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The emperor asked Sir Bentier, “Benti, why did you decide to become on my side rather than your family’s?”

“Me, your highness?”

“Yes, you. Wouldn’t it be better for you to just obey your grandfather? If you are on my side, your authority may diminish. You know this, right?”

Lucius the First planned to reduce the nobles’ power to strengthen his position. This was going to anger many people, but it couldn’t be helped. The emperor just wanted to know how Sir Bentier was feeling about this situation.

Sir Bentier answered, “It’s because I wanted to be helpful to you. I want to follow you.”

“That’s the only reason?”

“Your highness, you always tell people to be realistic and stop dreaming, but I think it is you who needs to see the reality. I am on your side because I want to. Your highness, you always show us that you trust us. You have shown us the end of this continent. I, and everyone who supports you, will always believe in you, your highness.”

“What a big compliment; I feel both flattered and burdened.”

Lucius the First grumbled, “I guess this means that the elders don’t want to be on my side.”

“They are just afraid of changes. Once they admit it, they think it would be too late for them.”

The problem of the elder’s private armies was still unsolved. The size of their armies was much bigger than before the war began, although no one seemed to notice this. It was a big problem.

Why couldn’t everyone get along?

Sir Bentier asked, “Are you going to just continue to watch?”

“Yes, since I don’t have solid proof. The elders may not want to admit it, but the base of my authority comes from Acreia. If I get rid of all of them, it will be like spitting on my face. If there was clear proof that the elders did something wrong, I would be able to punish them, but they are so sneaky. There is nothing I can do at this point. All I can do is remain patient and wait for my chance.”

The emperor was waiting for the snake to lift its head and reveal itself. What he hoped for was for this old snake to die of old age soon. The most patient one was going to win this game. Lucius the First could step on the snake’s tail or wait for the snake to lift its head. Either way, he would win, but there was one thing he needed to remember. A snake was a devious animal filled with poison; even its smallest bite could be fatal.

Lucius the First murmured, “There are no snakes in the north, yet there are so many men who are devious just like these snakes.”

“It’s the same everywhere else, your highness.”

“I suppose.”

Suddenly, the emperor’s office door was kicked open. A private meeting was taking place, so there was only one person in the kingdom who could dare to burst into the emperor’s room like this. Sir Ainno, looking confident and nonchalant, bowed casually to the emperor; the way he moved was both elegant and strong.

“I have something to report to you, your highness.”

“Alright, the meeting was almost over anyway. Sir Bentier, you may go now. Continue your good work.”

“Thank you, your highness. I will see you later.”

Sir Ainno turned towards Sir Bentier and asked, “Actually, this concerns you as well, Chancellor, so please stay for a while longer.”

Sir Bentier was about to leave, but he sat down again. Sir Ainno explained to the emperor the odd tension Cekel felt inside the lady’s quarters. Both Lucius the First and Sir Bentier nodded.

Sir Bentier said quietly, “My grandfather was very worried when Lady Rebecca became pregnant. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did something or is planning to do something soon. It would be the right time to cause a problem since the death of Lady Rebecca has caused so much grief and confusion to the people.”

The emperor murmured, “Is the snake about to lift its head…”

Only

“Your highness, you can’t be too lenient anymore.”

Lucius the First was unhappy about this whole thing. This was a fight among men, so why were the elders trying to bring it to his wives? It has only been a month since his wife’s funeral, and Lucius the First was still not fully healed yet.

Sir Bentier gave him a piece of solid advice, “Your highness, perhaps you can distance yourself from Lady Tory for a while and act closer to Lady Stra, which will anger them even more.”

“I don’t want to use women as bait. Besides, Lady Tory and Lady Stra are my wives, which means it is my duty to protect both of them.”

“But your highness, you need to accept the eventuality…”

Sir Bentier continued in a cold voice, “If you end up getting rid of my grandfather, you will have to do the same to Lady Tory.”

“…Yes, that has always been the plan.”