The duke was not one to remain silent if he felt ignored. Even if he were the one delivering the Hwangmyeong, forcibly dragging him down from the horse might lead to a severe beating. That’s what was said about his rudeness.

But for some reason, the duke was staring at him without saying a word. Like someone who was estimating him.

So, like someone being chased by a horse behind, he quickly opened his mouth.

“We will immediately conduct a thorough search of Duke Evan. This is a legitimate investigation based on the discovery of evidence that the perpetrator of the recent prince and queen assassination at the Star Palace is within the duke’s mansion.”

“What evidence!”

“The perpetrator who conspired in the assassination was a magician, and traces are naturally left when magic is used. It has been confirmed that the traces of the magician, which originated from the Star Palace, flowed into Duke Evan’s mansion. This information is testified by the magicians of the Tower. Therefore, the duke is to accept Hwangmyeong. If you refuse, it can be enforced by force. Please, I hope that my old friend is not the one who put me and my loved ones in danger.”

The knight who conveyed Hwangmyeong without taking a breath silently watched Duke Evan.

Should he come down from the horse even if only in words, or should he pretend not to know and go inside?

The knight, who had been watching closely, raised his hand. It was a signal. A signal to search inside right away. But there was no way Evan would stay still.

“What are you doing! Stop them! I cannot accept such Hwangmyeong.”

“But…”

The duke was busy giving orders to his knights.

Those who were spellbound shook their heads in opposition to his words. No matter how high the duke’s status was among the nobles, in front of Hwangmyeong, he was just a noble.

Violating Hwangmyeong meant violating the emperor’s words. It was a serious crime. In a situation where you might have to control that crime with your life. But the duke made even more of a fuss than before.

“If you don’t stop them, I will kill all of you!”

Rather than being frightened by the raging duke, they nodded their heads. We have to do it like this. Paradoxically, the duke, who did nothing and stayed still, seemed even more frightening to them.

“Hurry, stop them! Stop them!”

“Ahem, this is the command of His Majesty the Emperor! Will you not follow it, Your Grace, the Duke!”

“Never! This is a false accusation! Don’t you know that they’ve come to find someone else! They’re conspiring against me in this way!”
“If you don’t follow, I will consider it a refusal of the Emperor’s command. I believe you understand how grave it is to refuse Hwangmyeong.”

“Ridiculous. In my house, I am the Emperor, and I am a god. So, absolutely no one can enter!”

“Why? Is there something inside, or do you think Hwangmyeong is unjust? Or is it because you cannot follow the Emperor’s command? Or is it that you are trying to ignore the Emperor? Do you think you are superior to the Emperor?”

It was strange. The knight urged him as if he wanted to hear the duke’s words directly. Normally, the duke would have found it odd, but not this time.

“Everyone! No matter what, my house cannot be searched! Who do I think I am!”

“Who you are.”

That was the moment.

Suddenly, someone’s voice popped up, disturbing the duke’s composure.

“Who’s the jerk speaking to me like that?”

“Why, should I grab you by the collar if I know who you are? Well, considering you’re also ignoring Hwangmyeong… grabbing by the collar is natural, right?”

“Who are you? Who are you!”

Duke Evan jumped in between the knights. At that moment, one of the knights removed his helmet. Bright golden hair sparkled. The knights who were on horses dismounted and bowed their heads toward the knight.

“Emperor.”

Those who were close to him quickly guarded his side, knowing that he was the Emperor.

Evan Duke’s complexion, which had approached to grab the arrogant speaker, turned pale.

“Why are you here…”

“Evan, I told you to be reasonable.”

“Ri…Rian…”

“He is the Emperor. He is not someone you can comfortably address by name. Seems like I’ve been too tolerant of the duke’s arrogance. Refusing Hwangmyeong to this extent. Unbelievable?”

Rian looked down at the duke quietly.

“No. I was just trying to speak out against the injustice of this situation, not with any other intention. As you know, those in power use all sorts of false accusations, so I used those false accusations… so… no, I did nothing wrong. Rian, if you were in my position, you would have done the same. Yes, I’m protesting because it’s unfair!”

In front of others, he seemed never to want to show himself losing. Frustrated, he vented his irritation.

“Oh. Okay. So, even though you’re the Emperor, your house cannot be searched? However, Evan Duke, you don’t have a choice.”

“No. Absolutely not. Even if you are the Emperor. Never. Never!”

With those words, Duke Evan spread his arms to block the way.