I Became the Master of the Empress

241 – 245

On the eve of the annulment of the marriage.

I summoned Karl to the Grand Duke’s office.

“Did you call for me?”

“Ah, you’ve arrived?”

I offer Karl a seat on the sofa.

“Take a seat, there’s something important to discuss.”

Karl sits down with a stern expression.

“What’s the matter?”

Since the time of Balorang’s extermination, Karl has been following my orders for quite some time.

Valuing his abilities, I appointed him as the Minister of Intelligence.

Remaining directly under me, he’s not on good terms with Theodora and the other departments.

That’s why I called him before leaving, to give him a choice.

If he wishes to leave with me, he’ll have the opportunity, and if he wants to stay here, he’ll have the choice to remain.

It’s unlikely that Theodora would purge him even if he stays.

After all, he has the absolute support of the intelligence department, and he’s the one advancing it day by day.

Purging Karl would only lead to chaos within the department and create a void.

So, Karl has no significant issues staying here.

I say this, looking at Karl with a serious expression.

“How do you find the position of Minister of Intelligence? Have you gotten used to it?”

When I casually inquired about his current work, Karl scratched the back of his head.

“I can finally breathe now. Do you know how tough it’s been this past month?”

I recently signed off on an emergency budget for the hardworking intelligence department, granting them a hefty bonus and investment funds.

I would have put it on hold under normal circumstances, but I know how hard they’ve worked.

“Yeah…”

With that, I gaze momentarily at the tea table.

Would Karl get angry if he found out about my annulment? Or would he think of revenge?

I’m not sure myself.

But… I hope Karl will follow me.

I don’t want him to die because of the empire’s backlash or his own greed.

“Karl… listen. I’m going to leave this place soon.”

Karl’s eyebrows furrow.

“That’s why I want to give you a choice. Stay here as the Minister of Intelligence or come with me. Of course, I’ll ensure you’re well-compensated.”

I’ve recently looked into a residence in the New Continent through my maternal uncle.

He said he’d gift me a large territory there, so I’m considering taking up that offer.

“It’s all so sudden. Can I even survive here if I stay?”

Karl looks full of discontent.

To him, I say,

“Will you come with me?”

The truth is, I hope Karl will join me in the New Continent.

If I were to say why…

It’s not just because Karl has loyalty, but also strong ambition.

If someone above him makes a mistake, he has the courage to push them aside and take their place.

That’s why, out of my own desire, I want to take him to the New Continent.

“I refuse. To leave Roman and live out my life?”

I guess it’s time to throw in a fake.

At Karl’s words, I smile bitterly.

“If you stay, you won’t survive against Theodora. Maybe even your family won’t.”

Theodora and her vassals will probably spare Karl’s life.

He’s quite capable, but also very greedy.

For now, he’s in good health, and he’s lining up to me, wielding enormous influence over the empire.

But I plan to take Karl away to prevent future repercussions.

“You won’t be able to kill me.”

There’s certainty in his eyes. Darn… my bluff has been called.

“Fine. We have plenty of time ahead. Just so you know.”

I’ll declare it null and void tomorrow, and I’m scheduled to undergo surgery by Sena, but by bluffing like this, I make Karl worry so he won’t cling to Theodora.

Hmm… Perfect.

And well, I guess I have to leave Karl behind.

It’s bitter to part ways with him like this, but I can’t force him to come if he doesn’t want to.

After the surgery, I and the troops selected in the first round will take a ship to the Grand Duchy.

And when the Golden Knights arrive in Roman…

The rest of the soldiers will also retreat to the Grand Duchy.

“Let’s think it over first.”

“Right. Good work today.”

And with that, Karl withdrew.

***

Now, of all times… I resent Deviang for saying such things now.

Didn’t he promise wealth and glory if I followed him?

When he tried to kill Balor. Did he forget that I helped him?

I stepped in to manage his secret accounts and trade on his behalf, and I set up the intelligence service for him.

But now he says…

‘Follow me or die?’

And to deliberately bring it up today is no different from Deviang’s cunning scheme.

‘I was foolish to serve you as my lord.’

Clearly, Karl has the second-largest say in Deviang’s power after Agrippa.

Karl was satisfied with the current situation, but…

Now he realizes. He and Agrippa are worlds apart.

That’s why Karl will definitely carry out the coup today.

If Deviang stays here, I will not die.

Regardless, if Devian seeks the cooperation of the intelligence department, they will need me.

Even if Devian stays with the Grand Duke and governs the Grand Duchy, my direct superior is the Prime Minister.

Meaning, I have nothing to fear from Devian.

And I can simply serve the Emperor, not the powerless Devian.

‘Even if the Emperor loves the Grand Duke, he will not forget my loyalty.’

***

A late night.

A man watches the Grand Duchy’s windows from a third-floor inn room outside the imperial palace.

He frowns and presses a button on his sleeve.

“Damn it…, the target at headquarters isn’t sleeping. I repeat, the target isn’t sleeping.”

-Ssshh. We’ll use the maids. Keep watching.

***

-Knock knock.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Melania. It seemed like you were still awake, so I’ve brought some coffee and a late-night snack.”

“Huh?”

Don’t they usually bring it only when asked?

There have been times when I’ve received something to eat through the maids after working late into the night.

This is strange, isn’t it?

“Come in.”

Melania is the night-shift maid of the Grand Duchy.

I ask her with a puzzled look.

“I didn’t order a late-night snack, did I?”

Melania looks perplexed.

“What? But I received a call from the duty room earlier saying you wanted something.”

“Huh?”

Judging by her expression, she doesn’t seem to be lying.

But I truly didn’t give such an order.

Because… I had finished all my work today and planned to go to bed early.

“Well, it’s fine. I was feeling a bit peckish anyway.”

“Leave it on the tea table.”

With that, Melania leaves the food behind.

Hmm… Could it be poison?

A suspicious thought crosses my mind, and I pull out a needle from my pocket.

It’s a needle that can detect various types of poison, from those lethal to humans to the more benign ones.

Though not as sophisticated as Mary’s maids, it’s a handy tool I’ve carried since I was trapped in the tower—a lifeline of sorts.

It’s been a while since I’ve used it, but I can’t just eat this dubious food.

I deeply stab the bread with the needle.

Pulling it out, I observe for any change in color, but there’s none.

It seems there’s no poison.

“What’s this? Was it a misconception?”

I gaze intently at the food.

Clearly, there’s no poison…

But I’m still uneasy about eating it rashly.

“Hmm…”

I glare at the food, but it’s not like it will confess to containing poison.

I guess I’ll just go to bed early today.

After all, except for urgent matters, everything has been put on hold for the handover.

“Yawn! Time to sleep soon.”

I can’t remember the last time I went to bed this early.

For the handover, I’ve sorted through the documents, separating the urgent approvals from the holds, and have quietly finished preparing for the transition.

Starting tomorrow, the formal handover begins, and my workload will lighten considerably.

Probably… it will all be over by tomorrow.

-Click, click.

I turn off the light ball and lie down on the sofa to sleep.

***

-The lights in the Grand Duke’s room are out.

As word spreads that he’s preparing for bed, everyone focuses.

“I inform all agents. In one hour… at 2:13 AM, we commence the operation. When the time comes, everyone moves according to their assigned orders.”

With his words finished, Karl places something made of brass on the floor.

“I will now make contact with His Majesty’s private troops.”

“Yes… It won’t be long now.”

Devian, you cannot escape.

I will make it so you can never run away again.

You will forever… forever be mine.

***

At 2:13 AM,

Karl hurriedly heads to the grand duke’s residence where the two generals are staying.

“What’s the matter?”

As the soldiers block Karl’s way, he speaks with urgency.

“It’s an urgent command from the Grand Duke! Wake up General Philip and General Martin at once.”

“Yes, sir!”

No sooner had the soldier entered than, five minutes later,

Philip in his pajamas and a bare-chested Martin emerged with anxious faces.

“Minister Karl! What’s happening?”

“An urgent command?! What on earth is going on?”

Karl, looking alarmed, shouts at them.

“Locusts have been spotted at the Tiber River! You two generals are ordered to quickly lead the troops and pursue them.”

As Karl finishes speaking, Philip and Martin’s eyes widen dramatically.

“What… What?!”

“Weren’t the locusts clearly burned and scattered over the Tiber River? How could they… resurrect so soon?”

Karl shakes his head.

“I’m not sure. I’ve sent an agent to seek assistance from the Vatican, so please head south of the Tiber River.”

Martin nods.

“Understood. I will immediately assemble the troops and head there. Where should I go?”

“There’s an agent of ours in the southern part of the Tiber River. You will surely meet them if you lead the troops there. Pursue the locusts together with that agent.”

Martin’s expression turns grave.

He nods firmly.

“Understood. I will hold the locusts off for as long as possible, but the paladins and priests must come without fail.”

“Do you have the orders?”

“Yes, here they are.”

The Intelligence Department is renowned for its forgery skills.

Especially the art of seal forgery, known to no one in the Grand Duchy except for Devian.

Thus, when Karl, who had prepared a forged order in advance, handed it over,

Philip carefully broke the seal and scrutinized it.

He examined the order closely, infusing mana to check for forgery, and spoke with a puzzled expression.

“This seems rather odd.”

‘Could it be that we’ve been caught?’