The Empror's Trap-Chapter 47: Ch - Royal Family Regulations:

Hmm, I should take her out somewhere when I have time. She’d been by my side for so long, and me going to meet an old friend without bringing her... that really isn’t very considerate.

Thinking of this, Kenji suddenly felt completely overwhelmed with tasks.

...

In the palace.

Today Pluvia again faced stacks of memorials.

However, just as she was about to open a new document, a figure approached from outside.

Hearing the quickening footsteps drawing near, she instinctively reached for the sword at her waist.

"Your Majesty, it’s me, Sonya."

The figure outside spoke.

"Enter."

Pluvia released her sword hilt as Sonya entered carrying a memorial.

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"Your Majesty, this is a memorial from Duke Anos. The messenger said it’s extremely important."

Sonya respectfully presented the document, which had been thoroughly sealed with wax. Evidently, Kenji didn’t want anyone but Her Majesty seeing its contents.

Pluvia casually picked up a nearby knife, cut open the seal, and unfolded the memorial. The contents were crystal clear. After reading it, she drew a deep breath.

The memorial detailed Kenji’s interrogation of Shenya Luin.

Yes, Kenji had conducted the interrogation, but Pluvia knew about it. Or rather, she had tacitly approved his actions.

Desperate times called for desperate measures. With both her and Kenji under scrutiny from various court factions, Pluvia couldn’t overly provoke the officials’ sensitivities. So she had approved Kenji’s methods, and he had indeed properly reported back to her once the deed was done.

After finishing the memorial, Pluvia immediately burned it.

Such things couldn’t be allowed to reach anyone else’s eyes.

"Sonya, help me summon the Minister of the Imperial Family."

"As you command, your majesty."

Sonya didn’t dare delay, immediately moving to find the Minister.

"Wait," Pluvia suddenly recalled something. She swung her fair legs thoughtfully for a few seconds, then smiled slightly. "Tell the Minister to bring his family regulations - I have family matters to discuss with him."

"Understood."

The Minister of the Imperial Family wasn’t actually named that - Camelot was his surname, while "Minister of the Imperial Family" was his official title. As the title suggested, this official managed affairs related to Camelot’s royal family.

Naturally, someone from within the royal family was best suited to oversee family matters. This Minister was Pluvia’s uncle. Due to his expertise in family affairs, Pluvia had specifically retained his services.

Receiving the Emperor’s summons, the Minister didn’t dare delay. He hurried to Pluvia’s chambers and was led to her by the guards.

"Your servant, Siguo Camelot, pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Mm, Uncle, no need for formalities." Pluvia smiled and waved. "Calling you away from your busy schedule is quite abrupt, but there’s no help for it. State matters are urgent, especially those concerning the empire’s foundations. I really can’t bear to delay this matter."

"If Your Majesty has instructions, please speak freely."

"I want to ask Uncle - if royal family members form factions at court and plot to overthrow the government... how should they be dealt with?"

Though the words came calmly from Pluvia’s delicate lips, they struck Siguo like thunder, leaving him momentarily speechless.

What did Her Majesty mean? Why suddenly ask this? She must have confirmed some royal family member was plotting rebellion... but who?

This was no easy question to answer.

"Your Majesty..." Siguo carefully watched Pluvia’s expression. "According to family regulations, those who plot to overthrow the government should be expelled from the royal family and turned over to the Court of Justice. However, considering their royal background, the Court typically handles such cases secretly. In most instances, the final result is confinement."

"Confinement..." Pluvia gave a cold laugh. "I understand. Thank you for your guidance."

"Your Majesty, may I ask..."

"It’s nothing. I simply wondered how complete Camelot’s laws were and wanted to ask how internal royal matters are handled."

Pluvia spoke thoughtfully, looking at Siguo: "Uncle, would you like some tea?"

"I am thankful for Your Majesty’s concern, but I have matters to attend to."

"Very well. I’ve heard you’ve been unwell lately, Uncle, while still busy with palace family affairs. It pains me to see you like this. Take these next few days off - I’ll have someone temporarily handle your duties. Rest and recover before returning to work."

Hearing these words, Siguo felt his heart stop.

Countless terrifying thoughts flashed through his mind - like the officials the previous emperor had permanently sidelined under the pretext of sick leave, or the political enemies forced to beg leave due to old age who truly ended up as nothing but old bones...

Seeing the fear in her uncle’s eyes, Pluvia sighed deeply: "Uncle, you overthink things."

She truly wasn’t concerned about his health - he was perfectly robust, no sick leave needed. But she hadn’t planned to eliminate her Uncle either.

She just wanted an excuse to temporarily clear his position as Minister. Some things simply couldn’t be entrusted to her uncle.

But her Uncle remained frightened. Though thinking carefully, Pluvia really had no reason to move against him. He caused no trouble, and honestly just managed internal royal family matters - no real power to speak of, so what was there to deal with?

"Your Majesty, forgive my direct words..."

"Speak."

"We are family after all," Siguo’s face carried traces of fatigue and pleading. "If possible, please show some consideration."

Seeing her elder’s expression, Pluvia’s hand trembled slightly.

"I will handle it appropriately."

She finally replied thus.

After Siguo withdrew, Pluvia sat quietly staring blankly at the desk before her.

She had shown them consideration more than once, yet they had never shown her the same. She understood her uncle’s request, but even setting aside personal feelings, from the perspective of her empire and people’s future, she couldn’t easily abandon what needed to be done.

This wasn’t about personal grudges.

Thinking this, she picked up her brush, loaded it with thick ink, and wrote line after line on the blank paper before her.

She sealed the letter and handed it to Sonya: "Deliver this to the Chancellor’s mansion."

"Yes."

Taking the letter, Sonya quickly left the palace, boarded a carriage, and sped toward the Chancellor’s residence.

Meanwhile, what was Kenji doing?

He was galloping across the countryside with the beautiful Sal Kingdom envoy.