episode_0087

So I sit down on the sofa and open my mouth.

“What happened to Princess Joy?”

When I remember that Princess Joy was kidnapped, Agrippa nodded.

“The princess was recovered and the assassin was arrested. And through the torture, I found out that Ioanes was behind it, but there was no proper evidence.”

I nod my head at those words.

It’s a little disappointing.

If I had left evidence, I could have just let him go this time.

No matter how much the leader of the emperor faction or Ezip and Epirus exist…

If one attempted to assassinate the emperor, it would be a crime so serious that many nobles and cities would rise up.

If only we had evidence, we could have easily defeated the Emperor faction.

But he’s not a fool and he plans to assassinate the emperor. It’s a bit funny to leave evidence behind.

“Yeah… I thought so. Is there anything else going on?”

He probably gave them a warning to send Theodora out.

Agrippa looks a little embarrassed at my words.

“Congressman Alexander comes and keeps making unreasonable demands.”

Unreasonable request? That old man?

Given the personality of that old man who is quick at calculating numbers, he wouldn’t be able to ask for something unreasonable, right?

“Is that possible? How quick is that old man at calculating? Is it possible to ask for something unreasonable?”

At my words, Agrippa carefully explains the whole story.

-Pisik.

“Ah, what is it? I also”

I thought they were making really unreasonable demands.

This would have simply been to claim that they were not the criminals.

And then what…

When Agrippa saw that he was angry, he probably waved and put strong pressure on him, thinking that he would benefit if he did well.

It’s not for nothing that an old man serves as vice-chairman of the Imperial Council.

Because they were all capable, they rose to vice-chairman.

And a thought that comes to mind at that moment makes me smile.

This is it.

Back when I killed Valorant and first negotiated with Alexander.

I remember Alexander just looking at me, shaking me, and making unreasonable demands.

It was like that then too.

However, I remember that they realized that if they went too strong on this side, it would lead to catastrophe, so they did not make unreasonable demands.

The intention is to gain a lot by deliberately suppressing the situation.

Also, if you come up with a correct opinion, doesn’t it feel like you’re blurting out your own weaknesses and making your argument stronger, like a snarky snake?

Plus, he’s quite sharp and capable.

Since my current base is the Grand Duchy, I can say that I dominate other powers in the military aspect.

A powerful army and a capable commander.

But other than that… honestly, it has to be seen as being of a very low standard.

I know basic politics, diplomacy, and law, but it is literally at a basic level.

Agrippa, who is in front of me, knows a lot about politics, diplomacy, and administration, but using it appropriately is a secondary matter.

To summarize, it can be said that there is a big difference in experience.

So honestly, Alexander… I crave it.

He currently serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and although he has Victor, I personally think he is not as good as Alexander.

“But he tried to recruit you?”

Agrippa frowns as if he is not in a good mood at my words.

“Yes.”

In addition, he has the insight to quickly catch the loopholes in our forces and capture Agrippa.

However, our Agrippa is a loyal and just man.

It must be a shame. Alexander.

Honestly, I want it.

I heard that Alexander’s son was also quite smart.

If I were to take over the Kingdom of Nicaea, I would want to keep them by my side and have them as slaves… no, as subjects for generations to come.

If Agrippa leads the army, I govern internal affairs, and Alexander conducts diplomacy…

iced coffee…!

Just by imagining it, you can hear the sound of the empire becoming stronger.

Well, it may be difficult right now, but I think it will be possible later.

“Thank you.”

When I expressed my gratitude, Agrippa waved his hand and said:

“No. Of course, I received great favor from His Highness the Grand Duke. How can I betray you?”

I say that with a gentle smile.

“Thank you for saying that. But shall we tackle the urgent fire first? Ask Agrippa Alexander to see you for a moment.”

Agrippa speaks with a worried expression at my words.

“Well… I heard that you just woke up. Are you okay?”

I nod my head at those words.

“Of course it’s okay. And since Alexander caused you pain this time, should I try to inflict pain on him?”

***

Alexander is in a good mood recently.

Although the assassination failed, the regent of the Grand Duchy is poor at diplomacy and dialogue, so if only he could shake things up a little more…

I feel good knowing that I can bring a small benefit to my home country.

‘Even if I officially announced my marriage to Princess Joy, it wouldn’t mean much.’

Anyway, since it was a secret contract between the emperor faction and the anti-emperor faction, I expect that they would keep it unless they wanted to undermine the credibility of the anti-emperor faction.

Although they were at odds with each other for quite some time, they kept their contract.

No matter what loss you suffer.

-smart!

[Congressman. A person came from the imperial palace. This is an invitation from General Agrippa.]

Unexpected situation.

By now, someone who is probably trying to avoid me at all costs is calling him…

“Chet. It looks like the Archduke has woken up.”

Debian.

Although he is still young, he is dexterous and knows how to be both aggressive and moderate when necessary.

And when negotiating with him. He doesn’t fall for his trap and smiles a subtly creepy smile.

It is difficult to understand their true intentions and they are not easily shaken.

Alexander thinks.

It’s not easy to engage in diplomatic warfare with such an opponent.

Additionally, our argument would have been reported to Debian through Agrippa.

In other words… it won’t be as easy as Agrippa, since you’ll have had time to deal with it.

‘what. We achieved our goal, so we should be satisfied with this.’

Alexander, who had never thought of sending Princess Joy away in the first place, gives up his regrets and stands up.

“I’ll be leaving soon.”

Alexander, who puts on his overcoat and leaves the councillor’s office, soon boards the imperial carriage.

***

Confirm that Debian has woken up.

He even gave me an idea of what he was talking about with Agrippa and headed to the Archduchy.

“Your Majesty the Emperor.”

Lucius, Müller calls me with a deathly expression.

“Are you here? There are a lot of documents that require payment now, so please hurry.”

“Your Majesty! I am requesting that the Ministry of Finance make a quick payment as the damage will be large if I do not sign by tomorrow.”

Those words give me a headache.

How on earth did Debian live like this?

“I understand.”

So, I sat down in the Debian chair and reviewed the documents.

My head hurts looking at so many numbers and letters.

In addition, you need to check whether the numerical calculations are correct.

Ugh…

Debian just scans and points out if the numbers are wrong…

No, I was shocked to see him doing mental calculations for addition and subtraction of numbers over 10,000, as well as multiplication and division.

I think I understand now.

If you do it every day, you can calculate it by eye…

“Phew…”

My head hurts from unfinished work.

“Your Majesty… I am truly sorry. This is the sentence in which the death penalty was passed by this court. The Ministry of Justice asks you to review it by tomorrow so that the death penalty can be carried out next week.”

Those words make me nervous, but I force myself to hold back.

“Put it there.”

Documents piled up on the corner of the desk.

Am I ugly? Or is Debian too proud?

When he worked for a long time, the documents did not accumulate to this extent.

I understand that Agrippa also approved it at some point.

But as each day passed, I became afraid as I saw more and more documents.

I even feared that this would paralyze the empire.

“I think the real emperor suits Debian better than me.”

-Pisik.

Rather than working hard at a headache every day, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to leave everything to Debian, which is highly capable, and raise my children.

In any case, he is much more capable than me.

It’s helpful for the empire, and I’m glad I don’t get caught up in work.

It definitely doesn’t seem that bad.

Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of my parents being in harmony.

I want to live with such beautiful love.

I remember wanting to support my husband wisely and be a good mother to my children, like my mother.

I guess we can take care of the assassins first and then think about it slowly?

I sit like that for a long time, holding up documents, checking them, and signing them repeatedly.

“Debian woke up today… Is this enough?”

***

“What? Theodora nursed me every day?”

When I asked again whether the creepy words were true, Agrippa nodded.

“Yes. His Majesty the Emperor personally nursed His Highness the Grand Duke.”

“That… can’t be? That woman crazy about power?”

no. There must be some kind of scheming.

Or perhaps he protected me because he realized that his political foundation would be shaken if I died? Or was nursing just an excuse… and trying to kill me?

No… maybe not because I cried when I woke up.

“Your words are too harsh. He took care of me with such sincerity.”

I reflect on whether Agrippa’s reprimand is a bit harsh, but the image of Theodora, the tyrant I saw in my dream, cannot leave my mind.

“It seems like you have been very blessed. Although it is an arranged marriage, His Majesty the Emperor is extremely devoted. It is the red robe of the empire and family.”

“Is that so…?”

Then a transparent crystal ball caught my eye.

“Huh? Is the light ball okay?”

I was surprised that the light ball I threw at the assassin seemed fine.

“Yes. Luckily it didn’t break.”

I feel a little relieved by those words.

-smart!

“Who?”

When I answer, I hear a man’s voice coming from behind the door.

[Rep. Alexander visited.]

At those words, my eyes meet Agrippa’s.

“Come on in.”