Published: January 4, 2026
The next day, during the daytime, inside the carriage.
As Henry and I were discussing the matters ahead, we received news that Neil had returned.
I immediately summoned him into the carriage to hear his report.
Neil entered the carriage, glanced briefly at Henry, then lowered himself to one knee and bowed his head.
“I have returned after taking over the escort duty.”
“Thank you for your efforts. Come closer and speak.”
“Yes, sir.”
Neil stood up and approached.
Although inside a carriage, it was a fairly spacious room—enough that standing and walking around wouldn’t cause anyone to bump their head.
Neil came closer and stood in front of one of the chairs placed across the table.
After I gave permission by saying “Sit,” Neil took a seat there.
“Well, Henry, just as I said, wasn’t I right?”
“That’s true. I admit defeat.”
As Henry and I shared a laugh, Neil looked puzzled, not understanding what we were talking about.
But since he didn’t even know if it concerned him, he could only wear a confused expression without asking anything.
“Henry was the one who warned you that your attitude was becoming too much to overlook.”
“That was—”
“Don’t be flustered. I already told you I approved it, as long as it was when no one else was around.”
“Ah…”
“Still, Henry said that if you’re spoiled too much, you’ll become arrogant, so it’s better to keep a tight rein.”
“Your Majesty, that’s quite a summary.”
Henry said with a slight smile, gently admonishing me.
Of course, when Henry reprimanded Neil, it was much more tactful and polite, but the gist was about the same.
“So, I made a little bet to see how you would behave when Henry was present.”
“Your Majesty obviously believed you would conduct yourself properly. I completely lost when it came to assessing people. That’s typical of Your Majesty.”
I chuckled softly, neither affirming nor denying it.
To the emperor, humility isn’t always a virtue.
Just as Neil presented himself with proper manners when Henry was present, the emperor is expected to be magnanimous and confident in front of subordinates and the people, without false humility.
“Well then, let’s have your report.”
“Yes, sir. I escorted him part way and conveyed Your Majesty’s words.”
“How did he react?”
“At first, he was surprised, then moved to tears.”
“I see.”
“After that, I entrusted trusted subordinates with the escort all the way to the capital.”
“Good work.”
I nodded.
With this, that matter should be settled— or so I thought.
“However, Your Majesty, isn’t that spoiling him too much?”
Far from being settled, Henry again criticized, saying I was spoiling him too much.
“Hmm?”
“He committed such acts in front of everyone, and to not reprimand him at all is questionable. And then this talk about sending him to the Ministry of Justice.”
“Is there something wrong with being sent to the Ministry of Justice, Henry?”
Neil asked, puzzled.
“Your Majesty was once the Prince Minister of Legal Affairs.”
“Yes.”
Neil nodded, still seeming to not fully understand.
I chuckled softly and, instead of Henry who gave me a ‘You don’t understand?’ look, I explained.
“Actions are judged not only by good or evil, right or wrong, but also by how others perceive them.”
“I see…”
“I once served as the Prince Minister of Legal Affairs and oversaw the Ministry of Justice. So, when I personally order someone sent to the Ministry of Justice, how do you think people view it?”
“Ah, I understand…”
“People’s perception changes. That’s what Henry means by spoiling him too much.”
Henry added this final explanation.
“That may be true, but I think this is the right approach.”
Henry silently gave me a ‘Why?’ look.
“There are two reasons. First, the very fact that he can behave as if ready to die to uphold what’s right is a kind of talent. That talent is precious.”
“And the other?”
“A trial.”
I gave a soft laugh.
“As Henry said, if he’s sent to the Ministry of Justice, people might think I’m indulging him. That means various people will approach him. Temptations increase.”