Emperor’s Decree, Trembling Beatrice

“Prince Rudolf, it doesn’t seem like you have been skipping out on your training.”

Inside the carriage, Marquis Fahlcrantz said that to me.

“Yes. As per your teachings, I have indeed continued to train everyday even while at the dorms but………you can really tell?”

“You seem to underestimate my abilities your highness. I, Douglas Fahlcrantz, have nothing when it comes to the art of war and martial arts that I do not know. And besides, your own physique and the way you carry yourself alone are enough for me to discern that much.”

As expected of Lord Fahlcrantz. He really could see through it all.

“Thanks to your training, now I have started to win against Liz once every three matches as well.”

“That much growth in just one year………kuku, I’m starting to get more and more excited to see just how much more you will grow in the future your highness.”

The Marquis looked at me with the same aquamarine eyes as his daughter, as he chuckled.

Speaking of which, and I know this kind of rude of me to say this but, the Marquis really does suck at laughing huh. If someone that didn’t know him saw this, they’d be more afraid than anything.

“Now then…………we have arrived.”

“yes.”

We got down the carriage, and the quickly made our way directly to the Emperor’s personal quarters.

On the way.

“Who is it………ah, Prince Rudolf. And Lord Fahlcrantz as well?”

Queen Alicia appeared with a stern expression, but her expression quickly turned gentle again upon seeing me.

I guess that’s just how much she trusts me these days. Honestly, I felt really happy seeing that.

I always tend to think this but, if only she was my mother instead……..

“Queen Alicia, apologies for showing up at such a late time. But the matter requires urgency, so I must ask to see the Emperor right away………”

“Urgent, you say……..”

Queen Alicia shot a quick glance towards me, questioningly.

“Lord Fahlcrantz, this situation is a matter of national security that could shake the whole Empire. I believe it would be better to have Queen Alicia, the custodian of the Imperial Palace, to attend this meeting as well.”

“I suppose you are correct. Queen Alicia, then may I ask you to accompany us? I will explain everything to both the Emperor and you at the same time.”

“V-very well.”

Having read the mood, Queen Alicia quickly nodded and followed after us.

And then.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

Marquis Fahlcrantz didn’t even wait for the Emperor’s reply before he opened the door and entered his room.

Inside, on the bed lay Beatrice complete naked, looking exhausted, as well as the Emperor, also naked, sat on a chair beside the bed.

“Lord Fahlcrantz, not only did you show up at such a late time, but to also barge into my room without waiting for reply, just what are you………..”

“…………My deepest apologies. However, this is an emergency that concerns the entire Empire itself, so you must pardon my lack of manners.”

His love making time with Beatrice so rudely interrupted and ruined, the Emperor was clearly displeased.

Following the Marquis, we also quickly knelt on one knee without saying anything but……..honestly, with the situation being what it was, I couldn’t help but feel angry at both the Emperor and Beatrice.

“So? What is this so urgent reason that you deemed it necessary to barge into my room?”

“Sir. We have discovered a conspiracy that may involve the Svalier household trafficking prohibited drugs into our lands with the help of the Rujia Empire.”

“!?!”

The person that showed the most shocked reaction to that news was neither the Emperor nor Queen Alicia, but instead, Beatrice, who was still sprawled on the bed. And I definitely didn’t miss that.

“Hoh? Joran is……..but, he too is an Imperial. I can’t fathom why he would partake in such………”

“However, it is a fact. Please, take a look at this.”

The Marquis brought out the small bottle of Apium and showed it to the Emperor.

“This is?”

“The drug itself, Apium. We found it in the Svalier townhouse in the capital. And on top of that, their mansion is entirely uninhabited as well.”

“Wait a minute. What do you mean by [uninhabited]?”

“I don’t know either. However, when my personal maid went there, it was completely vacant, not a human in sight.”

I answered Queen Alicia’s question in between.

Because Maya’s master right now is myself, not Lord Fahlcrantz technically.

“Considering the situation, Lord Svalier must have already returned to his territory, and worst case, might even be preparing to launch a coup against the Empire with the help of the Rujia Empire.”

“Hrmm………….”

Finally, at this point, even the Emepror understood the situation as he frowned and stared towards the ceiling.

We needed to move fast or else, it really might turn into a disaster that may shake the entire Baldyk empire.

“Your highness, I implore you. Please give me the order to depart at once!”

“Wa-wait just a minute! We don’t know if His Excellency, LordSvalier has really started a rebellion or not!!”

Suddenly, Beatrice jumped out of the bed and interjected with a pale face.

Or rather, this is meeting concerning imperial matters, a mere concubine should have no right to interject in the middle.

Of course, Beatrice herself understood that as well.

That’s why, suddenly I was struck with a sense of unease upon seeing this woman’s strange reaction.

“Oh? Since when did you starting calling other nobles as his Excellency? How rare.”

“O-Of course I do! He too is an Imperial after all!!”

Upon Queen Alicia’s pointing it out, Beatrice quickly gave an excuse in a panic.

And also, if she really did care about Imperials so much, she wouldn’t be mocking Queen Alicia behind her back as much as I had seen her do.

As I thought, something’s really off here.

“………..Lord Fahlcrantz, quickly head to the Svalier territory and arrest Joran Von Svalier, immediately.”

“Yes You Highness! Please leave it to me!”

Having finally made his decision The Emperor gave his orders, and Lord Fahlcrantz replied while hitting his fist to his chest.

“Then, I shall take my leave!”

“Pardon the intrusion.”

The Marquis, and myself quickly moved to leave the room.

But.

“……………………………”

“……………………………”

Before I left, the image of Beatrice drained of all colour from her face, and her shoulders trembling, as well as that of the Emperor, who seemed to be grinning to himself, had been burned into my brain for good.

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