The knights fell into panic at the Emperor’s sudden declaration.

It can’t be a joke given Enrique’s personality.

I knew he would retaliate somehow for making Helene kneel at that banquet, but this is how it turned out.

It was too childish to bear watching.

“Your Majesty… Please reconsider!”

Knight Commander Woxon begged, bowing at the waist.

It won’t do any good though.

“This matter has already passed through the House of Nobles. For unknown reasons, there’s a trend of young talents with holy power increasing across the country.”

Enrique said in a dry tone, then swept his gaze over me once.

It was a look that seemed to say ‘It’s no big deal that the Empress received a revelation’.

“Therefore, we’ve decided to double the current number of Crusaders. We’ll use this place for lodging and training grounds for the apprentice knights. The Crusaders will take over the duties you’ve been doing.”

In other words, you without holy power can just get lost.

‘No wonder. I thought it strange there was little reaction when I said I received a revelation.’

The number of people with holy power has increased enough for the opinion to expand the Holy Knights to be accepted?

‘This is not a good sign.’

The reason I always talk about causality is because nothing in the world happens suddenly without a reason.

There’s always a reason behind any phenomenon.

‘If those with holy power are increasing, it means monsters are also increasing.’

I should tell Duke Ahil to reorganize his private army and make connections with skilled mercenaries.

After organizing my thoughts that far, I took a step forward, looking around at the Imperial Knights trembling with humiliation, heads bowed.

“Since this is the decree of His Majesty the Emperor, these men are no longer knights under the Imperial household from now on. I assume the administrative order has already been issued?”

“That’s correct.”

“Well, that’s good. You won’t say otherwise later, will you?”

When I maintained a bright voice and positive attitude, the knights who looked ready to dig themselves into the ground all raised their heads one after another.

I gently lifted the chin of Sir Shofen, who was closest to me.

Why do I dislike seeing my own looking so dejected, really.

“Since Your Majesty acted on your own without seeking my opinion, I’ll also act on my own with the Empress’s authority.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“I’m going to establish my own knightly order. Imperial law states that the Empress can also have a direct knightly order like the Imperial Guard, doesn’t it?”

Of course, that’s true.

It’s just that no one actually does it.

If relations with the Emperor are good, there’s no need for a separate knightly order, and if relations are bad but power is weak, one has to be careful and wouldn’t dare.

Also, without the financial means to pay the knights, it’s not even possible to attempt.

Even with all conditions met, it’s not like knights would easily offer their loyalty.

Though the law existed, it was impossible due to various circumstances.

Until this moment today, when I would make it happen.

“What do you think, Sirs? Won’t you become my direct knights?”

Though tossed out lightly, the weight contained in that question was extraordinary.

“I’ll be your roof. You’ll be sturdy pillars and fences for me.”

Having the Empress as a backer and being the Empress’s knight clearly had different meanings.

The latter had greater authority, prestige, and honor.

‘Since the nobles already perceive the Valkyrie as the Empress’s sword, I might as well make them completely mine.’

I had clothes tailored for all the knights recently.

Those can be used as uniforms.

I turned to look at Enrique, who seemed at a loss for words, with a bright smile.

“You won’t go back on your word, will you? Your Majesty.”

“…Ha!”

Enrique’s expression was hard to read when we met again. His pathetic attempt to act dignified just because he wore the imperial crown was so absurd it made me want to torment him even more.

What expression would you make if I clawed and ripped you open until your raw flesh was exposed?

I’m curious what would be there if I smashed and pulled out the true self you’re hiding so tightly.

‘Did you think I would even blink no matter what attack you threw at me?’

Seeing Enrique’s face looking like he’d taken a hit finally made me feel better, but if I ended it here, I’d have to turn in my calling card as a demon.

Though dizzy and nauseous, I had to say what needed to be said before fainting.

Standing straight, I spat out each word distinctly while glaring at Enrique.

This too, was something I had desperately wanted to say.

“For the name of the knightly order… Yes, the Astaroth Knights would be good.”

It was at that very moment.

When Enrique’s expression, solid as an iron wall until then, crumbled.

Seeing him stagger as if he’d received a great shock, I barely suppressed the urge to burst out laughing.

‘You, you do remember my name?’

It’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous, but why do I feel like crying? I don’t know why my mouth is dry and my fists are clenching.

Just then, a warm energy contrary to the bone-chilling holy power enveloped me.

I knew without looking. It was Mereum.

Just him approaching and holding my hand was enough to drive away the cold and bring summer.

“I will follow Her Majesty the Empress.”

“I will follow Her Majesty the Empress.”

Starting with that, the knights drew their swords, thrust them into the ground before them, and knelt on one knee.

Without exception, every single member of the Valkyrie swore to belong to me.

After taking in each of their solemn faces one by one without missing anyone, I turned gracefully towards Enrique.

“So it has been done. I will provide training grounds and lodgings by renovating the Empress’s Palace at my own expense, so please do not worry.”

Remember my name.

The name of your wife whom you killed.

I endured by biting my lip until Enrique completely disappeared from view. It was after Mereum’s whisper that I finally let go of consciousness.

“It’s okay to collapse now. I’ll catch you.”

After that was a blackout.

By the time I barely regained consciousness, it was already night.

“Your Majesty!”

Derek, who had been standing at the head of the bed, noticed the rustling sound I made and approached, kneeling on one knee.

Touching my forehead with the back of my hand, I opened my mouth while exhaling a long breath.

“How long have I slept?”

“Not more than a few hours, Your Majesty.”

“That’s a relief.”

Thanks to Mereum, what could have been days of illness seems to have ended in half a day.

As I was sighing in relief, Charlotte appeared carrying a silver basin.

“Your Majesty, oh my. Have you woken up?!”

“Yes. Sorry to worry you.”

“I was really worried. I heard the Emperor treated you harshly again?”

Charlotte subtly dropped the honorific ‘Your Majesty’ when referring to the Emperor.

Pretending not to notice, I drank the water Charlotte handed me.

‘Ah, my throat is so sore.’

High-purity holy power not only left scars on my soul but also negatively affected my fragile body.

I probably shortened my lifespan dealing with Enrique for so long… The key is how much it shortened.

“Give me a mirror, please.”

“Here it is, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you.”

A forcibly extended lifespan was like a sandcastle before strong waves, easily eroded by even a little stress.

I squeezed my eyes shut then squinted, almost cursing out loud at the number written in my pupils.

‘One year? One year?’

How painstakingly I built it up, and it’s reduced to one year?

‘Ah, no. It’s still bearable. There was a gain.’

The top priority plan is to return to my original form.

But if that’s not easily achievable, the goal is to live as Empress, usurp Helene and Enrique’s positions, and drive them to despair.

So I had to pursue two things simultaneously.

‘Since I’ve made the Valkyrie mine. If I raise them well, they’ll be a great force when crushing Enrique later.’

So it wasn’t a useless act.

“Sir Derek. There’s something I’d like to ask before establishing the new knightly order.”

“Please speak, whatever it may be.”

Rather than raging about the shortened lifespan, let’s quickly do what needs to be done.

I continued in a resolute tone.

“I’d like you to become the Vice Commander of the Astaroth Knights.”

“Me… you say?”

“I want you to be of greater help to me. A Vice Commander is more useful than bedroom furniture.”

It would be fair to say there was hardly anyone in the knightly order who could beat Derek now.

Moreover, the Astaroth Knights would be a merger of the existing knights guarding the Empress’s Palace from House Ahil and the Valkyrie.

To avoid unnecessary tension, it’s best to have one person from each side as Commander and Vice Commander.

“Will you do it?”

“…Yes.”

“Good. Then please convey my intentions to the knights. The position of Commander will be chosen fairly through duels. Mereum will also be included in those duels. However, if someone isn’t interested in the Commander position, they can forfeit the duel.”

“I will relay it as such.”

The Valkyrie’s image was already too tarnished.

It’s better to put on a new coat called on this occasion.

‘It’s a slight modification of my name, but it fits well. Sounds like the name of a formidable knightly order.’

Just then, perhaps having heard the news that I had awakened, Madame Berthold rushed in breathlessly.

“Susan, how is the public opinion within the palace?”

“Ah! The, they’re saying His Majesty the Emperor treated Her Majesty the frail Empress too harshly.”

“That’s good. Make sure to spread more of that kind of opinion. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

Madame Berthold looked at me with unfamiliar eyes, perhaps finding it awkward that I was giving orders as soon as I woke up.

‘I suppose it’s about time to officially explain why I’ve changed.’

I looked around at my closest aides one by one and opened my mouth.

“Actually, there’s something I haven’t told you all. It’s about the divine revelation I received.”