Published: January 4, 2026
“Return to the capital. Prepare yourself, Zoe.”
“Understood.”
Zoe nodded.
I left the room together with Zoe.
With this 25 million, I could restart what had been stopped.
The main issue—the salt tax—was already resolved, so there was no need to stay in Duselle any longer.
Stepping outside the building, I saw Zoe ahead, pulling the carriage toward me.
She acted as usual, trying to return to me.
Then, suddenly from right beside her—
Something emerged from the shadows and leapt at Zoe.
A dull gray light traced an arc.
It slashed at Zoe’s throat.
Zoe collapsed onto her knees.
“Who are you?”
I kicked off the ground and closed the distance in an instant, drawing out Leviathan and pressing it to the man’s throat.
He was a gaunt middle-aged man with bloodshot eyes.
He held a dagger in his hand.
That must have been the weapon that just slashed Zoe’s throat.
“...”
The man glared at me with furious eyes but refused to answer.
“I’ve seen this man before.”
“...Huh?”
But when I saw Zoe speaking normally—albeit with surprise—the man’s expression changed to astonishment.
“W-why...?”
“Do you know him, Zoe?”
“Yes. I saw his face when I went as a spy.”
“An agent of those guys... I see. So this is revenge for Zoe tricking you all so cleverly.”
“...Tch.”
His reaction confirmed my suspicions.
If that was the case, I used Leviathan’s intimidation to knock him unconscious.
His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed to the ground.
Meanwhile, Zoe touched her neck, surprised that although she should have been cut, there was no blood.
“How come there’s no wound...?”
“Check around your chest.”
“My chest...? There’s something here. Is this... a jewel?”
Zoe pulled out a shattered red gem—a ruby.
“It’s a ruby substitute. I had you carry it discreetly all along.”
“What!?”
“You’re going as a spy; I wouldn’t send you without any insurance.”
“Your Majesty...”
Zoe’s eyes welled up as she looked at me with deep emotion.
“You really are amazing, Your Majesty... to think you planned that far ahead.”
“You’re an important maid.”
“Your Majesty...”
Zoe looked even more moved.
☆
The next day after returning to the capital, in the detached palace study.
I summoned the tenth prince, Dustin.
My brother knelt on one knee and offered a polite greeting.
“What is it, Your Majesty? Why summon me?”
Dustin spoke casually, unlike the other princes.
“You’ve heard about the Duselle incident, yes?”
“Well, somewhat.”
“They say they sent women to you as well. Do you have an explanation for that?”
“I received them, yes? They were quite fine women, so I enjoyed them daily.”
Dustin answered smoothly, then gave me a ‘so?’ look.
“So, is it correct to say you accepted bribes?”
I glared at him.
“If you accepted bribes and gave favors, even though you’re my brother, I cannot defend you.”
“Huh? Why would I do that for those people?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m a prince, right? Getting some women from commoners doesn’t mean I owe them favors.”
“...Hm.”
I couldn’t help but smile wryly at Dustin’s attitude.
“They gave you women, so you accepted because they were high quality. That’s all.”
“You’re not unaware that they were falsifying the salt tax.”
“What are you talking about, Your Majesty? I’m not the emperor, just a prince with no official role. I can’t be bothered with that stuff.”
“...”
“Besides, Your Majesty, if you say it like that, does it mean they won’t be able to send you women anymore? Hey, the women from there are top-notch; losing that would—”
“Enough, enough. That’s enough.”
I smiled again, shaking my head.
This guy...
“I understand you weren’t involved, but in formality, you did receive bribes. Some light punishment is necessary.”
After giving it some thought, I announced.
“A year’s salary deduction and one month of house arrest.”
“Yeah, yeah. Oh, during house arrest, I can still call prostitutes or people to the house, right?”
“Do as you please.”