“I will lead the expulsion of the Duke, and Your Majesty the Empress will cover my secret and handle the rest.”

Under the Empress’s decision, the negotiations were concluded. Subsequently, the two headed to the office to draft the contract.

The pen tip moved back and forth on the faded yellow parchment. The provisional contract, led by Kun, was concise, containing only essential and vital details.

Kun Fried, in return, would ensure the secrecy of Saira Sahir.

In return, Saira Sahir would carry out Cedric Theodor’s expulsion and the repercussions for the family.

The negotiations between the two were naturally confidential, and if leaked, the injuring party would pay more than double the damages.

“Very well, then.”

Each signed their respective contracts, Kun with a signature and the Empress with a seal. Afterward, one document went entirely to Kun, and the other returned to the Empress.

Finally, the negotiations had come to an end. The Empress, who had maintained a resentful expression throughout, subtly revealed a sense of relief.

“If my information is leaked, as written in the contract, our contractual relationship will end. I will also make your misguided proposal public to all citizens.”

The Duke’s expulsion would take place shortly after the conclusion of the negotiations. Even if Kun were to ignore the contract and employ other tricks later on, he could not be stopped. Instead, it served as a warning that the Emperor’s reputation would be tarnished.
I won’t say anything to the person who just finished the negotiations. The Empress spoke as if Kun would betray her, as if he were an untrustworthy scoundrel. Considering what I’ve been through for the past few days, it was a justified attitude.

“Understood.”

Kun replied with a cheeky, youthful smile.

The Empress’s threatening content had no effect on me.

What form I would take, what kind of resentment I would face from the public, and what kind of person I would be portrayed as – I couldn’t care less. If that were truly frightening, I wouldn’t have been able to decide on the armistice several years ago.

He was someone who had given up everything to obtain a single illusion. Now, such threats didn’t frighten him at all.

“Don’t worry too much, Your Majesty. I will make sure there is nothing to worry about. So, please release your anger now. I am more concerned about Your Majesty’s health, perhaps causing harm.”

However, since it would not be good if Cloé knew about this matter, the Empress would make efforts in the way she desired.

“We will see each other often in the future, there’s no need to blush at that prospect.”

Kun subtly mentioned future interactions.

With this incident as an excuse, Fried was likely to take the lead in exchanges with the Sahir Empire. Therefore, unless Cedric continued to hold the position of Duke, there was no reason to break off the relationship.

“Even knowing that…!”

Kun’s discussion about the future relationship was quite shameless.
With a forced laughter, the Empress’s attempt to say something to Moore quickly ceased. Whether she no longer wanted to continue the conversation or for some other reason, the Empress swiftly changed the subject.

“…It’s settled. Anyway, security should be properly taken care of. This includes not only Duke Theodore but also the Freon Newspaper.”

“You don’t have to worry much about that part, as I mentioned before.”

Unlike the Empress, who was anxiously examining whether her secrets would resurface even at this moment, her counterpart was endlessly calm. Despite the man’s fundamental attitude stemming from rudeness, it was a suspicious demeanor.

“Do you calmly request my assurance that it’s not your concern right now?”

“I will make every effort, despite the incident that has occurred.”

“It’s suspicious that you remain so relaxed despite the things you’ve done. Whether it’s Freon or Raidman, both are newspapers that sell information. If they ever had foolish thoughts, my secrets would spread to the world in an instant!”

The Empress, who was frustrated by the firm demeanor, finally shouted.

While Raidman Newspaper might be on the side of the royal family, Freon Newspaper was different.

Unlike his first plan to feign Cedric’s parents using money, the Freon Newspaper was a place that could not be moved even with money.

When the royal family attempted to establish contact by offering a large sum of money, it was staunchly rejected.
Rather, in order to reclaim the top spot that Raidman illegitimately took away, the Empress would have to reveal her secret to the public.

It’s an undeniable fact that the person who leaked information to Freon after contacting Raidman must have known about it. After all, wasn’t that the goal from the beginning, taking one step at a time?

“So you don’t need to worry. Freon Newspaper knows nothing.”

“Knows nothing… What on earth are you talking about? According to the letter sent by the Duke, Freon Newspaper said they would immediately publish an article…!”