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It was true that there was no physical evidence that Paveluc was responsible, but he was the greatest suspect ever since Elena told Carlisle of Paveluc’s plot in the last life. More importantly, the incident took place in the Ruford Empire. It was impossible for anyone to exercise such influence and power unless they were the Grand Duke.

At the moment, Carlisle refrained from rushing into combat, worried he would threaten Elena’s safety if he started a war. But there was no reason to wait anymore, and there would be no further investigation.

“I don’t need proof. If anyone objects to my order, I’ll cut them down.”

“Y-Your Majesty…”

A reasoned justification was no longer important to Carlisle. Thus far he tried to handle the issue as cleanly as possible, but now it didn’t matter to him how much blood was spilt to get back what he wanted.

“I will go and see for myself if Elena is in Lunen. If I don’t find her there, then we’ll scour the whole continent like this.”

It sounded as if he didn’t care whether he drowned the entire continent with blood in his search to find his wife. Zenard swallowed, knowing that the Emperor did not give empty threats.

“Your Majesty, you have to stay calm in a situation like this—”

“Do I not look calm?”

A faint smile flickered on Carlisle’s lips. He didn’t look angry, nevertheless, a chill ran down Zenard’s spine at the sight of it.

“I’m in a very rational state right now.”

He glanced at his right arm which was covered in black scales.

“I won’t be able to save her if I’m not calm. If I succumb to my anger, I won’t be able to think clearly.”

That was the only reason why he hadn’t gone mad. As long as there was the faint hope that Elena might be alive, he had to remain sane more than anyone else.

But if…

Someone really hurt Elena…

For a moment, a murderous spirit rippled enticingly through Carlisle’s whole body.

“I just hope there won’t be a situation where I have to take revenge.”

At that point, Zenard felt he had no choice but to sympathize with Carlisle. The continent could reach its darkest era if Carlisle really took out a blade of revenge. Zenard had witnessed much of Carlisle’s ruthlessness in battle, but he sensed something ever more terrifying simmering beneath Carlisle’s facade.

If Carlisle exploded…

The flame would be huge. And after what Carlisle ordered, Zenard had no choice but to jump into the pit.

He bowed low to Carlisle.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll gather the nobles and call for a strategy meeting now.”

Carlisle nodded, his eyes as black as coal. He murmured to himself in a low voice.

“I’ll show him what happens when someone dares touch my wife.”

***

At present, Paveluc was in a private meeting with a general from the Kelt Kingdom. The general’s name was Aegi, the highest ranked general from the foreign nation. He had a small build, but anyone who fought him would never consider him diminutive. His vast military achievements for the Kelt Kingdom spoke for themselves.

“I will ask you straightforwardly. How do you plan to pay for the Kelt soldiers, who will bleed for the Ruford Empire in your fight for the throne?”

This was the problem Paveluc and the Kelt Kingdom had to solve before they came to a formal agreement. Paveluc responded without hesitation.

“As you know, General, it is impossible to take full control of the Empire without killing the Emperor.”

“…”

Aegi did not respond, but he agreed with Paveluc’s words.

“I don’t want to draw out this conversation for too long, so I’ll be honest. If you kill the Emperor, I will give you the land to the south that borders that Kelt Kingdom. If you fail, I will give you one-tenth of my dominion.”

Aegi was a little surprised at the following words. It was a perfect deal for him. There were certain conditions he was prepared to accept, but Paveluc had appealed to him greatly from the start.

‘…Should I bargain a little more?’

He considered it for a moment, but then dropped the idea. As he expected, the rumors he heard about Paveluc were true. He was an extremely intelligent man, and he would not have offered the deal to Aegi without intense forethought. As Paveluc said, he wanted to cut out as many inefficiencies in negotiation as much as possible. He must have already considered that Aegi would negotiate for more, and there was no guarantee Paveluc would change these terms. Paveluc already offered a more than generous compensation.

Aegi’s eyes gleamed as he considered the deal for the moment. Because Paveluc was straightforward, he would be as well.

“…Good. Let’s not waste our time with useless talk. If you reward the Kelt Kingdom as you say, then we will help you.”

A small smile spread across Paveluc’s face. As Aegi surmised, Paveluc had no intention of making concessions over his initial offer. If the general wanted more, the results would have been the same. Paveluc was already bitter at risking so much of his own land, but it was the only way to defeat Carlisle.

Paveluc reached out his hand towards Aegi.

“I look forward to working with you.”

Aegi nodded firmly, and took Paveluc’s hand without hesitation.

“I assure you, we will do your best to take the Emperor’s life.”

And thus, the forces of the Kelt Kingdom, which Ophelia planned for, went to Paveluc’s hands.

It was the beginning of a new war.