The Empror's Trap

Deep down, Kenji really wanted to seize this chance. As a transmigrator, the opportunity to reform an entire nation's army was priceless in his eyes.

But one question held him back: Did Pluvia genuinely want him involved in this?

The answer was obvious. Her Majesty had only agreed to this plan because the reform would happen among troops she personally controlled, boosting the fighting power of her own forces. That was a golden opportunity for her. If Kenji insisted on stepping in, he would only make her dislike him more.

He really didn't want to make that mistake in a matter this big.

Besides, he felt it was unnecessary. Let's say he had tried to fight for it; even the old Duke Anos probably wouldn't have squared off against her here. Reworking an army is a long, gradual process, and as the all-powerful Grand Marshal, Kenji oversaw all military affairs anyway. Simply put, no matter what these generals wanted to do, they still needed his authorization.

Yes, the emperor could give them a green light, but as the highest-ranking official in charge of national defense, Kenji wouldn't be left in the dark. He might not be hands-on, but no one could hide the direction of these reforms from him.

Once Kenji saw those details, he could quietly apply them to the forces he controlled. Besides, as a modern person, he held certain advantages she didn't. Whatever they cooked up, Kenji could absorb the information, refine it, then use it on his own troops.

He did want to be a loyal subject, but mostly for survival. He'd preserve his edge while raising the emperor's trust in him as much as possible.

That approach left Pluvia a little baffled.

"In that case, I thank the Grand Marshal for his confidence." General Balinos cupped his hands in gratitude.

Kenji just smiled. Balinos was polite to him because Kenji, as Grand Marshal, was in theory his superior, even if Balinos was older and more experienced.

"I'm comforted to see how dedicated the Grand Marshal is to our nation." Pluvia quickly jumped in as well.

This silent tug-of-war ended in mutual compromise. Kenji's reasoning was simple: make a concession that wouldn't escalate their conflict. After all, he didn't want an all-out showdown right now.

After that, the imperial court session lightened up considerably. The question of expanding the army had been the central conflict, and settling it eased the rest of the proceedings.

When the session concluded, the ministers filed out of the main hall. A group of Kenji's supporters approached, inviting him to join them for lunch, since they'd been up since dawn with hardly anything to eat, it was already nearing midday. Might as well fill their stomachs.

Kenji accepted without hesitation. Followed by a cluster of admirers, he left the palace and headed to a famous lamb restaurant in the city. The capital, Luminara City, boasted a place called Starlight Symposium with a legendary reputation for meat dishes. Countless nobles and officials came here to indulge in their creations. And with Kenji as their guest of honor, those officials brought out the finest cuts. Though they initially planned on just a few lamb specialties, the table ended up jam-packed in no time.

Kenji coped with their flattery, turning down most of their toasts with the excuse, "I can't hold my liquor well, and I don't want to neglect my duties."

But then an elderly man with white hair came forward.

He wore an official's robe. Judging by his attire, he was a governor. Kenji recognized him from court, he'd heard how this governor had risen from a lowly warehouse clerk all the way to running a county, apparently quite capable.

"Your Grace," the old official said, "I know you don't drink. I heard that Miss Anos is unwell, so I've brought a calming remedy. It used to be part of the palace's personal supply, but later fell into common hands and eventually got lost. I happened to know an old physician with the recipe. I gathered rare ingredients to prepare it for you. If it helps Miss Anos, please let me know. I'll do everything I can to help her recover."

With that, the man bowed and offered up a lacquered box that gave off a faint medicinal scent.

Kenji froze.

He knew perfectly well his sister wasn't sick. But to everyone else, she supposedly had hysteria. He hadn't planned on accepting any medicine at all.

Yet after seeing the old governor twist himself into a humble apology, Kenji felt some pity for him. The man had to be at least in his sixties or seventies. He'd started as a low-ranking official and clawed his way up to governor, now with hair white as snow. And here he was, bowing to someone young enough to be his grandson, just because Kenji was the Duke's son and had inherited that title. That was how the world worked: an old man humbly flattering a fresh-faced teenager with barely a trace of stubble.

Fine, Kenji thought, might as well accept it. The old man had done enough for the empire that he probably deserved a higher rank already, but his low background kept him from advancing further. Kenji wanted to recommend someone so capable.

He nodded. "Thank you for your kindness, Governor Lius. I'll thank you on my sister's behalf."

"No need for thanks."

"Governor, I appreciate how you've gone out of your way. If you ever need my help, please let me know."

Kenji swept his eyes around the table.

Clearly, the other guests didn't look too pleased by the governor's sudden maneuver, he'd cornered the market on politeness, and they found themselves with nothing left to say.

"Sir… I…" The old governor glanced around, then clenched his jaw and bowed low. "I have one request, Lord Anos. I'd like my unfilial daughter to enter the palace and find a position… even if it's just a humble one…"

A brief silence followed.

"Huh?"

Not just Kenji, everyone else at the table felt baffled by that request.

In the late emperor's time, that sort of petition wouldn't be unusual. Serving in the harem was a core strategy for many noble families.

But the current emperor was a woman.