I Kidnapped the Hero’s Women

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 41 - What Were They Thinking?

"What? Wasn't Arient responsible for the road construction?"

"Arient Construction handled the actual work, but the rights to the project were held by Vermont. It seems Vermont also had the expertise to tunnel through the mountains."

"Hoho. I thought Vermont were just a bunch of shady folks hiding behind the mountains, but it seems they're capable of pulling off such audacious acts."

In the capital, the Imperial Palace.

Empress Vanessa chuckled as she dressed with the help of her maid.

Even the maid, who had served her for decades, felt a chill from Vanessa's sinister smile.

It was rare for the Empress to show such a smile.

Those who had caused that smile seldom met a peaceful end.

"Did you clearly convey my intention to visit?"

"Yes. However, Vermont refused to discuss any scheduling and simply sent the messenger away."

"It seems they're planning a surprise party for me. Bring me my Holy Sword."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Vermont. A troublesome frontier region for ages.

Their subjugation by the Empire was quite absurd.

They successfully defended against the Empire's invasion force for two years, only to surrender just as the weary invaders were about to retreat.

Since then, Vermont had enjoyed unprecedented autonomy.

But when suspicions about Count Vermont's dark magic research were confirmed, everything turned upside down.

The Margrave's title was demoted to a mere count.

Since then, Vermont had appeared to lie low, as if dead.

However, it was an open secret that Vermont continued their dark magic research.

'And now, suddenly, Vermont has taken the lead in opening a road...?'

Something didn't add up.

They were supposed to be quietly researching dark magic far from the central authority.

So why would they suddenly carve a road through the mountains, connecting directly to the capital?

'Are they planning an invasion?'

Throughout history, roads have been crucial military infrastructure.

Was the newly completed road actually a route for an undead army to invade the capital?

As Vanessa's thoughts reached this point, she chuckled.

"The country has been peaceful for too long."

It seemed the time for a crisis was approaching.

And Vermont might be the one firing the first shot.

With a sword adorned with ornate jewels at her waist, she left the palace in casual attire.

She was heading to Vermont territory, where who knows what intrigues awaited, but there was not a hint of worry or concern in her resolute blue eyes.

If anything, she felt exhilaration or anticipation.

Her face was filled with such emotions.

"Guard. Raise the alert level to the highest."

"Your Majesty, it's just a road opening ceremony..."

"But it's Vermont territory..."

"If we are too cautious, won't they give up any plans they might have?"

"..."

The guard captain nodded in agreement.

The alert level remained at normal.

This confidence came from Empress Vanessa's own formidable combat prowess.

She had been chosen by Tempest, one of the six known Holy Swords.

With the Holy Sword at her waist, she was already as powerful as the entire guard combined.

Increasing the alert level or wearing armor would only make her look unseemly.

Whatever schemes the enemy might have, she was confident she could break through with her own strength.

"I'm curious. Aslan Vermont. What has driven you to suddenly become so open?"

Aslan Vermont.

The young lord who had stayed buried in his library suddenly became active.

She was so curious about his motives, she wanted to split his head open and look inside.

Vanessa swiftly mounted her horse.

The grand procession followed her towards Vermont territory.

Not the old route around the mountains, but straight through them.

"I apologize for making you travel such a long distance. I am Count Arient, the chief overseer of the road construction..."

"Enough. Where is Aslan Vermont?"

At the entrance of the new road, Count Arient and his workers, all wearing safety helmets, greeted Vanessa.

But she didn't spare them a glance, looking around instead.

Where is Vermont?

I'm not interested in Arient, I want to see Vermont!

Bring me Vermont right now!

"Aslan Vermont is..."

Is he not here either?

Is he waiting in Vermont territory?

Even after seeing his father beheaded for challenging the imperial authority, he dares to be this arrogant?

Where does this confidence come from?

Is he really preparing an undead army?

"He is right behind you, Your Majesty..."

"Greetings, Your Majesty. Finally, you turn your attention here. I am Aslan Vermont."

"...What are you doing?"

"Showing the utmost respect to Your Majesty."

"..."

Vanessa turned around, slightly startled.

A shabby man lay flat on the ground.

This man is Aslan Vermont?

The one who tunneled through the mountains and indebted Arient to make it practically a vassal state?

"What kind of etiquette is this?"

"The closer to the ground, the greater the respect. So, the utmost respect means being as close to the ground as possible. This is called a kowtow in the East. There's also a grand version of it, should I demonstrate?"

"...No, that won't be necessary. Raise your head. I want to see your face."

The strange etiquette made Vanessa rub her temples as she immediately declined.

After a moment, the pale man stood up, brushing dirt from his knees.

This man is Aslan Vermont...

He did have a rather sinister-looking face, as rumored.

And the woman beside him, blushing with embarrassment, must be his sister, Irene Vermont.

"It is a great honor to have Your Majesty at the grand opening ceremony of the road connecting Vermont to the capital. Vermont has always been close to the capital in terms of straight-line distance, but the mountains made travel extremely difficult. We lamented this situation and constructed a direct road to facilitate the exchange of goods and people..."

"That's enough. I already understand the impact of this road. What I'm more interested in is the man Aslan Vermont. How can someone who has had no public activity for over twenty years suddenly show such ambitious behavior? That's what I'm curious about."

"...!"

Vanessa's piercing gaze seemed to bore into Aslan.

Unable to withstand it, Aslan averted his eyes.

Damn. She shouldn't be interested in me.

This wasn't in the plan.

Aslan shot a desperate look at Irene for help, and she sighed and stepped forward.

"It seems this conversation will be lengthy, Your Majesty. It’s not something to be discussed while standing on the roadside. Perhaps you could have a more relaxed conversation with my brother later? For now, shall we proceed?"

"Very well. I'll allow myself to be deceived by this stalling tactic just once."

"..."

The procession moved on once again.

But Aslan's already pale face showed no signs of improvement, now even more ashen.

What? A relaxed conversation with me later?

Is she crazy?

Aslan glared at Irene, who only looked relieved.

'Damn it. I didn't expect her to be interested in me.'

He hated appearing as if he had something to hide.

So he had abandoned all pride and laid flat on the ground.

But now the Empress was focusing on Aslan himself.

What should he say?

I wasn't myself for the past twenty years?

I was a scoundrel, but one day a god scolded me in a dream, and I changed?

This is driving me crazy.

Aslan's clothes were now soaked in cold sweat.

'I need to divert her attention...!'

There was only one way.

Divert the Empress's attention away from him.

Activate Plan B!

Aslan made a strange hand signal towards the sky.

The guards, looking up in confusion, saw nothing but clear skies.

"I heard Vermont rudely sent back my messenger, refusing to disclose any schedule."

"Yes..."

"That secrecy has only heightened my expectations. I'm very curious how Vermont plans to welcome me."

"You will be satisfied..."

Since Aslan couldn’t ride a horse, Irene rode beside the Empress.

Her voice trembled.

It seemed obvious they had no plan and just sent the messenger away to stall!

Irene stiffened with tension.

Meanwhile, Aslan's sweat began to dry, and he regained his composure.

How on earth are you going to satisfy this iron woman?

"We're almost there."

"Hmm?"

"Your Majesty! Step back! There's something ahead!"

"...!?"

Sensing an unusual presence, the guards sprang forward.

Rumble.

The ground shook violently.

Count Arient screamed and fled.

And before them appeared:

[Kyyaah! Welcome to Vermont!]

A massive, earth-colored giant.

A mysterious being that spoke.

"A monster? No, it looks too silly to be a monster."

"Is it a spirit? A Great Spirit, considering its size?"

"A Great Spirit wouldn't look like that..."

"And spirits aren't visible to us."

"Then what on earth is that?"

Everyone looked bewildered.

Irene glared at Aslan with murderous eyes.

Damn it, it's not working!

How can something so stupid satisfy the Empress?

"...It's cute."

"Excuse me?"

"...Oops."

A small voice slipped from the Empress's lips.

Only Irene heard it.

Vanessa, meeting Irene's gaze, covered her mouth, her face turning as red as a beet.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]