No wonder my mind was all over the place today. Julia moved toward the conference room with a stiffer face than usual.

'Is it because Cyrillic, Eustodo, Felix aren't around today...…?’

There was no one who always stood by. Even Eusto, who is around, was not attending the meeting today as the emperor's captain. Because as Duke of Marcus he wanted to sit down.

What the hell are you up to?

I had a vague idea. But somehow I wasn't sure. For the most part, Eusto would not act against his words. Even more so from the moment he swore allegiance to himself again half a year ago.

Maybe I'm looking forward to Eusto's actions.

Julia realized that her expression had become strange. It was such a feeling that I didn't know whether it was good or bad. I wonder if it's a hunch. As I walked strangely into various thoughts, I saw the door to the conference room. While guarding the gate, the servant first paid homage to Yulia and then announced her appearance in a loud voice.

"His Majesty, Master of the Ranchean Empire, Jullia Domina Berius!"

The door opened wide, and light poured out into the hallway.

'It's already a place that comes in many times, but I'm still a little nervous.’

Julia took a breath and entered the conference room. In the Chamber, the emperor's throne was a little higher. The elaborate design combined with Felix's renovation gave the entire conference room a glimpse.

"I see His Majesty, the Lord of the Empire."

"Everyone, sit down."

Julia sat on the throne saying so. The atmosphere was quite different from the competition a month ago. At that time, the aristocrats, who had been sitting in moderation, seemed to be sitting apart now.

'I feel like I'm having a deja vu…….’

The moment I thought so, I realized the identity of the sense of deja vu. It was similar to the convention held just half a year ago to accuse Duke Fez. At that time, it was divided into Duke Fez and Eusto, but now it was divided into Eusto and Brick.

Well, unlike then, there's no threat to life.’

Except, in a sense, a more difficult problem than then welcomes her.

If Duke Fez was a life-threatening tutorial, it was now like a high-level maze dungeon without a mini map. Julia opened her mouth, ignoring the hopelessness of raising her head in her mind.

"As I said last month, if there's no disagreement, we're going to do the abolition of the military service."

She said so, and put the draft abolition in the air for them to see. Before Felix left, thanks to the magical tools that made her necessary.

"Jim also knows the confusion you're going to experience, so he's going to change it little by little."

If the abolition of the military service system was implemented at once, there would be a security vacuum. Therefore, Julia consulted Cyril and Yusto to create an implementation plan so that the schedule could proceed as smoothly as possible.

"As you can see here…….”

Julia described the implementation step by step, saying so.

It's been a while since I've done a presentation.’

This time, it was a presentation that had no boss to nitpick at all. It took a lot of time, and I even organized the documents myself.

'Oh, my document I made after a long time no see.…!’

However, the nobles did not pay much attention to the documents. Julia felt a strange sense of disappointment. It wasn't that I didn't listen, but I could feel that everyone was thinking about something else.

It's better that way. Let's think so.'

It was sad not to be interested in the hard-working documents, but it could have been a good thing that there was no one to question the implementation bill itself.Indeed, the nobles remained silent until Julia finished explaining. Is there no dissatisfaction with the implementation plan itself or do you think it will not take place immediately anyway? Julia thought the nobles were so simple and opened her mouth.

"That's the end of the plan. I think it's easier to understand because it's more specific than the last time."

Julia looked over the seated nobles once in a while. They didn't look as scared as they did a month ago. It was thanks to Julia's generous response to Count Polyum's visit two weeks ago.

But I felt the tension. It was not a tension over the abolition of the military service. They were looking at each other to see who would storm this seemingly tranquil conference room first.

All right, let's push it.

The aristocrats were not children, and they had no loyalty to take care of themselves when they couldn't open their mouths. Rather, it was a good thing for himself. I've already given you plenty of chances, and I've given you no intention of pretending to be generous and merciful.

"If there's no disagreement, I'll end today's meeting as it is."

It was then.

"Your Majesty!"

The moment she heard the voice, Julia felt a deep regret.

'I could've just pushed it.’

Julia opened her mouth with that thought.

"What is it, Count Polyum?”

She looked at it with an unwelcome look. I didn't mean to threaten him, but I could see his shoulders wince for a while.

"Please reconsider what I said last time."

The last thing I said was about the Empress and the Empress. Julia stared at him quietly. This time it was a clear threatening look. However, Count Polyum trembled and raised his voice.

"I'm not going to ask you to hold off until Hwang Son is born……!”

It was a compromise between Brick and the Eusto nobles.

"There have been many cases in the past in which we have chosen to marry in order to unite the regions. Please count Weddin as empress, and give us faith!"

It was a more blatant suggestion than even two weeks ago.

Yeah, Brick couldn't have stayed put.’

It was him who came to himself and offered it proudly. I expected this to come out in the first place. Near the seat of Count Polyum, Brick had a gentle smile. It was as if he were asking Yulia this.

Have you decided on my proposal?’

It's hard to believe he pretended he couldn't ask her for anything until a few weeks ago.

You're a fox.’

Except for the group of Counts Polyum, most were in favor of or would not comment on the abolition of the military service. Silence was the culture here that interpreted it as a positive.

'Yes, only a few years...….’

The faces of Eustona, Cyril and Felix popped into my mind, but I was able to make up my mind quickly. I thought I'd be happy to use it if it became a trading tool. It was time for Julia to catch her breath and open her mouth for a while.

"Your Majesty, we are in favor of abolishing the military service."

"Marquis Ardea...…?”

He, who had earlier expressed his approval for the abolition of the military service system, opened his mouth. Julia looked at Eusto, somehow with a foreboding. He looked at her with really cold eyes.

'Eusto……' No way… No, as expected.'

Julia frowned slightly at him. There was a strange atmosphere between Brick, Eusto, and Yulia that could only be felt by each other. Meanwhile, Marquis Ardea, unlike Count Polyum, spoke up in a dignified manner.

"However, reconsider having Count Weddin as empress, not as much as that!"His voice resonated in the conference room. Brick's aristocrats looked at Count Polyum, frowning.

I've got you.

It was the first impression that came to Julia's mind.

'Fleena, what a surprise.….’

She recalled smiling at herself, saying she would be fine. Of course, I never guessed it, but it wasn't. No, I expected it from the moment I entered the conference room. Rumor has it that I've been around since I came back from the South. But considering Eusto's personality, I thought he was entering and leaving the salon for persuasion.

But I thought Eusto would tell me before he moved, so I thought he wouldn't.’

Yesterday, he brought the seals of each noble family to his office.

They're all in favor of abolishing the military service.’

In addition, when making this plan, Julia had already declared. If necessary, I'll have a political marriage. It was not difficult to find a place in the main palace, nor was it difficult to sell yourself. Furthermore, the Ranchean Empire did not have great authority, following the customs of the previous kingdom as empress.

Of course I know it's a bit of a carefree thought.

But the emperor was himself, and he was not short of support. To be honest, it was also possible for Julia to embrace only the aristocrats she supports and push them with strength. If only I could live with the division of the continent.

I just need to get married once, but I don't want to. This isn't just about abolishing the military service.’

Above all, she didn't put much importance on marriage, including when Song was sent. Even Brick's health was only a few years old. No, it could have been much less than that. Considering the 'real purpose' of this plan.

But Eusto may be nervous about Brick's plan.’

Julia secretly gave him a look of no anger in the face of the man who acted here. Because he felt desperate in his eyes.

I know this is for me.’

I wanted to signal that I wasn't offended at all. Julia exhaled lightly in a short silence, then opened her mouth. I had to answer his desperate action. Also, to Brick, who, as expected, is barefaced.

"Marquis Ardea, what would you do if Jim offered Count Weddin as empress to abolish the soldiers?"

Julia asked, "Would you object to the abolition of the military service?"

"We will temporarily suspend the opinion in favor of abolishing the military service."

I meant I wouldn't disagree.

"Why are you against Earl Weddin?"

The moment Julia asked like that, he raised the corners of his mouth. Marquis Ardea was a long-standing retainer, noticing her intentions and opening her mouth more grand manner. It was the beginning of a play that pulled the trigger on this contest.

"First, because of the health of Count Weddin, and secondly, because it does not suit you."

"It's up to Jim to decide whether it suits him or not.”

"Your Majesty is the lord."

Marquis Ardea spoke strongly at Julia's words.

"The empress must be a man whom all the imperial people can respect and follow!"

When the Marquis said so, Count Polyum burst into a rage and opened his mouth.

"Is that not what Count Weddin does he said.

"That'sir."

Marquis Ardea immediately replied with a casual face.

"What did Count Weddin do? What did he do for the empire?""Isn't it true that Count Weddin's surrender has made war easier?"

Count Polyum spoke with a vein in his neck.

"Marquis Ardea, if you say so, it's bound to be a disrespect to our Weddin area!"

"Ignoring, Count Polyum seems to have a knack for twisting words."

"What do you mean, "I can't respect and follow Count Weddin right now!" Then would Duke Marcus be entitled to that?"

Marquis Ardea replied with a puzzled look.

"I've never said I'd put anyone on the throne. I just said Count Weddin didn't fit in."

'That's not what you mean!'

My voice grew louder and louder. Not only the two, but also the nobles on both sides helped out. It is said that they are trying to raise those who are advantageous to each other as empress. "Can't you give up that much?" Let's compete for each other's Only slang did not come out, but the level of exchange of words became increasingly harsh.

At first, Yusto, who was not in a position to ask to be raised to the empress, also raised his voice, saying that Yusto fits the spot when considering the ball.

'Well, it's on fire.’

Julia raised her hand thinking so.

Boom!

With a loud explosion, the table in the center of the conference room split.

"Stop!"

Julia put the brakes on the heated argument. Julia slowly folded her golden-black fingers and blew the energy away. Everyone shut up as they passed through the nobles with gold.

"What are they doing now?"

It was a bloody voice.

“…….”

"Did you forget that this is in front of Jim?"

Julia looked at them with anger.

"This is not a place to decide Jim's empress. I think they're all forgetting!"

"Ha, Haona...….”

Julia sighed loudly. All of them were white from the blackness they had just seen.

"I thought your Majesty had become emaciated...….’

But the nobles quickly realised it wasn't. The emperor just let it slide once.

"Your Majesty is still a beast!’

I realized instinctively. He is an absolute powerhouse, so I realized that he was going easy on him. Julia spoke to them with a stiff face.

"Last time, Count Polyum, Jim asked you clearly."

Count Polyum, who had been singled out, looked up in a blue face.

"Can you really say that appointing the empress you are talking about and seeing the empress is irrelevant to your interests?"

Her gaze soon reached Brick and Eusto, too. Moving in accordance with each other's interests, in itself, was not necessarily bad.

'It happened because Brick provoked, and Yusto was willing to respond.’

But it wasn't bad. On the contrary, it was not possible to make Eusto do something he could not do.

I would have ordered as much as I could if it were cereal.’

I couldn't use him because I had sent him to the old wizard's tower earlier. Instead, however, Eusto moved on and did not have to risk a marriage that could be a hand in the deal.

'You have to use what you can use.’

I have a choice. Marquis Ardea was shrewd enough to keep her in tune. Julia spoke to them in a calming tone.

"But I know you're so interested in Jim's Empress."

“…….”

"Also, there's no denying that there's an element of insecurity in itself."Taking history as an example, I honestly have nothing to say. The dynasty that ended with one emperor existed in Songha's previous life.

'In conclusion, I think he wants the appointment of the empress itself.’

Of course, the Marquis of Ardea and the existing Ranchean aristocrats did not quite mention it. But it was just a voice that cared for Julia, it would have been different in practice. Although Julia was young, the only member of the imperial family was anxiety.

"Answer one thing. Would you approve of abolishing the military service if Jim said he was willing to let anyone in on the empress?

"Not possible. All we can trust is Count Weddin!"

Count Polyum spoke up first. But Marquis Ardea spoke in a much more relaxed manner.

"We've never been on the same page as this in the first place as the Empress of Her Majesty. As Your Majesty said...….”

Marquis Ardea spoke with a deep grin.

"I just didn't think it was right to try to relate something that wasn't relevant."

He saw Count Polyum galloping at his words. I put up with it because it was in front of her, otherwise I would have grabbed her by the collar right away.

"I'm no match for Marquis Ardea, who is like a snake.’

Julia felt very little sympathy for Count Polyum. The immediate dominance of the argument seemed clear. However, the two sides should not have taken sides hastily just by arguing.

'You can't start a war right now when it's not clear what Brick is up to or who he's holding hands with.’

As an emperor, speculation alone did not take the great risk of war. So I was glad to see this option.

It's perfect to buy time.’

Julia spoke to them in a relaxed manner.

"We don't see eye to eye. But."

“…….”

"No one seems to disagree with the abolition of the private army system itself. Don't you think so?"

Her question shut the nobles up. It was true that I only focused on the empress case. Thanks to this, there was no aristocrat who could defeat Yulia here by cause or by force.

The aristocrats on the Brick side realized at the moment. That they lost the first round. It was not known whether he was an emperor or whether he was a member of the nobility who voted for the abolition of the military service, including Yusto.

"Therefore, the abolition of the military service system shall be implemented in accordance with the plan. Afterwards, anyone who raises an objection will be severely punished unless specific evidence and data are provided."

Brick's aristocrats bit his teeth hard at the words. There seemed to be no way or no one to go against this flow.

"And now that you mention it, I shall proceed with the Empress case."

Julia glanced over the nobles, saying so.

"Even if Jim doesn't decide on a representative, it seems like we've already exchanged views.”

The way she smiled, saying so, the nobles felt goosebumps. What monarch says openly that he knows that the aristocracy has already split up. It was straightforward, but very Yulia-like.

Julia talked, casting her eyes at Count Polyum and Marquis Ardea.

"Submit to Jim who you think is right to be empress with the recommendation of 100 nobles. I'll decide after I see it."

There was silence in the conference room for a few times. It was a silence of astonishment.

'100 people……'

It was an enormous number. The number needed in the former Kingdom of Ranchea was only about 10. It seemed difficult to physically produce multiple candidates, even if they counted all the way to the frontier area."Too many, Your Majesty...…!”

Only a few seconds later did someone break the silence and open his mouth. It was Marquis Ardea. He had an exaggerated look on his face that was completely ridiculous.

He's doing it on purpose.

He realized that Julia had offered 100 people to buy time and kept up with the beat.

"Keep Count Polyum and Brick off guard so that they can't objections."

Indeed, the Earl of Polyum and his flock were delighted by their attitude. In order to reveal that they are superior to Eusto, he half-bluffed and said, "It's easy for about 100 people."

Julia glanced furtively towards Brick. At that moment, I thought my heart was sinking. Brickman was looking at her with a clear eye. Whether he doesn't like the plan broken, or he's noticed everything.

But it was also an instant. Brick's stiff mouth soon loosened. He looked at Julia and smiled with a cordial eye. His mouth moved small.

'Your Majesty's will...…?’

The lips that moved slowly closed after saying that. He just looked at it with an unknown smile and endlessly warm eyes. Strangely enough, there seemed to be strange air around him. Such fog seemed to spread, as if it was erasing everything else around it.

"-please, Your Majesty!"

I've come to my senses. It was thanks to Marquis Ardea's efforts to sing "Your Majesty." He coughed like he knew Julia hadn't heard. Julia rose to her feet to clear her voice and wrap up the meeting.

"I think Jim's already done you a favor. No more, don't push yourself.”

"Your Majesty!"

Marquis Ardea played an exaggerated role until the end. Every time that happened, the aristocrats on the Brick side were more amused. They were wary because they thought the forces were on a par. But seeing the marquis overreacting, he thought there must be a small number of them.

"Then we'll call it a day. Ask Jim for an audience for the rest!"

That's what Julia said and turned away from the throne and left the conference room. Brick's unexpected behavior seemed to distract him for a while.

'By the way, what was it? It was as if there was fog around Brick.….’

Julia didn't see it at that thought. Eusto's face looks shocked while she looks at Brick.

The royal palace of the Ranchea Empire and the capital city of Mila was often lit late at night due to heavy work. It was very late at night when all the lights in the palace were off. At that time, the inmate who stayed on the top floor of the old wizard's tower had to receive untimely guests.

"-From the looks of it, you must have had a good meeting today."

After three weeks of face-to-face contact, Cyril had a more relaxed face than before. He led Julia and Eusto to the sofa as if he thought they would come.

"You did it, too.”

At Yulia's question, Cyril put water in a teapot and boiled it and acted indifferently.

"Would you mind if I had a china tea?"

"Cyril."

Despite Julia's voice, he nonchalantly turned to Eusto, who followed her.

"How do you think I decorated it by myself?"

"That's because you're the only one who deserves it."

He nonchalantly moved the tea leaves to the filter, apparently not upset by Julia's words.

"Your Majesty seems too naive about Duke Marcus."

"Huh?"

Julia looked at Eusto in that voice. His eyes were a little droopy, as usual."…I thought it was your encouragement and Brick's fire."

Two men paused at Julia's words. Cyril let out a small sigh. Eusto hesitated for a moment and opened his mouth heavily.

"Your Majesty."

"Huh?"

Julia naturally thought she would answer that Eusto was moved by Cyril and Brick.

"Should you call him by name, even before us?"

A sense of disappointment came from Eusto. Not only that, Cyril wasn't a very good face either.

"Cyril was happy about that, too?’

Julia blinked in surprise. I don't know if it's Eusto or Felix, but I didn't know that Cyril Venus would show any dislike.

"No, Jim calling him Brick is...….”

"I know. To decorate in front of others."

Eusto has now come to give Julia a sad eye. Julia was dumbfounded by the words.

'It's too much to use a face as a weapon...….’

By the way, I don't know who taught me that. Julia opened her mouth with a look of helplessness.

"Well, you don't have to call him by name from now on."

I've already said no to Brick's proposal. The utility of moving the room to the main palace is over. Thanks to the cute actions of the two people in front of us.

"I've got Jim on the board to get married, and he's done a great job.”

"You don't look like that at all.”

Cyril talked, putting down three tea cups of China tea on the table. Julia lifted the car with a gentle smile. It didn't smell as good and tasted as good as the flena did, but it wasn't bad.

Working with Julia, Plena often came to like Cyril because of her concerns. When we came to the old sorcerer's tower, Flena was considerate enough to give him some tea leaves and we taught him how. Julia put the car back on the table and opened her mouth.

"Both of you, you must be comfortable with Jim now."

"…I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

'Huh...…?'

I complained, but I didn't mean it was bad. But Eusto looked at Julia with a truly wrong face.

"Duke Marcus, if you don't think you're really wrong, it's a false apology."

Eusto quietly opened his mouth at the words.

"I don't regret the action itself, but I think it's truly wrong that I didn't tell you."

"That's all right, Eusto, I didn't really mean to blame you."

Eusto seemed more responsible for his actions than expected. Cyril, on the contrary, nonchalantly picked up the car. Unlike his usual office appearance, he looked very relaxed.

'That's why he looks like that.’

The shirt, which had always been tightly fastened to the neck, had a couple of buttons undone. Unlike before wearing tight-fitting vest or jacket, today I was wearing a baggy, milky cardigan.

"Cyril, why are you making fun of Eustona Felix so much?"

"Rather, Your Majesty overprotects the two. You'll be surprised to know that Felix is in on this.”

"…what?"

Julia looked at him in real surprise.

"Felix? He's gonna have a hard time with the Wizard's Tower.”

Eusto looked surprised at the words. Julia realized from that appearance that it wasn't really their job to plan. Cyril replied in a relaxed manner.

“폐하를 위해서라면 무엇이든 할 수 있는 사람이지 않습니까.”

율리아는 그 말에 미간을 찌푸렸다.

“짐의 이름을 팔아서 펠릭스를 그렇게 부려 먹지 않았으면 좋겠는데.”

그 말에 시릴의 표정이 좀 미묘해졌다. 뭔가 부러운 듯한 기색이 휙 앉았다 사라졌다.

“-그가 먼저 물어본 것입니다.”

“할 수 있는 게 없냐고 말인가.”

“말리는 게 나았습니까?”

평소와 같이 고저 없는 목소리긴 했으나, 이상하게 딱딱하게 느껴졌다.

‘아니, 원래 시릴은 좀 딱딱한 말투긴 하지만…….’

율리아는 기분 탓이겠거니 생각하며 고개를 저었다.

“아니, 펠릭스가 그렇게 나왔으면 어쩔 수 없었을 거야.”

“그렇습니다. 대신 그의 불평은 실컷 들었습니다.”

“…고생했네.”

그 말은 정말 진심이었다. 펠릭스는 기본적으로 율리아와 플레나를 비롯해 몇몇 사람을 제외하고는 매우 까칠하게 대했으니까. 왠지 그만 투덜거려도 될 것 같은 기분이 들었다. 세 사람 모두 충분히 고생하며 여러 일을 해 왔다는 게 느껴졌다. 그보다도 그들이 움직인 다른 건에 대해 알고 싶었다.

“시릴, 그 외에도 짐에게 숨기고 있는 것이 있지?”

율리아의 물음에 시릴이 고개를 끄덕였다.

“클로리스 루바이의 암살 시도가 있었습니다.”

율리아는 그 말에 눈을 크게 떴다. 그녀에게 들어온 보고는 ‘클로리스 루바이가 암살자로 인해 죽었다’였다.

“그녀가 아직 살아 있다는 소리인가?”

“그렇습니다, 폐하.”

그의 말에 율리아가 다행이라는 듯 고개를 끄덕였다. 아직 그녀에게 얻어 낼 것이 많았다. 특히 브릭과 관련해서, 그녀가 더 아는 사실이 있을 것이다. 그래서 굳이 펠릭스에게 감시하라고 이른 것이다.

“아직 짐의 곁에 웨딘 백작의 끈이 남아 있을 것이라 생각해 보고를 미룬 것인가?”

율리아의 물음에 시릴이 고개를 끄덕였다.

“일차적으로는 오늘 회의에서 확실히 웨딘 백작을 훼방 놓을 필요가 있었으니까요. 그를 위해서는 폐하도 속일 필요가 있었습니다.”

“짐이 그에게 티라도 낼 것이라 생각한 것인가?”

율리아는 그렇게 말하며 통신기를 톡톡 쳤다. 주변에 끄나풀이 아직 남아 있을 거라 염려한 거라면, 직통 연락도 가능하지 않았냐는 소리였다. 시릴은 그 말에 당연한 듯 고개를 끄덕였다.

“물론 폐하께서 어지간해서 감정을 드러내지 않는다는 건 압니다.”

“그런데?”

“과보호한 겁니다.”

“…응?”

정말 생각지도 못한 말이었다. 과보호라니. 누가 누구를 과보호한단 말인가. 자신을 향한 말이라기에는 너무 어울리지 않았다.

“크, 클로리스 루바이를 말인가?”

“왜 지금 그 죄인의 이름이 나오는 겁니까?”

시릴은 그렇게 말하며 불쾌한 기색을 드러냈다.

“폐하를 보호하려 한 겁니다. 펠릭스도 그 점에 대해서는 동의했습니다.”

유스토조차도 그에 대해서는 잘했다는 듯 고개를 끄덕였다.

‘아니, 시릴까지도 저런 소리를 한단 말이야?’

이미 율리아의 주변에는 과보호꾼이 많았으니까. 펠릭스나 유스토만이 아니라, 플레나와 시녀들, 거기에 제나나 카멜리아까지도 늘 그녀를 걱정했다.

“짐이 그 사실을 안다는 게 티가 나면, 웨딘 백작이 짐에게 해라도 가할 것이라 생각했다는 소리인가?”

그러자 시릴은 표정을 굳힌 채 고개를 끄덕였다.

“궁지에 몰린 자가 무슨 짓을 할지 어떻게 알겠습니까. 그가 이번 일에 많은 걸 걸었다는 건 폐하께서도 아시기에 결혼까지도 판 위에 올리신 것 아닙니까.”

율리아는 그 물음을 부정하지 않았다. 태의가 이미 브릭이 무리한 약을 쓴다는 걸 알렸다. 일시적인 건강을 얻는 대신 수명은 그만큼 짧아질 것이라 했다. 율리아가 생각한 것 이상으로 브릭이 이 일에 필사적이라는 게 느껴졌다.

"Even so, it's overprotective. There's no point in keeping this position that way."

In the first place, I hated it more when I was protected by myself and they were in danger.

"Don't forget that Jim is in a position to protect you.”

"I know that, Your Majesty. But, no, so it couldn't be helped."

Cyril looked at her indifferently and earnestly. Eusto had sore eyes more directly.

'Yes, they had to go through a two-year hiatus.’

With that look on my face, I'm speechless. Because I knew how big a case it was for them. It was an indirect experience for Cyril, but it wasn't long after Eusto and Felix.

'These three, by the way, aren't very cooperative in other things...….’

I don't think they worked together intentionally on this, but it was amazing that they were right. Julia turned to work again to disperse the heavy air.

For whatever reason they have distorted the draft of Julia's plan to some extent. In a way that takes some time, there is no choice but to use a more short-term method.

"That means you've found a way to bring down Earl Weddin, right?”

Eusto nodded at the question.

"Without that conviction, I would not have made a secret to His Majesty."

It was a short word, but there was a spell in which his affection and loyalty were conveyed at once. I felt like something was going to come together in my heart. But Cyril's next words brought her to a halt.

"Of course, why don't you pay me back for stigmatizing me?"

Smiling devilishly, he said.

An implementation of the abolition of the military service system by Emperor Julia was announced. Surprisingly, however, the implementation, like a bolt out of the blue for the nobles, did not resonate as well as I thought. There were still those who protested, but they were only complaining to themselves and could not be revealed openly. It was also true that we couldn't break the set deadline because we couldn't find a reasonable counterargument.

But it wasn't that the capital wasn't noisy. On the day of the conference to discuss the abolition of the military service system, one more high-profile topic was thrown.

It was none other than the emperor's recommendation of the empress. Many aristocrats who came up because of the abolition of the military service had no intention of leaving this exciting topic. No, rather, the nobles who did not move even in the case of private soldiers decided to go to the capital. Various gatherings were held every day in Mila, the capital city that was already crowded.

The division of power, which was somewhat loose before the meeting, became increasingly apparent. It was because it seemed that the profits they would gain would vary depending on who they pushed to the empress. In addition, both Eusto and Brick, who are central, have been active in society unlike before.

In particular, Brick, who was worried about his health, even showed good health day by day. Even the aristocrats who were skeptical about him gradually diverged.

To be honest, that's why I thought Brick would give them more than Yusto, who is blatantly friendly to the emperor. In addition, Marquis Ardea, who is on the side of Eusto, appeared nervous at the convention. That's why more aristocrats are now gathering on the Brick side.

However, neither side was willing to sign the affirmative document easily. It was because he realized that his approval was worthwhile as much as 100 people needed to agree. Thanks to this, the main players of each faction even made a deal to attract even one more signature."However, it's still a little...….”

"No, what's wrong with you?"

Marquis Ardea showed signs of disappointment at the rejection of the aristocrat, who was naturally likely to approve.

"I have no idea what it would do for me to stand by Duke Marcus...….”

He subtly gave Marquis Ardea a look asking if there was anything. Then the Marquis sighed deeply. The aristocrat smiled as if he had a choice. Marquis Ardea shook her head and opened her mouth as if she could not help it.

"Let's go in there and talk about the details."

He pointed to the drawing room that Salon Oreha boasted. The nobleman pleased and followed Marquis Ardea.

"-Will Your Majesty ever like that?"

It was none other than Brick who spoke to Eusto who was looking at it.

A week has passed since the conference was over. Brick and Eusto, who have been busy attending different banquets recently, rarely showed up in Salon Oreha. Naturally, there was a more fiery recruitment battle than usual in Oreha. At Brick's question, Eusto put down his whiskey and looked at him.

"You don't have to put on such a nasty.

Brick sat nearby without telling Eusto to sit down. Two people are together. The fact drew my attention to the salon.

"What's the point?"

Eusto asked him like a low growl.

"What do you mean, I'll be your man anyway."

Brick replied and asked the manager for his usual tea. He meant that he would be empress and Yusto would be concubine.

"You're a good liar.”

"At this rate, there's a lot of possibility of collecting all the recommendations."

Brick spoke to him anxiously with a really friendly face.

"So, you're doing something that's not like you. That's the least you'd like... You're using your numbers."

Brick has just paraphrase the Marquis of Ardea. As if it's true that we've been driven to a backdoor deal. Eusto laughed at Brick, pouring all the whiskey left in the glass at once.

"And you, too, don't you think?

In fact, the Brick side was rumored to have a proper backdoor deal with nobles promising support. One of the reasons why people flock to him was because of rumors that he would receive a lot of money if he raised his hand. The problem was that there was no evidence. Brick replied with a look of "I don't know.

"Well? But inferiority is obvious. I know your majesty values Duke Marcus."

Brick said that and put a grape on the table in his mouth.

"I also know that he is thorough in his terms."

Eusto glared silently at him at the words.

"This is not a battlefield. You're like a good-for-nothing hound."

It was a very scathing remark. Eusto stood up without further replying. It seemed to anyone that Brick had beaten him completely. Brick's aristocrats were delighted by the look, and Eusto's aristocrats were shrugged.

Eusto, who left Salon Oreha, climbed into the chariot of the black-painted Duke Marcus. The waiting customer greeted him with a smile.

"Good work today, Duke."

"No, I think it's going to be easy because of you."

Jenna and Camelia burst into laughter at his words. With the laughter, the carriage set off gently."If you were a Lanchean aristocrat originally in the capital, you would have been in doubt. Thank you very much."

Jenna and Camelia shook their heads almost simultaneously at his polite greetings.

"You're welcome. I'm not Duke Marcus, I'm just helping for my own good."

Jenna nodded in sympathy with Camelia.

"That's right, Your Majesty, how could I put such a man on!"

Eusto smiled very lightly at the look. In fact, Eusto had 100 letters of recommendation in the first place.

The number of Lanchean nobles alone could fill the tens, and there was a cooperation between Jenna and Camelia. The two did their best to accept the recommendations as far as their influence was concerned. Also, most of those who voted for the abolition of the military service at the last convention agreed with the two.

That alone was not the end of their cooperation. Camelia was the one who came from the southern part of the country, who seemed to show signs to Marquis Ardea today. That's how some of the newly appointed aristocrats were put off during the last Southern expedition.

All to deceive Brick's eyes. In addition to Eusto's nervous-looking performance, it would have been more difficult to doubt.

Jenna clenched her fist and opened her mouth.

"I can't have such an ugly man near you."

"That's right, using your fiancée is not enough to kill...…!”

The two men resented the fact. Cloris Lubai tried to rebel against Julia. That's why I didn't feel sorry for her. However, the fact played a major role in lowering the evaluation of Brick to something less than trash.

"Well, Leonia, the Duke of Aniusdan, will be in the capital soon.”

"Will Earl Rubai testify?"

Jenna and Camelia talked worried. The two became close friends while staying in the capital city. It's hard to believe that we had a brief relationship when we first met.

Moreover, Jenna's innocence had been clearly proven thanks to her. Camelia, with Jenna's consent, proved with her perspective that favor for Yulia was pure. As a result, Julia and the two of them actively participated after revising the plan. It was very helpful because they were two people who knew and favored society more than others who were around Julia.

"Whether she opens her mouth or not, she has a place to write, so you don't have to worry."

The two nodded as if that were the case at Eusto's words. It wasn't just testimony that brought Chloris Rubai to the capital in the first place. Benus wasn't just a man who would use up his manpower to use it that easily.

'…even that it's only the beginning.'

Cyril intended to scratch Brick through the presence of Clarice. As he tried to do to himself, and to Julia. Cyril said what Brick was trying to do through Cloris was probably a minor mistake.

'Anyway, a man like Chloris Rubai raises his hand quickly if he is given a decent honor.’

On the night of the plan modification, Cyril spoke with sharp eyes. Eusto briefly swallowed his breath that day with the plans he was spitting out to ensure Brick's downfall. I thought I could definitely socially exterminate Brick if all the steps were taken."We should not hold such a grudge against Count Venus.’

He seemed to have the plans in mind from the moment he fell for Brick's ploy in the first place. Even Yulia, who I've been hearing all along, looked fed up.

'…that face was so lovely.’

As I recall that face of Julia, my heart automatically moved fast. Eusto clenched his fist as he looked at the view passing through the window.

For Brick, it was just a bait to pretend he was dealing behind his back. The kind of bait that lets Julia have one more sure hand when she punishes him. He had a more important mission than that.

We need to bring out the man behind Brick.’

It was possible to speculate. But it was not a complete certainty. It was because the Terran Guard captain Pirata, who was being tracked, died after leaving the Eaton area.

Blue smoke rose from the distance.

'You must have found something.’

The signal turned to the deputy chief of the Duchy Marcus. But there was no expectation on his face. Two weeks into the chase, the goal was to never show up.

The search was conducted by the Knights of the Duke of Marcus, near the Eton area in the eastern part of the continent. Unlike the capital, which was noisy over the empress issue, this place was absolutely empty. All I could hear was the hoofs and sighs of knights.

'But maybe it's his last mission as Duke of Marcus.’

The Emperor's Guard, who had once searched the area, was unable to scrutinize the area because it was nominally aimed at identifying and patrolling the area. I realized it wasn't easy to figure out when I looked around in that name.

So this time the free Knights of Marcus moved on. In particular, the unit under the deputy chief of the Knights' Order often moved in separate infiltration operations during the previous war, making it suitable for such covert activities.

'Even so... It's boring.'

No matter how tired of these activities were, a fruitless search could not have been enjoyable. The vice-captain lowered expectations and approached the smoke-filled area not to be disappointed.

"Did you find anything?"

"It's a corpse! I think it's what the Duke said."

The vice-captain's face glowed.

Finally...!

He ran right away and examined the body. The body was not in very good condition, perhaps because it was left unattended, but it was enough to identify its features. It seemed certain that the former Knight of the Tern, Pirata, they were looking for.

"I think that's right. I've got some information from the neighborhood...….”

It was then.

"Huh, huh!"

The vice-captain and the knight swallowed their breath momentarily. It was because Pirata, who was apparently dead, suddenly raised himself. The leaping pirata pointed to his side and wrote something with his hand on the ground.

The vice-captain and the knight were on high alert, holding a sword handle. They have seen this reaction. No other than the E-Turn of the last war.

'Don't tell me Eton's princess...…?’

The vice-captain left the battlefield and focused on his somewhat dull senses. I didn't know it was around here. Besides, if there really was a princess, I didn't know it would hit not only the body of the pirata but also anywhere else.

Flop-

But Pirata's body acted strangely, and fell straight to the ground. The vice-captain and the driver remained vigilant for a long time after the body stopped moving. After a few minutes, I carefully touched the body and realized that it was no longer moving."What, what could it be?"

"Well...."

The vice-captain examined the body, saying so.

'It's like something's been pulled out...…?’

There was a hole in Pirata's body.

"Sir, I think it says something here."

The article, looking at the writing written on the floor of the body, tilted his head that he did not know the word. As soon as he saw it, he realized what it was. He couldn't read it either.

"It's an ancient word. Write it down."

"Yes."

The vice-captain sighed deeply.

What do you mean?

It was as good as a senior wizard as he knew or as Eton's princess Guyana who was able to move the body like this.

"How can a princess, who you know ran away and hid herself, reveal her existence like this?’

He was also reluctant to see his footprints secretly hidden. The vice-captain spoke with a stern look on his face.

"Let's hurry, I think we need to report this to the Duke."

"All right."

Straight away the knight lit up a return signal for the other knights. It was a smoke signal that was only visible to the duke's knights through special treatment. Two streams of white smoke floated on a deserted land.

I'm getting a little nauseous. Guyana clenched the sheet.

I've done everything I can.’

My fingertips were turning white. It's been a long time since I moved a body. It was a more terrible sense than manipulating a living person.

I'm glad I took a picture of him secretly, dad's back.’

Last month, I thought it was possible since I saw pirata who had fled from the emperor's watch and visited his father, Lesio.

Lesio never kept the useless alive. He sent Lesio, who had fled, pretending to show him where to hide. Of course he was killed not long after he left. With the 'Ancient Magic Tool' pulled out of his body.

'…as expected, Your Majesty didn't just leave the pirata alone.’

When he came to Lesio, Guyana felt her eyes dimmed. I was worried that Julia might have missed him. But it was also a decoy.

'That's a relief…….’

Guyana breathed out slowly. I felt the power of Felix's magic tools gradually weakening.

'At this rate, it won't be long before I...….’

But somehow I thought that the end of this life would be soon. The evidence was that Lesio's mood was fluctuating these days. He was listening to everything that happened in the capital city of Mila through his knuckles.

It was a time when I was breathing out while pressing down on a sense of disgust. The stone chamber door where Guyana stayed opened with a heavy sound.

"Gayana-"

The spine gave me goosebumps.

"Dad, already?"

She was able to use her hands because Lesio went out. He has often been outside these days due to the movement of the capital, Mila. It was to talk to the Eton aristocrats who were holding their breath, or those who voted to be with him. Therefore, Lesio, who entered Guyana's stone chamber, was covered with a mask.

'Don't tell me what I've done...….’

I wanted to believe it wouldn't be. It was close, but it was highly likely that he did not notice in time. Guyana relaxed and replied to him with a dollish face.

"Hi, Dad?"

Lesio took off his mask at the word. Fortunately, there was no anger on his face. He slowly approached Guyana and stroked her cheek. It was a creepy young face and hands."Yes, my dearest daughter. You seem to have lost all your strength because you're lonely."

Guyana nodded as if that were the case.

"I had a nightmare because my dad wasn't there."

"Well, I'm not going to dream today. This father will sing you a song."

Guyana showed a flabbergasted smile at the words.

'…please, hang in there a little longer.'

I longed for it inside. I hoped Felix's magic tools would block his power a little longer. He came to this room to use his strength.

Guyana laid low to avoid questioning him. With his eyes closed, Lesio's voice rang in his ears. Guyana's consciousness swam in a dazed sense of the whole body. Not to wander in the sea of the maze.

'…please, don't be late to kill me.'

Because I didn't want to cause any more damage to Yulia.

"Here you are, Count Weddin."

Brick nodded when the manager of Salon Oreha greeted him. His face as he entered was unusually stiff.

'…Come and go to me over rumors.’

It was because the news of pouring cold water in a very good mood was delivered to his palace.

"I heard that Count Polyum has reserved a parlor.”

"Yes, everyone is waiting. Do you want me to prepare the usual tea?"

Brick nodded at the polite manager's words. Brick clenched his teeth and entered the parlor where other nobles gathered.

"Here you are, Count Weddin."

Only Count Polyum greeted Brick with a smile. The faces of the other nobles were all stiff.

"I'm a little late because I have tea time with you today."

"Of course, time with Your Majesty should come first."

At Brick's words, Count Polyum shook his head as if it were OK. Also, the faces of other aristocrats who were stiff at the sound were slightly loosened.

"You seem to have a steady tea time with your Majesty, Earl."

Brick nodded at the words of another aristocrat.

"Yes, it's hard to see him often because he's so busy, but he makes time for me at least once a week.

This was not a complete lie. When Julia was in the palace, she would take even ten minutes to check Brick's condition. Of course it was a kind of surveillance, too.

Now that the regular check on the saint is gone.’

Brick was a little annoyed by the fact. The saint, whose only thing to do is to laugh, trusted so much, but never gave herself a grain of trust until the end.

"I felt a little suspicious before I went on the expedition."

Is that all?

Julia trusted Jenna and even Camellia to keep her company. At the time when he surrendered for his purpose, he seemed to have to beat Eusto Marcus. But now it's a long way from Yulia.

'…I might have made a different choice if I'd kept myself close by.’

With her so close, she could have protected the Ranchean aristocracy more if she had trusted her horse instead of Duke Pez.

'But even from now on... Maybe I can fix it.’

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Julia and turn her into an obedient person to suit her taste. Because that beautiful face was your taste.

When Brick took a sip of tea with that thought, a nobleman opened his mouth as if he couldn't stand it.

"Is that really true, Count Weddin? I sold my ex-fiancée to Her Majesty!"Brick slowly lifted his eyes at the sound. His face, which had always been smiling in front of the nobles, was icy cold.