~Chapter 11~
“…Enter.”
At the low, steady command, Hans let out a relieved sigh.
“I’ve arranged for the Empress’s escort to be assigned and have come to report.”
“Who are they?”
Gretchen recited the list of knights with a calm tone, as though nothing could shake her composure.
“Jason, Gale, Ferguson…”
“Wait, Ferguson?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Gretchen’s brow furrowed in confusion. Ferguson was known for his impeccable conduct, solid character, and the respect of many. He was not only diligent but also a highly skilled swordsman with a commanding presence.
Why mention Ferguson? He’s the only one on this list I can trust.
Hans had even considered leaving the position of Captain of the Guard to Ferguson if he were ever to step down himself. But, of course, the Emperor’s whims had rendered that impossible…
Then came Ern’s low, measured reply.
“Remove him.”
“What?”
It was advantageous for Ferguson not to be at the Empress’s palace, but Hans could not understand the reason.
He’s perfect for guarding the Empress… why would he be excluded?
As Gretchen’s expression showed uncertainty, Ern’s face twisted into something harsh and menacing.
“Didn’t you hear me? Send someone else in Ferguson’s place.”
Seeing the murderous intent in his expression, Gretchen quickly bowed.
“Y-Yes, Your Majesty. It will be done.”
No sooner had Gretchen exited in haste than Ern clenched his fist, grinding his teeth.
“Ferguson, right? Tall, upright… looks the part.”
It had been something Izaya had said casually once before. At the time, it didn’t matter, but now, recalling it left a strange, unpleasant taste.
An inexplicable irritation, a restless anxiety, and a heat that felt trapped somewhere in his chest, pressing down, making him uneasy.
Frustrating…
Ern muttered under his breath, unaware that Hans had overheard him.
If this continues, His Majesty might lose control of his temper…
Hans, as Master of the Household, knew it was his duty to prevent disaster. If a sword were drawn here, it would once again fuel gossip among the nobles.
“Here, have this and take a deep breath.”
Startled, Ern accepted the water Hans handed him and drank.
“Your… Majesty?”
“What is it?”
“You seem to have had little rest these past few days… perhaps we should summon your personal physician?”
Ern furrowed his brows and replied coldly,
“Not necessary. I’m fine.”
Hans exhaled with a resigned sigh.
“Understood.”
Once Hans withdrew, Ern closed his eyes, attempting to rest. But moments later, he sprang to his feet.
“Prepare a little surprise for the Empress. Soon.”
Recalling the words of Duke Lauchen, Ern ground his teeth.
This is for me alone. If anything happens to the Empress, the heads of the departments will pester me endlessly at court.
Rationalizing his actions, Ern hurried toward the Empress’s palace.
Meanwhile, Duke Lauchen received a report from someone kneeling before him.
“So, you have been assigned to the Empress’s protection.”
This complicates my plans quite a bit.
Originally, he had intended to use a spy to eliminate the Captain of the Guard and seize control of the entire royal knight order. But now, with the spy assigned to the Empress’s palace, eliminating a different captain would be too risky.
With a sigh, Lauchen spoke.
“Very well. If Izaya is being guarded, I have no choice.”
“Forgive me, Your Grace.”
He then issued an order to his subordinate.
“Add a new target for the assassination guild. But this time, it must be real.”
There was no reason to panic over such a minor variable.
If Izaya is attacked by assassins, she will never suspect that I am behind it.
The real concern was Izaya herself. Even threatened, would she return willingly to the palace?
Now that she distrusts the woman… we will need a new pawn to sway her.
Once the plan was clear, Lauchen instructed the spy assigned to the Empress.
“When the assassins are sent, act as though you’re protecting her. Gain her trust. Once she believes you are a benefactor, she will return to the Emperor willingly.”
The figure in the black cloak grinned maliciously.
“I will obey your command.”
Morning arrived.
Perched atop a tree with a clear view of the Empress’s palace, Ern yawned and furrowed his brow.
What am I even doing here?
The knights soon gathered in the courtyard, though it was early. Ern’s gaze on them was far from gentle.
Slowpokes… arriving so late.
Then, under the golden morning sun, Izaya appeared.
“Early, aren’t you?”
Her casual, composed demeanor made her seem like a painting come to life.
The knights momentarily froze, but Gretchen’s command snapped them to attention.
“Knights, pay respects to the Empress.”
They all knelt in unison.
“I am Gale Derus, assigned to oversee the Empress’s protection. These are her guards.”
Izaya scanned the knights, noticing Ferguson’s absence.
Hmm… where is Ferguson? I could’ve sworn I requested him.
Ferguson had been one of the few loyal ones who had stayed by Ern’s side until the very end in her previous life. She had wanted him as a reliable aide, but circumstances had changed, leaving her slightly unsettled.
I suppose it can’t be helped. I can form new aides, even if none are as loyal as him.
Shaking off her thoughts, Izaya addressed the knights.
“Welcome, all of you.”
The knights gave formal introductions in return, faces reddening under her gaze.
Meanwhile, hidden, Ern was suppressing a deadly glare.
Who dares flush in front of her?
But when he looked at Izaya, he flinched almost imperceptibly.
He had assumed he would never want to see her again, that he would be repulsed. Yet seeing her now, he could not look away.
Why…?
“Chirp!”
At that moment, something landed in Ern’s arms. It was Isha, the small hawk Hans had trained as a messenger.
Ern frowned, holding the little bird as it nuzzled him affectionately.
How does it always find me?
He named it after Izaya, for its persistent company mirrored her own.
A note was tied to its leg, Hans’s handwriting reading: It’s time to attend to state affairs.
Already?
Though he wished he could stay, he had no choice.
“One thing… promise me. Promise that you won’t neglect state affairs.”
At that very moment, Izaya’s earlier words echoed in his mind.
With a scowl at her, Ern reluctantly turned and made his way toward the palace.
I am returning only because I cannot stand the nobles strutting about so arrogantly.
At the same time, Izaya gazed toward the gardens.
Was it my imagination? Did I sense a faint presence just now?
But the movement was too subtle to be certain. She chuckled softly to herself.
Perhaps I am being too sensitive, with a spy nearby.
Turning her attention back, she addressed the servants in the hall.
“I will be selecting someone to oversee the upcoming banquet.”
“But… that’s normally—shouldn’t the head lady-in-waiting handle that?” one timidly asked.
Izaya shook her head.
“No, anyone may do it if I permit.”
No one volunteered. The noble-born ladies-in-waiting saw no reason to strain themselves for a task that could be done by others.
Izaya noticed Melanie’s faint, satisfied smile.
Just as I thought. They will respond exactly as expected.
All that was required was obedience, and Melanie had maintained control of the servants with the rewards she had received from the Duke.
Unaware that Melanie was monopolizing the benefits they deserved, the ladies-in-waiting had been eager to please her rather than the Empress.
Izaya held out a tempting carrot.
“When the banquet concludes, the one who achieves the greatest success will receive a reward.”
At the Empress’s sudden declaration, the ladies began to exchange wary glances.
The air was charged. The game had begun.
