The Weight of the Crown
"What happened to Princess Joy?" I asked, sitting on the sofa. I recalled that she had been kidnapped before I lost consciousness.
Agrippa nodded. "We rescued the Princess and captured the assassin. Under torture, he confessed that Yohanes was the mastermind, but we have no concrete evidence."
I nodded. That was a shame. If only they had left some proof, we could have finished him off once and for all. No matter how powerful the leader of the Emperor Faction was, and regardless of his control over Egypt and Epirus... attempting to assassinate the Empress was a capital crime of such magnitude that countless nobles and cities would have risen in outrage. With evidence, we could have easily dismantled the Emperor Faction.
But then, he's no fool. It would be ridiculous to expect someone plotting an imperial assassination to leave a paper trail.
"Right... I figured as much. Anything else?" I asked. There had to be, which was why Agrippa had subtly signaled for Theodora to leave.
Agrippa's expression turned slightly troubled. "MP Alexander has been making some rather unreasonable demands."
"Unreasonable demands? That old man?" I mused. Given how calculating he was, it seemed highly uncharacteristic of him to demand something impossible. "Are you sure? He's far too sharp to make demands he knows can't be met."
Agrippa carefully explained the details of the situation.
I let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, is that all? And here I was, actually worried."
I had thought they were demanding something truly absurd. In reality, they were likely just trying to distance themselves from the crime. Then, seeing Agrippa's fury, Alexander must have decided to press harder, hoping to shake him and squeeze out some concessions.
The old man hadn't become the Vice Speaker of the Imperial Assembly for nothing. He had climbed to that position through sheer competence.
A smile tugged at my lips as a memory surfaced. Ah, this is just like before.
It reminded me of my very first negotiation with Alexander, right after I killed Valorang. Back then, he had underestimated me, trying to rattle me with outrageous demands. But once he realized that pushing too hard would lead to mutual destruction, he quickly backed down.
It was a classic intimidation tactic to gain the upper hand. When confronted with sound logic, he would slickly obscure his own weaknesses like a sly old snake while aggressively pushing his own agenda.
He was remarkably sharp and highly capable.
Since my power base was centered around the Grand Duchy, we completely dominated in terms of military might. We had a formidable army and brilliant commanders. But in other areas... honestly, we were severely lacking.
While I understood the basics of politics, diplomacy, and law, my knowledge was purely rudimentary. Even Agrippa, who was well-versed in administration, politics, and diplomacy, lacked the seasoned finesse to wield those tools to their fullest potential. To put it simply, it was a massive gap in experience.
Which was why, to be frank, I coveted someone like Alexander.
We had Victor currently serving as the Minister of the Grand Duke's Office, but in my personal opinion, he was no match for Alexander's sheer political cunning.
"But he actually tried to win you over?"
Agrippa grimaced, clearly displeased. "Yes, Your Grace."
Alexander certainly had the foresight to quickly spot the gaps in our faction and try to recruit Agrippa. Unfortunately for him, Agrippa was a man of unwavering loyalty and integrity.
Too bad for you, Alexander.
Still, I really wanted him. I had heard his son was also exceptionally bright. If I ever managed to conquer the Nicaea Kingdom, I would love nothing more than to keep them by my side for generations as my slaves... ahem, my loyal subjects.
With Agrippa leading the military, me managing domestic affairs, and Alexander handling diplomacy... Ah! Just imagining it makes me hear the sweet sound of the Empire growing richer and stronger.
It might be impossible right now, but it felt entirely feasible in the future.
"Thank you," I said, expressing my gratitude.
Agrippa waved his hand dismissively. "Please, Your Grace. You have bestowed such immense grace upon me. How could I ever dream of betraying you?"
A gentle smile spread across my face. "I appreciate you saying that. But first, let's put out the immediate fire. Agrippa, tell Alexander I want to see him."
Agrippa looked at me with concern. "But... I heard you only just woke up. Are you sure you're up for this?"
I nodded reassuringly. "Of course I am. Besides, since Alexander gave you such a headache, why don't I return the favor?"
Alexander had been in a splendid mood lately.
Although the assassination had failed, the Grand Duchy's temporary regent was so clumsy at diplomacy and negotiation that a little more pressure would easily yield some minor benefits for his home country.
Even if they officially announce Princess Joy's marriage, it doesn't mean much.
It was a secret treaty signed between the Emperor Faction and the Anti-Emperor Faction anyway. Unless the Anti-Emperor Faction wanted to ruin their own credibility, they would honor it. Despite their long history of hostility, both sides had always kept their agreements, no matter the cost.
Knock, knock.
"Sir, a messenger from the Imperial Palace has arrived. General Agrippa has invited you."
This was unexpected. The very man who should be desperately trying to avoid him was now calling for him.
"Tsk. It seems the Grand Duke has awakened."
Deviang. Though young, he was incredibly shrewd, knowing exactly when to be ruthless and when to be moderate. During negotiations, he never fell into traps, always maintaining a faint, chilling smile. His true intentions were impossible to read, and he was not easily shaken.
Alexander knew that engaging in a diplomatic battle with such a man was no easy task.
Furthermore, their demands had undoubtedly been reported to Deviang through Agrippa. This meant Deviang had already had time to prepare. He wouldn't be an easy target like Agrippa.
Well, we've achieved our primary goal, so I should be satisfied with that.
Alexander, who had never actually expected them to hand over Princess Joy in the first place, let go of any lingering regrets and stood up.
"I will be right out."
Slipping on his overcoat, Alexander left his office and boarded the imperial carriage.
After confirming that Deviang had awakened, I gave Agrippa a subtle look to let them speak in private and headed to the Grand Duke's Office.
"Your Imperial Majesty."
Lucius and Müller greeted me with pale, exhausted faces.
"You've returned? We have a mountain of documents awaiting your approval. Please, we need them processed quickly."
"Your Majesty! The Ministry of Finance has requested immediate approval on this matter. If it isn't signed by tomorrow, the financial losses will be catastrophic!"
A headache began to throb behind my temples. How on earth did Deviang live like this every single day?
"Very well."
I sat in Deviang's chair and began reviewing the documents. Looking at the endless sea of numbers and text made my head spin. On top of that, I had to verify if the calculations were correct.
Ugh... Deviang used to just skim through these and point out errors instantly.
I had been utterly astonished when I saw him performing mental addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on numbers exceeding ten thousand. But now, I was beginning to understand. If you did this every single day, you eventually learned to calculate with just a glance...
"Whew..."
The never-ending pile of work was suffocating.
"Y-Your Majesty, I am terribly sorry, but this is a death warrant issued by the court. The Ministry of Justice has requested that you review it by tomorrow so the execution can proceed next week."
Irritation flared within me, but I forced it down and spoke calmly. "Leave it there."
Documents were piled high on the corner of the desk. Was I just incompetent? Or was Deviang simply extraordinary?
When he was actively working, the paperwork had never accumulated to this extent. I knew Agrippa handled some of the approvals, but seeing the pile grow larger with each passing day filled me with dread. I even began to fear that the entire Empire might grind to a halt.
Honestly, Deviang is far better suited to be the Emperor than I am.
A self-deprecating chuckle escaped my lips.
Instead of exhausting myself with these agonizing headaches every day, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to leave everything to the highly capable Deviang, raise our children, and live a peaceful life.
After all, he was far more competent than I was. It would benefit the Empire, and I would finally be free from being buried alive under paperwork. It really didn't sound like a bad idea.
Ever since I was a child, watching my parents' harmonious relationship, I had dreamed of having a beautiful love of my own. I recalled wanting to wisely support my husband, just as my mother had done, and to be a good mother to my children.
Well, I can think about that slowly once we deal with the assassins.
I sat back down, picking up document after document, reviewing and signing them in a repetitive cycle.
"Deviang is awake today... Perhaps I should call it a day."
"What? Theodora nursed me every day?"
I asked again, utterly creeped out by the notion. Agrippa nodded.
"Yes. Her Imperial Majesty personally tended to you, Your Grace."
"That... that's impossible. That power-hungry woman?"
No, there had to be some sort of scheme. Or did she realize her political foundation would crumble if I died, and decided to protect me? Or was the nursing just a cover... and she was actually trying to kill me?
No... considering she cried when I woke up, maybe that's not it.
"You are being too harsh, Your Grace. She cared for you with utmost devotion," Agrippa chided.
Hearing his rebuke, I wondered if I was being too cynical, but the image of the tyrant Theodora from my dreams refused to leave my mind.
"You are a very fortunate man, Your Grace. Even if it was a political marriage, the Empress's devotion is a great blessing for both the Empire and your house."
"Is... is that so?"
Just then, a transparent crystal orb caught my eye.
"Oh? The Light Orb is intact?"
I was surprised to see the Light Orb I had hurled at the assassin completely undamaged.
"Yes. Fortunately, it didn't break."
I felt a small wave of relief.
Knock, knock.
"Who is it?" I called out.
A man's voice answered from beyond the door.
"MP Alexander has arrived, Your Grace."
Agrippa and I locked eyes.
"Let him in."