Tamed Monster - Chapter 155

The Grand Duke had slain the swamp monsters’ leader under the Emperor’s orders, so he instinctively knew a new one would soon be raised. Border sentries reported no suspicious activity, but the Grand Duke likely had intelligence channels of his own.

“Excellent idea. Ever since the extermination force was wiped out last year, we haven’t had the chance to rebuild the army. Since we’re at it, we should purge the incompetent knights from the imperial guard and recruit a new expedition force as well.”

Not one of the men who had been so thoroughly defeated by the Grand Duke earlier would keep their position. Simply because they had happened to be training there at that time. Simply because they had looked at the Grand Duchess for two or three seconds. Years of brutal training would mean nothing, they would be demoted to low-ranking knights.

This time Lancart nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Drive them all out.”

Especially that knight who had stared at Sylvia for more than three seconds—if he saw him again, he would not let him live.

While the two men discussed matters in close confidence, Sylvia sat apart like a solitary island, holding her teacup and lost in thought. She remained silent until the Emperor addressed her again.

“Bored, Grand Duchess?”

She naturally replied that she was not, then cautiously spoke.

“May I ask… when I might be allowed to visit the treasury?”

The Emperor, who had been listening intently, suddenly burst out laughing.

“Why? That urgent?”

He looked at her with indulgent fondness. The monster watched him in secret, eyes sharp with the desire to gouge them out.

“Go on—tell me. When would you like to go?”

Sylvia glanced at Kuinan, hoping to confer with him, but he was still staring only at the Emperor.

With no choice, she had to decide herself.

“As soon as possible… perhaps next Monday.”

It was already Saturday. Requesting the treasury to be opened within two days might seem rude. Yet the Emperor accepted her bold request surprisingly readily.

“Very well. Come then.”

Kuinan, who had only just come back to his senses, whipped his head toward Sylvia. Without a word, she squeezed his hand firmly.

‘It’s settled now. Don’t ruin it.’

After soothing the hand that had briefly begun to transform earlier, she politely humored the Emperor’s teasing while searching for a chance to end the conversation. Sensing her intent, Kuinan began interrupting the Emperor repeatedly.

As a result, the Emperor—now thoroughly irritated—abruptly ended the audience.

“Grand Duke… this is your final warning. Know your place. If you don’t, I’ll strip you of your title and property at any time.”

Kuinan, who had not truly listened, mumbled an apology only because Sylvia signaled him to. Fortunately, it sounded convincing enough for the Emperor to accept it. He then dismissed them with a rude jerk of his chin.

“Leave. You too, Grand Duchess. We’ll meet again in two days.”

It sounded as though the latter remark was meant only for the Grand Duchess, but the monster chose to interpret it otherwise. He nodded, and she answered politely.

The Emperor’s eyes sharpened once more, then he waved them off as if they were beneath further attention.

“Get out.”

Turning their backs on the Empire’s absolute ruler, Kuinan calmly led his female from the chamber.

Just two days. After that brief span, a cataclysm would descend upon the Empire.

The moment they returned to their castle, Sylvia and the monster began busily preparing everything they would need. In those two short days, the two conspirators made their own meticulous arrangements.

A tragic future—one no one could stop—was already casting its shadow across the Empire.

* * *

In the darkness, a candle flickered atop its stand, bathing the room in a faint glow.

Within that dim light, the entwined male and female beasts indulged in each other without difficulty. Their nocturnal eyes saw better in darkness than in daylight. Sylvia pressed her body even closer, clinging to Kuinan the monster as if they were a single being.