In the training ground of Duke Montaner, a fierce sparring session unfolded between the Duke and a young man. At least, that’s how it appeared on the surface.

The Duke, with a thick sword tip barely blocked just in front of his chest, thought to himself, “How trivial. This is an attack even Her would not have made at the age of seven.”

Eventually, the young man, panting, lowered his sword. Upon this, the Duke, hiding his true feelings cleanly, clapped as if genuinely applauding.

“Haha. It could have been a big problem. How can such a capable swordsman like you not become the Commander of the Imperial Guard?”

“Your Excellency, that’s an unwarranted remark. Dare I be the Commander of the Imperial Guard? People would burst into laughter if they heard that.”

Despite his humble tone, the man’s face was filled with pride coming from recognition.

As the Duke returned the sword to its sheath, he spoke, “It was an enjoyable sparring after a long time, Viscount Esmond.”

“I was truly honored to cross swords with you. Your Excellency is undoubtedly the Empire’s finest swordsman.”

“Haha, you’re exaggerating. Being the finest swordsman with just this level of skill.”

The Duke’s laughter seemed subtly twisted.

‘He hasn’t even shown his true skills, and calling him the finest swordsman? His judgment is lacking. Or maybe he’s cunning.’

For lacking judgment, the Duke gave a mark to Esmond.

Esmond, the Viscount with a gentle demeanor, was, at a glance, a man far from being cunning.

“Would you like to take a walk for a moment?”

The Duke suggested a stroll to Adrian. Adrian naturally agreed, and the two walked through the courtyard for a while.

Although the late winter night breeze was chilly, it was perfect coolness for Adrian, who had sweated from the vigorous sparring.

“Is there anything difficult in what you’re doing? I plan to give full support to Viscount Esmond’s work.”

As they reached a somewhat neglected garden, the Duke asked.

“Everything is smooth. And support, you say? Rather, I plan to wholeheartedly assist Your Excellency in your work.”

“Thank you for saying that. Devoting yourself so sincerely for this old man in the backroom.”

“Please don’t say such things.”

Adrian stopped abruptly. Turning around, the young man’s face was unexpectedly resolute.

“Your Excellency has been my idol for a long time. It started from the moment you gave me a chance for a rematch when I, a young boy who had fallen off during a practice match, hadn’t even had a proper fight in a real match.”

“…….”

“Since then, Your Excellency has been my ideal. I believe someone who can tenderly touch people’s hearts should become the Emperor. If Your Excellency can ascend to the throne, I will do anything.”

“Emperor… Please don’t say such things. What if someone hears…?”

Though the Duke warned with a bewildered expression, Adrian continued without paying attention.
“People who know are well aware. How much Your Excellency achieved during the subjugation era. It’s also said how little the current emperor does in comparison.”

“…….”

If that were the case, how good would it have been?

The Duke became annoyed.

Emperor Hersis’ achievements during the short period of about a year far surpassed those of the Duke’s twenty-year accomplishments. Hersis had achieved significant victories in the war against the Terendis Kingdom, acquiring substantial spoils. However, that was not an easily won war.

He had handed over classified military documents to Amelda Lafer.

They were documents meticulously written by hand during his subjugation era, and there was no room for error. No one else besides him knew the existence of such documents.

‘But why did it end up losing so miserably?’

He speculated about what might have happened during the document handover process, but there was no way to confirm it.

Since then, there had been no word from the spy Amelda. According to rumors, it seemed like she disappeared without a trace.

Anyway, the plan had utterly failed.

Not only did the people’s trust in the Emperor not decrease, but it also soared higher into the sky. At this rate, Hersis would undoubtedly become the Emperor who firmly established his position in the shortest period in history.

A turning point was needed.

Adrian Esmond seemed quite suitable as a person who could provide that turning point. Moreover, his younger sister’s situation was intriguing.

“Is it true that Mr. Esmond entered as a maid of Her Majesty the Empress?”

“Ah… that.”

Adrian’s complexion stiffened at the Duke’s words.

It was the most regrettable thing for Adrian recently. Even if he had to break his arm, he should have prevented his younger sister from entering the palace.

“That… don’t worry. She may have done that due to some suppressed resentment. Our family has been too harsh on her. I will persuade her and bring her back home soon.”

“No, there’s no need for that. You shouldn’t constrain your younger sister too much, even if she has a broken arm. Let her be free. That way, she won’t become rebellious.”