The Empror's Trap

Chapter 1: Ch 1 - I Just Wants to be a Good Guy

--Year 666 of Camelot Empire Calander--

--The Camelot Central Empire, the residence of Duke Anos--

"Your Grace, please take a look. This is the most expensive jewel produced by our Holy Country – the Tears of the Holy Mother. It was obtained from the underground caves of our Holy Country, and after careful selection and polishing by our jewelers, its value is very rare. I'm not joking, look at this luster, this clarity..."

This man, known as the world's most authoritative jewel collector, was endlessly introducing the gem in his hand. While speaking, he occasionally glanced at the man in front of him, Duke Anos.

However, in response to the collector's vigorous sales pitch, the duke, sitting opposite him in a dark robe, simply nodded:

"How much?"

"Well... if it's for Your Grace, we can give you this jewel at no charge. It is a testament to our friendship, don't you think? Moreover, your wife is so outstanding; this jewel can be considered our blessing to you and your wife."

The collector smiled as he spoke, placing the box containing the Tears of the Holy Mother in front of him.

But unexpectedly, the young duke pushed the Tears of the Holy Mother back:

"I apologize. I would like to correct two minor mistakes in what you just said."

"First," he pointed to the elegant, short black-haired girl sitting beside him, "she is not my wife; she is just my bodyguard. I have her sitting beside me because I think it's tiring for her to stand around in everyday situations."

"And second," as he said this, coldness appeared on his young yet chiseled face, "I perfectly understand the intention of your respected religion in gifting me this jewel free of charge. There is a saying in our Camelot Empire: There is no free lunch. I understand the meaning of your religion. To be honest, the Camelot Empire is not a suitable place for your religion to preach its theories. I do not want to pay an even greater price in the future to make up for this small advantage I would gain today."

At this point, he looked toward the girl next to him:

"Lina, what is the market price of this thing?"

"In the Holy Country, one Tears of the Holy Mother is worth about 1,500 Camelot gold (Camelot Empire gold coin unit)."

"Pay this gentleman two thousand gold. Fifteen hundred is for purchasing this jewel, and the remaining five hundred will be considered a commission for this honorable guest and a gift to the Holy Country."

Kenji, who had been handed this seemingly invincible script, couldn't laugh.

On the surface, the Anos dukedom was a winner in life, having reached the point where he could keep his shoes on while entering the imperial court, would not bow in his presence, and his name would not be called at formal audiences. But in reality... the new emperor was no pushover either.

The first day he arrived in this world was the new emperor's ascension to the throne. When Emperor Pluvia bestowed honors on him, there were no further titles he could grant, so he gave him the title of Brother, essentially implying that he was like the emperor's own brother.

But looking into the cold eyes of the elegant and composed woman, he immediately understood one thing... He realized he wasn't playing the role of Cardinal Richelieu, but rather that of Thomas Cromwell...

To put it bluntly, he wouldn't be surprised if one day, when he went to meet the emperor, a bunch of wrestling enthusiasts jumped out from all sides and tied him up.

So Kenji was now prepared to protect his life...

He would play it soft for now.

He had to find a way to protect his life first. While the new emperor still needed him and wouldn't easily make a move against him, he had to quickly think of a way to get rid of this traitor title.

What? You ask why, with so much power, he chose to play it safe?

Was Thomas timid? No.

And what happened to Thomas?

Throughout history, many people have died because of this. Kenji didn't even want to usurp power. Even if he did, he shouldn't openly state it.

Stating it openly would be suicide.

So, today, he deliberately bought this jewel at a high price, planning to present it to the emperor tomorrow to show a little bit of his loyalty. The reason for it...

Would be that it was a gift from the Holy Country, and as a subject, he dared not hide it, so he offered it to the emperor. On one hand, he offered a gift, and on the other hand, he displayed his loyalty. It was all up to the emperor to accept or reject the gift. Accepting it would mean that he was still somewhat safe and there would be a chance to turn things around. If she rejected it...

Then so be it. He would slowly try to win her over. After all, Kenji had already thought of many ways to gain her trust. He didn't dare to usurp the emperor's throne, because although the new emperor had a portion of the military power in his hands, these were not his personally trained troops. If the emperor gave her order, who knew how many would defect? That would be disastrous for him.