There was no clear evidence. In fact, it was difficult to even make guesses at this point. But the feeling that Jonathan was plotting something behind the scenes was intense.

‘What was it? What kind of scheme did Jonathan unfold behind the scenes?’

Veronia sat still and began to retrace the now hazy settings of the original work one by one.

Although the plot had already completely deviated, knowing what the original Jonathan had done could give insight into what the current Jonathan might be capable of.

‘In the original, he remained as the crown prince, but now he’s become the emperor… He must be able to carry out a wider variety of actions more intensely than in the original.’

Veronia racked her brain while hiding her expression. She needed to find the clue that was somewhere in her memory.

The group that left the imperial palace headed to an orphanage located on the outskirts of the capital.

Fire suppression devices were installed in several orphanages and temples, and the reason this particular orphanage was chosen as today’s event venue was due to a small fire incident that occurred a few days ago.

The fire that started in the kitchen was fortunately contained without major damage thanks to the newly installed fire suppression magic tool, they said.

“All of this is thanks to the benevolence of His Majesty the Emperor!”

The orphanage director bowed deeply as he expressed his gratitude to Jonathan. The care workers standing behind the director, and even the children, all bowed together.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“You saved our lives!”

“We are truly grateful, Your Majesty!”

Everyone participating in the event seemed touched by the clear voices of the children ringing out. Jonathan was no exception.

It could have led to a major fire, but thanks to the fire suppressor, they were able to avoid a disaster! Jonathan thought it was truly a heaven-sent scenario. He was very much looking forward to the headline that would appear in tomorrow morning’s newspaper.

The warm atmosphere continued throughout the event. The director guided everyone to the site of the fire incident. There was a clear black scorch mark on one wall of the kitchen.

“The fire started here, and the fire suppressor immediately activated, spraying water throughout the kitchen. If the installation of the fire suppressor had been delayed even a little, the entire building would have burned down. It’s chilling just to think about it.”

The director’s sincere explanation elicited various exclamations from people’s mouths, such as ‘Oh my!’, ‘That was a close call!’, ‘Heaven must have helped!’.

Afterwards, a demonstration of how the fire suppressor works was presented. A wooden hut surrounded by walls on three sides was set up in the front yard, with a fire suppression magic tool installed on the ceiling.

“Your Majesty, you just need to set fire to the hut.”

Judith, who was in charge of the proceedings, handed Jonathan an arrow. The arrowhead was wrapped with an oil-soaked cloth. Jonathan’s eyes sparkled with interest as he received the arrow. He immediately lit the arrowhead and drew the bowstring, then released it.

As soon as the fire arrow struck, the makeshift hut was quickly engulfed in flames. But that was only for a moment; water began to pour from the ceiling, and soon the flames began to subside.

The spectators cheered at the streams of water pouring like rain from the hut’s ceiling.

“Oh, so that’s how it works!”

“It’s like rain falling!”

“Look! The fire is already completely out!”

“It’s truly an excellent magic tool! I’d like to install it in our mansion too.”

As the weakening flames finally disappeared completely, people began to applaud together. Clap, clap, clap, the entire front yard vibrated with the smell of smoke and the sound of applause.

Thus, today’s event was slowly coming to an end.

Taking advantage of a brief break, the orphanage director approached Killian. And in a lowered voice, he carefully asked.

“Your Excellency, you mentioned last time that you would also proceed with the nationalization of orphanages. Is there any progress?”

“Of course. We plan to send out a general notice within a month or two.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news!”

A deep smile appeared on the director’s face at Killian’s answer. The director thought that if the orphanage was selected for the nationalization project, it would receive various support from the imperial family, opening a new chapter in orphanage management.

But then Jonathan intervened and called for Killian.

“But Chancellor.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Killian bowed his head at Jonathan’s call.

“Doesn’t the Chancellor need to focus on the commercialization of magic tools for the next half year?”

“That’s correct, Your Majesty.”

“So you wouldn’t have the capacity to pour into such a large project as the nationalization of orphanages right away, would you?”

“……”

Killian was momentarily at a loss for words because Jonathan’s statement was not incorrect.

According to the original plan, he had intended to focus on the orphanage nationalization project until departing for the local territories.

Even then, he had been worried that half a year might not be enough time, no matter how much time and effort he poured into it. But just an hour ago, he had received a new task from the Emperor.

‘It won’t be easy to lay the basic foundations for both the orphanage nationalization project and the magic tool commercialization project within half a year.’

Even for Killian, who was exceptionally capable and never knew how to give up easily, this time was different. It was a major national project, and a matter where not even a small mistake could be tolerated.

Jonathan, with a serious expression, raised his voice again.

“I would like the Chancellor to put more effort into the commercialization of magic tools rather than the nationalization of orphanages.”

“……”

“I’m not saying the orphanage nationalization project is unnecessary. However, I believe we need to distinguish between what should be prioritized and what shouldn’t, considering the weight of the matters.”

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will first stabilize the magic tool commercialization project, and then gradually proceed with the orphanage nationalization project after thorough preparation.”

“Good. That’s how it should be.”

Seemingly pleased with Killian’s response, a satisfied smile spread across Jonathan’s entire face.

It was then. Veronia’s and Jonathan’s gazes inadvertently met head-on as she turned her head. Veronia felt a chill run down her neck at the sight of Jonathan, whose entire face was smiling but whose eyes were not.

‘It seems Jonathan is not very keen on proceeding with the orphanage nationalization project. That’s why he’s deliberately urging Killian to proceed with another project.’

Veronia gave Jonathan a gentle smile and slowly turned her gaze away. But her mind was racing at a terrifying speed.

‘That sense of discomfort I saw in Jonathan’s eyes in the carriage was because of this!’

Veronia was almost certain. Behind Jonathan’s mask of being a benevolent emperor, there must surely be an ugly scheme hidden.

‘Jonathan and orphanages… There must be some connection. And it must be a very dark, scary… and old connection!’

Planning to scrutinize the imperial-related newspaper articles she had been clipping more closely when she returned to the mansion, Veronia linked arms with Killian.

On the way back to the imperial palace, Tate had to board the carriage alone again.

In the quiet carriage, Tate’s eyes, looking out the window as he sat alone, blazed with flames.

‘To treat me like that in front of everyone. Brother, you made a mistake today!’

His clenched molars ground involuntarily. It was a moment that called for whiskey to calm his rising anger. In fact, it was not Jonathan who was irritating Tate now, but Killian.

‘Killian, that man… I don’t like him in many ways.’

Killian, who seemed to have no interest in power whatsoever, had stayed by Jonathan’s side all day with an expressionless face, which was vexing. Especially the sight of him bringing along his fiancée was indescribably annoying.

‘I was relieved thinking he had no great ambitions in central politics since he got engaged to a commoner… But maybe I was wrong.’

The Drea duchy was already a huge and powerful family. Still, a marriage without in-laws to further increase that influence seemed like a losing business. But looking at the situation unfolding now, it wasn’t so.

‘Perhaps that’s why he’s gained brother’s favor.’

Jonathan had always been wary of Killian since childhood. Especially after he got engaged to his younger sister Veronia, he more openly disliked and envied Killian.

‘But does he think there’s no need to be wary of Killian who will soon marry a commoner? He might even think it’s an opportunity to use him as a loyal subordinate…’

Hmm, a sigh escaped involuntarily. Things were taking an interesting turn. Suddenly, he remembered what Sandra had said with her eyes wide open.

‘Don’t you think the attacks on Caspian started because of Duke Drea?’

‘When Duke Drea turned his back on Caspian, the whole world turned its back on him.’

‘Who do you think will be the next target? It’s you, Tate.’

‘So be careful, Tate. You should be cautious.’

It was words full of hatred towards Killian. And there was also a bit of concern for Tate.

Although the focus was slightly off from what Sandra had worried about, he had to agree with the statement that he should be careful of Killian.

‘Killian, that man… If I don’t separate him from brother’s side, I’ll forever be left out in the cold.’

Being left out in the cold would actually be fortunate. If he lost power like this, he could be pushed into complete ruin, caught up in absurd political strife.

‘I need to do something…’

Deep wrinkles formed between Tate’s brows as he thought he should soon schedule a visit to Sandra.