The Empror's Trap

"Rest assured Your Majesty. I know my bounds. Those Holy Country barbarians hold no interest for me."

"Oh?" Pluvia's lips curled into a smile. "Then who, in your view, isn't barbaric?"

Here we go again!

Warning bells rang in Kenji's mind. This woman might seem casual, but she clearly was setting a trap with her words.

If he named specific civilizations he considered non-barbaric, she'd likely suspect him of secret alliances or seeking future support. But just flattering her wouldn't work either - she'd keep pressing until she got what she wanted. Better to give a clever answer now than face an interrogation.

"In my view, besides our great Camelot, only one civilization might not be considered barbaric."

"Oh? Which one? Do tell."

Kenji smirked and pointed upward. "The divine."

"The divine?" Pluvia's gaze remained steady as she masked her thoughts. "You don't consider them barbaric?"

"I don't know if gods truly exist. Undoubtedly, their power surpasses ours. Yet legends show these gods consumed by human greed, ambition, wrath, and lust. Despite their might, they obsess over their weaker 'followers,' claiming divinity while serving only their desires."

"Therefore, they 'might not be barbaric' - but that's all. Great power without divine virtue - unable to explore the universe's mysteries above or bring peace below - without benevolence or righteousness, they're no better than beasts. Their supposed glory is just a false mask placed by mortals."

Kenji sat up straight. "These are my thoughts. I await Your Majesty's correction."

"I didn't expect such words from you."

Pluvia nodded. Clearly, Kenji's explanation aligned with her thinking. His harsh criticism of the divine served two purposes - besides his genuine distaste for such lofty beings, it also cleverly blocked her angle of attack. After all, how could she accuse him of conspiring with gods?

"With position comes responsibility. Your Majesty sits on the dragon throne, toiling for all under heaven. Yet these so-called gods merely toy with mortals, issuing nonsensical prophecies. What of their duties?"

A perfect bit of flattery, he thought.

Pluvia gave him a meaningful look but changed the subject, pulling out a small book from her pile and tossing it to him. "Know why I invited you today?"

"I do not. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

"See for yourself," she waved dismissively. "These are all the accusations court officials have filed against you these past months. The lightest call for stripping your rank, while most demand your head."

Kenji glanced at it briefly before meeting her gaze steadily.

"Is this all, Your Majesty?"

His calm response puzzled her. She frowned, staring hard at this supposed traitor. "You want more?"

"Forgive my directness, but I could compile similar volumes on every court official," Kenji said formally, sitting rigidly straight. "Your Majesty surely knows how many officials still support your brothers - the Crown Prince, Second Prince, and others. How many, bewitched, opposed your succession. Even now, with Your Majesty firmly in control, these traitors whisper complaints. Their joint petition aims to remove your loyal servant and strike at you. If I deserve death, what punishment do they deserve?"

Pluvia's fingers stopped drumming the table as she studied her loyal servant.

She remained silent.

"Pardon my presumption, but these petitions are threats. They use the court's authority to force you to strip my power. Consider - if I fall, how many officials and lords would declare themselves king? Your brothers all claim legitimacy. How would You handle that?"

"Duke Anos," murderous intent flashed in her eyes, "I want to know if these charges are true, not hear your threats."

"I wouldn't dare," Kenji stood and bowed. "I'm not threatening, just urging caution. I've served you for years and know these officials' hearts. As for the charges - some are true, others pure slander. Like claiming I corrupt the court and keep a harem rivaling yours! I'm not even married, with just one female guard... I'm practically a virgin! What harem?"

"Pfft-"

A tiny laugh escaped from behind the books. Though Kenji spoke seriously, his virgin comment somehow hit her funny bone.

Especially given his indignant expression.

But as Emperor, her emotional control was excellent, particularly with this man discussing serious matters.

A servant approached, pouring fresh tea for both.

"Ahem, well, I believe you," she recovered her serene demeanor, "but regarding your other matters..."

"Your Majesty, I'm innocent of most charges. While I was involved in some matters, I swear absolute loyalty to you."

Kenji's manner was solemn and sincere.

But... who are you trying to fool? Speaking so boldly in private - if this counts as loyalty, wouldn't disloyalty mean charging in with a sword?!

How infuriating, though he had a point. She couldn't eliminate him yet. The Crown Prince's faction and former Emperor's supporters would surely cause trouble if she did.

Pluvia needed Kenji, and... she feared him.

He controlled military power. She couldn't afford to offend him.

"You jest. Though I know some charges are true, your loyalty is evident." She reached for the petition book.

Then she dropped it into the nearby brazier, where it turned to ash.

"We'll speak no more of this - these petitions never existed. But remember to weigh carefully what you should and shouldn't do. Understood?"

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

....

.....

The tea was delicious today, but Kenji's mood was anything but.

Her Majesty pulled out that court minister's memorial today - a clear warning shot. Of course, she wouldn't dare touch him, and his cool composure only made her more hesitant.

But Kenji felt anything but confident inside.

Sure, he had leverage, but his words could've easily set her off - if she turned out to be as explosive as a firecracker, he'd be in deep trouble.

Thankfully, they both kept their cool.

Still, letting this slide didn't mean she'd forget about it.

As he bowed out, he caught her grinding those pearly teeth. If she wasn't still afraid to touch him, Kenji knew she'd have his head on a spike. She looked ready to eat him alive right there.

But damn, that green tea was something else. He liked it so much he dropped a hint about wanting some before leaving.

The emperor still had a soft spot for him - she immediately ordered her maid to fetch some imperial tribute tea, even as her temple throbbed. Seeing that, Kenji realized how precious this tea must be to her - but he could hardly take back his request now...

Whatever. Winning trust back wasn't about these little gestures anyway. Better focus on doing something that would really put her mind at ease.

Stepping out of the palace, Kenji spotted a girl in black standing at the gate.

She wore a black outfit with a sword at her hip, short black hair flowing behind her. Those dark red eyes locked onto the palace like she might storm in at any second if something went wrong.

The moment she saw Kenji, relief flooded her face. She straightened her clothes and walked over.

"You didn't need to worry so much," Kenji said with a wry smile.

Lina was being way too protective, standing there like she was plotting an invasion, all in black with that sword - looking every bit like someone out for revenge.

"Master, you're not very reliable. You said you'd be fine, but I couldn't trust your words," Lina let out a cold laugh that carried a hint of bloodlust, though not directed at him. "I've been monitoring everything inside. One wrong move and I was ready to charge in."

"Don't even think about it. What if I'm having a great chat with Her Majesty and slam the table in excitement? That'd look like treason either way," Kenji groaned, covering his face.

"Don't worry master. I placed a small trick on you - I won't act unless you're in real danger."

Lina glanced at the palace guards as she spoke.

"Wait, what did you put on me?"

"Just a tiny curse to sense any changes in your body. It won't affect you," she lifted the carriage curtain. "After you."

Kenji sighed and climbed in.

The carriage pulled away from the palace with the driver's call.

They sat facing each other inside. Lina looked out the window before asking softly:

"Master, do you need to use me anytime soon?"

"Of course not. I told you I'm safe" Kenji frowned. "And could you phrase that better? Saying use me makes me sound like some perverted noble."

"Well, you basically are. Who else would make their subordinate kill 11 ministers in one night?" Lina gave him a meaningful look. "And you didn't even pay me."

"..."

"But whatever, I eat your food, drink your drinks, use your things. No pay is fine."

"..."

"But you should reflect sometimes. Using people isn't like this - you had me working overtime right before her Majesty's coronation, then nothing after. Can't we have some consistency?"

Kenji caught that subtle smirk on Lina's face - she was definitely messing with him. His liver ached from irritation.

"That was assassination work! A young lady shouldn't spend all day killing people!"

"Oh, NOW you care about young ladies killing people?"

"..."

Kenji became speechless.

He couldn't be blamed! The original Kenji was ambitious and ruthless, ordering Lina to eliminate all the old emperor's faction before Pluvia took the throne, ensuring the new empress would be under his control. Those officials and their followers were like lambs to the slaughter under Lina's blade, turning the court into a bloody mess.

But that wasn't me now!

The one who ordered those kills was the past one, not current - go blame that guy!

"Alright, jokes aside," Lina leaned back. "Master, you might have your reasons, but don't worry about my feelings. Whatever orders you give me, I'll obey. You can be completely frank about that."

"You'll obey any order? Won't that make you unhappy?"

Kenji suspected Lina might be a bit yandere, especially given her demonic sect background. It seemed increasingly likely.

"Haha, Master, NOW you care about my happiness?"

Lina smile became more playful.

"I just... suddenly thought about it."

"Your decisions are my decisions, what you want is what I want. Simple as that," Lina leaned forward, studying his face. "Though if you order me to do something... pervy... I might need a moment. I do prefer a somewhat romantic atmosphere, after all."

"..."

Damn it, this girl is giving me a headache.