The Empror's Trap

"Grand Marshal, I've asked you here today because there's something important I need to discuss with you. It concerns the internal affairs of Camelot Empire."

"Please speak, Your Highness."

Kenji might have let himself relax a little around Pluvia, but in front of Empress Dowager, he wouldn't dare. It wasn't because she held much power—after all, Dowager had long since withdrawn from court affairs. Rather, as a leading statesman, he knew that acting overly casual with Pluvia was tolerable to most, but disrespecting Dowager would bring a host of moral complications upon him. There was simply no need for such trouble, especially since she didn't wield real authority. There was no point in conflict.

"Grand Marshal, you already know that the court's ministers aren't of one mind." Dowager gave a signal to her maid, who promptly poured Kenji a cup of tea. "You are no stranger to the web of push and pull among those ministers. In the court, it's not just those who opposed Her Majesty's ascension—there are others whose loyalties don't lie with Camelot Empire at all."

Her gaze turned serious, and Kenji understood what she meant completely.

In every major disturbance, Kenji had always found traces of outside interference. Even during the recent attempted coup, intelligence gathered by the Marshal's office—technically Duke Anos estate, since the Grand Marshal's building was more symbolic—pointed to certain officials having benefitted from the Holy Church. There was no hard proof, but all the evidence pointed that way.

This was why Kenji wanted to appoint someone to lead the Grey Scale Office as soon as possible. Camelot's court desperately needed that kind of team to root out traitors.

He could tolerate a little greed and ambition among officials; that was normal for an empire. He couldn't expect all civil servants to be saints. But treachery was a different matter.

"Your Highness, I'm fully aware. Her Majesty is even keener on this than I am. She entrusted me with these affairs a long time ago, and so far, I'd say we've made good progress."

"Her Majesty's judgment was right—Grand Marshal, you are the backbone of Camelot," Dowager said with a gentle smile. She sipped her tea. "Still, you and Her Majesty can't hold it all together by yourselves. Yes, you both have followers, but that's thin support for such storms—not because you're lacking in strength, but because these changes aren't so easily suppressed."

"I understand completely," Kenji said.

Theoretically, he and Pluvia could suppress the court ministers if it were only a contest of power. If the emperor were a man, it would be much easier. But the fact that Pluvia was a woman gave the malcontents endless excuses to stir up trouble. Quashing one faction meant another rose elsewhere, and it was an endless challenge.

"Now Her Majesty is under renewed attack from the ministers over the question of naming an heir. You defused the crisis this time, but let's be honest—this issue will come up again, probably more than once. Her Majesty will never let them pick an heir who suits their interests."

"You're right," Kenji agreed. "Her Majesty holds the court firmer than when she first ascended the throne, but if the ministers push too far, it won't be good for Camelot as a nation."

He lifted his teacup, took a small sip, and blew gently across the tea.

"That's why, as her mother, I have to do what I can to lighten her burden. Pluvia… That child has always taken everything on herself. Ever since the news of Yunis' death, she hasn't come to see me—even though I know exactly how she's thinking. She feels she can't face me now…." Dowager sighed, clear worry showing in her eyes.

"Your Highness, that's because Her Majesty respects you deeply and doesn't want you to worry. She cares for you a great deal and will surely come to see you soon."

"I'm not really concerned whether she sees me or not. She's the emperor—her duty is to rule. But the Celestial Court approached me recently. They hoped I would talk to Her Majesty about some things, but I know how hard those choices are for her. She's strong-willed, and she'll be reluctant to agree."

Hearing this, Kenji immediately understood what Empress Dowager was getting at. "If you'd rather not speak to Her Majesty directly, please tell me. I can deliver the message and convince her to change her mind."

Dowager looked thoughtfully at the young man before her, then smiled. "You're willing to help?"

"Of course, as long as it's within my ability."

"That's a relief." She let out a soft breath. "But Grand Marshal, you don't have to talk to her yourself. It's not that much trouble."

"Not that much trouble?" Kenji was taken aback. If she needed him to intervene, how could it not require him to speak to the emperor?

"Yes, so I'm sorry to trouble you." She sounded completely sincere.

Kenji started to respond politely when a sudden dizziness rushed over him. His consciousness slipped away, and he lost control of his body. His vision clouded, and everything turned hazy…

The poised and elegant woman—Empress Dowager—reached forward, holding his shoulder so he didn't slump straight out of the chair.

"It's not complicated. You just need to show up yourself, Grand Marshal."

As Kenji's body went limp and he passed out, the kindly smile vanished from Empress Dowager's face. She gestured, and several maids slipped out from behind the screen.

"Take Grand Marshal to Her Majesty's bedchamber. You know what to do. Let me remind you—if even a whisper of this gets out, just pick a spot out back for your grave, understand?"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The maids carried Kenji out.

For such a slim man, he's heavier than he looks, they thought as they hefted him. Why does he weigh so much?

As Kenji was taken away, Empress Dowager muttered to herself, "Let's hope this is enough…"

But none of them—not the maids or Empress Dowager—noticed a crucial detail.

As they lifted Kenji, spiritual energy silently swept around his body. And though Kenji had appeared deadweight, carrying him suddenly felt much lighter.

Anyone who ever carried people would know: an unconscious body is always heavier than a conscious one.