Chapter 137

The name is Valenciaunos, the title is Duke, and the position is an advisor directly under the Emperor.

The physical age is 18, currently suppressing dragonification due to a rite of passage.

There is a secret I cannot speak of regarding my reincarnation.

During my vacation, I untangled a complicated web involving Infiltrators, the red-light district, the Church of Radiance, the Black Iron Knights, and the Imperial Family.

Currently, as always, I am tense in front of the Emperor’s office.

* * *

I took a deep breath and walked into Jeilliris’s office.

“I have been summoned, Your Majesty.”

She looked up and responded.

“Ah, Duke Valenciaunos. You have endured much even during your vacation. If you wish to rest a few more days, feel free to let me know.”

“I feel like if I take any more breaks, I’ll be playing for the rest of my life.”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Isn’t it said that elves lose track of time playing? First, I need to put out the fire at my feet before I can play freely.”

As if that was the right answer, Jeilliris smiled satisfactorily.

Her yellow eyes curved beautifully, and a dangerous smile bloomed on her lips, revealing her sharp teeth.

“True. You are right. How can the homeowner play while the house is falling apart? You must finish the repairs before you can play.”

Spring had fully arrived, cherry blossoms danced in the air, and lovers walked the streets whispering sweet nothings, yet my Emperor was buried under a pile of documents discussing life and death while wearing black today as well.

“In that respect, your contribution this time is quite special.”

Jeilliris handed me a piece of paper in an unusually bright voice.

I couldn’t help but take a deep breath as soon as I saw its contents.

[Subjugation Report Completed.]

“Are you saying you destroyed one of the Corruption Churches?”

“It is said that Barbatos, the leader of the Black Iron Knights, interrogated the captured ones and obtained information. They are low-ranking minions without ancient powers, so they didn’t know much, but through cross-verification with the church, we obtained testimony that they have an intermediary stronghold in an abandoned monastery located in a hilly area outside the capital.”

According to the document, that place was referred to as a ‘Cultivation Site.’

It was a location similar to the cave beneath the Alchenbersa Monastery, where the Infiltrators gathered people or corpses and nurtured monstrous beings.

“I dispatched the Blue Knights and verified the practicality of the magical tools developed by Duke Sererassie.”

I asked, feeling tense.

“What were the results?”

Jeilliris handed me another document.

“Read it for yourself.”

It was a review written by the knights who participated in the operation.

[To summarize, the power is strong, the usage is convenient, and it is very stable. Thanks to the ‘Infiltration’ and ‘Diffusion’ developed by His Grace Duke Sererassie, it has proven to be lethal against Infiltrators and foreign entities in the form of living beings.]

[It was made in a short spear form, making it easy to use. Throwing it from the sky while riding a wyvern was impressive as it spread in a spherical manner upon hitting the ground.]

As I read, I could vividly picture the scene in my head.

The Blue Knights riding wyverns soar through the sky, throwing the magical tool spear.

The spear, slicing through the wind, hits the ground, and the electrical shock with the property of ‘Infiltration’ spreads along the path of ‘Diffusion.’

The Infiltrators and foreign entities, which had been swarming, tremble and collapse amidst the smoke, and the knights descend from their wyverns to start a rescue rather than a subjugation.

“Truly… incredible.”

A deep sense of fulfillment welled up from my heart.

I was glad I took the risk of recommending Sererassie.

Jeilliris also said with a satisfied expression.

“I wanted to advise against selling this to other Great Lords since its power is too strong.”

“I completely understand.”

I could see why.

Thinking that the rebels could use this made my vision suddenly cloud with yellow.

“However, if that were to happen, Duke Sererassie’s income would drastically decrease. Even if a mage doesn’t care for gold that much, it’s never pleasant to feel like something you should receive is being taken away.”

“That’s true as well.”

The Emperor continued, passing me one more document that she had just signed.

“Only high nobles who pledge their loyalty to me can purchase magical tools from her workshop.”

“Wise of you.”

* * *

The Empire had a concept of strategic materials.

Important magical tools, weapons, and other consumables were not left to the market but were directly managed by the Imperial Family or local lords.

The armor worn by Lady Trentia was a non-market item only the Emperor’s knights could wear, and knights were forbidden from using ballistas.

All weapons and magical tools emerging from Sererassie’s workshop would be treated likewise.

Jeilliris smiled slightly sadistically.

“Pass that along to her. I would rather not bring her news of restrictions anymore.”

“Wise decision. It has been said since ancient times to perform gracious deeds slowly oneself, while matters of resentment should be handled swiftly by those beneath you.”

“I appreciate your willingness to take that on.”

Seeing Jeilliris concern for Sererassie, it was clear she had taken a liking to her.

Now, she was no longer someone the Emperor needed to be wary of but rather someone belonging to the Emperor.

And when it came to conveying bad news to her people, it was appropriate to have someone else do it.

That ‘someone’ happened to be me today, but I felt nothing but joy seeing Jeilliris care for Sererassie.

Of course, Sererassie would probably ask me, “Why do you only bring back strange news every time?” but I wouldn’t mind that much.

What was the issue with hearing a familiar phrase just once more?

However, it seemed my Emperor was not entirely comfortable asking me to relay something unpleasant on her behalf.

“…I’m just grateful.”

Jeilliris muttered, echoing back her own thoughts, and returned to the original conversation.

“All of this is your doing.”

“Me? I didn’t do anything…”

“Don’t pretend otherwise. No matter how little I think, I can still perceive. You were the one who mediated between Sir Barbatos and the Saint, weren’t you? Moreover, I remember how you risked your life to recommend Duke Sererassie to me.”

“Ah.”

Her eyes glimmered.

“Having destroyed the Cultivation Site and dealt a lethal blow, it seems we may enjoy peace for at least several months. There shouldn’t be any incidents when I call upon the Great Nobles to pledge their loyalty. Thanks to you, I have the opportunity to stabilize my reign.”

I lowered my head, feeling overwhelmed.

Once the loyalty pledges are properly secured, we would become the strongest nation on the continent.

Simultaneous searches for Infiltrators by the local and central authorities, along with the Church, would greatly weaken their power.

Accompanied by such expectations, hearing Jeilliris say “thanks to you” made my heart race.

I had been a help to her.

Kidnapping the saint, killing people, negotiating with the red-light district’s manager, and causing havoc everywhere had not been in vain.

There was meaning to my reincarnation.

I humbly said, my expression lost in ecstasy.

“It’s all thanks to Duke Sererassie, Sir Barbatos, and the Saint, all of whom have worked hard in their respective positions. What I did was simply fluttering around them…”

Jeilliris lazily murmured.

“Wasn’t it you who brought them together? Well, it is as it is. This time, you want another secret that will make you shine even brighter. I shall indulge you.”

The Emperor smiled, her platinum hair glowing like a halo against the backdrop of the flower-filled capital’s streets outside her glass window.

Illuminated from behind, her shining hair radiated brilliantly, and her yellow eyes gleamed brightly against her shadowed face.

“I simply want to say thank you to you, who has brought all of this, whether by coincidence, necessity, fate, or destiny.”

I bowed my head, receiving the remaining light shining on me.

“Your Majesty.”

A profound shadow loomed behind me.

I dared to express my gratitude to you, whom I had abandoned.

The unpayable favor only grew larger, and I only swear my loyalty once again.

“I will do my utmost to ensure Your Majesty can receive pledges of loyalty from all the lords of the Empire.”

“That’s what I believed you would do.”

She took out two wooden boxes and handed them to me.

“I will repay your assistance.”

* * *

Inside the first box was a jewel that seemed to have grown to the size of a fist, resembling a pomegranate seed, while the second box contained liquid metal armor known as ‘Aqua-Teg.’

“What is this?”

Feigning ignorance as I asked, but I actually already knew.

This translucent red gem was ‘Fire Essence.’

It is the opposite of the frozen corpse found in glaciers, and I had never seen anything this size before.

“I hear the main magic you use is fire magic. I’ve heard you often overexert your mana, causing you to run out of breath.”

“It’s somewhat embarrassing, but that’s true.”

“Mana cannot be accumulated overnight, but the efficiency of magic can be elevated quickly. Learn how to consume it properly.”

Consuming this would slightly change your physique, causing your body to function as a reagent for fire magic.

In return, while using magic, stamina would still be consumed, but reducing mana usage by eating this was far more efficient than using raw mana.

“Your kindness is immeasurable.”

“You are already aware of what ‘Aqua-Teg’ is, aren’t you?”

“Has mass production begun?”

“I know you’ve been protecting your maid.”

Jeilliris shifted the conversation.

“Excuse me?”

A somewhat sadistic smile curled on her lips.

I tensed up, wondering if something had happened to Rudi.

“The reasons I trust you are many, but part of it is because of someone you wish to protect. Aren’t we in an age where being deceived is also a crime?”

“That’s correct.”

An age where being deceived is a crime.

A year ago, she was deceived by a steward named Banton, which resulted in the ‘Urglim Penpoint’ being shipped outside the Imperial Palace.

Jeilliris had, at least, spared Rudi’s life to ensure I wouldn’t think of rebelling.

Lady Trentia and I headed to the slums to retrieve the penpoint and subsequently met Konel there.

“Your maid has been with you since childhood. Take care of her, and I can only hope she remains safe in the future.”

“I appreciate it.”

I bowed deeply as I accepted ‘Aqua-Teg.’

There had to be a reason for her to be bringing it up now.

“I’ve heard she has keen eyesight.”

She didn’t explicitly reveal that she was a user of mana tools, nor did she hide it, which was equally impossible as I feared the consequences if it were discovered.

“That is indeed true.”

Jeilliris’s golden eyes sparkled.

“If the Imperial Mage Workshop begins to produce mana tools…”

“!”

“May I borrow her as an instructor for a few months?”

“I am okay with that, but I will ask for her consent.”

Jeilliris laughed, slightly surprised.

“How considerate.”

“It’s only natural.”

Having been caused to get involved in all sorts of affairs simply because I was the designated royal family member, all I can do is wish that she does not grow weary.

As she adjusted her posture slightly, she said, “The inner walls of the capital have found peace thanks to your efforts. Seeing the red-light district’s carriages coming in and out of the Imperial Palace truly shows your control.”

I opened my eyes wide in disbelief.

Those carriages were carrying the taxes collected from the red-light district.

“How…?”

“I enjoy wandering around here and there when I can’t sleep in the early morning.”

There was no longer any point in using the side door.

Jeilliris probably already knew, but it would have been awkward to reveal it directly, so I had been told to use the side entrance; now there was no need to hide it.

I might as well just have people enter through the front door.

At least that would allow me to be scolded once more.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t intend to make an issue out of it. Doctors and administrative officials are all the same. Shouldn’t you, as a duke, be making some gains?”

I lowered my face, which felt flush.

I would have felt slightly less embarrassed if she had been angry.

“Indeed, the kindness of the Emperor is…”

“The capital has been pacified, but there are reports of something strange wandering outside the western walls. You should go out to investigate alongside Duke Sererassie.”

“I will uproot them completely and return.”

I immediately stood up as if to flee.

To be caught having received taxes from Jeilliris was embarrassing beyond measure.

* * *

“Only sell to high nobles who pledged their loyalty… that means I must ensure exclusive delivery to the Imperial Palace until then. My dear brother, why do you bring strange news every time you come?”

“I had a feeling you would say that.”

Sererassie shook her head.

“My dear brother, how could you know what I would say? It’s impossible with your shallow brain.”

“Truly, you say that so nicely.”

“Considering the purchase you’ve set, it seems you’ve been attentive. So where do you want me to go?”

“It seems to be above the special zone of the Ivory Tower?”

In a moment, I reflected on whether I had misspoken.

Sererassie’s expression filled with dismay in response to my words.

“Entering a den of monsters. This will be tiring.”