In This Life, I Will Be Your Dog - Chapter 128

“I, Luhatan, King of Kellicus, make this request to the next Emperor of the Fidentia Empire. Form an alliance with our Kellicus.”

“……!”

At the unpredictable move, Caelus furrowed his brow. “I don’t know what game you’re playing.”

“I know that the medicine your Emperor needs is in Kellicus. Moreover, we possess countless herbs and poisons unknown to your people.”

“So if we form an alliance, you’ll give us those things?”

“On one condition.”

“A condition?”

“Promise never to invade us again and to protect us from foreign invasions. As allies, lend us your strength. In return, our kingdom will guard Camirus as a friend.”

Caelus’s expression turned serious for the first time.

It was undeniably a favorable offer.

However, it wasn’t a matter he could decide unilaterally.

“I’ll discuss it with His Majesty.”

“I’ll be waiting. When your answer is ready, come to Kellicus. I’ll also tell you more about the gem we didn’t finish discussing today. It’ll be quite an interesting conversation. But when you do come, I expect you to show proper courtesy—as an ally.”

At the sight of the king so different from before, Bellona stifled a laugh. It felt oddly strange to face a former enemy who might now become an ally.

Perhaps those born with the qualities of a ruler really were different. To lower his head and extend his hand to those who once invaded his country and took his life.

Or maybe it was because the gem had chosen them.

Though she couldn’t fully trust his words yet, one thing was clear: having Kellicus as an ally would be a great boon for the empire.

Bellona watched the pensive Caelus.

***

Caelus’s face was grim after returning from his early morning meeting with the Emperor. Bellona, having heard the news, came straight to the office and gently patted his slouched shoulders.

“Your Grace.”

He reacted slowly, as if lost in deep thought.

“Ah… you’re up already. You should have rested more.”

“What’s wrong? Did His Majesty refuse?”

His expression after discussing the King of Kellicus’s proposal wasn’t good, which put Bellona on edge as well.

“No. He told me to do as I saw fit. He’s entrusted me with full authority.”

“Then why…”

Letting out a deep sigh, he rubbed his rough face and finally said in a reluctant tone, “His Majesty said he’s moving to Camirus.”

“He wants to spend his remaining days there?”

“Yes. Seems he’s planning to relocate entirely… I suppose he misses my mother.”

For a moment, Bellona’s face turned more serious than Caelus’s.

Though it now looked like a livable residence, Camirus was still far from ready to host the Emperor.

And yet, they couldn’t defy the Emperor’s wishes. It was an impossible situation.

“What do we do?”

“We grant his wishes.”

Seeing the downcast man, Bellona embraced him tightly. She understood why he was so upset.

In the past, he had spent much time away from the Emperor, stationed in the Grand Duchy. Then, he had died without even protecting his father. The regret must have been immense.

And now, just when he could finally be with his father, the Emperor planned to leave for the Grand Duchy. Of course his heart wouldn’t be at ease.

Still, there was nothing to be done. They could only follow his will.

“Let’s visit him often.”

“Yes, we should.”

The warm moment was brief.

Bellona’s eyes gleamed as she held out her hand.

“Give me money.”

“What?”

“There’s a lot to prepare. Oh, I should send a carrier pigeon first. Since this will be a major construction project, I’ll have to start with Sir Lycaon and notify the nobles of Camirus—”

“Bellona.”

He pulled her waist close mid-ramble and rested his chin on her slightly round belly as he looked up.

“I’ll take care of that. You focus on your own task.”

“My task…?”

“Yes. Preparing for the coronation. I’m not the only one ascending the throne. You’ll become Empress. There’s a lot to get ready, right?”

She had braced herself for it, but hearing the word ‘Empress’ from his lips still felt surreal.

‘Can I really sit in that seat…?’

After many conversations with Caelus, she had resolved not to leave him.

Yet the position of Empress still felt daunting and uncomfortable.

“Your Grace… am I really—”

“Don’t start. You asked His Majesty for the empress’s palace, didn’t you?”

“That was…”

“And you even accepted his wedding gift. Are you trying to worry me again?”

“Wedding gift? Oh… I haven’t received it yet…”

Looking awkward and hesitant, she trailed off. With a sigh, he held out a document.

“What did you say to my father to get something like this out of him?”

Bellona, eyes widening, took the paper and read it, dumbfounded.

“W-what is this?”

“What else? My ball and chain.”

Bellona widened her eyes and read the words on the document again and again.

1. From this point forward, the Emperor of the Fidentia Empire shall not take any concubines after naming his Empress. Should this be violated, all imperial authority shall be revoked.
2. Under no circumstances shall anyone but the legitimate child born of the Empress inherit imperial authority. Children of concubines or secondary consorts shall never inherit the throne.

This decree cannot be altered by any future Emperor.

Celios Vardan de Fidentia.

Below, the Emperor’s seal was stamped clearly.

“Now that I have to spend the rest of my life looking only at you, take responsibility.”

As Bellona remained silent, Caelus glanced up at her. A single tear fell from her now-brimming green eyes.

“Oh, you’ve become such a crybaby.”

She gently grasped the man’s hand as he wiped her tears and kissed the back of it.

Then, with a faint smile, she whispered, “I’ll take responsibility. I promise.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll be an Empress who brings no shame to Your Grace. So please, make this empire prosper.”

“I’ll need strength for that. And I’m practically wasting away lately…”

Suddenly, he pressed his face against her belly and kissed it, then looked up at her with a sultry gaze.

He only meant to lighten her mood a little, but Bellona responded unexpectedly.

“I should meet with the palace physician today. To check that our child has settled in well.”

Seeing the unusual determination in her expression, Caelus blinked in surprise—then burst into laughter.

“This is why I like strong women. So bold and direct.”

He suddenly stood up, held her cheeks, and brought his face close—close enough to kiss—as he whispered, “Try seducing me like this more often. I’ll fall for it every time.”

“If you say things like that, I might start pestering you at all hours.”

“Since when have we ever cared about time or place?”

He softly took her trembling lips into his and whispered again, “I’m happy.”

And without knowing who moved first, their lips met. Only then did sunlight finally stream into the office that had remained dark all morning.

***

A few days later, just before the coronation, the family and knights who had remained in the Grand Duchy of Camirus all arrived at the Imperial Palace.

Bellona, seeing her younger siblings and Eshil after quite a while, couldn’t hide her joy.

“Sister, what on earth happened?”

“Well…”

With nothing particular to say, Bellona replied with an awkward smile.

“Are you really becoming the Empress?”

“Yes. I still can’t quite believe it myself, but it seems that way.”

Even Eshil looked astonished as she blinked her wide eyes and asked again.

And who wouldn’t be surprised?

Someone who had gone off to attend a hunting festival had suddenly become Empress. Meanwhile, the former Empress and Crown Prince had been executed and the entire empire thrown into upheaval—anyone would be stunned.

And that wasn’t all.

She was even carrying new life in her belly. Eshil and Arina exchanged awkward smiles, clearly overwhelmed by all the sudden changes.

“Ah, is construction underway at the Grand Duchy?”

“Yes, the nobles of Camirus are throwing themselves into the work.”

“The nobles?”

“Yes. I kept an eye on things just in case, but after Your Grace left for the palace, the nobles voluntarily began restoring the plaza. Eventually, they were all competing to contribute more. It caused quite a stir among the citizens.”

As Eshil chuckled, Arina nodded and laughed along.

“That’s a relief.”

When Bellona offered a serene smile, Eshil and Arina’s eyes widened again.

“Sister, are you okay…?”

“Hm?”

“Are you really okay?”

Not understanding what they were so worried about, Bellona blinked—and at that moment, a familiar face suddenly appeared in the distance.

“Your Grace!”

“Ah, Sir Rondo. It’s been a while.”

“I’m glad to see you in good health. Are you feeling well?”

“Ah… yes.”

She looked curiously at the man who somehow seemed more gentle than when they’d last met in the Grand Duchy. Then, an odd scene caught her eye.

“Why are you two… holding hands?”

Startled, Arina blushed and let out a shy smile. Rondo beside her also turned red. Eshil sighed and shook her head.

For a moment, Bellona’s brow furrowed.