Chapter 217: Outing (3) (Teaser)
In the Imperial Palace’s Hall of Learning, Sophien examined the scattered documents spread across the desk. Every one of them was part of the Deculein File, provided by the Intelligence Agency.
"The Empire’s Intelligence Agency is absolutely remarkable..." Ahan muttered in admiration.
"It’s basic intelligence work—monitoring and investigating the Empire’s nobles. To them, Deculein is just as big a piece on the board as Zeit," Sophien replied, seeming uninterested.
"Oh, I see. Then I assume his records have been under investigation for some time?"
“Indeed.”
"Your Majesty, I hear the professor is arriving with a gift today. Has word of this reached you?"
"I’ve heard..." Sophien muttered, holding her pipe between her lips as she lit the tobacco. After taking a few slow puffs and exhaling wisps of smoke, she coughed and cleared her throat with a small grunt.
“... Ahem.”
It was, in its own way, an attempt to understand her father.
"I cannot begin to understand why the late Emperor found pleasure in this."
The late Emperor, Sophien’s father, was regarded by his officials as a benevolent ruler who upheld theocracy and harmony. Yet his pastimes—fishing, smoking, and hunting—held no appeal for her. Perhaps centuries of regression had worn away such indulgences, or perhaps she had never inherited his taste for them.
"With good company, the experience would be far more enjoyable, Your Majesty," Ahan replied.
"Are you suggesting I should keep someone filling the air with smoke in my presence?" Sophien replied with a scoff.
"Oh… That was not my meaning, Your Majesty. But perhaps hunting or fishing—"
"That is enough. One may know a hundred paths of water, yet the ways of people remain ever uncertain—even if that person is my own father," Sophien replied, setting down her pipe and opening the Deculein file.
… Once recognized as a prodigy from childhood, his growth gradually slowed with time, bringing...
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