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Edgar wasn’t originally from this place.

I don’t mean the region—what I’m saying is he wasn’t exactly a resident of this world.

It’s been nearly 20 years since he found himself trapped in this fictional world he thought was a novel.

He had one companion he had grown up with since childhood.

“Your Highness, how about you take a break?”

She was now the woman he was supposed to serve.

The current head of the Robeheim family, who held most of this vast northern region in her grip, Ariel Robeheim.

Today, just like every other day, she had her head buried in a pile of documents, utterly still.

“…You’re still the same, Edgar. I told you to treat me casually since you have no discerning eyes.”

“Wasn’t it you, Your Highness, who commanded me to show the proper courtesy as a servant?”

“Ugh.”

Ariel flicked her long, jet-black hair that fell to her waist with annoyance.

Why did she even say such nonsense? She knew better than anyone how temperamental that man was since they had spent so many years together.

Anyway, it was that guy’s mouth that was the problem.

It had been roughly six months since they had established their master-servant relationship after the incident that happened back then.

After jokingly saying, “I’m the master now, so you better show respect,” it had turned into this mess.

“I believe ignoring the master’s orders isn’t a desirable behavior for a servant.”

“Were you always so quick to retract your statements, Your Highness?”

“Tch, if you can’t speak properly, at least don’t be annoying.”

She was undeniably a powerful figure ranking among the top three in the Empire, as well as the Iron-Blooded Empress who subdued the fierce tribes of the north.

Despite this, she often found herself losing in arguments with a man she had known for a long time.

If others were to witness this scene, they’d surely rub their eyes a dozen times. It was that surreal.

“So, what about the items sent from Central?”

“They should have been sorted out by now. Would you like to check them once you finish eating?”

“Forget it. Since it’s something you organized, it must be done well.”

She wasn’t the type who could be so easygoing with state affairs just because of their personal relationship.

It was simply that she acknowledged Edgar’s capabilities and trusted him since he had never let her down.

“What will happen to the captured tribesmen?”

“Are they responding to negotiations?”

“They remain silent.”

About a week ago, there was a significant operation to eliminate the nuisances that had been plaguing the northern region.

The number of tribesmen captured was just over a hundred.

They suggested negotiations in exchange for the prisoners, but surprisingly, the other side has remained tight-lipped and shown no action.

Upon hearing this, a glow filled Ariel’s red eyes.

Those were like thorns in her side, troubling the northern lands she loved. She didn’t think they’d willingly sit at the negotiation table anyway.

“Kill them all. I’ve got full authority from the Emperor.”

Even though she spoke to him as if he were less than the Emperor, there was no wavering in Edgar’s gaze.

Who wouldn’t talk back when there’s no one present but the Emperor’s name?

Moreover, considering her influence, it might not be entirely impossible.

“All right. Should I execute them?”

“That sounds good. If they charge, we’ll just trample them again. Set a tall pole in front and hang them there.”

After all, the sword was in their hands.

The tribes attacking the northern region had become an annual event, but each time, their defense line remained steadfast.

With the weather getting colder, if their supplies ran low, surely they’d take some action. Hanging them up would merely be a provocation.

Despite the deadly conversation, both of their expressions remained calm.

Ariel, in particular, had relaxed her previously cold demeanor, stretching and taking in the outside view.

“I hope dinner is lamb.”

She casually threw out that wish.

Edgar, who had been standing at attention, couldn’t help but smirk at that. Ariel was completely oblivious to it.

“Riel.”

“…Huh?”

A deep male voice echoed softly in the office.

After a few seconds of realizing it was Edgar’s voice, Ariel’s eyes widened.

That was her nickname—the name only one man had called her since her parents used it in childhood.

But she thought she’d never hear it again.

Her head snapped up sharply, and there stood Edgar with a calmly composed expression.

When he seemed to dare her to speak again, his lips curled up slightly.

“Let’s eat. I had lamb prepared just in case you wanted it.”

She knew he was aware that she enjoyed lamb when her spirits dipped.

Today, he had prepared a lamb dish made with great effort, especially for her after a long day of dealing with state affairs.

However, Ariel’s reaction upon hearing the good news wasn’t entirely positive.

“You, you always do it this way…!”

“What do you mean?”

Ariel slammed her hands down on the table, trembling with rage as she pointed at him, but he shrugged it off casually and left the office.

Proof that the title of northern ruler meant nothing in front of her childhood friend most of the time.

Left alone, Ariel hung her head low, suppressing her frustration.

That man always knows how to get under her skin.

Next time, she’d make sure to properly humiliate him; she’d savor that day to bask in his suffering.

The playful banter typical of childhood friends continued even after their dynamic had turned master-servant.

 

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