“Are you trying to cultivate emerging forces? Do you see this as something that has not been attempted until now?”

It was not that the aristocrats had not made efforts to create a new force that would support them in history. However, their efforts repeatedly failed.

Ines shook her head and let out a light laugh.

“I am not planning such grandiose schemes, Your Grace.”
Ines simply wanted people who would work properly for the Emperor by his side. However, if they had to be called emerging forces as Boniface had said, then so be it.

“But if necessary, I will establish them.”

Ines had the power to do so.

These emerging forces would be a new force to restrain the nobles, a foundation to support the imperial family, and workers who would allow the people to live in a better world.

“So, be my person.”

“…….”

“Grand Duke, have you not risen to this position solely by your own strength? Do you not want to witness how the world governed by truly capable individuals will change?”

He closed his eyes and seemed lost in thought for a while. The wait was certainly not short, but Ines maintained her composure, waiting for his answer. Soon, the Grand Duke’s mouth opened.

“I will follow your will.”

He still had his eyes closed.

Since the founding of the Keynes Empire, there had been an unshakable feudal system that had continued for over a thousand years.

It was a dualistic contractual relationship that could not be abolished.

However, right now, in the small reception room of the imperial palace, the firmly established feudal system was facing a generational change as a maid turned bureaucrat.

Three days after that, an imperial council meeting was held.

Late in the evening after the meeting, Grand Duke Boniface came to Ines, not where the nobles gathered.

Until now, Ines had not completely trusted Boniface.

But with today’s choice, it could be seen that he had resolved to truly become Ines’s person.

“As soon as this matter is resolved, I plan to appoint Montray as a viscount.”

Sipping a particularly fragrant Yaman tea, he spoke with a more relaxed attitude than last time.

“It’s not something that was in my plan.”

“But it is necessary.”

Ines knew very well why he had done such a thing. Montray was thoroughly veiled, and it was natural for that to act as an anxiety for him.

“As you said, Montray Bank has already dominated the market. Even if we immediately exchange the banking rights for currency, there won’t be a significant problem.”

“……”

“His Majesty has expressed his full support. So, unless something unexpected happens, Montray Bank will become the central bank, and the visible effects will soon be revealed. That way, the Sweden family will truly be saving the Empire.”

Ines smiled, disguising her anxiety. However, it was not easy to remain calm in the face of the tremendous events unfolding before her.

“If I know, then Marquis Mantus must already know that Montray Bank’s building has been acquired under the name of the Sweden family. If he had thought to hide it, he wouldn’t have used the Sweden family’s name. Now it’s time for Marquis Mantus to make a move.”
The situation was flowing uncontrollably fast. How could Ines find the most prudent way to enter Carson’s embrace?

“Now you must reveal yourself. Despite the importance of credit over substance, how can trust be maintained without substance? Isn’t that so?”

Once Montray was appointed as a viscount, there was no way for him not to reveal himself to the public.

Ines raised one corner of her mouth and smiled.

“Is it reasonable for the face of the head of the Central Bank under the Finance Ministry to be unknown to the Finance Ministry?”

“Yes, it is.”

Manisute was an unreadable figure. It wasn’t easy to predict how he would harm Sweden and Carson.

But they had already drawn their swords against each other. So avoiding each other was meaningless.

In the face of a direct confrontation, Ines’s eyes sparkled like a well-sharpened sword.

After that, Boniface emptied the Yaman tea without leaving a drop and left.

Although night had fallen over the palace, the moon was exceptionally bright.

Ines sat by the window for a moment, gazing out into the garden. It was almost the same scenery visible from Carson’s bedroom.

Feeling the chill, Ines sat at the dressing table with a shawl draped over her shoulders.

“It’s still cold.”

Emma brushed Ines’s shoulder and covered her with a shawl.

Having tidied up the bed, Emma had been silently watching Ines sitting in front of the mirror for a while.

She was rubbing a delicate red gem, lost in thought and blushing. The freshly combed golden hair swayed gently over her white shoulders. It was hard to believe that the woman confidently plotting against the Grand Duke in front of the mirror was the same woman.

“Shall I prepare the bed for you?”

“Ah…”

Ines, surprised even by the soft voice, slightly flinched, and Emma showed a subtle smile.

“Thank you, Emma.”

Emma, inadvertently blushing at Ines’s attitude, unknowingly carried an imposing air of gently pressing the other person.