Carson bitterly laughed.

“You don’t know the imperial family too well. They are more cruel and straightforward than anywhere else. It’s all about how well they can turn a crisis into an opportunity.”

No matter how sacred the promises, there was no property that couldn’t be laid down before power.

“You could divide and sell the temple properties, or it could be a good idea to talk about returning some of them to the citizens.”

“What should we do then?”

As Carson suggested, if the Empress just presented one temple properly to the imperial citizens, the enraged public sentiment would likely subside. The temple was the essence of noble culture and the blood and sweat of the imperial citizens.
“Noah, should I become the emperor?”

“Of course.”

Now it was irreversible. If he couldn’t become the emperor, everyone associated with him would be in deep trouble.

“There’s absolutely no way to abandon the temple in the Keynes Empire and ascend to the throne. Of course, it’s also impossible to turn the temple into an enemy and maintain the empress’s position.”

“…….”

“So, now, split my current troops in half and send them to the temple closest to the capital. We need to protect the temple.”

“Will that be enough for defense?”

“Showing it is just as important. There are even Holy Knights in the temple, albeit now just in name.”

Though now a feeble entity in name only, there were undoubtedly guardian knights protecting the temple.

“But it might seem contrary to the thoughts of the citizens.”

“Of course, it will. So, we need to throw something else their way.”

“What do you mean?”

“Woloming.”

“What?”

Woloming Palace was the innermost castle even within the imperial family. What kind of measure could he be suggesting by throwing that secure and secluded place to the citizens?

“It’s time for me to take matters into my own hands.”

“By yourself?”

“I’ll lead some of the protest leaders with the weapons received from Ines and directly attack the castle.”

“Your Majesty!”

Carson raised his shoulders as if his ears hurt, bitterly rubbing his forehead.

“My ears aren’t clogged.”

“Are you saying that, in a situation like this, you will personally raise a gun and attack the imperial family? How is that different from treason?”

“Why are you making it sound so harsh? I am the crown prince directly appointed by the emperor. Is it considered treason if such a person raises a gun and enters the imperial family?”

Noah, who had been breathing heavily, calmed his throbbing heart with Carson’s consistently composed attitude. As he said, whether he became a rebel and died, or he couldn’t become the emperor and was pushed to his death at the end of the empire, it was the same.

“Then, is there another way? I’m sick of feeling frustrated. Besides, we have a gatekeeper who will open the door for us, don’t we?”

“Are you possibly referring to Her Majesty the Empress?”

“Yes, now even commoners should have a chance to see Woloming Castle. There’s no law saying only nobles can enjoy beautiful works of art, right?”

Today’s riot was significant, but it was still not enough. Numerous nobles supporting the empress couldn’t just stand by.

“But… Carson, we promised Ines to wait quietly without causing trouble. Even in dangerous situations.”

“What?”

“To stay put without stirring up any trouble. To not go to dangerous places.”

Noah couldn’t understand and couldn’t respond to Carson’s statement.

“Keep it a secret for now.”

Carson laughed like a boy about to play a serious prank. Then he went back to stand by the window. Now that he had made a decision, Noah only had to prepare for Carson’s path.
And just two days later, as Carson had predicted, the empress touched the temple.

The Imperial Council expressed support for the empress’s intentions, making a bold statement that the temple’s land and property would be managed by the state. This statement also meant that the temple would no longer independently collect taxes.

Not stopping there, the empress designated the priests as government officials and declared that the imperial family would directly pay their salaries.

The imperial citizens who had been paying double taxes thought they had won.

In the end, she temporarily quelled the spark of the riot by throwing the temple to the angry crowds.

Naturally, the resistance from the priests was severe.

She confined them within the framework of the feudal system, requiring them to pledge allegiance not to the temple but to the imperial family. Priests across the empire, unable to serve the empress for the reason that they could not worship the goddess Heclecia instead of the empress, began strong opposition. And just when they needed it the most, Carson became an absolute supporter of the temple.

Ines was seated as usual during the sponsorship. Just like when she was in Monstera or the temple, she placed portraits of Carson and the goddess Heclecia side by side on the table and prayed.

As she finished her prayer, Susan approached with a tea tray.

“Today’s tea is cold.”

Having finished her prayer, Ines wiped away the droplets on the glass with her hand. It was a day when the chilly sensation could keenly be felt. It had already been three months since she returned to Landhill.