CHAPTER 69: ARCHDUKE AUGUSTUS

*** Snowkeep Palace - Highest Peak ***

"I apologize for the lack of hospitality; you did arrive out of nowhere."

Justinian responded as he led Augustus to a part of his palace that offered a great view of the entire city, providing an unobstructed look at the whole divine construction without distractions from the citizens.

Even Cassia herself wasn’t present, standing guard outside the room to prevent unwanted visitors from arriving.

"Incredible... something like this is surely from Mithral himself."

Augustus smiled; he was just as stupidly nice and naive as his brother.

"Justinian..."

"Yes?"

Justinian replied as he leaned on a stone archway, waiting for Augustus to finish his observation.

"What about you become my vassal?"

Justinian’s eyes widened at Augustus’ proposal, causing him to choke on his own spit as he began to cough out.

"W-what..."

COUGH!

"Excuse me!?"

Justinian leaned over a table, trying to clear his throat as he processed Augustus’ words.

"Where did that come from?"

Augustus didn’t even bother to look at Justinian, still marvelling at the majestic sight before him, especially fixating on the huge aqueduct that stretched far and wide.

It was a marvel of construction that even he would dream to add in his territory.

"Where did it come from!? What do you mean, where did it come from!?"

Augustus finally turned, his arms wide as his eyes sparkled, his regal persona and elegance now completely gone and replaced by childish wonder.

"A divine miracle of this caliber would only mean this duchy has incredible potential! Don’t you agree?"

"I guess I do, it’s my own territory after all, I should always think of it as having potential."

"Incredible answer, Justinian! No wonder Mithral chose you!"

Augustus laughed, walking towards Justinian at a terrifying pace as he suddenly gripped his shoulders and pinned him against a wall, the situation quickly turning odd.

"What do you say!? I’ll even make you my marshal if you accept! I’ll handle the paperwork to hand to the king!"

Justinian opened his mouth agape, not sure how in the world he was supposed to even react or respond when an Archduke was personally offering him something that was practically a promotion.

But even with that in mind, being a vassal state has too many limitations, one that Justinian knew well.

"I’d have to refuse, Augustus. Accepting to be ruled by another nation after just winning a rebellion would reflect poorly on me, would it not?"

Justinian laughed, trying to make sure his rejection sounded as kind and as understanding as possible.

He didn’t want to offend him and lose out on the beneficial trade they had ongoing.

"I-I see... I understand."

Augustus sighed, looking disappointed, like his parents just refused to buy him candy as he slumped over the stone wall that hung at the ledges of the porch.

’I thought he was supposed to be a genius!? Why is he acting like this!? Did the novel just skim over this detail?’

"Wait, I have an idea!"

Augustus suddenly rose, a devilish smirk appearing on his lips; it was clear he was about to make a deal.

"No matter what you’re going to offer, I’ll have to say-"

"I’ll be your vassal!"

Justinian froze before he even got to finish his sentence... did he really just hear that correctly?

"Okay... now I’m definitely going deaf."

"Don’t play dumb with me, Justinian."

"Haha... I see."

"First of all... why!?"

Justinian had also completely lost his composure; the two were acting more like teenagers discussing something simple, rather than discussing the fate of literal nations.

"Same reason, if Mithral blessed you at such a high degree, then you already proved worthy of being given an offer like that."

"Are you not going to think about this more!?"

"Not at all."

Augustus shrugged, he’s personality being a complete anomaly to Justinian. At this point, he was faced with geniuses, cruel masterminds, and outgoing people; now, he was faced with someone who was a combination of all.

He wasn’t even sure if this act of his was on purpose or if this was just how Augustus usually acts when not surrounded by his citizens.

"You’re impossible, you know that, right?"

"I consider that as the greatest compliment."

Augustus continued to smirk, placing a hand on his chest as he reveled in being described as impossible.

It seemed like even at this point, he was still calculating.

"Well, if you really are offering, then I won’t refuse."

"I’m not dumb enough to reject that offer."

"I know you aren’t."

Augustus suddenly switched up, his face taking a more sinister expression.

"Just a reminder, but I’m doing this more for my own sake than yours; it just so happens you benefit from it."

He straightened his posture, arms crossed.

"But of course, doesn’t really mean I’ll disobey you, I’ll honor the duties of a vassal, you have my word."

Justinian narrowed his eyes, checking for any other underlying motives he was hiding. He didn’t even know what to trust at this point, but he still had trust in the novel’s description of him.

He wasn’t truly evil, and it was enough for Justinian to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Should we shake hands then?"

Justinian tilted his head; he wasn’t about to make Augustus see him intimidated.

"You aren’t flustered at all?"

Augustus asked in amusement, his earlier joyful appearance and tone returning.

He was definitely a broken light switch when it came to personality.

"Of course."

Augustus smiled, accepting his hands as they shook.

"Oh, and you’re the special guest at this year’s ball, right?"

"Yes?"

"I’ll make sure to give you a great entrance as my first duty as your vassal."

Augustus returned to look at the still flowing text from the sky, continuing to admire its beauty.

"This shall be a beneficial alliance~"

Augustus spoke in a singing tone, completely changed from the man who had just nearly gotten his entire army wiped out by arrows, and now singing carelessly like a child.

’Seriously... was he always like this?’