Imperial VII-4

"Why are you here?"

"How rude. This country is mine. I'm just taking a break from my duties."

The Empress Veronica Adams—herself.

"Now that you've returned, you've neglected to report anything, simply lounging about as if nothing happened, and now you're even thinking of leaving again. Truly, a mage of your stature. That's why I've come to hear your story, just for a little relaxation."

I'd completely forgotten. I probably should have submitted a progress report by now.

"The summary of the report took longer than expected... Noël, I'm sorry. Could you grab some blank sheets from my room?"

"Sure, but don't go fighting anything first."

Who was going to fight... Noël didn't look away as he stepped into the manor. A few minutes later, Noël emerged carrying a bundle of paper.

During this time, there was no conversation with the Empress. She sat on the chair placed outside, resting her elbows on the table.

To an outsider, she looked nothing like the ruler of this nation.

Taking the bundle of papers from Noël.

"Here it is, here it is. I've summarized the information so far, briefly."

Good. I had completely forgotten about the report, but the notes were carefully preserved after all.

She laid the rolled-up paper on the table.

The Empress untied the paper's seal and began reading the text.

So this person really is the one who’s actively calling it forth. Honestly, I thought the puppet king was just a figurehead, with actual governance handled by his noble advisors—so I’m truly surprised.

"Ah, a magic stone based on human essence... And you even know the anticipated method of production. Remarkable results indeed....Essentially as expected."

"! You already knew, then?"

I sit before the Empress.

I can't be sure if this action is right, but I couldn't help but press the Empress for more information.

"Then, you were aware that my published paper was being used?"

"I didn't know for certain. But I did suspect something like this. Are you angry?"

"…No. It's common to anticipate and act accordingly. More importantly, is the result sufficient?"

"Fufu, you jest. I wish to conduct further investigation—from the manufacturing process to the point of destruction."

A butler appears from nowhere, bringing tea. She sips the poured tea gracefully.

Though not much time has passed since she appeared, she now exudes a certain confidence.

Perhaps the war is rapidly shaping her into who she is meant to become.

"Maybe I'm imagining it, but it feels like the requests are increasing."

Reacting to my words, she looks toward the manor.

Of course, she knows who's inside the manor, and she understands the meaning behind this gaze.

"Having so much to protect must be quite burdensome."

"You're far beyond Veronica-sama, though."

Maintaining composure, I gaze steadily at the woman before me.

Upon hearing my words, Veronica puffed out her cheeks.

"I thought you might be a little more shaken, but I'd like you to return my sense of guilt."

"If you feel guilty enough to not do it in the first place……"

As I spoke, my hand instinctively brushed the sword at the knight's side, standing behind the Empress. There was no time for idle chatter.

"There's no time for relaxation; let us proceed with the formal discussion."

The Empress straightened her posture and adopted a serious expression.

"Destroy the newly developed magic stone created by the kingdom. Also, destroy the manufacturing facilities and capture the developers. As for the developers, their lives are not to be spared."

"An extremely difficult request. It won't be that simple."

"I'm not saying it'll be easy. I'll grant you a noble title. With your title, you can claim a territory of your own and gather people there. Naturally, you may even choose the people you wish to gather as your subjects."

Ah, I see. So that's how it works.

In practice, you don't need a vast territory—just this mansion alone could serve as your domain, housing your subjects.

It's a forceful approach, but it does secure a solid place to call home.

"Are you sure about this? What if a lord refuses to obey?"

"Few nobles truly pledge absolute loyalty. They're all just playing games, chasing profit and self-preservation. Of course, the same applies in reverse."

"I see. I understand. I don't know how far I can go, but I'll accept your request. Just be clear on one thing."

"Yes, I'll leave those within this mansion untouched. After all, they're gentlemen."

I get the feeling you're terribly mistaken about something, but if safety is secured for now, I'll let it go.

Just to be safe, I'll hire mercenaries who have a grudge against those people.

Then I can search for William without any worries.

"In that case, I'll be taking my leave here."

"Princess Veronica, I have just one more question. How do you plan to bring this war to a conclusion? I've seen the battlefield with my own eyes, and it felt like utter chaos—completely beyond control..."

The Empress lets out a small smile.

"You ask me such a question, as if you were thinking like a king. You're supposed to be an adventurer, after all."

Huh? Did I say something wrong?