The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 30

Poliana was not used to this kind of situation.

She worried that she might have offended Sir Baufallo, but when she quickly glanced at him, he seemed ok.

The emperor replied, “I do believe that you, Sir Poliana, is more suited in another department. However, if I placed you in that position right away, no one would have respected and followed you. Like Sir Bau just said, you need to stay where you are for now and learn to lead properly. Make your men obey you because they want to, not because they fear you. Please do not disappoint me.”

“Your highness, I will do my best.”

“I like those you try their best because I do so myself. Hmm… did I sound like an old man just now? Anyway, a true effort is what will get you to places. I know that there are things you cannot achieve even with your best effort, but even then, you should not give up. At least, that is what I think. You would get many chances in your lifetime and if you continue your effort, there will come a time when you will be properly rewarded. Even if you miss a chance now, you will get another one and another one, so never give up.”

Poliana shivered because Lucius the First’s words truly resonated with her.

There are things you cannot achieve even with your best effort…

But another chance will always come by…

If you continue your effort, there will come a time when you will be rewarded…

Poliana believed that the biggest and the best chance she was given in her life was meeting Lucius the First. Being praised by the emperor right now… She couldn’t have asked for more.

The emperor continued, “I would love to see you accomplish such big achievements, Sir Poliana, but I know that it may not be possible yet. If we fail again in crossing the river in the fall, then my men and I will be returning to Acreia. If you wish, you will, of course, be welcomed to stay in Aehas.”

“Your highness! I…”

“But remember, you refused the acting director position, so you can’t ask for it now!”

Poliana could tell that the emperor was joking. Lucius the First continued, “Listen, I haven’t given up yet, and I never will. If we fail again, I will return and build a proper navy from Aehas and Kukuda’s ports. Who knows? Maybe it would be faster to go by the sea rather than by land.”

“Your highness…”

The three knights and one help in the room became teary. They truly loved their emperor who was incredibly charismatic. Poliana clearly saw the difference between how she treated her men compared to how her emperor was with his subjects.

Of course, Lucius the First had the advantage of being born a royal. He was also possibly the most beautiful man in the world, but these advantages didn’t guarantee his men’s loyalty. It was his kindness, generosity, and intelligence that captured their hearts.

Lucius the First was their beloved sovereign.

Poliana clenched her teeth. She was given the honor of serving such a great emperor, and there was nothing she could do to help him fix this situation. Just because of this stupid river… A simple river was stopping her emperor.

She stood up from her chair and kneeled in front of him.

“Your highness, I know I am not worthy, but I would like to do everything I can to help you! I am willing to give up my life to make your dream come true! So please, I have a request I would like to beg of you.”

“You are certainly worthy, my knight. You are my sword, my knight, and my shadow. The one who shares my dream. Sir Poliana, what do you want from me?”

“Please allow me a map of this area and a few days so I could explore.”

“Is there something you want to check?”

“There is a myth in this region that a man rode a kelpie across the river to get medicine for his sick son. I am not so naïve that I would believe a myth, but it is such a wide-spread story that I believe that perhaps there is a truth to it. I have been wondering if that man rode a horse to cross the river. If this is the case, there must be a part of the river somewhere that is shallow enough for men to cross it easily. If you could allow me a few days, I will find out. I will give up my life to do this.”

A kelpie was a shape-changing aquatic spirit. Some believe that it was a spirit while others believe that it could be a monster. The legend had it that it resembled a horse and lived in the river.

Poliana believed that the myth could be just an exaggerated story of a man riding a horse across the river. The emperor then replied, “There is no need for you to give up your life, Sir Poliana. I will be fine with you not finding anything either. I am happy with just you trying so hard. I will give you a map, and if you need it, I will also allow you to take one man to help you. Return before the end of this summer. If you do find something, I will allow you to attend the strategic meeting.”

Poliana’s eyes moistened at her emperor’s generosity. Poliana bowed deeply and Lucius the First laughed.

“Hahaha! I am very pleased!”

He has been barely drinking, but now, he finally emptied his glass and gestured Donau to pour another one. Poliana thought secretly, ‘I see that the emperor prefers a pretty boy than an ugly girl…’

The truth was, Lucius the First had Donau pour the drink because he was the lowest ranking member in the tent, there was no way for her to know this. When Donau poured a drink respectfully, Lucius the First patted him affectionately.

The emperor asked Donau, “Is there anything you want from me too, Donau? I am in a good mood, so I may consider it.”

“I would like to become your highness’s knight and fight for you.”

“Haha, you want to get a sword?”

“I would like to participate in the upcoming battle for your highness!”

“Haha, so you would prefer a bow, like your father and your older brother?”

“I would like to become a knight!”

“Hmm… You would like a spear instead? Alright.”

There was a silent agreement between Lucius the First and Sir Baufallo. All of the men from Sir Baufallo’s family ended up going into this conquest. If all three of them became knights, the family could lose all of its men. This was the reason why the emperor has been keeping Donau from becoming a knight.

Lucius the First purposely continued to pretend like he didn’t understand what Donau was asking, but the boy was persistent. Sir Howe covered his younger brother’s mouth tightly as the emperor glanced at Sir Baufallo. Until now, Sir Baufallo has been adamant that Donau remains as his help but today, he seemed contemplative. After a few seconds, Sir Baufallo nodded carefully.

Lucius the First asked, “Are you sure, Sir Baufallo?”

“Yes, your highness. I’m ok with it.”

Only

“Hmm… Alright. Donau! I order you to follow and assist Sir Poliana on this mission. As soon as you return, I will make you a knight.”

“…!”

Donau tried to say something, but Sir Howe continued to cover Donau’s mouth and smiled. He replied on Donau’s behalf, saying, “Your highness, my brother Donau says that he is grateful for your generosity.”

Sir Howe grinned slyly and asked, “By the way, your highness… How about me?”

He was asking if the emperor could allow him a favor as well. Lucius the First smiled kindly and replied, “I believe you have already been given a gift very recently.”

“Haha, you are absolutely right, your highness.”

Indeed, Sir Howe was allowed to leave his father’s department.

With a satisfied smile, Lucius the First announced that the party was now over.