episode_0184

An unusual incident was reported at home.

A story about being attacked by a swarm of locusts recently.

It is said that they had prepared a fortress in advance, but due to the attack late at night, the response was inadequate and a large area of farmland was severely damaged.

“Food prices will rise. Huyu…”

Food is very important here.

Food itself is expensive because distribution is slow and the tax reform bill still has some time left until its implementation date.

“Do you want to make a temporary purchase overseas first?”

according to the report…

“Ugh!”

My left eye hurts badly.

“Huu…hu…”

I close my eyes and think for a moment.

Looking at the response using holy water, it is clear that the Locust took action.

In the end, the reality I was worried about happened.

In the original, the Locust, which should have been active in Babylon, turned to the Empire.

What this means is that from now on, things will never go as planned.

Also, was it because of Amon that touched the food?

Amon works to overthrow the empire.

He left Roman and traveled to other cities, raising my notoriety and encouraging the people of the empire to protest.

However, the local area is busy making a living, so it is fortunate that they don’t seem to be interested in protests.

It’s almost harvest season, so livelihood is probably more important than protests.

However, it seems that they were trying to induce them to participate in the protest in earnest when swarms of locusts started eating the agricultural products they were supposed to harvest.

Well anyway…

I think this can be done by increasing food imports from foreign countries.

Slowly the pain subsides and I lean back in my chair and fall into thought.

“Now that I think about it, the one-year anniversary of our marriage is just around the corner.”

Next month will mark one year since I married Theodora.

There was nothing special at that time other than the fact that we decided to gather together as a family and have a meal.

“Should I buy another gift…”

Since it’s our first wedding anniversary right after my birthday, I have to bother buying another gift.

“I can prepare for secret retreat today.”

There are a few more reports from the intelligence department, but I’m getting ready to go out today to secretly investigate.

***

Today is his secret day.

It’s only 5 p.m., but judging by the fact that he’s not in the main study room, it looks like he’s already ready to leave.

“What should I do?”

The news that he was going on a secret mission was no longer a secret.

If a group of evildoers attack him…

Uneasy thoughts keep coming to me.

If I had known this would happen, would I have told you in advance?

But… he likes to secretly practice so much?

I think that for a person who spends a difficult daily life due to overwork, going undercover would be a valuable hobby.

However, regardless of that, I think that other subversive forces may be aware of it if information flows into the Emperor faction.

First of all, he doesn’t seem to know that demon worshipers are active.

If the demon worshipers target him…

“That’s not possible.”

Even if he dies, we must prevent him from being found as a cold corpse.

However, if you see that they are going secretly without any bodyguards…

“Phew… I guess I can’t do it. Is there anyone out there?”

-your majesty! Did you call me?

I continue speaking to the voice of the guard over the honeymoon door.

“Tell Commander Agrippa that there is urgent business and that he will see you immediately.”

-yes! I accept orders.

After saying that, I sigh.

“You should know that you married well.”

Because it is rare in the world to find a wife who protects her husband’s small hobbies.

A little while later, a honeymoon visit takes place and Agrippa enters.

“Your Majesty! Did you call me?”

I say, embarrassed by the way he bends one knee and shows his courtesy.

“General, please take it easy when we are alone.”

At my words, Agrippa bows his head and says.

“Are you saying that I could act rashly towards the mighty emperor of the empire?”

I sigh and say those words.

“You are the benefactor of me, my husband, and my only sister. And although I am the emperor, as a woman I am expected to obey my husband, so it is embarrassing for you to say that.”

“Oh my…, Your Majesty.”

“Okay, since the Lord says so, I will give the order. Don’t be rude in private, this is an imperial name.”

When I gave the command in such a dignified voice, Agrippa stood up and said with an embarrassed look on his face.

“But… what are you looking for?”

“You know that he is going undercover, right?”

When I see Agrippa flinch and roll his eyes at those words, I sigh and say.

“I know what you know. The reason I called the general was because I was worried after finding out from the emperor faction that he was going undercover, so I called him for consultation.”

Agrippa’s face hardens at my words.

“The imperial faction… found out?”

“There is a congressman who saw him walking around with me and Joey outside. That’s why I’m worried that subversive forces might attack him.”

“That… that’s a big deal. I will quickly inform His Highness the Archduke and stop him…”

I shake my head at those words.

“He is a person who does his best for this empire. Also, I hope that his little happiness continues.”

Agrippa’s expression becomes blank at my words and he asks.

“Then… what should I do?”

“I asked if it would be possible to select some outstanding soldiers to protect him as he secretly practices things and guard them without him even knowing.”

Agrippa nods his head and says those words.

“It’s not that difficult. Moving troops without orders from His Highness the Archduke…”

“If he finds out about this, he will not commit secret acts due to his nature.”

-I flinch.

Agrippa flinches at my words.

“I want to protect his little happiness. How does it not work?”

Let me ask Agrippa like that…

“Je… I do have troops that I can move under my authority. But… if you get caught and His Highness strikes the guard…”

I nod and say, afraid that he will change his words.

“At that time, I will take responsibility and protect you.”

Agrippa nods his head at my words and says.

“Your Majesty the Grand Duke… you really married well.”

I answer those words with a bright smile.

“I hope he thinks the same way.”

Agrippa grins at my words.

“His Majesty the Archduke would think so too. I’m glad you got married. Then, I will leave now to take orders.”

“Yes. I’m sorry for asking you to do something difficult.”

“No. As a subject, it is natural to protect your lord. Rather, thank you for letting me know that such a thing happened.”

Agrippa turned and tried to leave the room.

He stops in front of the door.

“But Your Majesty… there is one thing I would like to ask you. Can I ask you something?”

I nod my head and say that.

“Tell me.”

“From what I heard, Your Majesty’s goal is to overthrow His Highness the Archduke. But why do you think so much of His Highness the Archduke?”

-Pisik.

“I hate him very much, but isn’t he my only husband? Even though he hurts me a lot, he is my only husband. So, if I don’t take care of my husband, who will take care of my husband?”

Agrippa speaks without saying anything.

“I see.”

“Yes, but this is a secret from him. I hope that he, who is always dealing with complicated tasks, can rest comfortably.”

Agrippa nods his head at my words.

“I accept orders.”

-Quick!

***

At the department store, I look around for things to give her as a gift.

“Write… I bought a ruby ring, but is the ruby necklace a bit obvious?”

Honestly, there is nothing that comes to mind.

However, it is a bit unfair to gift perfume that varies depending on one’s taste.

Hmm… what should I do?

It’s almost time for dinner with Agrippa, so I head to the restaurant where I agreed to meet Agrippa, thinking I’ll have to worry about it until the next time.

“You came early?”

Agrippa dressed comfortably for the restaurant in advance.

“Hey, Debian. You had a really good marriage.”

I am puzzled by Agrippa’s unexpected words and say this.

“Suddenly?”

“Yes, I think you really got married well.”

“What’s wrong?”

I ask, but…

“That’s it. Wow, I can’t believe there is such a nice wife.”

My wife Theodora is a rare evil woman. A woman like that is a good wife…

“What does that mean?”

They say it as if they feel pathetic about me.

“Ugh, what can I say to you? Let’s eat something.”

So we had dinner, had a quick drink, and went home.

***

“That’s strange… I prepared holy water.”

Locust, the king of locusts, tried to devastate Egypt’s agricultural lands, but failed.

I feel puzzled when I see them preparing holy water for their own locusts and spraying holy water on the swarms of locusts to eradicate them.

Holy water is water filled with God’s blessings.

Of course, the holy water itself is not extremely rare, but I feel puzzled by the Empire’s actions as if it was anticipating and preparing for my coming here.

“Hmm… It would be hard to say it was a coincidence.”

A Locust that once descended on this land.

I have seen the power of the empire many times, but this situation is quite different.

The scene where they skillfully spray holy water and wipe out a swarm of locusts, as if they were expecting them to appear, cannot help but feel strange to the Locust, who have lived for eons.

He feels displeased that there is a being in the empire who anticipated his arrival first.

‘I can’t believe I was predicted by a human…’

It is bound to be unpleasant for a human being who cannot live even 100 years to be predicted to live forever.

‘I want to see who it is.’