The brief laugh, though fleeting, had already caught Marquis Schultz’s attention firmly on me. Knowing the reason he called me, I expected him to get annoyed at my scoffing, but he didn’t seem as displeased as I thought. Or maybe he hadn’t seen my smiling face at all, contrary to my expectations. Given my not-so-pleasant personality, if it was the latter, I’d be slightly disappointed.
I had no intention of provoking Marquis Schultz just from hearing what he had to offer. However, regardless of that, his underestimation of me was slightly offensive.
From the moment he entered, Marquis Schultz had been observing me non-stop, perhaps expecting to see me tense or scared. The very act of inviting him openly to the Empress’s palace, rather than some secretive location, should have been surprising enough. All his behavior indicated he took me lightly.
“I pledge my full support to Your Majesty, staking the Schultz family’s name. If you allow it, Your Majesty won’t face any difficulties in the future.”
Hmm, he’s not entirely wrong…
Despite appearances, the Schultz family has always been adept at looking out for its interests, possessing significant influence since the time of the previous emperor. Excluding the five ducal families, including Delkian, Duke Lige, and Marquis Chartero, Schultz’s family could be considered next in line.
Was he expecting this to work?
It hurts my pride.
Yet, considering Marquis Schultz approached me with that ring, I thought he’d directly exploit a weakness, but he was acting slightly differently, probably thinking a bit of pressure would get him what he wanted.
I hardened my expression as if it never happened and asked, “Please elaborate more. I’d like to hear how you can be of help to me, especially since that’s a surprisingly gracious offer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Marquis Schultz eagerly proceeded with his words.
* * *
“So, what exactly does the Marquis desire in return?” I asked what he needed in exchange for his outright support and promise of unconditional backing.
As expected, in return for declaring his support for me, Marquis Schultz had his own requests. He wanted the rights to operate the magic steam locomotive, a project that had been pursued with the Magic Tower for several years.
I hadn’t thought his request would be modest, but this was unexpected. Because… this information hadn’t surfaced.
The first thing Valery and I did upon sitting on the throne was to provide substantial support to the Magic Tower. It initially started with visits to the magicians of the Magic Tower to explore my curse-like abilities. Though they were researching magical and supernatural abilities, I hoped they could help. Despite their reputation for arrogance, the magicians were surprisingly cooperative, and although they hadn’t discovered much about my abilities, they’d been of great assistance.
When I heard about their difficult situation due to poor resourcefulness despite selling tools such as movement scrolls, mana stones, and magic tools. In exchange for my support, I asked them to bolster the throne, which was potentially vulnerable because of me. It was a challenging journey, but eventually, we struck a deal and embarked on various projects. Now, Valery, having gained strength, and I, despite realizing it was a futile effort, was on the verge of reaping the rewards of years of hard work.
Among the largest achievements were the magic-powered engines and fuels for large transport vehicles, which, after several failures, successfully operated. Nothing had been officially announced yet, but tangible results were soon expected.
While I had been interacting with the head of the Magic Tower and others, I planned to leave all dealings to Valery, especially since announcing it would undoubtedly attract central nobles and all others to compete for the operation rights. This too was being proceeded with utmost secrecy. Yet, how Marquis Schultz learned of this and proposed unconditional support in exchange for the first operation rights was beyond unexpected. He seemed to have thought about this for quite some time, as his business proposal was quite detailed.
Marquis Schultz had ranked territories, including his own, listing pros and cons as if he had been waiting to spill it all. He appeared rather composed while discussing it.
Someone must have spilled the beans.
I initially intended to give the first operation rights to Marquis Chartero.
Starting with curiosity about what leverage he might have, I now thought I might gain an unexpected advantage from this situation.
“I didn’t expect Marquis to be so well-informed.”
Marquis Schultz shrugged. “I’ve always been loyal and attentive to the imperial family. If Your Majesty grants me the rights, I promise to make the project a success. My family is closely related to the Magic Tower, and we’re actively running the public carriage business in the capital. We’re more likely to succeed than a completely unrelated family. So…”
“Marquis.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I interrupted him, who was clearly expecting his request to be granted, with a slightly elevated voice.
“I’m sorry, but that will be difficult.”
“Yes?”
“How could I make such a decision on my own? Surely, His Majesty the Emperor would have made the decision himself, so I have no authority.”
Marquis Schultz’s brows furrowed slightly. “That can’t be, Your Majesty. I know Your Majesty is wise. You’re well aware that granting my request wouldn’t be difficult if you merely say the word.”
I smiled faintly. Of course, with rumors of Valery being a devoted husband spreading, not to mention the criticisms, it’s clear he understood my influence.
“What power do I have? I don’t even know the extent of the project’s progress. If Marquis truly believes in your capabilities, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to speak directly to His Majesty once it’s announced.”
If he could indeed secure a private audience.
After declining his offer again, Marquis Schultz’s expression darkened completely, almost as if I could hear his teeth grinding. He must feel powerless.
Valery, despite the rumors, has received even warmer praise than the gentle and kind previous emperor. But he’s equally ruthless when crossed, and being exiled would mean the end.
“Haha, Your Majesty. Even seeing this ring, do you still think so?” As if dropping his pretense, Marquis Schultz sneered.
“That’s what I believe.”
Then, Marquis Schultz laughed more openly. “Your Majesty. Though I haven’t mentioned it yet, besides this, I have another gift for you.”
“Is that so? I’m looking forward to it.”
As I leisurely drank my tea and glanced at the Marquis, I saw him sigh briefly.
“Is Marquis attempting to threaten me now?”
As I set down my teacup and asked again, Marquis Schultz didn’t respond.
“Marquis.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I really can’t understand. How does threatening me equate to helping me?”
“…”
“What if my displeasure leads to your family being dismissed? Or were you hoping I’d be scared?”
Without filtering my words, Marquis Schultz looked taken aback as I spoke bluntly.
“Your Majesty, I—”
“I thought you should’ve been prepared for the consequences when you brought an item related to my past.”
