The Age Of Arrogance

In the world he lived in, it was impossible for a man and a woman who were not in a relationship to create such a loving atmosphere.

 

‘If they are not in a relationship now, then they must have been lovers in the past. Oh! Could I be the one who broke them up?’

 

Carlyle’s suspicions about Asha relationship with Decker soon turned into certainty. Then he soon thought he knew why Asha was acting like this.

 

‘She must be heartbroken to have to sleep with another man while leaving the man she loves.’

 

His mouth tasted bitter.

 

The night that made his spine tingle just thinking about it was a big wound for Asha.

 

And it all started with a suggestion from him that wasn’t serious at all.

 

“……Tsk.”

 

Carlyle helplessly ruffled his hair and clicked his tongue.

 

He felt like there was a fire burning inside him, and also like there was a stone on his chest.

 

It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

 

***

 

As the war reparations were almost over, Carlyle spoke at the gathering of Pervaz’s leadership.

 

“We must go to Zyro to report our victory.”

 

Lionel and Giles nodded as if they had expected this, as it was the same thing he had said at the dinner table with Cecilia and Dorothea not long ago.

 

“Isn’t repelling the barbarian invasion that has been plaguing Perbaz one of His Highness’ ‘deeds for the Empire’? It is only right that we go and report it.”

 

“We should also check on the well-being of Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness Matthias.”

 

As his aides spoke politely, Carlyle openly grumbled.

 

“I’m just going to go and spit in my mother’s face, that’s all.”

 

That made everyone laugh for a moment.

 

“I also need to shake up the social scene a bit and make sure that Matthias knows his place. And most importantly… .”

 

Carlyle smirked as he thought of the ‘Carlyle Demon Theory’ that had spread from the temple.

 

“I also need to warn the Elahe Sect.”

 

It was not yet clear to what extent Gabriel Knox and the Elahe Sect were moving in agreement.

 

However, it was clear that if pressure was put on the sect itself, Gabriel would get the message.

 

‘After that, I’ll be able to figure out what the bastard is up to by seeing how he moves.’

 

There was really a lot to do in Zyro.

 

“So who will be in the delegation? I will of course be assisting Your Highness, and… .”

 

“No. Lionel, you will stay here and assist Countess Pervaz. This time, Sir Raphelt will accompany me.”

 

Carlyle decided to leave Lionel, who had always assisted him, behind.

 

He thought that if Giles was the only one left in Pervaz without him and Lionel, Giles might be killed by Asha before they returned to Pervaz. Of course, it would be Giles who would start the trouble.

 

At that point, Asha, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward.

 

“Please take Decker as well.”

 

“Decker… you mean Sir Donovan?”

 

“Yes. He is my closest aide, and to others it will probably look like Your Highness has truly won the hearts of the people of Perbaz.”

 

Asha also instructed Decker.

 

“Decker. It will be hard work, but go and move as His Highness’s right-hand man. We need to show them that we are completely united.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Carlyle, who had been looking at Asha and Decker strangely, said one word.

 

“It seems you trust Sir Donovan… quite a bit.”

 

Asha replied calmly.

 

“He is like family to me. I have known him since he was a child, and I can assure you that Decker will not betray us.”

 

To Carlyle, everything she said was grating on his nerves.

 

He imagined the two of them, a young boy and girl, running around and laughing, gradually growing up and recognizing each other as the opposite sex, their hearts pounding as they kissed.

 

He knew it was impossible for them to have such a romantic childhood in Pervaz az.

 

‘Of course. Decker Donovan wouldn’t betray Asha Pervaz. She must be the woman he loves.’

 

He couldn’t help but speculate, and even Decker’s gaze at him began to feel rebellious.

 

However, as Carlyle was lost in thought, Lionel intervened as if to tell him to come to his senses.

 

“I understand Your Highness’ caution, but I also think it’s a good idea for Sir Donovan to accompany us.”

 

“…I see.”

 

When Carlyle answered curtly but positively, Asha added a suggestion.

 

“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a few more skilled and good-looking warriors besides Decker. Just for show.”

 

Apart from his doubts about Asha and Decker’s relationship, Carlyle also thought Asha’s idea was not bad.

 

If they brought the Pervaz warriors with them, they would be able to attract people’s attention.

 

With the sleek knights and the wild warriors mixed together, escorting him, and showing themselves getting along without any hostile atmosphere…

 

‘It would also be a psychological pressure on the Empress.’

 

Moreover, if the Pervaz warriors, who had been like beasts just a year ago, appeared in a much more organized manner, it would definitely be a topic of conversation in the social circles.

 

Could there be a better way to visualize his contribution to the reconstruction of Pervaz?

 

“I’ve always thought you’re really smart when you’re like this.”

 

“You’re flattering me.”

 

“I’m not flattering you. I’m going to nag you from now on.”

 

He frowned and rebuked Asha.

 

“I’m telling you to use that smart head of yours more often. You’re sometimes smart, but most of the time you’re incredibly frustrating. Be more like a fox.”

 

Some might say that Asha is already like a fox, considering how she got the money and supplies to revive her territory by slapping the Emperor on the back and making a contract marriage with the Crown Prince.

 

Asha must have recalled that fact, because she smiled and replied jokingly.

 

“Your Highness Carlyle Evaristo, of all people, I’ve only managed to get this much out of you. Is this not enough?”

 

“You’re telling me!.”

 

Carlyle clicked his tongue.

 

Of all the wealth that Asha had squeezed out, what was there for her own sake?

 

If she seemed like she was going to sneak away even the necklace or wedding ring I gave her, I wouldn’t be saying this.

 

‘She’ll probably sell it and use the money to build a cavalry unit.’

 

To use up everything you have like that was something only those who were about to disappear would do.

 

Carlyle had no intention of letting Asha, who was now as good as his own, disappear on her own.

 

“Anyway, I’m the one who’s going to be the emperor. And I don’t forget those who helped me. So… …”

 

He looked into Asha’s two eyes, which seemed to shine silver in the sunlight, and said.

 

“Let’s be a little more greedy, Asha Pervaz.”

 

Without any idea how cruel those words were to Asha.

 

“…… I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Asha barely managed to raise the corners of her mouth and reply.

 

With the sole determination that she must not let Carlyle know what she wanted to be greedy for…

 

***

 

“Have you heard the rumor? His Highness Carlyle is coming!”

 

“Mother! He’s really coming?”

 

“They say he’s only staying briefly… You know what that means, right?”

 

Rumors of Carlyle’s arrival spread like wildfire throughout the capital’s social circles even before he entered Zyro, and the mere fact that he would appear soon made people nervous.

 

Thanks to this, the vicious rumors about Carlyle subsided completely.

 

And that was not pleasant news for Beatrice.

 

‘What kind of public opinion is this…!’

 

Just at this time, Carlyle won a victory against the barbarians.

 

Public opinion, which was leaning towards Matthias, could easily be reversed.

 

While Beatrice was pondering this, Matthias rushed into her room looking disheveled.

 

“Mother! That bastard Carlyle is here!”

 

“Yes, Matthias. So you should pull yourself together…”

 

“We have to capture him! This is our chance!”

 

“What? What are you talking about?”

 

Beatrice was speechless.

 

However, Matthias was insistent.

 

“He’s coming to Zyro on his own feet, there may not be another chance like this! Somehow persuade Father to lock him up!”

 

“You want me to put the prince who has returned victorious from war under house arrest, even though he is innocent of any crime? Are you sure you just said that?”

 

“We can make up any number of charges! Yes, we’ll put him under house arrest for endangering the emperor’s safety and then send him to the battlefield in my place!”

 

Seeing Matthias only worried about himself, Beatrice lost her patience.

 

Putting Carlyle, who also won a victory in Pervaz, in charge of the southern military now was basically acknowledging him as the crown prince.

 

Matthias didn’t seem to understand the bigger picture. Beatrice had promised to help him avoid war, but here he was again.

 

“Matthias.”

 

“Mother, this is not the time to be so leisurely! That bastard Carlyle is entering the city tomorrow or the day after, isn’t he? So go to Father now and…!”

 

Smack! Matthias’s head turned with the sound.

 

“Wh, what…??”

 

Matthias, slapped for the first time by his mother, looked back at Beatrice with confusion, unable to tell if this was real or a dream.

 

However, the face of his always kind mother was as cold as ice.

 

“It seems I’ve been too indulgent of your foolishness.”