The Emperor's Laughter

"Puhahaha!!!"

The emperor's booming laughter silenced the chaos that had erupted in the ballroom. Lycan Solar Sunrise, the emperor of the Sunrise Empire, was known for his perpetually dour and gloomy expression—it had become his very identity. So when he burst into laughter like this, it was more than enough to shut everyone up.

"Hahaha... What a riot...!"

After laughing alone in the thick silence for what felt like ages, he wiped the tears from his eyes and fixed his gaze on me.

"You... Can you take responsibility for those words?"

"...Who knows."

I replied nonchalantly. To any ordinary emperor, it would have been an insolent, irreverent response worthy of reprimand. But to the Lycan emperor before me, it was the perfect answer.

"Pfft... Puhuhu..."

Sure enough, he broke into laughter again at my words, chuckling to himself once more in the heavy silence.

"Young Duke Frey, I have no idea what you're thinking..."

As I watched him, relieved that things were proceeding according to plan, the empress suddenly rushed to my side and began whispering urgently.

"...Very well! Then we'll discuss your proposal with the empress!"

But the emperor stood with a hearty grin, and the empress ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠scowled deeply before hurrying after him.

"You, this matter right now..."

"Come on, it's been ages since something this fun came along. What's the harm?"

The emperor headed to the prepared council chamber with a cheerful expression, while the empress gnashed her teeth, shot me a venomous glare, and followed behind.

'Success.'

From the looks of it, my plan had worked. I wasn't particularly surprised, though—I'd been almost certain it would succeed.

In the Sunrise Empire, where the emperor held absolute power, the empress wielded influence because of his apathy syndrome. It had branded him as the epitome of incompetence, allowing her to seize control in his stead.

That's why he was obsessed with thrilling, stimulating events like this. I could easily predict he'd dive right in to shake off his lethargy after so long without excitement.

Of course, not just anyone could pull this off. Once it was over, he'd sink back into apathy. Then the empress, crown prince, and princesses would step in personally—and in the empire, the only one who could counter their influence was me, the Starlight Duke's eldest son and acting head.

In other words, this operation was a strategy only I could employ.

I'd accounted for the risk of displeasing the emperor or the empress sabotaging things, which was why I'd brought up the "Oath." Right now, she and her children were probably tearing their hair out.

"Shall we depart?"

"...Hm?"

As I smirked in satisfaction, a waiting attendant approached to escort me.

"We were instructed to guide the fiancé of the Third Princess to a private room for your intimate time alone once her fiancé is decided. Given the circumstances, it seems you should go, Young Duke Frey."

"...I see."

I nodded and descended the dais, leaving Clana—who had been staring at me blankly—behind as I followed the attendant.

""........""

As soon as I stepped down, countless gazes poured onto me. Envious glares, jealous stares, shocked or astonished looks, greedy or opportunistic eyes, or just dismissive ones treating me like some spoiled brat.

A flood of stares, but they didn't burden or suffocate me. I'd been receiving looks like these my whole life.

"...You."

As I pushed through the crowd toward the prepared room, someone blocked my path.

".....!"

When I saw who it was, my calm facade crumbled into genuine fluster.

"What... What is the meaning of this?"

It was Serena Luna Moonlight—my fiancée, the biggest obstacle to my future plans, the one who never gave up on me until the very last moment in the previous loop. The last person I wanted to run into right now. She stood there, blocking me with a cold expression.

"Another one of your pointless pranks? I already saw through the fact that you're not really cheating."

"...What?"

Something was off. I'd expected probing questions to test if I remembered the previous loop, or maybe even a death threat... but she was spouting lines I'd heard plenty back in the day.

"Even if... from your expressions and behavior, it felt a little real—no, very real—it has to be acting, right? You've gotten quite good at it from all the practice, haven't you?"

"What are you..."

"So stop it. Drop this farce and... let's go to that famous spot I looked up..."

"Hands off."

As she reached out with trembling hands, an old habit from how I'd treated her back then slipped out unbidden.

"Yes."

Her pupils suddenly dilated, and she obediently withdrew her hand with a compliant expression.

".....?"

Puzzled by her reaction, I watched as her pupils returned to normal and she continued.

"...Let's go to that spot and talk calmly. What exactly are you dissatisfied with? Why are you acting like this..."

"Quiet."

To test, I gave another command. Her pupils dilated again, and she clamped her mouth shut.

"...Keep your mouth shut and step aside."

Not believing it, I issued a detailed order. Serena's mouth parted slightly, and she began walking away somewhere.

Something clicked, so I activated my Information Search skill. The results were shocking.

'Absolute Obedience Magic?'

I'd expected the "Family Subjugation" curse binding her—it had tormented her terribly while dealing with me in the previous loop.

Her disposition as a "Schemer" perfectly captured her nature. It would be weirder if the tactical genius who held off the Demon King's forces for years with sickly soldiers didn't have that title.

Her goodness value at exactly zero—neutral, capable of angelic kindness or demonic cruelty depending on the situation—was also as expected.

'But... why the Absolute Obedience Magic?'

It was a top-tier spell designed to force nominal loyalty to one target, compelling absolute, unquestioning obedience to their commands.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Why was she under it, with me as the loyalty target?

"Young Duke Frey? We should head there soon."

The attendant prodded me from my daze.

"Ah, sorry. Let's go."

I snapped back and headed to the prepared room with the attendant, still quietly mulling over Serena.

'Serena... don't tell me...'

Of course, even en route, my thoughts circled back to her again and again.

"...What is this place?"

I couldn't help but be flustered upon arriving.

"A space prepared solely for you and the Third Princess."

"This is insane."

The room was drenched in pink, adorned with cutesy heart decorations everywhere, exuding an embarrassingly lovey-dovey vibe.

"Who the hell designed this madhouse?"

"The empress, sir."

"On second thought, it's cute and pretty. Perfectly romantic for newlyweds."

I quickly backpedaled to avoid any slip-ups, sat at the small round table piled with cookies and desserts, and started munching.

"...Did the empress prepare these too?"

"Every snack here was personally selected by the empress."

Spoiled on sweets by Serena in childhood—she'd fed me so many my teeth nearly rotted—I grudgingly admitted the empress had decent taste as I ate, then asked the attendant.

"So, when's Clana coming?"

"She should be here any moment..."

- Creeeak...

I shot the trailing attendant a glare and reached for a cocktail nearby when the door quietly opened.

"...Everyone else, out."

Clana entered and spoke in a cold voice. The attendant and maids by my side glanced at me.

"Out."

Only then did they hurriedly leave.

"...Tch."

Clana watched irritably, then glared at me murderously.

"You... What are your intentions...?"

"Sit."

I cut her off coldly, swirling my cocktail.

"Pardon?"

"I said sit."

I pointed pityingly at the seat across from me. After trembling briefly, she slowly walked over and sat.

"...What exactly are your intentions?"

She glared fiercely again once seated. Ignoring her, I sipped my cocktail.

"Answer me, Frey! What is the meaning of...?"

"Fix that attitude first."

"What?"

"If you want to become my bride and cling to me, drop that arrogant demeanor."

She twisted her lips and spat angrily.

"Do you think... I'd ever cling to you?"

"Once we're married, you'll have to, like it or not."

"Hah, that will never happen. So..."

- BAM!!

"Eek!"

I slammed the table; she flinched silent. Sneering, I continued.

"Can't grasp the situation? You have no choice."

"........"

"Reject my proposal, and you'll end up locked in some monastery or tower. You know that, right?"

As I spoke knowingly, she clenched her jaw silently. I drove the nail in.

"Or if you hate me that much, options like bald, pot-bellied old perverts who obsess over women despite their ugliness... or outright sex offenders. What do you think?"

"Ugh... uuu..."

"Better me, someone you at least knew from childhood, right?"

I gently took her trembling hand.

"Right, Clana?"

I squeezed; she squeezed her eyes shut and enveloped her hand in solar mana.

"...Urk."

Smoke rose; my hand burned deeply. Staring at the mangled mess, I stood abruptly toward her—but...

"Greetings."

The crown prince and First Princess burst in; I halted and sat back down.

"...To what do I owe the visit?"

"We have confidential matters to discuss."

I eyed them warily; the First Princess stepped forward.

"Clana? Out."

She gestured murderously at Clana, who bowed her head and left the room.

"Didn't peg you for it, but you have unique tastes, Young Duke Frey?"

They sat in ornate chairs brought by attendants. Moments later, the First Princess crossed her legs with an intrigued smile.

"I don't discriminate much. You know that."

As the duke's heir, I'd some familiarity with her; I smiled back.

"Don't choke on it."

"I'll chew thoroughly."

"Hmm..."

She tested me briefly, tapping the table, then rested her chin seriously.

"So, what's your goal?"

"Simple. I want Clana."

"Why?"

I downed my cocktail, eyes sly.

"...I want to break her."

I sipped again, watching their faces. They smiled at my words.

"Hmm... Guess we don't need bribes then?"

As I finished, the First Princess spoke excitedly, gesturing to an attendant.

One arrived with an antique bottle.

"Western Continent wine. Aged about 130 years."

She smiled; the attendant poured into my empty glass.

"...Pour me one too."

The notoriously boozy crown prince requested the same; we toasted.

"Yes, a thought I've had since childhood. That arrogant personality... I want to crush it."

"...Perverted taste, but just what we need now."

As we drank and he got tipsy, I feigned drunken honesty.

"Play with her plenty, break her until her spirit shatters... then discard her. Can't keep a defective product forever."

"...She's royalty, but you hold nothing back."

"No need between insiders."

He frowned slightly; I leaned back smirking.

"Tiring calling her Third Princess when she barely qualifies as royalty, isn't it?"

He smiled slyly over his glass.

"We get along well."

"I think so too."

We emptied our glasses in toast; the First Princess interjected.

"But... what about your fiancée, Serena?"

I paused, gazing at the rising moon calmly.

"Toss her aside, pick her up later."

"Pfft!"

The prince burst out laughing; the princess looked pleased.

"Confident?"

"Frankly, no offense to the empress, but her picks were all mediocrities. Better a specialist like me."

"Perfect."

As I catered to them, an attendant entered with a scroll.

"...The discussion results."

The prince and princess took deep breaths; I sipped wine attentively.

The prince, princess, and I all scowled at the attendant's reading.

I sighed deeply at "Serena's" mention.

The attendant cleared his throat for the final part.

"This decree takes effect immediately under the supreme authority of Emperor Lycan Solar Sunrise of the Sunrise Empire."

Silence stretched.

"Well, I got the fiancé's privileges... We can do what we all want."

I consoled their grim faces; they forced smiles, nodded, and rose.

"Guess we'll head out."

"Looking forward to working with you, Young Duke Frey. Rewards and support—monetary or otherwise—will continue."

They headed out; I watched, then spoke.

"One moment! You gave such fine wine... I should reciprocate. No gift on hand, so advice for the prince!"

He paused; I smiled and tapped my brooch.

The prince's face soured as Isabel's insults poured from my brooch—his fiancée's words mocking him.

By the time he trembled in rage, I smiled quietly.

"...Marry the wrong wife, and you'll suffer forever."

He ground his teeth lowly.

"...Thanks for the advice."

He left with the frozen princess.

"...Is the rest of the wine mine?"

Alone, I poured another glass, smiling faintly.

"...Actually, this works out better."

Serena's interference was unexpected, but it protected Clana from engagement threats for a year. With leverage over her, the prince and princess would stay on my good side—like the hot-headed prince thanking me despite his fury.

Now, just handle Serena...

"You're the ugliest person I've ever known."

Clana burst in, tears brimming.

"You won't remember this. Of course not—the man who forgot our childhood promise wouldn't."

I sighed at her hate-filled contempt.

'She heard everything.'

I'd sensed faint solar mana beyond the door, guessing her presence. The inept prince and princess hadn't noticed.

"I half-hoped... just maybe this was you honoring that old promise. What a fool I was."

"...What are you talking about."

- Crash!!

As I feigned confusion, she blasted golden mana into my glass, shattering it. Wine soaked my clothes. She sneered coldly.

"Then try embracing me in a year."

She turned.

"...Not that you could."

She stormed out without looking back. I stared after her, then at the broken glass with a hollow expression.

"...Expensive wine."

Regretting the thousands-of-gold red liquid, I felt a tug on my arm and looked.

"Gugu!!"

A familiar white owl gripped my arm.

"...Sunset to moonlight."

Time to meet my fiancée.