Matapju ignored the itch at the back of her head. The anger of Different Bridend had no impact whatsoever.

Instead, Matapju placed her hand near her heart, smirked, and drove the wedge, saying, “As evidence of the strong alliance between the Empire and Matap, I will protect the northeastern border.”

For a moment, Different’s composure was disturbed.

Although he needed to silence Matapju immediately, the emperor’s reaction was faster.

“Oh, if Matapju does that, then my worries will be greatly relieved. But… that doesn’t quite add up.”

The emperor, who seemed like he would immediately concede the land, interrupted the conversation with a frown.

Matapju’s offered conditions were excessively advantageous for the Empire. Typically, in such diplomatic currents, there hid traps.

The emperor, whom Different rated as cunning, was hesitating.

“Matapju seems less predictable than usual.”

“Oh, as expected, Your Majesty.”

Matapju smiled, seemingly receiving the emperor’s suspicion with innocence.

“In fact, there is a ‘secret’ in that mountain.”

“…”

“Oh, a secret?”

Putting aside the sharp criticism of the emperor, Different’s expression, which was momentarily stiffened, became rigid.

Matapju covered her mouth slightly with her hand and leaned toward the emperor. In doing so, she didn’t forget to discreetly whisper something to Different.

‘…Is it a soundproofing spell?’

Despite being in close proximity, Different couldn’t hear Matapju’s voice.

Watching Matapju continuously whispering while observing Different, who failed at controlling his expression, the emperor showed no interest and kept nodding his head.

“Ha, is that really so? Um, um, well…!”

Unable to hear the conversation, Different, who had been anxiously watching the emperor’s facial expressions, felt a burning sensation in his chest.

He couldn’t open his mouth hastily, fearing he might give away unnecessary clues.

‘Among the countless mountains in the northeast, there is only one high peak.’

There was no need to sensitively react and leave room for unnecessary suspicion.

Just when Different, trying to regain his collapsed expression, was about to speak, Matapju’s voice reached him.

“So, I need that mountain. Since it is an honor nobility bestowed directly by Your Majesty.”

“Well, I understand Matapju’s intentions. I’m pleased that you consider me in this matter.”

As the soundproofing magic was released, the emperor readily agreed, shaking hands with Matapju.

“Your Majesty.”

Different could no longer remain silent, observing. Having granted him the right to speak, Matapju, who had called Different, allowed him to express his views freely.

It seemed like an act of grace toward a subordinate, and Different’s eyes became stern.

However, showing immaturity was not in line with the dignity of nobility.
“To be honest, Your Majesty.”

As always, Different Bridend spoke coldly and arrogantly, maintaining his composure.

“Matapju was the owner of Matap before becoming an honored noble of the Newton Empire. If Matapju, who owns the vast country of Matap, divides the territory with the Empire, it will undoubtedly raise concerns about the influence Matap will exert on the Empire.”

“Hmm.”

“Oh, influence.”

Matapju chuckled as if she found it amusing, covering her mouth with her hand.

Different’s gaze became chillingly cold. To the point that Matapju was openly belittling him, it was hard to ignore.

He realized it spontaneously. Matapju was piercing through his seemingly calm demeanor.

Different strained the muscles on his face, trying not to show distortion.

“…There is no separate ownership of territory in the mountainous border area. I’m concerned that an unfortunate investigation might arise.”

With his gaze lowered, Different concluded his statement.

Although he wanted to criticize and question trusting this foreigner with the Empire’s border, it remained confined to the tip of his tongue.

‘But my will as the leader of the noble faction has been conveyed.’

It was a kind of warning that any aftermath of a decision not made through the noble assembly would ultimately burden the emperor himself.

Unlike Matapju, who was unfamiliar with the social circles, the emperor was expected to understand the language of the nobility well. Nevertheless, the emperor remained silent.

“Another person like Gwendhill might come out.”

He subtly poked that dividing power among the strong would only lead to repeated results.

“That’s probably why Matapju called the viscount.”

“Haha, that seems likely.”

Different’s efforts to provoke seemed to pass like nothing as the emperor and Matapju exchanged laughter.

Matapju casually winked.

“Recently, we received a secret report in Matap.”

“…A secret report, you say?”

“Well, there’s a complaint about some nobles exploiting imperial law written in there.”

…!

Different realized his slip of the tongue and pursed his lips.

Unfortunately, Matapju returned his words exactly as they were, seemingly turning them back on him.