The officials were being pampered like the servants of the nobles, and high-ranking bureaucrats were practically taking over their positions, and even buying and selling was happening. It was practically impossible to employ capable individuals.

Due to the lack of proper education, it was also difficult for commoners to rise to official positions.

Therefore, currently, all substantive administrative tasks were carried out by the priests of the temple.

“What do you mean?”

“No, it’s nothing. For now, I need to properly examine the currency reform.”

“Yes, understood. Then, I’ll go to the imperial library now.”

“Yeah, do that. Oh, by the way.”

“Do you have any orders?”

“I have to visit Aone unexpectedly.”

At the unexpected command, Noah’s head involuntarily tilted.

“Aone, isn’t that the sacred forest?”

“Yeah. It’s called the sacred forest.”

Although it was once called a sacred forest, now it was nothing more than a place left as a legend where only the one who inherited the blood of the former emperor could enter.

“Go and cut down some trees.”

“What do you mean…?”

Ideally, it would have been unimaginable in the past, but currently, it wouldn’t be a significant problem.
The newly ascended Emperor decorating the palace with the largest tree from the most significant forest in the empire. It seemed like it would help build an image of a powerful emperor.

“Are you planning to plant it in the imperial palace garden?”

Moreover, currently, the temple was supporting all of Carson’s movements. Even if he brought the wood from the Aone Forest instead of the sacred Aone Forest, they wouldn’t oppose it.

“Well… you can see it that way.”

“Understood. I will prepare a stem that is very firm.”

Carson waved his hand as if to say it was okay for Noah to go, walking a bit leisurely. He wanted to act more leisurely, considering that he tended to be too hasty.

Looking out the window, the sun was already finding a place to hide.

Ines Swenden finally agreed to be by his side in the way he desired. If that’s the case, he should be in a good mood, but his feelings weren’t that simple.

He shouted at the woman who clung to him, asking her not to think about being by his side unless it was as his woman.

He knew her better than anyone, who stuck to him, no matter what happened.

So, there was no need for threats.

Did he press her with force, or did she reluctantly yield because she had no choice?

The uncomfortable thoughts, once started, continued to press on one side of his chest over time.

Of course, even with that, nothing changed, but Carson was a greedy person.

Especially when it came to Ines Swenden.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ines was sitting on a long bench, facing the setting sun.

A week had passed since she knelt and expressed her feelings to the Emperor. During that time, Ines was unusually anxious.

‘Foundation, the foundation…’

Since meeting Lady Mannisut, the word ‘foundation’ had not left Ines’ mind. To solidify his position, the Emperor needed not only the support of the people and the territory but also a powerful force.

But what did it mean to put the foundation into his hands?

Like revealing the winter, the sun was setting faster than before.

Why does the sun become redder when it sets? Ines extended her arm towards the crimson sunset that dyed the entire sky.

Even though she knew that she couldn’t cover it all with her small hand, she couldn’t stop the meaningless act.

She rotated her outstretched arm, measuring the size of the sun.

The sunlight filtering through her widely spread fingers occasionally stung Ines’ eyes.

At that moment, a face as red as the setting sun appeared and disappeared between her fingers.

“What are you doing?”

“Did you come?”

Ines came to the place where the disciples of the imperial council were staying to meet Marcus.

“You’re wearing glasses?”
As if he hadn’t realized, he chuckled and took off his glasses, sitting next to her.

“They suit you well.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them silently watched the setting sun for a moment. Lately, Ines could only meet Marcus frequently. As she investigated the case of the maid servant who embezzled from the Crown Prince’s residence, she couldn’t shake the feeling of getting closer to some unseen power.

Even though she was designated as a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess, the scale of embezzlement was too significant. To investigate more about it, she had to accompany Marcus on many occasions.

“The weather is still cold.”

Now, winter was coming to an end. Although the cold was not as fierce, Marcus still prepared a blanket for Ines.

Gently, the warm cloth descended over her shoulder. He was truly a considerate man.

“I was very pleased when you came to see me.”

“…….”

“I had a feeling you didn’t bring good news.”

When she turned her head to look, he was smiling gently. He was the man who had expressed his feelings to her just a few days ago. The one who said it was fine for another man to come to her with his feelings.

“I think I should mention it first.”

So, she felt that she should inform him that her decision had changed first. She considered it proper etiquette toward someone who had looked at her for a long time.

“You probably know without me saying.”

“…….”

“The hope should be appropriate for the competition. He’s too strong a rival for me. I can’t even dare to attach such words to him.”

“That’s not true. He’s just… someone like fate to me.”