RVMPT Chapter 121

Chapter 121 

The Emperor spoke with a calm and friendly expression, as if he had never caused any trouble at all. His voice was soft and gentle—completely different from before.

“Hm. I understand if the Duchess holds a grudge against me. But when a report of treason comes in, I have no choice but to investigate.”

This was the same man who had already revealed his true motives to Harold earlier. And yet, now he acted like nothing had happened. Smiling warmly, he continued without hesitation.

“After a full investigation, nothing was found. So I’ll drop all charges of treason. Duke Harold Baisen will be released immediately. I apologize for the trouble he’s gone through.”

The Emperor, who had never once bowed his head since becoming the emperor, actually lowered his body in apology.

“I also offer my apology to you, Duchess. I’m sure this whole situation caused you a lot of stress. I’ll make sure you’re properly compensated later.”

He bowed again to Diana, then straightened up with a sorrowful look, adding a request.

“But Duchess, you’re a rare mage—perhaps the first in hundreds of years. I’d like you to stay at the palace for a short while to assist with a few matters.”

Harold frowned, not hiding his displeasure.

“Your Majesty, I see no reason why Diana must remain at the palace. You can send your people to the Baisen estate if needed. It’s not far from the capital.”

“Oh, Duke,” the Emperor replied smoothly. “I’m not asking her to live here forever. Just for one week. As pillars of the Empire, I hope you both will follow my request.”

No noble could refuse a direct imperial command.

The moment the couple’s expressions tightened, the Emperor quickly added:

“It’s only for one week, I promise. She’ll be treated with the utmost respect and won’t be harmed in any way.”

“…”

“If you’re still concerned, Duke, you’re welcome to visit her daily while she stays here.”

Harold and Diana exchanged a silent look.

They both knew the truth.

The Emperor wasn’t going to let Diana go easily—not after learning about her magical powers.

To him, she was like a divine gift, a treasure he never expected. He would never let go of such a precious key that could unlock the impossible.

He also knew he couldn’t force her too openly. So instead, he used kindness and persuasion.

But returning Diana to the Baisen estate might also bring even more risk. She would be followed, watched, and possibly ambushed. And if the Emperor became impatient… it could be even worse.

So Diana chose to stay. She would bear the risk, distract the Emperor’s eyes, and buy them time.

Until everything was ready.

“I’ll follow Your Majesty’s command. However, for Diana’s safety, I’d like to draft an official agreement that sets the conditions of her stay.”

“Of course. I’m happy to agree to that.”

At last, the couple bowed politely. The Emperor laughed, looking extremely pleased—as if he had just embraced the whole world.

But while his voice was light, his eyes darkened as they met Harold’s.

‘If he goes back now… he won’t stay quiet.’

Yes.

He’d have to be killed.

***

Outside the palace, Harold stood near the royal carriage. Diana had come to see him off. Behind her, palace attendants waited quietly.

“…I still don’t like the idea of leaving you here.”

“It was my choice,” Diana said softly.

Harold would have preferred the longer, safer route—one filled with danger, yes, but away from the Emperor’s reach. But Diana had insisted. She had chosen the path through fire instead of the shortcut.

He knew why. She didn’t want others to suffer in her place.

“Stay safe,” Harold said at last.

After thinking for a while, leaving Diana at the palace wasn’t a terrible decision.

The Emperor, believing his own lies, would treat her with respect. He wouldn’t threaten her like he had Harold.

She would be free to move inside the palace. She would be watched, yes, but she could easily get help from Prince Andrew if needed.

It was the fastest path to bringing down the Emperor.

It was the safest way to protect Diana.

Even if Harold hated it with every part of his being.

“I’ll take care of myself until we meet again. And next time… I’ll say what I couldn’t before.”

“Don’t forget your promise—not to do anything reckless. Otherwise, when we meet again, I’ll scold you.”

Diana smiled. “And you’d better keep your promise, too.”

Harold didn’t answer. He simply smiled and climbed into the carriage.

The royal carriage sped through the palace gates.

But not long after, it came to a sudden halt.

Harold calmly stepped down, facing a man in armor—Vice Captain of the First Imperial Knights, Sir Nathan.

“Sir Nathan.”

Harold’s tone was casual. The Vice Captain, however, was slightly caught off guard by Harold’s calmness.

“You’re not surprised, Duke?”

“It’s no surprise that the Emperor wants me dead. I’d be shocked if he didn’t.”

Harold pulled a pen from inside his coat.

Nathan unsheathed his sword, letting his aura gather along the blade.

“A shame. If I weren’t your opponent, that pen might’ve been enough to win. But against me…”

“You’re right,” Harold admitted. “You’re the younger brother of the First Knight Commander, Marquess Petrum. The strongest warrior in the palace. A Swordmaster by forty.”

If Harold had a proper sword, it might’ve been a fair fight. But with just a pen? It would be hard.

Still, he infused his pen with energy. A cold blue light sharpened along its edge.

“You know, the Petrum family has always been loyal to the Empire. Your ancestors were true heroes.”

Nathan narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

“But you and your brother? You’re a disgrace. Your brother’s an incompetent coward… and you? You’re talented, sure. But a failure as a husband. Didn’t you father a child outside your marriage?”

Nathan flinched. Without a word, he swung his sword. Harold dodged swiftly.

“I wonder how your wife would react… if she found out about that. Or—what if she learned about the second child you’re hiding?”

Nathan’s expression froze.

Harold smiled and whispered coldly,
“I’ve made sure there’s proof. Don’t even think of silencing me. It won’t work.”

Nathan clenched his eyes shut.

“…What do you want?”

“Ah. Now we’re getting somewhere.”

Harold leaned closer.

“What did the Emperor order you to do after killing me?”

“He told me to destroy the body. To make it look like you died of poison during a private dinner. They’ve prepared a fake corpse with similar wounds.”

“Good,” Harold said. “Then do exactly that.”

He reached forward, grabbed Nathan’s sword, and cut off his own hair.

“Use this if they ask for proof.”

Nathan stared in silence as Harold walked away.

He didn’t stop him.

***

Prince Andrew arrived soon after.

He had been secretly following Harold’s carriage all the way.

Behind him, one of his knights carried a young boy on horseback.

“Sir, why are those two fighting?” the child asked innocently.

He had no idea Nathan was his biological father.

But Nathan did. And his heart froze.

Harold leaned close to him and whispered,
“Look closely. Doesn’t he look just like you? Your wife would recognize him instantly. But what if she learns he’s not the only one?”

Nathan trembled.

Harold’s voice dropped even lower.

“I’ve made sure there are consequences if you try anything foolish.”

Nathan swallowed hard.

“…What do you want from me?”

Harold smiled.

“Just let them believe I’m dead.”

***

With that, Harold turned back to Andrew.

“You don’t look so good,” Andrew said, studying him.

“I’ve had worse,” Harold replied.

“Any news?”

“Yes. Just an hour ago, the scouts returned from the Tatum estate. There’s a secret tunnel under their house. It leads to an abandoned palace in the west.”

Harold nodded.

“If that’s true, the other noble families probably have similar tunnels.”

He mounted a horse quickly.

“Let’s finish the final preparations.”

He looked to the sky.

“In two weeks… I’ll rescue Diana. And bring the Emperor down.”