I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 36.2
As they entered the slum, all eyes turned towards the two figures. Lionel instinctively moved closer to the empress’s side, his protective instincts kicking in.
“Where should we leave the horses?” Lionel inquired.
“People will take care of them. If we attempt to dismount, they will approach,” Adele explained.
True to her words, as soon as the two dismounted, a group of men who had been observing them swiftly approached. Surrendering the horses into their care, a young boy who had been eavesdropping stepped forward and greeted them energetically.
“Hello!”
Adele cast a quick glance at the boy, then shifted her gaze towards the heart of the slum, issuing her command.
“Lead me to the most ordinary house in this area. I wish to enter and see what it’s like inside.”
The boy pondered for a moment before posing a question. “Would you be willing to pay extra to enter the houses?”
Adele inquired, “How much?”
“Two silver coins per house,” the boy responded.
“I understand,” Adele acquiesced.
“Hehe, follow me, madam!” the boy exclaimed, taking the lead.
Lionel involuntarily furrowed his brow, glancing at the empress. However, she seemed unfazed, forging ahead after the young guide. The interior of the slum proved even more destitute than its outward appearance suggested. Even Lionel, who had witnessed countless horrors during his travels across battlefields, found himself repulsed by the putrid stench that permeated the air. Children sat on the street, playing amidst a landscape marred by filth, their curious gazes fixated on the two figures adorned in stylish capes as they passed by. The gloomy street was a convergence of wary and intrigued stares, piercing the atmosphere like arrows. Lionel stood steadfastly by Adele’s side, acutely aware of the dire security conditions that made human trafficking a recurring issue in the slums. Without the protection of the tower, which amplified the powers of magicians, Adele appeared as vulnerable as any ordinary woman in this unforgiving environment. Adele’s expression grew increasingly resolute with each passing moment. Even without delving further, she could sense the grim reality that awaited them. This was not a place fit for human habitation. The first destination the boy led them to was a modest house belonging to a young girl.
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“Are you the owner of this house?” Adele inquired.
“Yes,” replied the girl, who seemed to have just entered puberty, her face void of emotion.
“My parents passed away last month,” she muttered, her voice carrying the weariness of an old man worn out by the tides of life.
Adele stepped inside the house, taking in the sight. The cramped space lacked windows and furnishings, leaving barely enough room for two people to lie down. It resembled a crypt or a sarcophagus. Without uttering a word, Adele calmly questioned and examined the surroundings, delving as deeply as necessary. They continued their tour, visiting several other houses throughout the slum, ranging from the relatively clean to the most wretched. Finally, Adele gave the order.
“Let’s return.”
The boy who had been their guide flashed an exaggerated smirk and bid them farewell, inviting Adele to seek him out should the need arise. His demeanor exuded a sense of superiority, he behaving like a typical bully—spitting, strutting arrogantly to showcase his perceived prestige, and bowing subserviently to those stronger than him.
Adele turned her gaze toward the boy. “How old are you?”
“I’m turning 15 this year!” he proudly announced.
Fifteen years old.
“Are there younger children in your group?” Adele inquired.
“What… I take care of some kids. What else would I be doing here? If they come in young, they adapt quickly,” the boy explained, his tone carrying a hint of frustration.
Adele stared blankly at the boy for a moment, then shifted her gaze away. As Lionel settled the payment for their horses, Adele mounted hers and began crossing the river. The journey back was marked by silence, with Lionel’s eyes fixed on Adele as she rode ahead. Eventually, he couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Lionel finally spoke up.
“… Did you find out what you wanted?” Lionel asked, breaking the silence.
The Empress halted her horse in the middle of the Niabara River, turning her body to face him. Her expression remained remarkably composed, devoid of any trace of pity or sadness, as she stared blankly at the slums before calmly shifting her gaze away. The Empress straightened her back and took the lead, exuding an aura of calmness and coldness in stark contrast.
Lionel’s mind suddenly sparked with an idea. On this land, the Emperor was the only point of contact for him. As the Emperor’s consort and Empress, wasn’t her relationship with the Emperor more crucial than anything else? Wasn’t the reason behind his role as an aide and his connection to the Baldr family to secure power within the imperial palace?
“What will you do if His Majesty opposes what you want to do?” Lionel questioned.
“Oppose?” Adele paused, turning back to face him. Lionel drew closer as he continued speaking.
“This slum has been here for a long time. Do you truly believe that His Majesty the Emperor is unaware of its existence? If he knows but allows it to persist, if that’s the reason for opposing what Her Majesty desires…”
Adele interrupted him, looking back with a piercing gaze. Lionel pressed on.
“What will you do?”
In that moment, their golden eyes met, burning with intensity. The Empress suddenly erupted with anger.
“Damn it! Are people still turning a blind eye even after witnessing this?! What the hell have you all done to let our country fall into such a state?!”
The birds perched on the bridge were startled and took flight as one.
“Are all the aristocrats in this country fools?! What the hell are they doing?! A living hell is unfolding right before our eyes, and if it’s not me, all they have to do is block the road with soldiers like that?!”
Adele pointed an accusing finger at the soldiers stationed at the end of the bridge.
“No hospitals, no schools, no proper water facilities! A 15-year-old kid runs rampant, and they say there are even younger ones! Even if you raise a devil, it’s their doing! If they turn a blind eye to what is being created and how it’s decaying in that hell, what are they going to do?!”
Her rage echoed through the air. Lionel remained silent for a moment, taking off his mask and hood, and respectfully bowing his head. The Empress’s words and anger felt justified, and Lionel was more than willing to lend his support. As he lowered his head, Adele let out a deep sigh and touched her forehead.
“… I’m sorry. I was angry at you without reason.”
“No, no,” Lionel replied, his heart racing within his chest. He exhaled heavily, feeling the rush of his pulsating heartbeat. Raising his head once again to meet the Empress’s golden eyes, Lionel realized that he had been awaiting her outburst.
“Whatever you desire, I will assist you.”
It was a pledge he had never made to anyone before.
