At the same time, Helene’s divine power made a fizzling sound and went out. Due to her repeated wicked actions, her divine power had become excessively weak.

“…Yes.”

Eventually, Helene answered. Then, from somewhere, a sharp laughter echoed. It was as if dozens of mirrors were shattering at once, and Helene, wrapping her head, sank to the ground.

“Kyaaah!”

But Beliphor did not tenderly hold her. The devil’s tenderness was like a mirage that only lasted until one got what they desired.

Soon, wicked magic flowed from Beliphor’s entire body, filling the entire bedroom.

Unfortunately, it was an unknown fact to anyone.

“Waaaah!”

In the southern part of the Empire, the Heart Sea.

That area was currently completely immersed in a festive atmosphere.

A giant cruise ship had been proudly sailing on the open sea since yesterday.

People who saw such a large ship for the first time were extremely excited. The boys selling newspapers skillfully navigated through the crowd, loudly shouting.

“Newspapers with pictures of the Empress’s concubine selection candidates!”

“Buy it! Buy the newspaper!”

Those who had become candidates for the Empress’s concubine selection among commoners were greatly moved. They wanted to share this glory with everyone for generations to come. Therefore, it was only natural that they would fit well with the reporters who had to put something in the newspaper at this opportunity.

Some concubine candidates even acted as if they had already become concubines, causing a stir during interviews.

People who were curious about what would happen on the ship naturally cheered and bought newspapers, loudly discussing who was more handsome.

And on the outskirts of Heart Sea, popular among nobles who valued security despite being somewhat distant from the central area, twelve actors were finishing their preparations on the top floor of a hotel.

“These are the knights who will be in charge of escort today. There are guards everywhere, but to prepare for any unexpected situation, the knights have also disguised themselves and infiltrated. Remember their faces well now.”

I looked around at the actors and calmly spoke.

“Even if you can’t remember their faces, it’s okay. They will all have this badge in common, so if a dangerous situation arises, request protection.”

“Yes!”

The first rule of this concubine selection.

The concubine candidates cannot know who the real Empress is.

Logically, even though my body is one, I couldn’t talk to all those candidates. Moreover, if excessive attention were focused on me, even if there were no assassins, there could be fights among the candidates, putting everyone at risk.

So, I recruited twelve actors who resembled me in height, physique, voice, and face.

They had secretly stayed in the Empress’s palace for the past month, familiarizing themselves with my speech and behavior. Inside this cruise ship, everyone could act as if they were the Empress.
“The bedroom keys will be distributed now, so keep them well. Alternatively, you can entrust them to the maid who will serve you. If you win the first-class bedroom, there will be palace maids from the Empress’s palace. However, if you get a room in a different class, you should be careful. There are no spare keys, so if you happen to lose it, there is no way to open it.”

As I gestured, Giovanni lifted a translucent wooden box and stood in front of the actors. The actors reached into the container to take out the keys, but unfortunately, not everyone could stay in the first-class cabin. That’s because it’s the second rule of this concubine selection. The actors’ rooms are arranged from the first-class to the third-class cabins. Among them, the candidates couldn’t know which one was the real Empress’s room.

In other words, the concubine candidates have no way of knowing whether the person they are talking to is the Empress or not. What happened on the ship is all just a dream on a midsummer night.

“And the last rule.”

Every morning, a selection of eliminations is made. Once classified as a loser, they must immediately leave the ship. Even if they refuse, the knights will forcibly remove them. Of course, the criteria for becoming a loser were based on my feelings. If I don’t feel like choosing them, how can I make them my concubine?

“Your Majesty, I have brought what you ordered. Also, the clothes….”

At that moment, Charlotte approached with a very disturbed expression. I chuckled and turned away. It was time for me to get ready too.

“Are you really going like this…?”

“Isn’t it a piercing thought?”

“Well, that’s true… But how can Your Highness, such a noble person, wear such….”