already arrived. Ashin frowned as soon as her eyes met his. The man also frowned slightly, but Ashin was faster. Hmph, she won. Ashin faced Vize with her face still terribly crumpled. Lira, the cat on the Emperor’s lap, jumped down and gracefully walked over to sniff Ashin.

“A marriage, you say?”

“You’ve finally heard?”

Emperor Vize VIII grinned as if proud of herself. Ashin’s insides were boiling. It seemed impossible to reason with her. Ashin abruptly turned her head and glared at the man standing next to him. He was unnecessarily tall, so Ashin had to crane her neck to look up at him.

“Hey, Mur. Did you know about this?”

“No.”

Of course, she knew he wouldn’t. If it came to absurdity, he would be even more so than her.

“Don’t tell me… you agreed?”

Leotar, who lowered his chin to meet her gaze, said with his expression.

‘There’s no way.’

Ashin also replied with an expression twice as rotten as his.

‘I knew you wouldn’t.’

“Then refuse more vehemently. What are you doing being so polite?”

At the same time, Ashin thought that she should also raise her fighting spirit. She almost lost her resolve when Lira rubbed its cheek against her shin, but it was time to come to her senses.

“The two of you look so good together standing there. Why didn’t I realize it sooner? I should have paired you up earlier.”

“Ew.”

As Ashin pretended to gag, Leotar glanced down at her.

“Why, the war is over, and you have nothing to do. Do you think I don’t know you sleep all day like a cat? Just get married.”

“I said I was going on a trip.”

“You’ve only been talking about it for weeks.”

“I really am.”

“Where were you planning to go?”

“Uh, um… I haven’t decided yet, but anyway, the Celestial Palace is also in turmoil, so I’ll decide after watching the lunar eclipse.”

“If you want to travel that much, you can get married and go. Well, if necessary, you can go together.”

“I don’t want to. Why is Mur suddenly interfering in my life? This is really strange.”

Ashin nudged Leotar’s arm with her elbow.

“You think it’s strange too, right?”

“……”

“Why are you being quiet? Say something.”

“I wish to speak with Your Majesty alone.”

“That’s right. Leotar has been waiting since morning to request a private audience. Ashin, you may leave now… No, come here for a moment.”

With that, Vize beckoned with her finger. Ashin sullenly approached the throne. Vize had a face that said she was enjoying this to death. She was clearly relishing this situation where Ashin and Leotar had rushed over like crazy as soon as they heard the news.

Ashin approached the throne and leaned in.

“What on earth are you thinking?”

“Ever since the war ended, you’ve been saying you’re bored.”

“But that doesn’t mean I want to get married.”

Vize chuckled at Ashin, who was pouting and making her chin look like a walnut.

“If you’re bored, then properly manage the Sorcery Tower. If you want to keep the tower going for centuries, a blood alliance with the nobility is essential. I’ve chosen the most suitable man for that, so what’s so displeasing about it?”

“Ugh.”

Immediately, Ashin’s mouth stretched out squarely. It was an expression that lacked any grace, but Vize only looked at Ashin endearingly.

“If you wanted to live as you pleased, you shouldn’t have asked me to build the tower.”

“Still, why Mur of all people…”

“Because he’s from the most prestigious family in the Empire. I wouldn’t be able to put this guy in this position if his relationship with his father wasn’t strained right now. Ailem is too much for even me to touch. Everything must be finished within a month.”

She understood in her head. For the sake of the tower’s survival, a marriage alliance with a noble family was necessary, and the more historically significant the alliance partner, the better, and the most suitable partner was Leotar of the Mur family.

But despite all those conditions and suitability, what could she do if she didn’t like it?

Vize, sensing Ashin’s mood, smiled kindly.

“I only give you the best, Ashin.”

“I’m not very grateful.”

“So, with your petty mind, somehow fathom this deep imperial heart and leave now.”

Ashin, still sullen, looked up at the throne and said clearly.

“I won’t do it.”

“Ahem.”

“I said I won’t do it.”

Then she stormed out of the audience chamber. The nobles who had been buzzing in the golden hall outside the audience chamber all turned to look at Ashin.

“What are you looking at?”

Ashin suddenly raised her voice at a man who was nearby. As the man quickly bowed and stepped back, people began to move away from her. Ashin left the hall, not even trying to hide the sound of her footsteps.

Vize raised her voice toward the closing door.

“Ashin? Ashin! The wedding is on the Night of Pche! Don’t forget!”

As expected, Ashin didn’t even look back and disappeared toward the other side of the hall. Only Vize’s extended neck became awkwardly strained. Vize shrank back and dismissed the attendants.