IWBNAM Chapter 2 (Part 3)

This guy sure knows how to flatter until the very end. He really is a good kid, Lee Juwon thought, quietly pleased.

“Sir, up ahead.”

Gilbert spoke in a low, serious voice. Keeping his expression composed, Lee Juwon looked forward. A few soldiers were turning the corner toward them. If they were low-ranking, he would have simply kept walking while they stepped aside and saluted, but the person approaching was…

“Marshal Azani.”

Lee Juwon directed his gaze toward the man walking straight toward him, calling his name. He could not allow himself to show weakness first.

“Admiral Kranaha.”

With a dignified posture, Lee Juwon bowed his head slightly. Normally, when they happened to meet, they exchanged a polite nod and walked past each other without speaking. He intended to do the same this time, but Kranaha stepped in front of him.

“Do you have business with me?”

Lee Juwon spoke with an expression that showed no disturbance. The man was 198 centimeters tall, towering over his own 183, which meant he had to raise his head quite a bit while speaking, but exchanging a few words was manageable.

“I think I made a small mistake with your title just now. Shouldn’t I be calling you ‘retired’ Marshal Azani?”

“Call me whatever you prefer. There’s not much difference.”

This man was uncomfortable. Lee Juwon wanted to leave as quickly as possible. It wasn’t that he didn’t get along with the others, they all found him unpleasant in different ways, but the discomfort he felt toward Kranaha was on a different level. It wasn’t dislike or hatred. Kranaha openly expressed his contempt for Azani, but Azani held no personal grudge toward him. It was just an indefinable awkwardness.

“I wondered if you might change your mind, but your intention to retire seems firm.”

“I won’t go back on it. You won’t see me at the Imperial High Council anymore.”

Lee Juwon naturally turned his head away from him. But the man once again stepped in front of him, blocking his path, forcing him to look up again.

“Do you have anything else to ask?”

He couldn’t expect his subordinates to intervene. Inwardly tired, he maintained a calm exterior as he asked. Even if retirement was set, he was still above Kranaha in rank. He couldn’t afford to look like he was losing in a battle of presence.

“What’s your game?”

Kranaha glared at him with an unreadable expression and threw the question out.

“I believe I said I want to step down because I’ve fulfilled my duties and wish to rest.”

“Don’t spout bullshit. What’s your real intention? You’re aiming for something, aren’t you?”

He was picking a fight openly. Not that it was anything new.

“A life of leisure and enjoyment.”

Lee Juwon answered in a dry voice, expression still cold.

“Oh? You?”

Kranaha asked again with a cynical smile.

“Do you think I’m lying?”

Wouldn’t it be nice if people believed him when he spoke sincerely? It wasn’t as if Azani was someone who lied every time he opened his mouth, so why was he so impossible to trust?

“How, exactly?”

The huge man with dark red hair and yellow eyes erased every trace of amusement from his face and stepped closer. Leaning down, he stared directly into Lee Juwon’s eyes. Lee Juwon did not shrink back at all and met his gaze as he answered.

“I’m going to sleep late every day, being as lazy as I want. I’ll enjoy a slow breakfast, then spend hours in a row watching movies, and whenever I feel like it, I’ll take off to some famous resort. I’ve already made reservations at several places. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Across the Imperial capital planet, Alpha, there were many resorts modeled after famous locations from old Earth. Many even used the same names, making it easy for Lee Juwon to choose places he wanted to visit. Santorini, for example, or a traditional East Asian hot spring inn.

As a retired marshal, he would have more money and time than he knew what to do with. He was fully prepared to burn several months’ worth of a corporate employee’s salary in a single night.

“You…”

Did he finally realize that the words were genuine? The ever-imposing Kranaha couldn’t form his sentence properly.

“I hope that answers your question. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

With graceful poise, Lee Juwon bowed lightly and walked past him. Kranaha did not call out or try to stop him again. Behind the man, whose face had frozen in pure dissatisfaction, Kranaha’s subordinates stood straight and saluted in his place.

“It seems Marshal Kranaha doubts Your Excellency’s true intentions.”

After they had walked a good distance, Gilbert spoke.

“You’ll find it much faster looking for someone who doesn’t doubt, Gilbert.”

Lee Juwon answered indifferently. Considering Azani’s history, it would be stranger for someone to believe him so naively.

---

Time flew quickly toward the day of escape. Lee Juwon handed over his duties to his successor, arranged proper positions for the subordinates who had supported him thus far, and took off the military uniform. He would attend the emperor’s wedding as a retired marshal.

For days already, the Empire had been overflowing with festive excitement. Their beloved young sovereign was welcoming an empress, and not as part of a political marriage, but an actual marriage of love.

He had maintained pure devotion with the nanny’s daughter and ultimately proposed to her? Wasn’t there some notoriously harsh marshal who had insisted it was unacceptable, saying she lacked the qualities of an empress and should remain only as a favored concubine?

Yet the romantic emperor protected his love. Rumor had it that the marshal accepted it with a face like he was chewing insects, and that story had become almost legendary.

From dawn, people woke with excitement, washed and dressed in their finest clothes, then headed to the streets. Those honored with invitations to the palace walked in proudly under envious gazes, while the common citizens gathered in front of the palace holding bouquets.

For today, the state broadcasting station had prepared the perfect live coverage. The announcer chosen to host the broadcast, ine that would be transmitted across the entire galaxy, could not hide her joy as she continued her commentary. A broadcasting accident was unthinkable. Staff monitored everything in real time, doing their best to present the best possible scenes to viewers.

Broadcast cameras were installed throughout the palace, at the future empress’s home, and in the major downtown districts. Private stations, not granted access to the palace interior, filmed the streets from various angles and aired previously recorded special documentaries and interviews with important figures. Viewers eagerly flipped through channels, happily deciding what to watch until the ceremony began.

The director in charge of overseeing the state broadcast’s live coverage of the wedding watched dozens of monitors with hawk-like eyes, quickly selecting which scenes to air. Footage showing crowds near the palace and in the busy city districts switched to shots of the imperial palace once one hour remained until the ceremony.

The imperial wedding was to take place in the central hall of the palace. Those invited began arriving one by one and heading inside. Each time a vehicle stopped in front of the main palace building, the cameraman focused to capture the distinguished guests, and whenever someone notable appeared, the announcer introduced their name and a brief background.

And at last, the Imperial Marshals began to appear, one by one.

The first to arrive was Marshal Jurgen von Graim. A man with dark brown hair and a dignified appearance stepped out with a refined smile. As he appeared on the monitors, citizens watching the broadcast shouted his name and excitedly shared whatever information they knew.

–Marshal Jurgen von Graim has just arrived. As you know, Minister of Military Affairs Graim is a thirty-six-year-old bachelor.

The announcer added the comment with clear fondness. Among the five marshals, four, including Graim, were unmarried, the exception being Valois. Many unmarried women watching the broadcast blushed as they indulged in secret romantic fantasies. He was handsome, well-mannered, and thirty-six was hardly a flaw. He was the perfect groom.

–Ah, behind him, I see the vehicle carrying Marshal Nicolas Zérodel.

At thirty, the youngest of the five marshals, with gentle, friendly eyes, his appearance drew even more delighted smiles than Graim’s. Romance novels modeled after him were currently selling like wildfire. Not just one, but many. Numerous writers had found inspiration in him.

After Marshal Zérodel passed by with his polite smile, the third marshal appeared.

–Marshal Antigonos Kranaha has arrived.

This time, it was the men who cheered loudly, shouting Kranaha’s name. Women weren’t entirely immune to his appeal, but his distinct rough, macho aura earned overwhelming popularity from bold young men.

The car door opened, and the large, broad man stepped out, his intense dark red hair catching the light. Wearing a pleased expression, as if he truly thought today’s wedding was a glorious event, he headed inside.

–Marshal Fabian Valois has arrived with his wife and young son.

This time, cheers erupted from people of all ages. Valois was a war hero universally beloved. Despite his fame, people admired and cherished him because he was humble and family-oriented.

Only one marshal remained. People internally complained as they waited for him. Why was he the last to arrive and bringing down the mood? Couldn’t he have left earlier on his own?

–Last is… Marshal Nael de Azani.

As if fully aware of the audience’s feelings, the announcer deliberately drew out the introduction. Unlike the previous marshals, a strange tension filled the air as the vehicle reserved for Imperial Marshals stopped. The waiting imperial guard opened the door, and a man stepped out, his black hair slicked back flawlessly as always, not a single strand out of place. His expression was cold and indifferent, radiating only chilliness.

Wrapped in a noble’s refined elegance from head to toe, the man entered without sparing even a single glance at those around him. Only after he disappeared from the camera’s view did people finally exhale. Retired or not, his presence remained formidable.

Fortunately, the strange tension did not last long. The camera stationed at the bride’s home lit up.

–The bride has just come out. Ah! The wedding dress has finally been revealed! My goodness, do you see this? It’s as if the goddess of beauty herself has descended. She is very, very elegant and beautiful!

The announcer delivered the news in a bright, cheerful voice. People quickly forgot the Imperial Marshals who had appeared earlier and focused entirely on today’s true protagonist.

The bride had lost her father early and her mother in her teens, living alone until she graduated from university. Because the future empress lacked a strong family background, the emperor found her adoptive parents. The house shown today as the bride’s home belonged to them.

Her adoptive father was a university professor specializing in urban administration. He had once had two sons, but both had died in battle long ago, and since then, the couple had lived quietly, supporting only each other. As a respected academic family known for their good character, the adoptive parents were considered more than adequate to fill the gaps in the empress’s background. In truth, the one who connected the bride to them had been that infamously ruthless marshal, but people glossed over that part. The announcer did not mention it either.

The bride boarded the car with her adoptive parents. Guided by the escort vehicles, the most special car in the Empire rolled out of the gate.

The road to the palace had been completely blocked off. Since the route had been publicly announced beforehand, crowds lined both sides. Those who had camped out for days to secure the best spots cried with joy as they caught sight of the bride.

–The bride is heading toward the palace. Ah, she’s waving.

From inside the specially designed vehicle with its transparent protective glass, the bride smiled gently as she waved to the citizens standing along the road. Those lucky enough to be close shouted the empress’s name with overwhelming excitement. Alina! Alina! Our empress! Mother of the Empire! Long live the empress!

–The bride has arrived at the palace.

Amid the honor guard standing in formation in their ceremonial uniforms, the bride stepped out of the car holding her adoptive father’s hand. The bridesmaids, who had been waiting, gracefully lifted the hem of her white wedding dress. The special dress, chosen after fierce competition among the best designers in the system, was now shown in full.

The emperor was not someone who indulged in luxury, but for the one wedding of his life, he spared no expense. The white dress studded with hundreds of teardrop diamonds glimmered brilliantly under the bright sun. Had there been more time for production, they might have crafted a dress like the ones from ancient legends, if sun, moon, and starlight.

All she needed to do now was walk down the red carpet leading to the central hall.

There was none of the shyness or tension some had secretly worried about. The bride walked lightly, elegant and poised, radiating beauty and dignity. Those watching placed hands on their chests and teared up. Was it not truly beautiful? They would never forget this sight for the rest of their lives.

The finest musicians in the Empire performed. Civil and military officials already waiting in the hall bowed deeply as the bride passed. She continued forward. Ahead of her, her husband stood waiting.

When she had only a little distance left to go, the groom stepped away from his place and approached her. The romantic groom bowed lightly to the bride’s adoptive father and extended his hand. The adoptive father looked at the bride with a smiling face, then entrusted her hand to him. Cheers erupted from the onlookers. The complicated rituals did not matter. The moment the two faced each other, that alone was the marriage.

---

Not to mention the military uniform, he would probably only have to wear this extravagantly ornate marshal’s ceremonial attire once or twice a year on special commemorative days from now on.

As Lee Juwon quietly stayed in his seat with an indifferent expression throughout the reception that continued late into the evening, Valois approached him.

“There wasn’t even a difference of a few days. Why did you rush to retire so quickly…?”

Valois asked, his expression complicated. Because Azani, the previous highest-ranking marshal, had lowered himself by retiring, Valois was now addressed as the senior marshal starting from the emperor’s wedding. There was no way he could fail to recognize that Azani had done this out of consideration for him.

“Once I decided to quit, it was better to handle it quickly. Holding onto an unnecessary title means nothing to me.”

“Do you know how many people have desperately chased after that ‘unnecessary’ title?”

There were countless who fought fiercely to stay at the top even within a single squad, let alone the fleets. And here was Azani giving up the honor of senior marshal. For that alone, Valois was honestly grateful to him.

“I judged it would look better overall for someone with a good public reputation like you to stand at the top rather than me.”

“Is that so?”

Valois felt that Azani’s voice sounded somehow different from before. It flowed out in the same dry tone as always, yet there seemed to be a faint emotion beneath it. Was it his imagination? But the atmosphere had undeniably changed. He truly looked satisfied to be laying down his heavy responsibilities.

“I’ll be going now. There seem to be many people looking for you. I should prepare to leave.”

“All right.”

Valois gazed quietly at Azani. Years had passed since they first met, yet if he were asked how well he understood this man, his answer would be…

“Let’s have a drink together when we both have time.”

During their years working together, they had clashed fiercely, argued loudly more than once, and never let their guard down. Even now, he had no desire to become close to this capable but cold man.

And yet, for some reason, seeing this man so calmly relinquish his position and step into seclusion made him think that meeting him once outside of work might not be so bad.

“I appreciate the thought.”

Neither a clear refusal nor acceptance, Azani left behind that ambiguous answer before turning away and exiting the hall. Those watching exchanged subtle looks with one another. They felt too self-conscious to openly celebrate his departure. Though, of course, there were exceptions.

“The bastard finally left. What a glorious day. Give me another glass of champagne.”

Kranaha, leaning against a nearby wall, raised his empty glass. His colleagues and subordinates smiled helplessly. In any case, they all thought things had turned out well. Their sovereign had become a groom and gone off on his honeymoon, and the unpleasant man had removed himself. How could it not be a happy day?

As if agreeing with that sentiment and offering its blessing, loud fireworks burst outside the palace. Lee Juwon was about to step into the official car when he unconsciously turned his head and looked up at the night sky.

A thousand years had passed since the 21st century, yet humanity’s culture had remained frozen in that Earth era. Just as people of the 21st century did, people of this age began fireworks shows on special days.

He didn’t dislike this world where, even as starships flew faster than the speed of light, daily life remained much the same as ever. Without realizing it, Lee Juwon smiled faintly and settled into the official car.

‘Dobby is free!’

Goodbye to a life of sacrifice and devotion. From now on, he would live for himself.

With no one reluctant to see him leave or following to see him off, the official car of Retired Marshal Azani glided smoothly out of the palace grounds. The multicolored fireworks continued lighting the sky for a long time afterward.