Chapter 366

“How are things going?”

“It’s working. Public sentiment is in turmoil.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news!”

“Yes! This will definitely put pressure on the empress!”

Hope flickered in the eyes of the western lords.

Their collective action might have been ignored, but public sentiment couldn’t be.

If the people were restless, it could lead to unrest both inside and outside the Imperial City.

The empress wouldn’t want that, and Marquis Safia, who had been entrusted with the investigation, would also be affected.

It meant that there was a chance for them to turn the tables.

That’s what the western lords were aiming for.

“Good, very good. Let’s keep fanning the flames.”

“Be careful not to get caught. As long as we’re discreet, the situation will work in our favor.”

“Understood!”

The western lords renewed their determination.

It was then that,

*BAM!*

The door burst open.

“U-Urgent report! The empress is preparing to leave the palace!”

“What?”

“Leave the palace?”

The western lords were surprised.

It hadn’t been long since the assassination attempt.

For her own safety, as well as the stability of the palace, the empress should have remained within its walls.

And yet, she was leaving without any warning?

It was hard to understand.

“Hmm, what is she thinking…?”

“How can she leave the palace at a time like this?”

“Wait, could it be…?”

“Could it be what?”

“What if she’s leaving to appease the public?”

“Oh, that’s possible.”

“Huh, then that’s a good thing. She’ll be able to experience the public sentiment firsthand.”

“That’s right. It’s a good thing. The public won’t be easily appeased, so she’ll be forced to take action.”

“Haha, this is good news!”

The western lords’ expressions brightened.

They believed that the empress’s actions would benefit them more than harm them.

“Let’s go and see what’s happening.”

“Yes, we need to see it with our own eyes.”

“Then let’s get ready.”

The western lords hurriedly prepared to leave.

They wanted to see what would happen during the empress’s sudden outing.

* * *

It was the empress’s first outing since her coronation.

Normally, she would have been accompanied by a grand procession, showcasing the emperor’s authority.

But she didn’t.

She was only accompanied by a single carriage and a few guards.

And I was going to ride in that carriage with her.

Honestly, it was unexpected.

“Wouldn’t it be better to show the people your authority, especially at a time like this, when there’s been a recent incident?”

That’s what I would have done.

I had entered the Imperial City with three hundred soldiers from the Turtle Unit to show off my power.

But the empress had a different idea.

“Hehe, you might be right. But,”

She smiled brightly.

“Wouldn’t that look like a staged performance? I think it would be more sincere if we just enjoyed a simple date like an ordinary couple.”

“Hmm…”

I understood her reasoning.

But I wasn’t sure if it would actually come across as more sincere.

It could even seem more contrived.

Anyway, it was her decision.

“Alright. Do as you please.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

She approached the carriage, which bore the imperial crest.

A guard hurriedly opened the door.

“Shall we go?”

* * *

The Blue Moon Tavern.

It was a popular tavern in the Imperial City, known for its affordable prices and generous portions of food and drinks.

Even though it was still early in the evening, the tavern was almost full.

The atmosphere was lively and bustling.

“No, think about it again.”

“Think about what?”

Two men were sitting at a table in the corner, drinking and chatting.

It was an ordinary scene.

“Have you ever seen smoke without fire?”

“What are you talking about? Of course not.”

“See? That’s what I’m saying. It’s the same with this incident.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it logically. The assassins were human too. Why would they invoke someone else’s name before they died?”

“Well, that’s…”

“Why are you so scared? Am I wrong? It makes sense, doesn’t it?”

The man with the mismatched eyes raised his voice.

It was understandable.

He had been paid to spread rumors that Max Celtrine was the mastermind behind the assassination attempt.

He didn’t even know who had paid him.

He had been given enough money to last him several months, so he was happy to do it.

There were many people like him in the Imperial City.

They were probably spreading rumors about Max right now, as they spoke.

‘Hehe, to get paid so much just for saying a few words… It’s like free money.’

He couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

Making money was so easy.

“Right? It makes sense, doesn’t it?”

He continued, enjoying his task.

He didn’t notice,

That the tavern had fallen silent.

“Wow, you’re so knowledgeable about common sense.”

A woman’s voice suddenly rang out, laced with sarcasm.

What was that?

He frowned.

Who was this woman who was interrupting his work?

He turned his head sharply and glared at her.

And then,

“You… b-b-…?!”

He was about to shout at her, but he stopped abruptly.

Because he saw that she was accompanied by several guards, and she looked like a high-ranking noblewoman.

‘Oh, shit… I picked the wrong person to mess with.’

He gulped.

His companion also froze.

Fortunately, he had stopped before he could curse at her.

“W-Well…”

“You insolent fool! This is the emperor!”

“Huh…?”

He blinked blankly, his mind going blank.

And then,

“Gyaaaaaaaaah?!”

He screamed in terror.

It was as if his soul had left his body.

His scream seemed to be a signal.

“T-The emperor?!”

“Gyaaaah! W-What’s going on?!”

“G-Get down on your knees!”

Everyone in the tavern scrambled to their knees.

He quickly bowed his head as well.

His survival instincts had kicked in.

“There’s no need for such formalities. Everyone, please rise.”

The empress said gently.

But people hesitated to move.

She gestured to a guard.

The guard shouted, “Didn’t you hear the emperor? Rise!”

People hurriedly got to their feet.

The empress spoke again.

“Now, now, please continue enjoying yourselves. I’ll be embarrassed if you’re uncomfortable.”

“…”

“Right?”

People scurried back to their seats.

He, on the other hand, tried to sneak out.

His survival instincts were still strong.

But,

“You there, the one who’s so knowledgeable about common sense.”

He froze.

His body stiffened, as if his bones were about to dislocate.

“Are you having a good time?”

“…Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

His voice was barely a whisper. He looked like he was about to faint.

* * *

“Common sense-ly speaking, how do we look?”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty…?”

“The two of us.”

“Y-You look very good together, Your Majesty.”

“Right? Common sense-ly speaking, we look good together, right?”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

The empress was amazing.

…She could make someone faint just by teasing them.

“Good. I feel much better now. I was worried that people might misunderstand.”

She smiled gently.

She looked like a kind girl next door.

But my worries had been unfounded.

Her authority didn’t come from the number of guards she had.

She had a natural aura of power.

It was something she was born with.

That’s why people could sense her authority, even with such a small entourage.

And,

That wasn’t all.

‘Her natural innocence.’

The empress had suddenly joined a group of commoners who were drinking.

The atmosphere should have been tense.

It was unavoidable.

But it wasn’t.

The atmosphere had somehow become amicable.

Why?

Because she didn’t seem authoritative or stiff at all.

It wasn’t an act.

She might be a monster, but her innocence was genuine.

‘She definitely has the qualities of a wise ruler.’

The only problem was her inherent cruelty.

If she could just control that, she would be a perfect ruler.

…But that one flaw was too big.

“Now, everyone, drink up. The drinks are…”

She knew how to handle people.

“On him.”

Huh?

“Thank you!”

“As expected of the hero who ended the war!”

“We’ll drink to that!”

The people thanked me, their faces beaming with joy.

No, the emperor should be the one paying…

“If the rumors were true, he wouldn’t be able to pay for your drinks so casually, would he? Hehe, don’t take rumors too seriously.”

Wow, she had thought of everything.

“Of course, Your Majesty!”

“We’ll make sure to spread the word that there are no problems between the two of you!”

“May your relationship be a shining example for all time, and may you lead this empire to prosperity!”

The response was positive.

It seemed like free food and drinks were more effective than words.

Well, free stuff was the real truth, after all.

“Now, Mr. Common Sense.”

“…Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

He was going to faint.

He already looked pale as a ghost.

“Common sense-ly speaking, do you think Max Celtrine is the mastermind behind the assassination attempt?”

“N-No, Your Majesty! Absolutely not!”

He shouted, as if he was about to cough up blood.

He sounded like a freedom fighter.

It was hard to believe that he was the same person who had been badmouthing me earlier.

Everyone thought the same.

That’s why the empress was deliberately putting him on the spot in front of everyone.

The people in the tavern.

And those outside…

‘Those who spread the rumors must be watching this.’

They must be terrified.

They would never have imagined that the empress would go out of her way to show off her close relationship with me in public.

They probably hadn’t even expected her to leave the palace.

‘Heh.’

I could imagine their horrified expressions.