A Treacherous Courtier Manages the Empire Well

78 – Unexpected Proposal

The construction of battleships and container ships was progressing smoothly. After becoming unemployed due to the decline of trade routes following the opening of new trade routes, I hired a large number of former sailors who had flocked to the commercial city of Porto and proceeded with preparations to pioneer new trade routes.

It was only natural to quickly enlist the container ships into the Merchant Guild.

“So busy. Busy.”

Despite the hectic times, work was progressing steadily. I also didn’t forget to meet Prince Rashid.

“Transporting logistics through the trade routes?”

“Yes. We will be able to transport much larger quantities than by train. We plan to transport goods such as high-volume or heavy vehicles, grains, etc., through the trade routes.”

“What about humidity issues? The goods may be damaged by humidity.”

“If we move through the new trade routes, it will only take 3 days. The exposure time to humidity will be significantly reduced, and since the ships are enchanted with Blue Dragon’s magic, humidity should not be a problem.”

“Then there should be no issue. Alright. I will consider transportation through the trade routes. Finally breaking through this devilish sea.”

The rage of Sesis was notorious even in Karamba. It was a place where unpredictable storms raged daily, so it was to be expected.

“We plan to build a large transportation port in Velgodo City near the commercial city of Porto. We will lay down railways and build extensive roads to transport goods unloaded from ships.”

“Good. Our Karamba is here. I plan to establish a port in Payun. Similarly, although the distance to Dagamba is a bit far, we will lay down railways and roads to enhance transportation capabilities.”

“Sounds good. Notify me when the port is completed.”

“Of course. Randor.”

The day after concluding the trade route business with Prince Rashid.

“Karia.”

“What is it? Tamir Khan?”

“The construction of the new trade routes has been completed.”

“It took a long time.”

“Indeed. It was quite a lengthy process. Exploring and constructing routes suitable for trade for several years… The actual construction period wasn’t long, but finding suitable routes for trade was a great accomplishment.”

“It would have been impossible without the spirits of the Limnakal Plains. Well done! Tamir Khan! Now, rest well. I will inform Randor about this.”

“Thank you.”

The news of the completion of three new trade routes reached my ears.

“We were already at the breaking point trying to transport all goods through one trade route. Now we won’t have to deal with that anymore. We need to pave new roads and railways. Summon the Sui people!”

New railways and roads would be paved.

There was an abundance of workers.

It was all for bringing the Sui people here.

New railways and roads being paved.

Factories were busy producing goods.

Times of prosperity and abundance between the two countries continued.

The grim developments I had feared seemed to have fled far away.

For the first time since the possession, I felt a sense of relaxation.

Of course, there were still many ongoing tasks, but there were no urgent projects that needed to be stabilized or progressed.

Ailam had entered a period of stability.

And with that newfound leisure, I decided to spend that time with Karia.

To finally go on the dates that had been postponed.

To enjoy the culture I had developed.

And to eat delicious food together.

“Randor.”

“Yes, Princess Karia.”

“Just call me Karia.”

“Why? Karia?”

And the conclusion of such romantic dates was always a passionate night in a hotel. The time spent embracing each other in a large bathtub, both soaked in sweat, was indescribably blissful.

“Shall we consider getting married now?”

“Marriage.”

“We’ve been busy for a while, but isn’t it time to stop postponing? I’m getting older too… I want to wear a ring while still in my twenties.”

“Are you proposing now?”

In response to my question, Karia pulled me close and kissed me deeply.

“You know it’s something Randor should do, right? A woman proposing first.”

Marriage.

No matter how much I thought about it, no other woman besides Karia came to mind. I rested my head on her shoulder, gently caressing her smooth skin.

“It seems like I finally have some time to spare. We have to wait a bit for the completion of the ships in the maritime exploration project. And constructing railways and roads on the new trade routes can be left to the experts and the merfolk without any issues.”

“Is that so?”

Karia and I were thinking the same thing.

It was clear that there would never be a more suitable time than now.

The proposal was not as romantic and extravagant as those in novels or comics. But did it really need to be extravagant?

“Yes. Karia, let’s get married.”

“Yes. I like that idea too, Randor.”

I held Karia tightly.

“I’ll prepare a top-notch wedding dress.”

“Let the ring be simple, not too flashy. It might be inconvenient if the ring is too extravagant while commanding the army.”

“Then how about a simple ring made of rare metal in a plain band?”

“That sounds good. I’ll ask my sister to find a suitable venue. She’s well-connected in society. She’ll have a good sense for this.”

“Princess Selene, indeed. I believe she can handle it well. By the way, once we’re married, it won’t be Princess Selene anymore but the executioner. Executioner Selene. It does sound a bit odd.”

We joked and chatted playfully.

“Will just the titles change after we get married? I’ll be Randor’s wife now. Wife.”

“I’ll be Karia’s husband then.”

“That’s right. Husband and wife…”

Karia, who was chuckling, suddenly stopped speaking. Her body seemed to twitch, so I quickly looked at her, wondering what was wrong.

Karia was crying.

“Why are you crying? Was my proposal that bad?”

At my teasing remark, Karia shed tears and sniffled.

“I just… can’t believe it. This isn’t a dream, right? I’m so happy that it almost feels like a dream.”

“It’s not a dream. Princess Karia.”

I held Karia tightly.

The tragic ending from the original novel kept flashing through my mind.

But I would never.

I would never let that kind of ending happen.

I embraced Karia, who was choked with tears of happiness, as I made the promise inwardly countless times.

When we revealed our marriage story to the five we always met, Adran had a look of anticipation, Celeine hugged Karia tearfully. Karl Hansen was indifferent as it wasn’t a profitable story.

“Don’t worry! I’ll make it the most splendid wedding in imperial history!”

Celeine actively helped Karia.

It was decided that the wedding would take place at Celeine’s private palace.

It was also decided that various broadcasting stations would come to cover it extensively.

It was unbelievable how many procedures and processes were attached to a wedding.

It was a moment when I could realize that I had become famous once again.

Preparations for the wedding began. There were many matters to consider, almost as much as running a business.

“Lord Randor, please check the guest list again.”

“Yes. This person needs to be removed. They said they can’t come due to illness.”

“Understood.”

“What kind of wedding dress have you decided on, Princess Karia?”

“I’m still choosing. I need to try some on.”

“Once you’ve made your choice, let us know. Have we received permission for fireworks?”

“You need the Emperor’s permission to set off fireworks at the palace. Lord Adran.”

“Insane. I’ll have to ask Her Majesty for her permission.”

The chaotic preparation process continued.

I had to pay attention to various things, but the part I personally paid the most attention to was the wedding dress.

“Celeine, Karia has chosen a wedding dress style.”

“Is that so?”

“We need the best tailor in the empire. Do you have any recommendations?”

In the original novel, “The Fall of the Ailam Empire,” Karia was the most unfortunate and twisted character.

She was also a character I personally liked the most.

It was a moment when such a character was getting married and moving towards happiness.

I hoped everything else would be perfect, but especially, I hoped that the wedding dress enveloping her body would be the best of the best.

“A tailor? In that case, this person is the best.”

Celeine recommended a tailor. A 27-year-old man. Trained under his father, who was a royal tailor, from a young age, he was said to have innate talent.

“His name is Ringhem. He’s a tailor. These days, he’s so popular among the ladies and noblewomen that he’d be ignored without his clothes. He has exceptional taste.”

“Ringham? Excellent. I’d like to meet him.”

“I’ll pass on the message to Randor.”

That evening, I was able to meet Ringhem, the tailor, with Karia.

“Pleasure to meet you. Lord Randor, Princess Karia. It’s an honor to be called.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Ringhem. Today’s protagonist is here.”

Ringham was a very handsome fellow. He carefully examined Karia’s body.

“I’ve received the style you chose, Princess Karia. Considering your tall stature and slender legs, I think it would be stylish to make the bottom of the dress a bit longer. I will soon draw a sketch of the dress for you.”

Perhaps from dealing with the ladies and noblewomen of the capital multiple times.

Ringham handled everything very neatly.

A few days later, a sketch of the wedding dress was drawn and presented, and Karia’s eyes completely melted when she saw the wedding dress.

“Oh my goodness!…”

“Karia’s red hair. And the harmonious blend with the black symbolizing the Imperial Army. What do you think?”

Even as a layman in clothing and fashion, Ringheim’s wedding dress was a garment with a mysterious presence.

It was the kind of dress that you keep looking at, no matter how much you’ve already seen it.

It was a skill that made it clear why Ringheim was leading a trend in the capital’s social scene.

“I really like it, Ringheim. Karia. What do you think?”

“I think this is the one. Randor.”

“Then there’s no need to see more. Ringheim. Please proceed with making it as it is.”

“Understood.”

After courteously bowing, Ringheim stepped back.

After he disappeared, Karia and I exchanged various thoughts about him.

“They say he’s a very famous tailor in the capital. Truly impressive.”

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“I may not know much about fashion, but I never knew there could be clothes that are so captivating. The moment I saw it, I was enchanted.”

“He must have a truly remarkable sense. That’s why even the picky Selene sister buys dresses only from Ringheim.”

“Princess Selene?”

“You didn’t know? Selene sister is famous for buying clothes only from Ringheim. Thanks to that, Ringheim was able to gain a lot of popularity in the capital’s social scene.”

“Oh, really?”

It was a story I heard for the first time.

Well, I was someone who didn’t know much about the capital’s social scene or anything like that.

“It seems he’s quite a remarkable person. hahahaha! To catch Princess Selene’s eye.”

“That’s right.”

Our conversation about Ringheim ended there.

And I thought he was just a skilled tailor who made Karia’s wedding dress, nothing more or less.

But I was wrong.

One busy evening in the midst of wedding preparations.

“Randor.”

“Hmm? Karl Hansen. What’s the matter?”

“A person you’ve never seen before is looking for you, Randor.”

“Hmm? Someone I’ve never seen before?”

“They say he’s a tailor. If you mention Ringheim, he’ll know.”

“Ringheim?”

I glanced at the clock. Half past eleven in the evening.

Was there a reason to come at this hour? For me and Ringheim?

“…..Tell him to come in for now.”

Thinking it might be related to the wedding dress, I let Ringheim in.

But he wasn’t there to talk about the wedding dress that day.

“Randor. Would you be interested in starting a business with me?”

“A business?”

“Yes, a business. I want to try a high-end department store business targeting the nobles in the capital. And I need capital to start this.”

This tailor had come boldly to present a business plan to me.