Episode 117. Epilogue (1)

The honeymoon, planned as a journey rather than a lavish ceremony, had brought us to the Stewart Duchy as scheduled. Though there had been minor incidents along the way—like meeting Daniel in the Count Bohan’s territory—we finally arrived.

The Stewart Duchy was nothing like I had imagined. As I stared out the carriage window, I exclaimed, “Wow, is that the sea? Or is it a river? Sea? River?”

It seemed like a river since I could see the other side, but gulls flew overhead, and there were boats floating along the water.

‘It’s too narrow to be a sea, but it’s fascinating.’

While I blinked in wonder, Percy explained kindly, “This is the lower reaches of a river in the Stewart Duchy. It’s where seawater and freshwater mix, so it has characteristics of both.”

“I see.”

The lower reaches of a river.

I’d read somewhere that human civilizations thrived near rivers because agriculture required fertile floodplains.

‘That must mean the Stewart Duchy is rich and prosperous. And since trade relies heavily on sea routes, this would have been essential.’

But prosperity also meant frequent invasions. Rivers and seas weren’t just trade routes—they were gateways for potential enemies.

‘It must have been difficult to leave this place unguarded. Was it just a convenient backdrop in the game, or is it that there are no external enemies in this world?’

Curious, I asked Percy, “Are there many soldiers in Stewart? And who oversees them?”

Percy tilted his head briefly before answering, “The Stewart family is supported by many loyal vassal families, most of whom have been soldiers for generations.”

“Then wouldn’t they resist if you tried to meddle in military affairs?”

“They might, but I’ve prepared for that by serving in the military myself. It wouldn’t cause significant upheaval.”

“Ah, I see.”

So that explained why Percy had led expeditions to the North.

‘It’s just a setting in the game, but it’s surprisingly realistic.’

This wasn’t just a fictional scenario anymore; it was reality.

Embarrassingly, I knew very little about this world. Until recently, I had been too preoccupied with survival to study its structure and history.

‘But I can’t keep going on like this, especially since I’ll be living in Stewart from now on. I need to learn.’

Determined, I asked Percy cautiously, “Do you know much about the Stewart Duchy?”

“Not as much as I’d like. As you know, I’ve spent most of my time in the capital,” Percy admitted.

Despite his modesty, he proceeded to give a detailed explanation of the duchy. Even though Percy had lived in the capital, he maintained control over the territory. Vassals reported to him quarterly, and decisions on taxes and other critical matters required his approval.

‘Still, what’s stopping them from rising against Percy? The locals probably recognize the steward more than their actual duke.’

Despite Percy’s explanation, I couldn’t quite grasp the dynamic between the capital and the territory.

“The ducal residence might feel a bit lacking since it hasn’t been occupied in a while. Please bear with it,” Percy said, his concern shifting to my comfort in the duchy.

I waved my hand dismissively with a laugh.
“Oh, I don’t mind. I can sleep anywhere, even in shabby places.”

“As long as there are no spiders, that is?”

“Ugh, spiders are a different story…”

My bravado faded immediately at Percy’s teasing. Just the other day, I had caused a scene in the carriage over a spider.

‘How did a spider even get into a moving carriage? I still get chills thinking about it.’

“This world is great, but there are way too many bugs. It’s terrifying at night when the lights go out.”

“Bugs?” Percy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes! Bugs move around in the dark. Just imagining it gives me shivers.”

Even in the bustling palace, bugs weren’t uncommon. As I shook my head, Percy gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ll protect you.”

Surprised, I widened my eyes but soon burst out laughing.

“Thanks for the sentiment.”

When I responded with a laugh, Percy frowned slightly and said in a serious tone.

“I mean it.”

“I know you’re strong, but fighting bugs seems like a stretch. There are just too many.”

“Hmm, it makes me want to push my limits and show off a bit,” Percy said, narrowing his eyes in mock determination.

“Don’t even think about it!” I laughed, waving him off.

Percy wouldn’t actually take up a flyswatter to battle bugs, but his earnest expression amused me.

Then I remembered something. Blinking, I asked, “By the way, how do you close doors or turn off lights without touching them? Is that magic?”

Percy nodded.

“Yes, it’s an ability passed down in the Stewart family. Do you know that the empire began with the dukes and Julius’s ancestors slaying a dragon together?”

“Yes.”

“The dragon’s head was buried in the Stewart Duchy, which is why we have this magic.”

“Do other dukes have similar powers?”

“They do.”

I couldn’t help but wonder what unique abilities the other dukes possessed.

“And the imperial family?”

“The imperial family doesn’t have special powers. However, because the dragon’s heart is buried there, the dukes cannot disobey the emperor’s command.”

That finally explained why Percy had obeyed the previous emperor, who was otherwise utterly incompetent. It wasn’t a choice—it was compulsion.

‘And that mark on their hands must have been the seal,’ I thought, recalling the barcode-like symbol on both Julius and Percy’s hands.

Although I had never confirmed the other dukes’ hands, my theory seemed sound.

“But that system doesn’t exist anymore,” I pointed out.

“True, but the magic itself hasn’t disappeared. I don’t know why,” Percy admitted with a shrug.

I rested my chin in my hand, nodding thoughtfully.
‘The game’s system collapsed, but the world’s rules remain intact.’

“Does that mean the power stays with you for life?” I asked.

“No. It belongs solely to the Duke of Stewart. Once a successor is appointed, the power transfers to them,” Percy explained.

“Ah, like how Julius gained his powers after becoming emperor.”

Julius hadn’t originally possessed the mark but received it after ascending the throne. Soon after, he had staged a coup.

Noticing my thoughtful expression, Percy added, “The mark used to transfer the power as well, but now that the mark is gone, I’m not sure how it will pass on. Perhaps it might transfer to our child when they’re born.”

“A child…”

Or perhaps it wouldn’t transfer at all, ending the line of succession with Julius and Percy.

Contemplating the implications, I suddenly straightened.

‘Wait a minute, does this mean Percy would have to obey Julius’s commands for life?’

That didn’t sit right with me.

Frowning deeply, I raised my head to look at Percy, who tilted his head curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

Even though Julius was my brother, I couldn’t trust his sense of ethics. Sure, he was acting normal now, but what if he suddenly snapped and ordered Percy to do something ridiculous?

The thought of Percy being bound to such commands was unbearable. I grabbed his hand firmly and said.

“If Julius says anything strange, come tell me immediately. I won’t let him get away with it.”

I was entirely serious, but Percy’s expression hardened as if he’d turned to stone. He let out a long sigh before speaking.

“…I can’t help but feel you’ve been testing me this whole time.”

“Testing you? I’m not! I’m just worried about you.”

“Worried…”

Percy’s expression twisted into a mix of exasperation and confusion, as though he didn’t know where to start.

But then, his eyes lit up with a sudden realization.

The dissatisfaction I had seen earlier melted away, replaced by a smile that spread across his face. Before I could react, Percy rested his head lightly on my shoulder, his demeanor like a massive, affectionate puppy.

“You’re absolutely right. I’m such a weak and helpless person.”

Huh? What was this sudden behavior?

Before I could process it, Percy continued in a somber tone.

“Even in the capital, the other nobles constantly ostracized the Stewart family. They’ve been gossiping endlessly about our marriage, claiming it’s proof of our ulterior motives or that the Stewarts conspired to eliminate the other imperial family members, leaving only Princess Sienna.”

My mouth fell open as Percy poured out these grievances, his voice tinged with vulnerability. What was he trying to pull now?

 

 

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