I was back in my imperial office, flipping through the files of the few nobles still worthy of trust. The ones who weren't corrupt. The ones I planned to keep by my side.

Sigh…

As expected, there are only twelve…

I slumped into my chair, irritated, already anticipating the complications ahead.

If only I could just hand this list over to Chris… Things would be so much simpler. But I can't expect real change by ruling like a tyrant.

A shiver ran down my spine. I thought back to the tragic fate of every tyrant in my former world.

They never end well.

***

Two hours later.

It was exactly 12:32 PM.

Knock, knock, knock…

Someone rapped on the office door.

I slowly set the documents down on the table and replied in a casual tone.

"Is that you, Chris?"

A confident voice answered from the other side.

"Yes, Your Majesty. It's me."

"Very well. Come in."

This dragon… no, this butler, is truly efficient. If he's already back, that means the news has spread across the Empire. Not even two hours have passed.

A guard stationed outside opened the door, allowing Chris to step in.

He moved with that natural grace, even more impressive considering his origins in the powerful draconic clan. Once before me, he bowed slightly.

"Your Majesty, the message has been delivered. There are already five nobles downstairs requesting an audience."

I smirked.

"I suppose they're eager to reclaim their titles as quickly as possible."

No more protest marches?

Honestly, I had feared a reaction similar to the nobles allied with Darius. Those fools weren't even afraid of Selene… If I keep relying on her, I might end up repeating yesterday's disaster.

Chris continued calmly.

"Miss Lyne has also arrived in haste."

I remained silent for a moment. The speed at which information spread in this world never ceased to amaze me. And yet, there was no real communication system to speak of.

Here, they still use carrier pigeons for official announcements. To Xavier, a modern man, it was both ironic… and fascinating.

"Wait… Did you just say Lyne Grace? And what about Adeline? Is she on her way too?"

A brief silence followed. Then Chris responded, his tone more reserved.

"Your Majesty, the invitation was broadcast across the Empire. I personally ensured the nobles closest to the palace were informed—Lyne Grace, Octavia Moon, Adeline… But I found no trace of Adeline in the capital. Nothing from the Red Duchy's family either."

"Huh? She's not in the capital?!"

"That seems to be the case, Your Majesty."

"But you told me you saw her yesterday at the Red family's infirmary! What did they say about this?"

Chris answered calmly.

"They claim she left without warning… without leaving a single trace."

A chill ran through me.

Oh no… Don't tell me she went to another empire?

Sigh…

We need every talent, even the most modest ones. Losing someone like Adeline could put my future plans at risk.

Tsk… One problem at a time.

"For now, bring them in two at a time. Let's get this over with quickly."

Chris bowed.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

------

Five minutes later.

Knock, knock, knock…

"You may enter," Lucian said calmly.

The door opened immediately, revealing a woman with short, striking green hair. She walked briskly, full of confidence. She was, of course, the Empire's finest swordswoman—Lyne Grace.

Right behind her, another woman entered, moving at a slower yet assured pace. Her chestnut hair was meticulously braided, and her splendid dress swayed gracefully with each step. She was Octavia Moon, the very embodiment of nobility, born of the prestigious Moon lineage and gifted with talents recognized across the Empire.

They took their seats in front of the desk… an imposing desk—at least, it would have been if it weren't facing the shortest emperor in the continent's history.

They greeted him with polite yet distinct tones.

"Good day, Your Majesty."

"Good day, Your Majesty."

"Very well," Lucian replied, straightening up with a professional smile. "Good day to you as well… Hmm. It seems Lyne Grace is dying to speak."

His gaze locked onto the swordswoman, whose irritation was palpable despite her composed expression.

"Let's start with you, then."

Lyne, despite her frustration, spoke in a measured tone.

"Your Majesty, your decision regarding Adeline… it wasn't fair. Her father may have sinned, but she, technically, did nothing wrong. And her potential with the sword is immense. She could even, perhaps…"

"…reach the Divine Level?" Lucian finished for her, chin resting on his interlaced fingers, a faint smile on his lips.

Lyne bit her lip, saying nothing.

Octavia, on the other hand, remained silent, eyes closed as if carefully weighing every word spoken.

Avoiding the question, Lyne pressed on.

"Your Majesty, please, do not deprive her of the Academy."

"When did I ever do that?" Lucian's voice turned suddenly cold.

This boy… Octavia thought as she observed him.

Lucian continued, his tone steady.

"Lyne Grace, at no point did I prevent her from attending the Academy. On the contrary, I even granted her scholarships to cover her tuition and take care of her younger brothers."

Lyne remained silent, lips pressed together.

"But she chose a different path. As of today, she is no longer in the capital, and that is beyond my reach."

Is this really the same Lucian who, just months ago, was utterly obsessed with Adeline?

How can someone change so drastically, overnight?

It's almost ridiculous.

Both Octavia and Lyne shared the same thought. The whole Empire knew how deeply Lucian had been attached to Adeline—an obsession that lasted two long years.

"If I've answered your concern, you may take your leave," Lucian concluded.

But Lyne wasn't having it.

"You could at least extend your search across the Empire. That would be more—"

"—For a single person?" Lucian cut her off, expression unreadable.

"The daughter of a traitor, no less?"

Lyne swallowed hard.

"So you truly hate her that much? For a crime she never even committed?"

Lucian remained silent.

Then Lyne stood up.

"Very well. I'll take my leave… Lucian, brother of Selene Voldreck."

Lucian's brows furrowed slightly.

The disrespect was blatant. A provocation like this could have landed her in a cell. And yet, he did not react. He simply watched as she walked out of the room.

"Try not to regret your decision," she said without looking back.

She's addressing me informally now, too?

She stepped past the door and disappeared.

Lucian remained impassive, that same faint smile still on his lips. Octavia, however, did not hide her surprise. How had a simple audience escalated this quickly?

"Forgive me, Lady Octavia Moon," Lucian said, "but I'd like to move things along."

Octavia rose gracefully.

"I don't mind."

Lucian handed her a folder. She raised an eyebrow, unsure how to interpret the gesture. But she accepted it nonetheless.

"I'm glad you responded so quickly to the summons. I had intended to meet you personally, but since you're already here, that makes things easier."

"You intended to meet me… personally?"

"Yes. You will be one of the pillars of my projects. You are a talented, honest, and reliable noble. Thus, your title rightfully returns to you."

What is he implying? Octavia thought, unsettled.

Lucian was moving fast. Too fast. And while everyone in the room likely felt the same, she alone was experiencing this pressure… this oppressive presence she had sensed before in the grand hall.

"For now, review these documents. We'll go over the details later. I'll contact you again in three days."

Still wary but intrigued, Octavia accepted the papers. After exchanging a few formalities, she too exited the office.

Another pair entered immediately.

And so, the audience continued… until the end of the day.

_____

Midnight had arrived.

"Ahhhhh... kill me..."

I let out a long sigh, exhausted.

This day had been particularly long. But well, it had to be done.

As expected, only 12 out of the 40 nobles present were actually clean.

I also got my hands on some juicy intel… and a few surprisingly efficient slot machines.

In a week, a major technological breakthrough would emerge. And with Octavia Moon's help, the Empire was about to change forever.

Perfect.

We'd be ready before the druids' evaluation.

Knock knock knock.

Ahh, for fuck's sake… who dares?

"Who the hell is it now?!" I barked toward the door, not even bothering to lift my head.

Chris answered from the other side, unshaken.

"I apologize for disturbing your rest, Your Majesty, but… your guests insist. And since they are your guests, I did not find it appropriate to dismiss them too abruptly."

A slow grin spread across my face.

Those arrogant bastards… they actually stayed up working this late?

Mages. Truly, insane to the bone.

"Let them in."

"Very well, Your Majesty."

The door burst open.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

"YOUR MAJESTY!!"

They stormed in, dark circles under their eyes, yet their gazes burned with that… that fanatical flame. They were practically screaming my name.

I understood their excitement.

"We're going to do it...!"

"Yes… we'll do it… even for free… even at the cost of our lives!"

"Just give us the next part of the files !!!"

Azrael spoke like a prophet in a trance. His three disciples nodded frantically, like devoted followers.

I stared at them in silence.

"The law of…" — He glanced at the dossier clutched in his trembling hands — "…yes, the law of Faraday… it's a revolution!"

"SHUT UP."

Absolute silence. You could have heard a fly sneeze.

My cold expression softened into

a professional, charming smile.

"We all agree that nothing comes for free, right?"

Their eyes widened in unison, as if they had just realized something horrifying.

Yes, you'll be the ones paying… for the privilege of working with me.

My dear interns.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.