The Empror's Trap

It was like when your girlfriend says, "I'm not mad, you can go." Walk out and you'll instantly become Enemy No. 1.

"Uhh…" Kenji glanced at Lina.

Lina felt his gaze but seemed to misunderstand, pressing her blade just a bit tighter against Empress Dowager's neck.

Stop! He screamed internally. If you cut any deeper, we'll all be in real trouble! Did she really plan to fight her way out of the palace?

"Young master, just give the word—I'm ready," Lina said, voice solid as steel.

Kenji hurriedly waved her down, then turned and bowed to Pluvia.

"Your Majesty, this is all so sudden. Could you grant me a little time to think it over?"

"You have until tomorrow morning," Pluvia replied at once.

Kenji wanted to say more, but Pluvia cut him off:

"By midday tomorrow, word will start to spread among the court ministers—I don't want this to snowball, understood?"

"Understood. You'll have my answer in the morning."

"As for Empress Dowager… I don't know if what you said is true, about that tea. Sonya, send a team to inspect the Palace of Compassion at once. Report back to me if you find anything."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

...

The next morning, Kenji met Pluvia early.

"Have you thought about it?"

Pluvia looked like she hadn't slept well. Books were scattered around her, along with piles of official documents. She glanced up at Kenji, then gestured to the empty seat beside her desk, indicating him to sit.

Kenji watched her writing rapidly and asked curiously, "Your Majesty?"

"I'm reviewing documents. My illness delayed things, and they've piled up—reports on northern defense reinforcements, grain production reports from Hexi County, proposals for rerouting the canal..."

"Rerouting the canal? Wasn't the canal route already planned?"

Kenji frowned, momentarily distracted from the marriage alliance matter he'd come to discuss.

"They discovered minerals, rich deposits. Also, according to the original plan, the canal would pass through a valley. The officials in charge report that the valley is mostly rock, making progress slow and wearing out tools. They're suggesting we go around it."

Pluvia finished writing her comments on the document, set it aside, and spoke to Sonya standing nearby: "Take this to the Ministry of Works and give it to the Water Authority. Tell them to discuss it and provide recommendations. Water management affects Camelot's legacy for generations to come. Tell them there's no need to rush—I can give them more time."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Sonya took the document and left the study. As she passed Kenji, she smiled and bowed slightly before hurrying away.

"Now then, after a night of consideration, do you have an answer?" Pluvia leaned back in her chair and asked.

"Your Majesty, I have an answer. However..."

"Ah, no need to rush. I have something to tell you first. You can decide afterward."

Pluvia pulled an ordinary-looking paper packet from a drawer and placed it before him.

"What's this?"

"This was found in the Compassion Palace. It's a substance favored by martial artists. I consulted the imperial physicians, who said it's nearly colorless and odorless, with sedative effects. The packet has been opened and partially used. The maid who administered it has confessed."

She rubbed her temples—a habitual gesture she made after reviewing documents to relax.

"So, that means you..."

"Indeed, I wronged you. I never imagined Empress Dowager, who's stayed out of politics for so long, would target you. I've punished her... though as an Empress, I couldn't punish her too severely."

"So, Your Majesty believes me now?"

"...It was my mistake. I was too impulsive before. Those supposed crimes now appear completely fabricated. I have a summer palace in the south that I rarely use. I'll give it to you as your future prince's residence. May we forever maintain our relationship as ruler and subject, setting an example for future generations."

Pluvia smiled.

Kenji remained silent, waiting—she was offering him a way out. How she would steer the conversation back to the marriage alliance was up to her.

Sensing his intentions, Pluvia considered briefly before continuing, "By the way, what were your thoughts when I proposed the marriage alliance?"

"Which aspect does Your Majesty mean?"

"Setting aside state affairs."

"Putting state affairs aside, it depends on whether Your Majesty wants to hear the truth or not."

"The truth, please."

"Forgive my boldness, but setting aside official matters and speaking of personal feelings, while I feel loyalty toward Your Majesty and desire to assist you, I don't have romantic feelings. However, Your Majesty is young, beautiful, talented in governing, and of noble birth—so perhaps I should be pleased."

Kenji watched Pluvia's expression and continued:

"Therefore, regarding the marriage alliance, I'm not opposed to it, but I don't have much personal attachment either. I've never had improper thoughts about Your Majesty. Even if we were to marry, I would devote myself to assisting you, but romantic feelings might be difficult."

"I understand," Pluvia wasn't uncomfortable with his words and continued, "Then, what about from an official perspective?"

"Officially, I support the alliance."

"Why?"

"Your Majesty has recently ascended the throne, and various factions are already interfering. The reasons are twofold: first, as a new ruler, your foundation isn't yet stable; second, as a woman, you face disadvantages among Camelot's powerful factions. Though Camelot is relatively lenient toward women, the imperial position invites the most criticism. Various factions dissatisfied with Your Majesty will find excuses to try to shake Camelot's foundation."

"Like the recent palace coup attempt, using Your Majesty's unmarried status and gender as pretexts to pressure you into appointing someone else as heir. Foreign countries also instinctively perceive Your Majesty as weak and provoke us accordingly."

"A marriage alliance would stabilize internal affairs and silence many critics. Externally, it would prevent other countries from underestimating us. It would also unite Camelot internally."

These were just the obvious benefits. The greatest advantage was that, at least outwardly, after the marriage, Camelot's military and other powers would appear to be consolidated under the Emperor's control (though actually still held by Kenji himself). Facing such a united Camelot, anyone would think twice before challenging them.

Of course, Camelot was already formidable, but too many people had noticed the rift between the Grand Marshal and the Emperor, attempting to exploit it through provocation or divide-and-conquer tactics. Though their schemes rarely succeeded, the constant troublemaking was annoying.

"You're right. This marriage alliance indeed has certain benefits. This is precisely why I've been eager to form this alliance with you—for the sake of our country."

"I understand Your Majesty's intentions."

"Since that's clear, let me be direct. This marriage has greater political significance than emotional value, as you surely understand. Regarding our previous discussion, though rumors have spread about us being alone together, you were also a victim of this plot. I can't force you. If you wish to withdraw now, there's still time."

Kenji found this ridiculous, but Pluvia's reasoning was sound.

A political marriage was exactly that—each party taking what they needed. At least Pluvia was willing to be clear about it.

"Your Majesty, I have just one question."

"Speak."

"Does Your Majesty truly need this marriage alliance to stabilize the situation? Without it, do you have equally swift and effective methods to achieve internal stability?"

"No. I have many ways to stabilize the country, but none would show significant results quickly. Except for one approach—execution. But that's like drinking poison to quench thirst. It would damage my credibility and create too many enemies to maintain stability."

"I understand. If that's the case, why not find a compromise?" Kenji smiled mysteriously.

"A compromise? You have a plan too?"

And so, a "conspiracy" quietly began to unfold...