I Became the Master of the Empress

220 – 224

The long journey ends tomorrow.

During the carriage ride, I repeatedly receive updates on the progress in Roman and issue instructions.

Time has passed more quickly than I thought.

The workload is minimal compared to usual, but the pressure feels as immense as a civil war.

Sigh… But I’ve prepared a lot, haven’t I? It will go well this time. Let’s not worry too much.

With that, I forcibly suppress my anxious heart.

Having been outwitted by Johannes’s strategy in the last imperial faction civil war, I felt the need to be informed of the current situation in real-time, even when away from my post.

That’s why I’ve spent quite a long time developing a long-distance communication method.

And I’ve finally succeeded.

Of course, it cost a tremendous amount of money.

It’s trivial compared to the Earth of my era, but I’m relieved to have created an artifact that allows for the exchange of information.

Creating a communication device that transmits voice with the technology here is premature.

So, the communication method I created is the Linked Notebooks.

Two notebooks are connected so that writing in one will also appear in the other.

It’s a magical technique using particles in alchemy, something akin to quantum mechanics?

In any case, the current plan is being meticulously prepared.

30,000 loyal soldiers from the Grand Duchy are en route to Roman, and intelligence agents have been deployed everywhere in anticipation of various emergencies.

The Justice Party is being generously supported to take the lead when the imperial citizens rise up.

In addition, the Justice Party is gathering doctors nationwide in preparation for the injured, and the shortage of herbs and potions is being addressed by selling them at rock-bottom prices through the Pietà Trading Company from the Grand Duchy.

And all of this…

“Mary is going to be in big trouble when she becomes the Grand Duke.”

It was all covered by the assets of the Grand Duchy.

-Throb.

My left eye throbs, and now the right begins to ache.

“Damn it…”

I know what’s coming.

The pain will soon start to creep in.

I hastily take out the medicine, toss it into my mouth, and drink water.

-Gulp.

How much time do I have left?

I hope it’s at least two more months.

After all the preparation up to this point. It would be such a waste to miss Locust.

I lock the carriage door, close my eyes, and wait for the pain to pass.

A torment as if a skewer is burrowing into my eyeballs.

“Ugh…”

I stifle the agony, swallowing the groans.

I must endure.

The carriage is somewhat soundproof, but not completely.

It can’t block out loud noises, especially those meant to ward off external threats.

I bite my lip, hoping the pain will subside quickly, and hold on.

How long has it been?

“Haa… Haa…”

Tears stream down from both eyes.

Not tears of sadness, but those caused by irritation.

I pull a handkerchief from my pocket and wipe them away.

Seeing the blood mixed with the tears, I take out a mirror to look at my eyes.

Deep red lines have formed around the pupils in the whites.

I’m no expert on eyes, but…

It’s likely… I’m going blind, aren’t I?

Bitterness. And a sense of loss wash over me.

-Snicker.

It’s funny how I pity myself.

It seems my time is almost up, and I’m getting sentimental.

“Your Highness, the Grand Duke. We have arrived at the campsite.”

“Very well. I shall be out shortly.”

***

A letter from him arrived.

It’s been almost a month since he left. And all the contact I’ve had is just one letter.

“How amusing, really.”

He may have left the imperial palace, but he governs in real-time.

But to not inquire about my well-being and to send a letter almost when it’s time to return?

His neglect towards me.

“Sigh. I don’t understand.”

-Swish!

So I open the letter and read it.

At first, it inquires about my well-being, but soon it gets straight to the point.

Really. You are ever so consistent.

The letter he sent recommends a person for the newly established position of Prime Minister, stating he has transferred the establishment and authority of the Prime Minister’s office and requests that I appoint the person he desires for the role.

I feel puzzled by its content.

“A recommendation for Prime Minister?”

The newly created position of Prime Minister is focused on foreign affairs.

With various kingdoms outside the empire currently hostile and keeping us in check, diplomatic acumen is essential, and the person must maintain neutrality between him and me.

Could such a person exist?

In the current empire, anyone fit to hold the significant position of Prime Minister is already aligned with either him or me.

Hence, the position of Prime Minister remains vacant.

That’s why I’m curious about who he will bring in.

“Hmm… Who could it be?”

If he speaks so highly of them, they must be quite capable.

His judgment of people is precise, after all.

But I can’t guess who it might be.

Even if he were a being descended from the heavens, I would believe it, for he is always shrouded in mystery, which I do not fancy.

Always hiding something from me implies that he does not trust me enough.

“You really are a person wrapped in secrets.”

As soon as I enter Rome, I head straight to my office.

-Creak!

After a long absence, I open the door to my office and find Karl almost lying on the sofa.

“Karl, it’s been a while. How far along are the preparations?”

Karl straightens up at my words.

“I’ve already finished preparing with His Holiness the Pope. The soldiers from the Grand Duchy are due to arrive this evening.”

I nod at his words.

“The evidence?”

“We’ve already collected it on video.”

Currently, my justification for the dissolution of the Papacy hinges on insults and slander against me, and threats to the order of the Empire.

While the Pope himself does not slander me, it’s true that various bishops and priests within the Empire do.

I’ve gathered enough evidence on that part.

“Good to hear. Are the infiltration and stand-in preparations for the Papacy and the Order of Holy Knights complete?”

Karl nods at my question.

“So, there would be no issue if we proceed right now?”

“Yes, all preparations are complete.”

I nod at Karl’s words.

“I’ll go and meet the Pope then. Tell Agrippa I’ll see him shortly after.”

As I say this and am about to leave the office.

“Huh? Where are you going?”

I run into Theodora.

“It’s been a while? I’m quite busy right now. Let’s talk later.”

The dissolution of the Papacy is set for tomorrow.

Worried whether the Pope has finished his preparations, I hurry out.

-Snap.

Theodora grabs my arm.

“Yikes! Where do you think you’re going right after arriving?”

“I have work to do. Can’t we talk about it later?”

I’m swamped with work. Why is she doing this again?

It’s been a while, and I’m glad to see you, but I’m in a hurry right now.

I’m anxious because I need to deal with the locusts before they affect my health.

“It’s been a while…”

“Sorry, I’m really in a rush right now. Can you let go?”

-Theodora shakes her head.

“Sigh… Okay, I get it. But what’s going on?”

Theodora frowns slightly, showing her displeasure at my words.

“Does a wife need a reason to see her husband after a long time? And what’s that in your eye? Doesn’t it hurt?”

“It’s not that…”

Given the situation, I feel I need to escape her grasp quickly.

It’s not often this happens.

I can feel the guards and public officials from the Grand Duke’s office glancing at us from the corner of their eyes.

In times like these…

I grab Theodora’s wrist and pull.

“Huh?”

-Smack!

As I kiss her cheek…

“Ugh!”

Theodora is flustered, her face turning red as she touches the cheek I kissed.

“What… What are you doing?”

Taking advantage of Theodora’s momentary distraction, I make my escape and say,

“See you later! Theodora.”

And with that, I head for the carriage.

Upon arriving in Roman, there’s no time even to eat.

If the Grand Duchy’s soldiers enter Roman today, they could dismantle the Papacy at any time.

I must check if everything is ready before then.

With that thought, I arrive at the Papal carriage depot.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

Sena and the Pope greet me warmly.

“Have you been well?”

As I greet the two, Sena nods her head.

“Your Grace, the Archduke. But your eyes…”

I wave my hand and interrupt her concern.

“I’ve been ill recently, that’s all. But that’s not what’s important right now. His Holiness the Pope…”

“Let’s look at your eyes first.”

I try to continue, but Sena cuts me off firmly.

No… It’s not the eyes that are important right now, is it?

“That… I’ll get it checked later. For now, is everything ready…”

“Everything is ready, so let’s check your eyes first.”

“Yes…”

Gone is her usual gentle demeanor, replaced by the fierce look in Sena’s eyes.

A saint harboring such ferocity? What a tragic sight.

Even in the original work, she was gentle and kind, which makes this all the more disconcerting.

And what’s even more absurd is the Pope’s subtle turn of the head, isn’t it?

As if he’s choosing to ignore what he’s seen.

“Now, open your eyes.”

Sena brings over the medical equipment and examines my eyes.

“Fortunately, it seems only a blood vessel has burst.”

After a thorough examination, we could finally get to the main point.