“There are cunning nobles digging into the fact that there is no owner in the mountainous border area, secretly raising soldiers.”

“…Can Matapju take responsibility for that statement?”

Different put forth a chilling warning.

Of course, it didn’t apply to Matapju. She casually raised her hand and shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s impossible for me, a mere human, to delve into the minds of Newton’s nobles unless I wield the power of Matapju. Unless I, as Matapju, penetrate the thoughts of Newton’s nobles, it’s impossible.”

“…”

“Oh, and come to think of it, wasn’t Viscount Bridend worried about something similar? Mentioning Duke Gwendhill might be along the same lines. Well, you shouldn’t trust people too easily.”
The emperor’s slimy tone in still referring to Gwendhill as a duke made a chill run down Different’s spine. Matapju was giving strength to the emperor again to the extent that the pressure Gwendhill had exerted on the emperor through her presence seemed insignificant.

It felt like going back to square one.

“Your Majesty, all of this is just Matapju’s personal feelings.”

“It’s not the place for the viscount who was talking about an unfortunate investigation.”

“…Matapju!”

As Matapju continued to speak casually, Different finally stood up abruptly.

At that moment, Matapju flicked her finger. A document appeared in the air in front of Different.

“It’s just one ‘mountain,’ Viscount.”

…!

Checking the contents of the document, Different took a sharp breath.

With widened eyes, he stared at the stiff viscount as Matapju enjoyed the spectacle with a satisfied smile.

“There’s a ‘secret’ where people with various stories gather and hide in that mountain, but that won’t be a problem.”

Different’s subordinate trembled.

The missing report on the hidden village, information Different had instructed to be concealed long ago, was now right in front of him.

It detailed the ‘Hidden Village,’ which was a land with an immeasurable abundance of mana resources.

“It’s what I want—those people with various stories properly settling in the village, authorized, and officially becoming part of the Empire.”

“It’s ridiculous, Your Majesty!”

He had to stop this. Different reflexively grabbed the document and shouted.

The land with an immeasurable amount of mana resources was once his dependable possession. It was unacceptable for someone like Matapju to overlook it.

Different Bridend had obtained what he wanted, and he never left those who touched his property alone. The greedy brown eyes of Different, consumed by greed, gleamed.

“Matapju is a foreigner. How does she know about those hiding within the Empire, listen to their stories, and sympathize with them?”

“Is it my place to whisper about such private matters to the viscount?”

Matapju still smiled. Only her mouth was smiling.

There was a liveliness in her eyes. Different’s powerless mouth closed.

From the beginning, he was entangled in Matapju’s scheme to provoke him.

“That would never happen.”

The emperor, who had been enjoying the confrontation between Matapju and Different, put down his wine glass and calmed the atmosphere.

“It’s not clearly stated in the alliance contract between the Newton Empire and Matap. I said I would give whatever you wanted, ignoring imperial law. Viscount Bridend is just an example of addressing the objections of various nobles who would have experienced them in a noble assembly. Isn’t that right, Viscount?”

“…I apologize.”

Different barely managed to suppress the gaze that almost glared at the emperor. Since the moment he was called here, everything had flowed according to Matapju’s intentions, and the emperor remained a thorough bystander.
“Moreover, had it not been for the support of Matap, Matapju would not have vowed to personally take charge of defending the border. Unlike those ignorant individuals, Lord Bridend remained dignified.”

“Yes, indeed. I called the witness to this position because I also think so.”

“…….”

Darrhan forcibly suppressed the surging anger.

Shame and disgrace. And anger. The dignity of a high and noble aristocrat was being ruthlessly trampled upon.

‘To insult me, the leader of the noble faction, in front of these foreigners.’

Darrhan’s lower eyelids trembled.

At the moment when the sound of cracking teeth was about to come out, Darrhan stood up from his seat.

Unable to bear the anger, instead of storming out, Darrhan calmly bowed his head in the usual manner of a cool-headed aristocrat.

“I understand Your Majesty’s intentions well. Then, I will step back and convey Matapju’s instructions for the land donation process.”

“Even the documents haven’t been prepared yet.”

“Isn’t the mountain Matapju desires to visit at this ambitious moment not the kind that requires formalities? Since it seems you desire a swift process without formalities, I have much to do.”

The Emperor observed Darrhan attentively with a smiling face.

As the land donation occurred through the Emperor’s authority, bypassing imperial law, there was much for Darrhan, the leader of the noble faction, to do.