After meeting the Emperor, undergoing another marriage ceremony, and arriving at Landhill, he could simply send a marriage proposal upon arrival.

The fight with the Empress, who aimed at Landhill afterward, would be a problem to be solved later. The fight wouldn’t be easy, but the imperial power was also much weaker now.

As always, he tried to erase the uncertainties surrounding him and moved along the clearest path.

Arriving at the palace in the evening, Carson received a more elaborate reception than ever. After a brief rest, he was summoned by the Empress late at night.
She called Carson to a museum and palace displaying luxury items exclusively for the Empress.

“I’ve only heard rumors, but it’s truly amazing.”

Noah exclaimed with widened eyes.

The dazzling Lu Ming Palace, exclusively for her, was so splendid from the entrance that it almost blinded one. It was a sight that made him want to burst into laughter.

There were over 40 halls in the palace. The paintings worth more than the price of buying a territory and statues that filled an entire wall were so perfect that they weren’t even given names as they were considered beyond description, like the work of a god.

The precious gems from each territory were of the highest grade among the gems found in the region.

“I don’t know where to look.”

Noah shook his head vigorously, constantly turning his head in all directions.

Opportunities to see these exhibits were rare since the palace gates were not open.

It was a time of economic decline. The financial deterioration caused by the budget deficit, solely from the expenses of the imperial guards used for security, began from the end of the previous emperor’s reign and persisted under the current emperor’s rule.

To preserve the tradition of a splendid court life after ascending to the throne, the Empress made efforts. Therefore, large-scale ceremonies and festivals were periodically held at the palace.

Consequently, the imperial household continued to suffer from chronic financial difficulties.

“Yeah, this is considered the epitome of luxury.”

Kainz’s chronic problem hindered a resolution to the situation. Under the current regime, social success and career advancement were determined not by political power but by literary and military accomplishments.

As a result, there was no place for emerging classes with skills such as education and technology, even if they didn’t have a family background. It was a situation where they couldn’t read the trend of the times at all.

“What’s this?”

Carson couldn’t help but laugh as he looked at what Noah was pointing to.

In the current palace, observance of etiquette was highly valued, and there were rituals performed during the imperial family’s coughing or bedtime. What Noah was pointing at was a gem that the Empress used to stroke her foot before going to bed.

Currently, there were no set standards in Kainz. Customs and laws varied by region. The northern and central regions had the heaviest taxes, especially the capital.

Farmers not only paid taxes for the imperial family but also supported the clergy and were forced to engage in forced labor.

“It seems the Empress’s mood has significantly clouded.”

Noah said nothing more. However, that silence carried a positive meaning.

Soon, the Empress revealed herself, and Carson was guided to the painting room.

It had portraits of past imperial family members, the former high priest who was said to have actual sacred power, and portraits of the goddess Heklethia. Next to the goddess was a painting of the Empress’s face.

“After burning the wooden image, you finally show up?”

It was almost time for the Book Bong ceremony. Carson, checking each place where the rails would be laid during his journey here, slowed his steps.
“Even though you must have already heard that I left, why did you express your concern?”

“Well, Prince, you’ve never been one to act against your mother’s intentions, have you?”

She touched the jewels laid before her portrait with gloved hands.

“I truly regret the news about the Crown Prince.”

Hm, the Empress’s fingertips paused. Carson, for the first time, realized that even she, in that unconscious action, was human. After a brief moment of silence, the Empress drew a smile on her face once again and faced him.

“He wasn’t meant to be the Emperor of Kainz.”

“…….”

“Do you know that?”

“What are you talking about?”

“When our Duke became the Crown Prince, I thought of opening this entire castle.”

Carson had to tightly shut his mouth to avoid letting out a laugh. Opening this hall at a time like this was an unwise move.

“Do you think the Empress is foolishly doing something now?”

“It’s not that. I was concerned that there might not be someone to scrutinize the Empress around.”

At that remark, the Empress smiled a bit sadly.

“Our Prince knows one thing and doesn’t know two.”

“…….”

“The people must be very angry with the palace now. They sacrificed a star from the sky, yet those fools can’t accept such sacrifices.”

“They are just people exhausted from hunger.”

“That’s right. The people who are hungry and miserable should be the ones who receive the awe of this palace. What the people truly want is that. A sovereign they can fear, who they can worship in awe, and who can control and rule them like an emperor.”

“So, are you planning to open this castle to show its prosperity?”

She shrugged and moved on.

“Well, yes. There’s nothing as effective as visible things. People talk a lot about these being my exhibits, works of art, but in fact, to me, all of these are… spoils of war.”

In the direction where the Empress’s footsteps continued, various precious swords and weapons were displayed.