Chapter 106

Chapter 106

“Are there not Gemina people who follow Your Highness? That’s the power you have.”

“I don’t want to sacrifice the people.”

Duke Otien’s eyebrows furrowed at the resolute refusal.

“It will be painful for a while though they will not lose their lives. I guarantee it.”

…Could he save their life? Was that what Duke Otien meant?

“It’s hard to decide. Even a perfect plan has variables.”

When he showed hesitation, Duke Otien loosened his legs and leaned forward.

“Just think about what Gemina will get.”

He whispered, tempting like a demon.

“Did you say that you would let me go back to my country?”

“I will release all the Gemina people currently held captive.”

“People’s lives are at stake. How can you move people to that extent?”

Duke Otien’s eyebrows narrowed slightly but quickly relaxed.

“Anything else you want?”

“Complete independence of the Kingdom of Gemina.”

“That.”

The Duke looked puzzled.

‘He’s too greedy. I thought I could coax him a little bit…’

Although the Emperor was accused of waging a useless war, the vassal state itself benefited the empire in many ways. In addition, there were many mines in the Kingdom of Hemina, and the treasures of the kingdom were also worth a lot.

Whether they set up a puppet emperor or whether he became emperor himself, it didn’t matter. Either way, Duke Otien would enjoy all the benefits.

‘…I can’t afford to give up a place like that.’

He was trying to win favor by sending the Crown Prince back.

“Are you having a hard time?”

Judging by the expression on the Crown Prince’s face, it seemed that he could not move his heart unless the kingdom became independent.

He couldn’t give up a useful hand like this.

‘It’s not that hard to say something nice to hear.’

After the Emperor changed, it would be fine to come up with another excuse. What could he do about a vassal state? Or it would be okay if he just took care of it after everything was done?

“No. If the Emperor is dethroned, I promise you independence.”

“Are you really giving me your word?”

At those words, Seian asked back with a surprised face, not knowing the Duke’s twisted inside.

“You believe in me and make difficult decisions. Shouldn’t I repay that trust?”

“Then, please promise me in writing.”

“It’s better not to leave anything that could be evidence.”

Annoyance crossed Duke Otien’s face for an instant at the words.

“…However, the distrust and hostility of the people toward the Empire are great.”

Seian expressed his embarrassment, saying that he had no choice but to persuade them.

“I understand. How can they not?”

Duke Otien pretended to be deeply troubled as he continued, “However, the security of the confirmation must be thoroughly maintained.”

“Of course. Aren’t we in the same boat now?”

Don’t worry, Seian smiled softly.

“Then, can you tell us your specific plan?”

“Please cause mayhem throughout the empire.”

Let the conflict between the Gemina people and the peoples of the Empire become visible. The next moment, Duke Otien’s deep blue eyes shimmered in time with the candlelight.

“Just make it big enough to think it’s a riot.”

“You’re thinking of using that to pressure the Emperor.”

“If public opinion worsens, the people of the Empire will pour out criticism on the Emperor. We should use that time to bring him down.”

“The Savior will try to protect the Emperor, is that okay?”

“Don’t worry about that. We have all the preparations.”

Duke Otien’s tone was soft, but he was firmly drawing a line as if telling Seian not to ask more.

“All right. I will trust you.”

“Then, I will send the confirmation through my subordinate. I am just glad to have a reliable collaborator.”

Finishing his words, the Duke asked Seian to shake hands first.

“I’m really grateful for this great opportunity.”

Seian looked at the Duke’s outstretched hand for a moment before taking it.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

Declan, who came out to see me off, held on with a worried look.

“Don’t worry too much because I’m not going to leave the capital, and the Kefiena and I are going together.”

A few days ago, a letter came from a temple in the ecliptic.

It was said that the number of visitors to the temple had increased significantly and asked for a visit. Since the power of the temple in the Burgundy Empire was the weakest on the continent, it seemed that they saw the fact that I became the fiancé of the Emperor as an opportunity.

“Why is the temple in such a hurry?”

Declan clicked his tongue as if he didn’t like it.

“I have to go because there are many patients coming. It’s not far, so I’ll be back soon.”

In fact, I even thought about postponing the visit to the temple.

However, it would be good for me to strengthen my position as a savior and the power of the temple. I thought it would be helpful in dealing with Duke Otien and those who are trying to keep me in check for the position of Empress.

“I have to come with you.”

“You have to deal with Duke Otien.”

Seeing that the nobles, including Duke Otien, asked for an audience made me wonder what they were up to.

“I would have ignored it in the past.”

Saying that, he carefully touched my face.

We didn’t know what scheme they were plotting, so we couldn’t rush out hastily. At the same time, concern was etched between his narrowed brows. As I raised my hand and touched it gently, the deep valleys between his eyebrows were instantly filled.

“I’m going with the guards, it won’t be a big deal.”

Declan let out a small sigh as he glanced at the twenty or so knights standing behind the carriage.

“If you hadn’t stopped me, I would have sent the entire Guard.”

If I took them all with me, the visitors to the temple would run away, so I stopped him.

“I’ll be back.”

Kissing him on the cheek, he then hugged me tightly.

“Go with caution.”

I waved his hand at him, who couldn’t let go of his worries until the end, and got on the carriage.

I heard Wenzel’s voice, who was in command of the guards today, and the carriage slowly began to move.

“His Majesty deserves to be worried. There was an assassination attempt some time ago.”

Stella, who was sitting across from me, spoke with a slightly firm expression.

“I heard that the Chancellor is as good as His Majesty.”

Her cheeks instantly turned red when she mentioned Mason with a slight smile.

“He asked me to take good care of the Savior.”

Mason’s restless gaze, hovering around Stella, was fixed exclusively on her. Still, she was so embarrassed that I pretended not to know. Perhaps, some good news would come soon as the anticipation for the two of them made me feel better.

After talking with Stella for a while, we arrived at the temple in no time.

The temple in the Capital could be said to be the largest temple representing the temples in the empire.

“Welcome. I was waiting.”

When I got off of the carriage, the priests were there to meet me.

“It is an honor to have you visit our temple. Cardinal Apence.”

The one standing in front of all the people came over and bowed his head respectfully. Appearing middle-aged, he had a mild impression.

“Nice to meet you. I am Erica Ruhandel.”

“You must be busy, but thank you for listening to us.”

“It’s a natural duty as a savior.”

“I can’t believe I can see the Savior in person. I have no regrets even if I close my eyes here.”

It was burdensome every time I met his eyes wet with emotion as if he had met God.

“…When will I get used to it?”

I sighed inwardly as I glanced at the priests who were looking the same as the cardinal.

“There will be a lot of work to do in the future. Please help me a lot.”

“Following God’s will is our mission. Please just speak.”

As the cardinal bowed his head, the priests standing behind him followed suit.

“Let’s look at the patients first, shall we?”

Following the cardinal’s guidance, we entered the temple, and there was a long line.

“Since it was known that the divine power has returned, people have been coming every day.”

Seeing more people than I thought made my shoulders feel heavier.

“Everyone, today the Savior will take care of you.”

Hearing the word savior, people’s attention was immediately drawn to me.

“…Really, really the Savior?”

“Oh, my God.”

“To be able to see the savior while still alive…”

At first, people who were startled and bewildered soon burst into tears before they all immediately knelt down on me.

“Get up.”

Most of the people who came to this place were sick, so I quickly raised them up.

Then, I sat down in the prepared seat and began to look at the patients. Meanwhile, priests looked at the severity of symptoms and classified patients so that those in critical or severe conditions could be treated first.

“Thank you.”

Those who were cured with divine power shed tears while holding my hand tightly. The warmth that was transmitted through the hands that were holding mine made my heart teary.

In the meanwhile, Stella watched over me tirelessly and listened to people’s stories. Her kindness brought smiles to people’s faces.

Even though I went out early in the morning, I was able to finish my treatment only when the sun went down.

“You have worked hard.”

“You are having a lot more trouble than me, to watch over and treat people every day.”

“How grateful I am to be able to treat the sick.”

The cardinal added that he was always heartbroken because there was not much he could do for them.

“I’ll visit you often.”

That was how I left the temple while being sent off by priests, including the cardinal.

“Are you tired?”

“Stella is tired, too?”

With my question, Stella smiled lightly and shook her head.

“I was happy that I could be of help to someone, so it wasn’t hard at all.”

The glowing gold eyes of her vividly expressed how excited she was. Seeing that, I held her hand gently as she held mine tight as well.

“It’s nice to be able to be with Stella like this. Please help me a lot in the future.”

“Of course not. It feels like a dream to be able to do something worthwhile for the Savior.”

As we looked at each other and smiled happily, a loud noise suddenly sounded.

Kwang!

“Protect the carriage!”

Along with the smoky smell, Wenzel’s urgent voice was heard.

“Stella. Come here.”

As I reflexively held Stella’s hand tight and tensed, I watched the door as she, too, pressed close to me.

Kwang! Kwang!

However, we couldn’t be together anymore as I heard a series of deafening roars.

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