Chapter 14
Originally, Gretchen had planned to pretend to be dead and carry out her secret mission.
The reason was that the palace was currently filled with Duke Lauchen’s spies, making it difficult to execute any operation under their watch.
Then one day, the Emperor canceled that plan.
“My safety is at risk.”
That absurd reason came after he began sharing a separate chamber with the Empress.
Bang!
“What do you mean the assassins haven’t returned again?”
The enraged voice of Duke Lauchen made his aide break out in a cold sweat.
“Well… we sent six elite assassins, but since none of them returned, it seems someone must have eliminated them.”
“Elite, my foot! Those worthless vermin can’t even complete a mission!”
Though he said it aloud, the Duke himself felt something was off.
‘Could it be the captain of the Emperor’s guard…?’
It was a strong possibility. After all, it was entirely plausible that the guard had handled the assassins who tried to reach him and secretly strengthened the palace’s security.
“Don’t send assassins after the captain for now; we might get discovered.”
Eliminating the captain immediately was less important than forcing Izaya and the Emperor to share a chamber.
The Duke spoke again.
“Money is no object. Send your very best agent to Izaya.”
Late at night, Izaya was lost in thought.
‘Strange. Duke Lauchen hasn’t made any moves.’
That thought lasted only a moment.
“Your Majesty, isn’t your banquet plan… lacking?”
Izaya smiled faintly at the serious faces of the maids standing before her.
“I think it just needs a few adjustments.”
Perhaps because they were from noble families, the maids’ banquet plan included everything from decorations to the latest fashion in dresses.
‘If I follow trends blindly, we’d be laughed at.’
In her previous life, Izaya had experienced the duplicity of nobles: outwardly polite, but always scheming to find fault behind your back.
The difference now was that Izaya was living ahead of her previous timeline.
“This adjustment should work. What do you think?”
“We never would have thought of this!”
“This is revolutionary! Amazing!”
The maids’ praise made Izaya smile and shake her head.
“You praise me too much. Makes me wonder if you’re flattering me just because I outrank you.”
“No, it’s genuinely an excellent banquet plan!”
“That’s a relief. It’s thanks to your help that it worked out.”
They were talented and humble, and they recognized her abilities—naturally, the maids felt favor toward the Empress.
“You’ve worked hard. Go rest now.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Once the maids left, Izaya chuckled quietly.
‘It’s still early, but things are improving. Soon, I’ll have someone loyal enough to carry out close orders.’
The next day, the master of the Red Moon assassin guild visited Duke Lauchen’s mansion.
“I’ll handle this personally this time.”
“Confident of success?” the Duke asked skeptically.
The master smirked.
“Previously, it failed because we infiltrated at night. This time, we’ll quietly handle it in broad daylight.”
The Duke nodded slowly.
‘Yes, that way we can make the Empress’ palace security seem like a problem, forcing them to share chambers.’
An aide, eyes sharp, asked the master.
“But infiltrating during the day won’t be easy.”
“Of course. But I am skilled in disguise. The Empress is currently recruiting people for banquet preparations, so I will blend in during that time.”
The master then pointed at a palace spy standing behind the Duke.
“However, I will need the help of that knight. I only need two to witness me so I can escape if necessary.”
The Duke signaled his subordinate, and the spy nodded obediently.
“Understood. Make it so.”
The master then spoke seriously.
“If the payment is withheld or the agreement broken, not only will I refuse, but all assassins connected to our guild will refuse the Duke and his family.”
“Understood.” The Duke nodded, and the assassin disappeared.
A moment later, the spy spoke cautiously.
“There’s a problem.”
The Duke glared sharply.
“A problem? What is it?”
“Since this assassination occurs in broad daylight, there’s a risk. If the assassin isn’t caught, someone may punish us…”
“You speak long of the obvious. Proceed as planned. The dead speak no words, so the assassin will appear to have failed and died.”
The spy smiled wryly.
“I will obey.”
Meanwhile, Ern was staring at documents, his eyes sunken, and he yawned.
“Your Majesty, perhaps you should rest even briefly?”
Hans spoke cautiously, but Ern remained silent.
Hans sighed.
‘I’m worried. He hasn’t slept well since sharing a chamber with the Empress…’
At that moment, there was a knock.
“Your Majesty, Gretchen.”
“Enter.”
Gretchen entered the office, flinching at Ern’s appearance.
‘What’s with that expression…’
Dark circles marked the Emperor’s eyes, yet they only enhanced his striking features.
“Why haven’t you reported yet?”
Gretchen hurriedly replied.
“I investigated the assassin organization you mentioned. They cannot accept missions at the moment.”
“Is that all you found out?”
“The information is scarce. However, I heard their master is highly skilled in disguise.”
Ern’s expression darkened.
“Examine all entrants carefully. Not a single rat shall slip through…”
Bang!
Ern suddenly stood, turning toward the Empress’ palace.
“Your Majesty? What’s wrong?”
Gretchen asked, but Ern didn’t answer, moving quickly toward the direction of the palace.
‘When did a rat get in?’
Killing intent already glimmered in his violet eyes.
Meanwhile, Melanie ground her teeth.
‘Damn it. They’re offloading all the annoying work onto me…’
She knew that doing trivial tasks wouldn’t prove her worth to the Empress.
She was frustrated but had to perform the tasks properly.
‘If the banquet fails, it might be blamed on me.’
After grumbling, Melanie noticed someone and furrowed her brows.
‘Am I imagining things? This person looks unfamiliar.’
Then:
“Melanie, please place this in the Empress’ room.”
Another request disguised as a favor.
Melanie narrowed her eyes but took the vase.
‘I’ll get my position back, no matter what.’
A short while later, Melanie arrived at the Empress’ room.
Just as she tried to enter, someone stopped her.
“What business do you have?”
A guard blocked her, and Melanie frowned.
“I’m bringing a vase for the Empress.”
She attempted to enter, only to see someone in the room.
‘Who’s that? I don’t recall this face among the palace staff…’
She realized it could be an intruder exploiting the chaos.
Their eyes met, and Melanie froze.
A voice echoed:
“Perfect timing, we have a guest.”
Izaya entered the room, and Melanie’s eyes widened in fear.
‘Of all times…’
Melanie didn’t realize her anxiety, but the Empress spoke calmly.
“Melanie, that vase is lovely. Could you fetch some flowers to match it?”
Conflict surged in Melanie.
If she intervened, she might be killed.
But ignoring the Empress wasn’t an option.
‘If something happens to Her Majesty, I won’t survive either.’
She decided to take a risk.
‘The guard is outside. If any noise happens, he’ll come in.’
“Your Majesty, please evacuate!” Melanie shouted, throwing the vase toward the disguised maid.
Izaya stopped her with a hand.
“Melanie, don’t provoke the author unnecessarily. It’s dangerous.”
Both Melanie and the assassin disguised as a maid widened their eyes in surprise.
‘She knew?’
But soon Melanie recalled her objective.
‘Even if we’re discovered, it doesn’t matter. Scaring the Empress is enough.’
The master assassin smiled, observing Melanie.
‘The Empress’ maid… Using her as an example is effective. If anyone around me is harmed, even the Empress will panic!’
