Unfortunately, the time that Juno had with Jupiter to explain what happened while he was asleep was short. Juno returned to being Juno Sergien.
She stared at the men sitting in front of her. They’re greedy as well. All the nobles in the empire wanted an opportunity to talk to her. The meeting held by Juno wasn’t an official one to discuss the nation’s affairs, but it was important for sharing information.
“I heard my lady is raising her half-sister.”
Their attention shifted to Juno. Come to think of it, is this the first meeting we had after I brought Lily into the mansion? She didn’t remember since she was focused on Jupiter.
“You’re so generous, Countess Sergien.” It sounded like a sarcastic remark to accept the daughter of the mistress who kicked Juno out.
Juno asked, “What do you mean?”
The aristocrat replied, “Well…! It must be hard to accept her.”
Juno nodded. “Yes, I was very offended.” Since she didn’t criticize him, the noble breathed a sigh of relief.
“Are you implying you didn’t do it because you wanted to?” questioned another noble.
“That’s right.”
The room became noisy.
“Then, why—”
“His Majesty ordered me.” Juno smiled.
“What?”
The nobles exchanged glances.
“His Majesty?”
“Why…”
While they were surprised, Juno could sense the movements of those who paid close attention to the relationship between her and the emperor.
“Since he’s part of the royal family, I obeyed, yet I can’t help but feel upset.”
“…What are you trying to say?”
They glanced at the empty seat next to Juno. She continued to smile. “His Majesty isn’t attending this meeting because I didn’t tell him. I think it’s time to make things clear on who has the upper hand.”
“…”
Silence settled in the room. Juno looked at each of the nobles. Good. Juno was giving advice to them, not to the emperor. If they act presumptuously like the emperor, they won’t be invited to come back. Someone gulped. The nobles were afraid they’d never attend this meeting again.
“Is there anyone who wants to give me something before we start?”
“Countess Sergien!”
People coughed, and some gave their reports to John as he approached them. Juno slowly read the four reports, and no one made a sound.
“It’s been decided. Viscount Gillette.”
A man who was sweating buckets responded, “Y-Yes!”
“If this information is true, I will help you this month,” Juno said.
“Thank you!” He lowered his head, unable to hide his joy.
“Of course, I’ll also compensate those who gave me information separately. Shall we start the meeting now?”
The meeting room became noisy. Not only were there stories about an incident concerning a noble family or petty gossip, but they also spoke of incidents in other countries.
“The scandal with the count…”
Talk about various events all over the continent and what will happen in the future filled the room. Of course, they kept glancing at Juno as they talked. Those who were telling the story put in more detail when they noticed she was listening.
Boring. The atmosphere of the room changed based on Juno. She rested her chin on her hand, staring at the people who tried to earn her favor. Those who desired the skills of an alchemist and those who wanted Juno’s skills struggled to please her. This was a meeting only those who knelt at her feet could attend, and there were very few nobles.
“I heard of something more important. May I talk about the viscountess?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
The aristocrat who was interrupted expressed his frustration while the other tried to hide his excitement as he spoke. In this place, status meant nothing. The closer you were to Juno, the stronger you were. It could be status, money, or something else. Juno was picky. One day she’d care about this person, another day she cared about someone else. Sometimes she liked the smart one, other times she liked the rich one. People fawned over her to please her fickleness; however, if you flattered her too much, Juno would keep her distance. Because you can’t be as arrogant as the emperor.
Juno laughed as she listened to the story. “Interesting.”
Most of the nobles here were high-ranking, but in this meeting room, they were clowns who acted cute to get Juno’s attention.
Look at me. I can do it. Choose me.
It was possible to do a lot of things when a person was close to Juno, and it was advantageous to be someone who could boast about it.
It’s funny. Those who laughed at her and pitied her now wanted her to look at them. I used to be thrilled. No one looked down on her or forced her to do something. But that was a long time ago.
Afterward, Juno felt a sense of emptiness. Their compliments and gifts meant nothing in the end. Nevertheless, Juno continued to host the meeting. It was to get revenge on the emperor and the crown prince, but at the same time, she couldn’t let go of the power at her hands. I’m a hypocritical person. She thought her power had no intrinsic meaning, but she refused to give it up. Juno felt nothing as people bowed down to her; however, she wouldn’t allow them to surpass her. I’m not in a position to mock them. I’m just as greedy.
Juno had been doing this for years. As there were more meetings, Juno’s power grew. She was still a countess, but her influence can be compared to the emperor. I don’t need to be in the spotlight. That was why she was confident about Argos. Argos never attended these meetings because Juno supported the emperor, but it was time for him to understand her power. He’ll see why he hasn’t beaten the crown prince despite trying so hard.
Juno checked the time and cut off a noble who was in the middle of talking. “Let’s end it for today. Since I still have something to say, some of you may stay.”
The meeting room became quiet. Everyone was eager to know which nobles were lucky.
Juno called out their names. “…Only those five.”
The chosen nobles stepped forward. The others left instantly, bitter looks on their faces. Juno looked at the remaining aristocrats and their expectant gazes.
Then, she shrugged. “It has to do with His Majesty not being here today.”
“Preposterous.”
“I’m serious.”
All the nobles held a decent amount of power. They immediately knew what she was going to say. What would happen if Juno no longer supported the emperor?
Juno continued to speak calmly, “I will be helping His Highness, Prince Argos. Not Her Majesty.”
A noble flinched at her words. He was someone who was allied with the empress. Juno stared at him, but he tried to avoid her gaze.
“…Didn’t you say you’d support him from the shadows?”
“Yes.” Juno glanced at the nobles standing before her. They were all on the side of Prince Argos.
“Then why are you telling us?”
“Because I know some of you are nervous.”
“T-That’s…”
Juno raised her hand to signal the noble to stop speaking. “I’m letting you know my alliance with the emperor has ended. I suggest you don’t do anything rash.”
