The Empror's Trap

The negotiations lasted much longer than expected.

The results were kept almost entirely secret—even many ministers of the Vishi Empire remained unaware of what consensus had been reached between the two monarchs or the exact terms agreed upon.

A week later, when Vishi Empire officially announced the establishment of friendly relations with Camelot Empire and long-term trade agreements, politicians monitoring the two nations were stunned.

On the surface, the two countries couldn't be more different. One was an Eastern nation, the other Western. One was a secular state with highly developed political power, the other a theocracy. One relied on mystical arts, the other on magic.

It was as absurd as forcing a failed art student and a self-righteous bank robber to become friends—utterly unbelievable. Even the foreign envoys stationed in the Vishi Empire scrambled in confusion, suspecting the news was some kind of fabricated rumor.

But the truly shrewd had already prepared. Take the Hedian Empire, for instance, located far from Vishi. Duke Maxon had long anticipated the possibility of friendly relations between the two empires. Recent diplomatic exchanges only confirmed his suspicions, revealing a golden business opportunity.

The eccentric duke poured nearly all of his modest wealth into securing a series of commercial transit contracts from Vishi Empire. Using Vishi as a trade hub, he imported goods from Camelot, then resold them within the Hedian Empire.

This way, he could truthfully claim his merchandise came from the Vishi Empire rather than Camelot. He was merely purchasing processed goods from Vishi—not products from heathens.

…

Pluvia and Kenji's diplomatic mission was nearing its end. Most discussions between the two empires were complete. A week had been enough to resolve numerous issues, including a military cooperation agreement.

Finally, the Vishi Empire relented.

Under the treaty, Vishi agreed to supply Camelot with a batch of auto-staves, over a dozen sets of holy armor, and a significant number of finished "cores"—all at near-cost prices.

Additionally, Vishi would share advanced civilian technologies, such as the principles and manufacturing methods behind magic crystal lamps, with Camelot's technicians.

Beyond that, the two empires would engage in long-term military collaboration, publicly framed as "regular military exchanges." Vishi agreed to provide technical guidance and joint research to modernize Camelot's military equipment.

This was, in part, repayment for Camelot's past generosity in sharing critical technologies without reservation.

Naturally, Camelot wouldn't just take. They would assist in reforming the Vishi military's internal structure, improving soldier discipline, and working with Vishi officers to enhance oversight and intelligence mechanisms.

The two nations also agreed to establish a stable, long-term trade route. However, this would take considerable time, given the number of countries separating them. Building a secure route would require similar agreements with every nation along the way.

Frankly, it wouldn't be easy.

Diplomatic visits to foreign lands might seem like taxpayer-funded vacations, but for Pluvia, Kenji, and their delegation, there had been no rest.

Kenji had been busy nonstop, while Pluvia pushed her limits, cutting sleep to a minimum. Days were filled with negotiations, evenings with banquets, and even after returning to Thelia Palace, she still had paperwork to handle. She was practically a workaholic.

"Your Majesty, here's tomorrow's itinerary."

At midnight, Kenji respectfully handed Pluvia the schedule.

She set down her pen with a sigh and took the document, scanning it carefully.

Then she paused. She flipped it over, checking the back—nothing.

"Kenji."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"This is it for tomorrow?"

She pointed at the pathetically sparse entries, her expression baffled.

"Isn't it better to have fewer commitments? This way, Your Majesty won't be overworked." Kenji smiled.

"Well, yes—wait, what's this? 'Sightseeing in Vitnan City'? I don't recall approving this." Pluvia glared at him.

This was ridiculous. Though the main negotiations were done and most diplomatic tasks completed, that didn't mean there was nothing left to do.

A schedule with only one item for the entire day? Was this a joke?

"Your Majesty, forgive my presumption. Given Your Majesty's exhaustion, I took the liberty of arranging tomorrow's agenda."

Kenji said this without a hint of guilt, as if altering the emperor's schedule was perfectly normal.

"Have you lost your mind? Do you realize how much trouble a day off could cause?" Pluvia shot to her feet.

"Rest assured, I've already coordinated with the Vishi side. The next few days hold no critical events—just banquets and balls. I've screened the invitations, retaining only those worthy of Your Majesty's presence. It won't affect major affairs. After all, as the sovereign of Camelot, you can't accept every invitation. This also reinforces your prestige."

Kenji didn't believe in innate nobility, but as an emperor, appearances mattered. Declining certain events was necessary.

"And what if we face another assassination attempt?"

"Your Majesty, the Vishi Empire has deployed security throughout the city, and we've made our own preparations. I guarantee your safety."

He was confident.

Truthfully, skipping the outing wouldn't eliminate the risk. Unless Pluvia never left Thelia Palace, assassins would find opportunities.

Better to lure them into the open and set a trap.

Of course, Kenji hadn't arranged this trip just for Pluvia's rest.

He was fishing, by using her as a bait.

….

Morning sunlight spilled into Thelia Palace.

Within the ancient halls, its temporary ruler stirred awake with a soft groan. Pluvia raised a hand to shield her eyes from the harsh light seeping through the curtains.

Wait—sunlight?

Her heart nearly stopped. She bolted upright, barely registering her disheveled sleepwear as she scrambled toward the wardrobe.

Damn it, what time is it?! What appointments did I miss?

How could they forget to wake me?!

Fuming, she grabbed the first coat within reach and threw it on before kicking the door open.

Her attire was far from regal, but she didn't care. Thelia Palace's master suite was isolated from the rest of the residence, and the Royal Guards stationed outside were all women. A little informality wouldn't hurt.

"Sonya! What time is—"

Her angry shout died halfway.

Because standing outside her door was a man.

Tall and broad-shouldered, he wore a distinctly Western-style outfit—a shirt, as the locals called it. The Holy Church might suppress free thought, but even they couldn't stop fashion trends, especially when the clothes were lightweight and comfortable.

The well-fitted garment lent him an uncharacteristically polished air, softening the usual sharpness in his features (though Pluvia suspected half of that edge was her own bias).

If not for his unmistakable face, she might not have recognized the man who'd shadowed her every move for weeks: Duke Anos.

"What are you doing here?!"

Still groggy, Pluvia blinked at him, struggling to process the situation.

"Ah… Your Majesty, if you recall, I mentioned yesterday that today's sole agenda was sightseeing in Vitnan City. I instructed the staff to let you sleep in."

Kenji's tone was infuriatingly calm.

Clearly, she'd been too exhausted to remember.

"Right… I forgot. But why are you at my door?"

"I was waiting for you to wake up."

Pluvia shot a glare at the Royal Guard on duty, silently demanding an explanation. The guard averted her eyes—what was she supposed to do? The Grand Marshal had shown up, insisting he wouldn't disturb Her Majesty. It wasn't like she could order him to leave.

"Well, now that you mention it, I am curious about Vitnan. They say it's one of the most vibrant cities in the human world. We passed through before, but I never got to see its true splendor. Kenji, any recommendations?"

If he'd already handled the arrangements, she might as well enjoy this rare day off.

"According to my inquiries, Vitnan's scale is vast, with countless culinary and architectural highlights. I suggest starting with a local eatery near Thelia Palace to sample regional dishes, followed by dessert at a renowned confectionery."

Truthfully, Kenji knew little about Vitnan's attractions himself. But he had subordinates to gather intel, and the Vishi officials—being locals—were happy to provide suggestions.

"Fine. Who's accompanying me?"

"To avoid crowding Your Majesty, I've arranged a single escort. Travel light today—security will be discreet but thorough."

Kenji smoothly dodged the assignment.

Accompanying a woman on a shopping trip? In his past life, that would've been a nightmare. One wrong comment could spell disaster.

But the escort couldn't be just anyone. Given his ulterior motives, he needed someone capable of handling real threats. Sending a junior officer would be laughable—if attacked, Pluvia might end up protecting them.

So he'd chosen the most "qualified" candidate.

"Oh? Who?" Pluvia's interest piqued.

"One moment."

Kenji stepped back and called toward the hallway: "Her Majesty wishes to see you."

From around the corner, someone shuffled into view.

Jet-black hair tied back, a figure honed to perfection without an ounce of excess. A newly purchased knee-length skirt lent her an approachable, almost sisterly charm. Her toned calves betrayed a disciplined training regimen.

But her expression screamed I hate this.

"Co… Commander?!"

Pluvia gaped as if seeing a ghost.

Before her stood none other than Sonya Song, Commander of the Royal Guards. Yet even after years of acquaintance, Pluvia had never imagined the woman would wear something so… domestic.

"Commander Song will accompany you today. She can address any inquiries and, of course, ensure your safety. I trust her capabilities entirely."

Kenji nudged Sonya forward, ignoring her death glare.

"Hmm…"

After a beat, Pluvia nodded. "Very well. I appreciate your service."

Honestly, this was ideal. A leisurely outing was better shared with another woman, and while Kenji had proven reliable lately, his past antics still left her wary.

As the resigned Sonya followed Pluvia into the carriage, Kenji smirked.

Yes, Her Majesty would surely enjoy a pleasant, stress-free day under the Commander's watch.

Though judging by the murderous look Sonya shot me, I might've just tanked my favor with her.

Persuading her had been simple. Just one sentence:

"Commander, you do want to prevent another assassination attempt on Her Majesty, don't you?"