‘Just revealing that he took bribes during the magical tool price inflation will collapse him. The amount is historical.’

Even in the novel, the money he embezzled was enough to build a kingdom, a staggering amount.

“Heh. You get all excited and talk, but you can’t say anything afterward. Is there something you’re not pleased about? Ah, if you’re acting like this because you thought I’d increase the lump sum I promised earlier…”

“I don’t need it. You’ve been playing around with magical tool prices.”

“You’re accusing someone without evidence? Stop talking nonsense.”

Seemingly struck, he shook his head vehemently and stood up. Sitting down, he seemed larger than life.

“Now hand over Shanencia. You brought Shanencia here to abandon her, didn’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re blinded by money too. I’ll throw in some grants, so hand over Shanencia now.”

“I don’t need your grants. I’ll keep Shasha by my side.”

“The Earl and his wife have agreed to entrust Shanencia to me. Your opinion isn’t needed. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you can leave comfortably. You won’t remember this moment, so you can go in peace.”

The Chief Sorcerer, who had been mocking me, slowly reached out his hand toward me, as if trying to forcibly take Shasha, who was in my arms. Startled, Shasha seemed to search for something, then tried to move her hand.

But before that could happen, her thin wrist was caught by the Chief Sorcerer.

“Trying to use magic? I’ll have to seal your magic so you can’t use it without my permission.”

Just then, the door burst open. Perfect timing. About an hour should’ve passed, and the time was just right.

Familiar people rushed in quickly.

“Empress Mother!! Are you alright?”

It was Ron and Ken who had appeared wearing two hoods, followed by the knights of the emperor. Without hesitation, they seized the Chief Sorcerer.

“What, what is this madness!”
Ken was ludicrous. He immediately filled both hands of Matopju with something.

“What on Earth are you doing!”

“It’s clear what this man was trying to do!”

“We came up because you didn’t come out even after an hour. And there was a strange flock of birds acting abruptly towards Matopju, raising their flags… so we came.”

“Ah, well done. You’ve arrived just in time.”

At the confident words of Ron and Matopju, Ken solemnly explained the situation, and I gave a thumbs-up.

“Did we come up correctly?”

“Yes, you did.”

Matopju began to struggle in excitement.

“What is this! Let go of me! Do you know who I am to be this rude…!”

“So you should have known better. All this is your fault for digging your own grave.”

“My fault? Are you saying this is my fault? I tried to talk nicely just because you said you’re Shanencia’s sister, but you do this…?”

“So! Who! Made! Me! Walk up here?!”

“What are you…!”

“I told you to come up if there’s no contact within an hour. You made me, the guest, walk up. It took forever just to come to the room! If you had moved me by portal, things might have gone as you wished. Your arrogance worked out just as I wanted.”

I had prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. The signal I discreetly gave to Shanencia earlier. It was a signal to call the Pigeon Knights.

I was worried that sad Shasha might not understand, but it seems that was not the case.

“What nonsense is this!”

“Nonsense? It’s the truth. I’m going to accuse you of your wrongdoing now, so listen quietly.”

“Do you think you’ll be fine after doing this? Even if you think you’re really the empress…”

“I am the empress. Well, even if I weren’t, I could still accuse you of your wrongdoing. I’m going to bring you down.”