The Empror's Trap-Chapter 52: Ch - Preparing to Strike

"This time, we suffered a crushing defeat."

Ban looked at the arguing elders with resignation in his voice.

"Within a month, we must withdraw from Kalashige Plains - it will become Sorechin territory. The royal court’s finances are severely depleted, and we still have to pay annual tribute to Camelot..."

He gave her a meaningful look: "Sister, this defeat is truly hard to accept."

Oh sure, go ahead and throw shade at me. As if you don’t know exactly whose fault this whole mess is?

"I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to leave diplomatic affairs in your hands anymore. You understand, Uheya - the entire nation has major grievances against you right now."

"I know."

Uheya’s expression remained calm. She had long anticipated this and had no objections to her brother’s demands.

"Good..." Ban leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "Also, Father wants to see you."

"Mm, I’ll go."

..........

The royal family’s house rules were actually quite strict.

These rules were especially harsh on males, while being relatively lenient toward females - at least physical punishment was rare, replaced instead by confinement or humiliation. Of course, this leniency wasn’t out of any particular care for women - they simply didn’t think women were worth the effort of serious discipline.

Now, after enduring her father’s thorough scolding, Uheya sat in the room prepared for her.

This place was traditionally used to confine those who violated family rules. For Uheya, this treatment was nothing new - she had been confined here more times than she could count.

However, this time her father, though angry, didn’t seem to intend any real punishment.

Or rather, he simply didn’t care about this daughter of his.

After all, she was Ban’s sacrifice - she still had her uses for now.

She stretched lazily and tidied up the eerily quiet room a bit. Though called confinement, the accommodations were decent enough - just devoid of human contact and entertainment, quickly becoming unbearable for most.

Uheya didn’t mind.

The lack of entertainment wasn’t an issue for her. She simply lay on her bed, listening to the faint chirping of insects from outside the window while lost in thought.

After this incident, what little authority she had was mostly stripped away. Now she was nothing but a decorative princess - it wouldn’t be surprising if her father suddenly dragged her out for a political marriage.

Wait... political marriage...

Camelot had previously put forward a condition requiring the Sal Kingdom to provide a hostage...

Hiss - surely they wouldn’t choose me? Although thinking about it, it made sense. Among her father’s many children, she was the least favored, and in many ways, she was already an outside r to the Sal royal family.

They obviously wouldn’t send their most important children as hostages. So very likely, her father would dispatch her to Camelot as the hostage.

What is this - did I just sign a treaty selling myself?

Strangely, the thought filled her with inexplicable excitement.

Even she wasn’t sure exactly why she felt excited - perhaps at the chance to leave this royal family that clearly didn’t want her? Or maybe the possibility of further interaction with that Duke Anos?

Lost in thought, she gazed out the window.

Beyond the towering walls of the royal palace lay the capital of the Sal Kingdom - not particularly prosperous as capitals went.

The night passed without further incident.

..........

Today, Kenji arrived at the Imperial Family Court.

Unlike the Grand Marshal’s mansion, the Imperial Family Court was located within the imperial palace itself. It consisted of a spacious courtyard with an ornate three-story building facing south. This was the seat of the Imperial Family Court.

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The first floor’s walls were adorned with portraits of Camelot’s past emperors. The second floor and above served as Kenji’s office area.

To look after his sister - or rather, to prevent her from inadvertently saying something alarming that might raise suspicions at home - Kenji had brought Siyue to the Imperial Family Court with him.

Pluvia knelt before the ancestral portraits on the first floor, reverently lit incense, then stood up. "This will be your workplace for the coming days. As for the Grand Marshal’s mansion, you can return there after work if you don’t mind the trouble. Or if you prefer, they can send matters directly here to the Imperial Family Court for you to handle."

"This place is fine," Kenji said, then specifically added: "Your Majesty, actually I initially wanted to recommend General Balinos..."

"Mm, yes, I understand."

Pluvia had an expression that said ’no need to explain, I get it.’ She glanced around to confirm they were alone, then suddenly moved closer to Kenji.

She brought her lips near his ear, her warm breath brushing against it.

"There was a reason for making my uncle leave this post. I had hoped the Chancellor would help me with this matter, but since you volunteered... well, you can’t back out now."

"!??"

Wait, why do I feel like I just walked into some kind of trap?

"What are Your Majesty’s instructions? Please enlighten me."

Kenji glanced around before closing the doors to the Imperial Family Court, then asked.

"This matter concerns the Fifth Prince."

Pluvia spoke gravely while gazing at the ancestral portraits before them.

"The Fifth Prince... You plan to move against him now?"

"Yes." Pluvia continued, "Since you’ve already investigated the facts regarding the Fifth Prince, now is the time to close the net. You and Chancellor Long - either of you can keep the court officials in check while also controlling the royal family members. So, I want you to find a way to deal with the Fifth Prince - but leave the royal family some dignity."

"Your Majesty, taking action now would be extremely unwise!"

Kenji grew anxious.

Yes, the Fifth Prince was indeed the mastermind behind the assassination attempt. However, there was now sufficient evidence suggesting that by following the Fifth Prince’s thread, they could catch all the malicious actors in one sweep. That was why Kenji hadn’t rushed to move against him.

If Pluvia insisted on acting now, wouldn’t all his preparations be wasted?

"Take action, Kenji," Pluvia looked at him, her eyes containing a hint of pleading, "I know what you’re trying to do, but don’t investigate further. Continuing the investigation won’t benefit anyone."

She truly couldn’t let the investigation continue. Pluvia knew well how many people might be implicated through the Fifth Prince. Once they started digging, Camelot would likely descend into chaos.

She was the Emperor, her word was law, true.

But at least for now, she couldn’t afford to continue antagonizing others within the royal family.