I don’t like it at all. Peter wasn’t fond of Jupiter’s way of thinking, especially since he came up with the idea in such a short time. Nobles truly did enjoy their games.
But it was definitely worth a try.
Jupiter chuckled as he read Peter’s expression. “They will believe Juno and I are allies. Thus, I can become the marquis.”
With Juno’s power, Jupiter can become the family head of House Trish.
Having a wary gaze, Peter said, “This is all for Juno.”
“Mm-hmm. She wants revenge.”
“Then?”
Jupiter smiled, which sent a shiver down Peter’s spine. “Marriage won’t be a problem.”
“It was never an issue in the first place.”
“There will be rumors. I’m going to be seen as pitiful.”
Once Jupiter becomes Juno’s husband, everyone will talk about him. Of course, there will be stories that make people feel sorry for Jupiter because of Juno’s personality.
All because she’s too nice. Peter sighed. He cared for her too because of her kindness, so he couldn’t help but worry. Juno acted more aloof and crueler as she her power grew; however, she was still a nice person.
“What do you want me to do?”
It was best to avoid any possible risks so Juno wouldn’t get hurt.
Jupiter responded as if he was waiting. “It’s a good plan.”
“Are you going to put yourself in danger?”
Doing that was like putting Juno in danger, so Peter had to worry about Jupiter’s safety.
“My right eye. I was a little surprised at first… It should be easy, right?”
Peter looked at Jupiter. He didn’t know if the young man was lucky or talented to notice the eye could be modified further. He sighed. “…What do you have in mind?”
A new alliance was formed in order to protect Juno.
***
Juno approached Argos who was waiting for her outside the meeting room.
“You didn’t bring a bodyguard.” She knew he already got a new one.
“Wouldn’t it be a problem if the information is leaked out again?”
“You’re by yourself.”
Argos patted his chest. “You gave me that.”
“You seem to like it a lot.”
“It was impressive.”
Argos’s decision not to bring an escort wasn’t bad. After all, the bodyguard he had for years revealed information so easily. Juno also didn’t know if Argos was aware his new bodyguard had close ties to the empress.
As Juno continued to evaluate Argos, he asked, “Why did you summon me here?”
There were many reasons. However, Juno decided to show Argos the beginnings of a new era.
“I thought I’d do more to help you.” She pointed to the door behind him. “If you go there, we can make a deal.”
“Is that so? What’s behind it?”
“People. They’re the real forces of an unofficial empire.”
“What?”
“How about you think of them as the people who keep the empire afloat?”
The people behind that door were different from their public personae. They were the ones who guided and controlled the main forces of the empire. Some actually occupied high-ranking positions, but others were not powerful at all in the public’s eye.
“You’ll understand when you see them.” Juno winked at John, and the door was opened.
Everyone sitting at the table stood up to welcome her.
“There you are Countess Sergien.”
Juno smiled and walked to the table. Then, she introduced Argos who had followed her. “Hello, everyone. We have a new member.”
While the people in the meeting room appeared nonchalant, they paid attention to anyone who was new. This time, it was Argos.
“It’s His Highness,” one of the nobles said.
Juno nodded. “I gave you my word, didn’t I?” She pointed to the chair next to her. “He will take his place.”
The nobles exchanged glances. Juno no longer had any interest in the emperor. After exchanging greetings, the meeting began.
***
Argos was surprised, though he didn’t show it on his face after observing the expressions of everyone else. Most of the nobles are here.
Judging by the conversation, the people Argos didn’t know occasionally spoke. It was clear they weren’t aristocrats, but still held a lot of influence in the empire. They also belong to various factions.
Argos’s own men were here as well as Anton’s. They exchanged information without antagonizing one another.
The information isn’t trivial either. Argos wondered how they were able to talk about it so casually. He briefly recalled how the seat he was sitting in had belonged to his father. I can see why Mother and I haven’t been able to defeat him. Even his allies were present. Naturally, information was leaked which allowed the emperor to be one step ahead.
“Is there anything you’d like to know?” Juno asked.
“Oh.” Argos hesitated for a moment. He should ask for neither trivial nor important information. Since the people in this meeting room exchanged information with one another, Argos also had to give information they’d want. Otherwise, he didn’t have the right to know anything. “Is there anything about my new bodyguard?”
He decided to ask for information that was important to him but not so much for them. It was good since he was curious about the escort knight. Argos glanced at Juno who was smiling. After their last meeting, it was hard to see that expression as just a mere smile.
“Is there anyone who wants to answer?”
A man opened his mouth. “Sir Balde is believed to be Baron Balde’s second son and will not be able to inherit the title of baron. He has been married for five years.”
Another noble responded, “Isn’t there more to it?”
The other nobles nodded.
“Ah, yes. He’s allied with Her Majesty.”
“Her Majesty is very generous.”
Argos realized their conversation was going in a strange direction. They were implying Sir Balde was his mother’s lover.
“He’s been a knight for three years. Since he’s His Highness’s bodyguard, it shows how much Her Majesty cares.”
“It was a sudden attack, so it would have been difficult for Her Majesty to find someone reliable.”
“The only problem is that he’s the empress’s secret lover.”
Argos tried to maintain his expression.
“He has a mole on the back of his ear. In terms of courtship, he vastly prefers—”
“I believe that’s enough.” Argos smiled.
The man who was the first to answer Argos’s question nodded. “I have more information, so I’ll organize it and send it to His Highness later.”
“…Thank you.” Argos realized once more how vast their information network was.
Juno said, “Shall we call it a day? If you have anything else to say, you can speak to John.”
Several nobles rose from their seats and approached the man called John. Argos was about to eavesdrop on their conversation when several other aristocrats approached him.
“Your Highness, I look forward to your cooperation.”
“It’s time for the empire to usher in a new era.”
“Honestly, the crown prince is not fit to be emperor.”
Nobles who were part of the crown prince’s faction, neutral, and ones Argos considered to be of his own faction welcomed him. It seemed appearances weren’t everything. Afterward, they said their farewells to him.
“I hope to see you next time.”
“Yes, of course.”
When Argos glanced at John, the nobles surrounding the butler had already left. Argos couldn’t help but lament the fact that he missed an opportunity to hear something good.
Then, Juno approached him.
