The tournament ended with an enthusiastic and captivated audience. Luke left the stadium and arranged a secret meeting place at Batori’s request. When he heard the spy’s report, he was stunned.
“You’re saying that the man that was Lord Aaron today…was the Crown Princess?”
“Yes. It may be difficult to believe, but I saw with my own eyes Lord Aaron lying in the waiting room. The only person that had been alone with him was the Crown Princess.”
“…Ha.”
Luke gave a sharp bark of laughter. Unlike his smiling face, however, his eyes were still dark and cold.
“So the reason why she was injured during the ambush was because she was defending Prince Oliver.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
It was certainly an incredible story. Even though the Windsor family had served as knights for the Imperial Family for generations, it was surprising there was a woman among them as skilled as she was. While Keith Empire did not allow women’s advancement into the military, it didn’t make sense that the family would hide the daughter’s skills.
However, while more questions were raised for Luke, other riddles were being solved. He carefully pondered this new information, murmuring to himself in a low voice.
“…It’s unclear if Oliver made a meaningless wish on the Dragon’s Orb, but he has reaped an unexpected harvest.”
Although it wasn’t clear whether Amanda’s fighting abilities were due to the Dragon’s Orb, she did wear it as a ring. Luke might have made a crucial mistake without knowing this information. Knowing the enemy’s secrets was vital to winning.
Luke nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Very well. It was beneficial to have you on this job.”
“Thank you, My Lord.”
“No one knows you’ve noticed this?”
“No.”
“That’s better.”
A deep smile creased Luke’s mouth. Amanda would be reclassified as one of Oliver’s most dangerous allies, and the advantage of surprise would be no longer hers.
Batori carefully spoke.
“Do you wish for me to inform the Empress?”
“That’s not necessary.”
Luke answered quickly, and Batori glanced upwards. The duke continued with a strange smile.
“I must wait until either the Empress or Crown Prince are taken out. The Keith Empire rests strongly on them, and I cannot confront two powerful forces at once…thus, they can weaken each other by fighting.”
The Empress may stand to lose if she didn’t know Amanda had a secret strength.
“You mean…”
“I may be holding the Empress’ hand now, but it’s no matter to me if Oliver wins their little fight.”
In Amanda’s first life, Madelyn’s and Luke’s alliance was established only because Oliver died first. However, Luke didn’t care if Madelyn had died instead, as long as any Imperial forces weren’t turned against him.
Batori gave a deep bow.
“Yes. I understand.”
“We should keep this secret to ourselves. Even if the last one standing is Oliver, he will still prove useful.”
Luke looked down at Batori with a pleased expression.
“Tell me your wish. I will generously reward my servant.”
“If My Lord says so…there is one thing.”
Luke looked expectantly into his eyes, and Batori quickly nodded and shouted in a loud voice.
“When you are crowned emperor, please make your loyal servant into a general!”
It was not possible for a non-noble like Batori to become a general of the Keith Empire, not unless the heavens and earth opened up. Luke’s rebellion would be a drastic change of the status quo. It was likely that many of today’s nobles would be purged of their positions, while new people would rise up to take their place. Batori did not want to miss this opportunity.
Luke gave a moment’s thought, and then he smiled.
“Very well. You know I don’t look down on ambition.”
“Thank—”
Before Batori could express his gratitude, Luke’s voice continued.
“But I hate those who don’t know their own place. If you make similar contributions in the future, I will give you a position above even that of a general.”
“…!”
In short, Paveluk was telling him to continue putting in the same amount of effort. It wasn’t a definite promise, but Batori could clearly see the possibilities. When Batori understood what Luke said, he fell to his knees.
“I will never let you down, Your Majesty.”
Luke’s eyes glimmered at the title Batori addressed him with. He slowly stroked his dark beard.
“I hope so. For now, continue to monitor the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and report to me.”
“Yes. I am your loyal servant.”